The 5 Top Printers for Mac in 2024

Lawrence Bonk Avatar

By

Evan Shephard Avatar

Reviewed By

Evan Shephard
Updated Oct 29, 2024 6:08 PM

TL;DR

Our top pick, the Brother MFC-L8905CDW, is an excellent choice for Mac users seeking reliable, high-volume printing, with low per-page costs and fast speeds suited for busy environments.

Navigating Mac compatibility can be tricky, so we evaluated 26 printers, verified 150,142 reviews, and filtered out unreliable sources to identify six models that excel in seamless connectivity and reliability. Our analysis, based on over 200 sources, focused on key factors like speed and versatility, ensuring each recommendation meets the demands of Mac users. With our True Score system, you can trust these options to deliver impressive performance for various needs and budgets.

Top Printers for Mac For 2024

Prices accurate at the time of publishing

See how we test the testers

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Brother MFC-L8905CDW

    • Best For Chromebook

    The Brother MFC-L8905CDW excels in speed and efficiency, ideal for Mac users with diverse, high-volume printing needs, despite its moderate color accuracy.

    Brother MFC-L8905CDW Review →

    True Score

    90
    92
    2

    Experts

    86
    3k

    Customers

    $699.98

    Snapshot

    Reasons to Buy

    • Good print quality (text)
    • Fast printing speeds
    • Excellent monochrome scan quality
    • Economic running costs

    Reasons to Avoid

    • Low-quality image prints
    • Grainy color scans

    Specifications

    Automatic Document FeederAutomatic Document FeederYes
    Automatic Two-Sided PrintingAutomatic Two-Sided PrintingYes
    Copier Resolution (B&W)Copier Resolution (B&W)1200 x 600 dpi
    Copier Resolution (Color)Copier Resolution (Color)
    DepthDepth20.7″
    Duplex Scan FunctionDuplex Scan Function
    Energy Star CertifiedEnergy Star Certifiedn/a
    HeightHeight21.6″
    Integrated FaxIntegrated FaxYes
    Max Number of CopiesMax Number of Copies
    Max Paper WidthMax Paper Width
    Mobile PrintingMobile Printing
    Number of Ink Cartridges RequiredNumber of Ink Cartridges Required
    Paper FeederPaper Feeder
    Print Speed (B&W)Print Speed (B&W)33 ppm
    Print Speed (Color)Print Speed (Color)33 ppm
    Printer Resolution (B&W)Printer Resolution (B&W)2400 x 600 dpi
    Printer Resolution (Color)Printer Resolution (Color)2400 x 600 dpi
    Printer TypePrinter TypeColor Laser
    Scanner ResolutionScanner ResolutionUp to 1200 x 2400
    Scanner TypeScanner TypeFlatbed
    Tray CapacityTray Capacity250
    WidthWidth19.5″
    WirelessWirelessYes

    All Specs

    Test Results

    B&W Print Speed (ppm)23
    Color Print Speed (ppm)18
    B&W Printing Costs (¢ per page)3
    Color Printing Costs (¢ per page)18
    Color Accuracy (dE)9

    All Retailers

    • $699.98

      Availability

      In Stock

      Free Shipping

      Yes

    Our Verdict

    If you are looking for an all-around printer for Mac, the Brother MFC-L8905CDW is an excellent choice for Mac users seeking a high-performance printing solution. Notably, its black-and-white print speed of 23.15 pages per minute stands out, providing efficiency for those with substantial printing needs. Combined with a respectable 18 ppm for color prints, this printer is ideal for environments where time is of the essence, such as busy office settings or for users with high-volume printing demands.

    It’s also important to consider the printing costs, which are 2.8 cents per page. While this positions the MFC-L8905CDW as a cost-effective solution for regular document printing, if you want a cheaper cost per print, the Epson Ecotank ET-5850 is just 0.5 cents per page, although at a higher initial price.

    Additionally, this all-in-one printer has a resolution of up to 2400 x 600 dpi, ensuring sharp and clear reproductions. Despite its strengths, the Brother MFC-L8905CDW may not be the first choice for tasks requiring the utmost color accuracy, as its color accuracy (dE) is 9.02. While satisfactory for general use, this might not meet the exacting standards required for color-critical applications like graphic design or photo printing. However, for educational content, internal business documents, and draft printing, where color precision is less critical, the MFC-L8905CDW offers commendable value.

    The Brother MFC-L8905CDW’s strengths lie in its rapid print speed, comprehensive connectivity options, and reliable performance. This printer is well-suited for a wide spectrum of uses, from high-volume document printing to educational content where precision in color is not paramount. Thus, it is an excellent option for Mac users in various professional and creative fields.

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Epson Ecotank ET-5850

    • Best For Epson

    The Epson Ecotank ET-5850 excels for Mac users by offering quick, cost-effective printing and versatile features despite its premium status and moderate color accuracy.

