According to First Research, over 25,000 printer companies exist in the United States.
The industry is rampant with companies of all sizes. Still, there are only a few that dominate the area on a global scale.
Looking through all the options and picking the brand most aligned with your goals can be confusing and downright frustrating. At first glance, the only differences might be their company name and logo.
One company's multifunction printer might be similar to another's in basic function. However, they can differ in the features, accessories, and promotional incentives they offer.
As a locally managed print vendor for almost 40 years, we know the ins and outs of the printer industry. This allows us to highlight the distinctive aspects of different companies.
We specialize in selling products manufactured by Xerox, one of the largest printer manufacturing companies globally. We will mention them in this article.
However, we want to clarify that there are other companies whose product catalog is on par with Xerox's. It would be dishonest of us to claim otherwise.
In this blog, we'll address each company's product specialties and unique services. We’ll also provide overviews of the brands and tips on navigating the broad printer market to help you start your research and land on the best printer option.
Plus, we’ll discuss alternative options if purchasing directly from a manufacturer is not for you.
Need a printer or copier? Download your free copy of the Complete Guide to Purchasing or Leasing a Printer for Your Business and learn everything you need to know before purchasing.
The 4 Factors That Went into This List
Before we dive into the list, let's go over the factors we considered in determining which brands of printers are the best:
1. Company Reputation and Pedigree
Earning a spot on any "Best Of" list requires companies to have great credibility and influence across the entire industry.
Company reputation played a critical role in forming this list. We considered companies with a high worldwide stature, customer satisfaction, and product and quality innovation, among other things.
2. Product Efficacy and Features
Of course, you can't have a list of the top printer/copier manufacturers without considering the products they sell. You must also look at the unique features of each company's product.
Product effectiveness and distinct features were vital. They helped us sift through the printer manufacturers and narrow down the five best.
3. Empirical Data
While less of a factor than the first two, we used statistical indicators to help corroborate initial findings.
We primarily gathered data from Statista, a market and consumer data company that ranks as "Least Biased" on the Media Bias/Fact Check website. We also referenced numbers from the International Data Corporation (IDC), which provides global market data on the technology sector.
4. Revenue and Finances
Lastly, we considered revenue and finances to help identify the top companies in terms of bottom-line performance.
Company revenue is usually one of the premier barometers for measuring success. However, for this list, it was the least crucial factor. We wanted to focus more on consumers rather than company performance.
The 5 Leading Printer Brands in the Industry
With those factors as a backdrop, let's get into the list, which is not in any particular order:
1. HP
Hewlett-Packard (HP) was founded in 1939 by Bill Hewlett and David Packard in a one-car garage in Palo Alto, California.
HP specializes in laser products, mainly computers and printers. The HP LaserJet, introduced in 1984, started the desktop publishing trend.
It has printing options for business and personal use. It also has the HP+ Smart Printing System, which turns an HP printer into a Smart device.
In addition to their machines, HP also offers their own Managed Print Service. This targets the hybrid work environment and revolves around "security, flexibility, and manageability," according to their website.
As of last year, HP accounted for the highest share of global printer shipments. Its printing segment revenue reached $18.03 billion last year, according to Statista. This makes it a logical choice as one of the five best printer manufacturers.
Consider reading our blog comparing HP and Xerox to learn more about how HP compares to its competitors.
2. Canon
Canon's origins date back to 1933 in Japan. The company fully cemented itself in the U.S. by establishing its New York branch in 1955.
They sell many kinds of technologies but specialize in cameras and printers. On the printing side, Canon has many office, personal, large format, and production printing solutions. They also provide professional and cloud-based print services.
Canon offers many production options. These include ID Card Printers, Label Printers, Card & Badge Printers, and Cable and Wire Marker Printers.
Canon's excellent reputation and the fact that it had the second most global printer shipments by a single company in 2023 merit a spot on this list.
Check out our blog post comparing Xerox and Canon products to see how they stack up against each other.
3. Xerox
Xerox forged its beginnings in Rochester, New York, in 1906 and created the first xerographic plain-paper copiers.
While HP (computers) and Canon (cameras) focus on other areas besides office solutions, Xerox primarily produces printers/copiers. These include single-function and multifunction devices for production, office, and remote work environments.
Xerox devices are known for their ConnectKey technology features and App Gallery. Their devices include services such as DocuShare Enterprise Content Management and CareAR's Augmented Reality Support.
Xerox currently operates in over 160 countries and has more than 8,500 active patents for innovation. In 2022, it earned a global revenue of $7 billion.
Because of its consistent status as a premier printer manufacturer and its unique features and services, Xerox is a worthy inclusion on this list.
4. Brother
Brother International Corporation originated in Japan in 1908. It currently has a U.S. headquarters in Bridgewater Township, New Jersey.
Brother Printers' product strategy focuses on office solutions. These include printers, scanners, and label makers for workgroups of about 1-20 users.
