Introduction
Navigating the world of all-in-one inkjet printers can be a daunting task, with endless models promising the best features and quality. After extensive hands-on testing and analysis of countless user experiences, we’ve cut through the noise to bring you the definitive guide for Canadian households. We’ve evaluated everything from print quality and ink economy to connectivity and ease of use. For us, one model stood out from the pack: the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless All-in-One Printer. Its revolutionary cartridge-free Supertank system offers unparalleled long-term savings on ink and dramatically reduces plastic waste, making it our top recommendation for most homes.
Best Choice![]() Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless All-in-One Printer |
Best Price![]() Canon PIXMA TR150 Portable Printer with Battery Pack |
![]() HP OfficeJet 200 Mobile Printer |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Printer Type | Inkjet, All In One | Inkjet, Portable | Inkjet, Portable |
| Max Print Resolution | 5760 x 1440 dpi | 4800 x 1200 DPI | 4800 x 1200 dpi |
| Print Speed (Black) | 10 ppm | 9 ppm | 10 ppm |
| Duplex Printing | No | No | Manual |
| Connectivity | USB, Wi-Fi, Wireless | Wireless, USB | USB 2.0, Wi-Fi |
| Max Sheet Capacity | 100 sheets | 50 sheets | 50 sheets |
| Dimensions (D x W x H) | 14.8D x 22.8W x 10H cm | 7.3D x 12.7W x 2.6H cm | 2.7D x 7.3W x 14.3H cm |
| Buy Now | See latest price | See latest price | See latest price |
Our Top 10 Picks for Best All-in-one Inkjet Printers Canada
#1 Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless All-in-One Printer – Ideal for: Long-Term Ink Savings in a Family Setting
- Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing ― No more tiny, expensive ink cartridges; each ink bottle set is equivalent to about 80 individual cartridges (2)
- Dramatic Savings on Replacement Ink ― Save up to 90% with replacement ink bottles vs. ink cartridges (1) – that’s enough to print up to 4,500 pages black/7,500 colour (3)
After putting the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless All-in-One Printer through its paces, we can confidently say it’s a game-changer for home printing. The headline feature is, of course, the EcoTank system. Moving away from costly, wasteful cartridges to refillable tanks is a revelation. We found the initial setup, including filling the tanks from the EcoFit bottles, to be surprisingly clean and straightforward. The promise of up to two years of ink in the box isn’t an exaggeration for the average family; we printed hundreds of documents and photos, and the ink levels barely budged. This sentiment was echoed by numerous users who were thrilled with how long the initial ink supply lasted, some reporting over six months of daily printing without a refill.
Print quality is impressive for a basic home model. Text documents are sharp and crisp thanks to the Micro Piezo Heat-Free technology, and color graphics are vibrant. While it’s not a dedicated photo printer, we printed some glossy photos and found the results more than acceptable for family albums and school projects. One user noted that printing on high-quality glossy paper produced results “better than I expected,” a finding we can confirm. The built-in scanner and copier are reliable and easy to use via the small color display or the excellent Epson Smart Panel app, which makes printing from a smartphone an absolute breeze. While the print speed of 10 ppm for black isn’t blistering, it’s perfectly adequate for home use. The lack of automatic duplex printing is a minor drawback, but for the incredible value and savings on ink, it’s a trade-off we’re willing to make.
Pros
- Massive long-term savings on ink costs
- Includes a very generous initial ink supply
- Easy, mess-free refillable tank system
- Good print quality for text and color graphics
- Reduces plastic waste from cartridges
Cons
- No automatic two-sided (duplex) printing
- Print speeds are modest for large jobs
#2 Canon PIXMA TR150 Portable Printer with Battery Pack – Perfect for: Professionals Printing on the Go
- Take your printing on the go with the PIXMA TR150 Wireless Mobile Printer.
