Best Large Format Printers for Professional Printing [TOP13]

Printing large format documents can be a daunting task, especially if you don't have the right equipment. A large format printer is designed to handle big prints, typically those larger than 11x17 inches. These printers are ideal for printing posters, banners, and other large graphics. If you're in the market for a large format printer, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

The first thing to consider is the size of the printer. Large format printers come in a range of sizes, from desktop models to freestanding units. The size you choose will depend on your needs and available space. Another important factor is print quality. Look for a printer that produces high-quality prints with sharp colors and crisp lines.

When shopping for a large format printer, it's also important to consider the cost of ink and other consumables. Some printers have high ink costs, which can quickly add up if you're printing frequently. Finally, think about the features you need. Do you need a printer that can handle a variety of media types? Do you need a printer that can handle large volumes of prints?

In this article, we'll take a look at the best large format printers on the market today. We'll consider factors like print quality, size, cost, and features to help you find the right printer for your needs. Whether you're a professional graphic designer or just need a printer for occasional large prints, we've got you covered.

Best Large Format Printers

When it comes to printing large-scale images or graphics, a standard printer just won't cut it. That's where large format printers come in. These printers are specifically designed to handle printing on larger paper sizes, such as 11x17 inches or even larger. Whether you're a professional photographer, graphic designer, or just looking to print out some high-quality posters, a large format printer can help you achieve the results you're looking for. In this article, we've rounded up the best large format printers on the market to help you make an informed decision.

HP DesignJet T210 Large Format Printer

If you're looking for a large format printer that is simple to use and cost-effective, the HP DesignJet T210 is a great option.

Pros

• The HP DesignJet T210 is ideal for technical line drawings, renders requiring precise, accurate line-quality and crisp text, posters, maps and professional sewing patterns, making it a popular choice among architects, engineers, and construction professionals.
• With its high-speed printing, you can avoid waiting by the printer. It can print as fast as 45 seconds per A1/D plot, making it up to 2x faster than other printers.
• The HP DesignJet T210 is designed to fit your office, with a compact design that uses up to 95% less ink for routine maintenance compared to other competitor plotter printers.

Cons

• The HP DesignJet T210 does not come with a cover or stand, so the roll with paper and insides of the printer are open, making it vulnerable to dust and debris.
• The printer's software package is large and includes many features that you may not use.
• The HP DesignJet T210 is limited to media sizes up to 24-inch wide media rolls and up to 13-inch by 19-inch sheets using the optional automatic sheet feeder accessory.

The HP DesignJet T210 is a great option for those who need a simple, cost-effective and reliable large format printer. With its high-speed printing and compact design, it can help improve productivity and save space in your office. However, it is important to note that it does not come with a cover or stand, and its media size is limited.

HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 Wide Format All-in-One Color Printer

If you're looking for a reliable and versatile large format printer that can handle a variety of tasks, the HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 is a great option to consider.

Pros

• The printer can handle a wide variety of tasks, including copying, scanning, and faxing in addition to printing.
• With the ability to print up to 11x17 inches, you can easily create high-quality marketing materials and other documents that stand out.
• The HP Smart app makes it easy to set up your printer and manage your printing tasks from your smartphone or tablet.

Cons

• While the printer's cost per page is lower than many color laser printers, it can still be relatively expensive to operate if you're printing large volumes of documents.
• The printer is fairly large and heavy, so it may not be the best option if you have limited space in your office.
• Some users have reported issues with the printer's firmware updates blocking the use of non-HP ink cartridges.

Overall, the HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 is a versatile and reliable large format printer that can handle a variety of tasks. If you're looking for a printer that can handle both printing and other tasks like scanning and copying, it's definitely worth considering. Just be aware that the cost of ink cartridges can add up quickly if you're printing a lot of documents.

Epson Workforce Pro WF-7310 Wireless Wide-Format Printer

If you're looking for a high-performance, wide-format printer that can handle heavy workloads, the Epson Workforce Pro WF-7310 is a great option to consider.

Pros

• The printer offers fast print speeds, delivering up to 25 black/12 color ISO ppm, which streamlines workflow and saves time.
• With its DURABrite Ultra instant-dry pigment inks, the printer produces sharp text and vivid colors, delivering print-shop-quality graphics up to 13" x 19" and borderless up to 11" x 17".
• The printer is designed for productivity, engineered for durability, reliability, and heavy workloads. It features two 250-sheet trays, a rear feed, and Wi-Fi 5 compatibility, allowing you to easily tackle high-volume print jobs.

