The best large format printers reproduce panoramic landscapes, posters, streamers, and flyers. The very best ones print on vast expanses of paper and other materials with astonishing quality and detail.
We happen to think the 24-inch version of the HP DesignJet Studio is the best large format printer around for our specific needs, but that does not necessarily mean it would be the best one for every office.
Manufacturers of large format printers design these machines to handle larger paper sizes compared to regular printers, ensuring exceptional color accuracy and sharp details.
Engineering companies and offices also often use large format printers to produce materials such as blueprints, plans, and technical data, as well.
For us, what separates the best large format printers from the rest of the pack is quality and pricing. This is especially the case as the best large format printers will handle even the minutest graphics on a far larger, more expansive scale than conventional home office printers, but for a price.
Even top-tier photo printers might not match the precision and quality that the very best large format printers can achieve. Manufacturers naturally charge a premium for that.
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4 Best Large Format Printers in the Market Right Now
We conducted tests to identify the best large-format printers for paper printing. Their evaluation encompassed several factors including speed, print quality, maximum printing size, connectivity options, build quality, design, running costs, and pricing.
Do you need tabloid-sized output in the office, or truly big photo prints at home? The list below provides insights into the diverse aspects of some of today’s top-rated printers to help potential buyers make informed decisions based on their specific needs and preferences.
We used the same benchmark standards for all the printers we tested. We also sought the advice of experts, consulted other published reviews, and checked customer satisfaction and ratings to ensure a useful and reliable buying guide.
Below are our picks for the best large format printers available in the market right now.
1. Best Among the Best Large Format Printers: The HP DesignJet Studio
Our Number One Overall Pick among the best large format printers available today is the HP DesignJet Studio. The engineers over at HP designed this large format inkjet printer for ease of use in home offices and small enterprises.
The key selling points of the DesignJet Studio are its user-friendly interface, compact size, and attractive design. HP markets the Studio as a premium option among HP Deskjet plotters – and for good reason.
This large format printer is faster than the entry-level T200 Series and includes features like a stand, integrated bib, and a sleek white finish, setting it apart from the mid-tier T600 Series.
There are two sizes available: one that handles 24-inch rolls of paper and a larger version capable of handling 36-inch rolls.
The model we favor is the HP DesignJet Studio 24. This version accommodates paper sizes up to 24 inches and features a steel top panel. There’s also an option with a wood top panel for those who prefer a different aesthetic.
This printer is specifically engineered to meet the demands of designers, architects, and engineers seeking a large format plotter with comprehensive features.
The DesignJet Studio 24 offers versatility in printing on various media sizes, ranging from A4 to A1, and supports glossy photo paper as well as heavier paper up to 280 g/m2.
Our overall top pick among the best large format printers allows you to switch between different media types automatically. All you need to do is make sure you have paper in both the sheet feeder and the roll feeder, and the machine will make the switch for you, which is a great convenience during printing tasks.
The DesignJet Studio is equipped with built-in Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and HP’s patented AirPrint compatibility, which enables wireless connectivity from either your Apple or iOS device.
That said, with all the DesignJet Studio’s connectivity options, we were disappointed to discover that it lacks NFC or Bluetooth connectivity. It also lacks a front USB port for flash drives and an auto-duplex mode, both of which we would have liked to have seen in this particular line.
Like all the best large format printers around today, the HP DesignJet Studio 24 operates relatively fast for a plotter, producing an A1-sized poster in as little as 26 seconds. It ensures ink dries adequately before cleanly cutting the page.
The printer employs dye-based ink in color cartridges (C, M, Y) and pigment-based black ink. Note that the cartridges for this printer can be pricey, especially considering its considerable ink consumption for certain print types like line drawings.
Featuring 1GB of built-in memory, the printer processes standard print languages, including HP-GL/2, HP-RTL, CALS G4, JPEG, and URF. It does not support Adobe PostScript, though.
The DesignJet Studio 24’s print resolution reaches 2,400 x 1,200 at its peak performance, delivered through 1,376 nozzles, ensuring detailed and high-quality output.
The DesginJet Studio has earned high praise from experts and customers alike, and we understand why. This printer delivers five-star quality, speed, and performance and we would recommend it to anyone looking for the best large format printer on the market today.
2. Our Pick for Second Runner-Up: The HP DesignJet 230
Our second runner-up pick among the best large format printers in the market today also happens to be the most compact and practical on this list. The HP DesignJet 230 weighs all of 21.5 kilograms, which is remarkably light for a large format printing machine.
HP’s latest addition to the 200 Series DesignJet plotters, you might say the HP DesignJet T230 is an entry-level model, but nothing about its performance is entry-level at all.
This printer highlights convenience and versatility, first and foremost. Measuring less than a meter wide, it accommodates printing on various paper sizes from A4 to A1 and even 24-inch banner printing with the addition of a roll attachment.
You get automatic switching between different pre-loaded media sizes, which are accessible through a low-cost accessory.
The printer’s convenient features are further underscored by its speed. This printer will print out an A1 sheet in a mere 35 seconds.
Utilizing an inkjet system, the T230 positions its four cartridges conveniently at the front for easy accessibility, each containing 20ml of ink, capable of producing approximately 101 A1-size prints.
The integration of HP Click software enables the simultaneous sending of multiple print jobs through the easy-to-use touchscreen panel. The HP Smart app permits you to print files from anywhere using a smartphone.
