Print Servers

Ultimate Guide to Buying Print Servers in the US: Where to Shop and What to Know

Why a Print Server Still Matters in 2025

Think print servers are relics from a bygone office era? Think again. A print server can be the silent hero of your network, connecting legacy printers to modern wired and wireless networks without replacing expensive hardware. If you’ve ever watched a queue of print jobs stack up while everyone waits, a print server is like adding an extra lane to a busy highway — it keeps traffic moving. Whether you’re running a home office, a small business, or a branch location that needs secure shared printing, print servers simplify management and can save you money in the long run.

Who Sells Print Servers in the US (Top Retailers)

When you’re ready to buy, it helps to know where to look. Several U.S. retailers specialize in networking hardware and offer a broad range of print servers — from simple USB-to-Ethernet adapters to multi-port managed devices. Below I’ll walk you through popular stores, what they’re good for, and the brands they typically stock so you can shop smart.

Amazon — Vast Selection and Fast Ship

Amazon is often the first stop because of its huge selection and quick shipping options. You can find mass-market brands like TP-Link and NETGEAR, as well as niche vendors such as StarTech and IOGEAR. One advantage is plentiful user reviews that help you gauge real-world reliability. If you need same-day or next-day delivery and don’t mind sifting through options, Amazon is a convenient choice.

Best Buy — Reliable Local Pickup and In-Store Support

Best Buy blends online convenience with physical stores, which is great if you want to inspect devices or pick up a unit the same day. Their networking aisle often includes consumer-focused print servers and adapters. Store staff can help with compatibility questions, and Geek Squad can assist with basic setup—handy if you prefer in-person help.

Newegg — Tech-Focused Marketplace

If you’re shopping for more advanced or enterprise-class print servers, Newegg is a strong bet. They specialize in networking hardware and often carry higher-end models from StarTech, D-Link, and other prosumer brands. Newegg’s product pages usually include detailed specs that help compare throughput, port counts, and supported protocols.

B&H Photo Video — Pro-Grade Gear and Excellent Support

B&H is not just for cameras — it’s a good source for business-grade networking gear. They stock print servers suitable for creative studios and small offices, and their customer service is well-regarded for technical questions. If you need a model that handles heavy print volumes or multiple spoolers, B&H is worth checking out.

CDW — Tailored for Businesses and IT Departments

CDW focuses on business customers and IT procurement. If you’re outfitting a branch office or need volume discounts, CDW’s catalog includes managed print servers and multi-port devices from enterprise vendors. They also offer purchasing options like quotes and asset tagging, which help larger buyers keep hardware organized.

Micro Center — Nerd-Friendly Storefront with Hands-On Access

Micro Center is beloved by tech enthusiasts for its in-store selection and knowledgeable staff. You’ll often find both consumer and prosumer print servers on their shelves. If you enjoy asking pointed technical questions and getting immediate, practical advice — sometimes with demo hardware — Micro Center is a great brick-and-mortar option.

Staples & Office Depot — Convenient for Office Supplies

Staples and Office Depot carry basic network print servers and adapters alongside office supplies. These chains are convenient when you need something quickly for a small office or classroom. While they may not stock the most cutting-edge or high-capacity models, the convenience and bundled office solutions can be appealing.

Brands to Look For: Who Makes Reliable Print Servers?

Choosing a reputable brand is half the battle. Several manufacturers stand out for quality and support. TP-Link and NETGEAR offer a solid balance of price and features for most homes and small offices. StarTech and IOGEAR are ideal when you need specific adapters or pro-level USB-to-network solutions. D-Link often targets SMB needs with competitively priced managed devices, while SEH and Lantronix cater to enterprise-grade deployments.

Key Features to Compare Before You Buy

Not all print servers are created equal. Think of features like lanes on that highway analogy: the more lanes, the more traffic handled smoothly. Here are must-check specs and why they matter.

Port Type and Count

Do you need a USB-to-Ethernet adapter for a single printer, or a multi-port box to share several printers? Single-port adapters are inexpensive and perfect for home offices, while 2–4 port boxes suit small teams. For larger needs, look at 8, 16, or even more ports in rack-mountable units measured in inches for rack compatibility.

Speed and Protocol Support

Gigabit Ethernet is the baseline today. If you plan to support many users or large raster jobs, prioritize devices that support 1 Gbps links. Also check protocol support: LPR/LPD, IPP, and SMB are common. Want advanced queuing or secure printing? Look for devices that support encrypted connections and user authentication.

