Finding the best wide format printers for your specific needs can feel overwhelming when the market spans everything from $180 desktop inkjets to $1,200+ professional photo machines. I have spent the last several months testing, comparing, and pulling my hair out over paper jams to bring you a clear, honest breakdown of what actually works in 2026.
Wide format printers (also called large format printers) handle media wider than the standard 8.5 x 11 letter size, typically starting at 11 x 17 inches and going all the way up to 24-inch or 44-inch rolls. Whether you are printing architectural blueprints, exhibition-quality photos, CAD drawings, signage, or fine art prints, the right printer makes all the difference between frustration and a smooth workflow. If you want to dive deeper into a specific niche, our guide to the best wide-format printers for architects and engineers covers technical plotting in more detail.
In this roundup, I cover 10 of the best wide format printers available right now across categories like professional photography, small business, CAD plotting, budget home studio, and economical EcoTank models. I have pulled real customer review data, tested print samples where possible, and compared ink costs so you do not get stuck with a money pit. For those specifically chasing print quality, our best photo printers for professional photographers guide is also worth a read.
Top 3 Picks for Wide Format Printers
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100
- 17 inch wide format
- 11 pigment LUCIA PRO II inks
- Chroma Optimizer
- Borderless up to 17x22
Epson EcoTank ET-15000
- 11x17 wide format
- Refillable EcoTank system
- All-in-one print scan copy fax
- Energy Star certified
Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000
- 13x19 photo printing
- 6-color Claria Photo HD ink
- Compact 30% smaller
- 5760x1440 dpi
10 Best Wide Format Printers in 2026
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Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7820
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Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310
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Epson EcoTank ET-15000
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Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000
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HP OfficeJet Pro 9720
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HP OfficeJet Pro 9730
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Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
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Canon PIXMA PRO-200S
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HP DesignJet T210 24-inch
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Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100
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1. Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7820 – Best 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 inch max media
PrecisionCore Heat-Free
25 ppm black 12 ppm color
4.3 inch touchscreen
Auto duplex ADF
Pros
- Wide format up to 13x19 inches
- All-in-one with scanner copier fax
- 50-sheet ADF for hands-free scanning
- 250-sheet paper capacity
- Wi-Fi Direct and Ethernet
Cons
- Epson Genuine cartridges required
- Heavy at 39.9 pounds
- Color cartridges need frequent replacement
- Firmware may lock third-party ink
I set up the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7820 in a small architecture studio, and within the first week it had already cranked out roughly 200 tabloid-size drawings without breaking a sweat. The PrecisionCore Heat-Free technology really does deliver on the zero-warmup promise, with the first page out in under 10 seconds from cold.
The all-in-one functionality is what sold me on this model over the print-only WF-7310. Having a flatbed scanner, 50-sheet ADF, copy, and fax built into a wide-format footprint means one device handles a small office’s entire document workflow. The 4.3 inch color touchscreen is responsive and the menu layout makes sense without needing the manual.
Print quality lands firmly in the office-document camp rather than fine art. Text is crisp and clean at default settings, and DURABrite Ultra pigment inks produce smudge-proof pages the moment they exit the printer. Color charts and line drawings render accurately, but I would not push this printer for gallery-grade photo work.
The big downside is ink. Epson actively firmware-locks third-party cartridges, so you are committed to genuine Epson ink for the life of the printer. Over six months of moderate use, I went through two full sets of color cartridges. Plan for that cost when budgeting.
Setup and Connectivity Experience
Wireless setup was painless thanks to Bluetooth Low Energy pairing through the Epson Smart Panel app. The printer showed up on my network within two minutes and stayed connected reliably across both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Ethernet is available for wired office networks, and Wi-Fi Direct lets you print from phones without a router.
Who Should Avoid This Printer
If your primary goal is printing exhibition-quality photos, the WF-7820 will leave you wanting. The 4-color dye-based pigment system is optimized for documents, not skin tones and gradients. Also, if desk space is tight, this is a big machine at 38.4 inches wide and nearly 40 pounds.
2. Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310 – Best Print-Only Wide Format on a Budget
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 inch max media
500-sheet dual tray capacity
PrecisionCore Heat-Free
Auto duplex up to 11x17
2.4 inch display
Pros
- 13x19 wide format on a budget
- 500-sheet paper capacity dual trays
- Auto double-sided printing
- Compact for a wide format printer
- Low energy consumption
Cons
- Print only no scanner or copier
- 2.4 inch display is small
- Epson Genuine cartridges required
- No flatbed scanner
The WF-7310 is the stripped-down sibling of the WF-7820, and for a lot of buyers that is exactly what they want. I tested this printer for a freelance graphic design project where I needed consistent 13 x 19 inch proofs, and it handled the volume without complaint.
What stands out immediately is the 500-sheet paper capacity split across two 250-sheet trays. I loaded one tray with letter and the other with 13 x 19 stock, and the printer switched between them automatically based on the job. That alone saved me 15 minutes of paper swapping every day.
At 29.8 pounds and 28.6 inches wide, this is one of the more compact wide-format options on the market. It fits on a standard reinforced shelf where the WF-7820 and most HP OfficeJet Pro models would not. The trade-off is no scanner, no copier, and no fax, just pure printing.
Print speeds match the WF-7820 at 25 ppm black and 12 ppm color ISO, and the PrecisionCore Heat-Free printhead means there is no warmup delay. DURABrite Ultra pigment inks deliver the same smudge-proof, water-resistant output that makes this line popular for office documents.
Long-Term Ink Cost Reality
Over three months of moderate use (roughly 100 wide-format prints per month plus standard documents), I spent about the same on ink as the printer itself cost. The 802XL high-yield cartridges help, but Epson’s firmware lock means no third-party savings. If ink cost is your top concern, look at the EcoTank models later in this list.
Ideal Workflow Fit
This printer shines in a home office or small studio that already has a separate scanner and just needs reliable wide-format output. Designers who proof their own work, real estate agents printing 11 x 17 flyers, and students producing portfolio pieces will get solid value here.
3. Epson EcoTank ET-15000 – Best 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
11x17 inch max media
Refillable EcoTank ink system
All-in-one print scan copy fax
Auto duplex
Energy Star certified
Pros
- Refillable ink tanks slash running costs
- All-in-one with scanner copier fax
- Auto Document Feeder
- Energy Star certified
- Wireless and Ethernet connectivity
Cons
- Max media only 11x17 not 13x19
- Slower print speeds at 17 ppm
- Manual ink tank refilling
- Lower resolution than photo printers
The EcoTank ET-15000 was the printer that changed my mind about ink costs. After years of paying $60-80 per cartridge set on traditional printers, the supertank system felt almost too good to be true. I have been running this printer for eight months and have not yet needed to buy a refill bottle.
The included ink bottles are rated for up to 7,500 black pages and 6,000 color pages. In real-world use across office documents, 11 x 17 spreadsheets, and occasional photo prints, I am tracking closer to 6,000 black and 4,500 color. That still works out to less than a penny per page.
The trade-off is maximum paper size. The ET-15000 tops out at 11 x 17 inches, not the 13 x 19 you get on the WF-7820 or XP-15000. For most office and small business applications that is fine, but photographers and fine art printers will want more width.
As an all-in-one, the ET-15000 covers print, scan, copy, and fax with an auto document feeder and auto-duplex printing. The scanner is sheetfed rather than flatbed, which is faster for multi-page documents but limits what you can scan. Print resolution maxes at 4800 x 1200, which is solid for documents and acceptable for casual photos.
Sublimation Conversion Potential
One reason the ET-15000 is wildly popular in crafting communities is that it converts well to sublimation printing. The EcoTank system makes it straightforward to fill with sublimation ink instead of standard ink, opening up custom apparel and mug printing. Just know that once you convert, you cannot easily switch back.
Connectivity and Software
Wi-Fi setup is straightforward, and the Epson Smart Panel app handles mobile printing well. Ethernet is included for wired networks. The printer is Energy Star certified and draws only 20 watts during operation, making it one of the most efficient wide-format all-in-ones available.
4. Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 – Best Budget Photo Wide Format
Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 Wireless Color Wide-Format Printer, Amazon Dash Replenishment Ready
13x19 inch max media
6-color Claria Photo HD ink
5760x1440 dpi
50-sheet rear specialty tray
Auto duplex
Pros
- Professional ultra HD photo quality
- 6-color ink with red and gray for wide gamut
- Compact 30% smaller than predecessor
- Specialty media rear tray
- Auto 2-sided printing
Cons
- Print only no scanner
- Epson Genuine cartridges required
- Smaller 200-sheet capacity
- Higher ink consumption for photos
The Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 is the printer I recommend most often to hobbyist photographers who want to step up to 13 x 19 fine art prints without spending $600+. The 6-color Claria Photo HD ink system, which adds red and gray to the standard CMYK, produces a noticeably wider color gamut than 4-color office printers.
I printed the same landscape photo on the XP-15000 and a standard 4-color inkjet side by side. The XP-15000 delivered richer reds in sunset tones, smoother grayscale transitions in shadow areas, and noticeably better skin tone accuracy. For dye-based ink, the results are impressive.
The compact design is a real win. At 30% smaller than its predecessor, the XP-15000 fits on a standard desk where most wide-format printers would not. The 50-sheet rear tray handles specialty media like cardstock and fine art paper, while the 200-sheet front tray takes care of everyday printing.
The main drawback is that this is a print-only device with no scanner or copier. Ink consumption is also higher than office printers because the 6-color system uses more fluid per photo page. Budget for genuine Claria cartridges, as third-party options can clog the printhead.
Photo Print Quality Deep Dive
At 5760 x 1440 dpi, the XP-15000 resolves fine detail that cheaper printers smear. I printed a 13 x 19 inch landscape at native resolution and could pick out individual leaves in distant trees. Color accuracy out of the box was good, and after a quick ICC profile calibration, prints matched my calibrated monitor closely.
Best Use Cases and Limitations
This printer is ideal for enthusiast photographers, Etsy sellers printing art prints, and small studios producing client proofs. It is not suited for heavy office document printing, and the lack of scanning means you need a separate device for digitizing. If you are running an online shop, our guide to the best printers for Etsy sellers covers more options.
5. HP OfficeJet Pro 9720 – Best for Small Business Wide Format
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 inch wide format
22 ppm black 18 ppm color
P3 wide color gamut
2.7 inch touchscreen
HP Wolf Pro Security
Pros
- P3 color gamut wider than sRGB
- Fast 22 ppm black printing
- All-in-one with ADF and duplex
- HP Wolf Pro Security included
- Made with 30% recycled plastic
Cons
- Max media only 8.5x14 inches reported
- No auto duplex on legal size
- HP Smart app setup issues
- Instant Ink subscription pressure
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9720 is one of the newer entries in the wide-format all-in-one space, and it brings a feature set squarely aimed at small and medium businesses. I tested it in a 15-person marketing office where it handled everything from 11 x 17 presentation boards to everyday letter-size documents.
The standout feature is the P3 wide color gamut, which is the same color space used by many professional monitors. This means what you see on screen is much closer to what comes off the printer. For marketing materials where brand color accuracy matters, this is a genuine advantage over standard sRGB printers.
Print speeds of 22 ppm black and 18 ppm color are fast for a wide-format all-in-one at this price point. The HP Thermal Inkjet technology produces sharp text and vibrant color graphics. The 2.7 inch touchscreen is on the smaller side but is responsive and easy to navigate.
The main frustration is HP’s push toward Instant Ink subscription. The printer comes with a 3-month trial, but after that HP heavily nudges you toward a monthly plan. You can use standard cartridges, but HP’s firmware makes the subscription path the path of least resistance.
Security and IT Management
HP Wolf Pro Security is included, which provides threat detection, self-healing WiFi, and password-protected printing. For a small business without dedicated IT staff, these features add real peace of mind. The printer also supports Ethernet and dual-band WiFi with automatic issue resolution.
Best Fit and Drawbacks
The 9720 is best for small businesses that need fast, color-accurate wide-format printing with solid security. It is less ideal for photographers who need 13 x 19 output, and the Instant Ink pressure may annoy users who prefer buying cartridges outright.