They are also known for their sewing, embroidery, and quilting machines. Their industrial machines serve many industries, including clothing, automotive, travel, and medical.
Brother ranked fourth in worldwide printer shipments in the second quarter of 2023 and has a distribution presence in over 100 countries.
Because of its recent global growth and overall product quality, Brother earns a spot on the current list of best printer manufacturers.
Read our blog comparing Xerox and Brother to see the similarities and differences between the two companies.
5. Epson
Epson is a Japanese company founded in 1942. In 1968, it launched the world's first miniprinter, the EP-101.
They offer various printer and scanner options for personal and office use. These include Supertank Printers, Photo Printers, Impact Printers, and basic single-function and multifunction machines.
Epson also sells robotic office solutions and has five paper categories for customers. These are photo paper, presentation paper, professional imaging media, scrapbook, craft paper, and copy and printer paper.
According to the IDC, Epson shipped over 3.6 million printers worldwide in the second quarter of 2023. They used their global footprint to become one of the biggest multinational printer manufacturers in the world.
Epson's steady global presence and reputation as an innovative technological brand award them the final spot on this list.
As with the other brands on this list, we've written a comparison between Epson and Xerox to detail how the two companies match up in critical areas.
How Do I Know Which Printer Brand to Choose?
Now that you've seen the list of the top five printer brands, you might ask yourself, "Which one do I go with?"
The answer to that question depends on several factors. You need more than the brief overviews of the five companies listed in this article. They are not enough to help you choose which company's products best fit you.
All major manufacturers will carry quality options if you're looking for basic single-function or multifunction printers. The top manufacturing companies don't get to be as successful as they are by having subpar products.
With that being said, here are four questions you can ask to help guide you in choosing the best printer brand:
1. What features do I want on my ideal printer?
2. What unique services does this brand offer, and would they be valuable to me?
3. Does this brand have a good reputation and a satisfactory consumer history?
4. What are the company's security and environmental measures?
These questions cover only some of what you must consider in your research process.
Are you looking for a laser or inkjet printer? Will you use your printer for home or personal use, or are you looking for an office printer? Are you interested in an all-in-one printer or a standalone one? Is color printing crucial to you? Are you looking for affordable options only?
Factors such as how much a printer costs, its print volume, and the size of the machine also play heavily in deciding which printer you should buy. These will ultimately determine which copier brand to buy from. Asking yourself these questions first will help you get started on a comprehensive evaluation process.
For more helpful tips on determining which brand or machine is right for you, read our blog on the "Top 6 Things to Consider When Buying a Printer."
Check out our other printer buying guides:
- Top 6 Best Home Office Printers
- 5 Best Printers When Buying on a Budget
- 4 Best Printers for College Students
- Top 3 Printer Brands for Schools
- 5 Best Printers for Chromebooks
Alternative to Buying Directly From Printer Brands
Not everybody is fit to buy from a direct manufacturing company. You can also purchase through a local vendor who sells the manufacturing company's products.
Some benefits of buying from a local vendor that you don't get from buying directly from a manufacturer include:
- A more accessible relationship.
- Consistent managerial infrastructure.
- A direct point of contact.
In general, purchasing from a direct manufacturer is the best option if you're a large company that maintains multiple locations nationwide. You'll only have to deal with one point of contact to fix any issues/problems with your printer arsenal.
But, if you're a locally run business seeking a more personable and consistent option, buying from a nearby print vendor that sells the manufacturer's products would be better.
To look broadly at the differences between buying directly from a printer brand vs. a local vendor, read our blog on the two consumer-purchase options.
Need Help Choosing Which Printer Brand to Go With?
Comparing and contrasting a printer brand against another is not an exact science.
A lot goes into it, and we didn't even mention other major manufacturing companies like Ricoh, Toshiba, and Konica Minolta, among many others.
If you want to buy from a direct manufacturing company and want a list that will guide you to the best in the industry, this blog is a helpful resource.
However, we've yet to scratch the surface of all you should consider about your unique situation. Factors such as your budget, monthly print volume, and key features will always precede company reputation and image when deciding which printer brand is the best for you.
As a long-time local print vendor, we want to provide you with our expert-driven input. This way, you're fully informed of everything you must consider when searching for the best printing solution.
Now that you have a resource to help you decide who to buy from, it's time to figure out which machine suits you. Download your free copy of the Complete Guide to Leasing or Purchasing a Printer for Your Business to ensure you get the correct printer in place the first time.
Find the Perfect Printer for You
Ready to find the perfect printer tailored to your needs? Say goodbye to the confusion and endless searches. We can help you take control of your printing experience in just a few clicks.
Click on the image below or head to our “Shop Now” tab and access our product configurator to find the right printer. Whether you crave fast print speeds, vibrant color printing, or versatile multifunctionality, we've got you covered.
Let our product wizard be your guide, asking the right questions to pinpoint your ideal printer match. It's like having your very own printing concierge!
