Finding the best wide format printers for small business marketing involves balancing print quality, cost, and ease of use. The Epson Workforce Pro WF-7840 stands out as the best overall choice for its high capacity and versatile features. For a budget-friendly option, the Epson EcoTank ET-2803 offers cartridge-free operation with excellent color quality. Meanwhile, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9720e excels in office integration and smart features. Readers should consider tradeoffs like upfront cost versus ongoing ink expenses and whether they need advanced features or simplicity. Continue reading for a detailed breakdown that helps match your specific marketing needs with the right printer.
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Key Takeaways
- The top-ranked Epson models combine high capacity and reliability, ideal for ongoing marketing print needs.
- EcoTank systems significantly reduce ink costs over time, making them a smart choice for budget-conscious small businesses.
- Print size and media handling are critical; some models support larger formats or specialty media better suited for marketing materials.
- Connectivity and smart features vary widely, impacting ease of use and integration into existing workflows.
- Tradeoffs between initial investment and ongoing operational costs are central to choosing the best wide format printer.
More Details on Our Top Picks
Epson Workforce Pro WF-7840 Wireless All-in-One Wide-Format Printer with Auto 2-Sided Print up to 13″ x 19″
This Epson WF-7840 stands out for its ability to handle large, wide-format prints up to 13″ x 19″ with remarkable speed and quality. Compared with the Epson EcoTank ET-2803, it offers professional-level print speeds and a larger paper capacity—ideal for busy offices or print shops. However, its bulkiness and the need for constant firmware updates are tradeoffs that might be inconvenient for small, space-constrained setups. Its intuitive touchscreen and wireless connectivity make it straightforward to operate, but the weight and size mean it’s best for a dedicated workspace. The high-volume capacity and crisp output make this a top pick for those who print frequently and require reliable, large-format output without sacrificing quality.
Pros:- Exceptional print quality with crisp, professional results
- Large paper capacity of 500 sheets minimizes refills
- Fast print speeds up to 13″ x 19″ for high-volume output
- Wireless connectivity with mobile printing options
Cons:- Bulky and heavy, requires a dedicated, stable location
- Frequent firmware updates can be disruptive and seem sales-driven
- Higher initial cost compared to smaller or less feature-rich models
Best for: Small businesses or offices with high-volume, wide-format printing needs and ample space.
Not ideal for: Home users with limited space or infrequent printing requirements due to its size and weight.
- Maximum Media Size:13 x 19 inches
- Paper Capacity:500 sheets
- Print Speed:up to 12 ppm color, 25 ppm black
- Connectivity:Wireless, Ethernet, USB
- Display:4.3-inch color touchscreen
- Weight:45.4 pounds
Bottom line: This model is best suited for small businesses that need reliable, fast wide-format printing with high capacity and don’t mind its size or update prompts.
Epson EcoTank ET-2803 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan, Copy and AirPrint Support
This Epson EcoTank ET-2803 excels for its low running costs and simple refill system, making it ideal for small offices or home setups that print regularly. Compared with the Epson Workforce Pro WF-7840, it offers a significantly more affordable ink solution with bottles that last thousands of pages—great for those who want to avoid frequent cartridge replacements. Its compact size and straightforward operation are perfect for space-restricted environments, but it lacks the high-speed output and large paper capacity of the WF-7840. While it handles standard media well, it’s not designed for large-format printing, limiting its use for wide prints. Overall, this model delivers excellent economy and reliability for moderate-volume printing on standard media.
Pros:- Exceptional ink economy with bottles that yield thousands of pages
- Compact, space-saving design suitable for small offices
- Cartridge-free, easy to refill system reduces waste and cost
- Wireless printing with support for AirPrint and mobile apps
Cons:- Limited to standard media sizes, not suitable for wide-format jobs
- Slower print speeds compared to laser or high-end inkjet models
- No automatic duplexing for double-sided printing
Best for: Small businesses or home offices seeking cost-effective, reliable color printing on standard media with minimal maintenance.
Not ideal for: High-volume or wide-format printing needs, or users requiring professional-grade speed and large media handling.
- Maximum Media Size:8.5 x 14 inches
- Page Yield:up to 4,500 black, 7,500 color pages
- Print Speed:up to 10 ppm black, 5 ppm color
- Connectivity:Wireless, Ethernet, USB
- Display:Color LCD
- Weight:8.8 pounds
Bottom line: This printer is best for small offices prioritizing low-cost, dependable color printing on standard media without the need for wide-format capabilities.
