Tips for Buying a Second Printer: What to Look for?

📄Tips for Buying a Second Printer: What to Look for?


🖋️ Article Content:

Are you thinking about adding a second printer to your home or office setup? Whether you're expanding your workspace, separating color from black-and-white printing, or simply looking for a backup device, buying a second printer requires a different mindset than choosing your first one.

Here are essential tips to help you choose the right second printer that fits your needs and budget:


✅ 1. Define the Purpose of the Second Printer

Ask yourself: What will I use this printer for?
If your first printer handles most tasks, the second one should complement it — maybe for photo printing, mobile printing, or handling higher volumes of black-and-white documents.

choosing your first one

🖨️ 2. Consider the Printer Type (Laser vs. Inkjet)

  • Inkjet printers are best for color photos and general use.

  • Laser printers are ideal for sharp black-and-white documents and lower running costs.

If your first printer is inkjet, consider a laser printer for document printing — or vice versa.


📶 3. Check Connectivity Options

Make sure the second printer supports your preferred connection type:

  • USB for a direct and private connection.

  • Wi-Fi or Ethernet for easy network access and shared use.

  • Mobile printing (AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, or apps) if you print from phones or tablets.


💵 4. Budget for Ink or Toner Costs

Don’t just focus on the printer price — look at the total cost of ownership. Check:

  • Page yield of cartridges

  • Availability of compatible or refillable options

  • Cost per page

Your second printer should save time or money — not add hidden expenses.


🧩 5. Look for Compact Design

Space matters, especially if the second printer is going into a home office or a smaller room. Consider:

  • All-in-one compact models

  • Vertical or front-feed paper trays

  • Wall-mountable options if needed


⚙️ 6. Check Driver Compatibility

If you’re using multiple operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux), verify that the printer has proper driver support — especially for older or budget models.


🗃️ 7. Paper Handling & Duty Cycle

Evaluate how much printing the second device will handle:

  • Does it need an ADF (automatic document feeder)?

  • Should it support duplex printing?

  • What's the monthly duty cycle?

Choose a model that can handle your expected workload comfortably.


🧠 Final Thoughts:

A second printer can be a valuable tool — if chosen wisely. Focus on how it complements your main printer, and prioritize performance, cost-efficiency, and ease of use. Don’t forget to compare models and read user reviews before buying.

 Also Read:Wireless Printers vs. Wired Printers: What You Need to Know?

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