Buying Guide
The Best Printers for Occasional Use: Our Picks
We looked at 8 printers for occasional use side by side, with the trade-offs that separate them and who each one suits.
By Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher
9 min read8 products evaluated
Occasional use isn't one thing, weekly, monthly, and quarterly printing carry very different ink-drying risk profiles, and the printer that suits a weekly user isn't necessarily the right pick for someone printing a boarding pass once a quarter. Basic inkjets and one inkless thermal model dominate this list because they avoid the higher upfront cost of ink-tank printers that only pays off at real volume.
Below are 8 printers we compared for occasional use, weighing ink dry-out risk, jam-free reliability after idle stretches, and low upfront cost over raw print speed or volume capacity, ranging from a $53.97 inkless thermal printer to a $139.00 basic all-in-one.
Quick Picks
Our 8 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Overall for Occasional Use
HP DeskJet 4355 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
Households printing a handful of times a month who want the lowest upfront cost
Our take Check price for HP DeskJet 4355 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget Pick
Canon PIXMA TS4320 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer
Buyers prioritizing the lowest possible upfront price for infrequent printing
Our take Check price for Canon PIXMA TS4320 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer (opens in a new tab)
Best with Status Display
Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer
Occasional users who want an easy way to check printer status between uses
Our take Check price for Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer (opens in a new tab)
Best for Occasional Multi-Page Scans
Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer (White)
Occasional users who periodically need to scan a small stack of documents
Our take Check price for Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer (White) (opens in a new tab)
Simplest, Lowest-Cost Option
Canon PIXMA TS3720 Wireless All-in-One Printer for Basic Home Printing
Households that print only occasionally and want the simplest, cheapest option
Our take Check price for Canon PIXMA TS3720 Wireless All-in-One Printer for Basic Home Printing (opens in a new tab)
Best for Occasional Tablet Printing
Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
Occasional users who mostly print from a phone or tablet
Our take Check price for Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer (opens in a new tab)
Best for Occasional Photo Printing
Canon TS6420 All-in-One Wireless Printer
Occasional users who want better photo quality for infrequent photo prints
Our take Check price for Canon TS6420 All-in-One Wireless Printer (opens in a new tab)
Best for Zero-Ink-Maintenance Printing
MT610Pro Inkless Portable Thermal Printer for Travel and Home Office
Extremely infrequent printers who want zero ink maintenance and don't mind thermal paper limits
Our take Check price for MT610Pro Inkless Portable Thermal Printer for Travel and Home Office (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Overall for Occasional Use1 of 8
HP DeskJet 4355 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
The DeskJet 4355 keeps things simple with print, scan, and copy in a low upfront package, ideal for a household that prints a handful of times a month rather than daily.
Best for
- Households printing a handful of times a month who want the lowest upfront cost
Why we like it
The included Instant Ink trial gives a soft landing on early ink costs while you gauge your actual usage.
Because this is a standard cartridge printer rather than an ink-tank model, it fits occasional use better than high volume, cartridges left idle between uses can dry out over weeks, so plan to run a nozzle check before an important print job after a quiet stretch.
Key specs
- Color inkjet all-in-one
- print, scan, copy
- 3-month Instant Ink trial included
- Wireless printing
- AI-capable printing features
- Compact, low-cost design
Pros
- Very low upfront price
- Simple setup for infrequent use
- Scan and copy included
- Instant Ink trial softens early ink costs
Cons
- Cartridge ink can dry out over long idle stretches
- No automatic document feeder
- Not built for high-volume printing
Best Budget Pick2 of 8
Canon PIXMA TS4320 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer
The TS4320 is one of the least expensive printers in this list, a straightforward inkjet built for compact spaces and easy setup rather than sustained daily use.
Best for
- Buyers prioritizing the lowest possible upfront price for infrequent printing
Why we like it
Duplex printing and built-in copy and scan cover the basics.
For a quarterly or monthly user, unplugging the printer between uses helps, many inkjets skip periodic auto-clean cycles when unpowered, which reduces the ink wasted maintaining a printer that's mostly sitting idle.
