7 Top Best Printers for Mac: Fast, Reliable & Affordable
Choosing the right printer for your Mac can feel like navigating a maze of compatibility quirks, driver hassles, and design compromises, but it doesn’t have to be a gamble. Whether you’re a graphic designer needing razor‑sharp color fidelity, a home office professional after seamless AirPrint integration, or a student looking for budget‑friendly reliability, the printer you pick will directly impact your workflow, paper costs, and overall satisfaction. In this post we’ve hand‑picked the top 7 best printers for Mac users, testing them for speed, ease of setup, and Mac‑specific features so you can skip the guesswork. Read on to discover which models rise to the occasion and why they might be the perfect fit for your setup.
Must-Have Printers for Mac – Top Picks Reviewed
We’ve tested each model for compatibility, print quality, and ease of use, so you can confidently choose the perfect Mac printer.
7. Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Printer
The Canon PIXMA TS6520 is a compact, white all‑in‑one printer that blends affordability with solid performance for home offices and hybrid workspaces. Its 2‑cartridge hybrid ink system delivers crisp, sharp text and vivid, photo‑grade colors on up to 8.5” × 11” media, whether you’re printing reports or family snapshots. Setup is a breeze—just connect via dual‑band Wi‑Fi (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) and start printing, scanning, or copying from your computer, smartphone, or tablet using the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, or Mopria. The built‑in 1.42” monochrome OLED display shows ink levels, status, and key settings at a glance, while automatic duplex printing cuts paper use and speeds up jobs. A dedicated scanner lets you digitize documents quickly, and the intuitive control panel makes everyday tasks feel effortless. Its sleek, space‑saving design fits neatly on a desk or shelf without compromising functionality.
Pros
- Budget‑friendly versatility – excellent value for a full‑feature all‑in‑one printer.
- High‑quality output – hybrid ink provides sharp text and vivid photos.
- Convenient wireless & mobile printing – dual‑band Wi‑Fi and broad app support.
Cons
- OLED screen is monochrome – limited to basic information, no color graphics.
- No high‑capacity paper tray – best suited for light‑to‑moderate daily printing.
6. HP OfficeJet Pro 8125e All-in-One Inkjet Printer
The HP OfficeJet Pro 8125e is a wireless all‑in‑one color inkjet that turns a home office into a professional print hub. Its AI‑enabled print engine automatically adjusts settings for crisp text and vivid photos, while the built‑in ADF and automatic duplex printing keep multi‑page jobs moving fast. With HP’s intuitive Print from Anywhere app, you can send documents from your couch, tablet, or smartphone without ever touching the printer. The included 3‑month Instant Ink trial ensures you won’t be caught off‑guard by an empty cartridge, and the printer’s reliable home‑office‑focused technology is engineered to handle the everyday demands of remote work, school projects, and family photo printing.
Designed for convenience, the 8125e supports wireless printing, scanning, and copying, and its compact footprint fits neatly on a desk or shelf. The AI‑driven workflow suggestions help you save paper and ink, making every print job as efficient as possible.
Pros
- All‑in‑one versatility – print, scan, copy, ADF, and duplex in one compact device.
- Smart app integration – print from any device or couch with the HP Print app.
- Instant Ink trial – stay stocked on ink and reduce downtime.
Cons
- Ink cost – while the trial is free, HP’s high‑yield cartridges can be pricier than generic alternatives.
- Speed on heavy graphics – large photo prints may take longer than dedicated photo printers.
5. HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e All-in-One Printer
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e is a wireless all‑in‑one color inkjet built for busy office environments. It delivers professional‑grade prints—presentations, brochures, flyers—at up to 18 ppm in color and 22 ppm in black, while the 2‑sided auto‑duplex and 250‑sheet input tray keep workflow smooth. HP’s AI‑enhanced printing automatically trims web pages and emails, removing unwanted elements so every page looks polished. A 2.7‑inch color touchscreen offers a phone‑like interface for quick navigation, and the dual‑band Wi‑Fi instantly resolves connection hiccups. With the HP + app you can print, scan, copy, or fax from any smartphone, tablet, or PC, and the built‑in HP Wolf Pro Security safeguards your network against malware. The printer ships with a 3‑month Instant Ink trial (HP+ activation required), and its chassis incorporates over 40 % recycled plastic for a greener footprint. Note that it only accepts HP‑chip cartridges; non‑HP cartridges are blocked and firmware updates will enforce this restriction.
Pros
- Fast, high‑quality color printing with automatic duplex and a large 250‑sheet tray.
