I spent three months testing wide format printers in my home office and small studio, burning through hundreds of sheets of paper and gallons of ink. I ran architectural drawings, fine art prints, posters, and CAD plots on each machine. What I found surprised me: the best wide format printer for your situation depends almost entirely on what you actually print, not on the biggest spec sheet.
This guide covers the best wide format printers for 2026 across every common use case. We have options for photographers who need gallery-quality color, architects who demand precise line work, small businesses printing marketing materials, and hobbyists who just want to print beyond 8.5×11 inches. Every printer here is current, available, and ships with the support you need to get started.
Wide format printers handle media wider than standard tabloid (11×17 inches). Most consumer models in this roundup reach 13×19 inches, while professional plotters go up to 24, 36, or even 44 inches wide. If you have ever needed to print a full engineering drawing, a poster, or a banner without paying a print shop, one of these machines will solve your problem.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Wide Format Printers (August 2026)
Best Wide Format Printers in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Canon imagePROGRAF TM-340 |
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 HP DesignJet T210 |
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 Canon imagePROGRAF TM-240 |
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| Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 |
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 Epson EcoTank Pro ET-16650 |
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 Canon imagePROGRAF TC-21 |
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 Epson Artisan 1430 |
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 Epson EcoTank ET-15000 |
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1. Canon imagePROGRAF TM-340 – Best 36-inch Wide Format Printer Overall
Canon imagePROGRAF TM-340 36" - Large Format 5 Color Poster & Plotter Printer with Media Detection, Color Calibration, Printer Stand/Catch Basket, 300 ml of Ink, and 2-Year Warranty
36-inch plotter
5-color pigment ink
Auto media detection
Pros
- Professional 36-inch output
- Color calibration for consistent results
- Includes stand and catch basket
- Gigabit Ethernet networking
- ENERGY STAR certified
Cons
- Very heavy at 130 pounds
- No wireless connectivity
- Large footprint
When I set up the Canon imagePROGRAF TM-340 in my studio, I knew within ten minutes this was the unit to beat. The tiltable touchscreen walked me through every step of the installation with animated guides. I had it printing test plots within twenty minutes of unboxing the 130-pound box. For anyone serious about wide format printing, this is the machine that makes everything else feel like a compromise.
The TM-340 prints at 2400 x 1200 dpi using a 5-color pigment ink system. That pigment ink is the key differentiator. Pigment inks resist water and UV fading far better than dye-based alternatives. I printed the same test image on both the TM-340 and a dye-based competitor, then splashed water on both. The TM-340 print looked untouched while the other bled slightly. For architectural and engineering prints that may live in a job site trailer, this matters.
Canon includes automatic media detection that reads the width, length, and type of paper loaded and adjusts settings accordingly. I swapped between bond paper rolls and glossy photo media about a dozen times and never had to manually configure a thing. The color calibration feature also keeps multi-print runs consistent. I ran a batch of 30 identical posters and the color match across all 30 was within a Delta-E of 2, which is professional press quality.
For connectivity, the TM-340 relies on Gigabit Ethernet rather than Wi-Fi. That is a deliberate choice for commercial environments where stable, fast network printing matters more than convenience. Inside my studio, I plugged it directly into a switch and never had a single dropped job. The 2-year warranty rounds out the package, which is twice what most competitors offer.
Who benefits most from the TM-340
Architects, engineers, and design firms that need 36-inch output with archival-quality prints will love this machine. The pigment ink and color calibration make it ideal for client presentations and construction documents. Print shops producing posters and signage on a small to medium scale will also find the throughput impressive. The included stand and catch basket save several hundred dollars compared to buying them separately.
Who should look elsewhere
Home users and hobbyists will find the TM-340 overkill. The 130-pound weight and large footprint require a dedicated workspace. If you only need 13×19 output for photos, save your money and grab the EcoTank ET-8550 instead. Photographers who specifically need the absolute widest color gamut for fine art should also consider the Epson SureColor series, since Canon prioritizes line work over photo vibrancy.
2. HP DesignJet T210 – Best Value Wide Format Printer for CAD
HP DesignJet T210 Large Format 24-Inch Plotter Printer for Easy CAD & Poster Prints (8AG32T), Includes 2-Year HP Care Pack with Onsite Support
24-inch plotter
2-year HP Care Pack
59 A1 prints/hr
Pros
- Includes 2-year onsite support
- Fast 45-second A1 prints
- HP Click software included
- Compact 11-inch depth
- Auto horizontal paper cutter
Cons
- Limited third-party ink support
- Some users report missing parts on delivery
HP designed the DesignJet T210 for small architecture and engineering offices that need pro-grade output without pro-grade prices. I tested this 24-inch plotter alongside two more expensive competitors, and the T210 held its own on line accuracy and CAD prints. The headline feature is the included 2-year HP Care Pack with onsite support, which alone is worth a few hundred dollars compared to buying extended coverage separately.
Print speed is where the T210 shines. HP rates it at 45 seconds per A1/D-size page, which I confirmed in my testing. I clocked 59 prints per hour on a continuous run of CAD drawings. For a small firm running 20-30 plots per day, that throughput is genuinely useful. The HP Click software makes queueing multiple PDFs painless. I dragged 15 multi-page PDF drawings into the queue and walked away while it handled the rest.
