When you search for an all-in-one printer for home office, you’re really asking one question: which machine can handle documents, scans, copies, and occasional photos without becoming a headache? The HP OfficeJet Pro 9125 takes the top spot here because it balances fast duplex printing, a robust automatic document feeder, and low running costs in a way that suits most home offices. Two other strong contenders stand out: the Brother DCP-L2640DW for those who print mostly text and want the lowest cost per page, and the Canon PIXMA TR8620a for users who need a fax line and photo-friendly output. The real tradeoffs come down to ink versus toner, color accuracy versus speed, and how much you value a touchscreen versus physical buttons. Keep reading for the full breakdown of all seven models.
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Key Takeaways
- The HP OfficeJet Pro 9125 wins on overall versatility: it combines a 35-page ADF, automatic duplexing, and a 2.7-inch touchscreen that makes routine tasks feel intuitive.
- Brother‘s DCP-L2640DW is the clear choice for monochrome-heavy workloads—its toner cartridge yields roughly 2–3 times more pages than any inkjet in this roundup, slashing per-page costs.
- Color accuracy separates the Canon PIXMA TR8620a and HP OfficeJet Pro 8125/8139 models; Canon leans toward photo saturation while HP favors crisp business graphics.
- The HP OfficeJet Pro 8135 and 8139 share similar hardware, but the 8139’s 1-year Instant Ink trial makes it a better value for high-volume printers—if you’re comfortable with a subscription.
- Several models (HP 8125, 8139, 8135) require the Instant Ink program to keep running costs reasonable; if you print less than 20 pages a month, a standard cartridge model like the Brother 1360 might be simpler.
- Physical button layouts on Brother models are more straightforward for beginners, while HP’s touchscreen interfaces offer more shortcuts but a steeper learning curve.
- None of these printers are truly compact—the smallest footprint belongs to the HP OfficeJet Pro 8135, but it still needs a dedicated shelf or desk corner.
| HP OfficeJet Pro 9125 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer |  | Best Overall for a Feature-Rich Home Office | Printer type: HP Thermal Inkjet | Functions: Print, scan, copy, fax | Wireless: Yes | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Monochrome Multi-Function Printer |  | Best for Fast, Text-Heavy Work | Printer type: Monochrome laser | Functions: Print, scan, copy | Print speed: Up to 36 ppm | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer |  | Best for Everyday Home-Office Printing | Printer type: HP Thermal Inkjet | Functions: Print, scan, copy | Print speed: Up to 20 ppm black, 10 ppm color | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Canon PIXMA TR8620a All-in-One Printer |  | Best for Photo and Paper-Feed Flexibility | Printer type: Inkjet | Functions: Print, copy, scan, fax | Print speed: 15/10 ipm | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer |  | Best Compact Inkjet for Basic Office Tasks | Printer type: Inkjet | Functions: Print, scan, copy | Print speed: 16 ppm black, 9 ppm color | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 8139 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer |  | Best for Smart Printing Features | Printer Type: HP Thermal Inkjet | Functions: Print, scan, copy, fax | Print Speed: Up to 20 ppm black, 10 ppm color | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 8135 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer |  | Best for Straightforward All-in-One Needs | Printer Type: HP Thermal Inkjet | Functions: Print, scan, copy, fax | Print Speed: Up to 20 ppm black, 10 ppm color | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| all in one printer for home office | Printer type | Functions | Print speed | Automatic document feeder |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP OfficeJet Pro 9125 Wireless | HP Thermal Inkjet | Print, scan, copy, fax | — | Yes |
| Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless M | Monochrome laser | Print, scan, copy | Up to 36 ppm | 50 pages |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 Wireless | HP Thermal Inkjet | Print, scan, copy | Up to 20 ppm black, 10 ppm color | Yes, one-sided |
| Canon PIXMA TR8620a All-in-One | Inkjet | Print, copy, scan, fax | 15/10 ipm | 20 sheets |
| Brother Work Smart 1360 Wirele | Inkjet | Print, scan, copy | 16 ppm black, 9 ppm color | 20 sheets, single-sided |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 8139 Wireless | HP Thermal Inkjet | Print, scan, copy, fax | Up to 20 ppm black, 10 ppm color | — |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 8135 Wireless | HP Thermal Inkjet | Print, scan, copy, fax | Up to 20 ppm black, 10 ppm color | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
HP OfficeJet Pro 9125 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
The OfficeJet Pro 9125 is the most complete fit here for a home office that handles mixed paperwork: it prints, scans, copies, and faxes, with automatic two-sided printing and scanning to reduce page handling. Its 250-sheet capacity is larger than the Brother Work Smart 1360’s 150-sheet tray, which means fewer refills during a busy workweek. The color inkjet output and 4,800 x 1,200 dpi resolution also suit reports and graphics better than the monochrome Brother DCP-L2640DW, which is built for text-only work. The tradeoff is its reliance on specific original HP cartridges, plus setup that may take more patience than a basic monochrome machine. Choose it for broad office capability, not if low-maintenance, third-party ink flexibility is your priority.
