The 6 Best Printers for Teachers To Use in The Classroom

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As a teacher, choosing a suitable printer to handle your printing demands is vital. But with so many options on the market, the choice isn’t as straightforward as you might think.

Using a printer at home is different from a classroom setting since you’ll need to print larger volumes of documents in relatively shorter periods. Not to mention, the text quality must be good.

In this guide, we’re going to explore some of the best printers for teachers, so you can make an informed, less-rushed buying decision.

Comparison Table

ModelAuto-duplexingSpeed (Mono)Tray Size
Canon TR8620Yes15 ppm200 sheets
Epson EcoTank ET-4760Yes11 ppm250 sheets
HP OfficeJet Pro 9015Yes22 ppm250 sheets 
Epson EcoTank ET-2720No10.5 ppm100 sheets
Brother MFC-J995DWYes12 ppm150 sheets
HP LaserJet Pro M479fdwYes28 ppm300 sheets

6 Best Printers for Teachers in 2023

Setting the tech specs aside, let’s take a closer look at the ins and outs of each printer.

1. Canon TR8620 – Best Overall Pick

Canon TR8620

The Canon TR8620 is an affordable all-in-one printer that makes a perfect fit in a classroom environment.

It features a large 4.3” LCD screen with an intuitive user interface that lets you adjust printing parameters and configure the printer’s settings conveniently.

Moreover, it supports automatic duplexing, which makes it easier for you to print double-sided documents. It also has an automatic document feeder that enables you to scan multiple documents effortlessly.

In addition to the primary paper tray, the Canon TR8620 has an auxiliary tray for specialty items like stickers and envelopes.

The printer’s sleek and compact design means that you can put it anywhere, and it won’t occupy much space. As for connectivity, the TR8620 supports USB, ethernet, and Wi-Fi. It’s also equipped with a memory card slot and works with cloud printing services.

There’s one little nuisance with this printer, though; it takes a bit longer than other printers to print the first page.

What We Like

  • Supports wireless printing
  • Has a memory card slot
  • Compact design
  • Supports auto duplexing
  • Has an automatic document feeder
  • Touchscreen user-interface
  • Supports cloud printing

What We Don’t Like

  • The first page takes a while

Bottom Line

The Canon TR8620 is one of the best printers for teachers. Its space-saving design, auto document duplexing and feeding, and convenient user interface won’t disappoint you in a classroom setting.

2. Epson EcoTank ET-4760 – Runner Up

Epson EcoTank ET-4760

The Epson EcoTank ET-4760 is one of the most economical printers for teachers. It doesn’t use ink cartridges. Instead, it’s equipped with a refillable ink tank, resulting in a very low cost per page. Not to mention, it ships with enough ink to last you for up to 2 years.

The ET-4760 has an automatic document feeder that lets you scan multiple documents easily. It also supports automatic duplexing, making it easier for you to print double-sided documents and exams.

There’s an LCD screen that enables you to control print configurations and adjust the printer’s settings conveniently.

The printer utilizes Epson’s PrecisionCore technology that ensures excellent print quality.

In terms of connectivity, the EcoTank ET-4760 can print via Wi-Fi, USB, or ethernet.

What’s more, the ET-4760 printer supports automatic duplexing so that you can print double-sided exams and assignments easily. It also comes with an auto document feeder for quick and easy document scanning.

What We Like

  • All-in-one functionality
  • Economical operation
  • Supports wireless printing
  • 2 years of ink in the box
  • Has an auto document feeder
  • Supports double-sided printing
  • Comes with 2 years worth of ink

What We Don’t Like

  • Not suitable for large volumes of documents

Bottom Line

The Epson EcoTank ET-4760 is one of the most ink-saving printers for teachers on the market. It’s also very reliable when it comes to print quality and task automation.

3. HP OfficeJet Pro 9015 – Best Efficient Choice

HP OfficeJet Pro 9015

The HP OfficeJet Pro 9015 is yet another classroom-ready printer that has many tricks up its sleeve.

For starters, it comes with the companion HP Smart app that lets you automate repetitive tasks. In other words, you can scan, print, and adjust documents all with one command. This way, you’ll be able to focus on more important things like preparing for the exams and assigning homework.

In addition, this printer supports automatic double-sided printing and document feeding, so you don’t have to waste time printing your assignments and exams. Further, the OfficeJet Pro 9015 lets you print your documents with Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB. It also supports cloud printing.

It’s also worth noting that this printer is pretty fast, with a maximum print speed of 22 ppm.

What We Like

  • Scan, copy, and print functions
  • Supports wireless printing (Wi-Fi and cloud-based)
  • Fast printing
  • Supports auto-duplexing and document feeding
  • Smart tasks

What We Don’t Like

  • Color reproduction could be better

Bottom Line

With smart tasks, double-sided printing, and a fast print speed, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9015 leaves little to be desired.

4. Epson EcoTank ET-2720 – Best Budget Choice

Epson EcoTank ET-2720

Similar to the Epson EcoTank ET-4760, the Epson EcoTank ET-2720 all-in-one printer helps you save up on ink costs by integrating a refillable ink tank instead of conventional ink cartridges.

What’s more, it supports Wi-Fi printing, so you don’t have to use a USB or ethernet cable to print with it. Not to mention, it’ll be much easier to print from your mobile devices.

Plus, the ET-2720 supports voice controls using Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to get your printing jobs done using simple voice commands.

The only downside is that the ET-2760 doesn’t support auto-duplexing.