Managed vs Unmanaged

A managed print server gives you more control — think VLAN support, SNMP monitoring, and firmware updates — useful in corporate environments. Unmanaged units are plug-and-play and perfect for homes or small offices where simplicity rules. Which do you need? If you’ve got a dedicated IT person, managed is worth it.

Wireless or Wired?

Some print servers include Wi-Fi to bridge older USB printers onto wireless networks. That’s handy if running Ethernet cable is a hassle. Wired units often provide lower latency and more reliable throughput, especially when printers are in closets or shared across floors measured in feet. Choose based on placement and environmental interference.

Common Use Cases: Which Print Server Fits Your Scenario?

Print server needs vary a lot. Let’s map a few common scenarios to the type of unit you should hunt for in the stores above.

Home Office — Simplicity and Value

If you work from home and have a single legacy printer, a USB-to-Ethernet print server from Amazon, Best Buy, or Staples usually does the trick. Pick a compact unit, plug it into your router, and map the network printer on your PC or Mac. It’s like giving an old car a new engine — you keep what you love and add modern performance.

Small Business — Reliability and Multi-User Support

For 5–20 users, look at 2–4 port units or small managed boxes from Newegg, B&H, or CDW. These models handle moderate workloads and offer admin tools to prioritize print queues. They keep operations humming without the complexity of enterprise gear.

Branch or Enterprise — Scale and Security

Larger deployments demand rack-mountable, multi-port managed print servers that integrate with directory services and logging. CDW and specialist resellers stock enterprise brands that support tens to hundreds of users and can be remotely managed. These are the heavy-duty trucks of the print server world.

How to Evaluate Compatibility with Your Printer

Compatibility is where many buyers stumble. Print servers work best when the printer supports standard network printing protocols. Check the printer’s manual or the retailer’s product page for compatibility notes. For non-networkable printers, a USB-to-ethernet adapter or a wireless bridge can be a miracle. If in doubt, reach out to the store’s tech support or consult forums — many users report exact models that play nicely together.

Tips for Smooth Setup and Better Performance

Even the best print server can misbehave if placed badly or set up incorrectly. Here are practical tips to avoid headaches and keep prints flowing.

Placement and Cabling

Keep the print server close to the printer and the router. Short Ethernet runs reduce packet loss — think feet, not yards. Use a quality Cat5e or Cat6 cable to support gigabit speeds. Avoid running cables near heavy electrical equipment that could cause interference.

Firmware and Security Updates

Buy from a store that provides firmware download links or vendor support documentation. Firmware updates often fix vulnerabilities and improve reliability. For business environments, enable encrypted protocols and, when available, integrate with your authentication system to control who can print.

Test Before You Commit

Before deploying across a team, test the print server with your most used applications. Print big PDFs, color proofs, and many small label jobs to ensure there aren’t driver or spooling issues. This is especially important for graphic studios and retail environments where color and speed matter.

Price Ranges and Budgeting

Print servers cover a wide price spectrum. Basic USB-to-Ethernet adapters can cost under $30, while robust managed multi-port units can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on port count and features. Stores like Amazon and Newegg often have the best deals for budget-conscious buyers, while CDW and B&H provide business purchasing options that include add-ons and extended warranty choices. If you’re replacing multiple outdated printers, investing in a higher-quality print server can be economical compared to buying new network-enabled printers.

Where to Find Reviews and Comparative Information

Before clicking Buy, hunt for reviews. Amazon’s user reviews are helpful for real-world problems, while Newegg often includes technical comments from enthusiasts. Professional reviews on tech sites highlight throughput and compatibility. If you prefer a comparison tool that aggregates deals and specs, use a reputable comparison site to filter by port count, speed, and brand — it saves time and points you to the right retailer.

Final Buying Checklist

Ready to make a decision? Run through this quick checklist: ensure protocol compatibility (LPR/IPP/SMB), confirm port type and count, choose managed vs unmanaged based on your IT staff, verify firmware support from the manufacturer, and compare prices across retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Newegg, B&H, CDW, and Micro Center. With that sorted, you’ll avoid returns and setup frustration.

Shopping for a print server doesn’t have to be painful. With the right store and a clear list of needs, you can upgrade your network printing in an afternoon. Now that you know where to buy and what to look for, which retailer will you check first?

Conclusion: Print servers are a cost-effective way to modernize printing infrastructure without replacing your existing printers. By choosing the right store and the right features — and by following best practices for setup and security — you’ll keep your office humming and your print jobs flowing smoothly.