The best large format printer will enable you to show your prints at their absolute best. Taking trips to the local print shop takes time and money. And if the print isn’t what you wanted, then that’s even more time and money. So it makes sense to have a large format printer at your disposal.
We’ve considered a wide range of printers. Some are behemoths and will require lots of space. Others will sit on a large desk without a problem. But all of them will produce excellent results. A few of these printers are more suited to graphics rather than photos. But we mention that in the description.
Our top pick is the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300. It has 10 inks, a superb 4800 x 2400 dpi resolution, and will print images up to 39 inches long.
What Is the Best Large Format Printer?
You’ll find a good selection of printers here for you to consider. Before we look at them in more detail, here is a summary of our recommendations.
- Gallery-quality color and black-and-white prints
- Ink system has 9 colors plus Chroma Optimizer
- Enhanced productivity with Nozzle Recovery System
- 3.0" color LCD monitor for easy settings
- Large color touchscreen
- Pigment inks
- Unlimited length of prints
- Up to 24-inch-wide prints
- Black pigment ink for sharpness
- Color touchscreen
- 36-inch-wide capacity
- Fast printing speeds
- Exceptional image quality with UltraChrome PRO10 ink
- No switching between photo and matte black inks
- Fast, consistent, and accurate prints with 10-channel MicroPiezo AMC printhead
- Easy printing from iOS devices and best-in-class black density
- Vibrant colors and sharp text with Claria ET Premium inks
- Accommodates various media types including borderless 13 x 19" photos
- Save up to 80% on ink costs with replacement ink bottles
- Wireless and voice-activated printing for convenience
- Fast print speed
- Available in 24 and 36-inch widths
- Large 1 GB memory
- Prints on thick media
- Fast print speeds with reduced clogging
- Accurate ink placement on various paper types
- 11-color LUCIA PRO system for superb glossiness
- True-to-life color reproduction and deep blacks
- Vibrant, professional 8-color prints
- Compact design saves space
- Prints A3-size in 90 seconds
- Wide media compatibility up to 13 x 39"
Choosing the Best Large Format Printer
So let’s take a look at what we like about these printers, starting with our top pick.
1. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300
| Brand |
Brand
Canon
|
| Dimensions |
Dimensions
639 x 379 x 200 mm
|
| Weight |
Weight
18597 g
|
| Max Print Size |
Max Print Size
13 x 19 inches
|
| Max Print Length |
Max Print Length
39 inches
|
| Max Paper Weight |
Max Paper Weight
380 gsm
|
| Max Resolution |
Max Resolution
4800 x 2400 dpi
|
| Print Speed |
Print Speed
8 x 10-inch photo in 2 minutes 45 seconds
|
| Ink System |
Ink System
Pigment ink cartridge
|
| Number of Inks |
Number of Inks
10
|
| Connectivity |
Connectivity
USB 2.0, Ethernet, Wi-Fi
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Two input trays, Chroma Optimizer cartridge, 3-inch color screen
|
| Best For |
Best For
Beautiful and rich prints in color and monochrome
|
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 is a fantastically capable printer. It isn’t the fastest in the world. But the point is to produce gorgeous prints without having to go to a specialist printer.
Several things contribute to the quality of the prints. Canon’s ink nozzle technology produces reliably consistent and accurate droplet sizes. The inks themselves are durable and bright. There are nine separate cartridges. Two of these are black. One is for fine art paper with a matte finish and the other is for glossy paper.
Finally, Canon’s Chroma Optimizer cartridge applies an almost varnish-like coat to the print. This evens out any inconsistencies in the way the colors reflect light that falls on them.
Whether you are looking for big glossy color photos or Ansel Adams-style sublime monochrome prints, the imagePROGRAF PRO-300 will deliver. It can handle up to 380 gsm for really impressive results.
2. Epson SureColor T2170
| Brand |
Brand
Epson
|
| Dimensions |
Dimensions
635 x 1118 x 381 mm
|
| Weight |
Weight
36500 g
|
| Max Print Size |
Max Print Size
29 inches wide
|
| Max Print Length |
Max Print Length
Limited only by software
|
| Max Paper Weight |
Max Paper Weight
8.6 mm thick
|
| Max Resolution |
Max Resolution
2400 x 1200 dpi
|
| Print Speed |
Print Speed
A1 size print in 43 seconds
|
| Ink System |
Ink System
4 color pigment inks
|
| Number of Inks |
Number of Inks
4
|
| Connectivity |
Connectivity
Ethernet, USB, Wi-Fi
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Accepts roll paper up to 24 inches wide, 4.3-inch color touchscreen
|
| Best For |
Best For
Mixed text and color graphical printing
|
The Epson SureColor T2170 is a great choice if you want to produce graphical documents of banner length. It isn’t restricted to cut paper and accepts rolls of paper up to 24 inches (61 cm) wide. This is perfect for banners or large architectural visualizations.
