A printer that only prints is a paperweight in a world that demands digital copies, signed contracts, and backup scans. The real work starts when you need to digitize a document, duplicate a form, or archive a receipt without launching three different apps. A combination printer and scanner collapses that multi-device shuffle into a single workflow, but choosing the wrong one means trading one bottleneck for another.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind WellFizz. I’ve spent hundreds of hours studying the spec sheets, customer feedback, and real-world reliability data on the current crop of all-in-one machines to separate the true workhorses from the frustrating paperweights.
Whether you need fast monochrome laser output for a busy office or a low-cost ink system for home use, the right best combination printer and scanner balances speed, media versatility, and long-term running costs without forcing you to compromise on scan quality or connectivity.
How To Choose The Best Combination Printer And Scanner
Every all-in-one machine makes trade-offs. Some print faster but scan slowly. Others offer brilliant color output but consume ink at a punishing rate. Before you buy, you need to lock in three priorities: the technology that matches your volume, the scan features that match your workflow, and the connection that matches your devices.
Print Technology: Laser vs. Inkjet
Laser printers use toner, a dry powder fused onto the page by heat. They excel at crisp black text and high-volume output with low cost per page. Inkjet printers spray liquid ink through microscopic nozzles and produce richer color for photos and graphics, but the per-page cost is higher unless you choose a supertank system with refillable ink reservoirs. If your primary output is black-and-white documents, a monochrome laser is the clear winner. If you print mixed color documents and photos, a color inkjet with a high-yield ink system or a color laser at a higher upfront cost is your path.
The Auto Document Feeder (ADF) Is Non-Negotiable
A flatbed scanner works fine for a single page, but if you regularly scan multi-page contracts, tax forms, or client files, an ADF is mandatory. It pulls each page automatically so you can walk away while the machine does the work. Look for at least a 35-sheet ADF for serious home office use, and 50 sheets for a small team environment. Without it, you will spend minutes per document feeding pages one by one.
Duplex (Automatic Two-Sided) Print and Scan
Auto duplex printing flips the page internally and prints on both sides, cutting paper consumption in half. Auto duplex scanning reads both sides in a single pass through the ADF, a feature that matters enormously for archiving double-sided paperwork. Not all lower-priced machines include duplex scanning, so check the spec carefully.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon PIXMA TS7720 | Inkjet | Compact home photo printing | 15 ppm B&W / 10 ppm Color | Amazon |
| HP LaserJet M234sdw | Mono Laser | Small team B&W printing | 30 ppm B&W, ADF | Amazon |
| Epson WF-7840 | Inkjet Wide | Wide-format (13×19) printing | 25 ppm B&W / 12 ppm Color | Amazon |
| Epson EcoTank ET-2980 | Inkjet Tank | Lowest ink cost per page | 15 ppm B&W / 8 ppm Color | Amazon |
| HP LaserJet Pro 3101fdw | Mono Laser | Fast B&W for small office | 35 ppm B&W, ADF | Amazon |
| Brother MFC-L2820DW | Mono Laser | Compact B&W with ADF | 36 ppm B&W, 50-sheet ADF | Amazon |
| Canon MAXIFY GX2020 | Inkjet Tank | High-volume color with fax | 15 ppm B&W / 10 ppm Color | Amazon |
| Xerox C235dni | Color Laser | Compact color laser all-in-one | 24 ppm B&W / 24 ppm Color | Amazon |
| Brother MFC-L3720CDW | Color Laser | Color performance and cloud scanning | 19 ppm B&W / 19 ppm Color | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Brother MFC-L3720CDW
The Brother MFC-L3720CDW is the color laser benchmark in this guide, delivering 19 ppm in both black and color with a 50-sheet auto document feeder that handles duplex scanning in a single pass. The 3.5-inch color touchscreen with 48 customizable shortcuts makes repetitive workflows fast, and the 250-sheet paper tray keeps refills infrequent for a busy small office.
Users report excellent print quality with vibrant colors and sharp text, plus reliable wireless connectivity that works across PCs, Macs, and mobile devices. The toner is efficient, and the optional XL cartridges push the cost per page well into budget-friendly territory for a color laser. The scanner handles multi-page documents quietly and accurately.
The main caveat is the upfront investment, which is the highest in this lineup. Also, some users have experienced a waste toner error after heavy use that requires genuine Brother parts to resolve. If your volume stays under 1,500 pages per month, this machine is a long-term investment in speed and color fidelity.
Why it’s great
- True 19 ppm color output with professional vibrancy
- 50-sheet ADF with duplex scan for multi-page archiving
- Low cost per page with XL toner cartridges
Good to know
- Highest upfront cost in this guide
- Waste toner replacement requires genuine Brother part
2. Brother MFC-L2820DW
The Brother MFC-L2820DW crams laser speed, an automatic document feeder, and a 2.7-inch touchscreen into a footprint that fits on a shallow bookshelf. At 36 ppm in black and white with automatic duplex printing, it easily handles a small team’s daily document flow without hogging desk space. The 50-sheet ADF makes multi-page scanning effortless, and the dual-band Wi-Fi self-heals connection drops most minor issues.
