Canon PIXMA TS9120 (Best Overall) The Canon PIXMA TS9120 All In One is the best printer for Mac. Canon has a bunch of printers that are Mac friendly and the Canon Pixma iP110 is definitely best in class if you’re looking for a portable variant. Taking a look at its printing capabilities, it boasts 9600 x 2400 maximum color dpi pages producing incredible resolution. We perform our printer testing on a Windows 10 testbed rather than a Mac, but in ad-hoc testing we have found that printing to the same printer from similarly configured Mac and Windows computers tends to yield very similar print speeds. Nearly all printer manufacturers today provide support for Mac users. Thus, a list of the best models for Macs largely mirrors an overall list of the best.
With paper usage having lessened in recent years, the price of printers has dropped dramatically. You can now pick up a decent all-in-one model for less than $50 and a quality laser printer for under $100.
But more things being done digitally doesn’t make printers any less important — physical documents still need to be sent, photos need printing, and many businesses prefer hard copies of invoices. Then there’s the need to print things like concert tickets, shipping labels, and boarding passes.
What we're getting at is that printers aren’t going anywhere any time soon.
In this article, we’re going to walk you through how to put a printer to work. We’ll look at:
- How to connect a printer to your Mac
- How to find a printer IP address on a Mac
- How to print wirelessly from your Mac
Before we get into setting up a printer, though, it’s best if you remove any unused printers from the Mac you're using.
Note: If there no printers previously installed on your system you can skip this next section and jump straight into how to connect a printer.
Removing an unused printer
Only printers that you’ll be using need to be connected to your Mac. Unused printers take up unnecessary space and might conflict with any new device that you install. You can remove a printer manually from within Printers & Scanners or with a tool like CleanMyMac X. The latter is the preferred option but we’ll run you through both methods.
Removing an unused printer manually
Printers can be deleted manually in the following way:
- Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
- Select the printer from the list and click on the - button.
Removing a printer with CleanMyMac X
While the manual method is straightforward, it does not guarantee that all of the files associated with a printer are removed from your system. Files and documentation can be left behind, taking up space that new printers should be occupying.
CleanMyMac X removes every trace of a printer from your Mac. So, remove a printer from the list in Printers & Scanners, then give CleanMyMac X a run through to rid your computer of any files that are left behind.
The easiest way to do this is with a System Junk clean. This scans your system for broken and outdated files for removal.
- Download CleanMyMac X (for free!).
- Launch the app and select System Junk from the sidebar.
- Hit Scan and wait while CleanMyMac X scans your system.
- Hit Clean.
You’re all done and ready to add a fresh printer to your system.
How to connect a printer to your Mac
How you connect a printer to your Mac really depends on what kind of printer you’re using. If the printer is a newer model there’s every chance that it supports AirPrint, in which case you can be set up and printing in moments. If not, you’ll need the printer drivers, which you’ll have to find on your system or download from the Web.
How to add a Wi-Fi printer
Before you can set up a printer on your Mac you’ll need to connect it to the Wi-Fi network. If the printer has a built-in display, use this to enter the name and password of the Wi-Fi network (you’ll find these details on the bottom of your main router).
If the printer uses Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), you’ll need to refer to the router’s documentation for details on how a WPS printer can be added. If the router is an AirPort Base Station, follow these instructions from Apple:
1. Open AirPort Utility, which is in the Utilities folder of your Applications folder.
2. Select your base station in AirPort Utility, then enter the base station password, if prompted.
3. From the menu bar, choose Base Station > Add WPS Printer.
4. Select either 'First attempt' or 'PIN' as the type of WPS connection to allow. Then click Continue.
If you selected 'First attempt,' push the WPS button on the printer. When the printer's MAC Address appears in AirPort Utility, click Done.
If you selected 'PIN,' enter the printer's PIN number, which should be listed in the printer's documentation. Then click Continue. When the printer's MAC Address appears in AirPort Utility, click Done.
5. Quit AirPort Utility.
Once your printer is hooked up to the Wi-Fi, connecting it to your Mac is easy:
- Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, then click the + button at the bottom of the list.
- Leave the Default tab selected and let your Mac search for printers connected to the WiFi network.
- Click on your printer from the list. If the printer supports AirPrint it will show opposite Use.
