Best Printers for Mac iMore 2020. As much as our lives are immersed in digital documentation, there are still times when we need to print something, whether it's a document, an application, or a photo. Especially in busy office spaces, a quality printer is a must. Use another scanning method or app: If you cannot scan to your Mac from your printer, try using an app, such as HP Smart or HP Easy Scan, or another method, such as Scan to Email or Scan to Network. Troubleshoot network and USB connection issues: Go to one of the following documents for additional scan connection troubleshooting.
With paper usage having lessened in recent years, the price of printers has dropped dramatically. You can now pick up a decent all-in-one model for less than $50 and a quality laser printer for under $100.
But more things being done digitally doesn’t make printers any less important — physical documents still need to be sent, photos need printing, and many businesses prefer hard copies of invoices. Then there’s the need to print things like concert tickets, shipping labels, and boarding passes.
What we're getting at is that printers aren’t going anywhere any time soon.
In this article, we’re going to walk you through how to put a printer to work. We’ll look at:
How to connect a printer to your Mac
How to find a printer IP address on a Mac
How to print wirelessly from your Mac
Before we get into setting up a printer, though, it’s best if you remove any unused printers from the Mac you're using.
Note: If there no printers previously installed on your system you can skip this next section and jump straight into how to connect a printer.
Removing an unused printer
Only printers that you’ll be using need to be connected to your Mac. Unused printers take up unnecessary space and might conflict with any new device that you install. You can remove a printer manually from within Printers & Scanners or with a tool like CleanMyMac X. The latter is the preferred option but we’ll run you through both methods.
Removing an unused printer manually
Printers can be deleted manually in the following way:
Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
Select the printer from the list and click on the - button.
Removing a printer with CleanMyMac X
While the manual method is straightforward, it does not guarantee that all of the files associated with a printer are removed from your system. Files and documentation can be left behind, taking up space that new printers should be occupying.
CleanMyMac X removes every trace of a printer from your Mac. So, remove a printer from the list in Printers & Scanners, then give CleanMyMac X a run through to rid your computer of any files that are left behind.
The easiest way to do this is with a System Junk clean. This scans your system for broken and outdated files for removal.
Download CleanMyMac X (for free!).
Launch the app and select System Junk from the sidebar.
Hit Scan and wait while CleanMyMac X scans your system.
Hit Clean.
You’re all done and ready to add a fresh printer to your system.
How to connect a printer to your Mac
How you connect a printer to your Mac really depends on what kind of printer you’re using. If the printer is a newer model there’s every chance that it supports AirPrint, in which case you can be set up and printing in moments. If not, you’ll need the printer drivers, which you’ll have to find on your system or download from the Web.
How to add a Wi-Fi printer
Before you can set up a printer on your Mac you’ll need to connect it to the Wi-Fi network. If the printer has a built-in display, use this to enter the name and password of the Wi-Fi network (you’ll find these details on the bottom of your main router).
If the printer uses Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), you’ll need to refer to the router’s documentation for details on how a WPS printer can be added. If the router is an AirPort Base Station, follow these instructions from Apple:
1. Open AirPort Utility, which is in the Utilities folder of your Applications folder.
2. Select your base station in AirPort Utility, then enter the base station password, if prompted.
3. From the menu bar, choose Base Station > Add WPS Printer.
4. Select either 'First attempt' or 'PIN' as the type of WPS connection to allow. Then click Continue.
If you selected 'First attempt,' push the WPS button on the printer. When the printer's MAC Address appears in AirPort Utility, click Done.
If you selected 'PIN,' enter the printer's PIN number, which should be listed in the printer's documentation. Then click Continue. When the printer's MAC Address appears in AirPort Utility, click Done.
5. Quit AirPort Utility.
Scanner Printer Copier For Mac Software
Once your printer is hooked up to the Wi-Fi, connecting it to your Mac is easy:
Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, then click the + button at the bottom of the list.
Leave the Default tab selected and let your Mac search for printers connected to the WiFi network.
Click on your printer from the list. If the printer supports AirPrint it will show opposite Use.
Click on Add Now.
If the printer doesn’t support AirPrint, you’ll need to install the necessary drivers.
Click on the name of the printer in the list.
Click Add to download the drivers from Apple’s servers.
Click Add again to add the printer.
If the drivers you need aren’t available on Apple’s servers you’ll need to download them from the manufacturer’s website. Once installed, you’ll be able to add the printer from the Printers & Scanners window.