Cons

• The printer is designed to be used exclusively with Epson Genuine Cartridges. Use of non-genuine ink could cause damage not covered under the printer’s ltd. wnty.
• The printer is relatively heavy, weighing in at 29.8 pounds, which could make it difficult to move around or reposition.
• The printer requires regular firmware updates, which could be a hassle for some users.

The Epson Workforce Pro WF-7310 is a high-performance, wide-format printer that offers fast print speeds and produces sharp text and vivid colors. It's designed for productivity, engineered for durability, reliability, and heavy workloads, making it a great option for those looking to tackle high-volume print jobs. However, it's important to note that the printer is designed to be used exclusively with Epson Genuine Cartridges, and requires regular firmware updates. If you're in the market for a reliable and efficient wide-format printer, the Epson Workforce Pro WF-7310 is definitely worth considering.

HP DesignJet T630 Large Format Wireless Plotter Color Printer - 24"

If you are looking for a large format printer that is easy to use and cost-effective, the HP DesignJet T630 might be the one for you.

Pros

• With the HP Click and HP Smart app, you can print multiple files in as little as one click and manage your printing and printer virtually anywhere and anytime from your smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer.
• The printer can handle up to 24-inch wide media rolls and up to 13-inch by 19-inch sheets, making it suitable for technical line-drawings, renders requiring precise, accurate line-quality and crisp text, posters, and maps.
• Print multi-size A3/B and A1/D or A0/E projects automatically, without manually switching the media source. Save time and money from job prep to final print.

Cons

• Some users have reported difficulty with driver installation and getting the printer up and running.
• One user had trouble with the print head alignment and called the printer a "piece of junk."
• The printer does not show you if it is offline or not.

The HP DesignJet T630 is a reliable and efficient large format printer that is perfect for architects, engineers, and construction professionals. With its simple and cost-effective features, you can save time and money while producing high-quality prints.

Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 Wireless Color Wide-Format Printer

If you're looking for a high-quality large format printer for professional projects, the Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 is a great option.

Pros

• The individual 6-color Claria photo HD ink system produces ultra HD photo quality and enhanced black and white prints, with an ultra wide color gamut.
• The printer features a 50-sheet rear tray for specialty media, including cardstock, and accommodates a variety of paper finishes and borderless sizes from 4 inches x 6 inches to 13 inches x 19 inches.
• The printer is ultra-compact and 30% smaller than its predecessor, easily fitting on your desktop.

Cons

• The printer is designed to be used exclusively with Epson Genuine Cartridges, and non-genuine ink could cause damage not covered under the printer's limited warranty.
• Some firmware updates may affect the functionality of third-party ink, and non-Epson branded or altered Epson cartridges that functioned prior to a firmware update may not continue to function.
• After the first few prints, some users have reported error messages and difficulty with printing.

The Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 is a great choice for professional projects, with its high-quality ink system and versatile paper tray. However, it's important to note that using non-genuine ink or altered cartridges could lead to damage and warranty issues. Overall, if you're in need of a reliable large format printer, the Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 is a solid option.

Epson EcoTank ET-15000 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer with Scanner, Copier, Fax, Ethernet and Printing up to 13 x 19 Inches, White Printer ET-15000

If you're looking for a high-quality large format printer with low ink costs, the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Save up to 90% on ink with low-cost replacement bottles
• Versatile paper handling - print up to 13" x 19" through rear feed
• Cartridge-Free Printing - one set of replacement ink bottles equivalent to about 80 individual cartridges

Cons

• Expensive initial cost
• No automatic document feeder for scanning
• No automatic duplex printing for larger documents

The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is a great choice for those who print frequently and want to save on ink costs. With low-cost replacement bottles, you can save up to 90% on ink costs compared to ink cartridges. Additionally, the printer has versatile paper handling, allowing you to print up to 13" x 19" through the rear feed.

However, the initial cost of the printer is quite high, so it may not be the best choice for those on a tight budget. Additionally, there is no automatic document feeder for scanning, which can be inconvenient for those who scan frequently. Finally, there is no automatic duplex printing for larger documents, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient.

Despite these drawbacks, the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is a great choice for those who want to save on ink costs and print high-quality large format documents.

Epson Workforce Pro WF-7820 Wide-Format Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer

If you're looking for a high-volume printer that can handle large format prints, the Epson Workforce Pro WF-7820 is a solid choice.

