Finding the right printer scanner combo for students means balancing affordability, simplicity, and functionality. The HP DeskJet 2955 stands out as the best overall choice thanks to its ease of use and wireless capabilities. For those seeking faster printing and higher volume, the HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 offers professional-grade features at a reasonable price. A common tradeoff in this category is choosing between compact, budget-friendly models and more feature-rich options that may be bulkier or pricier. Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of these options and what makes each one suitable for different student needs.
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Key Takeaways
- The top-ranked models balance affordability with essential features like wireless printing and scanning.
- Faster printers with higher duty cycles tend to cost more but are better for heavy use or demanding assignments.
- Compact designs are ideal for small dorms or shared spaces but may sacrifice some advanced features.
- Ease of setup and user interface are critical for students who want minimal hassle.
- Tradeoffs often involve choosing between lower initial costs and higher ongoing ink or maintenance expenses.
| HP DeskJet 2955 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer |  | Best Budget-Friendly Basic All-in-One | Input Tray Capacity: 60 sheets | Print Speed: Up to 7.5 ppm black, 5.5 ppm color | Connectivity: Wireless, mobile printing | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer |  | Best for Versatile Home Office Use | Print Speed: Up to 20 ppm black, 10 ppm color | Input Tray Capacity: 225 sheets | Touchscreen: 2.7-inch color | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Canon PIXMA TR7120 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer, Duplex Printing, White |  | Best for High-Quality Photo and Document Printing | Printer Type: All-in-one inkjet | Color: Yes | Connectivity: Wi-Fi (dual-band), mobile printing | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer |  | Best for Fast, Multi-Function Home Office Printing | Print Speed: Up to 10 ppm color, 20 ppm black | Input Tray Capacity: 225 sheets | Display: 2.7-inch color touchscreen | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer, Home Use with Auto Document Feeder, Mobile Printing and Built-in Fax, Black |  | Best for Comprehensive Home Use with Fax | Functions: Print, Copy, Scan, Fax | Connectivity: Wireless, Mobile Printing | Auto Document Feeder: Yes | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Canon PIXMA TS4320 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer with Print, Copy, Scan |  | Best Budget-Friendly All-in-One for Light Student Use | Printer Type: Color Inkjet | Connectivity: Wireless (Wi-Fi 2.4GHz/5GHz) | Functions: Print, Copy, Scan | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| printer scanner combo for student | Print Speed | Connectivity | Input Tray Capacity | Included Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP DeskJet 2955 Wireless All-i | Up to 7.5 ppm black, 5.5 ppm color | Wireless, mobile printing | 60 sheets | 3 months of Instant Ink |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 Wireless | Up to 20 ppm black, 10 ppm color | — | 225 sheets | 3 months Instant Ink |
| Canon PIXMA TR7120 Wireless Co | — | Wi-Fi (dual-band), mobile printing | — | — |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e Wireles | Up to 10 ppm color, 20 ppm black | — | 225 sheets | 3 months Instant Ink |
| Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One | Approx. 8.8 ipm black, 4.4 ipm color | Wireless, Mobile Printing | — | — |
| Canon PIXMA TS4320 Wireless Co | — | Wireless (Wi-Fi 2.4GHz/5GHz) | — | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
HP DeskJet 2955 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
This model is ideal for students who need a simple, affordable printer that handles basic printing, copying, and scanning tasks without extra frills. Compared to the Canon PIXMA TR7120, the HP DeskJet 2955 offers a more straightforward setup and lower initial cost, but it sacrifices speed and advanced features. Its wireless connectivity supports mobile printing, making it convenient for quick school assignments. However, slow print speeds and ongoing ink costs could become frustrations during heavier use. This pick makes the most sense for students with light printing needs and a tight budget.