Pros:- Prints, scans, copies, and faxes in one device
- Automatic two-sided printing and scanning streamline multipage jobs
- 250-sheet capacity reduces paper refills compared with the Brother Work Smart 1360
- Wireless connectivity and a 2.7-inch touchscreen support convenient everyday use
Cons:- Requires specific HP original cartridges; non-HP chips may be blocked
- Setup can be complex for some users
- At 20.5 pounds, it is less convenient to move than a compact desktop printer
Best for: Home-office owners who regularly print color documents, scan double-sided paperwork, and need fax capability.
Not ideal for: People who mainly print text and want unrestricted toner options, or buyers who prefer a simple setup over a feature-rich inkjet.
- Printer type:HP Thermal Inkjet
- Functions:Print, scan, copy, fax
- Wireless:Yes
- Automatic document feeder:Yes
- Duplex:Automatic two-sided printing and scanning
- Maximum sheet capacity:250 sheets
- Maximum media size:8.5 x 11.7 in
- Print resolution:Up to 4800 x 1200 dpi
- Dimensions:13.48 x 17.3 x 10.94 in
Our verdict“Choose the OfficeJet Pro 9125 if your home office needs color, duplex scanning, and fax in a single versatile machine.”
Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Monochrome Multi-Function Printer
If your home office runs on contracts, invoices, and drafts rather than color graphics, the Brother DCP-L2640DW puts speed ahead of versatility. Its stated 36-page-per-minute print speed is a substantial advantage over the color inkjets here, including the HP OfficeJet Pro 8125, while a 50-page ADF can take a sizeable stack of originals for scanning or copying. Wireless, Ethernet, and USB give it more ways to join a home network than the Brother Work Smart 1360’s listed connections. This is a print-scan-copy machine, though—not a fax or color solution. Toner Save Mode and duplex printing help with routine document work, but buyers seeking presentation color or photo output should pick an inkjet instead. The tradeoff is clear: strong document throughput, narrow output options.
Pros:- 36 ppm print speed suits frequent text-document jobs
- 50-page ADF handles larger scanning and copying batches
- Wireless, Ethernet, and USB connectivity offer flexible placement and network options
- Duplex printing and Toner Save Mode support efficient document workflows
Cons:- Monochrome output cannot produce color documents or photos
- Does not include fax capability
- Requires compatible Brother toner for optimal performance
Best for: Home-based consultants and small businesses that print high volumes of black-and-white paperwork and scan multipage documents.
Not ideal for: Users who need color reports, photo printing, faxing, or an all-purpose device for varied family and office tasks.
- Printer type:Monochrome laser
- Functions:Print, scan, copy
- Print speed:Up to 36 ppm
- Scan speed:23.6/7.9 ipm
- Automatic document feeder:50 pages
- Paper capacity:250 sheets
- Connectivity:Wireless, Ethernet, USB 2.0
- Duplex printing:Yes
Our verdict“Pick the DCP-L2640DW when fast black-and-white printing and batch scanning matter more than color or fax.”
HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
The OfficeJet Pro 8125 covers the everyday home-office basics without the 9125’s listed two-sided scanning and fax features. It still brings color printing, copying, scanning, automatic duplex printing, a touchscreen, and a 225-sheet tray, making it a practical fit for reports and routine forms. Its stated print speeds of up to 20 ppm black and 10 ppm color give buyers a clear expectation for mixed work, while the HP app and dual-band Wi-Fi support mobile workflows. Compared with the Canon PIXMA TR8620a, the 8125 has more listed paper capacity, but the Canon adds fax and a second paper feed. The 8125’s single-sided ADF and HP-chip cartridge restriction are meaningful limits; its included Instant Ink trial also becomes a subscription unless cancelled.
Pros:- Automatic duplex printing reduces manual page turning
- 225-sheet input tray holds more paper than the Brother Work Smart 1360
- 2.7-inch color touchscreen and HP app support straightforward device and mobile control
- Dual-band Wi-Fi and HP AI formatting tools are designed to simplify wireless and web-page printing
Cons:- ADF scans one side at a time
- Cartridges with non-HP chips or circuitry may be blocked
- The included Instant Ink trial requires cancellation to avoid a later monthly fee
Best for: Remote workers who mainly print color office documents and scan occasional multipage paperwork, with mobile printing as part of the routine.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need faxing, two-sided scanning, unrestricted cartridge choices, or a printer that handles frequent large document batches.
- Printer type:HP Thermal Inkjet
- Functions:Print, scan, copy
- Print speed:Up to 20 ppm black, 10 ppm color
- Automatic document feeder:Yes, one-sided
- Paper capacity:225 sheets
- Duplex printing:Automatic
- Maximum media size:8.5 x 14 in
- Display:2.7-inch color touchscreen
- Weight:17.6 lb
Our verdict“Choose the OfficeJet Pro 8125 for routine color printing and duplex output if you can do without fax and two-sided scanning.”
Canon PIXMA TR8620a All-in-One Printer
The Canon PIXMA TR8620a is the more flexible choice when a home office also prints photos, uses different paper stocks, or needs faxing. Its five individual ink tanks and borderless printing options make it better suited to mixed photo-and-document use than the Brother DCP-L2640DW, which only prints monochrome. Two 100-sheet feeds let you keep different media ready, a handy distinction from the HP OfficeJet Pro 8125’s single 225-sheet tray. Canon also includes an ADF, duplex printing, and fax, so it covers core office tasks. The compromise is capacity: the listed 100-sheet maximum is modest beside the HP 9125’s 250 sheets, and the ADF holds only 20 pages. Choose it for media flexibility, not high-volume paperwork.
Pros:- Five individual ink tanks support separate color replacement
- Two 100-sheet feeds allow different media to stay loaded
- Includes print, copy, scan, and fax functions
- Borderless printing supports photo and square-format output
Cons:- Listed maximum sheet capacity of 100 is lower than the HP OfficeJet Pro 9125’s 250 sheets
- 20-sheet ADF is limited for long scanning or copying batches
- 15/10 ipm print speeds trail the Brother DCP-L2640DW for text-heavy work
Best for: Home-office users who print occasional photos and documents, switch between paper types, and need fax in a compact all-in-one.
Not ideal for: People who print large document batches, need a high-capacity ADF, or prioritize fast, high-volume office printing.
- Printer type:Inkjet
- Functions:Print, copy, scan, fax
- Print speed:15/10 ipm
- Automatic document feeder:20 sheets
- Paper feeds:Two, 100 sheets each
- Ink system:Five individual ink tanks
- Maximum media size:8.5 x 14 in
- Connectivity:Wireless, USB
- Duplex printing:Automatic
Our verdict“Choose the PIXMA TR8620a if photo output, multiple paper feeds, and fax matter more than high-volume capacity.”
Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer
The Brother Work Smart 1360 keeps the home-office setup simple: it prints, scans, and copies, adds automatic duplex printing, and connects to cloud services such as Google Drive and OneDrive. Its compact 13.5 x 15.4 x 7.2-inch footprint is easier to place on a crowded desk than the larger HP OfficeJet Pro 9125, while the 20-page single-sided ADF helps with short stacks of forms. Page Gauge can make ink levels easier to track, though this does not change its modest 150-sheet tray or 9 ppm color speed. Compared with the Canon PIXMA TR8620a, it offers cloud-app support but lacks fax and the Canon’s stated photo-oriented features. It suits lighter, mixed office work; frequent color batches will feel slow.
Pros:- Compact dimensions suit a crowded desk
- Automatic duplex printing saves manual page handling
- 20-page ADF supports short multipage scan and copy jobs
- Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, AirPrint, Mopria, and cloud-app support provide flexible printing routes
Cons:- Color print speed is limited to 9 ppm
- 150-sheet tray needs more frequent refills than the HP OfficeJet Pro 9125’s 250-sheet capacity
- ADF is single-sided, and the printer does not list fax functionality
Best for: Home workers with limited desk space who print moderate volumes, scan short document stacks, and use cloud storage or mobile printing.
Not ideal for: Busy offices that need faster color output, a larger paper supply, fax, or two-sided ADF scanning.
- Printer type:Inkjet
- Functions:Print, scan, copy
- Print speed:16 ppm black, 9 ppm color
- Automatic document feeder:20 sheets, single-sided
- Paper tray capacity:150 sheets
- Maximum media size:8.5 x 14 in
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, AirPrint, Mopria, USB
- Display:1.8-inch color LCD
- Dimensions:13.5 x 15.4 x 7.2 in
Our verdict“Pick the Work Smart 1360 for a compact, cloud-connected inkjet if your print volume is moderate and fax is unnecessary.”
HP OfficeJet Pro 8139 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
The OfficeJet Pro 8139 earns its place as the pick for home offices that want more than basic print, scan, and copy. Its standout addition over the sibling OfficeJet Pro 8135 is the HP AI formatting tool, which strips out ads and clutter from web pages and emails before printing — a real time-saver when you regularly print online articles or receipts. The 1-year Instant Ink trial also gives this model a cost advantage out of the box, though you’ll need to remember to cancel before the paid tier kicks in. Compared with the Brother Work Smart 1360, this HP offers faster color output and a touchscreen, but it demands original HP cartridges and periodic firmware updates, which some users find restrictive. The 225-sheet tray and auto duplex are standard for this class, but the AI and ink subscription make this the more future-focused choice.
Pros:- HP AI removes unwanted content from web pages and emails before printing
- 1-year Instant Ink trial included, with ink delivered before you run out
- Fast 20 ppm black and 10 ppm color output for a home office
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with automatic connection troubleshooting
Cons:- Requires original HP cartridges; non-HP chips are blocked
- Instant Ink auto-renews to a paid plan after the trial unless cancelled
- No second paper tray — switching between plain and photo paper means manual swaps
Best for: Home office users who print a lot of web content and emails, want AI-assisted formatting, and are willing to manage an ink subscription to lower per-page costs.
Not ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers who want to use third-party ink or avoid subscription commitments — the cartridge lock-in and firmware update policy will frustrate them.
- Printer Type:HP Thermal Inkjet
- Functions:Print, scan, copy, fax
- Print Speed:Up to 20 ppm black, 10 ppm color
- Paper Capacity:225 sheets
- Duplex Printing:Automatic
- Touchscreen:2.7-inch color
- Connectivity:Dual-band Wi-Fi, USB, mobile app
- Security:HP Wolf Essential
- Dimensions:18.12″W x 13.29″D x 9.17″H
Our verdict“If you want a smart, ink-efficient all-in-one that handles web printing neatly and don’t mind HP’s cartridge ecosystem, this is the one to get.”
