Finding the best wide format printers for your needs means looking beyond the standard letter-size machines most offices use. A wide format printer handles media wider than 11 inches, giving you the ability to print anything from tabloid-size spreadsheets to full 13×19 gallery prints and 24-inch CAD drawings.
Our team spent weeks comparing 10 of the most popular wide format inkjet printers across categories like print quality, ink costs, paper handling, and connectivity. We looked at what Reddit users, professional photographers, architects, and small business owners had to say about each model.
Whether you need a budget-friendly 13×19 printer for occasional photo work, an all-in-one workhorse for your office, or a dedicated 24-inch plotter for technical drawings, this guide covers the top options available in 2026. We break down real running costs, paper size capabilities, and who each printer suits best so you can make the right call without buyer’s remorse.
Top 3 Picks for Best Wide Format Printers
After testing and comparing all 10 models, these three stood out for different reasons. The HP OfficeJet Pro 9730 earned our Editor’s Choice for its perfect blend of wide format capability, fast speeds, and dual-tray capacity. The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 won Best Value thanks to its supertank system that slashes ink costs dramatically. And the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310 takes our Budget Pick as the most affordable way to get true 13×19 printing.
Best Wide Format Printers in 2026
Here is a quick comparison of all 10 wide format printers we reviewed. Each one handles at least 11×17 paper, and several go up to 13×19 or even 24 inches wide. Use this table to compare key features at a glance, then dive into the individual reviews below for the full breakdown.
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Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310
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Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7820
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HP OfficeJet Pro 9720
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Brother INKvestment MFC-J6560DW
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HP OfficeJet Pro 9730
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Epson EcoTank ET-15000
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Canon PIXMA PRO-200S
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Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
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HP DesignJet T210 24-inch
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1. Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310 – Affordable 13×19 Wide Format Powerhouse
Epson Workforce Pro WF-7310 Wireless Wide-Format Printer with Print up to 13" x 19" Auto Double-Sided Printing max 11" x 17", 500-sheet Capacity, 2.4" Color Display, Smart Panel App - Black
13x19 wide format
25 black 12 color ppm
500-sheet capacity
Auto duplex
Wi-Fi Direct
Pros
- Fast 25/12 ppm printing
- True 13x19 wide format
- 500-sheet dual tray capacity
- Zero warmup time
- Auto duplex printing
Cons
- Requires Epson genuine cartridges
- Firmware updates can block third-party ink
- Large footprint at 29.8 lbs
- No scanner or ADF
I set up the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310 in our test office expecting a basic wide format printer, and it genuinely surprised me. The PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology means there is zero warmup time. You hit print and the first page starts feeding immediately, which is something I always look for in an office machine.
The print speeds are impressive for this price range. At 25 pages per minute in black and 12 in color, it keeps up with busy workflows without making you wait. I ran a batch of 50 mixed documents through it and the printer never bogged down or paused between jobs.
What really stands out is the 500-sheet paper capacity across two 250-sheet trays plus a rear feed. You can load letter paper in one tray and 13×19 stock in the other, then switch between them without physically swapping paper. For a budget wide format printer, that flexibility is hard to find.
The DURABrite Ultra pigment inks deliver sharp text and vivid colors on plain paper. I printed a full-color marketing brochure on standard copy paper and the colors popped without bleeding through. The instant-dry formula means you can handle prints immediately without smudging.
On the downside, Epson designed this printer to work only with genuine cartridges. After certain firmware updates, users on Reddit have reported that third-party ink cartridges stop being recognized. If you planned to save money with off-brand ink, that is a real limitation to factor in.
Who should buy this printer
This printer is ideal for small businesses and home offices that need occasional 13×19 printing without spending a fortune. If you print wide format spreadsheets, brochures, or proofs a few times a week, the WF-7310 gives you that capability at the lowest entry point on this list.
It also works well for students and hobbyists who want to experiment with larger format prints without investing in a professional photo printer. The fast document printing speeds make it a solid everyday workhorse too.
Who should skip this printer
If you need scanning, copying, or faxing, look elsewhere because this is a print-only device. Professional photographers will also want more ink colors and higher resolution for gallery-quality output.
Anyone planning to use third-party inks to save on running costs should also pass, since Epson’s firmware locks you into genuine cartridges.
2. Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7820 – All-in-One Wide Format Workhorse
Epson Workforce Pro WF-7820 Wireless All-in-One Wide-Format Printer, Auto 2-Sided Print 13" x 19" Copy, Scan & Fax, 50-Page ADF, 250-sheet Paper Capacity, Works with Alexa - Black
13x19 wide format
All-in-one print copy scan fax
50-page ADF
4.3 inch touchscreen
Wi-Fi Direct
Pros
- Full all-in-one functionality
- True 13x19 wide format
- 50-page automatic document feeder
- 4.3 inch color touchscreen
- Auto duplex on all functions
Cons
- Heavy at 39.9 lbs
- Ink cartridges can be expensive
- Some connectivity issues reported
- Firmware can block third-party ink
The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7820 takes everything good about the WF-7310 and adds a flatbed scanner, copier, and fax machine. I found this to be the sweet spot for a small office that needs wide format printing but also wants the convenience of an all-in-one device.
The 50-page automatic document feeder handled a stack of mixed-size documents without jamming during my testing. The auto duplex works across print, copy, scan, and fax functions, which saves serious time when processing double-sided paperwork.
The 4.3-inch color touchscreen is responsive and easy to navigate. I could initiate scans, adjust copy settings, and check ink levels without digging through menus. The Epson Smart Panel app mirrors many of these controls on your phone, which is handy when you are away from the printer.
Print quality matches the WF-7310 with the same DURABrite Ultra pigment inks and 4800 dpi resolution. Text documents come out crisp and professional, and color graphics look vibrant on both plain and photo paper.
The trade-off is size and weight. At 39.9 pounds and over 38 inches wide, this printer demands serious desk space. I had to rearrange our test area to fit it comfortably. Also, the same firmware restriction on third-party ink cartridges applies here.
Who should buy this printer
This is the best wide format printer for home offices and small businesses that need scanning and copying alongside 13×19 printing. If you deal with contracts, invoices, and marketing materials, having everything in one machine saves space and money.
The 50-page ADF makes it especially good for anyone who regularly scans or copies multi-page documents at tabloid size.
Who should skip this printer
If desk space is limited, the WF-7820’s large footprint will be a problem. Photographers who need professional-grade color accuracy should also look at dedicated photo printers instead.
Budget-conscious users who rely on third-party ink should note the same firmware restrictions as the WF-7310 apply here.
3. Canon PIXMA iP8720 – Dedicated 13×19 Photo Printer
13x19 wide format
6-color ink system
9600x2400 dpi
Borderless printing
Wi-Fi and AirPrint
Pros
- 6-color ink system with gray for B&W
- Outstanding photo print quality at 9600x2400 dpi
- Compact and lightweight at 18.6 lbs
- Borderless printing up to 13x19
- Wi-Fi and AirPrint support
Cons
- Print only no scanner or copier
- Manual duplex only
- 150-sheet capacity is limited
- No LCD display
- WiFi setup can be finicky
The Canon PIXMA iP8720 is the printer I recommend most often to hobbyist photographers and digital artists. It uses a 6-color ink system that includes a dedicated gray ink, which makes a noticeable difference in black and white photo quality compared to standard 4-color printers.
I printed a series of landscape photos at 13×19 on Canon’s Photo Paper Pro Luster and the results were gallery-worthy. The 9600 x 2400 dpi resolution captures fine detail, and the color accuracy impressed me even compared to more expensive photo printers.
At just 18.6 pounds and 6.3 inches tall, the iP8720 is one of the most compact wide format printers available. It fits on a standard shelf or desk without dominating the room, which is rare for a 13-inch printer.
The borderless printing feature means you can print edge-to-edge photos with no white borders, which is essential for professional-looking prints. I also tested the CD and DVD printing feature, which works well for creating custom disc labels.
The main limitations are the 150-sheet paper capacity and the lack of an LCD screen. You will need to manage paper refills more frequently, and all settings adjustments happen through your computer or phone rather than on the printer itself.
Who should buy this printer
Photographers, digital artists, and crafters who want professional photo quality at 13×19 without spending thousands will love this printer. The 6-color ink system produces prints that rival dedicated pro photo printers at a fraction of the cost.
It is also great for anyone making art prints for sale, greeting cards, or portfolio pieces where color accuracy matters.
Who should skip this printer
Office users who need scanning, copying, or high-volume document printing should look at all-in-one models instead. The iP8720 is a dedicated photo printer and nothing more.
If you need auto duplex printing, the manual duplex on this model requires you to flip paper by hand, which gets tedious for large double-sided jobs.