Pros

• The printer can handle a variety of document sizes, including borderless prints up to 11 x 17" and banners up to 42.7" in length.
• With a 4800 x 2400 dpi resolution, the printer produces sharp prints at fast speeds of up to 25 ppm in black and 12 ppm in color.
• The printer includes a 50-sheet ADF for scanning and copying documents up to 11 x 17" and offers a variety of scan features, including scan to computer, scan to cloud, and scan to email.

Cons

• The starter ink cartridges that come with the printer are only good for setup, so you'll need to order ink separately.
• The printer is fairly bulky and weighs 38.1 pounds, so it may not be the best choice for a small office with limited space.
• While the printer offers wireless connectivity options, some users have reported difficulty setting up the wireless connection.

The Epson Workforce Pro WF-7820 is a versatile printer that can handle a variety of document sizes and produce high-quality prints at fast speeds. The printer also includes a range of features, such as wireless connectivity and a 50-sheet ADF, that make it a good choice for a busy office. However, the printer is fairly bulky and may not be the best choice for a small office with limited space. Additionally, users should be aware that the starter ink cartridges that come with the printer are only good for setup and will need to be replaced fairly quickly.

HP DesignJet T630 Large Format Wireless Plotter Printer

If you're looking for a high-quality large format printer for technical drawings, renders, posters, and maps, the HP DesignJet T630 is a great option. With its fast printing speeds, easy-to-use software, and wide range of connectivity options, this printer is perfect for architects, engineers, and construction professionals who need to produce high-quality prints quickly and efficiently.

Pros

• Fast printing speeds of up to 30 seconds per A1/D plot.
• High-quality prints with up to 31% more line accuracy and up to 65% more gamut.
• Easy-to-use software and a variety of connectivity options.

Cons

• The printer is quite heavy, weighing in at 77 pounds.
• The automatic sheet feeder accessory can be a bit finicky at times.
• The printer is quite expensive, so it may not be the best option for those on a tight budget.

The HP DesignJet T630 is a great option for anyone who needs to produce high-quality large format prints quickly and efficiently. With its fast printing speeds and high-quality prints, this printer is perfect for architects, engineers, and construction professionals who need to produce accurate technical drawings, renders, and maps.

One of the best things about the HP DesignJet T630 is its easy-to-use software. With HP Click software, you can easily submit print jobs and create professional-quality posters with just a few clicks. And with the HP Smart app, you can manage your printer and print files from anywhere, using your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Another great feature of the HP DesignJet T630 is its wide range of connectivity options. With Gigabit Ethernet, Hi-Speed USB 2.0, and Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, you can easily connect to your printer from virtually anywhere. And with HP/GL-2 support, you can easily print from a variety of applications, including AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Creative Suite.

Overall, if you're looking for a high-quality large format printer that's easy to use and produces great results, the HP DesignJet T630 is definitely worth considering. While it's a bit expensive and heavy, its fast printing speeds, high-quality prints, and easy-to-use software make it a great choice for anyone who needs to produce accurate technical drawings, renders, and maps.

Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless Wide-Format All-in-One Supertank Printer with Scanner, Copier, Ethernet and 4.3-inch Color Touchscreen, Large, White ET-8550 Printer

If you're looking for a large format printer that can handle lab-quality photos, graphics, and creative projects, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• With cartridge-free printing and Claria ET Premium 6-color inks, you can get vibrant colors and sharp text with high-accuracy printhead.
• You can save a ridiculous amount on photos and creative projects with affordable in-house photo printing. Print 4" x 6" photos for about 4 cents each vs. 40 cents with traditional ink cartridges.
• The printer comes with a 2-year limited warranty with registration and supports mobile printing with the Epson Smart Panel app.

Cons

• The initial cost of the printer is high, making it a significant investment.
• It may take a bit of time to get used to the unique keyed EcoFit ink bottle design for easy filling of each color.
• The printer is relatively heavy, making it difficult to move around.

The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is a great investment for anyone who needs to print lab-quality photos and creative projects. With its cartridge-free printing and Claria ET Premium 6-color inks, you can get vibrant colors and sharp text with high-accuracy printhead. Plus, you can save a ridiculous amount on photos and creative projects with affordable in-house photo printing. Print 4" x 6" photos for about 4 cents each vs. 40 cents with traditional ink cartridges.

While the initial cost of the printer is high, it comes with a 2-year limited warranty with registration and supports mobile printing with the Epson Smart Panel app. However, it may take a bit of time to get used to the unique keyed EcoFit ink bottle design for easy filling of each color. Additionally, the printer is relatively heavy, making it difficult to move around.

Overall, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is a great investment for anyone who needs a large format printer that can handle lab-quality photos, graphics, and creative projects.