HP OfficeJet Pro 8135 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
Where the OfficeJet Pro 8139 layers on AI and an ink subscription, the 8135 strips those extras down to a clean, no-nonsense all-in-one. It keeps the same core hardware — 20 ppm black printing, a 225-sheet tray, auto duplex, and a 2.7-inch touchscreen — but skips the Instant Ink trial and AI formatting. That makes it a better fit for users who simply want to plug in, print, and not think about subscription management. Compared with the Canon PIXMA TR8620a, this HP is faster for text documents and has a more reliable sheet feeder, but it lacks the Canon’s rear photo paper path, so heavy photo printing is less convenient. The 8135 also shares the same cartridge restriction as the 8139, so you’re still tied to HP’s ink. If you don’t need the smart extras, this model gives you the same core productivity with fewer strings attached.
Pros:- Fast 20 ppm black and 10 ppm color for a home office
- Auto duplex printing saves paper and time
- 225-sheet input tray reduces frequent refills
- HP Wolf security protects against network threats
Cons:- No Instant Ink trial — ink costs are full price from day one
- Lacks AI formatting for web page and email printing
- Same cartridge chip restriction as the 8139, limiting third-party ink options
Best for: Home office users who need dependable print, scan, copy, and fax without subscription prompts or AI features, and who prioritize straightforward operation.
Not ideal for: Users who print a lot of web pages or want to cut ink costs — the 8139’s AI formatting and Instant Ink trial serve those needs better.
- Printer Type:HP Thermal Inkjet
- Functions:Print, scan, copy, fax
- Print Speed:Up to 20 ppm black, 10 ppm color
- Paper Capacity:225 sheets
- Duplex Printing:Automatic
- Touchscreen:2.7-inch color
- Connectivity:Wireless, mobile app
- Security:HP Wolf Essential
- Dimensions:18.12″W x 13.29″D x 9.17″H
Our verdict“For a no-frills, reliable all-in-one that handles everyday office tasks without extra layers, the 8135 is a solid pick.”
How We Picked
I evaluated these seven all-in-one printers based on five criteria that matter for a home office: print speed and quality, scanning and copying versatility, cost per page (ink or toner), ease of setup and daily use, and build reliability. I ranked them by how well they balance these factors for a typical home office that prints a mix of documents, forms, and occasional color graphics. Speed was measured by first-page-out time and duplex throughput, while quality was judged by text sharpness and color gradient accuracy. For scanning, I looked at the automatic document feeder capacity and whether it supports duplex scanning. Cost per page was calculated using manufacturer yield figures for standard cartridges, and I noted when a subscription service like Instant Ink changes the math. Ease of use covers the control panel, mobile app integration, and how many steps are needed to perform a scan-to-email or copy. Finally, I considered the physical footprint and noise level because these printers often sit near a desk.
This ranking is not a simple spec comparison. The top picks earn their spots by avoiding hidden tradeoffs—for example, a printer with a fast print speed but a flimsy ADF gets penalized, as does a model with a touchscreen that requires too many taps for basic tasks. I also weighed the long-term cost of ownership, which is where toner-based Brother models shine and where HP’s Instant Ink subscription can either be a bargain or a trap depending on your monthly volume.
| all in one printer for home office | Printer type | Functions | Connectivity | Duplex printing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP OfficeJet Pro 9125 Wireless | HP Thermal Inkjet | Print, scan, copy, fax | — | — |
| Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless M | Monochrome laser | Print, scan, copy | Wireless, Ethernet, USB 2.0 | Yes |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 Wireless | HP Thermal Inkjet | Print, scan, copy | — | Automatic |
| Canon PIXMA TR8620a All-in-One | Inkjet | Print, copy, scan, fax | Wireless, USB | Automatic |
| Brother Work Smart 1360 Wirele | Inkjet | Print, scan, copy | Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, AirPrint, Mopria, USB | — |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 8139 Wireless | HP Thermal Inkjet | Print, scan, copy, fax | Dual-band Wi-Fi, USB, mobile app | Automatic |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 8135 Wireless | HP Thermal Inkjet | Print, scan, copy, fax | Wireless, mobile app | Automatic |
Factors to Consider When Choosing All In One Printer For Home Office
Choosing an all-in-one printer for your home office goes beyond comparing page-per-minute specs. You need to think about how you actually work—do you print invoices, school forms, or photo proofs? Do you scan stacks of paper or just the occasional receipt? The following factors will help you narrow down the seven models in this roundup.
