Buying a printer in 2026 is less about finding the "best" specs and more about matching the technology to how often—and what—you actually print. The most expensive mistake is buying a cheap inkjet for occasional use, only to have the ink dry out and clog the machine before you've finished the first cartridge. 1. Choose Your Technology
: Best for occasional, high-quality photos. These are the cheapest to buy upfront but have the highest ink costs and are prone to clogging if left idle. 2. Top Recommendations for 2026 what printer to buy
: Best for high-volume color printing. Instead of expensive cartridges, you pour ink from affordable bottles into large tanks. These have a higher upfront cost but the lowest long-term running costs . Buying a printer in 2026 is less about
Based on recent testing from Forbes Vetted and RTINGS.com , here are the standout models: Inkjet or Laser: What's the Best Printer for Me? Choose Your Technology : Best for occasional, high-quality