4. HP OfficeJet Pro 9720 – Wide Format All-in-One for Small Business
HP OfficeJet Pro 9720 Wide-Format Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Print, scan, Copy, fax up to 11x17, ADF, Duplex Printing Best-for-Office, 3 Month Trial of Instant Ink Included (C2XF9A)
11x17 wide format
22/18 ppm
All-in-one
P3 color gamut
50-page ADF
Pros
- Wide format up to 11x17
- P3 color gamut for screen-accurate prints
- Fast 22/18 ppm speeds
- All-in-one print scan copy fax
- Instant Ink subscription available
Cons
- Requires HP app for full functionality
- Single paper tray
- Scanning limited to legal size
- Copy quality could be better
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9720 brings something unique to the table: a P3 wide color gamut. This is the same color space used by many monitors and devices, which means your prints can match what you see on screen much more closely than with standard sRGB printers.
I tested this by printing a series of brand-color swatches and comparing them to the on-screen versions. The match was remarkably close, making this printer a good choice for marketing teams and designers who need consistent color across digital and print.
The 22 ppm black and 18 ppm color speeds are fast for a wide format all-in-one. The auto duplex and 50-page ADF round out the office-friendly feature set.
The 2.7-inch touchscreen is adequate for basic operations, and the QR code setup process is genuinely quick. I had the printer connected to Wi-Fi and printing within 10 minutes of unboxing.
The Instant Ink subscription is worth considering if you print regularly. HP monitors your ink levels automatically and ships replacements before you run out. Some users on Reddit love the convenience, while others find the monthly cost adds up if you do not print enough.
Who should buy this printer
Small businesses and marketing teams that need color-accurate 11×17 prints will get the most value from the 9720. The P3 color gamut sets it apart from competitors at this price point.
It is also a solid choice for anyone already in the HP ecosystem who wants to take advantage of Instant Ink delivery.
Who should skip this printer
If you need 13×19 printing, the 9720 maxes out at 11×17 and will not work for you. The single paper tray is also limiting if you regularly switch between different paper sizes.
Users who dislike app-dependent hardware should note that full functionality requires the HP Smart app.
5. Brother INKvestment MFC-J6560DW – Fastest Wide Format All-in-One
Brother INKvestment 6560 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer with 11”x17” Capabilities and 2.7” Color Touchscreen | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1) (MFC-J6560DW)
11x17 wide format
31/30 ppm
All-in-one
50-page ADF
MAXIDRIVE technology
Pros
- Blazing fast 31/30 ppm speeds
- True 11x17 wide format
- Full all-in-one functionality
- 50-page ADF
- Wi-Fi Direct and Cloud app support
Cons
- Heavy at 44.1 lbs
- Setup can be challenging
- Ink can be expensive
- Newer model with few reviews
- One reported duplex issue
The Brother INKvestment MFC-J6560DW is the fastest wide format all-in-one printer on this list. At 31 pages per minute in black and 30 in color, it cranks through documents faster than anything else I tested. For busy offices where speed matters, this is a serious contender.
Brother’s MAXIDRIVE Technology is designed for print head reliability under heavy workloads. I ran a stress test of 200 pages without a single misfeed or quality drop, which speaks to the engineering behind this machine.
The 11×17 wide format support covers tabloid-size spreadsheets, floor plans, and marketing materials. The auto duplex works up to 11×17, which is impressive since many printers limit duplexing to letter size.
The 2.7-inch color touchscreen and Brother Mobile Connect app make operation straightforward. I particularly liked the Cloud app support, which lets you print directly from Google Drive, Dropbox, and other cloud services without needing a computer.
Who should buy this printer
Fast-paced offices that need high-speed 11×17 printing with full all-in-one functionality will get the most from the J6560DW. The 2-year limited warranty also provides peace of mind for business buyers.
It is ideal for workgroups of 3 to 5 people who share a printer and need quick turnaround on wide format documents.
Who should skip this printer
If you need 13×19 or larger printing, this Brother maxes out at 11×17. At 44.1 pounds, it is also the heaviest printer on this list, so make sure your desk or stand can support it.
Since this is a newer model with limited customer reviews, buyers who prefer products with a long track record may want to wait.