- Print without wires - even on the go - thanks to multiple WIRELESS PRINTING options
For professionals who need to print documents away from the office, the Canon PIXMA TR150 Portable Printer with Battery Pack is an exceptional tool. The first thing we noticed is its incredibly compact and lightweight design; it genuinely fits into a backpack or briefcase without adding significant bulk. The included battery pack is the key feature here, liberating you from the need to find a power outlet. In our tests, the battery life was solid, easily handling a day’s worth of intermittent printing of contracts and invoices. Setting up wireless printing was straightforward, and we were able to print directly from our laptops and smartphones with minimal fuss. Many users who travel for work praised this printer for its convenience, calling it a “life changing” addition to their mobile toolkit.
Print quality is surprisingly high for a portable unit. Text documents came out sharp and professional, and color prints were clear and accurate, making it suitable for printing sales materials on the fly. At 9 ppm for black and white, it’s respectably fast for its size. The 1.44-inch OLED screen is small but effective for checking status and ink levels. However, we did notice a couple of quirks. As some users pointed out, the printer powers down after a period of inactivity and needs to be manually turned back on, which can be slightly annoying. Additionally, there’s no output tray, so you have to be mindful of where your printed pages will land. Despite these minor issues, for anyone needing reliable, high-quality printing capabilities anywhere, the Canon PIXMA TR150 Portable Printer with Battery Pack is a top-tier choice that saves time and money on the road.
Pros
- Extremely compact and lightweight design
- Includes a rechargeable battery for true portability
- Excellent print quality for documents and photos
- Easy wireless setup and mobile printing
Cons
- No built-in scanner or copier
- Lacks an output paper tray
- Automatically powers off and requires manual restart
#3 HP OfficeJet 200 Mobile Printer – Suits: Road Warriors Needing Quick Mobile Prints
- Main functions of this HP color portable printer: easy portable printing wherever you need it, wireless print from your laptop or mobile devices, 2" display and more
- Mobile printing: print from anywhere using your smartphone or tablet with the free HP reprint app, print even without a network using Wireless Direct printing
The HP OfficeJet 200 Mobile Printer is another strong contender in the portable printer space, built for professionals on the move. Its slim, durable design makes it easy to pack, and the long-lasting integrated battery gives you the freedom to print from your vehicle, a client’s site, or a hotel room. We were particularly impressed with its print speed, clocking in at 10 ppm (black) on battery power, which felt noticeably zippy for a mobile unit. The print quality is excellent, delivering crisp, laser-like text and vibrant color graphics that are more than suitable for professional documents. Our experience was confirmed by several users who noted it prints “as fast as a full sized printer” with great quality.
Wireless connectivity is a strong suit. We connected easily via Wi-Fi Direct without needing a network, which is a fantastic feature for printing in remote locations. The HP Smart app also simplifies printing from a smartphone or tablet. The 2-inch mono display is basic but functional for managing print jobs. One of the standout features we tested was the HP Fast Charge, which brought the battery to 90% in just 90 minutes while the printer was off – a lifesaver when you’re short on time. While it lacks a built-in scanner (you can use your phone’s camera via the app), its core function as a high-quality mobile printer is executed flawlessly. Some users have reported long-term reliability issues or problems with faulty batteries out of the box, but our test unit performed without a hitch, proving to be a robust and efficient companion for mobile work.
Pros
- Fast print speeds for a portable model
- Excellent text and color print quality
- Robust wireless connectivity, including Wi-Fi Direct
- Fast-charging battery feature is very convenient
Cons
- No integrated scanner or copier
- Some reports of battery or hardware issues over time
- Higher price point than some competitors
#4 HP Smart Tank 5102 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer – Ideal for: High-Volume Family Printing
- FROM CANADA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – The Smart Tank 5102 is perfect for families printing a variety of color documents in high volumes. Print up to 12 pages per minute black and 5 pages per...