It might not be the greatest for gallery-style photographic printing. But it will serve you well for all other forms of large format outputs. It also prints on media up to 5/16ths of an inch thick.
The pigment-based inks dry instantly and resist smudging and fading. And the prints are produced quickly with an A1 page (approximately 24 x 33 inches) taking less than 45 seconds.
When you consider the large ink capacity, the roll paper versatility, and the speed, this is an attractive choice. If you need to print large graphics documents, and occasionally photos, the Epson SureColor T2170 could be a good choice.
3. HP DesignJet T730
| Brand |
Brand
HP
|
| Dimensions |
Dimensions
1524 x 559 x 508 mm
|
| Weight |
Weight
67200 g
|
| Max Print Size |
Max Print Size
36 inches wide
|
| Max Print Length |
Max Print Length
Limited only by software
|
| Max Paper Weight |
Max Paper Weight
Up to 11.8 mm thick
|
| Max Resolution |
Max Resolution
2400 x 1200 dpi
|
| Print Speed |
Print Speed
A1 print in 25 seconds
|
| Ink System |
Ink System
Cartridges (color dye, black pigment)
|
| Number of Inks |
Number of Inks
4
|
| Connectivity |
Connectivity
Ethernet, Wi-Fi
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Easy touchscreen control, massive maximum 36-inch width
|
| Best For |
Best For
Producing large images quickly
|
The HP DesignJet T730 is ideal if you want to produce big images at a decent speed. It promises an AO-size image (33.1 x 46.8 inches) in 25 seconds. With a roll paper width of 36″ (91.4 cm), your print length is only limited by your software.
On the downside, there are only four colors. And the maximum resolution is not the highest of the printers on this list. So you probably don’t want this on your shortlist if gallery photos are your main requirement. That being said, the black ink is a pigment, so it will handle monochrome prints decently well.
As for media, there is an input tray as well as the roll feed and manual options. Roll paper is cut automatically. And the maximum thickness accommodates almost any printable medium.
A busy office needing quality output at impressive speeds and sizes would be a natural home for the HP DesignJet T730.
4. Epson SureColor P900
| Brand |
Brand
Epson
|
| Dimensions |
Dimensions
615 x 368 x 199 mm
|
| Weight |
Weight
16012 g
|
| Max Print Size |
Max Print Size
17 x 129 inches
|
| Max Print Length |
Max Print Length
129 inches
|
| Max Paper Weight |
Max Paper Weight
Up to 1.5 mm thick
|
| Max Resolution |
Max Resolution
5760 x 1440 dpi
|
| Print Speed |
Print Speed
US letter image in 1 min 29 seconds
|
| Ink System |
Ink System
Cartridge pigment-based inks
|
| Number of Inks |
Number of Inks
10
|
| Connectivity |
Connectivity
USB 3.0, Ethernet, Wi-Fi
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Customizable 4.3-inch touchscreen, Photo Black and Matte Black cartridges
|
| Best For |
Best For
Gallery-quality photographs
|
The Epson SureColor P900 offers flexibility and expansion options if you’re not sure of your future needs. It comes as a very capable, high-quality printer. It offers a range of large format options that will be more than sufficient for most needs. But if you later decide you also need a roll paper option, you can add it.
The quality of print from the 10 color cartridges is exceptional. A separate cartridge for each black means you don’t have to change them to swap between paper types. For extra-special media, you can load manually through the front. This allows up to 1/16th of an inch (1.5 mm) thick paper to be used.
The colors are rated at 200 years of fade resistance (400 years for monochrome). Although it’s not super fast, the Epson SureColor P900 will deliver large format prints of exceptional quality. It’s ready to show off your work at an impressive scale.
5. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
| Brand |
Brand
Epson
|
| Dimensions |
Dimensions
523 x 379 x 169 mm
|
| Weight |
Weight
11100 g
|
| Max Print Size |
Max Print Size
11 x 19 inches
|
| Max Print Length |
Max Print Length
19 inches
|
| Max Paper Weight |
Max Paper Weight
300 gsm
|
| Max Resolution |
Max Resolution
5700 x 1440 dpi
|
| Print Speed |
Print Speed
6 x 4-inch photo in 25 seconds
|
| Ink System |
Ink System
Refillable tanks (color dye, black pigment)
|
| Number of Inks |
Number of Inks
6
|
| Connectivity |
Connectivity
Ethernet, USB, Wi-Fi
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Hi-res scanner and copier, refillable ink tanks
|
| Best For |
Best For
High-volume users looking to save money and reduce waste
|
The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 will appeal to anyone who is anxious about the waste involved in printing. Instead of replaceable cartridges, the EcoTank (as the name suggests) uses refillable tanks. This means you simply refill the colors as you need to. And each bottle has a different nozzle, so there’s no danger of filling the wrong tank.
The six colors include two black, one each for glossy and matte media. This means that you get the best output for any situation. This printer is also a copier and scanner. So it’s more likely to be used as a go-to printer in a small office or studio. The matte black ink is also ideal for standard letter printing too. And the 1200 x 4800 dpi resolution (as a copier) means it’s good for pretty detailed photocopying.
Another useful and versatile feature is the paper feed. There are three input trays. This means in a photography studio, you can keep your 5 x 7″ photo paper, plain copy paper, and A3 photo paper in their own trays all the time. That means no messing about as you switch between them. And then there is the rear straight pass feed for single sheets up to 1.3 mm thick.
The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is a versatile, cost-saving printer. It is ideal for a busy office that needs to print multiple types of documents. And it has the added value of a high-resolution scanner and copier.
6. HP DesignJet Studio
| Brand |
Brand
HP
|
| Dimensions |
Dimensions
1318 x 556 x 932 mm
|
| Weight |
Weight
33600 g
|
| Max Print Size |
Max Print Size
A1
|
| Max Print Length |
Max Print Length
Limited only by software
|
| Max Paper Weight |
Max Paper Weight
Up to 11.8 mm
|
| Max Resolution |
Max Resolution
2400 x 1200 dpi
|
| Print Speed |
Print Speed
A1 in 25 seconds
|
| Ink System |
Ink System
Cartridge (color dye, black pigment)
|
| Number of Inks |
Number of Inks
4
|
| Connectivity |
Connectivity
Ethernet, USB, Wi-Fi
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Also available in 36-inch width, 1GB internal memory
|
| Best For |
Best For
Large-scale graphical output
|
The HP DesignJet Studio is another very competent and popular large format printer from HP. It is more suited to graphics rather than top-quality photo printing. This is because of its 2400 x 1200 dpi max resolution and four-color system.
Still, the results will be suitable for mixed-content printing. And the pigment-based black ink ensures crisp matte printing. It prints at a decent speed. And you can use recycled HP cartridges. They claim that this is the first net-carbon-neutral DesignJet plotter.
Anyone looking for a workhorse plotter with flexible media handling should put the HP DesignJet Studio on their shortlist.
7. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000
| Brand |
Brand
Canon
|
| Dimensions |
Dimensions
724 x 434 x 284 mm
|
| Weight |
Weight
31978 g
|
| Max Print Size |
Max Print Size
17 x 22 inches
|
| Max Print Length |
Max Print Length
47 inches
|
| Max Paper Weight |
Max Paper Weight
Up to 0.7 mm
|
| Max Resolution |
Max Resolution
2400 x 1200 dpi
|
| Print Speed |
Print Speed
13 x 19-inch in 2 minutes 30 seconds
|
| Ink System |
Ink System
Pigment-based cartridges
|
| Number of Inks |
Number of Inks
12
|
| Connectivity |
Connectivity
Ethernet, USB, Wi-Fi
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Air-fed platen control, Chroma Optimizer cartridge
|
| Best For |
Best For
Outstanding gallery-quality monochrome prints
|
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 is especially suited to producing stunning gallery prints in black and white. While its glossy color prints are excellent, it’s the monochrome prints that really make it shine.
The 12 cartridges include two blacks and a chroma optimizer. So there’s no need to swap black cartridges depending on the medium. And the image is given a final “polish” by the optimizer.
The speed is quite slow. But the focus is on quality, not speed. One nice feature is that paper alignment is controlled by suction. The platen holds the medium flat and straight. This guarantees precision and sharpness.
For top-quality photographic prints in a large format, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 should be on your shortlist.
