What’s the Best Printers for Chromebook? 5 Options Ranked

True Score Methodology

v1.5

147,768

Reviews Analyzed

Updated Jun 10, 2024 3:41 PM

Table of Contents

best printer for chromebook guide that shows the top best printer model

A whopping 75% of electronic and appliance reviews are untrustworthy. That’s why every reviewer gets a Trust Rating so our True Score System filters out the fake reviews. See how we do it.

Choosing the right printer can feel overwhelming and complicated. You should consider ease of setup, straightforward wireless printing, and reliable performance for a printer that seamlessly integrates with your Chromebook. Our selection process for the best printers involved analyzing 26 different models and scrutinizing 147,768 reviews to ensure reliability and performance.

Five printers performed exceptionally in testing, earning their spot on our buying guide. We filter out fake and low-quality reviews using our proprietary and data-driven A.I. True Score system. This rigorous approach ensures that each winning printer excels in real-world applications and meets the high standards expected for Chromebook compatibility. We guide you to the best printers for every budget and printing need, helping you make an informed decision tailored to your specific requirements.

How Did We Rank the Best Printers for Chromebook?

Our buying guide for the best printers for Chromebooks is the result of analyzing data from over 200 sites, including testing methods and customer reviews. By understanding user issues and expert insights, we identified 2 required test results, 2 desirable features, and 1 must-have specifications. This rigorous approach ensures that our recommendations are both reliable and precise.

Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, targeting low quality and fake reviews. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.

?️ Minimum Specifications

  • Must be wireless.

? Test Criteria

  • Print Speed: Black & White Printing Speed exceeds 20 pages per minute (ppm).
  • Printing Costs: Printing costs are less than 7 cents per page.

? “Nice To Haves”

  • Color Accuracy: Color accuracy is maintained with a deviation (dE) of less than 6.
  • Print Speed: Color Printing Speed surpasses 12 pages per minute (ppm).

Latest Updates

  • 06/10/2024: Republished the list to include the best printers for Chromebooks based on our True Score system.

Top Printers for Chromebook For 2024

Prices accurate at the time of publishing

See how we test the testers

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Brother MFC-L8905CDW

    • Best For Chromebook

    Ideal for document-heavy tasks and Chromebook compatibility, the Brother MFC-L8905CDW excels in speed and usability, though it falls short in photo quality.

    Brother MFC-L8905CDW Review →

    True Score

    91
    92
    2

    Experts

    86
    3k

    Customers

    $699.98

    Snapshot

    Reasons to Buy

    • Good print quality (text)
    • Fast printing speeds
    • Excellent monochrome scan quality
    • Economic running costs

    Reasons to Avoid

    • Low-quality image prints
    • Grainy color scans

    Specifications

    Automatic Document FeederAutomatic Document FeederYes
    Automatic Two-Sided PrintingAutomatic Two-Sided PrintingYes
    Copier Resolution (B&W)Copier Resolution (B&W)1200 x 600 dpi
    Copier Resolution (Color)Copier Resolution (Color)
    DepthDepth20.7"
    Duplex Scan FunctionDuplex Scan Function
    Energy Star CertifiedEnergy Star Certifiedn/a
    HeightHeight21.6"
    Integrated FaxIntegrated FaxYes
    Max Number of CopiesMax Number of Copies
    Max Paper WidthMax Paper Width
    Mobile PrintingMobile Printing
    Number of Ink Cartridges RequiredNumber of Ink Cartridges Required
    Paper FeederPaper Feeder
    Print Speed (B&W)Print Speed (B&W)33 ppm
    Print Speed (Color)Print Speed (Color)33 ppm
    Printer Resolution (B&W)Printer Resolution (B&W)2400 x 600 dpi
    Printer Resolution (Color)Printer Resolution (Color)2400 x 600 dpi
    Printer TypePrinter TypeColor Laser
    Scanner ResolutionScanner ResolutionUp to 1200 x 2400
    Scanner TypeScanner TypeFlatbed
    Tray CapacityTray Capacity250
    WidthWidth19.5"
    WirelessWirelessYes

    All Specs

    Test Results

    B&W Print Speed (ppm)23
    Color Print Speed (ppm)18
    B&W Printing Costs (¢ per page)3
    Color Printing Costs (¢ per page)18
    Color Accuracy (dE)9

    All Retailers

    • $699.98

      Availability

      In Stock

      Free Shipping

      Yes
    • $699.98
      $950
      Save $250

      Availability

      In Stock

      Free Shipping

      No
    • $699.99

      Availability

      In Stock

      Free Shipping

    Our Verdict

    For Chromebook users primarily focused on document printing, the Brother MFC-L8905CDW is an excellent choice. This printer accommodates color printing and has a range of connectivity features, including wireless options, suiting the versatile demands of Chromebook users. Its laser technology ensures a high page yield, making it easier to manage supplies, while the 250-page capacity tray minimizes the need for frequent refills. Moreover, the inclusion of duplex printing and an automatic document feeder simplifies the process of handling multi-page documents, enhancing overall productivity and ease of use.

