What are the features that make the best envelope printers? Finding the most ideal printer starts with striking a balance between the technology used and functionality. So, you’ll want a printer with advanced features that don’t sacrifice ease of use. Ideally, a commercial printer that uses inkjet technology will deliver high-quality color prints quickly, with good quality output and a significant input paper capacity. Although the design is an essential factor for any printer, you should not compromise the functionality.
Universal connectivity is a close second. The best envelope printer should have multiple flexible connectivity options, including wired and wireless Ethernet and USB connectivity. It should also support convenient printing for all major operating systems, such as Mac OS X and Windows. Look for an all-in-one printer with a built-in compact auto document feeder for convenient multi-page scanning, copying, and faxing. Sustainability certifications and features that reduce energy consumption are also essential. Keep reading our envelope printer buying guide to learn more.
Top Envelope Printers
#1 HP DeskJet 27 Printer
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: The wireless connectivity of this printer makes it an incredibly convenient choice. This opens you up to sending jobs right through your smartphone. You’ll also appreciate the LCD screen.
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- Multifunctional model
- Light emitting diodes
- Wireless connectivity
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- Might have wireless problems
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You’ll be able to use this all-in-one option across the board to venture outside of just printing envelopes. This makes it an excellent choice for any growing business that is starting to require more out of their machines. You can print, copy, and scan with this model. It also has a simple set-up that gets you going far more quickly than competing models. Unfortunately, some consumers did say that they had a hard time getting connected wirelessly to devices.
Their convenient set-up guide will help you get everything squared away effortlessly. It also offers a quick print speed of up to 7.5 pages per minute in black and white. When printing in color, it’s around 5.5 pages per minute. This model also comes with an app for your smartphone. This allows you to easily print directly from your phone, making it a far more efficient and available process for consumers.
#2 Brother Premium MFC-L2690DW Printer
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This multifunctional option will serve a slew of roles for you. It can provide multiple services, like faxing or scanning, to a burgeoning business. Beyond this, it’s a highly efficient design that has lightning-fast speed.
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- Improved efficiency
- Serves multiple roles
- Incredibly quick speed
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- No double-sided scanning
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If you’re looking for a speedy printing experience, this model is a lightning-fast option ready to get the job done. You can expect an output of up to 26 pages per minute. This number far surpasses competing models in the same class. Unfortunately, there is one feature that this printer lacks. It doesn’t have the ability to perform double-sided scanning tasks, so you’ll have to scan each side of your document manually.
The wireless mode is exceptionally reliable. This will keep jobs from dropping halfway through the printing process. It’s also straightforward to set up and will allow you to print from your laptop, smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer. It’s a high-capacity model that will hold up to 250 sheets of paper in the paper tray. This will ensure that you rarely have to refill your printer. You’ll also appreciate the inclusion of a manual feed slot.
#3 HP Tango Smart Wireless Printer
Award: BEST FOR VOICE ACTIVATION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This easy-to-use model comes with an app for your smartphone. This means you can control prints directly from your favorite device. It’s also voice-activated, allowing you to have an easier time using it.
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- Borderless photos
- Voice activated
- Works with an app
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- Runs out of ink quickly
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This smart option is built to make your life easier through the use of built-in technology. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to control using your smart device, whether you have Apple or Android. Because of this, you can enjoy the ability to print from essentially anywhere. However, some consumers have reported that this printer tends to run out of ink quickly. This might be due to a design flaw, but be aware that your model could have this problem.
The brand also ensured that this stylish model would be able to fit any aesthetic or decor, making it as perfect for a coffee house as it is in an office environment. If you’re a small business without a lot of space for storage, it’ll blend in wherever you put it. The voice-activation technology allows you to enjoy multiple perks. One of them is the ability to print hands-free, making it an incredibly convenient option. You’ll also love that it’ll connect to your Google Home network.
#4 Epson WorkForce WF-7720 Printer
Award: BEST FOR PROFESSIONAL QUALITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: You’ll enjoy the ability to create print-shop quality jobs when you choose this printer. Its high-quality output is unparalleled by competitors, and it’s powered by PrecisionCore technology. It can handle high-volume jobs.
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- Powered by PrecisionCore
- Print-shop quality jobs
- High-volume printing
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- Must use branded cartridges
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For those who need their printer to go the extra mile, this high-quality option will ensure that you have print-shop quality jobs whenever you need them. This means being able to print high-quality envelopes that will give a more professional appearance. However, the brand strongly recommends that you don’t use any ink cartridges with this printer except their own. This comes at a price and might be a dealbreaker for some consumers.
It’ll also do borderless printing up to 13 x 19-inches in size. This gives you plenty of room to work with and ensures that you can print out gorgeous photos when needed. It also offers high-volume printing, which is another feature emulating a print shop. The 500-sheet capacity blows multiple competing models out of the water. It also has a 125-sheet output tray, so you never run out of room to work with.