    Epson Ecotank ET-5850 Review →

    True Score

    89
    90
    3

    Experts

    87
    808

    Customers

    SAVE $50
    $849.99
    $799.99
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Canon imageCLASS MF753CDW

    • Best For Laser

    For Mac users seeking a versatile mid-range printer, the Canon MF753CDW excels in color document output and efficiency thanks to its robust features and print resolution.

    Canon imageCLASS MF753CDW Review →

    True Score

    88
    88
    2

    Experts

    86
    2k

    Customers

    SAVE $251
    $649.99
    $399.00

    Did you know 67% of printer reviewers are untrustworthy?

    Our research found only 23 of 83 printer reviewers as of December 2024 can be trusted. This is why Gadget Review is committed to calculating the most accurate product scores on the web.

    To do this, we give every printer review site a Trust Rating, which measures how trustworthy the site and their testing claims are. We then leverage AI & a machine learning model to combine and calculate the Trust Rating with data from experts and consumers to deliver the True Score, the web’s most accurate product quality rating.

    150,142

    Printer Reviews Analyzed

    26

    Total Products Analyzed

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Brother HL-L2325DW

    • Best For Small Business

    Ideal for Mac users on a budget, the Brother HL-L2325DW offers impressive speed and economy for high-volume monochrome printing, with some connectivity limitations.

    Brother HL-L2325DW Review →

    True Score

    79
    77
    2

    Experts

    87
    2k

    Customers

    $195.00

    DON’T SEE WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR?

    Students need reliable and versatile devices, so the best printers for students should offer affordability and good print quality. For those working with thicker paper, the top printers for cardstock ensure smooth and jam-free printing. If you’re curious about specific models, our Canon Pixma MG3620 review highlights its wireless capabilities and efficiency.

    Crafting enthusiasts will benefit from a great printer for crafting, which offers precision and vibrant colors, while the best photo printer provides high-resolution prints. Businesses might prefer excellent laser printers for speed and efficiency, while the top printers with cheap ink help reduce costs. For unique projects, the best printer for screen printing is essential, and inkjet printers offer versatility for various needs.

    If you’re exploring different options beyond the best printers for Mac, you might find our comparison of a flatbed scanner vs. all-in-one printer useful for understanding which type of device suits your needs. Additionally, troubleshooting guides like what to do when there’s no dial tone on your fax machine can help you with related equipment issues.

    Considering different printer technologies? Check out our comparison of EcoTank vs. cartridges to find out which is more cost-effective in the long run. It’s also wise to know how long printers last so you can make an informed decision. Lastly, if you’re dealing with connectivity issues, learn how to repair wireless printing on an all-in-one printer to ensure smooth operation.

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Epson Workforce Pro WF-7840

    • Best For Large Format

    Ideal for Mac users, the Epson Workforce Pro WF-7840 excels in color accuracy and versatile connectivity. It offers solid value for both office tasks and creative endeavors.

    Epson Workforce Pro WF-7840 Review →

    True Score

    78
    77
    2

    Experts

    82
    3k

    Customers

    $339.00

    Category Snapshot

    Printers

    • Total Brands/Products Tested

      5 Brands, 26 Products

    • Top 2 Brands

      Epson, Canon

    • Price Range (Budget-Premium)

      $30-$1,000

    • Average True Score

      80.95

    • Important Test Criteria

      Mono & Color Print Speed (in/s, cm/s)

      Color Accuracy (dE)

    • Most Trusted Testers

      rtings and tech gear lab logos

    • Top Printer Experts

      Ryan Lim, Lesley Robinson

    • Typical Warranty

      1 year

    • Covered by Insurance

      Yes – AKKO

Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Printers for Mac?

By focusing on these criteria (1 required, 1 nice to have), anyone can quickly and easily compare these printers and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase a printer that will print with a Mac.

CRITERIARANGEREQUIREDDEFINITION
B&W Print Speed> 20 ppmYesHow fast a printer can produce purely black and white pages while printing.
Color Print Speed> 12 ppmYesHow fast a printer can produce color pages and photos while printing.
B&W Printing Costs< 7 centsNo (Nice to have)How much a black and white page costs to print.
Color Accuracy< 6 dENo (Nice to have)How much the color printed by a printer deviates, on average, from the reference color.

Our Trusted Data Sources

We looked at 80+ printers reviewers and found that 23 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating). The three we have listed below are our most trusted for printers.

  1. Ryan Lim – Rtings, LinkedIn
  2. Lesley Robinson – TechGearLab, LinkedIn
  3. Ben Keough – Wirecutter, MuckRack, LinkedIn

Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every printer review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.

Printers Test Data & Results

1. Print Speed, Black & White (PPM)

The primary job of a printer is to print out pages, and black & white print speed tests are just measurements of how long it takes a printer to produce pages that are purely black and white. The better a printer is at printing in black and white, the more pages it’s able to produce in a minute.

