Who this is for
- People shopping for printers in the home office & productivity space
- Buyers deciding whether paying more for new is actually worth it
- Shoppers who want a faster way to compare value without relying on a single listing
Buyer Help
Printers
Learn who printers is best for, when buying new makes more sense, when used or refurbished can save you money, and what to avoid before you shop.
Use this page to understand what actually matters before buying printers, then compare marketplace options once you know which direction fits your budget and goals.
What to know before you buy
These searches target printer types that stay relevant: monochrome laser (best value), color laser (office), ink tank (cheap per page), and shipping label printers. Amazon = new bundles, eBay = refurb steals.
When buying new makes sense
- Buy new when you want the easiest experience, strongest return policies, and the least uncertainty around printers
- Buy new when warranty coverage, battery health, bundled accessories, or pristine condition matter to you
- Buy new when the price gap between new and used/refurb is small enough that peace of mind wins
When used or refurbished is smarter
- Used or refurbished often makes the most sense when printers has a strong secondhand market and the brand/model ages well
- Used/refurb is usually best when you know exactly which features matter and can ignore flashy extras
- Go used/refurb when the savings are meaningful and the seller condition notes, testing details, and return policy look solid
Key things to compare
- Fast + cheap per page
- Great for docs
- Duplex + Wi Fi are the checkboxes
- Scanner/copier included
- Great home office staple
Common mistakes to avoid
- Look for duplex + ADF
- Cleaner than ink for office use
- Duplex saves paper
- Buying printers based only on the lowest price
- Listings with vague condition descriptions, missing photos, or unclear accessory details
Usually best for
This category is often a strong fit for buyers looking at monochrome laser workhorses (brother hl-l series), buyers looking at all-in-one monochrome laser (scan/copy built in), buyers looking at color laser (hp / brother / canon office color), and buyers looking at ink tank printers (epson ecotank / canon megatank).
Recommended marketplace searches
Once you know what matters, use these curated searches to compare current options across new retail listings and used or refurbished inventory.
Monochrome laser workhorses (Brother HL-L series)
For reliability + low running cost, mono laser is king.
- Fast + cheap per page
- Great for docs
- Duplex + Wi-Fi are the checkboxes
All-in-one monochrome laser (scan/copy built in)
If you need scanning but want laser reliability.
- Scanner/copier included
- Great home office staple
- Look for duplex + ADF
Color laser (HP / Brother / Canon office color)
For charts, labels, and color docs without ink drama.
- Cleaner than ink for office use
- Duplex saves paper
- Refurb color lasers can be a deal
Ink tank printers (Epson EcoTank / Canon MegaTank)
Best if you print a lot and want ultra-low ink cost.
- Very low cost per page
- Great for high volume
- Make sure you actually print regularly
Thermal shipping label printers (4x6)
For eBay/Gumroad/Etsy shipping—fast labels, no ink.
- No ink/toner needed
- Huge time saver
- Check label size + driver support
Supplies: toner/ink + paper + maintenance kits
Keep it running and avoid last-minute panic.
- Buy 1 spare toner/ink
- Paper bulk saves money
- Confirm exact model compatibility
FAQ
Is it better to buy printers new or used?
That depends on the price gap, how important warranty coverage is to you, and whether the model you want holds up well over time. New is usually simpler. Used or refurbished is often better value if the condition is clearly described and the savings are meaningful.
What matters most before buying printers?
Focus on fit for your actual use case first, then compare reliability, condition, included accessories, and total value. Chasing the cheapest option often creates more frustration than savings.
Why compare Amazon and eBay here?
Amazon is often stronger for new inventory, faster shipping, and easier retail-style buying. eBay is often stronger for used, refurbished, discontinued, or better-value listings. Looking at both gives you a wider pricing picture.