Your questions about home printers answeredWhat is the best home printer?This list isn’t a matter of a straight-up comparison, as each of the printers included offers something slightly different. However, if you’re looking for a versatile, quick printer that produces quality prints of all types and has an eye on its eco credentials, I’m a big fan of the Epson ecotank-8550. How I tested home printersTo find the best home printer, I subjected models from the biggest brands to a gauntlet of home office duties. I evaluated the entire experience, from unboxing and setup to the daily reality of printing reports, photos and shipping labels via their companion apps. Beyond speed and print quality, I measured the physical footprint to ensure they wouldn’t dominate a desk, and crunched the numbers on ink and toner costs to determine which machines are true bargains.Practicality: I evaluated how well each printer handled the variety of tasks you’d expect in a home office, from printing documents, spreadsheets, and reports to photos and labels. I also considered any extra features, like scanning, copying, or duplex printing, that make daily use easier. Ease of setup: I tracked every step of the installation process, from unpacking and connecting to Wi-Fi to pairing with devices and troubleshooting any glitches, to see how beginner-friendly each model is. App usage: I explored the printer’s companion apps in depth, testing features like mobile printing, cloud access, and document management. I noted how intuitive the interface is, how reliable the connection feels, and whether the apps add real convenience. How seamless the experience is: I looked at the overall printing workflow from sending a file, waiting for it to print, and removing the finished pages. I also considered how consistent and hassle-free the process is over multiple uses. Printing power: I tested the speed, precision, and quality for different types of print jobs, including text-heavy documents, graphics, photos, and double-sided printing. I also observed any issues like smudging, streaking, or paper jams. Design and size: I assessed how the printer fits in a home office, considering its portability and aesthetic appeal. I also thought about practical elements, like whether buttons and trays are accessible and easy to use, and how easily it would fit underneath a desk.Eco credentials and ink costs: I investigated each printer’s energy efficiency, use of recycled materials, and refill options. I also calculated the long-term cost of ink or toner to see which models are more sustainable and budget-friendly.Do you need a single-function printer or an all-in-one?If you’re working from home, an all-in-one (or multifunction) printer can save on precious desk space, but there are reasons why you might prefer a single-function printer.If you’re planning on printing a large number of documents at once or printing very regularly, it could be quicker and more cost-effective to invest in a dedicated laser printer with no scanning or faxing capability. Also, bear in mind your smartphone can scan to PDF, and that you probably can’t remember the last time you needed to send a fax.That said, most of the best consumer-level inkjet printers are now multifunction by default. Even if you never plan on scanning, it’s more useful to choose a printer based on its other features: its size, capacity, whether it’s front-loading (therefore requiring less room), and whether it can print on both sides of the page.Should you buy third-party ink or refill kits?Printer ink is infamously more expensive than gold, caviar, and vintage champagne, so it’s no surprise many consumers turn to cheaper third-party ink and compatible cartridges to keep their printer running for less. These are usually the very same branded cartridges, simply refilled with fresh ink and sold under a different name.Just because they’re cheaper doesn’t mean they’re of inferior quality. Printer manufacturers might clutch their pearls and insist otherwise, but third-party ink from a reputable brand won’t damage your printer, void your warranty or impact the quality of your prints. In most cases, a third-party cartridge will perform just as well as a more expensive one bought from the printer’s manufacturer.Amazon is a major retailer that sells refill ink, offering a multitude of options for Canon, HP, Lexmark, and other leading brands. If you’re signed up to a Prime membership, which costs £8.99 a month or £95 annually, you’ll have access to unlimited next-day delivery, which will come in handy if you run out of ink unexpectedly and need to print important paperwork.There are also printer-specific retailers like as Cartridgepeople.com that are a one-stop shop for all your printer needs, so you can pick up new ink refills, paper and stationery in one shop. It also offers free delivery on everything.Should you buy a refurbished printer?You should avoid buying a refurbished printer if you can. Printers are complex machines with many moving parts, and every last one of them is looking for an excuse to jam. The insides become worn down or gummed up with toner or ink over time, even – or sometimes especially – if the printer isn’t being used.Generally speaking, new printers are sold at a low price to lock customers into a brand of ink, so the cost savings of buying a refurbished, consumer-level printer aren’t worth the potential problems further down the line. If you do decide to buy a refurbished printer, check for a guarantee, recertification or fresh warranty from the manufacturer.Why you can trust IndyBest reviewsDavid RS Taylor is a writer and editor who has been writing for The Independent since 2021, covering the latest and best in tech. Whether it’s advice on the best noise-cancelling headphones and budget speakers, or portable projects and smartwatches, the tried and tested features he writes for IndyBest make it easy to find tech that actually works.Whether or not you’re working from home, these are the best laptops for all budgets