Ever felt that frustrating moment when you need to print something important, but your Chromebook just won’t cooperate with your printer? You’re not alone! For a long time, finding the perfect printer for a Chromebook felt like a secret mission. Many printers seemed designed only for Windows or Mac computers, leaving Chromebook users scratching their heads.
This can be a real pain, especially when you need to print homework, important documents, or even just fun crafts. You might wonder if you even *can* print from your Chromebook, or if you’re stuck buying a whole new computer. But don’t worry! We’re here to help you unlock the mystery of printing with your Chromebook.
In this post, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know. We’ll show you what to look for in a printer that works seamlessly with your Chromebook. You’ll learn about different types of printers and how they connect. By the end, you’ll feel confident choosing a printer that makes printing a breeze, not a headache. Let’s dive in and find your ideal printing partner!
Our Top 5 Printer For Chromebook Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Printer For Chromebook Detailed Reviews
1. Canon PIXMA TS3720 Wireless All-in-One Printer for Basic Home Printing
Rating: 9.4/10
The Canon PIXMA TS3720 Wireless All-in-One Printer in white is a great choice for anyone needing a simple and reliable printer for their home. This printer can handle all your basic printing, copying, and scanning needs right from your desk. Its compact size and easy setup make it perfect for students, home offices, or just everyday family use.
What We Like:
- It’s an all-in-one printer, so you can print, copy, and scan.
- Setting it up is quick and easy, getting you printing in minutes.
- Replacing the ink cartridges is simple and mess-free.
- You can connect it easily to your Wi-Fi, even without a computer.
- It prints wirelessly from phones and tablets using the Canon PRINT app, AirPrint, and Mopria.
- It works with Chromebooks, making it handy for schoolwork.
- You can print on different types of paper, including photos and banners, and even create 5” x 5” square photos.
- It comes with a 1-year warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- It only prints on one side of the paper.
- The print speeds are a bit slow, especially for color.
- The LCD screen is small and basic.
The Canon PIXMA TS3720 is a solid, budget-friendly printer that gets the job done for basic home printing tasks. Its wireless features and easy mobile printing make it a convenient option for modern households.
2. HP DeskJet 2827e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
Rating: 9.4/10
The HP DeskJet 2827e is a fantastic all-in-one printer designed for your home. It handles printing, scanning, and copying with ease. This printer is great for everyday tasks like printing schoolwork, letters, and recipes. It even comes with a 3-month trial of HP Instant Ink, so you won’t run out of ink unexpectedly.
What We Like:
- HP AI makes sure your web pages and emails print perfectly, without wasted paper.
- It’s wireless, and the Wi-Fi automatically fixes connection problems.
- You can print, scan, and copy from your phone or tablet using the easy HP app.
- The compact design fits nicely in any home.
- It’s made with recycled plastic and is energy efficient.
- The included 3-month Instant Ink trial is a great bonus.
What Could Be Improved:
- Print speeds are slower compared to some other printers.
- The printer only works with HP ink cartridges.
This HP DeskJet 2827e is a smart choice for busy households. It simplifies printing tasks and keeps you connected.
3. HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
Rating: 8.7/10
The HP DeskJet 2855e is a fantastic all-in-one printer that’s made for home use. It can print, scan, and copy, making it super handy for all your daily tasks. Whether you need to print out recipes, school papers, or important bills, this printer handles it all. Plus, it comes with a special offer: 3 months of HP Instant Ink, which means you’ll save money on ink cartridges.
What We Like:
- It’s perfect for printing everyday items like to-do lists, letters, and recipes.
- HP AI helps you print web pages and emails perfectly, so you don’t waste paper.
- You can print, copy, and scan with this one machine.
- It has a reliable Wi-Fi connection that can fix itself if there are issues.
- The HP app lets you print, scan, and copy from your phone or tablet.
- You get 3 months of HP Instant Ink included, which saves you ink costs.
What Could Be Improved:
- Print speeds are a bit slow at 5.5 pages per minute for color and 7.5 for black.
- It only has single-band Wi-Fi connectivity.
Overall, the HP DeskJet 2855e is a user-friendly and affordable printer for any home. It makes printing simple and smart.
4. Canon PIXMA TS4320 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer for Duplex Printing
Rating: 9.3/10
The Canon PIXMA TS4320 is a budget-friendly all-in-one printer designed for both home users and those working from home. It offers a great balance of features and affordability, making it a smart choice for everyday printing, scanning, and copying tasks.
What We Like:
- It’s an affordable printer that still gives you great print quality for documents and photos.
- Setting it up is super easy, whether you’re using a smartphone or a computer.
- You can print wirelessly from almost anywhere in your home with its strong dual-band Wi-Fi.
- It automatically prints on both sides of the paper, which saves you time and paper.
- This printer can handle lots of different paper sizes, including borderless prints.
- Its compact and stylish design fits nicely into any room without taking up too much space.
- You can easily print from your phone or tablet using popular apps.
- It’s an eco-friendly choice, holding certifications like EPEAT Silver and ENERGY STAR.
What Could Be Improved:
- The ink cartridges might need to be replaced more often than with larger, more expensive printers.
- While it’s versatile, it might not have all the advanced features of professional-grade printers.
Overall, the Canon PIXMA TS4320 is a fantastic option for anyone needing a reliable and cost-effective printer for their home. It makes printing, scanning, and copying simple and efficient.
5. Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer
Rating: 8.7/10
The Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer is a fantastic choice for busy households. This black printer does it all: printing, copying, scanning, and even faxing. It’s wireless, so you can print from your phone or computer without messy cords. The auto document feeder makes scanning and copying long documents super easy. Plus, it’s designed to save energy, which is good for your wallet and the planet.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 printer: print, copy, scan, and fax all in one device.
