How to Choose the Right Printer for Apple Devices

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When choosing a printer for your Mac, iPhone, or iPad, it’s important to understand your options and what features matter most to you. Printers come in many shapes and sizes, and their prices and capabilities vary greatly. There’s no single best printer for everyone—your needs will depend on what you plan to do with it.

Consider the Cost Carefully

The first thing most people look at is the price. But think beyond just the initial purchase. You also need to consider the ongoing costs for ink, toner, or other supplies. Inkjet printers often have the highest supply costs, especially for color printing. Laser printers tend to have lower supplies costs and are better for high-volume use. Keep in mind that a cheap printer might end up costing you more over time if its supplies are expensive or need frequent replacement.

Choosing a Printer for Apple Devices

Since you’re using Apple products, check if the printer supports AirPrint or IPP/IPPS. AirPrint is especially helpful because it allows easy wireless printing from your iPhone or iPad without installing drivers. For Mac compatibility, look for printers that support macOS 10.15 Catalina, Big Sur, or newer. This ensures the printer driver is up-to-date and compatible with recent macOS versions. Most users should prefer an AirPrint-compatible printer for seamless use across all Apple devices.

Deciding Which Features You Need

Next, think about what you’ll use the printer for:

Do you need high-resolution photo printing or just everyday documents?
Do you want to print on different paper sizes, like postcards or labels?
Is duplex (double-sided) printing important to you?
Will you need to print envelopes, labels, or single sheets?
How fast do you need your printer to be, and how many pages will you print daily?
Would a scanner, copier, or fax machine be useful?
Do you want your printer to scan documents directly to email or USB devices?
Do you have limited space? Consider the physical size and weight.
Do you prefer color or monochrome printing?
What is your budget: the initial cost or supplies over time?
How large is your typical workload? Higher-duty-cycle printers are built for frequent use.
Do you need additional features like paper sorting, stapling, or multiple paper trays?

Evaluating Consumables and Supplies

Look into how much ink or toner costs, how many pages you can print before needing a refill, and whether the supplies are easy to find. Some vendors require you to replace entire cartridges or have restrictions that disable features if supplies run out. Also, check if color cartridges are replaceable one at a time or if they come as a single combined unit.

Low Usage and Ink vs. Laser

If you rarely print, laser printers are generally more reliable because they handle infrequent use better. Inkjet printers can clog or dry out if not used often, possibly leading to costly repairs.

Network Connectivity

Sharing a printer becomes much easier if it supports Wi-Fi or Ethernet. If you want multiple devices to print, avoid USB-only models, since they connect to just one computer. Network printers allow multiple users and devices to access them effortlessly.

Additional Features

If you want a multifunction printer, check if it supports TWAIN scanning—a standard that makes it compatible with a variety of software, including the Mac’s Image Capture app. Some printers also serve as copiers or have fax capabilities. High-end models might include staplers, sorters, or additional paper trays. Decide what extra features would be helpful for your tasks.

Using Non-Windows Systems

For Linux, Unix, or BSD users, make sure the printer supports IPP/IPPS, LPR/LPD, or raw port 9100 printing over the network. Wi-Fi connectivity becomes especially valuable here.

Avoid Host-Based Printers

Steer clear of printers that rely solely on host-based rendering. These models depend heavily on the computer that sends the print job and require specific vendor drivers. If those drivers are outdated or incompatible, the printer may stop working altogether, turning into an expensive paperweight.

Trusted Printer Brands

Some brands are known for better support and durability. Brother is a solid choice, offering long support periods and good compatibility with Apple devices. Their printers tend to be reliable and have reasonable consumable prices. In contrast, many inkjet printers may not match the longevity or cost-effectiveness of quality laser printers. Be cautious about brands with poor support, high ongoing costs, or limited compatibility.

By carefully considering your printing needs, budget, and the features listed here, you can find a printer that fits your lifestyle and gives you the best value over time.