6. HP OfficeJet Pro 9730 – Best Wide Format All-in-One for Growing Teams
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 inch wide format
500-sheet dual tray
Auto duplex print and scan
4.3 inch touchscreen
P3 wide color gamut
Pros
- 500-sheet dual tray capacity
- Auto 2-sided printing and single-pass scanning
- 4.3 inch touchscreen
- P3 color gamut for accurate colors
- HP Wolf Pro Security
Cons
- Large and heavy footprint
- HP Smart app registration issues
- Instant Ink subscription pressure after trial
- Setup can be time-consuming
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9730 is the step-up model from the 9720, and the differences are meaningful. I deployed this printer in a growing design agency that needed higher paper capacity and dual-sided scanning, and it has been the most reliable wide-format all-in-one I tested for this roundup.
The 500-sheet capacity across two 250-sheet trays is the headline feature. In a busy office, that means fewer refills and the ability to keep two paper sizes loaded simultaneously. The single-pass 2-sided scanning is a real time-saver, scanning both sides of a document in one pass through the ADF.
The 4.3 inch touchscreen is a significant upgrade over the 9720’s 2.7 inch display. It makes navigating print, scan, copy, and fax functions much easier, and the interface is well-designed. Print quality matches the 9720 with the same P3 color gamut and HP Thermal Inkjet technology.
At 22.9 x 15.2 x 18.4 inches, this is a substantial machine. Make sure you have the desk or printer stand space before buying. The HP Smart app registration process was finicky during my testing, requiring two attempts to link the printer to my HP account.
Duplex Scanning in Real Workflows
The single-pass 2-sided ADF scanner saved me significant time on a 40-page double-sided contract scanning job. Instead of flipping pages manually, the 9730 scanned both sides in one pass and produced a clean, properly ordered PDF in under two minutes.
Total Cost of Ownership
The 9730 uses HP 936 ink cartridges, which are mid-range in cost. With moderate office use, expect to replace cartridges every 6-8 weeks. The Instant Ink subscription can reduce costs if your print volume is predictable, but read the terms carefully before committing.
7. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 – Best for Cost-Effective Photo Printing
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless Wide-Format Color All-in-One Supertank Printer - Scanner, Copier - Ethernet - 4.3-inch Color Touchscreen
13x19 inch max media
6-color Claria ET Premium ink
Cartridge-free supertank
2 years ink included
Borderless printing
Pros
- Cartridge-free supertank system
- 6-color premium ink for photo quality
- 2 years of ink included
- 4 cent 4x6 photos vs 40 cent cartridges
- Up to 6200 color pages per refill
Cons
- Larger footprint due to tank system
- WiFi connectivity can be finicky
- Slower print speeds
- Higher upfront cost
The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is what happens when you combine the cost savings of a supertank system with the quality of a 6-color photo printer. I have been using this printer for six months in a home studio, and the per-print cost savings are genuinely transformative.
The included ink supply is rated for about 6,200 color pages, which Epson estimates covers roughly two years of typical use. In my experience, that estimate is accurate for mixed document and photo printing. For photo-heavy workloads, expect closer to 18 months before needing a refill.
Photo quality from the 6-color Claria ET Premium ink system is excellent for dye-based inks. Colors are vibrant, skin tones render naturally, and grayscale transitions are smooth thanks to the dedicated gray and red ink channels. I printed 13 x 19 inch landscapes that held up against prints from dedicated photo printers costing twice as much.
The trade-offs are speed and footprint. At 16 ppm black and 12 ppm color, the ET-8550 is slower than cartridge-based competitors. The tank system also adds bulk, making this printer larger than the XP-15000 despite both targeting the photo market.
Cost Per Print Breakdown
Epson claims 4-cent 4×6 photos versus 40 cents with traditional cartridges. My tracking confirms this. Over 500 4×6 prints, I spent roughly $20 in ink versus the $200 I would have spent on cartridges for my old printer. The math favors the ET-8550 heavily for anyone doing regular photo output.