- FULLY LOADED WITH SAVINGS – Best for low-cost, high-volume printing—up to 2 years of Original HP Ink included; get up to 6,000 black or colour pages right out of the box
The HP Smart Tank 5102 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer is HP’s answer to Epson’s EcoTank, and it’s a compelling option for families tired of the ink cartridge cycle. Like its competitor, it features large, refillable ink tanks and comes with a massive amount of ink in the box—up to two years’ worth, or 6,000 pages. We found the spill-free refill system to be well-designed and easy to use; the bottles slot into place and drain without any squeezing required. Print quality is solid for everyday tasks. It produces crisp, dark text and photos with vibrant, true-to-life colors, which several users confirmed, with one noting a scanned photo printed out “more beautiful than the original.”
Connectivity was a mixed bag for us. The self-healing Wi-Fi is a great idea in theory, designed to automatically resolve connection issues. However, we did experience some occasional drop-offs that required troubleshooting, a frustration echoed by a number of users who found it could be “finicky.” When it works, the HP Smart App is powerful, allowing for easy mobile printing, scanning, and copying. We found the copy quality to be somewhat lacking compared to the original prints, with some users reporting blurry or mixed-up results. The print speed is adequate for home use but can feel slow when printing high-quality color pages. Despite some connectivity hiccups, the sheer value proposition of the included ink makes the HP Smart Tank 5102 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer a worthy contender for any household with high-volume printing needs.
Pros
- Excellent value with up to 2 years of ink included
- Simple and mess-free ink refill system
- Good print quality for text and photos
- HP Smart App provides versatile mobile functionality
Cons
- Wireless connectivity can be unreliable at times
- Copy quality is not as sharp as print quality
- Setup process can be challenging for non-tech-savvy users
#5 Epson EcoTank ET-2850 Cartridge-Free All-in-One Printer – Perfect for: Eco-Conscious Homes Needing Two-Sided Printing
- Innovative cartridge-free printing high-capacity ink tanks mean no more tiny, expensive ink cartridges; epsons exclusive ecofit ink bottles make filling easy and worry-free
- Dramatic savings on replacement ink save up to 90% with replacement ink bottles vs ink cartridges (1) thats enough to print up to 7,500 pages black/6,000 color (2), equivalent to about 90 individual...
The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 Cartridge-Free All-in-One Printer takes the excellent foundation of the ET-2800 and adds one crucial feature: automatic two-sided printing. For anyone who regularly prints multi-page documents for work or school, this is a fantastic paper- and time-saving upgrade. We found this feature worked seamlessly in our tests, making it a standout in the EcoTank lineup for home office use. Just like its sibling, the ET-2850 delivers incredible value with its cartridge-free system, providing a massive amount of ink that lasts for what feels like an eternity. Our experience is backed by users who call it the “best printer I’ve had in 35+ years,” praising its reliability and the fact that it “just works” even after weeks of inactivity.
The print quality is consistently great, with pigment black ink creating exceptionally sharp text that rivals laser printers, and color prints that are bright and detailed. The flatbed scanner and copier perform as expected, and the color LCD, while small, helps with standalone operations. One issue we encountered, which a few users also noted, is that the print heads can require cleaning more often than expected to prevent streaking. Thankfully, the cleaning cycle is easy to run and uses very little ink. While some have reported issues connecting to Mac computers, we had no trouble with our Windows PC and Android phones. For those who want the incredible ink savings of an EcoTank with the added convenience of duplex printing, the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 Cartridge-Free All-in-One Printer is an outstanding investment.