Print speed is largely a matter of convenience, so while we have a minimum speed we suggest (generally around 20 pages per minute) there’s no real downside to a printer being slower if you’re using it at home – you’ll just end up having to wait longer to finish printing out a document. However, printers in professional settings need to be snappy because they’re going to be used constantly, and the faster a printer is able to produce documents, the better.

Print Speed, Black & White (PPM; higher is better)

2. Print Speed, Color (PPM)

Much like black and white print speeds, color printing speed is simply a measure of how long it takes a printer to print out color documents and photos. If you’re purely printing photos, you’ll see an ever further reduced speed (given the size of photographs and the detail they demand.)

Color print speed is less important (generally) than black and white speeds, simply because it’s usually done less. However, if you’re constantly printing photos at home or in the office, higher print speeds are good to keep you from waiting around for a print job to finish.

Print Speed, Color (PPM; higher is better)

3. B&W Printing Costs (Cents per page)

Using your printer uses up ink, which means it costs money. Printing costs are usually measured as cost per print (or page) and are gauged by calculating how much each print costs by comparing the cost of an ink or toner cartridge to the total number of pages printed by the cartridge.

Print costs should ideally be as low as possible, with the greatest number of pages per cartridge being the obvious “goal” to aim for. Black ink, being the cheaper ink, means that black and white printing costs are usually lower on a per page basis. If you’re printing constantly, getting the cost as low as you can means you’ll be spending less on cartridges in the long run.

B&W Printing Costs (in cents per page; lower is better)

4. Color Accuracy (dE)

Color accuracy with printers uses a mix of standardized references (like the Adobe ColorChecker) and a color control sensor to check the accuracy of the colors printed by a printer and then grades the accuracy on a 10-point+ scale. Unlike most scales, where 10 is good, color accuracy scores are reversed, with 0 and 1 being the most desirable score, as it indicates little to no deviation from the reference color.

Generally speaking, color accuracy should be at least a 5 or lower to be considered “good.” At 6 or higher, the colors are noticeably different, which is an issue if you’re printing photos and hoping for accurate colors.

Color Accuracy (lower is better)

Best Printers for Mac: Mistakes To Avoid

  1. Assuming Compatibility: Not all printers are compatible with Mac operating systems. Ensure the printer explicitly states Mac compatibility or supports macOS. Don’t assume compatibility based solely on the brand or model. When selecting the best printers for small businesses, consider models that offer efficient cost-per-page rates and robust connectivity options suitable for multiple users. A great Chromebook printer should also support cloud-based printing services to ensure seamless operation in Google-centric environments.

  2. Ignoring Connectivity: While most printers offer Wi-Fi connectivity, some may require additional drivers or software for seamless integration with Mac devices. Ensure the printer supports AirPrint or macOS native drivers for effortless wireless printing from your Mac, iPhone, or iPad. For those looking into the best wireless printers, choose models that offer reliable Wi-Fi performance and quick setup. Additionally, to print with mobile without WiFi, explore options like Bluetooth connectivity or direct printing via USB, allowing you to stay productive even without a network connection.

  3. Neglecting Driver Updates: Mac OS updates may affect printer compatibility or performance. Check if the printer manufacturer regularly updates its drivers for macOS to ensure ongoing compatibility with the latest operating system versions. For those needing printing on the go, a portable printer that supports macOS is invaluable. Ensure the portable printer offers robust support for the latest Mac OS updates to maintain efficiency and performance wherever you are.

  4. Underestimating Software Support: Consider the availability and quality of printer management software for Mac users. Look for printers that offer dedicated Mac software or compatibility with popular printing applications available in the Mac App Store. When selecting the best inkjet printer for your home, ensure it also offers comprehensive Mac support, so you can manage print jobs efficiently from any room in your house.

The Best Printers for Mac Tests Compared

Product
True Score
B&W Print Speed
Color Print Speed
B&W Printing Cost (per page)
Color Printing Cost (per page)
Color Accuracy

Brother MFC-L8905CDW

  • Best for Chromebook

90
  • 23.15 ppm

  • 18 ppm

  • 2.75¢

  • 18.3¢

  • 9.02 dE

$699.98
89
  • 23 ppm

  • 18.1 ppm

  • 0.5¢

  • 2.15¢

  • 7.02 dE

$799.99
$850
$50
88
  • 23 ppm

  • 36 ppm

  • 4.9¢

  • 23.6¢

  • 6.68 dE

$399.00
$650
$251

Brother HL-L2325DW

  • Best for Small Business

79
  • 25.3 ppm

  • No Data ppm

  • 3.8¢

  • No Data¢

  • 0

$195.00

Epson Workforce Pro WF-7840

  • Best for Large Format

78
  • 22.75 ppm

  • 9.5 ppm

  • 4.4¢

  • 12.2¢

  • 6.33 dE

$229.99
$350
$120

Printers for Mac Questions (FAQ)

What makes a printer compatible with Mac?

A Mac-compatible printer supports Apple's printing standards like AirPrint, ensuring seamless integration with macOS and iOS devices without the need for additional drivers.

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