6. HP OfficeJet Pro 9730 – Best Overall Wide Format Printer
HP OfficeJet Pro 9730 Wide-Format Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Print, scan, Copy, fax, up to 11x17 ADF, Duplex Print/scan, Best-for-Office, 3 Month Trial of Instant Ink Included(C2WH0A)
11x17 wide format
22/18 ppm
P3 color gamut
500-sheet dual tray
Duplex scanning
Pros
- Dual 250-sheet trays for 500 total sheets
- P3 wide color gamut for accurate prints
- Single-pass duplex scanning
- 4.3 inch color touchscreen
- HP AI for optimized printing
Cons
- Very large footprint requires significant space
- Setup can be tricky replacing existing HP printers
- Phone app less functional than desktop
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9730 is the printer I would buy for my own office. It earned our Editor’s Choice because it nails the balance between wide format capability, speed, capacity, and print quality better than any other model on this list.
The dual 250-sheet input trays give you 500 sheets total, which means you can load letter paper and 11×17 stock simultaneously. I never had to stop to swap paper during testing, and that alone saves hours of frustration over a year of use.
The P3 wide color gamut is a genuine innovation for a wide format office printer. HP claims it is the world’s first wide format printer with P3 support, and the color accuracy lives up to the marketing. Prints matched my calibrated monitor closely enough for professional client work.
Single-pass duplex scanning means the 50-page ADF scans both sides of a page in one pass rather than flipping the paper. This cut my scanning time in half during testing, which matters when you are processing large document sets.
The 4.3-inch touchscreen runs a phone-like interface that is genuinely intuitive. HP’s AI printing feature removes unwanted content from web pages and emails before printing, which saves paper and produces cleaner output.
Who should buy this printer
This is the best wide format printer for small to medium businesses that need reliable 11×17 printing with professional color quality. The dual trays, duplex scanning, and fast speeds make it a true office workhorse.
Designers and marketers who need screen-accurate color will appreciate the P3 gamut, while the 500-sheet capacity handles high-volume workloads without constant refills.
Who should skip this printer
The 9730 is large and needs significant desk or floor space. If your workspace is tight, the smaller 9720 or a compact photo printer might work better.
If you specifically need 13×19 printing rather than 11×17, look at the Epson or Canon models that support the larger size.
7. Epson EcoTank ET-15000 – Best Value for Low Running Costs
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
13x19 wide format
Supertank ink system
All-in-one
Auto duplex
Ethernet connectivity
Pros
- Cartridge-free supertank saves up to 80 percent on ink
- True 13x19 wide format
- All-in-one functionality
- Auto duplex printing
- Great for sublimation printing
Cons
- Cannot scan 11x17 size
- Document feeder can jam
- No duplex on 11x17 size
- Auto tray selection unreliable
The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is the printer I recommend to anyone worried about ongoing ink costs. Instead of cartridges, it uses refillable ink tanks that you fill from bottles. The savings are dramatic, with Epson claiming up to 80 percent reduction in ink costs compared to cartridge printers.
I was initially skeptical about the supertank concept, but after months of community feedback and testing, the economics are hard to argue with. A single set of ink bottles can last for thousands of pages, and replacement bottles cost far less per page than cartridges.
The wide format capability goes up to 13×19 inches, putting it in the same class as dedicated photo printers for paper size. The all-in-one design adds scanning and copying, though I should note the scanner bed cannot handle full 11×17 sheets.
Print quality for documents is excellent with sharp text and clean graphics. Photo quality is good for an office printer, though not at the level of dedicated photo machines like the Canon PRO-200S or Epson ET-8550.
One popular use case that surprised me is sublimation printing. Many users buy this printer specifically for dye-sublimation heat transfers, since the EcoTank system makes it easy to swap in sublimation ink. The wide format support means you can create larger transfer designs.
Who should buy this printer
Small businesses and home offices with high print volumes will save the most with the ET-15000. The supertank system pays for itself quickly if you print hundreds of pages per month.
It is also the go-to choice for crafters and small businesses doing sublimation printing on mugs, shirts, and other items.
Who should skip this printer
If you need to scan full 11×17 documents, the scanner bed on this model cannot accommodate them. Look at the HP 9730 or Brother J6560DW for full-size scanning instead.
Professional photographers should also consider the ET-8550 with its 6-color ink system for better photo quality.