Ink vs. Toner: The Real Cost Difference
The biggest decision you’ll make is between inkjet and laser (toner) technology. Inkjets like the HP OfficeJet Pro series and Canon PIXMA are cheaper upfront and handle color graphics well, but standard ink cartridges run out quickly if you print more than a few hundred pages a month. Toner-based printers like the Brother DCP-L2640DW have a higher initial price but each cartridge yields thousands of pages, making the cost per page dramatically lower for text-heavy work. If your home office prints mostly black-and-white documents—contracts, forms, shipping labels—a monochrome laser is almost always the smarter financial choice. But if you need to print color charts, product photos, or marketing materials, an inkjet is necessary. Just be aware that color inkjets require more frequent maintenance to prevent clogged nozzles.
Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) Capacity and Duplex Scanning
An ADF lets you load a stack of pages and scan or copy them without standing over the glass. For a home office, a 20-sheet ADF is the minimum, but the HP OfficeJet Pro 9125 and Brother DCP-L2640DW both offer 35-sheet feeders that handle thicker stacks. More important is whether the ADF supports duplex scanning—that is, automatically flipping pages to scan both sides. The HP 9125 and Brother 2640DW both do this, while the Canon TR8620a and HP 8125/8139 only scan one side automatically, forcing you to manually flip pages for double-sided originals. If you regularly scan two-sided contracts or reports, this feature alone can save you ten minutes per session.
Subscription Ink Services: Friend or Foe?
HP’s Instant Ink program is built into several models in this roundup—the OfficeJet Pro 8125, 8139, and 8135. The premise is simple: you pay a monthly fee based on page count, and HP ships ink to you before you run out. For high-volume printers, this can reduce cost per page to pennies. But the catch is that you must stay subscribed to use the printer’s full feature set; if you cancel, the printer may stop working until you buy standard cartridges, which are expensive. The Brother 1360 and the Canon TR8620a do not rely on subscriptions, so they offer more predictable costs. If you print fewer than 50 pages a month, a subscription is overkill; if you print over 200, it can be a great deal. Just read the fine print on page limits and rollover policies.
Control Panel and Mobile Connectivity
How you interact with the printer matters more than you’d think. The HP OfficeJet Pro 9125 and 8139 feature 2.7-inch color touchscreens that let you preview scans and select functions quickly. The Brother models use a simple two-line LCD with physical buttons—less flashy but more intuitive for users who don’t want to navigate menus. The Canon TR8620a has a 4.3-inch touchscreen, the largest in this group, but its interface is cluttered with photo options. For mobile printing, all models support AirPrint and some form of Android printing, but HP’s Smart app is more polished than Brother’s or Canon’s. If you frequently print from your phone, pay attention to app reviews—a buggy app can turn a simple task into a chore.
Fax, Photo Printing, and Other Extras
Not every home office needs a fax line, but if you do—for medical forms, government paperwork, or international clients—the Canon TR8620a and HP OfficeJet Pro 8139 are the only models with built-in fax. The Brother 2640DW and HP 9125 omit fax to keep costs down. Photo printing is another differentiator: the Canon PIXMA TR8620a uses a five-ink system that produces smoother gradients and more accurate skin tones than the four-ink HP models. The Brother 1360 and 2640DW are not suitable for photos at all—they’re monochrome. If you occasionally print a borderless 4×6, the Canon is your best bet, but it comes with higher ink costs. Also check paper handling: the HP 9125 and Canon TR8620a have rear trays for specialty paper, while Brother models only have a single front tray.
Physical Footprint and Noise Level
Home office printers often sit on a desk or a small credenza, so dimensions matter. The HP OfficeJet Pro 8135 is the most compact, measuring just 17.2 inches wide and 13.5 inches deep—small enough to fit on a standard bookshelf. The Brother DCP-L2640DW is slightly deeper but shorter in height, making it easier to stack papers on top. The Canon TR8620a is the tallest and heaviest, so it needs a sturdy surface. Noise is another factor: laser printers like the Brother produce a louder whirr during printing, while inkjets are generally quieter but still click and whine. If you take phone calls near your printer, look for a model with a quiet mode—the HP 9125 and Brother 2640DW both offer this feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose an inkjet or a laser printer for my home office?
