Choosing the best printer scanner copier for remote work involves balancing print quality, multifunctionality, and ease of use in a home environment. The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw stands out as the top overall pick thanks to its reliable wireless performance and color printing capabilities. For those on a budget, the Brother DCP-L2640DW offers solid monochrome printing and scanning at a lower cost, while the Canon PIXMA TR8620a excels with versatile media handling and photo quality. Each option involves tradeoffs: higher-end models provide faster speeds and better build quality but come at a higher price, whereas budget options may lack some advanced features. Continue reading to find the best fit for your remote work setup.
Key Takeaways
- The best models combine fast wireless connectivity with high-quality scans and prints suitable for home offices.
- Monochrome laser printers offer cost-effective, reliable printing for most remote workers, especially those needing document-heavy workflows.
- All-in-One models with multifunction features save space and add value, but may sacrifice some speed or photo quality.
- Budget-friendly options are available, but often lack advanced security features and high-volume capacity.
- Ease of use, maintenance, and compatibility with mobile devices are key factors that distinguish top picks for remote workers.
| HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color Laser Printer |  | Best Overall for Small Teams Needing Speed and Vivid Color | Print Speed: up to 26 ppm | Functions: Print, Scan, Copy | Auto Duplex: Yes | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer Duplex Printing, White |  | Best Value for Home Use and Occasional Work | Printer Type: Color Inkjet | Connectivity: Wireless (Wi-Fi 2.4GHz/5GHz) | Display: 1.42” OLED Monochrome Screen | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Canon PIXMA TR8620a All-in-One Wireless Printer, Copier, Scanner, Fax, AirPrint, Android Compatible, Black |  | Best for Versatility and Photo Printing in Home Offices | Printer Type: Inkjet | Functions: Print, Copy, Scan, Fax | Connectivity: Wireless, USB | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw Wireless Black & White All-in-One Laser Printer |  | Best for Monochrome Speed and Security in Small Teams | Print Speed: up to 35 ppm | Functions: Print, Scan, Copy, Fax | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Monochrome Multi-Function Laser Printer with Copy and Scan |  | Best Overall for Small Offices Needing Speed and Reliability | Print Speed: up to 36 ppm | Scan Speed: up to 23.6/7.9 ipm | Auto Document Feeder: 50 pages | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Brother MFC-J1360DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer with Duplex Printing and 1.8″ Color Display |  | Best for Color Printing and Home Use | Printer Type: All-in-One Inkjet | Connectivity: Wireless, USB | Display: 1.8″ color display | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
More Details on Our Top Picks
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color Laser Printer
This model stands out for its impressive combination of fast color printing—up to 26 ppm—and all-in-one functionality, making it ideal for small office teams that need professional-quality output. Compared with the Canon PIXMA TR8620a, which offers more multimedia versatility, the LaserJet focuses on speed and crisp color, though it sacrifices photo printing quality. Its auto duplex feature helps save paper during high-volume tasks. The reliance on specific HP cartridges can be a downside, especially if third-party options are preferred. Overall, this printer excels where productivity and color accuracy are priorities, but it’s less suitable for those seeking photo printing or budget flexibility.
Pros:- Fast color printing at 26 ppm
- All-in-one functionality (print, scan, copy)
- Auto duplex printing saves paper
- Reliable performance with original HP cartridges
Cons:- Requires HP-specific cartridges, limiting third-party options
- Designed mainly for office productivity, not photo printing
Best for: Small teams or small office environments where fast, reliable color printing is essential.
Not ideal for: Home users who prioritize photo printing or those wanting to avoid cartridge lock-in.
- Print Speed:up to 26 ppm
- Functions:Print, Scan, Copy
- Auto Duplex:Yes
- Input Tray Capacity:250 sheets
- Connectivity:Wireless
- Cartridge Type:Original HP 218A/218X
Bottom line: This printer is a strong choice for small teams prioritizing speed and color quality over multimedia flexibility.
Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer Duplex Printing, White
This compact inkjet printer makes a compelling case for budget-conscious users who need decent quality for occasional documents and photos. Its high-quality color output and support for borderless photo printing rival more expensive models like the PIXMA TR8620a, but it lacks an automatic document feeder (ADF), making it less efficient for bulk scanning or copying. Setup is straightforward, and wireless connectivity supports mobile printing, which is ideal for hybrid work setups. However, its limited media capacity and basic features mean it’s best suited for light, infrequent use rather than daily heavy-duty tasks. Compared to laser options, it offers lower running costs for small volumes but sacrifices speed and durability.
Pros:- Affordable and versatile all-in-one printer
- High-quality color and document printing
- Easy setup and mobile printing support
- Compact design fits well in small spaces
Cons:- No automatic document feeder (ADF)
- Limited for frequent or high-volume use
Best for: Home users or remote workers needing affordable, versatile printing with occasional photo and document tasks.
Not ideal for: High-volume or heavy-duty office environments that require fast, continuous printing and scanning.
- Printer Type:Color Inkjet
- Connectivity:Wireless (Wi-Fi 2.4GHz/5GHz)
- Display:1.42” OLED Monochrome Screen
- Functions:Print, Scan, Copy
- Automatic Duplex Printing:Yes
- Media Size:Up to 8.5” x 11”
Bottom line: This printer offers great value for casual or home-based remote workers who need decent quality without high costs.
Canon PIXMA TR8620a All-in-One Wireless Printer, Copier, Scanner, Fax, AirPrint, Android Compatible, Black
The PIXMA TR8620a is designed for users who want a well-rounded home office device with photo printing capabilities. Its wireless features, including AirPrint and Android compatibility, make it very convenient for remote work. The inclusion of a 20-sheet ADF and 200-sheet paper capacity enhances productivity for scanning and copying multiple documents. Its print resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi ensures sharp photos, but its larger footprint and costly ink replacements can be drawbacks for limited desk space or budget-conscious users. Compared with laser alternatives, this inkjet excels at color and photo quality but is slower and more expensive to maintain over time.
Pros:- Wireless printing and scanning with mobile support
- Auto duplex printing and borderless photo output
- Supports voice control via Alexa
- Flexibility to print photos and documents
Cons:- Relatively large footprint
- High ink replacement costs
- Limited media size to 8.5 x 14 inches
Best for: Remote workers who need high-quality photo prints and versatile document handling in a home setting.
Not ideal for: High-volume office environments or users seeking fast monochrome printing or low running costs.
- Printer Type:Inkjet
- Functions:Print, Copy, Scan, Fax
- Connectivity:Wireless, USB
- Print Speed:15 ppm (black and white)
- Print Resolution:4800 x 1200 dpi
- ADF Capacity:20 sheets
Bottom line: This printer suits remote workers who value photo printing and multimedia versatility in a home office setup.
HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw Wireless Black & White All-in-One Laser Printer
This laser printer is tailored for small teams that prioritize fast, secure black-and-white printing. Its impressive speed of up to 35 ppm outpaces the other laser options, making it suitable for busy work environments. The inclusion of built-in security features like HP Wolf Pro Security adds a layer of protection for sensitive documents, which sets it apart from the monochrome HP 3101fdw that lacks advanced security. Its wireless and cloud capabilities facilitate seamless remote management. The main tradeoff is its monochrome-only output, which limits its use for color or photo-heavy projects. Compared to the color LaserJet Pro 3301sdw, it’s less versatile but excels in speed and security for small teams handling mainly text documents.
Pros:- Fast printing speeds of up to 35 ppm
- Built-in security features protect sensitive data
- Wireless and cloud connectivity for remote access
- Auto duplex printing for efficiency
Cons:- Limited to monochrome printing only
- Requires original HP cartridges for security features
- Firmware updates may alter security policies
Best for: Small teams needing fast, secure monochrome printing with remote management capabilities.
Not ideal for: Users requiring color or photo printing, or those with very high-volume color needs.
