AirPrint allows Apple users to print wirelessly from iPhone, iPad and Mac devices without needing to install drivers or configure settings. This guide compares top picks for AirPrint printers across different categories.
What is AirPrint and How Does It Work?
AirPrint is an Apple technology that enables wireless printing from iOS devices and Macs to compatible printers without needing to download drivers or set up the printer.
As long as the printer and Apple device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, you can print directly from apps and documents on your iPhone, iPad or Mac. AirPrint handles the printing process in the background.
Key benefits include:
- No printer driver installation needed
- Simple wireless printing from iPhone/iPad apps, photos, webpages and documents
- Works with latest Mac computers without setup
- Supported by many new Canon, Epson, HP and Brother printers
AirPrint printers have built-in compatibility and require no configuration to work. Just connect to the same Wi-Fi as your Apple device and print away!
Factors to Consider When Choosing an AirPrint Printer
Here are key factors to evaluate when selecting an AirPrint-compatible printer:
Print Quality – Crisp text and vibrant graphics? Select models highlight excellent photo printing.
Print Speed – Faster is better for higher volume printing. Look for pages per minute (ppm) metrics.
Paper Handling – Ability to print on envelopes, labels, glossy photo paper? More trays = more flexibility.
Ink Costs – Page yield, cost per page and ink subscriptions can hugely impact long term affordability.
Connectivity – Wi-Fi is standard. Bluetooth, Ethernet or USB connectivity provides more options.
Print Volume – Light home use or printing hundreds of pages per month? Consider duty cycle.
Size/Portability – Home office space constraints? Portable all-in-ones have smaller footprints.
Prioritize features that best match your printing needs. An affordable, quality photo printer may be ideal for some while others require robust office-ready output.
Top Recommended AirPrint Printers
After extensive evaluation, here are my top picks across different AirPrint printer categories:
Best Overall: HP OfficeJet Pro 9025e
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9025e nails it as a fast and high-quality color printer while keeping long term ink costs affordable via Instant Ink subscription plans.
Standout features ideal for home and small offices:
- Prints up to 24ppm black/20ppm color
- Robust monthly duty cycle of 40,000 pages
- Supports envelopes, rugged paper, labels
- 50-sheet ADF for scanning and copying
With built-in AirPrint support alongside USB, Wi-Fi DIRECT and Ethernet connectivity, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9025e delivers professional quality printing with the convenience of wireless mobile printing from Apple devices.
| Print Speed | Paper Capacity | Resolution | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24ppm black 20ppm color | 250 sheets | 4800 x 1200 dpi | 18 x 16 x 12 inches |
Best Photo Printer: Canon PIXMA PRO-200
For photographers and graphic designers needing professional quality photo output, the Canon PIXMA PRO-200 hits the sweet spot combining exceptional print quality with wireless connectivity.
Key advantages:
- 8-color ChromaLife 100+ ink system for vivid colors and detail
- Beautiful gallery-quality prints up to 13” x 19”
- AirPrint, Wi-Fi, Ethernet and USB connectivity
- Customize settings on 3-inch color touchscreen
This photo-centric printer excels when print quality matters most. The PIXMA PRO-200 brings stunning AirPrint photo printing right from your iPhone or iPad.
| Print Speed | Paper Capacity | Resolution | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2ppm color | 150 sheets | 4800 x 2400 dpi | 7.8 x 18.5 x 14.5 inches |
Best Portable: HP OfficeJet 250
The compact HP OfficeJet 250 delivers printing, scanning and copying from nearly any location while keeping the same AirPrint and wireless connectivity benefits.
Highly portable design:
- Lightweight at 6.5 pounds
- Print wirelessly from any room
- Can be battery powered on-the-go
- 50-sheet input tray
Handles basic printing needs for homes, mobile offices or shared spaces where installed printers aren’t practical.
| Print Speed | Paper Capacity | Resolution | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19ppm black 17ppm color | 50 sheets | 4800 x 1200 dpi | 13.7 x 3.44 x 8.5 inches |
Best All-In-One: Canon PIXMA TR8620
For exceptional quality across all functionality – print, copy, scan and fax – the feature-packed Canon PIXMA TR8620 represents outstanding value-for-money.
One machine delivers:
- Fast 20ppm black / 15ppm color printing
- Versatile scanner and copier
- Comprehensive connectivity – Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth, USB
- Large 5” touchscreen for convenience
This mid-range workhorse handles all home office needs in a compact package with AirPrint as the icing on the cake.
| Print Speed | Paper Capacity | Resolution | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ppm black 15ppm color | 250 sheets | 4800 x 2400 dpi | 17.7 x 14.8 x 7.3 inches |
Best Budget: Canon Pixma MG3620
The Canon Pixma MG3620 offers the most value focused on no-frills printing and scanning essentials for cost-conscious shoppers.
Affordable without sacrificing print quality:
- Prints up to 9ipm black and 5ipm color
- Flatbed scanner and copier included
- Supports AirPrint and standard connectivity options
- Compatible with XL high-yield ink cartridges
Delivers reliable performance for general home and basic office needs at very wallet-friendly pricing.
| Print Speed | Paper Capacity | Resolution | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9ppm black 5ppm color | 100 sheets | 4800 x 1200 dpi | 17.2 x 12.6 x 5.9 inches |
Honorable Mentions
Here are two more AirPrint options worth considering:
HP Tango X – Futuristic fabric design and compact format but can still crank out AirPrinted documents fast enough for most needs.
Brother MFC-J995DW – Loaded with inkjet MFP features to meet demanding home and small office workloads.
How to Set Up AirPrint
Using AirPrint is straightforward since built-in compatibility means no software installation necessary.
To start printing from an iPhone, iPad or Mac:
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Connect your AirPrint printer and Apple device to the same Wi-Fi network. This enables device-to-printer communication.
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In any app with printing capabilities, tap the share icon, print option or standard system print menu.
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Select your AirPrint printer to send the print job wirelessly.
That‘s it! AirPrint handles the technical aspects in the background. Just select print and your compatible printer takes care of the rest.
Troubleshooting AirPrint Issues
Having problems getting devices to recognize your printer over AirPrint? Try these troubleshooting tips:
- Ensure your AirPrint printer and Apple device connect to the SAME Wi-Fi network. Cannot print if connected to different ones.
- Reboot routers/access points, printers and mobile devices if connectivity problems occur. Cycle power completely.
- Verify AirPrint is enabled on your printer. While on by default for most printers, some models require manually enabling. Consult device instructions.
- Update printer firmware and Apple device software since later versions may resolve bugs.
- Try moving printer and Apple device closer together if struggling to maintain a steady connection.
Minor technical issues can often interfere with smooth AirPrint performance. Following standard troubleshooting steps helps identify potential causes.
Key Takeaways
AirPrint offers Apple users a seamless wireless printing experience directly from iPhone, iPad and Mac without complicated setup or driver installation.
Focus on key buying considerations like print quality, speed and operating costs when selecting the best overall AirPrint printer to match home or office needs. Leading printer manufacturers now support this simplified printing technology.
Setup only requires getting printer and Apple devices on the same Wi-Fi network. Troubleshoot connectivity issues using standard wireless troubleshooting techniques as needed.
I hope these AirPrint printer recommendations and tips help you untether from cables and start printing wirelessly from your Apple devices!