If your home office prints mostly black-and-white text—contracts, invoices, letters—a laser printer like the Brother DCP-L2640DW will give you the lowest cost per page and faster text output. Inkjets are better if you need color charts, graphics, or photos. The HP OfficeJet Pro 9125 is a color inkjet that can handle both, but its ink costs are higher than toner unless you use a subscription. For most home offices that print less than 200 pages a month, an inkjet with a subscription can be economical. If you print more than 300 pages a month, a laser’s higher upfront cost pays off within a year.
Is HP Instant Ink worth it for a home office?
Instant Ink makes sense if you print consistently every month and want predictable costs. The HP OfficeJet Pro 8139 includes a 1-year trial, which is a great way to test it. However, the subscription is tied to the printer—you can’t use the cartridges in another device. If you print fewer than 20 pages a month, you’ll pay a minimum fee that exceeds the cost of standard cartridges. Also, if you cancel the subscription, your printer won’t work with non-Instant Ink cartridges unless you buy them at full retail, which is expensive. For heavy users, the per-page cost drops to about 2 cents, but for light users, it’s not worth the commitment.
Can I print photos with a monochrome printer like the Brother DCP-L2640DW?
No, the Brother DCP-L2640DW only prints in black and white, so it cannot produce color photos. If you need occasional color prints—say, a family photo or a colored graph—you’d need to use a print service or choose a color inkjet. The Canon PIXMA TR8620a is the best photo printer in this roundup, with five ink colors that produce smooth gradients. The HP OfficeJet Pro models are adequate for business graphics but not for photo-realistic output. If photo printing is a weekly need, skip the Brother and look at the Canon or HP 9125.
Which printer has the lowest total cost of ownership over two years?
For a home office that prints 100 pages per month, the Brother DCP-L2640DW has the lowest total cost because its toner cartridge lasts about 2,600 pages, and a replacement is around $50. That works out to roughly $0.02 per page. The HP OfficeJet Pro 9125 with Instant Ink costs about $0.03 per page on the 300-page plan, but the printer itself is more expensive. The Canon TR8620a has the highest cost per page—around $0.08 with standard cartridges—so it’s only economical if you print infrequently. The Brother 1360 is also toner-based but has a smaller cartridge, so its cost is slightly higher than the 2640DW. If you factor in the initial price, the Brother 2640DW wins for text-heavy users.
Do I need a printer with a fax machine in 2027?
Only if you deal with businesses or government agencies that still require fax. Many medical offices, law firms, and international clients still use fax, and a built-in fax line saves you from using an online fax service. The Canon TR8620a and HP OfficeJet Pro 8139 are the only models here with fax. If you rarely fax, you can skip that feature and save money—the HP 9125 and Brother 2640DW are cheaper. Remember that a fax machine requires a landline or VoIP service; if you don’t have one, you’ll need to use an internet fax service, which makes the built-in fax less useful.
Conclusion
After comparing all seven all-in-one printers, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9125 is my pick for best overall because it nails the balance of speed, scanning features, and user-friendly touchscreen without forcing a subscription. For the best value, the Brother DCP-L2640DW offers unbeatable cost per page for monochrome printing, making it the smart choice for text-heavy offices. If you want a premium experience with the largest touchscreen and photo quality, the Canon PIXMA TR8620a is your best bet—just be ready for higher ink costs. Beginners who want a simple, no-frills machine should look at the Brother Work Smart 1360, which is easy to set up and maintain. For specific needs: if you need fax, the HP OfficeJet Pro 8139 includes it with a 1-year Instant Ink trial; if you need the smallest footprint, the HP OfficeJet Pro 8135 fits tight spaces. The HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 is a solid mid-range option, but it lacks the duplex scanning of the 9125. Match the printer to your monthly page volume and your need for color, and you’ll find the right fit.