HP OfficeJet Pro 9720e Wide Format Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Print, scan, Copy, ADF, Duplex Printing
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9720e offers a compelling blend of wide-format capability up to 11″ x 17″ with fast, vibrant color printing. Compared to the Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000, it’s more tailored for office workflows with automatic document feeding and a robust paper capacity of 250 sheets. Its AI-enabled printing and security features make it suited for small workgroups that need reliable, professional output with minimal fuss. However, it’s less suited for high-volume photo printing or large-format art projects, as its media size is limited to 11″ x 17″. The setup and interface are user-friendly, but its bulk and higher running costs mean it’s best for offices with consistent, volume printing needs rather than casual users.
Pros:- Fast color printing up to 18 ppm, black at 22 ppm
- Auto duplexing and automatic document feeder streamline workflows
- Reliable wireless and Ethernet connectivity
- Supports media up to 11″ x 17″ for wider document formats
Cons:- Limited to 11″ x 17″ media, not suitable for larger art or photo projects
- Bulkier and heavier than standard home printers
- High running costs for ink over time
Best for: Small offices or workgroups needing reliable, fast wide-format printing and multifunction features for professional documents.
Not ideal for: Home users or those requiring larger media sizes beyond 11″ x 17″ or high-volume photo printing.
- Maximum Media Size:11 x 17 inches
- Page Speed:18 ppm color, 22 ppm black
- Paper Capacity:250 sheets
- Connectivity:Wireless, Ethernet, USB
- Display:Color touchscreen
- Weight:32.2 pounds
Bottom line: Ideal for small offices that need dependable, wide-format multifunction printing within office-sized media limits.
Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 Wireless Color Wide-Format Printer
This Epson XP-15000 is praised for its high-quality, borderless photo printing up to 13″ x 19″ at a budget-friendly price compared to larger, more professional models like the Epson WF-7840. It’s particularly suited for photographers and hobbyists who want detailed, vivid images on a variety of media. Compared to the HP OfficeJet Pro 9720e, it offers superior photo quality and flexible media handling, but its slower speeds and limited media capacity make it less ideal for high-volume office use. Its compact size and ease of use are pluses for home studios or hobbyists, but it’s not designed for large-scale commercial printing. Overall, this model provides exceptional photo quality at an affordable price, with some tradeoffs in speed and media capacity.
Pros:- Excellent borderless photo quality up to 13″ x 19″
- Supports a variety of media including cardstock and specialty papers
- Compact and easy to set up for home use
- Affordable price point for wide-format photo printing
Cons:- Slower print speeds, not suitable for fast-paced environments
- Limited media capacity (50 sheets), requiring frequent reloading
- No automatic duplexing for double-sided printing
Best for: Photographers, artists, and hobbyists seeking high-quality, wide-format photo printing on a budget.
Not ideal for: High-volume or professional office environments needing rapid, large-scale document printing.
- Maximum Media Size:13 x 19 inches
- Print Speed:up to 20 ppm color
- Paper Capacity:50 sheets
- Connectivity:Wireless, USB
- Resolution:5760 x 1440 dpi
- Weight:approximately 11.7 pounds
Bottom line: Best suited for hobbyists or photographers who prioritize photo quality over speed and volume.
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless Wide-format Color All-in-One Supertank Printer
This Epson ET-8550 shines for its ability to produce lab-quality 13″ x 19″ photos and vibrant graphics with ultra-low running costs thanks to its high-yield ink bottles. Compared with the Epson XP-15000, it offers a more comprehensive feature set, including a 4.3-inch touchscreen, Ethernet, and a wider color gamut with six inks, including gray and red. It’s perfect for creative professionals, small studios, or hobbyists who want professional-grade photo printing at home or in small studios. However, its larger footprint and higher initial investment make it less ideal for casual or space-constrained users. The low cost of ink and versatile media support make this model attractive for those who print often or want to delve into creative projects with high-quality results.
Pros:- Exceptional, lab-quality borderless photos up to 13″ x 19″
- Six-color Claria ET Premium Ink for vibrant colors and detailed grayscale
- Affordable ink replacement, saving thousands over time
- Supports a variety of media including cardstock and specialty papers
Cons:- Larger footprint, requiring dedicated space
- Higher initial cost compared to simpler models
- Slower print speeds, more suited for creative projects than quick jobs
Best for: Creative professionals and hobbyists needing high-quality wide-format photo printing with low ongoing costs.