8. Canon PIXMA PRO-200 Wireless Photo Printer
| Brand |
Brand
Canon
|
| Dimensions |
Dimensions
640 x 381 x 201 mm
|
| Weight |
Weight
454 g
|
| Max Print Size |
Max Print Size
11 x 19 inches
|
| Max Print Length |
Max Print Length
39 inches
|
| Max Paper Weight |
Max Paper Weight
380 gsm
|
| Max Resolution |
Max Resolution
4800 x 2400 dpi
|
| Print Speed |
Print Speed
11 x 14 inch photo in 1 minute 30 seconds
|
| Ink System |
Ink System
Dye-based cartridges
|
| Number of Inks |
Number of Inks
8
|
| Connectivity |
Connectivity
Ethernet, USB, Wi-Fi
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Two grey cartridges for subtle monochrome, 3-inch color screen
|
| Best For |
Best For
Beautiful monochrome prints from a compact printer
|
The Canon PIXMA PRO-200 Wireless Photo Printer is a specialist photo printer. And it is particularly suited to black-and-white prints. This is because it doesn’t rely on a simple black cartridge for greys. Instead, it supplements the black ink with two shades of grey.
Even though the printer is relatively compact, it can print up to 39 inches (72.5 cm) long. With its 13″ (33 cm) wide carriage, this allows for some pretty impressive prints.
Color quality is also impressive, and the 4800 x 2400 dpi resolution gives crisp detail and definition. It’s not a tiny printer, but it also won’t dominate your workspace. The Canon PIXMA PRO-200 is a good choice if you print lots of black-and-white photos and want as much subtlety as possible.
Buyer’s Guide—Large Format Printers
What Is a Large Format Printer?
A standard, sub-$50 all-in-one printer will usually print up to US Letter/A4. This is fine for letters and smaller prints. But for posters or “statement” prints, you’ll need something bigger.
This can vary from a simple 13 x 19-inch (A3+) printer to something that will print from continuous rolls. What you buy will depend on your needs and your budget. It’s a significant investment, so try to anticipate what you might need next. If you buy the right one now, you’ll save in the long run.
The best large format printer will also cope with a wide variety of paper sizes and types. For printing photos, you’ll want to choose the best paper for your needs. What you need will depend on the type of photography and where you want to display it.
How Many Inks Should a Large Format Printer Use?
Printer ink is an unavoidable and eye-watering expense. And many people have the opinion that it creates too much waste. But gone are the days of one ink cartridge for everything. Even sub-$50 printers like the Canon Pixma TS202 have a separate black cartridge.
But you’d expect more inks from a large format printer. Despite what your high school physics teacher told you, you need more than three primary colors to produce the finest photos on paper.
Even black-and-white photos might need different kinds of black ink. The main difference is between pigment inks and dyes. Dye-based inks are the best choice for glossy paper. They have a smaller droplet size and produce the crispest results.
Pigment-based inks are better on matte media, so print your letters with pigment-based ink. But they’re also great for gorgeous monochrome landscapes, which look best on gallery-quality matte paper.
Finally, you’ll have to choose between ink cartridges and ink tanks. Cartridges appear to be wasteful. They have lots of packaging and electronics built into the cartridge. So this waste can be offset with manufacturer recycling schemes.
Tank-based systems allow you to refill them. This has the potential to save a lot of waste. The disadvantage is there is an unavoidable length of plumbing to get the ink from the tank to the printhead.
Some printers will consume more than half a tank of each color by simply charging the system when you start it up the first time. And these don’t cope so well with long periods of unuse. And remember, a complete set of inks for some of these printers can be hundreds of dollars.
What About Print Speed and Resolution?
Resolution is fairly easy, as it is expressed in terms of dots per inch (dpi). The bigger the number, the smaller the dot size. The smaller the dot size, the sharper and more detailed the image. That is with all other things being equal. The paper finish will also affect the sharpness of the image.
The print speed on office printers is measured in pages per minute (ppm). It doesn’t tell you exactly how many pages your printer will produce every minute. That depends on how complex the page is. But you can use it to compare one printer with another.
How Much Room Do You Have?
Many of these printers are big. Really big. It’s obvious when you think about it. But you will want to check you have the room for your choice. Some come with their own floor stand. Others will fit on a desk. But the desk better be big and sturdy.
Conclusion: The Best Large Format Printers
If you run your own business (or perhaps you’re starting out), it can make sense to have your own large format printer. It saves a lot of time. And it can save you a lot of money.
This Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 is our top pick for the best large format printer. It’s got incredible resolution, 10 different inks, and can print photos up to 39 inches long.