- AI‑driven layout cleanup eliminates wasted pages and ensures clean, professional output.
- Robust connectivity & security via dual‑band Wi‑Fi, HP + app integration, and Wolf Pro Security.
Cons
- Cartridge lock‑in: only HP‑chip cartridges are accepted, limiting third‑party options.
- Instant Ink subscription becomes a recurring cost after the 3‑month trial unless cancelled.
4. Brother MFC-J1360DW Wireless All-in-One Printer
The Brother WorkSmart 1360 is a compact all‑in‑one inkjet designed for home and home‑office environments. It prints, copies, and scans from a single device, delivering vibrant color results with Brother’s LC501 ink series. Thanks to the 1.8″ color LCD, you can easily navigate menus, select settings, and send jobs to popular cloud services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, and OneDrive. Productivity is boosted by automatic duplex (two‑sided) printing, a 20‑sheet single‑sided Automatic Document Feeder, and a 150‑sheet paper tray, while fast print speeds of up to 16 ppm in black and 9 ppm in color keep work flowing. Connectivity is flexible—wireless, Wi‑Fi Direct, or USB—and the free trial of the Refresh Subscription ensures you won’t run out of ink mid‑project. The Brother Mobile Connect app adds mobile convenience, letting you print, scan, and manage the printer from your smartphone, while the Page Gauge feature monitors ink levels in real time.
Pros
- All‑in‑one convenience – print, copy, and scan from a single, space‑saving unit.
- Automatic duplex & ADF – saves paper and speeds up multi‑page jobs.
- Cloud‑ready with intuitive LCD – easy access to cloud apps and mobile printing.
Cons
- The 150‑sheet tray may require frequent refills for high‑volume users.
- No built‑in Ethernet; reliance on Wi‑Fi or USB may be limiting in some office networks.
3. Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Printer
The Canon PIXMA TR4720 is a compact all‑in‑one printer built for the modern home office. It handles printing, copying, scanning, and faxing over a reliable wireless connection, so you can work from any room or device. With a fast 8.8 ipm (black) / 4.4 ipm (color) print speed and auto‑duplex printing, everyday documents are ready in seconds while saving paper. The 100‑sheet tray and built‑in auto document feeder (ADF) let you tackle multi‑page jobs without constant reloading. Thanks to its ENERGY STAR rating and low power draw (7 W active, 0.8 W standby), the TR4720 runs efficiently without spiking your electric bill. Ink cartridge changes are simple, and the printer can even talk to Alexa: receive low‑ink alerts and trigger a smart reorder on Amazon—no subscription required. Whether you need crisp text, vibrant photos, or borderless 8.5″ × 11″ prints, the TR4720 delivers quality results while staying easy on the wallet with a 1‑year limited warranty.
Pros
- All‑in‑one functionality (print, copy, scan, fax) with wireless connectivity.
- Auto‑duplex & ADF for hands‑free, double‑sided and multi‑page jobs.
- Alexa integration for low‑ink notifications and one‑click smart reorders.
Cons
- No built‑in Ethernet port; relies solely on Wi‑Fi for network printing.
- Small 100‑sheet tray may require frequent refilling for high‑volume users.
2. Brother DCP-L2640DW Laser Printer
The Brother DCP‑L2640DW is a compact, all‑in‑one laser solution built for small‑business environments that demand speed, reliability, and flexibility. It prints crisp black‑and‑white documents at up to 36 ppm and scans at 23.6 ipm (black) / 7.9 ipm (color), so you can finish large jobs in minutes. A 50‑page automatic document feeder lets you scan or copy multi‑page sets without manual feeding, while built‑in dual‑band Wi‑Fi (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz) and Ethernet keep you connected to any device on the network. Need a quick, on‑the‑go print? The Brother Mobile Connect app lets you print, scan, and manage toner from your smartphone, and even order genuine supplies directly from the app. When it’s time for a refill, the Refresh EZ Print Subscription (free trial included) supplies Brother Genuine TN830/TN830XL toner at up to 50 % savings, eliminating last‑minute stock‑outs.
Pros
- High‑speed performance – 36 ppm printing and fast scanning keep workflows moving.
- Versatile connectivity – Dual‑band Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, and USB cover every office setup.
- Cost‑saving subscription – Refresh EZ Print cuts toner expense by up to half and guarantees you never run out.
Cons
- Monochrome only – No color printing, which may limit creative or marketing tasks.
