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Before you settle on any electronic device, from laptops to printers, it’s a good idea to do your research.

Consider the different brands and keep in mind what you’ll use the printer for – whether you just need it to print out essays or for art projects. This will make it easier to work out what features you want and whether you’ll need a laser or inkjet model.

Once you have a few brands in mind, make sure you note the cartridge compatibility, including the lifespan and its replacement price. This should be considered for laser printers too, as toner will need to be replenished from time to time.

You can visit Cartridge Save and other similar sites to reduce the cost of cartridges. It’s usually not worth buying ink in bulk because printer ink has an expiry date – unless you’ve taken on a course that requires a lot of printing, you probably won’t use it all.

Here are some of the best printers for students.

Canon Pixma MG5750

Neat, stylish and efficient. This printer can print, scan and copy. It’s a fantastic all-in-one that will not break the bank. As it’s from Canon, you can expect the Pixma to print high-quality, glossy photos time and time again. You’ll be able to print directly onto CDs and DVDs and even from your mobile with its ePrint and AirPrint features. ePrint is a relatively new feature but it works in the same way as the old school fax machines. You can print directly to your printer from any Apple or PC device, such as, iPad, Macbooks and even your smartphone. It’s a handy feature if you need something printing out sharpish.

HP Envy 5530

Produce high-quality docs and photos at the touch of a button with the Inkjet HP Envy 5530. It has a compact, stylish design with a large touchscreen for easy navigation. It has all the basic features, such as scanning and coping capabilities, plus a USB port. What’s so great about the Envy is it’s fast and has a hassle-free Wi-Fi connection, which means, like the Canon Pixma, it also offers the AirPrint and ePrint features. Its wireless feature means you can print on the go. It makes the HP Envy a great option if you’re sharing a printer with housemates, as everyone can have access.

Brother HL-L2340DW

The idea choice if you’re planning on sharing your prints with a large household; this Brother laser model is fast and compact. It has all the basic features, plus it’s wireless and can print photos. This is a printer with a handy Duplex feature, which will save on time and money. This is when the printer will automatically print on both sides of an A4 sheet. But, the best thing about this printer is that it doesn’t waste electricity when it’s not in use. Once it has stopped printing, it quickly falls into sleep mode, consuming just one watt of energy.

HP OfficeJet 7510 (A3)

HP has a range of fantastic printers that are great for students, but the OfficeJet 7510 is your ideal A3 inkjet printer. It’s easy to use and quite compact considering its paper tray has a capacity of 250 sheets. It has a built-in screen for easy navigation around its features that include, scanning, copying and faxing. You can print wirelessly or from its USB port. It’s compatible with PC and Apple Mac, which means the HP ePrint service is available. Created for business purposes, the OfficeJet produces high-quality black and colour prints at a reasonably fast speed.

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