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Buying your first colour inkjet printer for home or a small office usually comes with one big worry: that the ink cartridges will run dry after printing a single school project and cost a fortune to replace. The real choice is not just about which model prints fastest — it is about which one keeps you printing without constantly running to the store for more ink. This guide cuts through the spec sheets to show you the models that balance upfront cost, print quality, and long-term running expenses.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Whether you are printing school worksheets, family photos, or work documents, the right colour inkjet printer should handle it all without draining your wallet on ink replacements or making you fight with Wi-Fi every time you hit print.
Quick Picks
- Epson EcoTank ET-2980 Wireless All-in-One Color Supertank Printer — Best Value
- HP Envy Photo 7975 Wireless Color Inkjet Photo Printer — Top Performer
- Canon PIXMA TR7120 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer for Duplex Printing — Compact Workhorse
- Canon PIXMA TS7720 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer — Stylish Performer
- HP Envy 6458e All-in-One Wireless Color Inkjet Printer — Budget Champion
How To Choose The Best Colour Inkjet Printer
Before you click “buy”, the most critical question is how much you plan to print each month. A printer that looks cheap upfront can cost you a fortune in replacement cartridges, while a higher-priced model with refillable ink tanks can save you hundreds over a year.
Ink System: Cartridge vs. Supertank
Standard cartridge printers have a lower purchase price but smaller ink volumes — you may replace cartridges every few hundred pages. Supertank printers (like Epson’s EcoTank line) come with refillable bottles that can last for thousands of pages, drastically cutting your cost per page. If you print regularly, the supertank design is almost always the cheaper long-term route.
Print Speed and Resolution
Print speed is measured in pages per minute (ppm) — black and color speeds are listed separately. A 10 ppm black speed is fine for a home, but if you print multi-page documents daily, look for 15 ppm or higher. Resolution (measured in dpi, or dots per inch) determines sharpness: 4800 x 1200 dpi produces crisp photos, while 1200 x 1200 dpi is enough for text documents.
Connectivity and Mobile Printing
Modern printers rely on wireless connections. Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) provides a more stable connection than older single-band models. Mobile printing support — such as Apple AirPrint, Mopria, or a brand’s own app — lets you print directly from your phone or tablet without a computer, which is a huge convenience in a home setting.
Paper Handling and Special Features
An automatic document feeder (ADF) saves you time if you scan or copy multi-page stacks. Automatic duplex (two-sided printing) reduces paper usage. A separate photo tray is a bonus if you print 4×6 or 5×7 photos often. Check the input tray capacity (100 sheets is standard; 250 is better for a busy household) so you are not refilling every other day.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Best For | Black Print Speed | Color Print Speed | Ink System | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epson EcoTank ET-2980 | Low running costs | 15 ppm | 8 ppm | Supertank (bottles) | Amazon |
| HP Envy Photo 7975 | Photo quality | 15 ppm | 10 ppm | Cartridge (Instant Ink) | Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA TR7120 | Duplex and ADF | 14 ppm | 9 ppm | Cartridge (hybrid) | Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA TS7720 | Compact touchscreen | 15 ppm | 10 ppm | Cartridge (2-cartridge) | Amazon |
| HP Envy 6458e | Budget all-in-one | 10 ppm | 7 ppm | Cartridge (Instant Ink) | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Epson EcoTank ET-2980 Wireless All-in-One Color Supertank Printer
The printer that hands you three years of ink in the box and says “go.”
The Epson EcoTank ET-2980 is the pick for anyone tired of the cartridge-churn cycle. Instead of small cartridges that need swapping every few hundred pages, this supertank model comes with refillable ink bottles. The set in the box gives you enough ink to print up to 6,600 pages in black and 5,500 in color — which Epson says is equivalent to about 90 individual cartridges. Buyers report that the refill process is genuinely no-mess and the print quality for everyday office documents is sharp and reliable. The color print speed of 8 ppm is a touch behind some rivals (the HP Envy Photo 7975 prints color at 10 ppm, for example), and one reviewer noted that the 2.7-inch color touchscreen has a narrow viewing angle and lacks an auto document feeder. But for the sheer cost-per-page savings, this printer is in a different league from any cartridge model.
The duplex (two-sided) printing is automatic, so you cut paper waste without flipping pages manually. The Epson Smart Panel app lets you print from your phone, though some buyers found the initial Wi-Fi setup a bit fiddly with Windows 11, while the phone app was more straightforward. If you print regularly and want to stop worrying about ink costs, this is the one to beat.
Long-Run Winner
- Includes up to 3 years of ink in the box (6,600 black / 5,500 color pages)
- Refillable EcoTank bottles are easier and cheaper than cartridges
- Automatic duplex printing saves paper
Know Before You Buy
- No auto document feeder (ADF) for multi-page scanning
- Color print speed (8 ppm) is slower than some cartridge rivals
- Print quality for high-resolution photos is not as strong as dedicated photo printers
Reach for this if: you print enough each month that cartridge costs would add up — this supertank design cuts your per-page cost dramatically.
