best printers

Finding a Mac Compatible Printer

For a lot of Apple desktop and laptop users, having the best printer for Mac ensures the ability to print on demand. It is important to check the product beforehand to see if it is compatible with the operating system that is on your computer.

Otherwise, this would mean that the print device will not be able to understand the commands sent to it by your Apple computer, ending up in frustration and having to return the item and start your search over again.

The great thing is, thanks to the popularity of Apple products, a lot of technology companies are making sure that whatever they manufacture is able to accommodate one of the most popular brands in the world.

These are our picks.

The table shows our selection for each of the major printer categories. We include the important features and technical specifications of each of the products.

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At the end of this article, we review the these picks to give a better picture of their capabilities.

Top 10 Best Printers for Mac Reviews

Now that we know the different types of printing categories, we pick out the best of each class, allowing you to focus on the features that make them stand out among their peers.

1. Brother HL-L2340DW Compact Laser Printer and Brother TN660 High Yield Toner

On top of our list of the best printer for MAC is the Brother HL-L2340DW Compact Laser Printer and Brother TN660 High Yield Toner. It allows for quick and high-quality printing. In a matter of one minute, your printer can produce 27 prints. This is an efficient printer since it can be connected via wireless network or with the use of USB interface. You can even print from your Smartphone with the use of Brother iPrint and Scan, Air Print, Google Cloud Print, Cortado Workplace, or Wi-Fi Direct. Installation can be tricky at first and pairing the printer with your device can take up time. However, once the hard part is over, operating the printer becomes a breeze.

Compared to the traditional printer, this laser printing allows for automatic two-sided printing. It allows you to save up on paper, time, and effort. Moreover, it also ensures that you can print accurately without having to check the paper individually. Apart from the flexibility in connection of this printer, it also offers flexibility in paper handling. You can print on legal or letter paper and you can use this for envelope and letterhead printing. The paper tray can also hold 250 sheets at once and you can adjust it depending on the size of the paper you will be using. There is also a separate feed slot for your envelope and letterhead.

Due to the manual feed slot and the rear paper exit, your printed material will appear perfectly since it prevents paper jams. In addition to this, due to the straight-through paper path, the printing will look better. Since it prints with a 2400 x 600 dpi, the printed materials from this printer will contain better images and texts that are more readable and clearer. It also operated with a Toner Save mode that you could opt to use for less important materials since it uses a minimal amount of toner. Finally, it comes with a full year of warranty for your peace of mind.

Our Rating: (4 / 5)

2. HP Envy 4520 Wireless All-in-One Photo Printer with Mobile Printing, Instant Ink ready

The next printer for MAC that we have on the list is the HP Envy 4520 Wireless All-in-One Photo Printer. It is available with Mobile Printing and it is designed to be Instant Ink ready. This printer is multi-functional since it can function as a photocopier, a scanner, and for wireless printing. You can operate with the touch screen buttons that are not too sensitive. You can be able to operate the printer quickly based on your functional preference. Purchasing this printer for MAC also provides you with a limited hardware warranty of one year.

In addition to this, there are several features on this printer that makes it more convenient for you to use. First, it allows for duplex printing, which means that you can print on both sides of the paper. Due to this feature, you can save up on printing time and printing paper. When printing photos, you can choose to print with the borderless photo feature that ensures each space is covered. You do not have to cut the edges your photo and accidentally cut off important parts because you can maximize the photo paper that has a size of 4 x 6 inches. In terms of printing speed, you can print ten pages of paper with black printing per minute and seven papers when you use colored ink.

In terms of device pairing, this is truly a printer for MAC since you can pair it with your iPhone or iPad. You can do this with the use of AirPrint. In addition to this, you can also use this for other tablets and smartphones with the use of the HP ePrint App. Moreover, with the Wireless Direct printing, you can still print without any cables attached to the printer. Another feature of this printer that provides convenience for the user is the Instant Ink Ready feature. This provides you with the luxury of limitless printing that ensures that you will never be out of ink when you need it the most. This feature allows you to place an order using your printer and it also provides a discount on your ink purchase. It is also more economical since the original HP ink can print more than other cartridge refill.