    The Brother MFC-L8905CDW shines when it comes to print speed, with 23.15 pages per minute (ppm) for black-and-white prints and 18 ppm for color prints. However, with a resolution of 2400 x 600, text appears sharp, yet this printer falls short in rendering high-quality images. With bad color accuracy, a Delta E score of 9.02, the highest on our list, printed images appear lackluster, with limited color fidelity, failing to accurately reproduce the original documents. The Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850 is a better option if you also need photo printing. Additionally, the printing cost of 2.8 cents per page is an essential factor to weigh in when considering the printer’s overall value and operating costs.

    While the Brother MFC-L8905CDW might not be the best fit for niche hobbies or photo printing, its strengths in speed, high-quality document printing, and user-friendly features make it a solid choice for a variety of other applications, including small business needs and everyday home use. Its compatibility with Chromebooks, coupled with its impressive performance, ensures it meets the needs of users looking for a reliable, high-quality printing solution, as long as it’s not for photos.

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Canon imageCLASS MF455DW

    • Best For Laser

    Ideal for Chromebook users, the Canon imageCLASS MF455DW excels in text printing with its speed, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. It is also perfect for office and educational use.

    Canon imageCLASS MF455DW Review →

    True Score

    90
    90
    2

    Experts

    88
    974

    Customers

    $369.99

    Did you know 73% of printer reviewers are untrustworthy?

    Our research found only 23 of 83 printer reviewers as of July 2024 can be trusted. This is why Gadget Review is committed to calculating the most accurate product scores on the web.

    To do this, we give every printer review site a Trust Rating, which measures how trustworthy the site and their testing claims are. We then leverage AI & a machine learning model to combine and calculate the Trust Rating with data from experts and consumers to deliver the True Score, the web’s most accurate product quality rating.

    147,768

    Printer Reviews Analyzed

    26

    Total Products Analyzed

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Epson Ecotank ET-5850

    • Best For Epson

    Ideal for photo enthusiasts and high-volume users, the Epson Ecotank ET-5850 offers unparalleled cost efficiency and versatility, despite its premium price.

    Epson Ecotank ET-5850 Review →

    True Score

    89
    90
    3

    Experts

    88
    795

    Customers

    $849.99

    DON’T SEE WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR?

    Modern printing needs often include flexibility, so a great wireless printer is a convenient choice for home and office use. For on-the-go printing, a top portable printer ensures you can print anywhere, anytime. Additionally, for cost-effective printing, consider top-tier printers with cheap ink to save on long-term expenses.

    When choosing the best printer cardstock, it’s essential to find a model that can handle heavy paper types without jamming. The top printer for crafting can provide valuable tips on selecting printers that offer vibrant color and precision for crafting enthusiasts.

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Canon imageCLASS MF753CDW

    • Best For Canon

    Ideal for high-volume document printing, the Canon MF753CDW excels with fast color speeds and versatility, though less precise in color accuracy.

    Canon imageCLASS MF753CDW Review →

    True Score

    88
    89
    2

    Experts

    85
    2k

    Customers

    SAVE $250
    $649.99
    $399.99

    Category Snapshot

    Printers

    • Total Brands/Products Tested

      5 Brands, 26 Products

    • Top 2 Brands

      Epson, Canon

    • Price Range (Budget-Premium)

      $30-$1,000

    • Average True Score

      80.95

    • Important Test Criteria

      Mono & Color Print Speed (in/s, cm/s)

      Color Accuracy (dE)

    • Most Trusted Testers

      rtings and tech gear lab logos

    • Top Printer Experts

      Ryan Lim, Lesley Robinson

    • Typical Warranty

      1 year

    • Covered by Insurance

      Yes – AKKO

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Brother HL-L2325DW

    • Best For Small Business

    Ideal for Chromebook users, the Brother HL-L2325DW excels in speed, efficiency, and monochrome print quality, making it a smart, budget-friendly choice

    Brother HL-L2325DW Review →

    True Score

    79
    77
    2

    Experts

    87
    2k

    Customers

    $185.00

Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Printers for Chromebook?

By focusing on these criteria (2 required, 2 nice to have), anyone can quickly and easily compare these printers and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase a printer for Chromebook.

CRITERIARANGEREQUIREDDEFINITION
B&W Print Speed> 20 ppmYesHow fast a printer can produce purely black and white pages while printing.
Color Print Speed> 12 ppmYesHow fast a printer can produce color pages and photos while printing.
B&W Printing Costs< 7 centsNo (Nice to have)How much a black and white page costs to print.
Color Accuracy< 6 dENo (Nice to have)How much the color printed by a printer deviates, on average, from the reference color.

Our Trusted Data Sources

We looked at 80+ printers reviewers and found that 23 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating). The three we have listed below are our most trusted for printers.