One trade-off to know: you give up an ADF, so scanning stacks of papers means feeding them one by one.
2. HP Envy Photo 7975 Wireless Color Inkjet Photo Printer
The family printer that also doubles as a photo lab for school projects and vacation snapshots.
The HP Envy Photo 7975 is built around photo quality, with a 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi color resolution and a separate photo tray so you can keep plain paper and glossy photo paper loaded at the same time. Its black print speed of 15 ppm and color speed of 10 ppm put it ahead of the HP Envy 6458e, which manages 10 ppm black and 7 ppm color. Owners mention that the setup via the HP Smart app takes under 10 minutes, and the printer produces crisp, true-to-screen photos and documents. The AI-enabled feature in the HP Smart app strips out unwanted content from web pages and emails before printing, so you do not waste ink on ads or empty margins.
That performance comes at a price — one buyer mentioned a unit that failed after about four weeks with persistent paper jams and false “out of paper” errors, though many other owners praise its quiet operation and easy Wi-Fi connection. The printer uses HP 64 cartridges (standard or XL), and the included 3-month Instant Ink trial can reduce running costs if you print frequently. For a home that prints a mix of documents and photos, this is the most versatile cartridge-based model in this lineup.
Why It Shines
- Separate photo tray lets you switch between plain paper and photo paper without reloading
- Fastest color print speed here at 10 ppm
- AI-powered print feature saves ink by cleaning up web pages before printing
Heads Up
- Some customers note reliability issues (jams, false paper errors) after a few weeks
- Cartridge-based ink system means higher cost per page than supertank models
- Instant Ink subscription is optional; you must remember to cancel the trial if you do not want it
Best fit for: a household that prints both everyday documents and a steady flow of photos, and wants the fastest color speed here.
If you are cautious: reliability reports are mixed, so consider an extended return window or a protection plan.
3. Canon PIXMA TR7120 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer for Duplex Printing
The budget-friendly all-in-one that does not skimp on a document feeder or duplex printing.
The Canon PIXMA TR7120 brings together features that are often missing from printers at this level: an auto document feeder (ADF) for scanning or copying multi-page stacks, and automatic duplex printing. It prints black at 14 ppm and color at 9 ppm, which beats the HP Envy 6458e’s 10 ppm black and 7 ppm color. A buyer who replaced an old HP reported printing 500 pages without a single jam, praising the straightforward setup and easy ink replacement. The 1.42-inch monochrome OLED display gives you a clear view of ink levels and printer status without a large color screen.
The catch is the ink cost — cartridges are not cheap, and one owner reported that off-brand alternatives are limited because this model uses a single color cartridge (cyan, magenta, yellow combined), so replacing one color means replacing all three. The paper tray holds 50-100 sheets, which is small enough that heavy users will refill often. For light to moderate home or home-office use where you need an ADF and duplex, this is a well-priced package that delivers reliable output.
Functional Highlights
- Includes an auto document feeder (ADF) for scanning and copying stacks
- Automatic duplex printing on both sides
- Reviewers point out trouble-free printing — one printed 500 pages with no jams
Limitations
- Ink is expensive and uses a combined color cartridge (replaces all three colors at once)
- Small paper tray (50-100 sheets) means frequent refilling for heavier use
- Starter ink runs out quickly, per buyer feedback
Ideal for: a home office or dorm room that needs to scan multi-page documents and print duplex without spending much.
Watch out for: the ink cost — this is a light-use printer; heavy volume will push you toward a supertank.
4. Canon PIXMA TS7720 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
A compact all-in-one with a big, bright 2.7-inch touchscreen that makes menu navigation feel modern.
The Canon PIXMA TS7720 stands out for its user interface — the 2.7-inch LCD touchscreen is larger and more intuitive than the tiny status displays on most budget inkjets. It prints black at 15 ppm and color at 10 ppm, matching the HP Envy Photo 7975 for color speed and beating the Canon PIXMA TR7120’s 9 ppm. One reviewer called it the “best Canon so far,” citing fast printing and a large display, but other buyers who bought it for garden images found the colors hazy compared to their old HP, and the trial ink cartridges ran empty in just a few days. The printer uses only two cartridges (a black and a combined color), which simplifies replacement but means you toss the cyan, magenta, and yellow together when one runs out.
On the plus side, setup is quick for most buyers, and the compact white footprint fits neatly on a desk. The flatbed scanner is decent quality, though there is no ADF, so scanning stacks is a one-page-at-a-time process. If you like the idea of navigating settings on a real touchscreen and your printing volume is light, the TS7720 is an easy recommendation — but be prepared for higher ink costs per page compared to a supertank.