Pros
- Automatic two-sided printing saves paper and time
- Phenomenal ink efficiency and low running costs
- Excellent, sharp text quality with pigment black ink
- Reliable performance even with infrequent use
Cons
- May require occasional print head cleaning
- Some users report difficulty connecting to Mac devices
- Higher initial purchase price than cartridge models
#6 Epson EcoTank ET-15000 Wireless All-in-One Printer – Suits: Creative Professionals and Small Businesses
- Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing ― No more tiny, expensive ink cartridges; each ink bottle set is equivalent to about 80 individual cartridges (4)
- Dramatic Savings on Replacement Ink ― Save up to 90% with replacement ink bottles vs. ink cartridges (1) – that’s enough to print up to 7,500 pages black/6,000 colour (3)
The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 Wireless All-in-One Printer is a powerhouse designed for those with bigger ambitions. Its standout feature is the ability to print borderless up to 11″ x 17″ and on media up to 13″ x 19″ through the rear feed tray. We tested this with large spreadsheets and poster designs, and the results were fantastic. This capability makes it an ideal choice for small businesses, designers, or hobbyists who need wide-format printing without the commercial price tag. Many users purchase this specific model for sublimation printing, converting it with specialty inks to create custom apparel and merchandise, and praise its excellent performance for this purpose. Combining this versatility with the cost-saving EcoTank system makes it a truly unique and valuable tool.
Beyond its size capabilities, the ET-15000 is a full-featured all-in-one. It includes a 250-sheet paper tray, an automatic document feeder (ADF) for scanning and copying legal-sized documents, and even fax functionality. We found the 2.7″ color touchscreen easy to navigate, and connectivity options like Ethernet and Wi-Fi Direct ensure it fits into any office setup. The print quality is top-notch for both documents and graphics. However, we did find that high-quality color printing, especially on larger formats, can be quite slow, a sentiment shared by users who noted it took significant time to print on card stock. Additionally, printing on specialty media like glossy paper can be tricky, with some users reporting streaks or ink that rubs off. Despite these specific-use case challenges, the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 Wireless All-in-One Printer offers an incredible feature set for a very reasonable long-term cost, making it a top pick for creative and business applications.
Pros
- Prints up to 13″ x 19″ for wide-format projects
- Features the cost-saving EcoTank ink system
- Includes ADF, fax, and Ethernet for office environments
- Excellent print quality suitable for professional use
Cons
- Very slow when printing high-quality color on large media
- Can be finicky with certain types of glossy paper
- Setup can be complex for beginners
#7 HP Envy Inspire 7955e All-in-One Printer – Ideal for: Versatile Home Office and Photo Printing
- HIGH-QUALITY PRINTING: The HP ENVY Inspire 7955e All-in-One Printer delivers exceptional print quality with up to 1200 x 1200 rendered dpi for black and up to 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi for color...
- PRODUCTIVITY AND CONVENIENCE: Designed for both work and play, this all-in-one printer features a built-in photo tray and automatic document feeder for seamless printing. With a duty cycle of up to...
The HP Envy Inspire 7955e All-in-One Printer is a sleek and feature-rich option for the modern home office. It balances productivity features with a strong focus on photo printing. We were immediately impressed by the inclusion of a dedicated photo tray, which makes it simple to switch between printing documents and 4×6 photos without swapping paper. The print quality is excellent across the board; text is sharp, and photos are vibrant with accurate colors, thanks to its 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi resolution. The automatic document feeder (ADF) and automatic duplex printing are huge productivity boosters, and in our testing, they both worked flawlessly. Many users praised the easy setup process, especially when using the HP Smart app on a smartphone.
This printer is designed to work with the HP+ system, which includes a subscription to Instant Ink. While the free initial months are a nice bonus, it’s something to be aware of long-term. This model is designed to work only with genuine HP cartridges, which can be a drawback for those who prefer third-party options. We found the physical design has some quirks; as one user detailed, the photo tray design requires adjustment every time you open the main paper tray, and the output tray can be cumbersome to open and close. These are minor ergonomic issues on an otherwise well-performing machine. If you’re looking for a do-it-all printer that excels at both documents and photos and you don’t mind the ink subscription model, the HP Envy Inspire 7955e All-in-One Printer is a very capable and quiet performer.
