Need help choosing a printer for your home or office? Many printers today are advanced, specialized, and suited for different lifestyles and work setups. Running a small business? Consider all-in-one laser printers for text-heavy documents. Printing concert tickets or boarding passes at home? A simple inkjet printer might be perfect for those tasks. A well-suited printer that aligns with your specific needs makes it a cost-effective choice for both personal and professional use.
This comprehensive printer guide walks you through how to choose a printer that’s right for you, covering key use cases like home, office, photo, and even 3D printing. We’ll explain essential specs in simple terms. So, if you’ve been wondering how to pick a printer without pulling your hair out—we’ve got your back.
Different types of printers and how to choose one
Let’s break down the different kinds of printers so you can match the tech to your lifestyle.
Inkjet printers
Great all-rounders and champions of colour, inkjet printers are great for casual home users, students, and photo lovers. They give you vivid colours, smooth gradients, and solid photo quality, often with resolutions of 1200 x 1200 dpi (dots per inch) or higher. Standard ink cartridges usually yield 100–300 pages, though high-yield versions can stretch further. Although slower on average than laser printers—particularly for multi-page documents—they’re a solid pick if you’re printing occasionally or value quality over quantity.
Laser printers
Need sharp, fast prints? Laser printers are your go-to for speed and precision. Expect razor-sharp black-and-white output, fast first-page print speeds (often under 10 seconds), and page-per-minute rates of 20–40 ppm (pages per minute). Toner cartridges can yield 1,000 to 3,000 pages, recommended for small or home offices and high-volume users. Though more expensive upfront, laser printers use toner cartridges that last longer offering a lower cost per page over time.
All-in-one printers
Consider them as the multitools of the printing world. All-in-one printers can print, scan, copy, and even fax (yes, fax still exists!) Available in both inkjet and laser types, they’re ideal if you’re looking for an all-purpose solution for your home or office. If you’re unsure which direction to go but want maximum flexibility, an all-in-one is a safe and practical choice. Just be sure to check the print speed and resolution specs if you work with a lot of photos or detailed documents.
Photo printers
Photo printers offer ultra-high resolution (up to 4800 x 2400 dpi or more) and precise colour reproduction, with dedicated colour inks that produce smoother skin tones and better contrast. Some support borderless and wide-format printing up to 13″ x 19″. They often use pigment-based inks that are fade-resistant, giving you gallery-quality results. Yields vary depending on photo size and quality, but be prepared to use more ink per print compared to standard document printing.
Portable and instant photo printers
Small, stylish, and undeniably fun, they’re great for printing 2″ x 3″ or 4″ x 6″ photos straight from your smartphone. They typically use ZINK (zero ink) or dye-sublimation tech, which doesn’t require traditional cartridges. While the resolution is lower (around 300 dpi), the prints have a charming, sometimes vintage-like aesthetic that’s currently trending. Page yield depends on the photo paper packs—expect 10 to 50 prints per refill set. While not meant for heavy use, they’re perfect for creating souvenirs and sharing moments on the fly.
3D printers
3D printers are a whole different beast—but a very cool one. Fantastic for hobbyists, tinkerers, and creators, they bring digital models to life by printing objects layer by layer using filament. They’re excellent for custom parts, miniatures, and cosplay props. Entry-level 3D printers are surprisingly affordable and increasingly user-friendly, with features like auto-levelling and touchscreen interfaces. If you’re exploring how to select printer options for creative or educational projects, a 3D printer might be exactly the inspiration you need.
Curious about 3D printing but not sure where to start?
Our 3D printer buying guide breaks it all down. Learn about the different types and find the perfect fit for your next creative project.
Determine your printing needs
Before deciding, take a step back and ask: what will I use the printer for? Your printing requirements should inform your choice—not the other way around.