Our Rating: (4 / 5)

3. Brother DCPL2540DW Wireless Laser Printer and Brother TN660 High Yield Toner

The Brother DCPL2540DW Wireless Laser Printer and Brother TN660 High Yield Toner is another printer for MAC that we have decided to review. It results in a speedy print of 30 ppm and high quality printed materials of 2,400 x 600 dpi. In terms of scanning, the dpi resolution can reach 19,200 x 19,200. The scanned documents can be sent to your e-mail directly for maximum convenience. You are provided with several connectivity options with this laser printer. Apart from using the USB interface, you can also connect with the use of the integrated wireless 802.11b/g/n. Moreover, you can use the Ethernet network interfaces to ensure that several users can use the printer. Another connectivity option for this printer is the pairing with your mobile device with the use AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, Brother iPrint and Scan, Cortado Workplace and Wi-Fi Direct.

You can also scan wirelessly and send it to your mobile device with the use of Brother iPrint and Scan applications. Similar to other printers for MAC on the list, it allows for duplex printing. This allows you to conserve on paper and money. Similar to other Brother laser printers, you can use this as a printer for legal or letter size paper. Moreover, you can use it as well as for envelopes and for printing labels and letterheads. The paper tray has a capacity to hold 250 sheets of papers. In addition to this, you can use a manual feed slot for thicker materials. However, it is only able to holds one sheet at a time. Apart from printing and scanning, you can use this to reduce or enlarge your documents from 25% to 400%.

Our Rating: (4.2 / 5)

4. HP Officejet 4650 Wireless All-in-One Inkjet Printer with Instant Ink Bundle

The next printer for MAC that we have reviewed is the HP Officejet 4650 Wireless All-in-One Inkjet Printer with Instant Ink Bundle. This printer can serve several purposes, which allows you to use it in a variety of ways. It can be used a photocopier, a scanner, and a fax machine as well. In addition to this, you can use this printer without the use of any USB interface. However, you can pair it with your mobile phone or tablet with the use of the HP ePrint app. If you have an iPhone or an iPod, you just need the AirPrint to print directly from your device to your printer. With the use of the Wireless Direct feature, you can even print your documents without a network.

One benefit that is provided by most HP printer is the Instant Ink Ready feature. This allows you to order ink directly from your printer. With this feature, ordering an ink will be a breeze and it is extremely convenient since you will never run out of ink. With the touch screen display, you can operate this printer better and with great ease. Additionally, you can choose to use the dual-sided printing option to ensure that you can use your papers to a maximum. You can use this feature to help conserve the environment and your resources. In terms of paper compatibility, you can use this printer for printing letter and legal size document and for no. 10 envelopes. There is also a one-year limited hardware warranty for your purchase.

Our Rating: (4.1 / 5)

5. Canon MX492 Wireless All-IN-One Small Printer

Another printer for MAC that has caught our eye is the Canon MX492 Wireless All-IN-One Small Printer with Mobile or Tablet Printing, AirPrint and Google Cloud Print Compatible. Compared to most printers on the list, it comes with rather limited features and a smaller size. This is because the size of this printer has been reduced by 30% when compared to the previous model. When you purchase this printer, you also get FINE cartridges, a CD-ROM for installation, and a telephone line cable. Moreover, you are also provided with the instruction manuals necessary for operation. Moreover, this wireless printer can also be used for a variety of purposes like copying, scanning, and faxing. With AirPrint, you can print your documents from your Apple devices without using drivers. In addition to this, you can use the Canon Print App for printing and scanning the pictures or files from your mobile phone.

This printer is designed with the Auto Document Feeder that holds twenty sheets of paper. In addition to this, you are also provided with the option of using an XL cartridge. This will allow you to print several more documents that a regular cartridge. Another feature of this printer is that it comes with the Scan to Cloud option for easier sharing to other users. On the other hand, the fax option of this printer is equipped with nineteen coded speed dials. In terms of fax memory, it can hold fifty incoming pages, which allows for supreme functionality. Parents with infant children can enjoy the use of this printer since it operates quietly. This is also beneficial for people who prefer a printer that operates quietly. Similar to the other printer for MAC on the list, the Canon MX492 Wireless All-IN-One Small Printer provides a one-year limited warranty, along with the Instant Exchange Program.

Our Rating: (3.8 / 5)

6. Brother HL-2270DW Monochrome Laser Printer

When it comes to laser printing, consumers often balk because of the higher upfront costs of around $200 or above. One exception is this offering from Brother, which costs below $200.

