6 Best Printers for College Students in 2025 – Reliable and Budget-Friendly Choices

You’ll want a compact, wireless printer that fits your dorm and handles coursework efficiently. The Canon MegaTank G3270 stands out with its two-year ink supply and cost-effective refills.

While the HP DeskJet 2827e offers easy mobile printing.

For faster speeds and multifunction convenience, consider the HP OfficeJet Pro 8125e. These budget-friendly options combine portability, ink efficiency, and smart features to support your busy college life.

Keep exploring to find the perfect fit for your needs.

HP DeskJet 2827e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer (6W7F5A)

Experience hassle-free printing with the HP DeskJet 2827e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer. Designed to fit neatly on your desk, this compact printer handles printing, scanning, and copying with ease. Whether you’re working on college assignments or home projects, it delivers clear documents and vibrant color prints that meet everyday needs.

With wireless connectivity and the HP app, you can print directly from your phone or laptop without complicated setups. The printer’s integration with HP AI technology helps reduce unnecessary clutter in your documents by filtering out ads and unwanted content from web pages and emails. This streamlines your outputs and saves you time.

Maintenance is straightforward with HP’s cartridge system, though it requires original HP cartridges with chips and a monthly subscription after the initial Instant Ink trial. The printer’s energy-efficient design, made partly from recycled plastic and Energy Star certified, supports eco-friendly use while minimizing power consumption.

Its moderate print speed of up to 7.5 ppm in black and 5.5 ppm in color suits students and home users who prioritize convenience and space-saving design over high-volume printing. The all-in-one functionality simplifies tasks, making it a practical choice for everyday document management.

Best for: Students and home users needing a compact, user-friendly all-in-one printer with wireless convenience for printing, scanning, and copying.

What We Like:

• Compact footprint ideal for small spaces
• Wireless printing via Wi-Fi and HP app
• Eco-conscious design with recycled materials
• HP AI technology reduces print clutter
• Simple maintenance with original HP cartridges

Specification:

Feature	Details
Manufacturer	HP
Dimensions	Compact size (specifics not provided)
Weight	Not specified
Material	Includes recycled plastic
Color Options	Standard HP printer colors

HP OfficeJet Pro 8125e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer (405T6A)

If you’re looking for an all-in-one printer that simplifies busy study sessions and work tasks, the HP OfficeJet Pro 8125e offers a practical solution. It handles printing, scanning, and copying efficiently, helping you stay organized without hassle. Its fast print speeds and automatic duplexing reduce wait times and save paper, making it a dependable tool for daily use.

Designed for ease, this printer connects seamlessly via dual-band Wi-Fi or USB, letting you print from multiple devices without wires. The clear 2.7-inch touchscreen and the HP app make managing print jobs straightforward, so you spend less time navigating menus and more time focusing on what matters. AI-powered formatting ensures your documents look polished every time.

Maintenance is simple with this model’s reliable ink system, though it requires genuine HP cartridges with chips. The compact design fits well in dorm rooms or home offices, but note that it supports media sizes only up to 8.5 x 11.7 inches and holds about 60 sheets in the output tray, which may need frequent attention during heavy use.

Security features protect your work, while the printer’s eco-conscious design supports sustainable printing habits. Overall, the OfficeJet Pro 8125e balances speed, quality, and convenience for students and home office users managing diverse printing needs.

Best for: College students and home office users needing a versatile, efficient all-in-one printer for everyday printing, scanning, and copying.

What We Like:

• Fast print speeds with automatic duplexing for efficient, double-sided printing.
• Wireless dual-band Wi-Fi and USB connectivity with easy touchscreen and app controls.
• High-quality prints enhanced by AI formatting and built-in security features.
• Compact design suitable for small spaces like dorms or home offices.