How to add a network printer
You can add a network printer in the same way that you add a wireless printer. If the printer is connected by Ethernet or Wi-Fi your Mac will make it available to add from the Default tab in Printers & Scanners.
If there isn’t an Ethernet or Wi-Fi option, connect the printer to a Mac on the network or directly into the router via USB and add it from Printers & Scanners that way.
How to find a printer IP address on a Mac
If a printer doesn’t show up in the Default tab of Printers & Scanners you might have to connect it via the IP tab. To do this you’ll need to find the printer IP address.
The IP can be found by going to any networked Mac that is configured to the printer and using the Bonjour Browser. This should be enabled by default in Safari. If not, you can enable it by going to Preferences > Advanced and select either “Include Bonjour in the Bookmarks menu” or “Include Bonjour in the Favourites bar.”
You can also open up the Safari browser and go to http://localhost:631/printers/ to see a list of all printers.
Once you have the IP, enter it in the Address field in the IP tab in Printers & Scanners. Give the printer a name, select the printer from the drop-down list, then click Add.
How to print wirelessly from your Mac
To start printing to a wireless printer you’ll need to configure the printer settings. You can do this by going to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners and clicking on the printer from the list. From here, you’ll be able to set the printer as default and choose the paper size.
To print, simply go to File > Print or press Command+P. Choose your printer from the pop-up menu and configure the number of copies and specific pages.
Hitting the Print button will send your prints to the print queue, which automatically go to the printer. By going to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners and selecting your printer, you can open the print queue and pause, resume, or delete jobs. Here is where you can also keep an eye on ink levels.
Top Tip: Before going all in with a multiple page print, test your printer by creating a test document in TextEdit.
Such is the simplicity of Mac that adding and removing printers and performing printing tasks is a straightforward task. But remember: when removing a printer from your system, use CleanMyMac X to ensure all files linked to the printer are completely removed from your system to avoid conflict. CleanMyMac X is a leading Mac utility tool developed to help you rid your system of old and outdated files in a few clicks.
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Laser printers may be more expensive, but when it comes to delivering high-impact printing, they are unmatched. We’ve curated this list of best color laser printers for Mac based on the sharp printing and cost-effectiveness. In simpler terms, these printers save not just your valuable time but money as well.
#1. HP LaserJet Pro M254dw
If you are looking for efficiency without spending plenty of bucks, go for this beauty by HP. It can print up to 22 pages per minute black/color. Notably, the first page is out as fast as 10.2 sec and 11.8 sec for black and color, respectively.
A versatile app enables easy set-up, direct print from cloud storage, and scans from smartphones. The compact laser printers for Mac has wireless connectivity, USB Port, and a 2.7-inch color touchscreen. Print directly from your iOS device by connection on the same network or print without a network using Wi-Fi Direct.
USP: Fast double-sided printing Check out on Amazon
#2. Brother MFCL2750DWXL
This offering from Brother is an ideal pick for small and medium business. MFCL2750DWXL can print up to 36 pages per minute. And with the two-sided printing in the offing, you will be able to get your work done faster.
It comes with up to 250-sheet capacity paper tray as well as 50-sheet auto document feeder make it very useful. Due mainly to the superior toner, it offers high-quality printing.
Moreover, the option to print from and scan to cloud services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, OneNote, Evernote makes it highly user-friendly.
USP: Can print up to 36 pages per minute Check out on Amazon
#3. Brother Monochrome MFCL2710DW
The reason why I have chosen “Brother Monochrome MFCL2710DW” is that it’s highly affordable yet very impressive. Thanks to the presence of 50-sheet automatic document feeder and 250-sheet tray, it can live up to the basic demand.
The duplex printing at 32 pages per minute can boost your productivity and also save time. It’s also compatible with AirPrint, Google Cloud Print 2.0, Brother iPrint&Scan, Mopria to let your print from your iPhone other supported mobile devices.
What’s more, Monochrome printer comes with toner save mode to let you reduce toner cost.
USP: Toner save mode to decrease toner cost Check out on Amazon
#4. Canon LBP6030w
Before a few years, Canon introduced LBP2900 and that was a super hit. Its performance was appreciated by most of the personal as were as office users. Now the company has introduced one more efficient upgrade with LBP6030w model. This one features wireless connectivity, suitable for home or small office.