- Click on Add Now.
If the printer doesn’t support AirPrint, you’ll need to install the necessary drivers.
- Click on the name of the printer in the list.
- Click Add to download the drivers from Apple’s servers.
- Click Add again to add the printer.
![Macbook Macbook](/uploads/1/2/6/2/126290181/420021559.jpg)
If the drivers you need aren’t available on Apple’s servers you’ll need to download them from the manufacturer’s website. Once installed, you’ll be able to add the printer from the Printers & Scanners window.
How to add a network printer
You can add a network printer in the same way that you add a wireless printer. If the printer is connected by Ethernet or Wi-Fi your Mac will make it available to add from the Default tab in Printers & Scanners.
If there isn’t an Ethernet or Wi-Fi option, connect the printer to a Mac on the network or directly into the router via USB and add it from Printers & Scanners that way.
How to find a printer IP address on a Mac
If a printer doesn’t show up in the Default tab of Printers & Scanners you might have to connect it via the IP tab. To do this you’ll need to find the printer IP address.
The IP can be found by going to any networked Mac that is configured to the printer and using the Bonjour Browser. This should be enabled by default in Safari. If not, you can enable it by going to Preferences > Advanced and select either “Include Bonjour in the Bookmarks menu” or “Include Bonjour in the Favourites bar.”
You can also open up the Safari browser and go to http://localhost:631/printers/ to see a list of all printers.
Once you have the IP, enter it in the Address field in the IP tab in Printers & Scanners. Give the printer a name, select the printer from the drop-down list, then click Add.
How to print wirelessly from your Mac
To start printing to a wireless printer you’ll need to configure the printer settings. You can do this by going to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners and clicking on the printer from the list. From here, you’ll be able to set the printer as default and choose the paper size.
To print, simply go to File > Print or press Command+P. Choose your printer from the pop-up menu and configure the number of copies and specific pages.
Hitting the Print button will send your prints to the print queue, which automatically go to the printer. By going to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners and selecting your printer, you can open the print queue and pause, resume, or delete jobs. Here is where you can also keep an eye on ink levels.
Top Tip: Before going all in with a multiple page print, test your printer by creating a test document in TextEdit.
Such is the simplicity of Mac that adding and removing printers and performing printing tasks is a straightforward task. But remember: when removing a printer from your system, use CleanMyMac X to ensure all files linked to the printer are completely removed from your system to avoid conflict. CleanMyMac X is a leading Mac utility tool developed to help you rid your system of old and outdated files in a few clicks.
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A printer is an essential Mac accessory for work, play, or anything else. But when starting your search, the number of choices can sometimes be overwhelming.
We’re here to help. Here are some of the best printers compatible with your Mac.
[amazon id=”B07RQB5WJW” title=”HP Color LaserJet Pro M479fdw”]
Printers For Thermal Paper
The HP Color LaserJet Pro M479fdw is perfect for a small businesses that can print, scan, copy, and fax. Along with Mac compatibility, the printer is perfect for a diverse environment as it can also be used with Linux, Windows, iOS, and Android.
Even without a wireless network, you can connect directly to the printer using Wi-Fi Direct technology. The input tray holds up to 300 sheets of paper. There is also a 50-sheet document feeder that can scan two sides of the page with just a single pass.
The top print speed of both color or black-and-white documents is 28 pages per minute. Using the printer’s 4.3-inch color, you can activate customizable shortcuts to make simplify complicated tasks.
[amazon id=”B076PLTQQT” title=”Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000″]
The Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 is perfect for photographers who want to print out borderless images from their Mac. The wide-format printer can handle borderless prints from 4 x 6 inches to 13 x 19 inches. The printer can complete a 4×6-inch print in 27 seconds.
Six individual ink tanks help provide color prints with an ultra-wide color gamut and even better black-and-white prints. A 200-sheet front tray automatically supports double-sided printing to help conserve ink. The rear 50-sheet tray holds specialty media like cardstock and photo paper of various sizes. The printer is also compatible with Windows, Android, and iOS devices.
And you’ll never have to worry about running out of ink. The printer is compatible with the Amazon Dash service that will automatically detect low ink levels and generate an Amazon order for a replacement. There’s no subscription charge or cancellation fee for the service.