#5 Canon MX922 Printer
Award: BEST FOR ALL-INCLUSIVE DESIGN
WHY WE LIKE IT: This model is incredibly multifunctional, so you’ll be able to use it for a wide variety of different tasks. It also has the ability to connect with devices wirelessly, making it easy to use and highly efficient.
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- High multifunctionality
- Wireless Connectivity
- Has AirPrint capabilities
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- Might have error messages
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Multiple technological additions were made to this model, making it an excellent option for those who want to do it all. For example, it offers various different methods of connection. You can use AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, Wireless LAN, mobile device printing, and more. You can also use a USB cord for the fastest connection. Some consumers reported that their printer threw some strange error messages that took time to troubleshoot. This isn’t something happening with all models, but it is something to think about.
The duplex auto document feeder is fully integrated and has the capacity to hold 35 sheets of paper at a time. If you’re somebody who requires double-sided printing, this is the best option for you. It does built-in auto duplex printing and will automatically print whatever you’d like onto both sides of your sheet of paper. This takes out the hassle that manual dual-sided printing can bring to the table.
#6 Brother HL-L2300D Printer
Award: BEST FOR HIGH DUTY CYCLE
WHY WE LIKE IT: You’ll appreciate everything that this printer offers, like a whopping 10,000-page duty cycle. Beyond this, it has a high output paper capacity to keep printing going smoothly. It also has a 2400 x 600 dpi resolution.
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- 10,000 page duty cycle
- High output paper capacity
- 2400 x 600dpi resolution
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- Doesn’t come with accessories
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This speedy model can spit out sheets of paper far faster than most competing models in the same class. You’ll enjoy up to 27 pages per minute. It has a 250 sheet capacity paper tray, as well. This means you won’t have to worry about running out of paper anytime soon. It’s a highly convenient model for this reason. Some consumers were disappointed to learn that their printer model didn’t have the necessary cable to connect it to devices. This might be a dealbreaker for some.
It also offers automatic dual-sided printing. This is an excellent feature since doing dual-sided printing manually can double the time it takes you to print things out. You’ll have no problem with speed, as well. This is a laser printer that provides quick jobs. It has a high-quality output, with a resolution of up to 2400 x 600dpi. There is a manual paper feeder and a rear paper exit, ensuring that things stay together throughout the entire printing process.
Beginner Guide to Best Envelope Printers
What are Envelope Printers?
In essence, they are specialized devices for printing envelopes. These high-performance printers create an exclusive niche in the industry, catering to companies and businesses that need envelope printing services.
These machines are designed to print high-quality envelopes quickly, so the quantity and printing speed can vary. Some models even come with the ability to fold and stuff envelopes, which is even more efficient.
An inkjet printer is often used to create the best envelope prints, although you can also use a laser printer or a sublimation printer. The inkjet models are more suitable for these purposes as they provide high-quality prints. Aimed at the commercial industry, these printers offer industrial-grade printing capabilities.
Envelope Printers vs Standard Printers
Envelope printers offer some diverse distinctions from standard printers.
First off, while standard printers are used to create basic documents such as business letters, envelope printers create detailed, complex designs that are perfect for envelopes. So, the complexity of the design and form factor sets this type of printer apart from others.
An envelope printer is usually larger than a standard desktop model, but it is more compact and space-efficient. They also offer better print quality output since they use newer inkjet printing technology optimized for printing on envelopes.
Another significant difference is the price. Envelope printer models are usually more expensive than standard desktop and phone printers. Usually, the extra expense results from the more robust components needed to stand up to heavy use. Although you may find one at an affordable price, it all depends on your budget, needs, and target cost.
On a more technical note, an envelope printer uses different types of ink and a variety of paper stocks to produce quality prints. The all-purpose printer can print on envelopes and a wide range of paper. Many people look for the quality of print cards, postcards, labels, and index cards. Although you can print onto other paper types from a standard printer, some models limit your options.
The best envelope printers feature auto duplex printing, which allows the printer to print on both sides of the paper. A feature that is not offered on many standard printers, this enhancement reduces paper usage and significantly increases printing speed.
How Envelope Printers Work
Envelope printers are designed with the envelope printing process in mind. They are optimized to print onto these material types, affecting their price point and performance metrics. A printer designed for envelope printing will feature stronger components and improved ink cartridges with better print quality and durability.
Many envelope printers have input paper trays that accommodate different envelope sizes. The models can also handle a wide variety of envelope stocks, including plastic envelopes.
Most envelope printers employ inkjet technology, which is the same technology used in common desktop printers. An advanced technology inkjet printer can use up to six ink cartridges, depending on the number of colors used in your printing projects. The technology also enables these printers to print faster and more efficiently than other types of commercial printers.
An upgrade over the previous generation of printers is an option for digital printing instead of laser or thermal printing. Digital printers rely on a system composed of ink cartridges and a printhead. The printer lays down the ink on the envelope in a pattern that creates an image or colored illustration. This method enables an envelope printer to produce high-quality prints with minimal time and effort.
