With most schools leaning towards e-learning, printers have become very essential in classrooms for a quick print-out, scan, fax, or copy.
And since most of the time, teachers have to shell out money from their pockets, affordability becomes an essential factor. Another thing teachers need to keep in mind would be to make sure it does not take up too much space while also offering added features.
Taking this into consideration, it can get very confusing when it comes to choosing the best printers for teachers.
Fret not, because this article will answer all your questions and lead you to the right printer for your needs!
The below comparison table will give a brief idea about the different printers cited in this article and help in making a quick comparison to choose from.
Top 10 Printers For Teaching
| PRODUCT | TITLE | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
Editor’s Choice |
Brother compact monochrome laser multi-function |
|
View on Amazon |
 |
HP LaserJet pro M15w wireless printer |
|
View on Amazon |
 |
Canon Pixma TS5020 inkjet all-in-one printer |
|
View on Amazon |
 |
Epson XP-340 wireless color photo printer |
|
View on Amazon |
 |
Brother HL-L2300D |
|
View on Amazon |
 |
Brother Wireless MFC-J895DW |
|
View on Amazon |
Budget pick |
HP LaserJet Pro M402n |
|
View on Amazon |
Brother compact monochrome laser multi-function – My Recommendation For Most Teachers
This compact monochrome laser printer from Brother is everything that a classroom needs. If you do not mind shelling out some money for black and white print-outs with additional features, this printer is the perfect fit!
Although this printer only prints in black and white, its print quality is impressive. It also comes with dual-sided auto print, edit, and copy of pages, making it all the more convenient.
Since this printer is a wireless model, printing, copying, faxing, and scanning will be easy to do from any wireless device of your choice.
Moreover, this printer can print up to 36 pages in a minute and holds up to 250 paper sheets in its paper tray. Also, the display of the color control panel is on a 2.7-inch touch-screen, which is user-friendly.
PROs
- Long-lasting ink because of laser printing
- Print, copy and edit on both sides of the paper
- All-in-one printer with features to copy, scan, and fax
- This printer is wireless
- Toner will last for two years
Cons
- Bulkier than the other printers
- The print is only in black and white
- This printer is a little on the expensive side
HP LaserJet pro M15w wireless printer – Compact and efficient
This compact LaserJet wireless printer from HP will meet the required budget in mind when it comes to printers for classrooms.
Because it is small in size, it will fit just about anywhere, thereby not taking up too much space.
Also, this HP laser printer can print up to 19 black and white pages in a minute.
This printer’s paper tray can hold up to 150 paper sheets.
This HP laser printer is wireless, and the control panel is very user-friendly. Along with this, one of the best features of this printer is that it automatically turns on and off when it is not in use.
PROs
- This printer is a compact printer
- Long-lasting ink because it is a laser printer
- Wireless connectivity
- Comes with a standard toner cartridge
- User-friendly control panel
Cons
- Limited to printing only with no added features
- It does not have a USB connection
- A little challenging to set up
- It does not have a control panel
- It is only suitable for occasional printing
Canon Pixma TS5020 inkjet all-in-one printer – Lightweight All-in-one printer
When it comes to color printers, the Canon Pixma inkjet all-in-one printer is one of the printers to look out for!
This basic daily-use Canon inkjet printer can copy and scan along with the printing of papers.
This printer is definitely a good choice for printing graphics, page coloring, and school crafting projects.
This printer’s rear paper tray can accommodate up to 100 sheets of plain or photo paper.
Moreover, it uses the five individual ink system, which gives printouts of striking borderless images. Also, its interface is user-friendly, therefore allowing one to print, scan, and copy pages with ease.
Other than these, it also comes with a lot of options for connectivity like WiFi Direct, Google Cloud Print, Apple Airprint, and the standard USB drive and SD card.
This education friendly printer also automatically switches on and off when not in use. It also comes with built-in software to crop, edit and even add filters to photos before printing them, which can be possible from the printer itself.
PROs
- Its lightweight and very compact design makes it an excellent printer
- The print quality is impressive when it comes to photos
- Usage of five inks makes the quality of photos excellent quality
- Connectivity for SD card and USB drive
Cons
- It does not have an automatic document feeder
- It does not provide the option to fax documents
- This printer also does not have features for auto-duplex printing and scanning
- This printer faces some problems when it comes to wireless connectivity
Epson XP-340 wireless color photo printer – Very user-friendly
The XP-340 wireless color photo printer from Epson is also one of the color printers that you can watch out for. It is compact, easy to use for teachers and students, and prints quickly.
Besides the regular printing, this all-in-one Epson printer can also preview, edit, and print photos without necessarily having to use a computer.