Pros:- Affordable price for basic all-in-one functions
- Wireless and mobile printing support
- Eco-friendly design with recycled plastics
Cons:- Slow print speeds compared to higher-end models
- Additional ink costs after the initial trial
Best for: Students who primarily print a few pages per week and seek an eco-friendly, budget-conscious option
Not ideal for: Students planning frequent large-volume printing or high-quality photo projects, as it lacks speed and advanced media handling
- Input Tray Capacity:60 sheets
- Print Speed:Up to 7.5 ppm black, 5.5 ppm color
- Connectivity:Wireless, mobile printing
- Included Trial:3 months of Instant Ink
- Energy Certification:ENERGY STAR, EPEAT
- Recycled Content:At least 70% recycled plastics
Our verdict“A solid choice for students needing simple, budget-friendly printing with wireless convenience but limited speed and capacity.”
HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
This printer shines for students who need faster, more reliable color printing and a robust feature set. Its 20 ppm black and 10 ppm color speeds outpace the HP DeskJet 2955, making it better suited for projects with deadlines. The 2.7-inch touchscreen simplifies operation, and the duplex and auto document feeder boost productivity. The included 3-month Instant Ink trial helps control ongoing costs, but the requirement for original HP cartridges and potential firmware restrictions may limit flexibility. This model targets students balancing coursework with small side projects or part-time work, where speed and efficiency truly matter.
Pros:- High-quality, fast color printing
- User-friendly 2.7-inch touchscreen
- Auto duplex and document feeder for efficiency
- Includes a 3-month Instant Ink trial
Cons:- Requires HP-specific cartridges, limiting third-party options
- Firmware updates may restrict non-HP cartridges
Best for: Students who print frequently and need reliable, fast, color-capable multifunctionality
Not ideal for: Students with minimal printing needs or those on a strict budget, as it is more costly upfront and in cartridges
- Print Speed:Up to 20 ppm black, 10 ppm color
- Input Tray Capacity:225 sheets
- Touchscreen:2.7-inch color
- Features:Print, scan, copy, duplex printing, auto document feeder
- Included Trial:3 months Instant Ink
Our verdict“Ideal for students who prioritize speed and reliability in a versatile all-in-one, accepting higher initial costs and cartridge restrictions.”
Canon PIXMA TR7120 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer, Duplex Printing, White
This printer appeals to students who need crisp photo printing alongside reliable document handling. Compared with the HP OfficeJet Pro 8125, the PIXMA TR7120 offers excellent photo quality and a compact form, making it ideal for projects requiring visual detail. Its 8.5” x 11” media support suits typical school needs, but the slower speed and smaller touchscreen could slow down workflow. Its affordability and versatile connectivity make it a good choice for students who value print quality over speed, especially for creative assignments.
Pros:- High-quality photo and document printing
- Compact and space-efficient design
- Easy setup and mobile printing options
- Affordable for quality output
Cons:- Slower print speeds for large jobs
- Limited media size support
Best for: Students focused on printing high-quality images, photos, or detailed presentations
Not ideal for: Students with high-volume printing needs or requiring fast turnaround times, due to slower speeds
- Printer Type:All-in-one inkjet
- Color:Yes
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi (dual-band), mobile printing
- Auto Document Feeder:Yes
- Print Size:Up to 8.5” x 11”
- Display:1.42” Monochrome OLED
Our verdict“Best suited for students who prioritize detailed, high-quality printing for creative projects over speed and volume.”
HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
This model is designed for students who need a combination of speed, multiple functions, and larger paper capacity. Its 20 ppm black and 10 ppm color speeds outperform the HP DeskJet 2955 and provide quicker turnaround for multi-page assignments. The 2.7-inch touchscreen and 225-sheet tray streamline workflows, and the device’s sustainable design with over 45% recycled plastic aligns with eco-conscious values. However, it requires HP-specific cartridges, which can add to ongoing costs. This printer fits students juggling coursework, scanning, copying, and even occasional faxing, especially where productivity is key.
Pros:- Fast color and black printing
- Large input tray and multifunction capabilities
- Intuitive touchscreen interface
- Eco-friendly materials with recycled plastic
Cons:- Cartridge restrictions and potential higher ongoing costs
- Slower speeds for very large jobs
Best for: Students with frequent multi-page printing needs and multitasking requirements in a home or study space
Not ideal for: Students seeking a low-cost, minimal-function device, or those who print infrequently
- Print Speed:Up to 10 ppm color, 20 ppm black
- Input Tray Capacity:225 sheets
- Display:2.7-inch color touchscreen
- Features:Auto 2-sided printing, auto document feeder
- Included Trial:3 months Instant Ink
Our verdict“This is a good choice for students who need a fast, versatile printer balancing multiple functions with eco-conscious design, accepting higher cartridge costs.”
Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer, Home Use with Auto Document Feeder, Mobile Printing and Built-in Fax, Black
This printer suits students who need a full-featured device supporting fax, scan, copy, and print, with a focus on home use. Its auto document feeder and duplex printing improve efficiency over basic models like the HP DeskJet 2955, especially for multi-page assignments. The ability to print high-quality photos and documents makes it versatile for school projects. Its slower speed, roughly 8.8 ipm in black and 4.4 ipm in color, might hinder quick turnaround on larger jobs. The built-in fax and mobile connectivity are added conveniences, but the reliance on internet for mobile features could be a drawback for some students.
Pros:- Includes fax, scan, copy, and auto document feeder
- Auto duplex printing saves paper
- Mobile printing and voice assistant compatibility
- Energy Star certified for savings
Cons:- Slower print speed for high-volume tasks
- Dependent on internet connection for mobile features
Best for: Students who need multifunctionality, including faxing and scanning, in a compact, energy-efficient package
Not ideal for: Students who prioritize speed or print in high volumes regularly, as it’s slower and more suited to occasional use
- Functions:Print, Copy, Scan, Fax
- Connectivity:Wireless, Mobile Printing
- Auto Document Feeder:Yes
- Auto 2-sided Printing:Yes
- Print Speed:Approx. 8.8 ipm black, 4.4 ipm color
- Warranty:1 year limited
Our verdict“This model works best for students needing a comprehensive, feature-rich device for occasional, multifunctional tasks in a home setting.”
Canon PIXMA TS4320 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer with Print, Copy, Scan
The Canon PIXMA TS4320 stands out for students seeking an affordable and straightforward all-in-one printer that handles basic tasks. Compared to the HP DeskJet 2955, it offers better print quality and automatic duplex printing, which helps save paper on frequent assignments. However, unlike higher-end models like the HP OfficeJet Pro 8125, it lacks features such as an automatic document feeder (ADF) and an OLED display, limiting its efficiency for heavier workloads. This printer is ideal for students who primarily need to print occasional homework, scan documents, or make copies without complicated setups. The compact design fits well in small dorms or study areas, and wireless connectivity makes printing from smartphones effortless. The main tradeoff is its limited media handling—it’s not suited for printing larger or diverse media types, and its slower speed may frustrate heavy users.
Pros:- Affordable price point makes it accessible for most students
- Wireless printing from smartphones and tablets simplifies workflows
- Compact size fits easily in small spaces like dorms or desks
- Automatic duplex printing reduces paper consumption
Cons:- Lacks advanced features such as an OLED display and ADF, limiting multitasking efficiency
- Suitable mainly for light, infrequent use; performance drops with heavy workloads
- Limited media support restricts printing to standard letter-sized paper
Best for: Students on a tight budget who need a simple, reliable printer for light use and occasional copying or scanning.
Not ideal for: Students with frequent, high-volume printing needs or those requiring advanced features like automatic document feeding or media versatility.
- Printer Type:Color Inkjet
- Connectivity:Wireless (Wi-Fi 2.4GHz/5GHz)
- Functions:Print, Copy, Scan
- Automatic Duplex Printing:Yes
- Media Support:Up to 8.5″ x 11″
- Display:No OLED display
- Energy Certification:ENERGY STAR
- EPEAT Certification:EPEAT Silver
Our verdict“This pick is best suited for students who need an inexpensive, straightforward printer for basic printing, copying, and scanning tasks without extra bells and whistles.”