Customer feedback highlights the machine’s reliability — users report it runs thousands of pages with minimal jams and consistent output quality. The setup process, however, has been noted as confusing for first-timers, with sparse printed instructions that sometimes require manual network configuration. Once configured, the Brother Mobile Connect app adds remote printing and toner monitoring.
The lack of color output is the main limitation. If your workflow is strictly black-and-white documents, contracts, and forms, this is one of the most cost-efficient and space-efficient options available. The starter toner is rated for roughly 700 pages, but the standard TN830 cartridge brings the per-page cost down significantly over the machine’s life.
Why it’s great
- Exceptional 36 ppm mono speed with duplex
- 50-sheet ADF for batch scanning
- Compact footprint ideal for tight desks
Good to know
- No color printing or scanning
- Setup instructions are sparse and can be confusing
3. HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw
The HP LaserJet Pro 3101fdw is built for speed — 35 pages per minute in black and white with automatic duplex printing and a single-pass ADF for quick multi-page scanning. It includes HP Wolf Pro Security to protect sensitive documents, making it a strong choice for small offices that handle confidential client data. The Ethernet and dual-band Wi-Fi keep it connected even in busy network environments.
Users who have pushed this machine to 20,000 pages in under a year report zero paper jams and excellent reliability, with Economode doubling the effective yield of the toner cartridge. The scanner and copier functions are described as useful and responsive, and the setup via the HP Smart app is straightforward for both Windows and mobile devices.
Some early failures have been reported — a small number of units developed unresponsive touch panels or Wi-Fi dropouts within the first few weeks. Additionally, HP firmware updates can lock out third-party toner cartridges, so sticking with genuine HP supplies is the safest path to long-term reliability. The color output is nonexistent; this is a pure monochrome workhorse.
Why it’s great
- 35 ppm mono speed with automatic duplex
- HP Wolf Pro Security for document protection
- Extremely reliable over high page counts
Good to know
- Firmware updates may block third-party toner
- Early failure rate reported in a minority of units
4. Xerox C235dni
The Xerox C235dni brings color laser performance to a price point that undercuts many comparable HP and Brother color models. It prints at 24 ppm in both black and color, with built-in Wi-Fi, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria for mobile-friendly operation. The starter toner yields about 500 pages, and high-yield cartridges are available to reduce ongoing costs for offices printing up to 1,500 pages monthly.
User reviews consistently praise the print quality for sharp text and vibrant graphics once the correct paper is used. Some initial setup friction was reported — the Easy Assist App sometimes failed, requiring the front panel for Wi-Fi configuration. Paper choice also matters: generic copy paper can produce light output, while Hammermill Premium Inkjet/Laserjet paper resolves the issue.
Durability feedback is mixed. Several units arrived in like-new condition and performed flawlessly for months, but a small number of customers received units that appeared to be previously used or had defective cartridge access doors. The cost of replacement toner is on the higher side for a color laser in this class, so it is best suited for moderate rather than heavy volume.
Why it’s great
- True color laser at a value price point
- 24 ppm speed in both B&W and color
- Compact tabletop design
Good to know
- App-based setup can be unreliable
- Paper choice affects output quality
5. Canon MAXIFY GX2020
The Canon MAXIFY GX2020 uses a refillable MegaTank system that delivers up to 3,000 black and 3,000 color pages per bottle set, slashing the per-page cost below most inkjets. It adds a 35-sheet auto document feeder, automatic duplex printing, and a fax line — features typically reserved for pricier business class machines. The 2.7-inch color touchscreen makes navigation intuitive, and the compact white body fits easily in a home office or small business setting.
Customers consistently praise the ease of setup, low ink consumption, and reliable Wi-Fi. The print quality for documents is sharp, and colors are vibrant on plain paper. Some users report that printing on cardstock produces curl and streaks at high-quality settings, and the machine is noticeably louder than similar EcoTank models during operation. The scanner and copier are smooth and responsive.
A minority of users encountered printers that failed to produce color accurately, with deep clean cycles wasting substantial ink. This appears to be a unit-specific defect rather than a design flaw. For those with a good unit, the GX2020 is one of the best all-in-one values for high-volume color printing without recurring cartridge costs.
Why it’s great
- Extremely low ink cost with refillable tanks
- 35-sheet ADF and fax included
- Sharp document and photo quality
Good to know
- Cardstock printing can curl and streak
- Operates louder than competitors
6. Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7840
The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7840 is the only printer in this guide that handles prints up to 13 x 19 inches, making it indispensable for architects, engineers, and creatives who need tabloid-size output. It prints at 25 ppm black and 12 ppm color using PrecisionCore Heat-Free technology, and the 50-page ADF and 500-sheet paper capacity keep high-volume tasks moving. The 4.3-inch touchscreen and Alexa compatibility add convenience.
Long-term users report 10-plus years of service from previous WorkForce Pro models, and the WF-7840 maintains that reputation for durability. The DURABrite Ultra ink dries quickly and resists smudging. The scanner quality for both color and black-and-white documents is rated excellent, and the wide-format capabilities are genuinely useful for CAD drawings and large spreadsheets.