- The auto document feeder (ADF) makes handling multiple pages for copying or scanning a breeze.
- You can print without being tied to your desk thanks to wireless printing and mobile printing options.
- It automatically prints on both sides of the paper, saving you time and paper.
- You can print great-looking documents, photos, and even borderless prints.
- It has a 100-sheet paper capacity, so you don’t have to refill it constantly.
- It’s ENERGY STAR certified, meaning it uses less electricity.
- You can connect it to Alexa to get alerts when you’re low on ink and even have it reorder ink for you automatically from Amazon (with smart reorders).
- Ink replacement is simple and straightforward.
- It comes with a 1-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The print speed is on the slower side at 8.8 / 4.4 ipm (images per minute).
The Canon PIXMA TR4720 offers a lot of features for home use. This printer is a solid option for anyone needing a versatile and convenient printing solution.
Finding the Best Printer for Your Chromebook
Chromebooks are awesome for school, work, and fun. They’re lightweight and easy to use. But sometimes, you need to print something. Not all printers work well with Chromebooks. This guide will help you find the perfect printer.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a printer for your Chromebook, keep these important things in mind.
Wireless Connectivity
This is super important. You want a printer that connects to your Wi-Fi. This lets your Chromebook send print jobs without messy cables. Look for printers with Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Direct.
Cloud Printing Support
Google Cloud Print used to be a thing. Now, many printers use other cloud services. These let you print from anywhere. Your Chromebook can easily connect to these services.
Ease of Setup
You don’t want to spend hours trying to get your printer to work. Look for printers that are easy to set up. Many printers now have apps that guide you through the process.
Print Quality
Do you need sharp text for school papers? Or vibrant colors for photos? Think about what you will print most. Check reviews for print quality.
Ink or Toner Type
Printers use ink cartridges or toner. Inkjet printers are usually cheaper upfront. Laser printers use toner and are better for high-volume printing.
All-in-One Capabilities
Do you need to scan or copy documents too? An all-in-one printer does printing, scanning, and copying. This saves space and money.
Important Materials and Technologies
Printers are made of different parts.
Print Heads
These are the parts that put ink on the paper. Better print heads mean sharper images.
Paper Handling
How much paper can the printer hold? Does it jam easily? A good paper tray is a plus.
Connectivity Options
Besides Wi-Fi, some printers have USB ports. This is a backup if wireless doesn’t work.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make your printer work better, others not so much.
Software Updates
Keeping your printer’s software updated helps it work smoothly with your Chromebook. Manufacturers often release updates.
Driver Compatibility
Printers need special software called drivers. Make sure the printer you choose has drivers that work with Chrome OS. Most modern printers do.
Ink/Toner Quality
Using official ink or toner usually gives the best results. Cheaper, off-brand ink might not last as long or produce as good quality.
Printer Maintenance
Cleaning your printer’s print heads regularly keeps it from getting clogged. This ensures good print quality.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use your printer.
Students
Students often need to print homework, essays, and study guides. A reliable inkjet or laser printer with good text quality is perfect. Wireless printing is a must for dorm rooms.
Home Offices
If you work from home, you might print reports, invoices, or presentations. An all-in-one printer is handy. Fast printing speeds are also a bonus.
Hobbyists and Creatives
If you print photos or craft projects, look for printers with excellent color accuracy. Some printers are specifically designed for photo printing.
10 Frequently Asked Questions about Printers for Chromebooks
Q: Do all printers work with Chromebooks?
A: No, not all printers are designed to work easily with Chromebooks. You need to look for printers that support cloud printing or have good Chrome OS compatibility.
Q: What is the easiest way to connect a printer to a Chromebook?
A: The easiest way is through Wi-Fi. You usually add the printer in your Chromebook’s settings. Your Chromebook will find it on your network.
Q: What does “cloud printing” mean for Chromebooks?
A: Cloud printing lets you send documents to your printer over the internet. Your Chromebook connects to a cloud service that then tells your printer what to print.
Q: Are there specific brands that are better for Chromebooks?
A: Brands like HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother often make printers that work well with Chromebooks. Always check the printer’s specifications for Chrome OS support.
Q: Can I print from my Chromebook if I don’t have a wireless printer?
A: Yes, some printers have a USB port. You can connect your Chromebook directly to the printer with a USB cable. However, Wi-Fi is much more convenient.
Q: How do I know if a printer is compatible with my Chromebook?
A: Look for mentions of “Chrome OS support” or “Google Cloud Print compatibility” on the printer’s box or in its online description. Reading user reviews also helps.
Q: What are the pros and cons of inkjet vs. laser printers for Chromebooks?
A: Inkjet printers are good for photos and graphics, and cheaper to buy. Laser printers are faster and better for lots of text documents, but cost more upfront.
Q: Do I need to install special software for my printer on a Chromebook?
A: Usually, no. Chromebooks often have built-in support for many printers. If you need something extra, it’s usually a simple web app or extension.
Q: Can I print wirelessly from my Chromebook to a printer that isn’t on my home Wi-Fi?
A: Yes, some printers offer Wi-Fi Direct. This lets your Chromebook connect directly to the printer without using your home Wi-Fi network.
Q: What if my printer has problems connecting to my Chromebook?
A: First, try restarting both your printer and your Chromebook. Then, check your Wi-Fi connection. You might also need to update your printer’s firmware or check the manufacturer’s support website for help.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
William has over three years of experience in building gazebos. He started AskGazebo.com to assist his clients.