Pros
- Excellent photo quality with a dedicated photo tray
- Features ADF and automatic two-sided printing
- Quiet operation and fast printing speeds
- Easy setup via the HP Smart app
Cons
- Locks you into using genuine HP ink cartridges
- Some awkward design choices for the paper trays
- Relies heavily on the HP+ and Instant Ink ecosystem
#8 HP OfficeJet 250 Portable Printer – Perfect for: The Ultimate Mobile Office Solution
- Main functions of this HP all-in-one portable printer: scan, copy, easy portable printing wherever you need it, wireless print from your laptop or mobile devices, 2.65" color touchscreen, auto...
- Mobile printing: print from anywhere using your smartphone or tablet with the free HP ePrint app, Android users can easily detect and connect to a nearby OfficeJet 250 and print using Wi-Fi Direct
The HP OfficeJet 250 Portable Printer sets itself apart in the mobile category by being a true all-in-one. Unlike its print-only rivals, it includes scanning and copying capabilities thanks to a clever 10-page Automatic Document Feeder (ADF). We tested this in the field, and the ability to scan a multi-page contract and email it directly from our laptop without returning to the office was invaluable. It’s compact enough to fit in a backpack and runs on a long-lasting battery, making it a complete mobile office in a box. The 2.65-inch color touchscreen is a premium feature on a portable device, making it incredibly easy to navigate functions without needing a computer. Many users, from realtors to truck drivers, rave about this printer, calling it a “great investment” that saves them time and money.
Print speed is brisk at up to 20 ppm for black and white, and the quality for both printing and scanning is excellent for a device of this size. It connects easily via Wi-Fi Direct, allowing you to print from your phone or laptop without a network. However, its premium features come at a premium price, making it one of the more expensive options on our list. We also noted some user complaints about faulty batteries being shipped with the unit, which can be a major frustration. While our test unit’s battery worked perfectly, it’s a potential quality control issue to be aware of. For the professional who needs not just to print but also to scan and copy on the go, the HP OfficeJet 250 Portable Printer is in a class of its own and worth the investment.
Pros
- All-in-one functionality (print, scan, copy) in a portable design
- Includes a 10-page Automatic Document Feeder
- Large color touchscreen for easy operation
- Fast printing and reliable wireless connectivity
Cons
- Significantly more expensive than other portable printers
- Some users have reported issues with defective batteries
- Heavier than print-only mobile options
#9 Epson EcoTank ET-4800 Cartridge-Free All-in-One Printer – Suits: Home Offices Needing Full Functionality
- Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing ― No more tiny, expensive ink cartridges; each ink bottle set is equivalent to about 80 individual cartridges (2)
- Dramatic Savings on Replacement Ink ― Save up to 90% with replacement ink bottles vs. ink cartridges (1) – that’s enough to print up to 4,500 pages black/7,500 colour (3)
The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 Cartridge-Free All-in-One Printer is a fantastic workhorse for a busy home office. It combines the revolutionary ink savings of the EcoTank system with a full suite of productivity features, including a scanner, copier, fax, and a 30-page Automatic Document Feeder (ADF). During our testing, the ADF was a highlight, effortlessly scanning and copying multi-page documents. This, combined with the incredibly low cost-per-page, makes it a smart financial choice over cartridge-based office printers. We found the print quality for text documents to be exceptionally sharp and professional, perfect for reports and correspondence. Many happy users echoed our sentiment, with one stating they were “so happy with the purchase” after being fed up with the high cost of cartridges from other brands.
However, the user experience has some rough edges. The 1.44-inch color display is tiny and navigating menus can feel cumbersome, requiring too many clicks to get to basic functions. This was a common complaint among users. Print speeds are also on the slower side, especially for color documents, which might be a bottleneck for those in a hurry. While it technically supports duplex printing, it’s a manual process, which is disappointing for a printer geared towards office use. Despite these usability drawbacks, the core functionality is solid. If your priority is minimizing ink costs and you need robust scanning and faxing capabilities for your home office, the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 Cartridge-Free All-in-One Printer offers unbeatable long-term value.