HP offers an optional stand with the HP DesignJet 230 for those who prefer an elevated, stand-alone surface for printing. You won’t need to dedicate desktop space for this printer if that happens to be a concern.
While perhaps not readily appreciated, we think this small additional convenience makes it a versatile solution for users seeking both compactness and functionality for their printing needs.
That is what the HP DesignJet 230 is all about, after all: compact versatility, a practical price range, reliability, ease of use, and convenience.
Sure, the DesignJet 230 is not as fast as others on our list of the best large format printers, and you won’t get the print quality of, say, the DesignJet Studio or the high-end Canon PROGRAF PRO T-1000 from this printer.
But we say its performance, reliability, and all-around ease of use make it the second-best large format printer your money can buy. And, hey, right now it comes with a great 2-year warranty on Amazon!
3. Best Premium Large Format Printer: The HP DesignJet T650
Our pick for the best large format printers in the premium market category right now is the HP DesignJet T650, a 36-inch plotter for printing up to A1-sized documents using 36-inch roll paper. Yes, it’s a tad pricier than the rest, but for good reason.
The HP DesignJet T650 is a thermal inkjet printer that uses dye-based C, M, and Y color cartridges and a pigment-based K to make up the image.
The T650 comes with an automatic feed feature for A4 and A3 sheets and a manual roll feed for A2 and A1 paper with an automatic horizontal cutter built in.
HP claims that the DesignJet T650 IS the smallest wide-format printer with an integrated stand currently available. We couldn’t confirm this claim, but our test unit was indeed quite small and handy, considering that it came with a stand.
The intuitive, full-color touchscreen was easy to use and navigate. HP Click simplifies the process of accessing printer functions, adjusting settings, and initiating printing tasks without the need for complex navigation through menus.
You can use HP Mobile Printing when you’re out and about. This special connectivity feature permits you to print files by sending emails directly to the printer using ePrint.
This top-end model is ridiculously fast, too. During our tests, we clocked this large format printer at a breakneck print speed of just 25 seconds for an A1/D-sized document and a full gigabyte of memory.
We think this printer could quite easily address the needs of any AEC, GIS, and MCAD professionals who regularly print maps, technical drawings, posters, and renders.
We also think the HP DesignJet T650 ranks high among the best large format printers in the market today for its exceptional print quality, high-end manufacturing quality, and speed.
4. Best for Large Format Printer for Photos: Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000
When it comes to printing large format photos, we think the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 is right up there among the best large format printers your hard-earned money can buy.
This remarkably flexible photo printer will deliver anything from a 6×4” glossy print to a borderless matte-finish A2 poster.
The Canon PRO-1000 achieves a professional-grade photo finish by utilizing twelve separate inkjet cartridges. You can see and access the twelve shades from the front of the machine and replace them one at a time rather than having to buy a whole new set when one runs out.
Each of Canon’s LUCIA PRO 1000 ink tanks holds 80ml, so this shouldn’t be a frequent occurrence. Four inks are dedicated to monochrome prints, making the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 ideal for color and black-and-white photography.
Printing detailed, delicately nuanced, finely detailed, and beautiful large format photographs takes a while, so the PRO-1000 has rather slow print speeds.
During our tests, we measured this printer’s performance at six minutes per A2 page. But with a print resolution of 1,200 x 2,400 DPI, printed pages appeared crisp and sharp.
Because the inks are pigment-based, we know the vibrancy and detail of the prints will last longer than dye-based ink printouts.
Like most of the best large format printers out there, the PRO-1000 overall design highlights connectivity. You can connect to this printer using the USB port or over Wi-Fi with support for PictBridge, AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and Canon’s own PIXMA Cloud Print.
The proprietary PIXMA Cloud Print simplifies the printing process by allowing users to print from various devices and cloud storage platforms. This permits you to manage your print jobs with a wider array of accessibility options and convenience.
We think the Canon PRO-1000 is among the best large format printers around today. We thought it was easy to use. Yes, it’s expensive. But for companies that usually see quick returns on investment for their print jobs, the price should not be much of a problem.
We also understand the needs of discerning users who emphasize top-quality photographic printouts from the best large format printers. This is a printer for works of art as well as commerce.
We would recommend the Canon PRO-1000 to high-end photography enthusiasts and companies that regularly require high-quality, large format photographic printouts any time.
Pssst! One Last Bit of Advice Before You Make Your Choice …
Of course, choosing “the best” of any piece of office equipment is an entirely subjective consideration. The best large format printers are the best according to the user’s needs, and needs vary from person to person based on workflow and budgetary concerns.
So, before you go out and invest the best large format printer for your office, you should take time to evaluate your needs and budgetary limitations. You can then prioritize certain features over others based on your specific requirements and budgetary constraints.
After deciding on a budget, the primary purpose of the printer should be your foremost guide. Different industries or users may require large-format printers for various purposes such as graphic design, architecture, engineering, photography, or signage.
For instance, a graphic designer might prioritize color accuracy and print quality, while an architect might focus on precision and line detail.
Depending on the intended output, print quality and resolution are the next important considerations.
Some printers excel in producing high-resolution images suitable for photography, while others might prioritize speed over extremely high quality.
Consider the volume of prints you will need and the speed of the printer. A faster printer might be crucial for businesses with high print demands, while occasional users may prioritize other features over speed.
The list above should provide you with a sufficient starting point for further research and a more in-depth analysis according to your specific needs and budget.
What do you think?
