Buying a printer in 2026 is less about finding the "best" specs and more about matching the technology to how often—and what—you actually print. The most expensive mistake is buying a cheap inkjet for occasional use, only to have the ink dry out and clog the machine before you've finished the first cartridge. 1. Choose Your Technology
: Best for high-volume color printing. Instead of expensive cartridges, you pour ink from affordable bottles into large tanks. These have a higher upfront cost but the lowest long-term running costs . what printer to buy
Based on recent testing from Forbes Vetted and RTINGS.com , here are the standout models: Inkjet or Laser: What's the Best Printer for Me? Buying a printer in 2026 is less about
: The "gold standard" for reliability. If you mostly print black-and-white documents (labels, forms, reports) and might go weeks without using it, this is for you. Toner is a dry powder that never dries out . Choose Your Technology : Best for high-volume color
: Best for occasional, high-quality photos. These are the cheapest to buy upfront but have the highest ink costs and are prone to clogging if left idle. 2. Top Recommendations for 2026