- Print Speed:up to 35 ppm
- Functions:Print, Scan, Copy, Fax
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth
- Auto Duplex:Yes
- Recommended Users:Up to 7 people
- Security:HP Wolf Pro Security
Bottom line: Ideal for small teams demanding fast, secure monochrome output with remote management, but unsuitable for color printing needs.
Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Monochrome Multi-Function Laser Printer with Copy and Scan
This Brother model stands out for its combination of fast print speeds—up to 36 ppm—and a compact design, making it ideal for small remote work setups where efficiency is key. Compared with the Brother MFC-J1360DW, it offers quicker black-and-white printing but lacks color capabilities, which might matter for those needing versatile document printing. Its wireless and Ethernet options provide flexible connectivity, but it’s limited to monochrome output, so color printing isn’t an option. The 50-page auto document feeder streamlines copying and scanning tasks, though toner replacement can add ongoing costs. This device is better suited for users prioritizing speed and simplicity over color versatility.
Pros:- Fast printing and scanning speeds increase productivity
- Compact size fits well in limited space
- Flexible wireless and Ethernet connectivity
Cons:- Monochrome only, no color printing capabilities
- Toner replacement can be costly over time
- Limited to black-and-white documents which may not suit all needs
Best for: Remote workers in small teams who need fast, reliable monochrome printing and scanning without the distraction of color options.
Not ideal for: Creative professionals or home users requiring color printing or photo scanning, as this model only handles black-and-white documents.
- Print Speed:up to 36 ppm
- Scan Speed:up to 23.6/7.9 ipm
- Auto Document Feeder:50 pages
- Connectivity:Wireless (2.4GHz / 5GHz), Ethernet, USB
- Includes:Refresh Subscription Trial
- Type:Monochrome Laser
Bottom line: This printer suits small remote teams needing quick, reliable monochrome output without extra bells and whistles.
Brother MFC-J1360DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer with Duplex Printing and 1.8″ Color Display
This Brother inkjet model offers versatile color printing, copying, and scanning, making it ideal for remote workers who occasionally need high-quality color documents. Its automatic duplex printing feature reduces paper waste, and the 1.8″ color display simplifies operation. Compared to monochrome laser options like the DCP-L2640DW, it provides more color versatility but at the expense of slower speeds—up to 16 ppm in black and only 9 ppm in color. The 20-sheet automatic document feeder is modest, and print speeds may be insufficient for high-volume tasks, but its cloud app integration supports remote workflows effectively. It’s a good choice if color printing is a priority, but not for high-volume or fast-paced printing environments.
Pros:- Wireless and USB connectivity options
- Automatic duplex printing saves paper
- Easy-to-use cloud app integration
Cons:- Slower print speeds, especially for color
- Limited sheet capacity in the feeder
- Color accuracy details are limited
Best for: Home-based remote workers needing occasional high-quality color output and easy cloud connectivity.
Not ideal for: Remote teams with high-volume printing needs or requiring fast black-and-white output, where laser models outperform inkjets.
- Printer Type:All-in-One Inkjet
- Connectivity:Wireless, USB
- Display:1.8″ color display
- Automatic Duplex Printing:Yes
- Paper Capacity:150 sheets
- Print Speed:Up to 16 ppm black, 9 ppm color
Bottom line: This printer is suitable for remote workers who value color versatility and simple cloud connectivity over speed.
How We Picked
We evaluated these printers based on their performance, usability, build quality, and value specifically for remote work environments. Priority was given to wireless connectivity, ease of setup, and multifunctionality—essential for home offices. We also considered ongoing maintenance costs, paper handling versatility, and compatibility with mobile and cloud services. Products are ranked to balance affordability with features that make daily remote work more efficient and less frustrating. The top picks represent a combination of reliability, user-friendliness, and value tailored to home office needs.Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Printer Scanner Copier For Remote Work
When selecting a printer scanner copier for remote work, it’s vital to consider factors beyond just print quality. Your choice can significantly impact daily productivity, so understanding key features and common pitfalls will help you make a smarter investment.Connectivity and Compatibility
Wireless connectivity is essential for remote work, enabling you to print or scan from multiple devices without clutter or cables. Look for models supporting Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, or mobile printing solutions like AirPrint and Google Cloud Print. Compatibility with your operating system and mobile devices ensures seamless workflow, reducing setup frustration and downtime. Avoid models with complicated network setups or outdated connectivity options, which can hinder daily use.