Key specs
- Color inkjet with duplex printing
- Built-in copier and scanner
- Compact design
- Easy setup
- 1 year limited warranty
Pros
- One of the cheapest printers in this list
- Compact footprint
- Duplex printing included
- Simple setup
Cons
- Cartridge ink can dry out during long idle periods
- No automatic document feeder
- Basic feature set overall
Best with Status Display3 of 8
Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer
42-inch OLED display makes it easier to check ink status or clear an error without a phone app, useful for an occasional user who might forget how the printer behaves after weeks away from it.
Best for
- Occasional users who want an easy way to check printer status between uses
Why we like it
Duplex printing and built-in copy and scan round out the basics.
Expect the first print after a long idle period to sometimes show streaks or missing lines from settled ink, running a quick test page before anything important sets the right expectation and catches issues early.
Key specs
- Color inkjet, duplex printing
- Built-in copier and scanner
- 1.42-inch OLED display
- Intuitive control panel
- Compact design
Pros
- OLED display simplifies status checks after idle periods
- Duplex printing built in
- Compact footprint
- Straightforward control panel
Cons
- Cartridge ink can dry out with infrequent use
- No automatic document feeder
- First print after idle time may need a quality check
Best for Occasional Multi-Page Scans4 of 8
Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer (White)
The PIXMA TR4720 includes an automatic document feeder, unusual at this price point, useful for someone who occasionally needs to scan a small stack of pages rather than feeding them one at a time.
Best for
- Occasional users who periodically need to scan a small stack of documents
Why we like it
Mobile printing and built-in fax round out a fuller feature set than most budget printers.
As a cartridge-based printer, it's better suited to occasional or light use than sustained daily volume, where an ink-tank model would pull ahead on cost per page.
Mobile printing from phone or tablet.
Key specs
- Color inkjet all-in-one with auto document feeder
- Mobile printing support
- Built-in fax (legacy feature)
- Wireless connectivity
- Compact home printer design
Pros
- Auto document feeder at a budget price
- Mobile printing from phone or tablet
- Low upfront price for the feature set
- Simple setup
Cons
- Cartridge ink costs more per page than ink-tank models at real volume
- Fax feature is unnecessary for most households
- Not built for sustained daily high-volume printing
Simplest, Lowest-Cost Option5 of 8
Canon PIXMA TS3720 Wireless All-in-One Printer for Basic Home Printing
The TS3720 strips things down to basic print, scan, and copy at the lowest price in this list, a sensible pick for a household that prints rarely and doesn't want to pay for features they won't use.
Best for
- Households that print only occasionally and want the simplest, cheapest option
Why we like it
Because a very-low-volume user may go months between print jobs, unplugging the printer when it's not needed and running a quick nozzle check before printing helps avoid streaky first pages from settled ink.
No unnecessary extra features to pay for.
Key specs
- Color inkjet all-in-one
- print, scan, copy
- Wireless printing
- Basic home printing focus
- White finish
- Compact design
Pros
- Lowest price in this list
- No unnecessary extra features to pay for
- Simple setup
- Compact footprint
Cons
- Cartridge ink can dry out with infrequent use
- No automatic document feeder
- Basic feature set with no fax or ADF
Best for Occasional Tablet Printing6 of 8
Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
The MG3620 emphasizes mobile and tablet printing, useful for someone who occasionally prints a boarding pass, recipe, or PDF straight from a phone rather than a computer.
Best for
- Occasional users who mostly print from a phone or tablet
Why we like it
Wireless setup covers the basics for a shared home network.
At a higher price than the more basic picks in this list, it makes the most sense if tablet or mobile printing convenience specifically matters to you, rather than as a pure low-cost option.
Key specs
- Color inkjet all-in-one
- print, scan, copy
- Mobile and tablet printing emphasis
- Wireless connectivity
- No automatic document feeder
- Cartridge-based ink system
Pros
- Strong tablet and mobile printing support
- Simple print, scan, copy feature set
- Reliable wireless setup
- Good for occasional phone-based printing
Cons
- Higher price than the more basic picks in this list
- No automatic document feeder
- Cartridge ink costs more at higher volume than an ink tank
Best for Occasional Photo Printing7 of 8
Canon TS6420 All-in-One Wireless Printer
The TS6420 is priced higher than most picks in this list but delivers better photo output, worth it if occasional use for you means printing family photos a few times a year rather than only documents.