Home & family use
From printing school projects to recipes and the occasional return label, you don’t need a heavy-duty printer. Think convenience over capacity. Consider the following:
- An affordable inkjet or all-in-one printer
- Wi-Fi support so everyone in the house can print from their devices. A model with mobile printing support (AirPrint or Google Cloud Print) is a plus
- Compact size for tight spaces (hello, kitchen counter)
- Quiet operation—no one wants a whirring paper monster in the background during Zoom calls
Office & remote work
Working from home or running a small office? You’ll want something that can keep up with you if you print a lot. Look for
- Fast print speeds (20+ ppm is a good benchmark)
- Laser or all-in-one laser printers for volume and reliability
- Automatic duplex printing to save paper
- High-capacity paper trays and auto document feeders (ADF) for scanning multi-page docs
- Security features like password-protected printing
Photo enthusiasts
Love printing family memories or high-res travel shots? Inkjet photo printers are your jam. These models typically offer
- High dpi for sharp, vivid images
- Support for glossy, matte, and specialty photo paper
- Borderless printing and colour calibration
- Wireless printing straight from your phone or digital camera
Just keep in mind: photo ink and paper can add up, so budget accordingly if you’re a frequent photo printer.
DIY & makers
Whether you’re printing STEM projects or a cosplay armour, a 3D printer opens a whole new world. This is a fun category—but one that requires a bit of a learning curve. Thankfully, entry-level 3D printers are getting more intuitive by the day. For starters, check out:
- User-friendly 3D printers for beginners
- Printers compatible with materials like PLA, ABS, and PETG
- Build volume (how big the printer can go) and resolution (for fine details) measured in microns, typically 100–300 microns
- Software that’s easy to learn, with strong online community support pages
Inkjet vs. laser: which printer should you choose?
Not sure whether to go inkjet or laser? Here’s a quick side-by-side breakdown to help you figure out which printer type fits your needs and budget.
Print quality
Inkjet printers are generally better for printing images, colour-rich documents, and photo prints. They handle gradients and fine colour detail well, which makes them ideal for visuals. Laser printers, meanwhile, are the go-to for razor-sharp text and clean, professional-looking documents.
Cost
Inkjets are usually more affordable up front, but they often require frequent ink cartridge replacements. Laser printers, while requiring higher upfront cost, use toner that lasts significantly longer and has a lower cost per page. Over time, this can save quite a bit if you’re printing regularly.
Speed and efficiency
Laser printers win by a landslide. They’re designed for high-volume tasks and can pump out pages quickly and reliably. Inkjet printers are slower by nature, which is totally fine for occasional use at home but might become frustrating in a high-demand setting.
Supertank and smart tank printers explained
If you’re constantly refilling ink or find yourself printing often, supertank printers (also called smart tank) are a solid investment. They cost more up front, but they save serious cash in the long run thanks to their refillable tanks and low operating costs.
How they work: Instead of relying on standard cartridges, supertank printers use refillable high-volume ink tanks. Tired of mid-semester or mid-project ink surprises? These tanks, though they vary per model, can print thousands of pages before needing a refill.
Who they’re for: Supertank printers are great for students, busy families, and home offices that print daily or in high volume. Their per-page cost is among the lowest you’ll find.
Portable and instant photo printers: are they worth it?
Instant photo printers are all about capturing and printing memories on the go. They’re compact, fun, and smartphone-friendly—but they come with trade-offs.
Ideal use cases
Suitable for scrapbooking, party favours, and travel journals, most print 2″ x 3″ or 4″ x 6″ snapshots directly from your phone using Bluetooth. They’re great for creating instant keepsakes or souvenirs while travelling: just print your best photo and stick it in your journal. No need to wait until you get home to make memories tangible. And, their a soft, vintage-like look is on trend.
Trade-offs to consider
These printers offer lower resolution than desktop photo printers, so prints may lack sharpness. Also, proprietary paper and ink formats mean higher costs per photo, but for fun, spontaneous printing, they’re tough to beat.
Do you need a 3D printer?
