The new school year is fast approaching, and the pressure is on. Whether you're a student struggling to keep up with assignments, a teacher managing lesson plans, or an administrator buried in paperwork, having the right printer can be a game-changer. But with a vast array of choices, how do you pick the one that will really make a difference?
At STPT, we understand the challenge. With nearly 40 years of experience guiding customers to the perfect printer, we know what it takes to meet the unique demands of a busy academic environment. We've done the research and are now here to share our expert recommendations.
In this blog, we'll introduce you to our top picks for the "Class of 2024" printers. Each has been handpicked to meet the diverse needs of students, educators, and schools, ensuring that you start the school year equipped with the best tools for success.
Class Speedster: Xerox VersaLink C620
Basic Specifications:
- Print Speed: Up to 52 pages per minute (ppm) in color and black-and-white
- Recommended Monthly Print Volume: Up to 20,000 pages per month
- Base Model Dimensions (WxDxH): 18.9” x 19.2” x 16.2”
- Base Model Weight: 71 pounds
- Cost: Starting at around $999 at Xerox
Why It’s a Top Pick:
If speed is what you need, the Xerox VersaLink C620 is at the top of its class. This high-performance printer is designed to handle busy environments, making it perfect for school offices or classrooms where time is of the essence. With a print speed of up to 52 ppm, it’s not just fast, but also reliable and robust. This printer has the capability to churn out up to 20,000 high-quality prints a month without breaking a sweat.
Defining Feature: Unmatched speed and durability make it the go-to choice for high-demand environments.
Pros:
- Lightning-Fast Printing: Prints up to 52 pages per minute, ensuring you’ll never be left waiting.
- High Durability: Built to last with a robust design, perfect for heavy use.
- Versatile Functionality: Handles everything from large documents to detailed graphics with ease.
Cons:
- Large Footprint: Its size might be overwhelming for smaller spaces or personal desks.
Budget Saver Supreme: Canon Pixma TS5320
Basic Specifications:
- Print Speed: Up to 6 images per minute (ipm) in color and 13 ipm in black-and-white
- Recommended Monthly Print Volume: Not available
- Base Model Dimensions (WxDxH): 15.9” x 12.5” x 5.9”
- Base Model Weight: 13.8 pounds
- Cost: Starting at around $108 at Amazon
Why It’s a Top Pick:
For those who are looking for an affordable yet reliable printer, the Canon Pixma TS5320 is a solid contender. This budget-friendly printer retails for about $100 and doesn’t skimp on features, offering wireless connectivity, decent print quality, and a compact design that fits perfectly into dorm rooms or home offices. It’s an ideal choice for students who need a functional printer for photo and document printing without the hefty price tag.
Defining Feature: An unbeatable combination of affordability and functionality.
Pros:
- Affordable Pricing: One of the most cost-effective printers in its class.
- Compact Design: Fits easily into small spaces, making it great for dorm rooms.
- Wireless Connectivity: Seamlessly connects to your devices for easy printing from anywhere.
Cons:
- Moderate Print Speed: Not the fastest printer around with only up 13 ipm, which may be an issue for high-volume tasks.
Eco Warrior Extraordinaire: HP OfficeJet Pro 9135e
Basic Specifications:
- Print Speed: Up to 25 pages per minute (ppm) in color and black-and-white
- Recommended Monthly Print Volume: Up to 2,000 pages per month
- Base Model Dimensions (WxDxH): 17.2” x 15.6” x 12.5”
- Base Model Weight: 26.1 pounds
- Cost: Starting at around $299 at HP and Amazon
Why It’s a Top Pick:
For the environmentally-conscious, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9135e is an excellent choice. This printer stands out with its energy-efficient design and high-capacity ink cartridges that reduce waste. It complies with the IT ECO Declaration and is EPEAT® registered, ensuring it meets stringent environmental criteria. The printer is made with 40% recycled plastic and is designed to minimize environmental impact. You can also recycle your Original HP ink cartridges through the HP Planet Partners program, supporting a circular economy and reducing waste.
It’s a multifunctional powerhouse that’s perfect for schools looking to minimize their environmental impact while still getting top-notch performance.
Defining Feature: Combines eco-consciousness with high performance, making it perfect for schools that prioritize sustainability.
Pros:
- Eco-Friendly Design: Energy-efficient and uses high-capacity cartridges to reduce waste.
- Multifunctionality: Prints, scans, copies, and faxes—an all-in-one solution for busy classrooms.