Best for
- Occasional users who want better photo quality for infrequent photo prints
Why we like it
Print, scan, and copy round out the feature set.
At this price, it's the priciest cartridge-based option here, so it fits best when photo quality specifically matters more than minimizing upfront spend.
Simple print, scan, copy feature set.
Key specs
- Color inkjet all-in-one
- Wireless printing
- Photo-capable output
- Compact design
- Cartridge-based ink system
Pros
- Better photo output than most picks in this list
- Simple print, scan, copy feature set
- Reliable wireless setup
- Good all-around performer for occasional mixed use
Cons
- Priciest cartridge-based pick in this list
- No automatic document feeder
- Ink can dry out over long idle stretches like the other cartridge picks
Best for Zero-Ink-Maintenance Printing8 of 8
MT610Pro Inkless Portable Thermal Printer for Travel and Home Office
This inkless thermal printer sidesteps the ink dry-out problem entirely, there's no ink to dry out because there isn't any, making it a different fit for someone who prints extremely rarely, once every few months or less.
Best for
- Extremely infrequent printers who want zero ink maintenance and don't mind thermal paper limits
Why we like it
5 by 11 inch US Letter and A4 pages over Bluetooth from a phone or laptop.
Key specs
- Inkless thermal printing, no ink or toner needed
- Supports 8.5 x 11 inch US Letter and A4
- 300 DPI resolution
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Compatible with IOS, Android, laptop
Pros
- No ink to dry out, ever, zero-maintenance for rare use
- Lowest price in this list
- Portable, works well for travel or car use
- Simple Bluetooth setup
Cons
- Thermal paper costs more per page than standard paper
- Print quality and longevity is lower than ink or toner on regular paper
- Not suited to documents you need to keep long-term
How We Chose These Printers for Occasional Use
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Ink dry-out resistance
- Weighed whether each printer's ink system tolerates weeks or months of idle time without clogging or streaking on the first print after a break.
- Upfront cost over long-term volume economics
- Prioritized low purchase price over cost per page at high volume, since an occasional user rarely accumulates enough volume for an ink-tank printer to pay back its higher price.
- Setup simplicity
- Considered how quickly an infrequent user could set up or reconnect the printer to wifi after not touching it for weeks, since occasional users forget setup steps between uses.
- Feature fit for light use
- Checked whether extra features like automatic document feeders or fax add real value for occasional use, or just add cost without matching how these printers actually get used.
- Storage footprint
- Factored in physical size, since an occasional-use printer is more likely to be stored away in a closet or cabinet between uses rather than left permanently on a desk.
What to Look for in a Printer for Occasional Use
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Match actual size and capacity to your real need, not the category label alone
Listings for a printer often use a size or capacity label ("compact," "large," "heavy-duty") that isn't standardized across brands, so the same label can mean meaningfully different actual dimensions or capacity from one product to the next.
This matters because buying based on the category label rather than the specific listed dimensions or capacity is a common way to end up with something that doesn't actually fit your space or handle your real load.
Check the listing for exact measurements or a stated capacity figure, and compare that directly against your actual space or need, not just the marketing size category.
Verify build material and construction quality from reviews, not just spec-sheet claims
A product description can describe material or construction in flattering terms that don't always hold up under real, sustained use, and the gap between a listing's claimed quality and its actual durability only shows up in how the product performs after weeks or months of real use, not in day-one photos.
This matters more for anything you'll use daily or under real load, less for occasional light use where durability matters less.
Check reviews specifically for mentions of how the printer holds up over time, not just unboxing-day impressions, and treat a listing's own quality claims as a starting point to verify, not a guarantee.
Pocket-size cylindrical mobile printer sitting on a sheet of paper Confirm any headline feature actually works as advertised, not just that it's listed
A feature appearing in a product's bullet points doesn't guarantee it performs well in practice, some features are functional but limited, and a few are closer to a marketing checkbox than a useful capability.
This matters directly if a specific feature is the main reason you're choosing this printer over a simpler, cheaper alternative, since a feature that underperforms in practice undermines the whole reason for paying more.