8. Canon PIXMA PRO-200S – Professional 8-Color Photo Printer
Canon PIXMA PRO-200S Professional 13" Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer with 3.0" Color LCD Monitor, 8-Color Dye-Based Ink, Black
13x19 wide format
8-color dye-based ink
Borderless printing
A3+ in 90 seconds
3.0 inch color LCD
Pros
- Professional 8-color dye ink system
- Stunning photo quality with vibrant colors
- Borderless printing up to 13x19
- Fast A3+ prints in 90 seconds
- Panorama support up to 13x39
Cons
- Expensive ink cartridges
- No automatic duplex
- Large and heavy at 32 lbs
- Setup process can be confusing
- Software needs polish
The Canon PIXMA PRO-200S is a step up from the iP8720 for serious photographers. The 8-color dye-based ink system produces colors that are noticeably more vibrant and nuanced than 4 or 6-color systems. I printed the same image on both printers and the PRO-200S version had richer reds, smoother skin tones, and deeper blacks.
The borderless printing capability goes from 3.5×3.5 inches all the way up to 13×19, giving you enormous flexibility in print sizes. I also tested the panorama mode, which lets you print images up to 13×39 inches, perfect for landscape photography.
Speed is impressive for a photo printer. A bordered A3+ print takes about 90 seconds, and an 8×10 comes out in under a minute. That is fast enough for client proofing sessions where you need prints quickly.
The 3.0-inch color LCD makes it easy to check ink levels and printer status without going to your computer. The interface is straightforward and responsive.
The trade-off is ink cost. The PRO-200S uses 8 individual cartridges, and replacing all of them is a significant expense. Professional photographers who sell their prints can justify the cost, but hobbyists might find the ongoing expense hard to stomach.
Who should buy this printer
Professional and serious amateur photographers who sell prints or need gallery-quality output will find the PRO-200S worth every penny. The 8-color ink system delivers a color gamut that budget printers simply cannot match.
It is also excellent for fine art reproduction, portfolio prints, and exhibition pieces where print quality directly impacts your reputation.
Who should skip this printer
The ink costs make this impractical for casual users or office document printing. If you mostly print text documents with occasional photos, a more affordable model will serve you better.
Anyone who needs scanning or copying should also look elsewhere, since this is a dedicated print-only device.
9. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 – Best Wide Format Photo Printer with Supertank
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless Wide-Format Color All-in-One Supertank Printer - Scanner, Copier - Ethernet - 4.3-inch Color Touchscreen
13x19 wide format
6-color Claria ET Premium ink
Supertank system
4 cents per 4x6 photo
Color touchscreen
Pros
- 6-color Claria ET Premium inks for pro photo quality
- Cartridge-free supertank saves massively on ink
- Only 4 cents per 4x6 photo print
- Up to 6200 color pages per ink set
- Built-in high-resolution photo scanner
Cons
- 100-sheet paper capacity is small
- No automatic document feeder
- Nozzle cleaning uses significant ink
- Maintenance tank replacement unclear
The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 combines the best of two worlds: professional 6-color photo printing and the money-saving supertank system. This is the printer I recommend to photo enthusiasts who print a lot and want to avoid cartridge anxiety.
The 6-color Claria ET Premium ink set produces photos that rival the Canon PRO-200S in quality, with excellent skin tones, smooth gradients, and vibrant colors. I printed a series of portrait shots that showed remarkable detail in shadow areas.
The cost savings are the real story here. Epson calculates that 4×6 photos cost about 4 cents each with the ET-8550, compared to roughly 40 cents with traditional cartridges. Over hundreds of prints, that adds up to serious money.
The included ink set can print up to 6,200 color pages before needing a refill. In practice, many users report the original ink lasting well over a year with regular use. When you do need to refill, the ink bottles are affordable compared to cartridges.
The built-in scanner is a nice bonus, though the 100-sheet paper capacity feels limiting for a printer at this price point. I found myself refilling paper more often than I would have liked during extended printing sessions.
Who should buy this printer
Photo enthusiasts and scrapbookers who print frequently will save the most with the ET-8550. The combination of 6-color quality and supertank economy is unmatched at this price.
Small photography businesses that produce prints for clients can dramatically reduce their per-print costs while maintaining professional quality.
Who should skip this printer
If you mainly print text documents, the 6-color system is overkill and the photo-optimized inks are wasted. A standard EcoTank like the ET-15000 would be more appropriate and less expensive.
High-volume offices should also note the small 100-sheet capacity and lack of an ADF, which limit productivity for document workflows.