Its navigation and set up is user-friendly, making it even more convenient. This printer is also wireless, so you can easily print from a different room with smartphones, tablets, or iPads.
This Epson printer can load up to 100 sheets of paper and uses four individual ink systems. It also comes with software which is built-in, where you can scan documents or photos to social media or even in the cloud.
Lastly, this printer can print up to 10 black and white ISO pages per minute and 4.5 ISO color pages per minute.
PROs
- This printer is compact and user-friendly
- The price is very affordable
- The settings of this printer are easy
- It comes with affordable individual ink cartridges
- The Amazon Dash Replacement feature allows you to keep a track on the usage of ink
Cons
- The print quality may not be as excellent in comparison to others
- The ink cartridge for this printer is for Epson cartridges only
- Support under Mac OS X for some of the printer’s functions and applications may be absent
Brother HL-L2300D – Monochrome & Lazer Efficiency
The compact HL-L2300D monochrome laser printer from Brother is definitely one of the most excellent choices when it comes to printers. Though it may look small in size, its output will undoubtedly surprise you!
Although the connection for this printer from Brother is only through USB cable, it can come in handy in classrooms for quick printouts. What’s more, the print quality is fair enough, and it even prints on both sides of the paper.
The only drawback of this Brother printer would be that it prints only in black and white. However, its resolution is incredible, printing up to around 27 pages in a minute.
The plus point of this printer is that it can hold up to 250 paper sheets. It can also accommodate papers of different sizes, which makes it very convenient for all teachers.
Also, this printer comes with a toner cartridge on purchase. However, take note that it will only print around 700 pages. Therefore, you may want to buy a refill or simply get the standard toner cartridge.
PROs
- Long-lasting ink because of laser printing
- Large paper tray offering room for 250 sheets
- Prints on both sides of the paper
- Adjustable for different sizes of paper
- Includes a starter toner cartridge
Cons
- This printer does not come with other added features
- It does not include a USB cable
- Starter cartridge does not last long
- Prints only in black and white
Brother Wireless MFC-J895DW – Print from anywhere
Another printer that is affordable and offers excellent features is the wireless all-in-one inkjet printer from Brother.
This Brother printer can print up to 12 black and white pages in a minute and ten color pages in a minute.
The print speed of this printer is also faster in comparison to the other affordable printers in the market.
Moreover, this printer is wireless, therefore allowing you to print from anywhere, even with smartphones.
Additionally, this printer gives the options of printing on foolscap paper, including envelopes and cards, and also with the option of dual-sided printing.
Other than printing, this Brother printer also has additional features like scanning, copying, and faxing, making it one of the most convenient all-in-one printer available!
PROs
- This printer is wireless and convenient
- The rate at which this printer prints pages is amazing
- This printer can print on all kinds of papers
- This printer comes with dual-sided printing
- This printer can print both black and white and color pages
Cons
- This printer comes with inkjet cartridges
- This printer is quite noisy in comparison to others
- The location for inserting the USB cable is inconvenient
- This printer is not for voluminous printing at a time
- This printer does not have Bluetooth connection
HP LaserJet Pro M402n – Budget pick for the classroom
For those looking for a simple printer at an affordable price, this printer can also be one of the options. It prints conveniently fast and allows for the completion of work at a quicker rate.
This HP printer can hold up to 350 paper sheets in its paper tray and can print up to 40 black and white pages in a minute. Although this printer does not have the option of scanning and copying, its output is of the highest quality.
Another thing to know about this printer is that this printer can only print via Ethernet or a USB connection. However, the option of printing from wireless devices is also available, making it quite convenient to print from smartphones.
PROs
- The ink will last longer since this printer is a laser printer
- The performance of this printer is faster in comparison to others
- It can hold up to 350 paper sheets in the tray
- It can also print via wireless devices
- This printer also comes with an optional paper tray
Cons
- This printer is not wireless
- This printer is only for printing purposes
- It does not include a USB cable
- This printer series comes with different USB cable connectivity
- It does not come with automatic dual-sided printing
Buying Guide & Frequently Asked Questions
Before purchasing your teaching printer, you need to ask- As a teacher, what should I look for in a printer?
This will help in decision-making and make the process easier. Listed below are some of the features you need to look for in a printer:
Inkjet or LaserJet?
What you need to know is that usually, an inkjet printer is more affordable in comparison to a LaserJet printer. However, the downside of inkjet printers is that the ink quickly runs lower than that of LaserJet printers. Therefore, you will have to make a decision depending on the number of print-outs needed every day.
Color printer or black and white printer?
Usually, affordable laser printers print black and white pages only. Therefore, if you want a printer to print color pages, consider getting an inkjet printer.
Dual-sided printer
Consider getting a printer that prints on both sides of the paper if you don’t want to spend more on buying paper.
