Choosing the right printer can save you thousands of rupees over your academic career. Here's our comprehensive guide to the best printers for students in India.
Types of Printers
Inkjet Printers
Best for color printing and photos. Lower upfront cost but higher running costs.
Ink Tank Printers
Best overall choice for students. Refillable tanks = lowest cost per page. Higher upfront cost but saves money in the long run.
Laser Printers
Best for high-volume black and white printing. Fast and reliable but color models are expensive.
Top Picks for Students
Budget Pick: Canon Pixma G2020
- Price: ₹12,000-13,000
- Cost per page: ₹0.15 (black), ₹0.25 (color)
- Ink tank system with 6,000 page yield
- Print + Scan + Copy
Best Value: Epson L3250
- Price: ₹15,000-16,000
- WiFi connectivity included
- Print from phone directly
- 7,500 page yield on black ink
Heavy User: HP Smart Tank 580
- Price: ₹16,000-18,000
- 12,000 page black ink yield
- WiFi and USB connectivity
- Best for families with multiple students
Cost Comparison Over 4 Years
Assuming 5,000 pages per year (typical for a student):
- Cartridge Inkjet: ₹8,000 printer + ₹60,000 ink = ₹68,000
- Ink Tank: ₹15,000 printer + ₹3,000 ink = ₹18,000
- Savings: ₹50,000 over 4 years!
Tips to Save Even More
- Use Printify Notes to convert dark PDFs and save ink
- Print in draft mode for internal notes
- Use grayscale whenever possible
- Buy ink during sales (Amazon Great Indian Festival)