The main frustrations center on firmware update prompts that can interrupt printing, and the large physical footprint — this is a heavy, bulky machine that needs dedicated floor or desk space. Some users experienced phantom paper jams or “paper does not match tray” errors after software updates. The color print speed (12 ppm) is slower than the black speed, though still competitive for its class.
Why it’s great
- True wide-format up to 13×19 inches
- 500-sheet capacity and 50-page ADF
- Smudge-resistant, quick-drying ink
Good to know
- Bulky and heavy — needs dedicated space
- Firmware update prompts can be invasive
7. Epson EcoTank ET-2980
The Epson EcoTank ET-2980 delivers the lowest ink cost of any printer in this guide, with a single set of bottles yielding up to 6,600 black pages and 5,500 color pages. The refillable tank system is clean and simple — no cartridges to swap, no chip errors. It includes automatic duplex printing, a color touchscreen, and mobile connectivity via the Epson Smart Panel app, all in a compact black chassis.
Customers appreciate the fast-drying, smudge-resistant prints and the straightforward ink refill process. Setup is time-consuming but not difficult, and phone-based printing works reliably once configured. The print quality for everyday office documents and school assignments is excellent. The machine is quiet and the paper path is simple, reducing the risk of jams.
The ET-2980 lacks an auto document feeder — a significant omission for anyone who scans multi-page documents regularly. The touchscreen is small with a narrow viewing angle, and the automatic output tray mechanism feels less durable than the rest of the build. A small number of buyers reported that the duplex function failed to print on both sides correctly, though this may indicate a defective unit.
Why it’s great
- Industry-leading ink yield at a budget-friendly entry point
- Fast-drying, smudge-resistant prints
- Automatic duplex printing saves paper
Good to know
- No auto document feeder
- Small, narrow-viewing-angle touchscreen
8. HP LaserJet MFP M234sdw
The HP LaserJet MFP M234sdw is a no-fuss monochrome laser that targets small teams needing fast black-and-white output. It prints at 30 pages per minute, includes automatic duplex, and has a flatbed scanner and ADF for multi-page copying and scanning. Dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset keeps connectivity stable, and HP Smart app support adds scan-to-cloud and mobile print capabilities.
Owners consistently call this one of the easiest printers to set up — the HP123 app handles most of the configuration, and the machine works wirelessly with laptops, iPads, iPhones, and older desktops without USB headaches. The print quality for documents is sharp, and the speed holds up even during long print jobs. The compact footprint is a bonus for smaller offices.
The control panel is mounted on the paper tray, which can feel flimsy when the tray is extended. The lack of an Ethernet port in some configurations means wireless is the only network option unless you pay extra for a model variant. HP Instant Ink is available but requires a subscription, which some users prefer to avoid. The starter toner cartridge is rated for about 700 pages.
Why it’s great
- Fast 30 ppm with automatic duplex
- Straightforward wireless setup
- Compact and reliable for small teams
Good to know
- Control panel on flimsy paper tray
- Starter toner yields only ~700 pages
9. Canon PIXMA TS7720
The Canon PIXMA TS7720 is the most affordable entry in this guide, designed for home users who print infrequently but want the ability to output decent photos alongside documents. It prints at 15 ppm black and 10 ppm color, includes automatic duplex printing, and features a 2.7-inch LCD touchscreen for easy navigation. Setup is relatively quick, and the two-cartridge system (one black, one tri-color) simplifies ink replacement.
Customer reviews highlight good print quality for text and acceptable photo output on glossy paper. The compact white body fits easily on a shelf, and the wireless connectivity works well once it is configured. The flatbed scanner is fine for occasional single-page scans, and the copier function is straightforward. The TS7720 is a capable machine for light household use.
This model lacks an auto document feeder — scan tasks beyond a single page require manual placement. The tri-color cartridge is expensive on a per-page basis, so heavy color printing will add up quickly. Some users experienced persistent connection issues after a few months, and the default auto power-off setting (4 hours) requires a manual trip into the maintenance menu to disable, which is inconvenient for those who print sporadically.
Why it’s great
- Lowest entry price for a color all-in-one
- Compact design with 2.7-inch touchscreen
- Decent photo print quality
Good to know
- No auto document feeder
- Tri-color cartridge is expensive per page
FAQ
Is a laser or inkjet combination printer better for scanning?
What does the auto document feeder (ADF) do in a combo printer?
Can I scan double-sided documents with a combination printer and scanner?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best combination printer and scanner winner is the Brother MFC-L2820DW because it delivers 36 ppm mono speed, a 50-sheet ADF, a compact footprint, and a very low cost per page — all at a mid-range price that fits most home offices and small teams. If you want wide-format printing up to 13×19 inches, grab the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7840. And for the lowest ink cost with full color capabilities, nothing beats the Epson EcoTank ET-2980.
Mo Maruf
I created WellFizz to bridge the gap between vague wellness advice and actionable solutions. My mission is simple: to decode the research and give you practical tools you can actually use.
Beyond the data, I am a passionate traveler. I believe that stepping away from the screen to explore new environments is essential for mental clarity and physical vitality.