Not ideal for: High-volume document printing or users with limited space due to its size.
- Maximum Media Size:13 x 19 inches
- Print Speed:up to 20 ppm color
- Page Yield:up to 6,200 pages color
- Connectivity:Wireless, Ethernet, USB
- Display:4.3-inch color touchscreen
- Weight:approximately 24.5 pounds
Bottom line: Perfect for creative projects and high-quality photo printing at home, especially for those valuing low running costs and media versatility.
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
The Epson Workforce Pro WF-7820 stands out as the most versatile and high-performing option for small businesses needing wide-format printing. Its combination of PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology and fast speeds—25 ppm in black and white—outpaces many alternatives like the Epson EcoTank ET-15000, which, while offering incredible ink savings, can be slower and less compact. The WF-7820’s automatic duplexing and large 250-sheet capacity make it ideal for demanding environments, but it requires genuine Epson cartridges, which can raise long-term costs. Compared to the ET-15000’s refillable tanks, this model offers easier cartridge replacement but at a higher initial purchase price. It’s perfect for small offices that prioritize speed, ease of use, and high-volume capacity, though those with tight budgets or seeking eco-friendly options might prefer the EcoTank. Overall, this printer balances speed, quality, and convenience for fast-paced marketing environments.
Pros:- High print speeds of 25 ppm in black and white, supporting quick turnaround times
- Large 250-sheet paper capacity reduces reloads during busy periods
- Auto duplex printing and scanning increase productivity
Cons:- Requires authentic Epson cartridges, which can be more expensive over time
- Initial price point is higher compared to refillable tank models
Best for: Small business owners who need fast, reliable, high-volume wide-format printing with easy wireless connectivity.
Not ideal for: Startups or freelancers on a tight budget who prefer low initial costs and minimal ongoing expenses.
- Printer Type:Inkjet
- Maximum Print Size:13 x 19 inches
- Print Speed Black & White:25 ppm
- Connectivity:Wireless, Ethernet, USB
- Automatic Duplexing:Yes
- ADF Capacity:50 pages
Bottom line: This pick is best for small businesses that need high-speed, high-capacity wide-format printing with wireless convenience.
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
The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 excels for small businesses prioritizing low ongoing ink costs and eco-conscious operation. Its refillable ink tanks allow for up to 6,000 pages per set, making it a compelling choice over traditional cartridge-based models like the WF-7820. While its print speed is decent at 17 ppm in black and white, it’s not as fast as the WF-7820 and may be less suited for high-volume, time-sensitive tasks. The ET-15000 offers borderless printing up to 11” x 17” and comes with a large 250-sheet paper capacity, but lacks some of the speed and advanced duplex features of the WF-7820. It’s ideal for small marketing teams with a focus on cost savings and sustainability, but not for those who need quick turnarounds or the highest volume throughput. This model prioritizes long-term savings over speed, making it a smart choice for eco-minded small businesses.
Pros:- Extremely low ink cost with refillable tanks, saving up to 90% on ink expenses
- High page yield—up to 6,000 pages per ink set—reducing supply replacements
- Supports borderless printing up to 11” x 17” for marketing materials
Cons:- Slower print speeds (17 ppm black/white), less ideal for urgent large jobs
- Lacks automatic duplex printing, requiring manual flipping for double-sided prints
Best for: Small business owners seeking low-cost, eco-friendly wide-format printing with minimal ink replacement costs.
Not ideal for: Fast-paced offices requiring rapid print turnaround or frequent high-volume jobs, as it has slower speed and fewer productivity features.
- Printer Type:Supertank Inkjet
- Maximum Print Size:13 x 19 inches
- Print Speed Black & White:17 ppm
- Ink System:Refillable EcoTank
- Connectivity:Wireless, Ethernet, USB
- Borderless Printing:Up to 11 x 17 inches
Bottom line: This model is perfect for small businesses focused on minimizing long-term printing costs and environmental impact over speed and volume.