What We Like

  • Can scan and copy documents
  • Supports Wi-Fi
  • Low printing costs
  • Supports voice controls

What We Don’t Like

  • Doesn’t support auto-duplexing

Bottom Line

The Epson EcoTank ET-2720 is an ink-saving classroom printer that gets the job done easily and efficiently.

5. Brother MFC-J995DW – Best Versatile Pick

Brother MFC-J995DW

One of the things that make the Brother MFC-J995DW all-in-one printer stand out from the crowd is its wide range of connectivity solutions.

This printer supports USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi printing. On top of that, it’s equipped with an NFC chip that lets you print from a compatible smartphone or tablet with a simple tap. It also supports cloud printing through popular services like Apple AirPrint and Google Cloud Printing.

Another good feature is the flatbed scanner that enables you to copy and scan documents without having to buy extra equipment for that.

Additionally, the MFC-J995DW comes with one year’s worth of ink, so you don’t need to worry about ink costs for at least a few months.

On a side note, keep in mind that this printer’s text quality is somewhat behind that of other printers in the same price range.

What We Like

  • Can print, scan, and copy documents
  • Supports Wi-Fi
  • Works with NFC devices
  • Supports cloud printing

What We Don’t Like

  • Text quality could be better

Bottom Line

The Brother MFC-J995DW is one of the most recommended printers for teachers that value connectivity the most.

6. HP LaserJet Pro M479fdw – Best Laser Option

HP LaserJet Pro M479fdw

The HP LaserJet Pro M479fdw is the only laser printer in this round-up. So how did it earn this spot on our list?

Well, for starters, It flaunts a massive input paper tray that takes up to 300 sheets at once. You can get the optional 550-sheet tray for an even higher capacity, too.

Moreover, the LaserJet Pro M479fdw takes security to the next level by incorporating a number of encryption features. This is pretty handy for teachers that take the confidentiality of exam details seriously.

Additionally, the M479fdw can print at a maximum speed of 28 ppm, which is faster than any inkjet printer on the market. Not to mention, it supports auto-duplexing.

There’s an auto on/off feature that automatically switches on the printer when you send a printing command. Moving on to connectivity, the HP LaserJet Pro M479fdw supports USB, ethernet, and Wi-Fi.

Our only complaint with this printer is that its printing costs are higher-than-average, even compared to other laser printers.

What We Like

  • Large tray
  • Very secure printing
  • Supports auto-duplexing 
  • Fast speed
  • Auto on/off
  • Supports Wi-Fi 

What We Don’t Like

  • High running costs

Bottom Line

If you don’t like inkjet printers, the HP LaserJet Pro M479fdw is definitely worth considering.

See also: The 5 Best Printers for College Students in 2023

How to Pick the Best Printer for Teachers

Before deciding on a printer for your classroom, there are multiple factors that you need to take into consideration. This is vital to ensure that the printer is suitable for your needs. 

Inkjet vs. Laser

Teachers often have a hard time deciding whether an inkjet or laser printer would be more suitable for their class.

Well, it all depends on what you’re going to print with the document. If you only need black text documents, a laser printer would be a better option since they’re more economical and faster than inkjet printers.

However, if your class requires visual elements like colorful photos, an inkjet printer would be the better choice.

Connectivity

With more connectivity choices, you’ll have more freedom in the method you print your documents with.

Being cable-restricted will always have consequences that may affect your productivity. So, it’d be a good idea to get a printer that has wireless printing solutions like Wi-Fi and cloud printing. This way, you can print from any device you want in little to no time.

On top of that, you’ll be able to give your students access to the printer in case they need to print something.

Ink Costs

Since you’ll be printing large volumes of documents throughout the month, getting a printer with ink saving in mind is essential.

Laser printers have the upper edge here, but ink tank inkjet printers are pretty close, too. Some printers even come with free ink out of the box.

It might also be a good idea to opt for an ink replenishment service, but not all printer manufacturers support this.

Paper Costs

Paper costs are the same for most printers. However, if you get a printer with auto-duplexing capabilities, you can potentially cut your paper costs in half by utilizing both sides of each paper sheet.

Auto duplexing also streamline your printing jobs since you don’t have to worry about manually flipping every single paper to print on the other side.

Speed

As a teacher, you can’t afford to miss a test or an assignment since it’ll hurt your set schedule for the semester. That’s why we recommend opting for a fast printer that can handle your last-minute printing jobs quickly.

A print speed of 10 ppm (pages per minute) is a good starting point, but of course, the higher this number, the better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Type of Printer Is Preferable in a Classroom Setting?

Many teachers prefer monochrome laser printers for their classrooms because they offer a low cost per page, good print quality, and fast speed.
Ink tank printers are also recommended for classrooms in case colored documents are required.

Which Printer Is Commonly Used in Schools?

Schools that require image-filled documents may opt for inkjet printers, while schools that most need text documents use laser printers. Nevertheless, there’s room for inkjet and laser printers in any school.

Is a Portable Printer Suitable for Teachers?

No. Since portable printers are intended for light usage, they won’t probably be suitable for a teacher.
Nevertheless, you may get a portable printer to print your personal documents, but for a classroom, it won’t have the required horsepower.

Final Verdict

To recap, the Canon TR8620 is probably the best printer for teachers. It’s fast, easy to use, and compact.

On the other hand, you can opt for the Epson EcoTank ET-4760 if you prefer ink tank printers. They’re much more economical than cartridge-based printers. It also comes with 2 years worth of ink.

You can also take a look at the HP LaserJet Pro M479fdw if you prefer laser printers. Finally, consider checking out the Brother MFC-J995DW for the best flexibility when it comes to connectivity options.

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