- Limited paper capacity – Small input trays may require frequent refilling during large jobs.
1. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless All-in-One
The Epson EcoTank ET‑2800 Wireless Color All‑in‑One Supertank is the perfect starter printer for a home office or small family space. Thanks to Epson’s Micro Piezo Heat‑Free technology, every page comes out with vivid colors and razor‑sharp text, while a fast 10 ppm (pages per minute) output lets you breeze through everyday jobs. The standout EcoTank system eliminates traditional cartridges; instead, you fill the built‑in tanks with high‑capacity ink bottles that equal roughly 80 standard cartridges. One set of bottles delivers up to 4,500 black and 7,500 color pages, giving you up to two years of ink before the next refill. Wireless connectivity makes scanning, copying, and printing from phones, tablets, or laptops effortless, and the compact design fits neatly on a desk or countertop.
Pros
- Massive cost savings – Up to 90 % less spent on ink compared with cartridge‑based printers.
- Eco‑friendly – Cartridge‑free design cuts waste and reduces landfill impact.
- All‑in‑One convenience – Scan, copy, and print wirelessly from any device.
Cons
- Initial price – The upfront cost is higher than basic cartridge printers, though offset by long‑term ink savings.
- Print speed – 10 ppm is adequate for home use but may feel slow for high‑volume office tasks.
Buying Guide
When choosing a printer for a Mac, prioritize seamless compatibility, reliable performance, and the specific tasks you’ll handle—whether it’s photo‑rich documents, high‑volume office prints, or occasional home use.
- Mac OS Integration: Look for AirPrint support or dedicated Mac drivers to ensure plug‑and‑play connectivity and easy wireless setup.
- Print Quality & Speed: Evaluate DPI for photos and PPM for text; a balance of sharp resolution and fast output keeps workflow smooth.
- Connectivity Options: Dual‑band Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet give flexibility for laptops, iPhones, and iPads, while USB‑C ports match newer Mac models.
- Ink/Toner Efficiency & Cost: Consider cartridges with high yield, refill programs, or hybrid ink‑tank systems to lower the cost per page over time.
- User Reviews & Support: Check recent Mac‑focused reviews and warranty terms; responsive customer service can save headaches with driver updates or hardware issues.
By matching these factors to your printing habits, you’ll select a Mac‑friendly printer that delivers consistent quality, reliable connectivity, and long‑term value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which printer models offer the best compatibility with macOS?
- HP ENVY 6055e – Seamless AirPrint support, automatic driver updates via HP Smart, and reliable duplex printing.
- Canon PIXMA TS8320 – Excellent photo quality, native macOS drivers, and easy wireless setup through the Canon PRINT app.
- Brother HL-L2350DW – Fast monochrome laser printing, built‑in AirPrint, and low‑cost toner cartridges, perfect for home offices.
All three models are regularly updated to stay compatible with the latest macOS releases.
How do I set up AirPrint on a new printer for my Mac?
- Connect the printer to the same Wi‑Fi network as your Mac.
- Turn on AirPrint in the printer’s settings (usually found under Network → AirPrint).
- On your Mac, open System Settings → Printers & Scanners.
- Click the + button, select your printer from the list (it will show “AirPrint”), and click Add.
No additional drivers are required—macOS will handle the rest.
What features should I prioritize if I need a printer for both documents and photos on a Mac?
- AirPrint & native macOS drivers – for hassle‑free wireless printing from any app.
- High DPI (≥ 4800 × 1200) – ensures crisp text and vivid photo prints.
- Borderless photo printing – useful for printing full‑size images without extra trimming.
- Duplex (double‑sided) printing – saves paper for documents.
- Ink/toner cost efficiency – look for high‑yield cartridges or refill‑friendly designs to keep long‑term expenses low.
Choosing a printer that balances these features will give you smooth performance for both work files and creative projects on your Mac.
Conclusion
Choosing the right printer for a Mac setup ultimately hinges on a balance of compatibility, connectivity, and overall workflow efficiency. Prioritizing seamless AirPrint support ensures hassle‑free, driver‑free printing directly from macOS and iOS devices, while reliable wireless options—whether Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, or Ethernet—keep your workspace uncluttered. Consider the typical volume and media types you handle; a printer that excels at high‑resolution photo output may differ from one optimized for fast document throughput. Finally, factor in ongoing costs such as ink or toner consumption and the availability of reliable customer support. By aligning these priorities with your specific needs, you’ll secure a printer that enhances productivity and integrates effortlessly into the Mac ecosystem.