Editorial standards
How we score.
The criteria, weights and benchmarks behind every review score.
The short version
Every review scores a printer from 0 to 10. We rate it on five or six criteria that matter for its type, each against written benchmarks, and the overall score is the weighted average. Each review shows the full breakdown, so you can see where a printer earns or loses points.
Where the numbers come from
Our reviews are research-led. We don't run our own lab. We bring together independent lab measurements, manufacturer specifications and yields, current prices, and owner reports, and cite them in each review. When sources disagree, measured results outrank specifications, and specifications outrank anecdotes. Owner reports still count when the same problem comes up again and again, because labs usually test one unit for a short time. If we ever test a printer ourselves, the review says so and describes how.
How the overall score works
Each criterion is rated from 0 to 10 in half points. The overall score is the weighted average, rounded to one decimal place. If a criterion doesn't apply, such as color on a black-only laser printer, it isn't scored and its weight is shared among the rest. Scores compare printers that use the same rubric: a 9 for a pocket printer and a 9 for a desktop photo printer aren't the same thing.
Keeping scores current
Running costs depend on prices, which change. Each review shows when its facts were last checked, and we re-score a printer when prices, firmware or reliability reports change meaningfully. Affiliate commissions play no part in a score.
Desktop photo printers
Inkjet, ink-tank and pro photo printers that print 8x10 and larger.
Photo quality 35%
Color accuracy, color range, fine detail, smooth gradients, and neutral black-and-white prints on photo paper.
- 9–10
- Among the most accurate and widest-gamut results tested, with neutral black-and-white and no visible flaws.
- 7–8
- Accurate color with minor shortfalls, such as a narrower gamut or a slight cast in black-and-white.
- 5–6
- Good for snapshots, with visible issues in skin tones, gradients or shadows.
- 0–4
- Noticeable color errors, banding or grain.
Cost per print 20%
Ink cost of a 4x6 and an 8x10 print, from manufacturer yields and current ink prices. Paper is excluded because it varies by choice.
- 9–10
- Under 10¢ of ink per 4x6.
- 7–8
- 10–25¢ per 4x6.
- 5–6
- 25–50¢ per 4x6.
- 0–4
- Over 50¢ per 4x6.
Print sizes and media 15%
Largest borderless print, roll and fine-art paper support, and how well thick or textured media feed.
- 9–10
- 13x19 or larger borderless, with a dedicated path for fine-art paper.
- 7–8
- Up to 13x19, or letter borderless with good thick-media support.
- 5–6
- Letter or smaller borderless, standard photo papers only.
- 0–4
- Limited sizes, or unreliable feeding of photo paper.
Reliability and upkeep 15%
Clogging after idle periods, maintenance costs, replaceable parts, ink restrictions, and repeated failure reports.
- 9–10
- Few reliability complaints, cheap upkeep, and no restrictions on ink.
- 7–8
- Occasional clogs or maintenance costs, easily fixed.
- 5–6
- Common clogging or upkeep complaints, or restrictions on ink.
- 0–4
- Widespread failures, costly repairs, or locked-in consumables.
Ease of use 15%
Setup, drivers and apps, color profiles for common papers, connectivity, and print speed.
- 9–10
- Simple setup, good apps and paper profiles, fast prints.
- 7–8
- Easy day to day, with a few rough edges.
- 5–6
- Fiddly setup, weak software, or slow prints.
- 0–4
- Frustrating to set up or use.
Compact and portable photo printers
4x6 and smaller dye-sub, Zink and instant-film printers.
Print quality 30%
Color accuracy, sharpness, and skin tones at the printer's size.
- 9–10
- Accurate, sharp prints that hold up next to lab prints.
- 7–8
- Pleasing prints with minor color or sharpness shortfalls.
- 5–6
- Fine for casual snapshots; soft or color-shifted.
- 0–4
- Muddy, inaccurate or inconsistent prints.
Cost per print 20%
Cost of paper, ribbon or film per print at current pack prices.
- 9–10
- Under 30¢ per print.
- 7–8
- 30–50¢ per print.
- 5–6
- 50¢–$1 per print.
- 0–4
- Over $1 per print.
Portability and battery 20%
Size and weight, built-in battery, prints per charge, and charging.
- 9–10
- Pocketable, with a built-in battery that lasts a full outing.
- 7–8
- Bag-sized, with a built-in battery.
- 5–6
- Battery sold separately, or short battery life.
- 0–4
- Needs mains power.
App and connectivity 15%
App quality and editing, phone and camera connections, and printing without an account or internet.
- 9–10
- Reliable app with useful editing; prints from phones and cameras with no account.
- 7–8
- Good app with minor limits.
- 5–6
- Clunky or unreliable app, or an account required.
- 0–4
- Frequent connection or app failures.
Print format and durability 15%
Print sizes, borderless options, sticker backing, and how well prints resist water, fading and handling.
- 9–10
- Several sizes, durable coated prints, and useful options such as stickers.
- 7–8
- One good size with durable prints.
- 5–6
- Small or single format, or prints that scuff or fade easily.
- 0–4
- Very limited format and fragile prints.
Home and office printers
Inkjet, ink-tank and laser printers for documents. One rubric, so inkjets and lasers can be compared directly.
Running costs 25%
Cost per page in black and in color, from ISO yields and current ink or toner prices, including drums where needed.
- 9–10
- About 1¢ or less per black page.
- 7–8
- 1–3¢ per black page.
- 5–6
- 3–6¢ per black page.
- 0–4
- Over 6¢ per black page.
Document quality 20%
Text sharpness, small type, and charts and graphics.
- 9–10
- Crisp text down to small sizes and clean graphics.
- 7–8
- Sharp text with minor flaws in graphics.
- 5–6
- Readable but soft text, or visible banding.
- 0–4
- Poor text or graphics.
Color and photo quality 10%
Color documents and the occasional photo.
- 9–10
- Accurate color documents and good photos.
- 7–8
- Good color documents; photos are acceptable.
- 5–6
- Washed-out or inaccurate color.
- 0–4
- Poor color.
Features and paper handling 20%
Scanning and copying, document feeder, two-sided printing and scanning, paper capacity, and connectivity.
- 9–10
- Duplex document feeder, auto two-sided printing, large tray, Wi-Fi and Ethernet.
- 7–8
- Most of the above, missing one useful feature.
- 5–6
- Basic features only, such as a flatbed without a feeder.
- 0–4
- Missing features most buyers expect.
Reliability and ownership 15%
Clogging and jams, ink or toner restrictions, required accounts or subscriptions, and repeated failure reports.
- 9–10
- Few complaints, and no lock-ins, accounts or subscriptions.
- 7–8
- Minor issues, or optional accounts and services.
- 5–6
- Common complaints, or firmware that blocks third-party supplies.
- 0–4
- Widespread failures, or a required account or subscription to print.
Speed and ease of use 10%
Print speed, first page out, setup, and the app or control panel.
- 9–10
- Fast, quiet and easy to set up.
- 7–8
- Easy to use, with average speed.
- 5–6
- Slow, or awkward setup and controls.
- 0–4
- Frustrating to set up or use.