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Even in a world where everything feels digital, a reliable printer, scanner, or fax tool can be the unsung hero of your home or office. Think about signing contracts, scanning receipts for taxes, or printing a last-minute boarding pass — these are the tiny moments where a device either saves your day or becomes a source of frustration. Choosing the right gear means fewer paper jams, lower running costs, and less time troubleshooting, and who doesn’t want to get back to work faster?
Print and fax tools come in many flavors: inkjet and laser printers, multifunction (print/scan/copy/fax) machines, dedicated scanners, and standalone fax appliances. Each category has strengths — inkjets are great for photos, lasers rock for black-and-white text, and MFPs simplify workflows. Narrow your needs first: are you printing photos, invoices, or occasional pages? That question will steer you toward the right family of devices and the retail outlets that specialize in them.
MFPs combine printing, scanning, copying, and often faxing into one footprint. For small offices or home businesses, they’re like a Swiss Army knife — compact and capable. Look for automatic document feeders (ADF) and duplex (double-sided) printing if you deal with multi-page documents; those features save time and paper. MFPs are sold widely, from big-box retailers to specialized dealers.
Laser printers use toner and excel at sharp text and fast page speeds, while inkjets use liquid ink and shine with color photos and blended tones. If you print 200+ pages a month, a monochrome laser will usually cost less per page. For occasional photo printing, an inkjet with pigment-based inks often gives richer color. Balance monthly volume with the type of output you want and don’t forget to factor in cartridge prices.
Scanners are no longer desk hogs — you can get sheet-fed scanners that chew through stacks of paper or pocket-sized units that slip into a briefcase. If you travel or scan receipts frequently, a portable scanner might be the best friend you didn’t know you needed. For high-resolution archival work, look at flatbed scanners from specialty retailers for precise color and detail.
Traditional fax machines still exist, but many businesses now use online fax services or fax-capable MFPs. If you must send or receive signed documents legally and consistently, a dedicated fax line or a cloud fax service integrated with your MFP can be more reliable and easier to manage than a standalone aging fax box.
Shopping for printers and fax tools is part detective work, part bargain hunting. Below, I break down the strengths of popular U.S. retailers so you can decide where to look first based on price, selection, or service.
Staples is a go-to for small businesses and home offices because it stocks a wide range of MFPs, ink and toner, and offers business services like document finishing. You’ll find everything from budget inkjets to heavy-duty laser MFPs, and they often bundle supplies or offer replenishment options. If you want to outfit a small office quickly, Staples tends to have practical packages that simplify the buying process.
Office Depot and OfficeMax focus on businesses with frequent printing needs, offering commercial-grade printers and managed print services. They’re a solid pick when you want predictable expenses for supplies and a partner for larger print projects. For businesses that value consolidation — a single vendor for equipment, supplies, and managed services — these stores are a natural match.
Best Buy carries a broad selection of consumer and prosumer printers and often appeals to buyers who want hands-on comparisons before purchasing. The company’s tech support options and installation services can help if you need someone to get Wi‑Fi printing up and running. If you’re buying a printer alongside other electronics, Best Buy’s bundles and promo deals are worth checking out.
Amazon is the place to look for variety, user reviews, and hard-to-find models. You can compare dozens of products side-by-side, read real-world feedback, and often find competitive pricing on printers, scanners, and replacement cartridges. Just keep an eye on seller ratings and warranty details, since third-party sellers may handle returns differently than big retailers.
Walmart is a strong option for affordable printers and starter ink/toner packs. If you want a low-cost inkjet for occasional home use or a basic monochrome laser for simple documents, Walmart’s selection and price point are appealing. It’s a practical choice for people who prioritize cost over advanced features.
If you need something printed today — posters, multiple copies, or a professionally bound document — FedEx Office and The UPS Store offer on-demand printing and fax services at storefront locations across the country. They’re ideal when you don’t want to invest in a machine for a single job, or when you need a business-quality finish quickly.
B&H is excellent for photographers and creatives who need high-end photo printers and color-accurate scanners. Newegg tends to serve the more technical buyer with refurbished options and competitive pricing on hard-to-find units. If you want advanced features or specific models, these specialists are worth a look.
Start with these questions: How many pages will you print per month? Do you need color photos or sharp text? Will multiple users connect to the device? Your answers will point you to the right class of printer. For example, if you print fewer than 100 pages monthly, an inexpensive inkjet may be fine. For 300–1,500 pages per month, a small monochrome laser or color laser MFP is usually a better long-term value.
Home users should prioritize ease of use, Wi‑Fi/mobile printing, and compact size. A small inkjet with wireless printing and borderless photo capability will cover casual photos and school projects without taking over the room.