Our Rating: (4.5 / 5)

Brother isn’t as well known as Epson and HP in this field, but is quickly gaining ground. This black and white printing device is compact and doesn’t come much in regard to design. There are no digital screens or lots of blinking lights, instead it focuses on performance.

What you get is good overall value. At 14” x 14” it is shaped like a square that is 7 inches tall. It is fastest when printing text documents, which reaches up to 27 pages every minute, though pages with charts and pictures aren’t as fast.

Both letters and numbers come out sharp and clear while images appear good in different scales of gray. The HL-2270DW also comes with the ability to print on both sides of a sheet of paper automatically, and can be placed anywhere in the home or office because it can use Wi-Fi to connect to computers or network router.

While wireless, it isn’t equipped to handle mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, and its output is limited to black and white.

Nevertheless, thanks to its affordability, high speed and good quality outputs, it makes our list for best printer for Mac.

7. Canon PIXMA PRO-100 Professional Photo Printer

Inkjet printers are the preferred mode of printing photographs. But if you want  very detailed and precise professional image quality outputs, you’ll need to look at photo printers. These machines are often large and don’t come with the multifunction features.

Our Rating: (4.2 / 5)

Well constructed, you’ll need to clear a table or at least a side of a table to fit this Pixma PRO-100 picture printing device. It spans 27 inches in length, with a depth of 15 inches and 8.5 inches tall. Also make sure to leave some room behind it because that’s where the paper is inserted.

Print quality is superb with colors coming out vivid and well saturated. A favorite of photographers and designers for its ability to replicate the images seen on the computer monitor as closely as possible. It also provides a quick way for them to present a copy of the photographs to their customers.

The PRO-100 uses 8 different ink sets at a resolution of 4800 x 2400 dpi. While the print head, which releases the drops of ink onto the paper, are very fine allowing for very delicate and clear results.

Black & white photos come out sharp as it uses 3 different black ink cartridges to get the exact contrast and shading.

It is also possible to directly send pictures from Apple and Android mobile devices for printing, although size of the output in these cases are limited to 4” x 6” and 5” x 7” to preserve the quality of the image.

8. Epson Expression Home XP-400

This stacks up as the best cheap printer for Macbook Pro. It’s been known that one of the first things people take note of when buying any item is the price. And for most computer peripherals this is the case too.

Our Rating: (3.5 / 5)

Priced around $100, the XP-400 offers color printing along with the ability to scan and photocopy documents. Made by one of the pioneers in the printing industry, it is designed for home users and has one of the smallest footprints at 15” by 11” by 6”. It weighs 9 pounds making it easy to carry around the house between rooms.

One of its strongest suits is its connectivity, as it is compatible with computers that run on both Windows and Mac. Its wireless capability also lets users connect to their home computer networks, AirPrint devices like the iPad, iPod Touch and iPhone.

Setting up the XP-400 can be done using the CD that comes with the product or by downloading the drivers from Epson’s website, which is recommended in order to get the latest versions.

9. Canon PIXMA MX432 Inkjet Printer

This feature filled printing device is well suited for personal and home use, although it has some of the more advanced features that make it a worthy office tool including a 30-page automatic document feeder.

Our Rating: (4.4 / 5)

As an all in one printer, it comes with a scanner, photocopier and fax. Many of the new printer models now come with multiple functionality such as these. While you may not always need them, they do come in handy once in a while.

The design is very similar to many of the Canon photo and office printing products where access to paper and the ink cartridges use the FastFront System, which is a flip open front panel.

Connecting this device is simple and can be done through a Wi-Fi connection. It accommodates PCs, Macbook Pro computers and laptops, mobile devices like iOS and Android.

The Pixma MX432 uses Canon’s ChromaLife100 system that allows photo printouts to last up to 100 years without deteriorating.

Priced competitively, it produces fast, good quality outputs, making it ideal for personal or small office use. However if you need to print a lot, or need something with high volume capacity, the Epson WorkForce below will be better suited for that purpose.

10. Epson WorkForce WF-3540 Wireless – best all in one printer for Mac

The main difference between home printers and those labeled for office work has to do with the amount of printouts they can handle. There are also accessory features that employees often look for in order to facilitate their duties.