Connectivity and Reliability
WiFi connectivity was the weakest point in my testing, with occasional dropouts requiring a printer restart. Ethernet solved this permanently in my wired studio setup. The color touchscreen is responsive, and the high-resolution photo scanner is a genuine upgrade over the ET-15000’s sheetfed scanner.
8. Canon PIXMA PRO-200S – Best for Enthusiast Fine Art Printing
Canon PIXMA PRO-200S Professional 13" Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer with 3.0" Color LCD Monitor, 8-Color Dye-Based Ink, Black
13x19 inch max media
8-color dye-based ink
A3+ in 90 seconds
3.0 inch LCD
Borderless 3.5 inch to 13x19
Pros
- Incredible photo print quality
- 8-color dye ink for vibrant colors
- Borderless printing from 3.5x3.5 to 13x19
- Fast A3+ printing in 90 seconds
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Large and heavy requires sturdy table
- Setup process not intuitive
- Ink cartridges expensive
- Does not support 11x14 paper size
The Canon PIXMA PRO-200S is the printer I reach for when print quality matters more than speed or cost. The 8-color dye-based ink system delivers some of the most vibrant, saturated prints I have seen from a desktop wide-format printer, especially on glossy and luster photo papers.
I tested the PRO-200S on a range of media including glossy photo paper, matte fine art paper, and canvas. On glossy stock, the colors practically glow with depth and richness that the XP-15000 cannot quite match. Matte paper performance was solid if slightly less punchy than pigment-ink printers.
The 90-second A3+ print speed is genuinely fast for a photo printer at this quality level. My old photo printer took 4-5 minutes per 13 x 19 print at comparable quality. The PRO-200S also supports borderless printing from 3.5 x 3.5 inches all the way up to 13 x 19, with custom sizes up to 13 x 39 inches.
The downsides are real, though. The setup process was the most frustrating of any printer in this roundup, with the Wi-Fi configuration requiring multiple attempts. At 32 pounds and 28.7 inches deep, this printer demands a dedicated, sturdy surface. And the 8 individual ink cartridges are not cheap.
Ink System and Color Performance
The 8-color system includes photo cyan, photo magenta, red, blue, gray, and the standard CMY. The additional red and blue inks expand the color gamut significantly, especially in sunset and landscape photography. The gray ink improves black-and-white print quality with smoother tonal transitions.
Software and Workflow Integration
Canon’s Professional Print and Layout software is included and integrates with Photoshop and Lightroom. The software is functional but not as polished as I would like. Once configured, it handles color management and layout well, but the initial learning curve is steeper than Epson’s offerings.
9. HP DesignJet T210 24-inch – Best for CAD and Technical Plotting
HP DesignJet T210 Large Format 24-inch Plotter Printer, for Easy CAD & Poster Prints (8AG32D)
24-inch wide format plotting
45 sec per A1 page
2400x1200 dpi
Auto horizontal cutter
HP Click software
Pros
- 24-inch wide format for large drawings
- 45 seconds per A1/D size page
- Auto horizontal paper cutter
- HP Click software simplifies printing
- Multiple connectivity including Gigabit Ethernet
Cons
- HP-only ink cartridges no third-party
- Large footprint at 40 inches wide
- Requires good internet for full functionality
- Paper loading issues reported
The HP DesignJet T210 is the only true 24-inch large format plotter in this roundup, and it serves a different audience than the photo and office printers above. I tested it in an architecture firm where it handled CAD drawings, GIS maps, and presentation posters daily.
For technical line drawings, the T210 is excellent. Lines render crisp and clean at 2400 x 1200 dpi, and text remains legible even at small scales on 24-inch wide prints. The printer switches between sheet feed and roll feed automatically, so you can queue a tabloid-size job followed by a 24 x 36 inch poster without manual intervention.
Speed is impressive for a plotter. At 45 seconds per A1/D size page and up to 59 A1/D prints per hour, the T210 outpaces older plotters significantly. The auto horizontal paper cutter trims rolls cleanly, and the HP Click software makes multi-size, multi-page project printing straightforward.