It has a 5000 printing cycle per refill and the tray can hold 150 sheets at a time. With the single cartridge system, changing the toner hardly takes more than a minute. If you are looking for a compact, budget-friendly, and wireless printer; Canon LBP6030w is the way to go.
USP: Compact in size Check out on Amazon
#5. Xerox Phaser 6510
I have found Xerox Phaser 6510 very impressive. The laser printer can print color and black/white documents with 1200 X 2400 dpi resolution. The 30 ppm speed can fit into your demand with good effect.
It has an extra paper tray to load an additional 550 sheets at one time to speed up printing. Phaser 6510 comes with superior Xerox EA Toner formulation for improved dot reproducibility. Besides, it also reduces energy cost.
USP: Superior Xerox EA Toner formulation Check out on Amazon
#6. Xerox VersaLink C405
A wizard when it comes to small or regular business use. With a mobile-like interface, the touch screen simplifies usage. The smart screen supports gesture inputs and can download task-focused apps from the Xerox App Gallery.
It is preloaded with Xerox ConnectKey Apps for a smoother workflow. Xerox VersaLink offers iOS support printing and NFC tap-to-pair. It also boasts a 550-sheet tray, 150-sheet multipurpose tray, USB Port, and a card reader bay.
The printer measures the ink level at activation and notifies when you are running low. You can also subscribe to Amazon Dash Replenishment and avail 10% discount and auto reorders.
USP: Mobile-like interface Check out on Amazon
#7. Canon imageCLASS D1620
Canon is known to produce one of the printers for Mac and Windows. And Canon imageCLASS D1620 is no exception.
Talking about the features, the first thing that has made me want it is high-quality printing. The company claims to deliver up to 45 page per minute speed that puts it a cut above than many of its rivals.
With the built-in support for AirPrint, printing from both iOS and macOS device is pretty fast and convenient. Plus, the 5″ touchscreen allows you to go through the setup more comfortably.
USP: High-quality image processing Check out on Amazon
#8. Lexmark B2236dw
The Lexmark C2325dw is a reliable and cost-effective Laser Printers for Mac. It can print 25 pages per minute, a decent speed if you are looking for a minimal printer for small business.
A full-spectrum security architecture protects your data in documents, both on the device and over the network. The 2-line monochrome LCD with keypad ensures the interface remains simple. Besides, it also comes with the technology to cut down toner consumption.
USP: Cost-effective Check out on Amazon
#9. Xerox 3330/DNI
What makes Xerox 3330/DNI stand out is the rapid speed with which it prints documents (1200 dpi). It claims to deliver the first page in just 9.5 seconds and offers up to up to 42 ppm output which is way better than the output capability of all of its counterparts mentioned above.
With the proficient two-sided printing along with 15,000-page capacity toner cartridges, it’s fully equipped to intensive paper handling. If needed, you can also take advantage of the second paper tray that can load an additional 550 sheets.
Furthermore, it works effectively with Apple AirPrint, Mopria, Google Print Cloud and Wi-Fi Direct so that you print from your iOS device or other compatible Android smartphones.
USP: 42 ppm output Check out on Amazon
#10. HP OfficeJet Pro 9015
HP OfficeJet Pro 9015 is efficient with regard to cost, print quality, and speed. Although 37% smaller than its predecessor(jet Pro 8710), it can manage to print 22 pages per minute, automatic 2-sided copy and scan, a 35-page automatic document feeder.
A smart task feature minimizes steps in repetitive tasks, making digitizing and organizing documents simpler. The HP smart app gives you remote access to the printer, scanner, ink levels on the go. Protective, sensitive data with built-in security details such as encryption, password protection, Wi-Fi security, and document protection.
An excellent option for home offices as it requires less desk space. If you want a laser printer for mac or single-use or a small team, this one can be worth putting your money on.
USP: Automatic 2-sided copy and scan Check out on Amazon
Wrap Up
So, these are my top picks! Assuming you are impressed with these superior laser printers for Mac. Now, choose the right option as per your specific needs. If you don’t want to spend much money but still wish to have more than just a handy solution, go for affordable options. If uncompromised quality is on top of your list, put your money on the slightly more expensive printers.
Which laser printer will you use with your Mac? Do let us know that in the comments below.
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Printer Scanner Copier All-in-one For Mac
Jignesh Padhiyar is the co-founder of iGeeksBlog.com who has a keen eye for news, rumors and all the unusual stuff that happens around Apple products. During his tight schedule, Jignesh finds some moments of respite to share side-splitting contents on social media.
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