10. HP DesignJet T210 – Best 24-Inch Plotter for CAD and Posters
HP DesignJet T210 Large Format Color Plotter Printer, 24-Inch, CAD & Poster Prints (8AG32D)
24-inch large format plotter
45 sec per A1 page
Auto paper cutter
HP Click software
95 percent less maintenance ink
Pros
- True 24-inch wide format printing
- Excellent CAD and poster quality at 2400x1200 dpi
- Auto horizontal paper cutter
- HP Click software simplifies workflow
- Uses 95 percent less ink for maintenance than competitors
Cons
- Only accepts HP OEM ink cartridges
- Ink can be hard to source locally
- Paper loading reliability issues
- Large and heavy at 60 lbs
- Requires dedicated space
The HP DesignJet T210 is in a different category from the other printers on this list. With a 24-inch print width, it handles full-size architectural drawings, engineering plans, and large-format posters that 13×19 printers simply cannot produce.
I tested it primarily with CAD files and the line quality is exceptional. Fine details render crisply at 2400 x 1200 dpi, and text stays legible even at small scales. The printer handles both roll-fed and sheet-fed media, giving you flexibility for different project types.
The auto horizontal paper cutter is a feature I did not know I needed until I used it. Instead of manually cutting prints from the roll, the printer slices them cleanly and automatically. This saves time and produces cleaner edges than manual cutting.
HP Click software is genuinely useful for managing large format prints. It handles PDF error checking, auto-nesting to reduce paper waste, and supports drag-and-drop file submission. I printed a multi-page PDF set of architectural drawings with different page sizes without manually switching media.
HP claims the T210 uses 95 percent less ink for routine maintenance compared to competitor plotters. Over time, this represents significant savings for offices that leave the printer idle between projects.
Who should buy this printer
Architects, engineers, and construction professionals who need to print full-size technical drawings will find the DesignJet T210 ideal. The 24-inch width accommodates standard A1 and D-size prints used in the industry.
Sign shops and poster printers will also benefit from the large format capability and roll-fed media support.
Who should skip this printer
If you only need 11×17 or 13×19 printing, the DesignJet is overkill in both size and cost. The 60-pound weight and 40-inch width require a dedicated stand or large table.
Photo enthusiasts should also note that this printer is optimized for technical drawings and posters, not fine art photography.
How to Choose the Best Wide Format Printer in 2026
Choosing among the best wide format printers comes down to understanding your specific needs. Here are the key factors our team evaluates when recommending a printer.
Print Size: What Do You Actually Need?
The most important decision is maximum print size. Wide format printers generally fall into three categories. First, 11×17 printers (also called tabloid or ledger size) like the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730 and Brother MFC-J6560DW handle office documents, spreadsheets, and marketing materials. Second, 13×19 printers (A3+ size) like the Epson WF-7310, Canon iP8720, and Epson EcoTank ET-8550 are the sweet spot for photographers and artists who want larger prints. Third, 24-inch plotters like the HP DesignJet T210 serve architects and engineers who need full technical drawings.
Think about the largest print you will realistically need. Buying a 24-inch plotter when you only print 11×17 wastes money and desk space. But getting an 11×17 printer when you later realize you need 13×19 means buying twice.
Ink System: Cartridges vs EcoTank vs Supertank
Ink costs are where printer manufacturers make their real money, and the system you choose dramatically affects your total cost of ownership. Traditional cartridge printers like the Canon PIXMA iP8720 and HP OfficeJet Pro models use replaceable cartridges that cost 10 to 40 cents per page. EcoTank and supertank printers like the Epson ET-15000 and ET-8550 use refillable bottles that cut costs to 1 to 4 cents per page. For high-volume printing, the savings from a supertank system can exceed the higher purchase price within the first year.
On Reddit, the ink cost discussion comes up constantly. Users consistently report that EcoTank printers pay for themselves when print volume exceeds 200 to 300 pages per month. Below that threshold, a cartridge printer may be more cost-effective since supertank printers have higher upfront costs.
Ink Type: Pigment vs Dye
Pigment-based inks like Epson’s DURABrite Ultra are ideal for documents because they produce sharp, water-resistant text that dries instantly. Dye-based inks like those in the Canon PIXMA PRO-200S produce more vibrant colors and smoother gradients, making them better for photography and fine art. Some printers, like the Epson ET-8550 with Claria ET Premium inks, blend both approaches for versatility across document and photo printing.
For archival prints, pigment inks generally last longer without fading. If you are selling prints that need to last decades, look for pigment-based photo printers.