Functionality and Speed
Multifunctionality—printing, scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing—adds convenience and saves space. However, consider the speed of each function; slow scans or prints can disrupt your workflow. For home offices handling large volumes, a model with higher pages per minute (PPM) and quick scan-to-PC or mobile options proves more efficient. Don’t sacrifice quality for speed, especially if you need sharp documents or accurate color reproduction for professional presentations.
Build Quality and Maintenance
Durability is key for a device that will be used daily. Solid build quality reduces the likelihood of breakdowns and costly repairs. Also, check the availability and cost of replacement ink or toner, as ongoing supplies add to total ownership costs. Features like automatic duplexing and easy paper tray access simplify maintenance. Poorly designed models may lead to frequent jams or complicated refills, disrupting remote work routines.
Size, Design, and Ease of Use
Home office space is often limited, so selecting a compact, well-designed unit matters. User-friendly interfaces, clear control panels, and straightforward setup processes reduce frustration. Touchscreens or mobile app controls make operation intuitive. Avoid overly complex models that require frequent troubleshooting or have steep learning curves, especially if you’re not technically inclined.
Cost and Total Ownership
While upfront costs matter, consider long-term expenses like ink or toner, energy consumption, and maintenance. Budget models may seem appealing but often have higher running costs or lower durability. Conversely, premium models tend to offer better efficiency, lower per-page costs, and longer lifespan. Matching the device to your typical workload prevents overspending on features you won’t use or under-investing in a reliable machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a color printer necessary for remote work?
Color printers are valuable if your work involves color documents, presentations, or graphics. They can enhance the professionalism of your materials but often come with higher initial costs and ongoing supplies. If your main tasks are text-heavy and don’t require color, a monochrome laser printer offers faster, more economical printing. Consider your typical workload before choosing between color and monochrome models.
How important is wireless connectivity for a remote printer?
Wireless connectivity is often essential for remote work, allowing multiple devices to print and scan without physical cables. It simplifies setup and reduces clutter, making it easier to integrate into your home network. However, ensure your Wi-Fi network is stable; otherwise, you may experience intermittent connection issues. For a seamless experience, select models with support for the latest wireless standards and mobile printing options.
Should I prioritize speed over print quality?
For most remote workers, balanced performance is preferable. Speed is important if you print large volumes regularly, but sacrificing print quality can lead to unclear documents or poor color accuracy. Choose a model that offers a good compromise—fast enough for your needs with acceptable print quality for professional or personal use. High-end models often excel in both areas, but budget options may lean toward speed at the expense of sharpness.
Are multifunction printers worth the extra cost?
Yes, if you need to scan, copy, and sometimes fax documents regularly, multifunction printers save space and money compared to buying separate devices. They streamline workflows, especially in small home offices. However, multifunction models can sometimes be slower or less reliable than single-function units, so select one with positive reviews for multifunction performance and ease of maintenance.
What features should I avoid in a remote work printer?
Beware of models with complicated interfaces, limited mobile support, or poor connectivity options. Devices with frequent paper jams or high maintenance costs can become frustrating over time. Also, avoid printers that lack security features if you’re handling sensitive documents. Prioritize ease of use, reliable wireless connectivity, and low ongoing costs to ensure your device supports your remote work efficiently.
Conclusion
For general home-office use, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw stands out as the best overall choice, offering reliable performance and versatile features. Budget-conscious remote workers will find the Brother DCP-L2640DW provides excellent value for monochrome printing and scanning. Those seeking a feature-rich, easy-to-use device should consider the Canon PIXMA TR8620a for its media flexibility and photo quality.
For beginners, a simple, straightforward model with intuitive controls is ideal, while professionals needing high-volume or color printing should look at premium options with advanced security and faster speeds. Matching the right printer to your specific needs ensures a smoother remote work experience and greater productivity.