Check reviews specifically for real-world experiences with the exact feature that matters most to you, not just whether the feature is listed at all.
Weigh review count alongside rating, not rating alone
This matters more for a purchase you're relying on to perform consistently over time, less for a low-stakes, easily replaceable item.
Check both the star rating and the review count together for any printer you're considering, and treat a high rating on a very small review count as a promising but less-proven signal.
Printed "Dog" label with an icon stuck on a spaniel's forehead Check compatibility and fit with your existing setup before ordering
A printer that looks like a straightforward fit in photos can still have a compatibility detail, a connector type, a mounting requirement, a size threshold, that doesn't match your existing setup, and this kind of mismatch is one of the most common and avoidable reasons for a return.
This matters directly if the product needs to physically connect to, mount on, or otherwise integrate with something you already own.
Check the listing's specific compatibility details against your exact existing setup, not just the general product category, before ordering.
How to Choose a Printer for Occasional Use
By Rating Confidence: Highest Rated vs Most Reviewed
| Your priority | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| Highest average rating | HP DeskJet 4355 Wireless All |
| Largest review base, strongest reliability signal | HP DeskJet 4355 Wireless All |
By Budget
| Budget | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| Under $54 | MT610Pro Inkless Portable Thermal Printer for Travel and Home Office |
| Up to $139 | Canon TS6420 All |
MT610Pro Inkless Portable Thermal Printer for Travel and Home Office vs Canon TS6420 All
- MT610Pro Inkless Portable Thermal Printer for Travel and Home Office
- The lower-priced option in this comparison, worth checking its actual specs and review history against your specific need before assuming it's enough.
- Canon TS6420 All
- The higher-priced option, worth it if it offers real, checkable headroom in build quality, capacity, or features over the cheaper pick.
Default to MT610Pro Inkless Portable Thermal Printer for Travel and Home Office unless your specific need calls for the pricier pick's extra headroom.
By Review Base Confidence
| Your priority | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| Largest, most-established review base | HP DeskJet 4355 Wireless All |
For a First-Time Buyer Specifically
- Look for
- Clear, specific dimensions or capacity and a real, established review history, not just marketing language.
- In this comparison
- HP DeskJet 4355 Wireless All is worth checking against its listed specs before buying, given its strong review base.
When to Spend More
- Spend more if
- You need real durability and feature depth for regular use, where Canon TS6420 All's build gives real headroom over the cheaper picks.
- Save if
- You only need this for light or occasional use, where MT610Pro Inkless Portable Thermal Printer for Travel and Home Office covers the same job at a lower price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as occasional printer use?
It varies widely, weekly, monthly, and quarterly printing each carry different ink-drying risk. Weekly use is close to regular use and any printer in this list handles it fine. Monthly use benefits from an occasional nozzle check. Quarterly or rarer use is where an inkless thermal printer or careful cartridge maintenance really matters.
Does leaving my inkjet printer plugged in waste ink even when I'm not printing?
Inkjet printers run periodic auto-clean and nozzle-check cycles even when idle, which consumes a measurable amount of ink over months. Fully unplugging the printer between uses, rather than leaving it in sleep mode, reduces this waste for an occasional user.
Can toner expire before I use it all?
Bundled toner commonly has a shelf life of around 2 years from manufacture. A very-low-volume laser printer user could see toner degrade or expire before finishing the cartridge, so check the manufacture date rather than assuming toner lasts indefinitely.
Why would I want an inkless printer instead of a basic inkjet?
If you print extremely rarely, once every few months or less, an inkless thermal printer like the MT610Pro sidesteps ink dry-out entirely since there's no ink involved.
Should I expect quality issues on the first print after not using my printer for a while?
For inkjet printers, yes, streaking or missing nozzle lines are common after weeks of idle time. Run a test page or nozzle check before anything important rather than trusting the first print to come out clean.
Is it worth buying an ink-tank printer if I only print occasionally?
Ink-tank printers only pay back their higher upfront price at real volume, hundreds of pages a month. For occasional use, a basic cartridge inkjet or the inkless thermal option in this list is almost always the more cost-effective choice.
Bottom Line
Best overall: HP DeskJet 4355 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer — best overall for occasional use pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.
Browse all printers for occasional use on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.