Multifunction laser printers are commonly used in the commercial sector today. They can be either standalone printers or part of a multi-function networked device. These color laser printers often have multiple paper trays designed to handle different sizes and types of stock like envelopes, labels, and postcards. The internal components are also built specifically for printing onto these materials types with high-quality results.
Why Should You Buy a New Envelope Printer?
If you are soon starting your own business and need to create professional mailing labels getting an envelope printer is a brilliant idea. It offers the convenience of printing at high speeds while maintaining image quality. It also allows you to print on a wide variety of sizes, whether you want compact size, customer size, or the standard envelope size.
A new multifunction envelope printer will not only make it easy to manage printing tasks, but you may also find that your business is more efficient and productive too.
Is an Envelope Printer Worth Buying?
- It grants a quality printing experience: Print quality is something that many people look for when buying printers, and an envelope printer often never disappoints. You can print as many envelopes as you need in a short period without compromising quality. Quality accurate printing is a must for this type of printing, and an envelope printer can respond up to standards. Producing detailed prints free of smudges and other printing defects is something that not all printers can deliver.
- It offers versatility: You can use an envelope printer for many different printing tasks. Most models come with unique features that make them viable as address label printers and card printers. This makes it a smart purchase if you have multiple printing needs.
- They are perfect for multi-purpose use: Using an envelope printer means that you will also have another machine in your office aside from a monochrome address printer. This is excellent news because it means you will not have to buy additional units for other tasks.
- It is more compact: It is much more manageable than the traditional bulky printers, which is something to look into if you are running a small office.
- They can produce a large volume of prints: Most envelope printers come with a large printable capacity, and that means you can produce a large volume of envelopes in just one sitting. If this is your main need, then an envelope printer could be the right choice for you.
Why an Envelope Printer May not be for You
- Slightly more expensive: The cost of ownership is something to consider if you are thinking of getting an envelope printer. While more compact and versatile than other models, they can be on the pricier side due to the advanced technology.
- Not recommended for personal use: If you are looking for a printer to print photos, private documents, or other individual needs, an envelope printer might not be for you. Using the best envelope printer means investing in a more expensive professional unit, which does not fit well with personal projects. Printer options are not that much different, so you can still use the cheapest printer for your projects.
- The printer is a little noisy: If you are concerned about the noises in your office, then an envelope printer may not be for you. This type of printer is generally a little noisier than other printers, and if you are printing large amounts of materials, this will be more pronounced.
How Long Will an Envelope Printer Last?
The lifespan is about three years. However, this metric depends on a few factors. Like any other printer, an envelope printer also has its durability and performance reputation. The more advanced the envelope printer is, the longer it will last. Ideally, if you are going to invest in an envelope printer, make it a top-of-the-line option.
That said, the part of the envelope printer that is most susceptible to damage is the printhead. This is the part that does most of the work during operation. The printhead’s longevity depends on how much you use your printer. If you print only a few envelopes now and then, this part will last longer than those who use their printers frequently. Most printer hardware will last about 4.2 years if taken care of properly.
To ensure your envelope printer lasts for as long as possible, it is essential to perform regular maintenance. You can do this by wiping the device down thoroughly and not letting paper jam. Paper jamming happens when an envelope gets stuck in the printer, clogging up the inner parts and making them not function properly.
Often people use regular paper, thinking that it would be cheaper and more efficient. Still, you should use special paper designed for envelope printers to get the best print quality possible. This can help lengthen the lifespan of your printer as well.
How to Choose the Best Envelope Printer
There are several factors you should consider when choosing an envelope printer. Keep reading to learn more about these and how to decide on your next envelope printer.
1. How Much Space Do I Have?
It is essential to consider the size of your printer and how much space it will occupy in your office. Ideally, a good envelope printer will be compact and not too heavy. It should fit into the workspace without being burdensome.
2. What are My Budget Constraints?
This is a crucial factor because it can make or break your budget. Decide how much you are willing to spend on the printer and stick to that amount. Keep in mind that you can get a cheap printer, although it might not be as efficient as a more expensive one.
3. How Often Will I Use the Printer?
If you plan to use it a lot, invest in a more expensive model that can withstand heavy use. However, if your printing demands are light, a cheaper model will suffice.
4. What are My Printing Needs?
Not all printers are created equal. Every printer has its unique perks and features that you can use to your advantage when printing envelopes. If you are a graphic designer, you should look for an excellent printer with graphics such as color accuracy and resolution. A printer with dual paper feeding capability is a good option for those who print envelopes in bulk.
5. What Type of Printing Technology do I Need?
Nowadays, there are many types of envelope printers available, and each uses a different technology. An all-in-one color inkjet printer is popular among those who want to print in bulk. On the other side, monochrome laser printers are best if you wish to professional text prints on envelopes. However, the most commonly used one is the all-in-one color inkjet printer.
