For over a decade, I’ve been setting up, troubleshooting, and recommending printers for homes, offices, and creative spaces. In that time, I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the downright frustrating in the world of printers. From the decline of once-reliable brands to the rise of innovative solutions, here’s my take on the state of printers in 2025, based on hands-on experience and countless setups.
The Fall of HP: A Cautionary Tale
HP used to be a household name you could trust for quality printers. Their reliability and performance were unmatched—until the introduction of HP Instant Ink and the HP Smart app. While the subscription-based ink model promised convenience, it brought a host of issues: forced firmware updates, connectivity problems, and printers that would refuse to print without an active subscription, even if ink was physically present. The shift also coincided with a noticeable drop in hardware quality. Over the past few years, I’ve seen more errors, frequent paper jams, and a spike in returns in my opinion.
Epson EcoTank: The Printer That Just Works
If you’re looking for a printer that’s reliable, cost-effective, and low-maintenance, the Epson EcoTank series is my top pick. These printers ditch traditional cartridges for refillable ink tanks, making them a game-changer for both casual and heavy users. The setup is straightforward, refills are affordable, and the ink lasts for thousands of pages. In my experience, EcoTank printers rarely encounter issues—no cryptic error codes, no sudden breakdowns. Whether you’re printing school assignments or running a small business, customers consistently rave about how hassle-free these printers are. If you want a printer that works without drama, Epson EcoTank is the way to go in my opinion.
- Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing ― High-capacity ink tanks mean no more tiny, expensive ink cartridges; Epson’s exclus…
- Dramatic Savings on Replacement Ink ― Save up to 90% with replacement ink bottles vs. ink cartridges (1) – that’s enough…
- Stress-Free Printing — Up to 2 years of ink in the box (4) – and with every replacement ink set – for fewer out of ink f…
- Item Package Dimension: 19.6L x 17.8W x 12.9H inches
- Item Package Weight – 18.69 Pounds
- Item Package Quantity – 1
Canon: The King of Photo Printing
For those who prioritize high-quality photo printing, Canon remains a solid choice. Their PIXMA series, in particular, delivers vibrant colors and sharp details, making them a favorite among photographers and hobbyists. Canon printers are also versatile, handling everything from documents to creative projects with ease. While they may not match the EcoTank’s low running costs, their reliability and output quality make them a strong contender. If you’re printing family photos or professional-grade images, Canon won’t disappoint in my opinion.
- Never run out of ink. Connect your printer to Alexa and receive notifications when you’re running low. Alexa can even pl…
- Enrolling in Smart Reorders with Alexa ensures that you never have too much or too little ink supplies. No subscription …
- Wireless 4-in-1 (Print | Copy | Scan | Fax)
Brother: The Document Workhorse
When it comes to durability and efficiency, Brother printers are built to last. These machines excel at high-volume document printing, making them ideal for offices or anyone who needs a no-nonsense workhorse. While their photo printing capabilities aren’t on par with Canon, Brother printers are fast, reliable, and designed for heavy use. They’re less prone to connectivity issues than HP and offer good value for the price. If your priority is churning out reports, invoices, or contracts without fuss, Brother is a great option.
Key Takeaways for Choosing Your Printer
After 11 years of wrestling with printers, here’s my advice for picking the right one:
• Avoid HP unless you’re prepared to deal with Instant Ink restrictions and declining quality.
• Choose Epson EcoTank for the ultimate hassle-free experience and low running costs.
• Go with Canon if photo printing is your focus.
• Opt for Brother for reliable, high-volume document printing.
- FULL FUNCTIONALITY IN A COMPACT SIZE – Print, copy, scan, and fax with business-level features in a small, budget-friend…
- FAST PRINTING WITH DUPLEX CAPABILITY – Print up to 17 ppm black and 9.5 ppm color¹ plus automatic two-sided printing to …
- MOBILE AND CLOUD READY – Use Brother Mobile Connect App² to manage printing and scanning or connect directly to cloud se…
In my opinion…
Printers can be a source of frustration or a seamless tool, depending on the brand and model you choose. My years of experience have taught me that simplicity and reliability matter more than flashy features. The Epson EcoTank stands out as the best all-around option, while Canon and Brother shine in their respective niches. Steer clear of HP’s current offerings unless you’re ready to navigate their subscription traps. Whatever your needs, invest in a printer that respects your time and delivers consistent results—you’ll thank yourself later.