Before anything else, you’ll have to decide between ink and laser. I’ll get into the details when it comes to each model, but the most important consideration is the paper type you print onto most often. Laser printers use heat in the bonding process, which means if you regularly print on windowed envelopes or photo paper, you’ll need to either use an ink printer or change to a thermally safe alternative, which can be cost prohibitive if you print a lot. Inkjets are the most common flavor of home printer, and they work by boiling ink until it splatters through a series of tiny holes. Inkjet printers either come with prefilled cartridges or built-in tanks. The latter is quickly becoming more popular thanks to better pricing, more convenience, and a massive reduction in wasted plastic. If you’re buying a new printer in 2026 I recommend you opt for an ink tank (or a laser printer, depending on your needs). Ink tanks are a little more work to set up and maintain than using replaceable cartridges, …