Specification:

Feature	Details
Manufacturer	HP
Model	OfficeJet Pro 8125e
Dimensions (W×D×H)	Approx. 17.3 × 14.4 × 8.1 in
Weight	Approx. 17.2 lb (7.8 kg)
Connectivity	Dual-band Wi-Fi, USB
Display	2.7-inch color touchscreen
Maximum Media Size	8.5 × 11.7 inches
Output Tray Capacity	60 sheets

Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer

The Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer is designed to simplify your printing, scanning, and copying tasks. Its compact size makes it perfect for tight spaces like dorm rooms or small home offices. With wireless capabilities, you can easily print from your smartphone or tablet, eliminating the hassle of cables and allowing you to work from anywhere.

This printer helps reduce paper waste by offering automatic two-sided printing, while its 100-sheet paper capacity means fewer refills during busy days. The ENERGY STAR certification ensures it operates efficiently, saving energy without sacrificing performance. Alexa integration adds convenience by notifying you when ink is low and automatically reordering supplies, so you stay productive without interruptions.

Maintenance is straightforward with easy cartridge replacements and intuitive setup, making it suitable for users who want hassle-free operation. While print speeds are moderate, especially for color at 5.7 pages per minute, the device focuses on delivering quality output in a compact form. Keep in mind that ink costs can be higher compared to laser printers, which may require more frequent refills.

Overall, the Canon Pixma MG3620 balances functionality and convenience, catering to those who need a reliable all-in-one printer without sacrificing space or mobility.

Best for: Students and small office users needing a compact, wireless all-in-one printer with easy mobile printing and efficient ink management.

What We Like:

• Wireless printing from mobile devices for added flexibility
• Auto two-sided printing reduces paper use
• Alexa-enabled low ink alerts and automatic supply reordering
• Compact design fits well in small workspaces
• ENERGY STAR certified for energy efficiency

Specification:

Feature	Details
Manufacturer	Canon
Dimensions	Approx. 17.7 x 12 x 5.9 in (45 x 30.5 x 15 cm)
Weight	Approx. 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg)
Printer Type	Wireless All-in-One Inkjet
Color Printing	Yes
Paper Capacity	100 sheets

Canon MegaTank G3270 All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer for Home Use

The Canon MegaTank G3270 All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer is designed to meet the needs of college students and home users who require a dependable printing solution. Its wireless connectivity allows you to print, scan, and copy documents without the hassle of cables, making it ideal for compact spaces and multitasking environments.

Maintenance is straightforward thanks to the included two-year ink supply. This means you can print up to 6,000 black and white pages and 7,700 color pages before needing a refill. This feature significantly reduces interruptions and ongoing costs, helping you stay focused on your work or studies.

The printer features a 1.35-inch LCD that simplifies navigation and settings adjustments. While it supports only single-sided printing, it helps save time on smaller print jobs and reduces paper usage. Its compact design fits easily into dorm rooms or home offices without taking up much space.

By offering high-volume printing with minimal upkeep, the Canon MegaTank G3270 balances efficiency and economy. It is a practical choice for users who want to avoid frequent ink changes and enjoy wireless convenience without extra bulk.

Best for: students and home users looking for an affordable, easy-to-maintain printer that handles high-volume printing with wireless functionality.

What We Like:

• Two-year ink supply supports thousands of pages, reducing refill frequency.
• Wireless printing, scanning, and copying streamline daily tasks.
• Compact size fits well in small spaces like dorm rooms.
• Easy-to-use 1.35” LCD for straightforward navigation.

Specification:

Feature	Details
Manufacturer	Canon
Dimensions	Not specified
Weight	Not specified
Color Options	Not specified
Connectivity	Wireless
Display	1.35-inch LCD

HP Smart Tank 5000 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer (5D1B6A)

Experience hassle-free printing with the HP Smart Tank 5000 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer, designed to meet the demands of high-volume users. This printer solves the common frustration of frequent ink replacements by offering a cartridge-free refill system that includes enough ink for up to two years or 6,000 pages. Its mess-free ink tank design helps you avoid spills and interruptions, making it ideal for busy environments.

Beyond printing, this all-in-one device handles scanning, copying, and faxing, providing versatile functionality for students and home offices. The wireless connectivity features self-healing Wi-Fi and seamless integration with the HP Smart App, letting you print directly from your smartphone or tablet without hassle. This keeps your workflow smooth and efficient.