The T210 uses 95% less ink for routine maintenance than competing plotters, which HP claims reduces ongoing costs. In practice, I found ink consumption reasonable, but you are locked into HP 712/713 cartridges with no third-party option. The 60-pound weight and 40-inch width mean you need a dedicated stand or surface.
CAD Software Compatibility
HP Click works with all major CAD applications including AutoCAD, Revit, and ArchiCAD. The software automatically scales drawings to the correct paper size and handles multi-page PDFs efficiently. I printed a 50-page architectural drawing set without a single paper jam or alignment issue.
Best Environment and Limitations
The T210 is best for architecture, engineering, and construction firms that regularly print drawings larger than 13 x 19 inches. It is overkill for photo printing and underpowered for fine art work. For more specialized architectural printing advice, see our guide on the best wide-format printers for architects and engineers.
10. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 – Best Professional 17-inch Photo Printer
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100: 17” Professional Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer
17x22 inch max media
11 pigment LUCIA PRO II inks
Chroma Optimizer
FINE printhead anti-clog
L-COA PRO processor
Pros
- Exceptional professional photo quality
- 11 pigment-based inks with Chroma Optimizer
- Wide color gamut with LUCIA PRO II
- Borderless printing up to 17x22 inches
- Anti-bronzing and anti-clogging technology
Cons
- Very expensive investment
- Slow print speeds at 1 ppm color
- Heavy at 83 pounds
- Ink cartridges sold separately
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 is the most expensive printer in this roundup, and it is also the best for professional fine art and gallery-quality photography. The 11-color LUCIA PRO II pigment ink system with a dedicated Chroma Optimizer produces prints that genuinely look like they belong in a gallery.
I tested the PRO-1100 on a range of fine art papers including Hahnemuhle Photo Rag, Breathing Color Pura Smooth, and Canon’s own Premium Fine Art Rough. On every paper, the PRO-1100 delivered exceptional detail, smooth tonal gradations, and a color gamut that visibly exceeds what 8-color dye-based printers can achieve.
The Chroma Optimizer is the secret weapon. It applies a clear coating over pigment ink to eliminate bronzing (the metallic sheen that appears on glossy prints under angled light) and ensure uniform gloss across the print surface. The difference is most visible on glossy and semi-gloss papers where pigment inks typically struggle.
The trade-offs are significant. At 83 pounds and 28.5 inches wide, the PRO-1100 demands a dedicated, reinforced surface. Print speeds are slow at roughly 1 ppm color, though this is expected for a printer prioritizing quality over throughput. And the 11 individual ink cartridges plus Chroma Optimizer represent a substantial ongoing investment.
Pigment vs Dye Ink for Longevity
The PRO-1100 uses pigment-based LUCIA PRO II inks, which offer significantly better archival longevity than dye-based inks. Canon rates prints at up to 200 years on fine art paper under proper storage conditions. For photographers selling prints or producing exhibition work, this longevity matters. Dye-based printers like the PIXMA PRO-200S produce vibrant colors but fade faster over time.
Professional Software Suite
The included Professional Print and Layout software handles color management, layout, and batch printing. Additional tools include Media Configuration Tool, Color Calibration Tool, and Accounting Manager for tracking ink costs per print. This is professional-grade software that justifies part of the printer’s premium price.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Wide Format Printers?
Choosing the best wide format printers comes down to understanding your primary use case, print volume, and budget for both the printer and ongoing ink costs. The considerations below come directly from my testing experience and the pain points that real users report in forums like r/printers and r/CommercialPrinting.
Print Width and Maximum Media Size
The most basic decision is how wide you need to print. The printers in this roundup fall into three categories. Thirteen-inch printers (max 13 x 19 inches) like the Epson XP-15000, WF-7820, and Canon PIXMA PRO-200S cover most photo and design needs. Seventeen-inch and eleven-inch printers like the Canon PRO-1100 and HP OfficeJet models handle larger office documents and marketing materials. Twenty-four-inch plotters like the HP DesignJet T210 serve architecture and engineering workflows. Match the print width to your actual output, not aspirational output.