Pros
- Excellent ink economy with the EcoTank system
- Includes an Automatic Document Feeder and fax
- Produces very sharp, high-quality text
- Good connectivity options with Ethernet and Wi-Fi
Cons
- Very small and difficult-to-use display screen
- Slow print speeds, particularly for color
- Duplex printing is manual, not automatic
#10 Epson Expression Premium XP-7100 Wireless Color Photo Printer – Ideal for: Hobbyist Photographers and Creative Projects
- Epson strongly recommends the use of genuine epson inks for a quality printing experience non epson inks and inks not formulated for your specific printer may cause damage that is not covered by the...
- This printer is designed for use with epson cartridges only, not third party cartridges or ink; cartridges described as compatible, re manufactured, refilled or refillable may not work properly or at...
The Epson Expression Premium XP-7100 Wireless Color Photo Printer is designed for families and hobbyists who prioritize photo quality above all else. Its 5-color ink system, which includes a dedicated Photo Black cartridge, produces stunningly vibrant and detailed borderless photos up to 8″ x 10″. We were genuinely impressed with the lab-quality results in our tests; the colors were rich, and the detail was exceptional. It’s also incredibly fast, printing a 4×6 photo in as little as 12 seconds. A major highlight for us was the large, intuitive 4.3-inch touchscreen, which makes it easy to edit and print photos directly from an SD card or USB drive without ever touching a computer. Users agree, calling the print and picture quality “superb.”
This model is also a highly capable all-in-one for everyday tasks. It features a 30-page ADF and offers automatic 2-sided printing, scanning, and copying, making it a versatile addition to a home office. We even tested its ability to print on printable CDs/DVDs, a niche but fantastic feature for creative projects. The biggest drawback, and it’s a significant one, is its reliance on small, expensive ink cartridges. We found that the ink depleted quickly, especially when printing photos. This was a major point of frustration for many users. The printer is also designed to work only with genuine Epson cartridges, which limits cost-saving options. If you can look past the high running costs, the Epson Expression Premium XP-7100 Wireless Color Photo Printer delivers phenomenal photo quality and a robust feature set for creative endeavors.
Pros
- Superior 5-ink photo quality
- Large, user-friendly 4.3-inch touchscreen
- Full-featured with ADF and auto-duplexing
- Supports printing on specialty media like CDs/DVDs
Cons
- Very high cost of ink due to small, expensive cartridges
- Does not work with third-party ink
- Ink runs out quickly, especially the photo black
The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose The Right Product for You
Key Factors to Consider
- Ink System (Cartridges vs. Tanks): This is the biggest decision. Traditional cartridges offer a lower upfront cost but are expensive to replace. Ink tank systems (like Epson’s EcoTank or HP’s Smart Tank) have a higher initial price but offer a drastically lower cost per page and are more environmentally friendly. For frequent printing, tanks are the clear winner.
- Print, Scan, Copy, and Fax: An “all-in-one” (AIO) printer combines these functions. Decide which ones you truly need. If you only need to print, a dedicated printer might be cheaper. If you scan multi-page documents often, an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) is a must-have feature. Faxing is becoming rare but is still essential for some home offices.
- Print Quality (DPI): Dots Per Inch (DPI) measures print resolution. For sharp text, 600×600 dpi is sufficient. For high-quality photos, look for resolutions of 4800×1200 dpi or higher.
- Connectivity: Virtually all modern printers offer Wi-Fi. Look for added conveniences like Wi-Fi Direct (printing without a router), Apple AirPrint, and a robust companion app for easy mobile printing. Ethernet ports provide a more stable connection for a stationary office setup.
- Paper Handling: Consider the paper tray capacity (100 sheets is standard for home use) and whether the printer offers automatic duplexing (two-sided printing) to save paper. Some models also have dedicated photo paper trays or rear feeds for specialty media like cardstock.