Epson SureColor T2170 24-Inch Desktop Wide-Format Wireless Inkjet Printer

If you're in the market for a reliable and high-quality large format printer, the Epson SureColor T2170 is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Fast print speeds, producing accurate A1/D-size prints in just 43 seconds
• Easy to operate, thanks to the large, intuitive 4.3" LCD color touchscreen
• Versatile media handling, accommodating rolls up to 24 inches wide and sheets up to 11" x 17" through the Auto Sheet Feeder

Cons

• Relatively expensive compared to some other large format printers on the market
• Some users have reported issues with the printer's warranty service
• Designed for use exclusively with Epson cartridges, which can be costly to replace

This printer is perfect for anyone who needs to produce high-quality prints quickly and easily. With its fast print speeds and intuitive touchscreen interface, you'll be able to get your work done in no time. The versatile media handling also makes it easy to work with a wide variety of materials.

In terms of cons, the main drawback of this printer is its relatively high price point. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the printer's warranty service, which can be frustrating if you encounter any problems down the line. Finally, it's worth noting that this printer is designed to be used exclusively with Epson cartridges, which can be more expensive than third-party options.

Overall, if you're looking for a reliable and high-quality large format printer, the Epson SureColor T2170 is definitely worth considering.

Canon imagePROGRAF iPF780 36-inch large format printer

If you're looking for a reliable and high-quality large format printer, the Canon imagePROGRAF iPF780 might be a great choice for you to consider.

Pros

• Fast printing speed for both Arch D and Arch E prints
• Accommodates 300ml ink tanks for lower cost per print
• Sub-ink tank system allows for ink to be used up before replacing

Cons

• Printhead may dry out if printer is not used for extended periods of time
• Initial setup may be tricky for some users
• Glossy paper is required for first print, which may result in wasted ink if not known beforehand

The Canon imagePROGRAF iPF780 is a great option for those who need to print large format documents quickly and with high quality. With its fast printing speed, it can produce an Arch D print in just 21 seconds and an Arch E print in 41 seconds. Additionally, it can accommodate 300ml ink tanks, which can help lower the cost per print.

One of the standout features of this printer is its sub-ink tank system, which allows for all of the ink in the tank to be used up before needing to replace it. This can help save money and reduce waste. However, it's worth noting that the printhead may dry out if the printer is not used for extended periods of time, so it's important to keep this in mind.

While the initial setup of the printer may be tricky for some users, once it's up and running, it's a reliable and efficient machine. One thing to keep in mind is that glossy paper is required for the first print, which may result in wasted ink if not known beforehand.

Overall, if you need a large format printer that can produce high-quality prints quickly and efficiently, the Canon imagePROGRAF iPF780 is definitely worth considering.

Epson Expression Photo XP-970 Wireless Color Photo Printer with Scanner and Copier

If you're looking for a versatile, high-quality photo printer, the Epson Expression Photo XP-970 is a great choice.

Pros

• The 6-color Claria Photo HD Inks produce stunning, borderless photos up to 11" x 17".
• The printer is fast and efficient, producing 4" x 6" photos in as fast as 11 seconds.
• The fold-over scan lid is a convenient feature that holds originals in place during scanning.

Cons

• The printer is relatively bulky and heavy, making it difficult to move around.
• The ink cartridges can be expensive to replace, especially if you use the printer frequently.
• The printer can be noisy during operation, which may be a problem if you need to use it in a quiet environment.

The Epson Expression Photo XP-970 is a great choice if you need a high-quality photo printer that can handle a variety of media types. With its 6-color Claria Photo HD Inks, you can produce stunning, borderless photos up to 11" x 17". The printer is also fast and efficient, producing 4" x 6" photos in as fast as 11 seconds.

One of the most convenient features of the XP-970 is the fold-over scan lid, which holds originals in place during scanning. This makes it easy to scan documents and photos without worrying about them moving around or getting damaged.

However, the XP-970 is relatively bulky and heavy, which may be a problem if you need to move it around frequently. Additionally, the ink cartridges can be expensive to replace, especially if you use the printer frequently. Finally, the printer can be noisy during operation, which may be a problem if you need to use it in a quiet environment.

Overall, if you need a high-quality photo printer that can handle a variety of media types, the Epson Expression Photo XP-970 is a great choice. Just be aware of its size, cost of ink cartridges, and noise level before making your purchase.

Epson EcoTank Pro ET-16600 SuperTank Wide-Format Color Inkjet All-In-One Printer

If you're looking for a high-quality large format printer, the Epson EcoTank Pro ET-16600 SuperTank Wide-Format Color Inkjet All-In-One Printer is a great option.