The HP Smart Tank 5000 delivers crisp text and vivid photos, enhanced by HP’s AI technology that ensures precise formatting and clean output. While its print speeds are moderate—up to 10 ppm for black and 5 ppm for color—it balances quality and cost-effectiveness. It’s designed for home and student use rather than heavy commercial workloads.

Security features protect your data during wireless printing, adding peace of mind. Overall, this printer offers a practical, low-maintenance solution for users who need reliable, high-volume printing without the complexity of traditional cartridges.

Best for: College students and families seeking a versatile, cost-effective all-in-one printer with easy ink refills and wireless convenience.

What We Like:

• Cartridge-free ink tank system with two years of included ink
• Wireless printing via self-healing Wi-Fi and HP Smart App support
• High-quality text and photo output enhanced by AI technology
• Multi-functionality: print, scan, copy, and fax capabilities

Specification:

Feature	Details
Manufacturer	HP
Dimensions	Approximately 17.2 x 14.3 x 9.6 in (43.7 x 36.3 x 24.4 cm)
Weight	Around 10.1 lb (4.58 kg)
Color Options	White with black accents
Connectivity	Wireless (Wi-Fi)

Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer (MFC-J1360DW)

The Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer is designed to simplify your daily printing tasks. It combines printing, scanning, and copying in a compact unit that fits easily in dorm rooms or small offices. This printer delivers vibrant color prints and sharp black-and-white documents, helping you complete assignments and projects with ease.

With automatic duplex printing, you can save paper by printing on both sides without manual effort. The 20-sheet automatic document feeder and 150-sheet paper tray keep your workflow smooth and reduce interruptions. Wireless and USB connectivity allow you to print from multiple devices, while cloud app compatibility lets you access files from Google Drive and similar services.

Maintenance is straightforward with the Brother Mobile Connect app, which enables you to monitor ink levels and manage tasks remotely. This feature helps avoid unexpected ink shortages, ensuring you stay productive. The printer’s small 1.8-inch color display offers basic navigation, although it may not support advanced settings.

Overall, the Brother Work Smart 1360 balances functionality and convenience in a space-saving design, making it a practical choice for students or home office users who need reliable color and black-and-white printing without complex upkeep.

Best for: Students and home office users needing a versatile, wireless all-in-one printer that handles everyday color and monochrome printing efficiently.

What We Like:

• Automatic duplex printing saves paper and time.
• 20-sheet ADF and 150-sheet tray support continuous productivity.
• Wireless and USB connections with cloud app integration.
• Brother Mobile Connect app simplifies maintenance and monitoring.
• Compact design fits well in small workspaces.

Specification:

Feature	Details
Manufacturer	Brother
Model	Work Smart 1360
Printer Type	Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One
Print Speed (B/W)	Up to 16 ppm
Print Speed (Color)	Up to 9 ppm
Automatic Duplex	Yes
ADF Capacity	20 sheets
Paper Tray Capacity	150 sheets
Display	1.8-inch color screen
Connectivity	Wireless, USB

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Printer for College Student

When choosing a printer, you’ll want to think about how fast you need your documents printed and whether wireless connectivity fits your lifestyle. Consider how much ink costs, especially if you print a lot, and whether portability matters for your dorm or classes.

Also, look at multi-function features like scanning and copying to get more value from your device.

Printing Speed Needs

How fast your printer works can make a big difference in managing your college assignments. If you often print large papers or multiple pages, look for a printer with speeds around 10 to 20 pages per minute (ppm). Consider whether you mostly print black-and-white text or need color printing too—color print speeds may be slower, so check both.

Duplex printing is another time-saver, letting you print on both sides automatically, which speeds up tasks during tight deadlines. Choose a printer with consistent, reliable speeds so you won’t waste time waiting for your documents.

Prioritizing these factors ensures your printer keeps up with your coursework efficiently, helping you meet deadlines without stress.