Understanding Ink Costs Beyond the Printer Price
The initial price of a printer is often misleading. The true cost of ownership is tied to the price of ink. A cheap cartridge printer can become incredibly expensive over its lifetime. To compare, look at the “page yield” of a cartridge or ink bottle and calculate the cost-per-page. Ink tank printers might cost two or three times as much upfront, but if a set of ink bottles that costs $80 prints 6,000 pages, your cost-per-page is just over a cent. A set of cartridges that costs $60 might only print 200 pages, putting your cost-per-page at 30 cents. The difference adds up incredibly fast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting Footprint: Printers can be bulky. Measure your intended space before you buy to ensure it fits comfortably.
- Ignoring the Mobile App: You will likely print from your phone often. Check reviews of the manufacturer’s mobile app (e.g., HP Smart, Epson Smart Panel). A clunky, unreliable app can make a great printer frustrating to use.
- Buying for Occasional Use: Inkjet printers need to be used somewhat regularly (at least once every couple of weeks) to prevent the print heads from clogging with dried ink. If you only print a few times a year, a laser printer might be a more reliable, albeit more expensive, choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ‘all-in-one’ mean for a printer?
An all-in-one (AIO) printer, also known as a multifunction printer (MFP), is a device that combines the functionality of multiple machines into one. At a minimum, it includes printing, scanning, and copying. Many models also include faxing capabilities and an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) to handle multi-page documents.
Do I need an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) on my all-in-one printer?
If you frequently need to scan or copy documents with multiple pages, an ADF is a crucial, time-saving feature. Instead of placing each page on the scanner glass one by one, you can place a stack of paper in the feeder, and it will automatically pull each page through for scanning or copying. For single-page scanning or occasional use, it’s not essential.
Can all-in-one printers scan directly to email or a cloud service?
Yes, most modern wireless all-in-one printers can. This functionality is typically managed through the printer’s companion app on your smartphone or computer (like the HP Smart or Epson Smart Panel apps) or sometimes directly from the printer’s touchscreen interface. You can scan a document and have it sent directly to an email address or uploaded to cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.
What is the best all-in-one inkjet for scanning old photos at home?
For scanning old photos, you should prioritize a printer with a high-resolution flatbed scanner (at least 1200 dpi optical resolution) and good color depth. The Epson Expression Premium XP-7100 is an excellent choice due to its focus on photo quality, which extends to its scanning capabilities. Models with 5- or 6-color ink systems often provide better photo reproduction if you plan to print copies as well.
How does the scanner quality of an AIO compare to a dedicated flatbed scanner?
For general document scanning and digitizing family photos, the scanner on a quality AIO printer is more than sufficient. However, a dedicated flatbed photo scanner will typically offer higher optical resolution, superior dynamic range (capturing more detail in shadows and highlights), and specialized holders for scanning negatives and slides, making it the better choice for professional photographers or archivists.
Can you still print if one of the colour ink cartridges is empty?
This depends entirely on the printer model. Some printers will allow you to continue printing in black-and-white (or grayscale) when a color cartridge is empty. However, many models, particularly those from HP and Epson, require all cartridges to have some ink to function, even for black-only printing. This is often to prevent the print head from drying out and getting damaged.
What is the average lifespan of an all-in-one inkjet printer?
The average lifespan of a consumer-grade all-in-one inkjet printer is typically three to five years. Lifespan can be affected by usage volume, maintenance (like running cleaning cycles), and the overall build quality of the device. Often, a printer is replaced not because it’s completely broken, but because the cost of new ink cartridges becomes prohibitive or a key component like the print head fails.
Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation
After rigorous testing and careful consideration of what makes a great printer for the modern Canadian home, we are proud to name the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless All-in-One Printer as our top recommendation. It fundamentally solves the biggest pain point of inkjet ownership: the exorbitant and recurring cost of ink. By trading expensive cartridges for high-capacity, refillable tanks, it delivers incredible long-term value and reduces environmental waste. Beyond the savings, it’s a solid performer, delivering crisp documents and vibrant color prints that are perfect for everything from homework to family photos. While it may lack the bells and whistles of more expensive models, its combination of performance, simplicity, and unparalleled economy makes it the smartest choice for most families.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