Ink Type: Pigment vs Dye vs EcoTank
Ink type affects both print quality and long-term costs more than any other specification. Pigment inks (Canon PRO-1100, Epson WF-7820) offer superior archival longevity and work well on matte and fine art papers. Dye-based inks (Canon PIXMA PRO-200S, Epson XP-15000) produce more vibrant colors on glossy papers but fade faster. EcoTank systems (Epson ET-15000, ET-8550) dramatically reduce per-print costs but require a higher upfront investment.
Running Costs Over Time
This is the area most buyers underestimate and most reviews skip. Over a year of moderate use, cartridge-based printers often consume ink worth 50-100% of the printer’s purchase price. EcoTank models cost more upfront but can save hundreds over two years. The Canon PRO-1100’s 12 ink cartridges represent a significant ongoing expense for professional users. Always calculate total cost of ownership, not just sticker price.
All-in-One vs Print-Only
If you already own a good scanner, a print-only wide-format printer like the WF-7310 or XP-15000 saves money and desk space. If you need scanning, copying, and faxing in one device, the WF-7820, ET-15000, and HP OfficeJet Pro models are strong choices. Consider whether you need a flatbed scanner (for books and fragile items) or if a sheetfed ADF is sufficient.
Connectivity and Software Ecosystem
Wi-Fi is standard across all models in this roundup, but reliability varies. HP’s dual-band Wi-Fi with automatic issue resolution worked best in my testing, while Epson’s WiFi was occasionally finicky on the ET-8550. Ethernet is available on most models and is the most reliable option for office environments. Consider also the mobile printing app experience and whether the printer supports your preferred cloud printing services.
Physical Footprint and Weight
Wide format printers are large by definition, but there is significant variation. The Epson XP-15000 is the most compact at 30% smaller than its predecessor, while the Canon PRO-1100 weighs 83 pounds and the HP DesignJet T210 spans 40 inches wide. Measure your space carefully and ensure your desk or stand can support the weight before buying.
Third-Party Ink Compatibility
Forum users consistently rank ink cost as a top pain point, and third-party ink is a common workaround. Epson and HP both use firmware to restrict third-party cartridges on most models reviewed here. The EcoTank models sidestep this entirely by using refillable bottles. If you want flexibility on ink sourcing, EcoTank is the safest path.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wide Format Printers
What printer prints 13×19?
Several printers in this roundup handle 13×19 inch printing, including the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7820, Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310, Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000, Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550, and Canon PIXMA PRO-200S. For professional 13×19 photo printing, the Canon PIXMA PRO-200S and Epson ET-8550 deliver the best quality.
What printer has 11×17 paper size?
The Epson EcoTank ET-15000, HP OfficeJet Pro 9720, and HP OfficeJet Pro 9730 all support 11×17 inch paper. These models are popular for small business and office use where tabloid-size documents are needed but 13×19 photo printing is not required.
What is the difference between wide format and large format printers?
The terms wide format and large format are often used interchangeably, but in practice wide format typically refers to printers handling 13 to 36 inch wide media, while large format usually refers to 36 inch and wider plotters used for CAD, signage, and banners. For most home and office users, a wide format printer covering 11×17 to 13×19 inches is sufficient.
What printer is best for large prints?
For large photo prints, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 (17×22 inches) offers the best quality, while the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 provides the best value for 13×19 inch photos. For architectural and engineering drawings larger than 17 inches, the HP DesignJet T210 24-inch plotter is the top choice.
Final Thoughts on the Best Wide Format Printers in 2026
After testing all 10 of these printers, my top recommendation depends entirely on what you plan to print. For professional photographers who need gallery-quality output, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 is unmatched. For budget-conscious users who want 13 x 19 photo printing without breaking the bank, the Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 delivers exceptional value. And for anyone who wants to slash ongoing ink costs, the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is the smartest investment in this entire lineup.
The best wide format printers in 2026 balance print quality, running costs, and features in ways that match your specific workflow. Whether you are a photographer, architect, small business owner, or hobbyist, there is a model here that fits your needs and budget. Take the time to calculate total cost of ownership including ink, and you will make a decision that pays off for years.