Multifunction printer buying guide: Compare inkjet and laser printers

Printing has become less prevalent in recent times due to the accessibility of the Internet and developments such as smartphones, email, cloud storage and document-sharing programs and applications. Recognising the changing times, technology manufacturers have developed multifunction printers that serve several purposes beyond the simple act of dispensing typed documents. Today's multifunction printers are able to scan, copy, fax and print a wide variety of documents and images, while still maintaining the ability to produce hard copy pages of text.

A commonplace concern often associated with multifunction devices is that the ability to perform numerous tasks means that performance quality may be compromised. However, technological innovation has addressed most of these doubts and apprehensions. Multifunction printers are fast, efficient and generally uncomplicated to operate. These machines also save space by offering combined services, reducing the number of devices you may need.

Some multifunction printers can cost less than $100, while others are priced at over $1,000. How much you spend will depend on your personal requirements and demands as well as the type of device you buy and its technical capabilities.

Our guide explains the different types of multifunction printers that are available so that you can purchase the device that best suits your needs and budget. We'll explain the key features you need to be aware of plus give you information on where to buy a multifunction printer and what you can expect to pay.

Compare some of the best multifunction printers

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Name	Product	Average Price (AUD)	Type	Functions	Print speed (black / colour pages per minute)	Scan resolution (dots per inch)	Dimensions (WxDxH)	Weight (kg)	Purchase today
Canon Pixma MG2560		$37.98	Inkjet	Print Copy Scan	8 / 4 impressions per min.	600 x 1200 dpi	426 x 306 x 145 mm	3.5	Buy at Ebay	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Epson WorkForce WF-2760		$148	Inkjet	Print Copy Scan Fax	13.7 / 7.3 ppm	1200 x 2400 dpi	424.2 x 558.8 x 231.1 mm	6.6	Buy at Ebay	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Epson WorkForce Pro WF-3725		$149	Inkjet	Print Copy Scan Fax	19 / 10 ppm	1200 x 2400 dpi	425 x 378 x 249 mm	8.6	Buy at Ebay	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Canon Pixma TS6160		$152.46	Inkjet	Print Copy Scan	15 / 10 impressions per min.	1200 x 2400 dpi	372 x 315 x 139 mm	6.2	Buy at Ebay	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Brother MFC-9140CDN		$375	Laser	Print Copy Scan Fax	22 / 22 ppm	1200 x 2400 dpi	410 x 483 x 410 mm	18.5	Buy at Ebay	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Brother MFC-9340CDW		$479	Laser	Print Copy Scan Fax	22 / 22 ppm	1200 x 2400 dpi	410 x 483 x 410 mm	18.8	Buy at Ebay	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
OKI MC363DN		$609.98	Laser	Print Copy Scan Fax	30 / 26 ppm	600 x 600 dpi	427 x 509 x 444 mm	29	Buy at Ebay	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
HP PageWide Pro 577DW		$709.12	Inkjet	Print Copy Scan Fax	50 / 50 ppm	1200 x 1200 dpi	530.9 x 406.4 x 467.4 mm	22.1	Buy at Ebay	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Epson Expression ET-3600 EcoTank		$719.29	Inkjet	Print Copy Scan	13.7 / 7.3 ppm	1200 x 2400 dpi	515.62 x 558.8 x 205.7 mm	6.6	Buy at Ebay	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Kyocera Ecosys M6630CIDN		$1,094.94	Laser	Print Copy Scan Fax	30 / 30 ppm	600 x 600 dpi	475 x 558 x 616 mm	35.4	Buy at Ebay	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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Cost

The price of a new multifunction printer will vary depending on the brand, model and technical specifications. Not all devices offer the same list of services, although most are similar in terms of functionality. For example, some multifunction printers don't provide fax capabilities, since fewer people send and receive faxes due to the Internet.