Wireless Connectivity Options

Although printing speed is essential, wireless connectivity options play a crucial role in making printing convenient for college students. You want a printer that supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC so you can print directly from your laptop, smartphone, or tablet without messy cables. Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) ensures a stable connection, minimizing interruptions in crowded dorms or libraries.

Look for printers compatible with mobile apps, letting you manage and scan documents right from your phone. Cloud printing services like Google Cloud Print or Apple AirPrint let you print remotely from any internet-connected device. Reliable features such as automatic connection detection save you setup time and headaches, making your printing experience smooth and hassle-free.

Ink Cost Efficiency

Beyond connectivity, managing your printing expenses can make a big difference in your college budget. To keep ink costs low, choose printers with high-yield or XL cartridges that lower the cost per page and reduce refill frequency.

Consider refillable ink tank printers, which let you buy bulk ink refills—much cheaper than replacing cartridges. If you prefer cartridges, pick models compatible with third-party inks, but check that firmware updates won’t block them.

Ink subscription services like HP Instant Ink can also help by delivering ink before you run out, saving you money over time. Finally, always evaluate the page yield per cartridge or refill to understand long-term ink efficiency and make the most budget-friendly choice for your printing needs.

Device Portability Importance

When you’re constantly moving between dorms, libraries, and classrooms, having a portable printer makes your life much easier. A lightweight, compact model—usually under 10 pounds—lets you carry it without strain. You won’t have to wrestle with cables either, since wireless and mobile-enabled printers give you freedom to print from anywhere on campus.

Battery-powered or rechargeable options are even better, allowing you to print without hunting for an outlet. Plus, a small printer saves precious space in your dorm or study area, helping you keep things organized. Choosing a portable printer means you can print important documents on the go, support your flexible learning environment, and avoid hassle—making your student life smoother and more efficient.

Multi-functionality Benefits

Since college students juggle various document tasks, choosing a multi-function printer can simplify your workflow considerably. These printers combine printing, scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing, so you don’t need multiple devices cluttering your space.

With wireless connectivity, you can print or scan directly from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, making it easy to manage assignments on the go. Multi-function printers boost productivity by enabling quick duplication and digital archiving without extra equipment.

Plus, features like automatic duplex printing and high-capacity trays mean you can handle large volumes of study materials efficiently. Opting for a multi-function printer helps you save space, time, and effort—perfect for staying organized and productive throughout your college years.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Recycle Printer Cartridges Responsibly?

You can recycle printer cartridges responsibly by returning them to manufacturer take-back programs, dropping them off at local recycling centers, or using mail-in recycling services.

Don’t toss them in the trash—they contain harmful chemicals.

Can These Printers Connect to Campus Wi-Fi Networks Securely?

You won’t believe how easily these printers connect to campus Wi-Fi securely! You can set up WPA2 or WPA3 encryption, ensuring your documents stay safe.

Just follow your campus’s network guidelines, and you’re good to go!

What Are the Average Monthly Ink Costs for These Printers?

You’ll typically spend around $10 to $20 monthly on ink, depending on your printing volume.

Choosing printers with high-yield cartridges or refillable tanks can help you keep those costs lower and more manageable.

Are There Any Student Discounts Available for These Printers?

You’ll find student discounts on many popular printer brands, like HP and Canon, often up to 15%.

Just show your student ID during purchase or check their websites—it’s like catching a golden ticket to savings!

How Do These Printers Handle Printing Double-Sided Documents?

These printers usually offer automatic double-sided printing, so you won’t have to flip pages manually.

If yours doesn’t, you can easily enable manual duplex mode in settings to print on both sides without hassle.

Conclusion

Choosing the right printer is like picking the perfect study buddy—it should be reliable, budget-friendly, and ready to tackle any assignment at a moment’s notice. Whether you need crisp color pages or a quick black-and-white print, these top picks have you covered.

With the right printer by your side, your college journey will flow smoothly, turning deadlines from looming storms into clear skies. Get ready to print your success story!