Our Rating: (4 / 5)

For high performance text and color printing, this heavy duty machine gets the job done. It is fast, quiet and produces excellent graphics and color outputs, making it our choice for the best all in one printer for Mac.

With a maximum monthly capacity of 12,000 printouts a month, it is capable of taking on high volume workload. It also comes with duplex printing capability, dual paper trays that hold up to 500 sheets, a fully functional copier and 2,400 dpi scanner that can send the digitized copies to file, image, email or pdf.

One of the few things not to like about this is its size. At 17.7 inches by 16.8 inches by 12.1 inches, it is larger than most all in one printers on the market, and easily outweighs the two items mentioned above.

Choosing the Best Printer for Your Needs

All the choices listed above have are excellent performers and if you’ve had some experience with printing devices and how they work it will be easy for narrow the products to focus on. However, we know not everyone is a techie, so in the following section we break down some the difference between the multiple types of printers available in the market today, making the search for the best printer for Mac easier.

1. Inkjet Printer

These are the most common types of print gadgets available. This is the case because they are the cheapest and most versatile of the group. These make use of ink droplets that are slowly sprayed on the the paper forming the words and pictures you want printed.

The main benefits of these types of machines is that they are able to create both black and white copies or colored pictures. Because they can produce color documents, you’ll need to buy the black ink as well as the color cartridges. This often means you’ll need 4 different ink tanks to be replaced when they’re all out.

Some brands are now producing non colored inkjets for people who don’t have the need for printing in color. What this does is let users print pages faster and save themselves the cost of the extra ink cartridges, which can be expensive.

Inkjets are often the best options for home use, and those on a budget. Because the item costs less and can cater to the needs of those who are studying or working.

2. Laser Printer

The next major category of printing mechanisms is the laser. Unlike the inkjet, the laser uses a toner and a drum where the ink is heated into the paper. The main difference between this technique and the process used in inkjets is when the paper comes out from a laser device, the printed matter is already embedded in the paper and is dry. Whereas for the inkjet, you’ll want to make sure the text and colors have dried before touching the paper or else have the possibility of smudging the ink.

This type of printers is recommended for people who write a lot and don’t need color. That’s because most of these are monochrome, which means they produce only black and white copies. Although there are color laser variations, these are a lot more expensive.

Offices often use these because of the speed they are capable of achieving. They are substantially faster then inkjets and even though their ink toners are more expensive compared to inkjet cartridges, when taken on a cost per page basis, ink costs for laser printers are much cheaper.

3. Photo Printer

Because multimedia now plays such a big part in how we use computers today, it became inevitable the people would start reproducing pictures, graphics and photographs using their printers.

For this, a specialized type of inkjet was developed and they are called photo printers. While they are generally inkjets, what they have is the ability to be able to create crisp replicas of photos such that these come out like they were developed in a photo lab.

Here is where it gets a bit more complex. In the case of these types of products, there is a great degree of variation. You can have the budget photo printing box that is priced between $100 to $200 that delivers excellent photos, all the way to those that are professional grade used by large advertising agencies, that cost $800 and above.

If you’re a photographer, designer or someone who expects to get nice vibrant and precise photo prints, making sure that the inkjet you get is a photo printer is a must. That’s because aside from the better image quality, these often come with USB, microSD or memory card ports which let you easily transfer your photos from the camera or mobile device and have them printed out.

4. Multifunction Printer

The last class to consider is the multifunction printer or MFP. What this means is that aside from the ability make printouts, you also get a scanner, copier and fax machine in one package. Take note that you can have a laser or inkjet that are MFPs.

Many of our picks for the best printer for Mac fall under this category because they offer the best value for money.

These are slightly thicker than the print only inkjets because of the need to accommodate the other machines. However, these can save you extra cash because they eliminate the need to purchase the others separately.Small business owners and entrepreneurs are among those most helped by this type of device.

More often, you’ll see the term All in One (AIO) instead of Multifunction. The main distinction between the two is all in one printers have all four functions, namely printing, scanning, photocopying and faxing, where are MFPs often miss one of the other three, usually the fax.

While these devices have become more complicated, we are seeing more categories and sub classes of printing machines. However, these four are the main types.

Ready to Choose?

Now that you’ve seen some of the viable candidates, you have a better feel of what characteristics top rated products have. And so when choosing your own best printer for Mac, you know what to look for.