Ask HN: What's a Good Physical Printer?
I want to buy a printer.
I have a theory that all printers are made by predatory companies that want to sell you planned obsolescence devices with cryptographically motivated expensive cartridges.
Am I not fully correct? Is there a good option outside of this realm? Should I buy an old used laser printer?
A good printer for what?
Owning a printer is a bit of a lifestyle choice.
Laser, inkjet, dye sublimation, thermal, and even impact printers are each good for some workloads and each is terrible for other workloads.
Budgets for money, space, time, and noise should probably be part of any conversation, too.
I agree, all those details are needed as well as volume of printing.
HN often recommends Brother printers for their lack of innovation and good-enough design. Printer companies are sleazy, you’re not wrong.
My b&w laser from brother has been working perfectly for over 10 years. No software installation. Wifi, Ethernet, or USB. Everything I need and nothing I don't. Color would be nice but I've never seen it be worth the hassle to own.
https://www.crowdsupply.com/open-tools/open-printer/updates
Hopefully this actually works when (if) it comes out
Printers are hard. They require high precision mechanical and materials engineering. Their supply chain requires multiple bespoke manufacturing facilities.
That is why there are no successful open platform printers.
It is why Ali Express is not a viable option for most types of printers.
Just buy a Brother laser printer.
https://www.theverge.com/tech/641940/best-printer-2025-just-...
I see your Brother b&w suggestions and raise you Epson Ecotank for cheap and easy refills. Just don't connect them to the internet I guess. I haven't really had an issue with them yet even though I used thr poor thing very bad (not emptying it while moving, not doing regular head cleaning or letting it sit for months unplugged) though mine was pretty old and I eventually gave it away.
Brother, B&W laser. That consistently tops independent review sites, e.g., NYTimes Wirecutter: <https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-home-printer...>.
It replaced an HP mispurchase made against my recommendation a couple of years ago, and is absolutely solid and boring.
If you only need occasional colour prints, you can use a print service (most office-supply stores, druggists, package delivery (FedEx/UPS).
There are tank-based inkjet printers which may avoid some of the higher-cost ink / DRM issues. Mostly I avoid them as overpriced and problematic.
Avoid HP like the plague it is.
I have an epson EcoTank and I'm quite happy with it. Cartridges are non existent... you just get bottles of ink to refill it.
EcoTanks all the way. I have a 5850. It'll print full color for about 2-4¢ a sheet.
Is this not what most companies are turning towards? It's one giant bait and switch operation lol - especially if private equity gets involved!