Multifunction printers range in cost from as low as $90 to over $1,200. The sweet spot seems to be between $150 and $300, but this does not take into account individual requirements.

What types of multifunction printers are available?

Multifunction inkjet printers

• The most common multifunction printers are inkjet printers. Basic inkjet models are generally the most affordable multi-purpose devices and offer sufficient quality for everyday use. Inkjet printers can also produce exceptional detail when printing images and colours. These devices require you to buy replaceable ink cartridges every so often, depending on what you're printing, how frequently you use the printer and at what quality you opt to print.

Multifunction laser printers

• These devices differ to inkjet printers in that they use toner cartridges, a fine powder substance that's often more expensive but longer lasting than its ink-based counterpart. It's helpful to note that some multifunction inkjet printers don't require cartridges at all. Some come equipped with refillable tanks that offer greater affordability and fewer trips to the store. Additionally, some printers offer up to one year's worth of free ink when you buy. This can have a big effect on the value of your purchase, so it's important to take this into consideration.

Important features to consider

The different features of multifunction printers that determine quality, capability, cost and longevity include the following:

• Size

  Multifunction printers are generally larger than standard printers, but because they're able to perform a variety of tasks, they can go a long way to conserving space and reducing clutter.

• Printing capabilities

  This remains the primary function of these devices and so considering what it is you will be printing, how often you'll be printing and your particular needs and desires is essential. For example, photographers may need specific size prints and special paper and not all multifunction printers are capable of conforming to these requirements. Office employees or individuals that work from home may need to print documents at a high rate of speed. A laser printer may be useful for those that need to mark or highlight sheets as they're printed.

• Scanning

  A scanner can quickly transfer documents or images to your computer, allowing you to save, edit and send them on to your network of contacts. Be aware of the types of things you'll be scanning and ensure that the multifunction printer you purchase has sufficient capabilities. Scanner resolution is a key indicator for quality. For example, 600dpi is appropriate for most of your documents and images/photos, while you will need higher resolutions for large printing jobs.

• Faxing

  Be aware that not all new multifunction printers come equipped with fax capabilities. Being able to send and receive a fax is convenient when your Internet connection goes down since you send faxes via the phone lines. However, the person you're sharing documents with must also have a fax for this process to be successful.

• Copying

  The copy function allows you to duplicate paper pages you feed into your printer. There are two types of copiers, monochrome and colour. Colour copiers are often more expensive, so it's helpful to determine whether you'll need this capability or be able to rely on scanning.

Automatic duplexing

Printers with automatic duplexing are able to print on both sides of a piece of paper without any need for you to touch the page during the process. Manual duplex printers can also print on both sides of a piece of paper but you need to feed the page back through the machine.

Automatic document feeding

Some multifunction printers include document feeding stations, where you can load large, multi-page documents for copying or scanning. This can save lots of time and hassle.

Wireless, Wi-Fi, wired connections and USB ports

Check to see if the printer you're buying offers wireless connections to other devices, such as your laptop or phone. This will allow you to print without cords or a wired connection. Wi-Fi is commonplace on most devices these days, but it's not guaranteed. Some people prefer the confidence of a wired connection. If you're likely to print from an external hard drive or USB stick, check that the multifunction printer you're purchasing comes equipped with these ports.

Ink and toner cartridges and refills

These are supplemental items that you will need to replace regularly and can differ in cost, size and price depending on your quality requirements and your printer's unique specifications.

Paper

The type of paper you use will depend upon what you want to print and at what quality. Paper can be cheap and recyclable, but it can also be costly and not so environmentally friendly. Make sure that the printer you select accepts the type of paper requirements you might have.

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Where to buy multifunction printers in Australia

A convenient way to buy a multifunction printer is to shop online. Regardless of your budget or specific requirements, retailers generally offer the same deals and products online as they do in-store. In some cases, they'll also offer exclusive online-only prices and discounts.

If you're interested in purchasing a multifunction printer, browse our featured products above.