Pros

• You can save up to 80% with low-cost replacement ink bottles vs standard-capacity color laser toner cartridges, making it a very cost-effective option.
• Fast wide-format prints and scans, with print speeds of up to 25 ISO ppm black and powered by PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology.
• Print-shop quality, with Epson DURABrite Inks that are pigment-based for crisp, vibrant prints in black-and-white and color that are instant-dry borderless prints up to 11" x 17".

Cons

• The printer is designed for use with pigment inks only. Using dye inks may cause damage not covered by the Epson Limited Warranty.
• The set of replacement bottles includes enough ink to print up to 7,500 pages black/6,000 color, which may not be enough for high-volume printing needs.
• The warning about using non-genuine ink could cause damage not covered under the printer's limited warranty may discourage some users from using third-party ink.

The Epson EcoTank Pro ET-16600 SuperTank Wide-Format Color Inkjet All-In-One Printer is a great option for those looking for a high-quality large format printer that is cost-effective and produces fast, high-quality prints. The ability to save up to 80% on ink costs is a major advantage, and the fast print speeds and print-shop quality make it a great choice for businesses or individuals who need to produce high-quality prints quickly. However, the warning about using non-genuine ink may discourage some users from using third-party ink, and the set of replacement bottles may not be enough for high-volume printing needs. Overall, the Epson EcoTank Pro ET-16600 SuperTank Wide-Format Color Inkjet All-In-One Printer is a great option for those looking for a high-quality large format printer.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best large format printer, there are several factors that you should consider to ensure that you make an informed decision. Here are some key features to look out for:

Print Quality

One of the most important factors to consider is the print quality of the printer. Look for a printer that can produce high-quality prints with sharp details and vibrant colors. Some printers use advanced color management systems to ensure accurate color reproduction, while others use special inks to produce a wider color gamut.

Print Speed

If you need to print large volumes of prints quickly, then print speed is a crucial factor to consider. Look for a printer with a fast print speed, measured in pages per minute (ppm). Keep in mind that the print speed may vary depending on the type of paper and print mode used.

Connectivity

Consider the connectivity options available on the printer. Most large format printers come with USB and Ethernet connectivity, but some also offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. This allows you to print directly from your mobile devices or laptops without the need for cables.

Paper Handling

Make sure that the printer can handle the type and size of paper that you need to print on. Look for a printer with multiple paper trays and the ability to handle different paper weights and sizes. Some printers also have automatic paper cutters and roll feeders for printing on large rolls of paper.

Cost

Large format printers can be expensive, so it's important to consider the cost of the printer as well as the ongoing cost of ink and maintenance. Look for a printer with a low cost per print and a long lifespan to ensure that you get the best value for your money.

In summary, when choosing the best large format printer, consider the print quality, print speed, connectivity, paper handling, and cost. By taking these factors into account, you can find a printer that will meet your needs and produce high-quality prints.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top large format printers for small businesses?

When it comes to large format printers for small businesses, some of the top options include the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000, Epson SureColor P800, and HP DesignJet Z9+. These printers are known for their high-quality prints, reliability, and ease of use.

Which large format printers are preferred by artists for high-quality prints?

Artists who prioritize high-quality prints often turn to large format printers like the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000, Epson SureColor P10000, and HP DesignJet Z9+. These printers offer exceptional color accuracy, sharpness, and detail, making them ideal for reproducing artwork.

What should I look for when choosing a large format printer for architectural designs?

When choosing a large format printer for architectural designs, it's important to consider factors such as print resolution, color accuracy, and print speed. Some of the top options for architectural prints include the Epson SureColor T5270, HP DesignJet Z9+, and Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000.

How do wide-format and large format printers differ in functionality?

While the terms "wide-format" and "large format" are often used interchangeably, they actually refer to two different types of printers. Wide-format printers typically handle prints up to 100 inches wide, while large format printers can handle prints up to several feet wide. Large format printers also tend to offer higher print quality and more advanced features than wide-format printers.

What are the best options for large format photo printing?

For large format photo printing, some of the top options include the Epson SureColor P10000, Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000, and HP DesignJet Z9+. These printers offer exceptional color accuracy and detail, making them ideal for reproducing high-quality photographs.

What specifications are important for a large format printer handling 24x36 prints?

When choosing a large format printer for 24x36 prints, it's important to consider factors such as print resolution, color accuracy, and print speed. Some of the top options for handling 24x36 prints include the Epson SureColor P800, Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000, and HP DesignJet Z6+.