  1. Ryan Lim – Rtings, LinkedIn
  2. Lesley Robinson – TechGearLab, LinkedIn
  3. Ben Keough – Wirecutter, MuckRack, LinkedIn

Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every printer review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.

Printers Test Data & Results

1. Print Speed, Black & White (PPM)

The primary job of a printer is to print out pages, and black & white print speed tests are just measurements of how long it takes a printer to produce pages that are purely black and white. The better a printer is at printing in black and white, the more pages it’s able to produce in a minute.

Print speed is largely a matter of convenience, so while we have a minimum speed we suggest (generally around 20 pages per minute) there’s no real downside to a printer being slower if you’re using it at home – you’ll just end up having to wait longer to finish printing out a document. However, printers in professional settings need to be snappy because they’re going to be used constantly, and the faster a printer is able to produce documents, the better.

Print Speed, Black & White (PPM; higher is better)

2. Print Speed, Color (PPM)

Much like black and white print speeds, color printing speed is simply a measure of how long it takes a printer to print out color documents and photos. If you’re purely printing photos, you’ll see an ever further reduced speed (given the size of photographs and the detail they demand.)

Color print speed is less important (generally) than black and white speeds, simply because it’s usually done less. However, if you’re constantly printing photos at home or in the office, higher print speeds are good to keep you from waiting around for a print job to finish.

Print Speed, Color (PPM; higher is better)

3. B&W Printing Costs (Cents per page)

Using your printer uses up ink, which means it costs money. Printing costs are usually measured as cost per print (or page) and are gauged by calculating how much each print costs by comparing the cost of an ink or toner cartridge to the total number of pages printed by the cartridge.

Print costs should ideally be as low as possible, with the greatest number of pages per cartridge being the obvious “goal” to aim for. Black ink, being the cheaper ink, means that black and white printing costs are usually lower on a per page basis. If you’re printing constantly, getting the cost as low as you can means you’ll be spending less on cartridges in the long run.

B&W Printing Costs (in cents per page; lower is better)

4. Color Accuracy (dE)

Color accuracy with printers uses a mix of standardized references (like the Adobe ColorChecker) and a color control sensor to check the accuracy of the colors printed by a printer and then grades the accuracy on a 10-point+ scale. Unlike most scales, where 10 is good, color accuracy scores are reversed, with 0 and 1 being the most desirable score, as it indicates little to no deviation from the reference color.

Generally speaking, color accuracy should be at least a 5 or lower to be considered “good.” At 6 or higher, the colors are noticeably different, which is an issue if you’re printing photos and hoping for accurate colors.

Color Accuracy (lower is better)

Best Printers for Chromebook: Mistakes To Avoid

  1. Ignoring Compatibility: Not all printers are compatible with Chromebooks. Ensure the printer explicitly states support for Chrome OS or offers Google Cloud Print compatibility. Verify compatibility before making a purchase to avoid compatibility issues. Similarly, the best printers for Mac should also offer seamless integration with macOS, supporting features like AirPrint and ensuring compatibility with all Mac devices.

  2. Neglecting Connectivity Options: Chromebooks rely heavily on cloud-based services, so choose a printer with versatile connectivity options. Look for printers with Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or USB connectivity, as well as support for Google Cloud Print or native Chrome OS printing capabilities. Additionally, understanding how to connect a printer to a hotspot can enhance its usability with Chromebooks, especially when traditional Wi-Fi networks are not available.

  3. Underestimating Printing Speed: Consider the printer’s printing speed to ensure it meets your needs. While Chromebooks emphasize cloud-based workflows, printing speed is still important, especially for high-volume printing tasks.

  4. Disregarding Print Quality: Ensure the printer produces satisfactory print quality for your needs. Check reviews and sample prints to assess the printer’s text and graphics quality, especially if you require high-quality photo prints or academic purposes.

The Best Printers for Chromebook Tests Compared

Product
True Score
B&W Print Speed
Color Print Speed
B&W Printing Cost (per page)
Color Printing Cost (per page)
Color Accuracy

Brother MFC-L8905CDW

  • Best for Chromebook

91
  • 23.15 ppm

  • 18 ppm

  • 2.75¢

  • 18.3¢

  • 9.02 dE

$699.98
90
  • 24.95 ppm

  • No Data ppm

  • 3.6¢

  • 6.8¢

  • 0

$369.99
89
  • 23 ppm

  • 18.1 ppm

  • 0.5¢

  • 2.15¢

  • 7.02 dE

$849.99
88
  • 23 ppm

  • 36 ppm

  • 4.9¢

  • 23.6¢

  • 6.68 dE

$399.99
$650
$250

Brother HL-L2325DW

  • Best for Small Business

79
  • 25.3 ppm

  • No Data ppm

  • 3.8¢

  • No Data¢

  • 0

$185.00

Printers for Chromebook Questions (FAQ)

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