Let’s talk about the coolest printer on the block. 3D printers are more accessible than ever and are quickly becoming go-to tools for DIY fans, educators, and creatives. They let you build physical objects by printing layer by layer using filament materials like PLA or ABS.
What they’re good for: If you’re curious about creating custom objects from scratch, this could be your next favourite gadget. They’re ideal for creative projects like making replacement parts, cosplay props, prototypes, or even educational STEM activities. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a student, 3D printing lets you build creative projects right at home.
Entry-level recommendations: For beginners, there are plenty of user-friendly options out there. Best Buy Canada carries a strong selection of 3D printers for beginners, so you can get started with confidence. Brands like Creality and FlashForge offer models with helpful features such as auto-bed levelling, touchscreen interfaces, and built-in safety enclosures.
Key features to look for in a printer
Beyond print quality and cost, it’s worth thinking about how your printer will fit into your day-to-day routine. These handy features can help simplify your setup and save time.
Wireless connectivity
It’s a must-have for most households today. Being able to print from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is incredibly convenient—especially in homes or offices with multiple users. No cords, no problem.
Duplex printing
A handy feature that automatically prints on both sides of the page, it can save you a ton of paper over time and is useful if you’re printing large documents or reports.
Mobile printing support
For those on the go or working from cloud platforms, mobile printing support is a huge bonus. Many printers now support Apple AirPrint, Mopria for Android, and manufacturer-specific apps. Some even let you print directly from cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox. It’s all about printing on your terms.
Budget and long-term value
If you do a lot of printing tasks, your own printer can save you money over time. Weigh your budget and long-term value when purchasing one to help you ensure that you invest in a device that meets your needs.
Ink/toner costs
Consider ink and toner costs. Always check the page yield of cartridges or tanks, and compare replacement costs before you make a purchase. If you’re printing regularly, a smart tank or laser printer might cost more upfront but will almost always save you more in the long run. On the flip side, if you’re an occasional printer, a basic inkjet may be all you need.
Matching features to budget
Here’s a rough breakdown to help match features to your budget:
- Basic inkjets range from $60 to $120 and are great for light home use.
- All-in-one inkjets or lasers fall between $150 and $300. They’re perfect for students and home offices.
- High-end or photo-specific printers start around $400 and go up, depending on features like resolution, paper handling, and wireless connectivity.
Look for deals
Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the best printer deals. With the right printer, you can enhance your productivity and save on printing costs. These deals often provide high-quality options at significantly reduced prices.
Check out our hottest deals on printers at Best Buy Canada.
Additional considerations
Your printer is an investment. Make sure it’s set up properly from day one, so you can save loads of hassle later. Consider professional setup and protection services to enhance your printing experience and ensure peace of mind when it comes to repairs and replacements.
Best Buy Protection
Best Buy Protection covers mechanical failures, wear and tear, power surge issues, and other important repairs that manufacturer warranty excludes. If you’re running a busy home office or a small business where every minute of downtime matters, this added coverage is useful for high-use printers where reliability is a must.
Geek Squad setup
Not a fan of fiddling with cables, settings, or software? Geek Squad can take care of the entire setup process—from unboxing to connecting your printer to your Wi-Fi network and making sure it talks nicely with your phone, laptop, and cloud services. They’ll also walk you through basic settings and show you how to get the most from your new device. It’s a stress-free way to make sure your printer is ready to go from day one.
Find the right printer for your needs
Think about what you’ll actually use your printer for—crisp text, vibrant images, fast documents, or quick snapshots on the go. Print quality matters, but so does how much ink or toner costs over time and whether features like mobile printing or duplexing will save you time.
The good news? There’s a printer that matches your life and budget—you just have to match your priorities to the right type. Remember to focus on your real-world needs, not just flashy features. Take time to compare inkjet vs. laser, or consider whether a smart tank or photo printer better suits you. A little comparison now can save you money (and frustration) later.
Explore Best Buy Canada’s selection of printers for your home or office.
This article was drafted using AI technology and then reviewed, fact-checked, and revised by a member of our editorial team.