How We Picked
This selection process focused on printers that combine scanning and printing functionalities tailored for student use. We prioritized models that offer wireless connectivity, ease of setup, and affordability, as these are key for students with limited technical skills and budgets. Durability and maintenance costs also played a role, ensuring the options are practical for daily use. The ranking reflects a balance of performance, value, and user-friendliness, with a slight preference for models that excel in versatility without overwhelming new users.| printer scanner combo for student | Print Speed | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|
| HP DeskJet 2955 Wireless All-i | Up to 7.5 ppm black, 5.5 ppm color | Wireless, mobile printing |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 Wireless | Up to 20 ppm black, 10 ppm color | — |
| Canon PIXMA TR7120 Wireless Co | — | Wi-Fi (dual-band), mobile printing |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e Wireles | Up to 10 ppm color, 20 ppm black | — |
| Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One | Approx. 8.8 ipm black, 4.4 ipm color | Wireless, Mobile Printing |
| Canon PIXMA TS4320 Wireless Co | — | Wireless (Wi-Fi 2.4GHz/5GHz) |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Printer Scanner Combo For Students
Choosing the right printer scanner combo for students involves evaluating several factors beyond just price. It’s essential to consider how often you’ll print and scan, the types of documents you’ll handle, and the space available. Here are some key points to guide your decision, helping you avoid common pitfalls like overpaying for features you won’t use or selecting a model that’s too bulky for your setup.Print and Scan Speed
For students with heavy coursework, a faster printer can save significant time, especially during peak assignment deadlines. Look for models with higher pages-per-minute (PPM) ratings for printing and quick scan turnaround times. However, keep in mind that high-speed models often come at a higher cost, so balance your need for speed with your budget and typical workload.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Wireless features like Wi-Fi and mobile printing are nearly essential for students who use multiple devices or print from smartphones and tablets. Ensure the printer supports your device ecosystem, whether it’s Windows, macOS, or mobile platforms. Sometimes, wired options or basic USB connections suffice for minimal use, but they can limit flexibility.
Size and Space
Compactness matters if your room or shared dorm space is limited. Smaller printers may lack certain features but are easier to fit on desks or shelves. Conversely, larger all-in-one models might offer more functions but require more space and may be less portable.
Cost of Consumables
Inkjets are usually cheaper upfront but can be expensive to operate due to ink costs, especially if you print frequently. Consider models with high-yield cartridges or refillable options if you anticipate heavy use. Factor in ongoing expenses to avoid surprises later.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Look for models with intuitive interfaces, simple setup procedures, and minimal maintenance requirements. Students benefit from straightforward controls and easy ink replacement, reducing frustration and downtime during critical times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a color printer for student work?
Color printers are useful if your coursework involves diagrams, charts, or color-coded documents. However, they tend to be more expensive to operate due to color ink cartridges. If your printing needs are mostly text-based, a monochrome model might save money and still meet your requirements.
Is a standalone scanner sufficient, or do I need an all-in-one?
For most students, an all-in-one combo offers the best value, combining printing and scanning in a single device. However, if you primarily scan and rarely print, a dedicated scanner might save space and cost less upfront. Consider your typical workload when making this choice.
How important is print speed for student printers?
Print speed can be important during busy times when multiple pages need to be printed quickly, such as before exams or submission deadlines. Faster models cost more but can help reduce wait times, especially if printing large documents or multiple copies.
Are wireless printers more reliable than wired ones?
Wireless printers offer greater convenience and flexibility, especially for students with multiple devices. However, they can sometimes face connectivity issues, which are usually resolved with proper setup. Wired printers tend to be more stable but less flexible, so consider your workspace and device setup.
What should I consider about ink costs?
Inkjets are cheaper to buy initially but may incur higher ongoing costs due to frequent cartridge replacements. Look for models with high-yield cartridges or refillable ink tanks, which can lower your per-page printing expense. Budgeting for ink is important to keep your printing affordable over time.
Conclusion
The best overall pick for students is the HP DeskJet 2955, thanks to its affordability, ease of setup, and wireless features suitable for everyday use. The HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 is ideal for students who print frequently and require faster speeds with professional-quality output. If you’re new to printing or have limited space, a compact model like the Canon PIXMA TR4720 offers a user-friendly experience with added features like auto document feeding. For those willing to invest more, the HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e provides higher volume capacity and better durability, making it suitable for intensive use. Consider your workload, budget, and space to choose the model that best fits your student life.
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