The capacity of the paper tray
You will also have to check for the capacity of the paper tray. This will depend on the number of print-outs that you require per print job.
Printing rate
You will also have to check for the rate at which the printer prints papers. This is crucial because not everyone will be patient enough to wait for a printer that prints at a slow pace!
Additional features
Printers that can scan, fax, or make several copies of pages are very handy. Therefore, remember to look for a printer that comes with additional features that are already built-in. This will save the trouble of using another machine for faxing, scanning or copying purposes.
Wireless printers are also beneficial if you want to print something directly from your smartphone or tablet.
Size of paper
In case you want printouts on other papers other than the standard-sized papers, make sure to look for a printer that accommodates them. Also, note that you must also check for printers that provide the feature of printing out photos because this feature is not available in all printers.
Cost of supply
It is also crucial to estimate the cost of supplies for replacement before buying any printer. Often, it happens that people opt for cheaper printers but end up spending a fortune on ink cartridges. Or replacing the faulty printer with another cheap printer and the cycle repeats itself.
Now that you got some idea about printers, how about getting to the exciting part of the article? The ‘frequently asked questions’ section.
After all, there are bound to be a few questions in your mind, and answering them will help you opt for the best printer.
Q. Do teachers have to buy their printers instead of using the school printers, if any?
A: This is one of the questions that will pop in everyone’s mind while reading this article. Of course, you can always use the school or college property. But teachers also have the liberty of getting their own printer for the benefit and convenience of the classroom.
Q. What is the Amazon Dash enabled feature?
A: Printers that have the Amazon Dash enabled feature provide a handy replacement system. This means this feature will help keep track of the usage of ink, and when the ink or toner is almost out, the system will automatically order a replacement ink on Amazon. However, this feature is optional, and you can choose to disable it.
Q3. Which is a better option for teachers, LaserJet or inkjet?
A: LaserJet printers are preferable in comparison to inkjet printers. This is because LaserJet printers typically print fast, and the quality is also better than that of inkjet printers. LaserJet toners are also more affordable than that of an inkjet printer’s ink.
On the other hand, inkjet printers can print high-quality images, and its maintenance is also easy.
For teachers looking to print out photos for demonstration in the class, opting for an inkjet printer will be the best option. All in all, it depends on your personal choice and what the primary function of the printer will be upon buying it.
Q. How can I refill the ink cartridge?
A: Refilling the ink cartridge of a printer usually depends on the model of the printer and its ink cartridge. Often, there will be a YouTube tutorial showing how to refill the cartridge. If not, the user manual of the printer will usually have information to answer your query.
Q. Is a fast printer really necessary?
A: Though a fast printer is usually most sought after, you must remember that a fast printer will be more expensive than a slower one. Often, LaserJet printers that print in black and white will print up to 40 pages in a minute. This will be the fastest among printers that are reasonably priced. For a printer that prints in color, the number of pages will be a total of 26 in a minute.
Q. As a teacher, how do I decide which is the best printer?
A: Different people use printers for various purposes. As a teacher looking for a good quality printer, it is vital first to estimate the usage of the printer in a day. For example, if you want to use the printer for printing out pages from a book, you can opt for a black and white laser printer. However, if you’re going to print out photos or some colored pages of a book, opt for the inkjet color printer.
Also, it is essential to weigh in the factor of the number of times you will be using the printer in a day. If you will be using the printer to print out several copies at a time, it is recommendable to go for the LaserJet printer. This is because its ink lasts more than that of the inkjet printer.
Q. If the signal is weak in the wireless printer, what should I do?
A: In case the wireless printer is showing a weak signal, it is recommendable to bring the printer and the wireless device close to each other. Or else, adjust the antenna of the wireless device, if available. In some cases, there may be a few obstructions between the printer and the wireless router, which leads to a weak signal. For example, long-distance, walls, any cordless device, or even big appliances. Therefore, ensure that the printer and the wireless device are in appropriate positions so that the printer can function properly.
Printer for teachers: Conclusion
Now that the assessment of each printer is complete, let’s hope you have come to a decision! Always make it a point to put your needs first before deciding on the printer.
Choosing a printer because it’s affordable or costly will not do justice to your work. After all, you will be the one using the printer, so you will have an idea of what kinds of printouts will be necessary! Therefore, take the time to make the decision and choose wisely in order to have a hassle-free and smooth quality printing time!
Lastly, do drop your comments or queries in the comments section below. This will help us serve you better and also provide you further insight into any of the printers that are listed above!
References:
10 Ways Teachers Can Save Money On Printing – Teachthought
Free & Fun Stuff To Print For The Classroom – Angela Watson
Top 10 Best Printers For Cricut (Print & Cut)