[amazon id=”B0763WDSYZ” title=”Brother Compact Monochrome Laster Printer HL-L2350DW”]
If you’re on a budget but still want to enjoy the advantages of a laser printer for a Mac, take a look at the Brother Compact Monochrome Laster Printer HL-L2350DW. Made for small spaces, the printer holds up to 250 sheets of paper and can print at up to 32 pages per minute.
For other types of documents, like card stock or envelopes, there is a manual feed slot. Along with wireless connectivity, you can connect the printer to a single computer using a USB cable.
To help save on toner cost, you can select the Toner Save mode and automatic two-sided printing. The printer can also be used with a Linux or Mac computer and iOS device. Similarly, this product also supports the Amazon Dash service, so you’ll always have ink ready to go.
[amazon id=”B074V4N9JM” title=”Epson Expression Premium EcoTank Wireless Printer”]
Say goodbye to printer cartridges with the Epson Expression Premium EcoTank Wireless Printer. Epson provides enough ink with the printer for up to 14,000 pages of black and 9,000 color pages.
That’s equivalent to 30 ink cartridge sets and lasts up to two years with normal use. The paper tray holds up to 100 sheets, while a dedicated photo paper tray fits 20 sheets of photo paper. Along with printing, the device can scan and copy.
The printer is compatible with Windows, Android, and iOS devices. Even without a computer, you can print directly using the built-in USB and memory card slots.
[amazon id=”B07QBR85G6″ title=”Canon Color Image CLASS MF743cdw”]
The Canon Color Image CLASS MF743cdw zips through both printing and scanning documents. The color laser printer can print up to 28 pages per minute and scan 27 pages in 60 seconds.
The large, 5-inch color touchscreen can also help you fax and copy along with many other tasks. Canon’s standard toner cartridges last up to 2,100 pages of color documents and 2,300 pages of black-and-white material.
There is a 250-sheet paper cassette and a 50-sheet multipurpose tray/stack bypass. Both of those fit up to 8.5 x 14-inch legal paper. The printer is compatible with the Amazon Dash service. You can also use a Windows, Android, or iOS device to print.
Best Printers For The Mac
[amazon id=”B07HRG69PR” title=”HP Tango X”]
The HP Tango X is made for anyone who uses their mobile device as much as their Mac. When away from home, you can still print using the HP Smart app for iOS or Android devices. With the app, you can even scan a document and print it from anywhere.
And when you’re done, just cover the small printer with the included linen cover that also doubles as an output tray. Instead of worrying about running out ink, you can subscribe to the HP Instant Ink Delivery Service for a monthly fee.
Printers For Mac Catalina
Whenever the printer is low on ink, you’ll automatically receive a replacement. And, as a nice touch, subscribers can print free photos as large as 5 x 7-inches from their mobile device. The printer is also compatible with Windows.
[amazon id=”B079GV6Z6Z” title=”Epson Workforce WF-2860″]
The Epson Workforce WF-2860 is a small and compact, budget-friendly inkjet option for a Mac. The printer can also copy, scan, and fax documents. Along with a 150-sheet paper tray with automatic double-sided printing, there is a 30-page auto-document feeder to use when copying or scanning documents.
Best Printers For Mac
The printer can also be used with Windows, iOS, and Android devices. Alongside your computing device, you can interact with the printer using its built-in 2.4-inch touchscreen. The printer is also compatible with the Amazon Dash ink replenishment service.
![Printer Printer](/uploads/1/2/6/2/126290181/366481180.jpeg)
[amazon id=”B07W6JL1YS” title=”Xerox B210DNI”]
Everyone knows Xerox for its copiers, but the company is also well-versed in printers. The Mac-compatible Xerox B210DNI is a compact and wireless black-and-white laser printer. You can expect to see the first page in as fast as 8.5 seconds with a print speed of up to 30 pages per minute.
The budget-friendly printer sports a 250-sheet input tray and a manual feed slot that can handle one sheet of material. You can also use the printer with Windows, iOS, and Android devices.
As you can see, there is a wide variety of Mac-compatible printers in all price ranges that can help print a treasured photo, school assignment, or pretty much anything else you can imagine.
And if you’re looking to power up Apple’s popular desktop model, we’ve rounded up some of the best iMac accessories.