How We Picked
These printers were evaluated based on performance, ease of use, build quality, maintenance costs, and overall value for small business marketing. Priority was given to models that reliably produce high-quality prints at 13×19 inches, with features that support frequent use and versatile media handling. We balanced upfront costs against long-term ink or toner expenses, considering user reviews and industry reputation. The goal was to identify models that offer a blend of durability, cost efficiency, and user-friendly features, resulting in a ranking that caters to different small business needs and budgets.Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Wide Format Printers For Small Business Marketing
Choosing the right wide format printer for small business marketing involves understanding several key factors. Beyond initial price, consider operational costs, media versatility, and ease of integration into your existing workflow. A well-chosen printer can streamline your marketing efforts while saving money in the long run. Here are essential considerations to guide your decision:Print Quality and Color Accuracy
High-quality, vibrant prints are vital for marketing materials that stand out. Look for printers with good color management and high resolution capabilities. Inconsistent color reproduction can undermine your brand image, so prioritize models with proven color fidelity and support for various media types.
Media Handling and Size Capabilities
Not all wide format printers handle the same media sizes or types. Ensure your chosen model supports the sizes and materials you plan to use, such as heavy card stock, vinyl, or specialty papers. Larger media capacity reduces the need for frequent reloading, boosting productivity during busy campaigns.
Operational Costs and Ink Efficiency
Ongoing ink or toner expenses can dramatically affect your total cost of ownership. EcoTank and supertank systems tend to offer lower per-page costs, making them more cost-effective for frequent printing. However, these often come with higher upfront prices, so consider your expected volume.
Connectivity and Workflow Integration
Ease of use is enhanced by wireless connectivity, cloud support, and compatibility with marketing software. Smart features like mobile printing, automated maintenance, and touchscreen interfaces can save time and reduce errors, especially in fast-paced marketing environments.
Build Quality and Maintenance
A durable build reduces downtime and repair costs. Choose models with reliable components and straightforward maintenance routines. Investing in a reputable brand can also provide better customer support and longer lifespan, which is crucial for small businesses relying heavily on consistent output.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I expect to spend on a wide format printer for small business marketing?
Prices for wide format printers suitable for small business marketing typically range from about $500 to over $2,000. The lower end usually covers basic models with fewer features, while higher-priced options include advanced media handling, better color accuracy, and connectivity options. Consider your print volume and quality needs to determine the best value; spending more upfront can lead to savings on ink and maintenance over time.
Are ecoTank or supertank printers worth the extra initial investment?
EcoTank and supertank printers often have a higher initial cost but deliver significantly lower ongoing ink expenses, making them cost-effective for frequent printing. If your marketing efforts require regular large-format prints, these systems can reduce per-page costs and improve overall efficiency. However, if your volume is sporadic, a less expensive cartridge-based model might be more appropriate.
What features are most important for small business marketing printers?
Key features include high print resolution for vibrant visuals, large media capacity to handle bigger marketing materials, and reliable wireless connectivity for easy integration. Additional considerations are duplex printing to save paper and support for various media types—these can make your marketing materials more professional and diverse. Prioritize models that balance these features with ease of maintenance and cost efficiency.
Can these printers handle printing on specialty media like vinyl or thick cardstock?
Many wide format printers in this category support a variety of media, including vinyl, photo paper, and heavy cardstock. Check the media specifications of each model to confirm compatibility, as some are better suited for specialty media than others. Investing in a model with adjustable media feeds and robust rollers ensures consistent quality across different materials, which is essential for marketing materials that need to stand out.
Is it better to buy a more expensive model with more features or a simpler one?
The decision depends on your specific needs. A more expensive model with advanced features like higher resolution, larger media capacity, and smart integrations is worthwhile if you regularly produce high-quality marketing materials or need automation. Conversely, if your printing needs are occasional or basic, a simpler, more affordable model can deliver good results without unnecessary complexity or cost.
Conclusion
For small businesses seeking a reliable all-around performer, the Epson Workforce Pro WF-7840 offers excellent versatility and capacity, making it the best overall choice. Budget-conscious marketers will find the Epson EcoTank ET-2803 provides a cost-effective solution with low operational costs. Those prioritizing premium quality and features might prefer the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 or the HP OfficeJet Pro 9720e. Beginners or infrequent users should consider simpler, more affordable models, while larger marketing teams with high-volume needs benefit most from models with larger media handling and lower ongoing costs. Tailoring your choice to your specific marketing volume, quality expectations, and budget will ensure you select the best wide format printer for your small business.Fall Picks
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