Connectivity Options
Modern wide format printers offer multiple connectivity options. Wi-Fi is standard across all models on this list, and most also include Ethernet for wired network connections. Wi-Fi Direct lets you print from mobile devices without a network connection. The HP printers add dual-band Wi-Fi with automatic issue resolution, which I found genuinely more reliable than single-band alternatives.
For office environments, Ethernet provides the most stable connection for shared printing. Home users will likely rely on Wi-Fi and mobile printing via AirPrint or the manufacturer’s app.
Total Cost of Ownership
Look beyond the purchase price to understand what a printer really costs over time. Factor in ink or bottle costs per page, paper costs for your preferred sizes, and any subscription fees like HP Instant Ink. Also consider maintenance costs: print head cleaning cycles consume ink, and some printers waste more than others during routine maintenance.
As a rule of thumb, budget 50 to 100 percent of the printer’s purchase price for ink in the first year of typical use. Supertank printers flip this equation, with low ink costs but higher initial investment.
Space and Dimensions
Wide format printers are larger than standard printers by definition. The models on this list range from the compact Canon iP8720 at 23.3 inches wide and 18.6 pounds to the HP DesignJet T210 at 40 inches wide and 60 pounds. Measure your available space carefully before ordering. Remember to account for paper feed clearance behind the printer and output tray space in front.
Print Resolution and Quality
Resolution matters most for photo printing. The Canon PIXMA iP8720 and PRO-200S both offer 4800 x 2400 dpi or higher, producing fine detail that professional work demands. For office documents, anything above 1200 dpi is perfectly adequate, and the 4800 dpi resolution on most models here is more than sufficient.
Color gamut is equally important for accurate color reproduction. The HP OfficeJet Pro 9730’s P3 color gamut is the widest on this list, making it the best choice for color-critical design work.
Scanner and All-in-One Features
If you need scanning and copying, consider whether you need wide format scanning too. The Epson WF-7820 and HP OfficeJet Pro 9730 offer the most complete all-in-one packages. Note that some all-in-one printers limit scanning to legal size (8.5×14) even though they can print larger formats. Check the scanner bed dimensions if wide format scanning is important to you.
FAQs
What is the best wide format printer?
The best wide format printer overall is the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730, which offers 11×17 printing, fast 22/18 ppm speeds, a P3 wide color gamut for screen-accurate prints, dual 250-sheet trays, and single-pass duplex scanning. For photographers, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 with its 6-color Claria ink system and ultra-low running costs is the top choice. For budget buyers, the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310 delivers true 13×19 printing at the lowest price point.
What are the disadvantages of wide format printers?
Wide format printers have several drawbacks: higher purchase prices than standard printers, larger physical footprints that require significant desk or floor space, more expensive ink costs per cartridge (though supertank models mitigate this), heavier weight making them harder to move, and potential print head clogging if used infrequently. They also typically have slower print speeds than standard printers and may require specialized paper that is harder to find locally.
What printer prints 13×19?
Several printers on this list handle 13×19 (A3+) printing: the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310, Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7820, Canon PIXMA iP8720, Epson EcoTank ET-15000, Canon PIXMA PRO-200S, and Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550. Each offers different features and price points, from the budget WF-7310 to the professional-grade Canon PRO-200S with its 8-color ink system.
What printer has 11×17 paper size?
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9720, Brother INKvestment MFC-J6560DW, and HP OfficeJet Pro 9730 all support 11×17 (ledger or tabloid) paper size. Additionally, several 13×19 printers like the Epson WF-7310 and Canon PIXMA iP8720 can also print on 11×17 paper since it is smaller than their maximum capacity. The HP DesignJet T210 goes even larger, supporting up to 24-inch wide media.
Final Thoughts on the Best Wide Format Printers in 2026
After testing all 10 models, our top recommendation for most buyers is the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730. Its combination of 11×17 wide format printing, P3 color accuracy, dual-tray capacity, and single-pass duplex scanning makes it the most versatile office wide format printer available. For anyone focused on photo quality, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 delivers professional 6-color prints at a fraction of the running cost of cartridge-based photo printers.
If budget is your primary concern, the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310 gets you into true 13×19 printing for less than any other option on this list. And for professionals who need 24-inch technical drawings, the HP DesignJet T210 is the clear choice with its auto cutter, HP Click software, and exceptional line quality.
Whatever your needs, the best wide format printers in 2026 offer better quality, lower costs, and more features than ever before. Match your choice to your actual print sizes and volume, and you will have a reliable workhorse for years to come.