Small offices benefit from MFPs with ADFs, duplex printing, and robust duty cycles. Look for security features like user authentication if multiple people access the printer, and prioritize toner cost per page to control expenses.
If you’re printing photos or proofs, look for printers with multiple color cartridges and wide color gamut. High-resolution flatbed scanners and pigment-based inks will keep colors accurate from screen to paper.
Not all printers are created equal, and a few specs really matter. Pay attention to connectivity, print speed, monthly duty cycle, and operating cost. A slow printer with cheap cartridges may still cost you time; conversely, a fast commercial device with expensive consumables can blow your budget over time.
Most modern printers offer Wi‑Fi and support for mobile printing protocols like AirPrint and Mopria. If multiple devices will print wirelessly, make sure the printer supports your platform. Gigabit Ethernet is a plus for shared office environments where reliability matters more than aesthetics.
Print speed is measured in pages per minute (ppm), and duty cycle is the suggested monthly maximum. High ppm and duty cycles suit busy offices; home users can trade speed for lower purchase price. Don’t buy a tiny printer for heavy use — it will wear out faster and increase downtime.
Cartridges and toners can be the biggest ongoing expense. Estimate cost per page by dividing cartridge price by page yield. A printer with a low upfront cost can be expensive long-term if cartridges are pricey, so weigh the total cost of ownership rather than the sticker price alone.
If you often digitize paper, choose models with duplex scanners, ADFs, and decent OCR software. For finished documents, look for stores offering binding and lamination services when you need something presentable without buying extra equipment.
Here are a few reliable models to consider across different budgets and use cases. I’ll keep it practical so you can match a model to your needs without getting lost in specs.
Canon’s PIXMA models often balance photo quality and price, with borderless printing and compact designs. They work well for family photos and occasional document printing. Expect lower upfront cost and moderate ink expenses if your printing is light.
Brother and HP make solid monochrome lasers that handle volume without fuss. They’re fast, reliable, and have reasonable cost-per-page when paired with high-yield toner. These are the workhorses for text-heavy offices and remote teams that print invoices or reports daily.
Epson’s SureColor and Canon’s Pro lines serve photographers and graphic artists who need exceptional color fidelity. These printers often use multiple pigment inks and support heavier papers. Pair them with a color-calibrated monitor for the best results.
For travelers and receipt-warriors, portable sheet-fed scanners like the Fujitsu ScanSnap family turn stacks of receipts and contracts into searchable PDFs quickly. They’re compact, fast, and a huge productivity boost if you live on the road.
Printers are one of those purchases where smart buying and maintenance can save you hundreds a year. Here are practical strategies that won’t make you feel like you’re clipping coupons in the dark.
High-yield cartridges reduce cost per page, and reputable remanufactured options often deliver comparable quality at a fraction of the price. Just buy from sellers with good reviews and clear return policies.
Many retailers and manufacturers offer subscription plans that send cartridges automatically. These programs can lower per-cartridge cost and prevent downtime, which is great if you hate running out at the worst possible moment.
Refurbished models from trusted retailers often look and work like new at a significant discount. It’s a great way to get higher-tier features without paying full price, and it keeps usable gear out of the landfill.
Not every business needs to own a commercial press. For one-off large runs, oversized posters, or professional brochures, using FedEx Office or a local print shop is more cost-effective than buying equipment that sits idle most of the year. Renting specialized equipment also frees you from maintenance and supply headaches when you only need it occasionally.
Simple habits — keeping the device dust-free, using recommended paper types, and running occasional cleaning cycles — will prolong a printer’s life. For lasers, watch toner levels and handle cartridges gently. For inkjets, printing a small color page weekly prevents nozzles from clogging. Think of it like a car: a little preventive care avoids big repairs later.
Networked printers can be a weak link if not secured. Change default passwords, enable encryption, and keep firmware updated. For sensitive documents, use user authentication or secure printing features that hold jobs until you release them at the device. Treat your printer like any other network endpoint — it deserves protection.
Choosing the right print and fax tools is a balance between what you need today and what you might need tomorrow. Shop at places that match your priorities — Staples or Office Depot for business services, Best Buy for tech help, Amazon for variety, and FedEx Office for occasional professional prints. With the right device and a few good habits, you’ll spend less time wrestling with paper and more time doing what matters.
Printers, scanners, and fax tools remain essential for many workflows, and selecting the right one can save time, money, and headaches. Start by defining your printing volume and purpose, then compare features like connectivity, duty cycle, and supply costs. Visit the retailers that best match your needs — whether you want hands-on help, wide selection, or fast service — and don’t forget to factor in total cost of ownership. With the right approach, your next print purchase will feel less like a gamble and more like a smart investment.
