Buying guide · Updated 2026-07-26
Best printers for students who print occasionally
Occasional printers often fail the ownership test when ink dries out or cartridges cost more than the machine. Choose monochrome laser for resilient text output, or a refillable tank only when color is genuinely useful.
What actually matters
What must be in color?
Most papers and shipping labels need only black; lab charts, art, and photos change the answer.
Idle-time tolerance
Laser toner tolerates long gaps better than inkjet nozzles, while tank ink lowers cost for regular color use.
Duplex and paper handling
Automatic two-sided printing and a closed tray matter more over a semester than app extras.
Strong starting points
Ordered by how broadly each fits the requirements above, not by commission. Specifications and prices vary by configuration and seller, so confirm both on the product page.
Pick 1 · Reliable black-and-white assignments
Brother HL-L2460DW monochrome laser
$179.99observed across Best Buy, July 26, 2026
Automatic duplexing, a 250-sheet tray, Wi-Fi, and toner that does not dry in an idle printhead suit sporadic student use.
Worth checking: It cannot print color and does not scan; use a phone scanning app or campus scanner if digitizing pages is occasional.
Pick 2 · Low-cost color pages and scanning
Epson EcoTank ET-2800
$199.99observed across Best Buy, July 26, 2026
Refillable tanks reduce per-page ink expense, while the flatbed scanner covers forms, notes, and basic school projects.
Worth checking: It lacks automatic duplexing and still benefits from regular printing so the ink system does not sit unused for months.
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Sources and further reading
The recommendations draw on the cited manufacturer documentation, safety notices, and independent testing, reviewed on 2026-07-26. Always verify the exact configuration on the product page before purchase.
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