Standout Feature
- Large 2.7-inch LCD touchscreen is one of the best interfaces in this price range
- Fast print speeds: 15 ppm black and 10 ppm color
- Compact size fits small desks and shelves
Things to Consider
- Color quality is inconsistent — some shoppers say haze compared to older HP printers
- No auto document feeder (ADF); scanning multi-page documents is manual
- Ink costs add up quickly; trial cartridges empty in days of moderate use
Grab this if: you want a simple, good-looking printer with a touchscreen that makes setup and daily use feel easier.
skip it if: color photo accuracy matters most, or you print enough that cartridge costs would hurt — look at the Epson EcoTank instead.
5. HP Envy 6458e All-in-One Wireless Color Inkjet Printer
The low-cost entry point that still gives you an auto document feeder and duplex printing.
The HP Envy 6458e is the most affordable model in this lineup, but it does not strip away the important features. It includes a 35-page auto document feeder (ADF) for scanning or copying stacks of paper, automatic two-sided printing, and dual-band Wi-Fi. The trade-off is speed: it prints black at 10 ppm and color at 7 ppm, which is noticeably slower than the HP Envy Photo 7975 at 15 ppm black and 10 ppm color. One buyer described it as a great “summer campground printer” that is simple and lightweight, while another noted that initial connection and scanner issues were resolved by HP’s customer support (Elaine).
The biggest downside reported by some users is Wi-Fi reliability — a few reviewers experienced constant disconnects and said the printer would not work without a mandatory subscription (Instant Ink) for full features, which is a significant frustration. If your Wi-Fi environment is stable and you are okay with slower print speeds, this is the most budget-friendly way to get an ADF and duplex in one box. Just know that you may need patience during setup and that the cartridge-based ink system means a higher per-page cost than supertank alternatives.
Budget Buy
- Includes a 35-sheet ADF for scanning multi-page documents
- Automatic duplex printing saves paper
- Lowest upfront cost of any printer in this roundup
Watch Out For
- Slow print speeds: 10 ppm black, 7 ppm color
- Some buyers report persistent Wi-Fi disconnects and forced subscription prompts
- Cartridge costs add up; trial ink fulfillment issues reported by customers
Ideal for a light-duty home: if you print infrequently and need an ADF and duplex at the lowest possible price.
Proceed with caution if: you print weekly or more — the slow speed and ink costs will become frustrating, and a supertank model will pay off quickly.
Understanding the Specs
Ink System: Cartridge vs. Supertank
This is the single most important spec for long-term cost. Cartridge-based printers (like most HP and Canon models) use replaceable ink cartridges that are small and relatively expensive per page. Supertank printers (like the Epson EcoTank) use refillable bottles that hold far more ink — the ET-2980 comes with enough ink for 6,600 black pages and 5,500 color pages. If you print more than a few hundred pages per year, a supertank will almost always save you money after the first year.
Print Speed (PPM) and Resolution (DPI)
Pages per minute (ppm) tells you how fast the printer outputs text or color documents. A 15 ppm black speed is standard for modern home printers; 10 ppm is noticeably slower when you print 20-page homework packets. Dots per inch (dpi) tells you how sharp the output is — 4800 x 1200 dpi is excellent for photos, while 1200 x 1200 dpi is fine for everyday text and scanned documents. Do not chase the highest dpi unless you print photos regularly.
Auto Document Feeder (ADF)
An ADF lets you load a stack of originals (up to 35 pages on the HP Envy 6458e, for example) and scan or copy them automatically, one by one. Printers without an ADF require you to lift the lid and place each page manually — fine for occasional use, but tedious for multi-page contracts or school projects.
Duplex Printing and Paper Tray
Automatic duplex printing flips the page and prints on both sides, reducing paper consumption. All five printers in this roundup support automatic duplex. Paper tray capacity ranges from 50-100 sheets (on compact models like the Canon PIXMA TR7120) to 100 sheets (HP models). If you have a busy household, a larger tray means fewer interruptions to load paper.
FAQ
How much does it cost to run a colour inkjet printer?
Is a supertank printer better than a cartridge printer?
Do colour inkjet printers work for photos?
What is the difference between ISO ppm and draft speed?
Will a colour inkjet printer work with my Chromebook?
How many pages does a typical ink cartridge print?
What does automatic duplex printing mean?
Can I print from my phone or tablet?
How do I stop a printer from using too much ink?
What should I do if my printer keeps showing offline?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most buyers, the right colour inkjet printer is the Epson EcoTank ET-2980 because its supertank design eliminates the cycle of expensive cartridge replacements and delivers thousands of pages on a single set of ink bottles. If you want the fastest color printing and the best photo quality in a cartridge-based model, grab the HP Envy Photo 7975. And for the tightest budget that still includes an auto document feeder and duplex, the HP Envy 6458e is the affordable entry point — just be prepared for slower print speeds and higher ink costs over time.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement, and we did not hands-on test every unit. Instead, we match each pick to a real buyer and use-case by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications against the patterns in verified customer reviews — so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing copy.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, Gardening Beyond earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.