- Smart Features: Includes HP+ for enhanced security and cloud-based printing.
Cons:
- Initial Cost: Higher upfront cost compared to other models, but long-term savings on ink and energy.
Jack of All Trades: Xerox VersaLink C415
Basic Specifications:
- Print Speed: Up to 42 pages per minute (ppm) in color and black-and-white
- Recommended Monthly Print Volume: Up to 10,000 pages per month
- Base Model Dimensions (WxDxH): 18.9” x 18.7” x 19.3”
- Base Model Weight: 59.5 pounds
- Cost: Starting at around $1,199 at Xerox
Why It’s a Top Pick:
If versatility is what you’re after, the Xerox VersaLink C415 is the ultimate jack of all trades. This color printer is designed to handle a variety of tasks, from printing high-quality documents to scanning, copying, and faxing. It can safely print up to 10,000 pages per month and has a maximum paper capacity of up to 1,451 sheets. Its reliability and robust feature set make it ideal for teachers and administrators in need of a multi-functional device.
Defining Feature: Its ability to handle multiple tasks with ease makes it a reliable workhorse in any educational setting.
Pros:
- Versatile Functionality: Handles printing, scanning, copying, and faxing with ease.
- User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive 7” touchscreen makes it easy to navigate.
- High Reliability: Built to withstand heavy use in demanding environments.
Cons:
- Complex Setup: Initial setup can be time-consuming for non-tech-savvy users.
Crowd Pleaser: Brother MFC-L8900CDW
Basic Specifications:
- Print Speed: Up to 33 pages per minute (ppm) in color and black-and-white
- Recommended Monthly Print Volume: Up to 4,000 pages per month
- Base Model Dimensions (WxDxH): 19.5” x 21.6” x 20.7”
- Base Model Weight: 63.1 pounds
- Cost: Starting at around $649 at Brother and Amazon
Why It’s a Top Pick:
Need a printer that can do it all while still keeping things fun? The Brother MFC-L8900CDW might just be your perfect match. It prints at a respectable 33 ppm and can handle up to legal-sized paper (8.5” x 14”). Known for its vibrant color printing and user-friendly features, this printer is ideal for creative projects, newsletters, and school communications. It’s the printer that’s serious about fun—perfect for classrooms and offices alike.
Defining Feature: Brings a splash of color and creativity to any printing task, making it a crowd favorite.
Pros:
- Vibrant Color Printing: Produces high-quality, vivid color prints that stand out.
- User-Friendly Features: Easy to set up and use, even for beginners.
- High Paper Capacity: Large input tray reduces the need for frequent refills.
Cons:
- Bulky Design: Its size might be a drawback for smaller spaces or individual desks.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Printer
It’s important to read user reviews before you purchase a machine. Sometimes, user reviews can give you a better real-world sense of the printer’s functionality and value.
There are many more printers than these to choose from, but these printers represent some of the best printers of this year.
However, it’s also essential to understand your unique printing needs. These can include factors like your print volume and how much you’re willing to spend for ongoing costs like ink/toner and maintenance.
Before you invest in a printer, here are some key factors to keep in mind:
- Print Volume: Consider how much printing you or your school will do. High-volume users should look for printers with larger paper trays and higher recommended monthly print volumes.
- Connectivity: Ensure the printer supports the necessary connectivity options (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, mobile printing) for your needs.
- Space: Make sure the printer’s size is suitable for the space you have available, whether it's a small dorm room or a large school office. Learn more about printer size vs. space requirements here.
- Functionality: Decide if you need an all-in-one printer that can also scan, copy, and fax, or if a simple printer will suffice. Learn more about all-in-one printers here.
Having a clear definition of your printing goals will help you choose the best printer for you.
For a comprehensive guide on selecting the perfect printer and essential factors to consider before making a decision, don't miss out on our free and informative printer buyer’s guide.
How can STPT Help?
Choosing the right printer is crucial for staying on top of your academic or professional tasks. Whether you need speed, affordability, eco-friendliness, or versatility, our "Class of 2024" top picks have something for everyone. Remember to consider your specific needs before making a purchase.
With almost 40 years of experience, STPT is a print vendor dedicated to helping consumers find the products and services they need.
Need to upgrade your classroom or office? Explore our selection of printers with our product configurator and find the perfect match for your needs. If you need help choosing the right printer for your school, contact us. Our experts will offer personalized recommendations customized to fit your budget and unique requirements. Let us help you find the ideal solution for your printing needs!