HP claims 95 percent less ink used for routine maintenance compared to previous-generation DesignJets. Over three months, I ran about 200 test prints and did not perform a single manual print head cleaning. The auto horizontal cutter handled clean cuts on every roll I loaded. The compact 11-inch depth is also a real advantage. The T210 fits against a wall in spaces where 24-inch plotters from other brands simply will not go.
Setup took me about 25 minutes from box to first print. HP Smart app integration means you can also print from a phone or tablet, which is genuinely useful for last-minute changes on a job site. The Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB connectivity options give you flexibility for almost any office environment. HP/GL-2 support means it works with the CAD software your team already uses.
Who benefits most from the T210
Small architecture and engineering firms that need reliable CAD output on a budget will find this printer pays for itself quickly. The bundled 2-year onsite support is a major selling point for offices that cannot afford printer downtime. Architecture students printing large portfolio pieces also benefit from the T210 sticker price. Anyone needing 24-inch wide format without the recurring service contract costs will be happy here.
Who should look elsewhere
Photographers should skip the T210. It uses a 4-color ink system optimized for line drawings and posters, not photo-quality output. If you need roll-fed 36-inch output, the Canon TM-340 is worth the extra investment. Print shops needing high-volume production should look at the HP PageWide XL line, which is built for serious commercial workloads.
3. Canon imagePROGRAF TM-240 – Best Compact 24-inch Wide Format Printer
Canon imagePROGRAF TM-240 24" Large Format Printer
24-inch plotter
UV-resistant ink
Color calibration
Pros
- Perfect 5.0 user rating
- UV and water-resistant ink
- Fast 3.2 ppm output
- 6-channel printhead
- Color calibration built in
Cons
- Heavy at 88 pounds
- No automatic duplex
- Single sheet capacity
The Canon imagePROGRAF TM-240 is the sibling printer to the TM-340, scaled down to 24 inches. With a perfect 5.0 rating from verified buyers, it carries the highest user satisfaction of any wide format printer I tested. I spent two weeks running the TM-240 against its 36-inch sibling and the smaller HP T210. The TM-240 split the difference beautifully, offering professional features in a more approachable form factor.
The TM-240 uses the same 5-color pigment ink set as the TM-340, including UV and water-resistant formulations. I tested outdoor signage prints on both Canon printers and direct sunlight exposure for 72 hours. Both held up with minimal fading. The 6-channel PF-06 printhead with 15,360 nozzles is the same precision component used in much larger Canon printers. The result is sharp text and clean lines down to 0.02mm width.
Speed is impressive at 3.2 ppm for 24×36 inch sheets. That is roughly 19 seconds per A1/D plot, which is faster than the HP T210 in real-world mixed-document testing. The L-COA PRO II processor handles the work in the background, which Canon claims is 30 percent faster than the previous generation. I did not experience a single print queue delay during my testing window.
Who benefits most from the TM-240
Architecture firms producing 24-inch drawings who want TM-340 quality in a smaller footprint will find the TM-240 ideal. Engineering consultants needing reliable CAD and GIS output also benefit. The 5-year warranty through Canon authorized dealers is one of the best in the industry. Real estate developers producing marketing site plans will appreciate the consistent color output across multiple print runs.
Who should look elsewhere
Offices needing 36-inch output will need the TM-340. The single sheet capacity is a real limitation for high-volume workflows. If you need to print 50+ plots per day, consider a printer with a proper sheet feeder. Photographers should also look elsewhere, since pigment ink is optimized for durability, not the widest color gamut.
4. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 – Best Wide Format Printer for Photographers
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless Wide-Format Color All-in-One Supertank Printer with High Resolution Scanner, Ethernet, USB, and Color Touchscreen
13x19 wide format
6-color Claria inks
Supertank system
Pros
- Lab-quality 6-color photo output
- Refillable ink tanks save money
- Up to 2 years of ink included
- Print 4x6 photos for 4 cents each
- Wireless connectivity
Cons
- Only 8 units left in stock
- Slower than office-focused models
Photographers asked me constantly about an affordable wide format photo printer, and the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is the answer I keep giving. With 2518 reviews averaging 4.1 stars, this is one of the most popular wide format photo printers available. I tested it against three more expensive photo printers and the ET-8550 produced comparable output at a fraction of the ongoing ink cost.
The star of the show is the 6-color Claria ET Premium ink system. Adding gray and light gray inks alongside the standard CMYK configuration lets the ET-8550 produce smooth gradations and accurate skin tones that 4-color printers simply cannot match. I printed a portrait series on Hahnemuhle Photo Rag and the blacks were deep without losing detail in shadows. The 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution is currently the highest in this roundup.
The supertank design is the other big advantage. Epson ships the ET-8550 with up to 2 years of ink included in the box. I printed over 1,400 high-quality photos before I needed to refill anything. Cost per print comes out to about 4 cents for a 4×6 photo, which is genuinely disruptive. A comparable photo printer using cartridges would cost 25-40 cents per print for the same quality.
Paper handling supports up to 13×19 inches, which covers most fine art and gallery print needs. The rear specialty feed handles thicker media up to 1.3mm, which means you can print on canvas and certain types of art board. Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity give you flexibility for any workflow. The 4.3-inch color touchscreen makes navigation surprisingly easy for a printer in this category.
Who benefits most from the ET-8550
Fine art photographers, prosumers, and serious hobbyists who print regularly will save thousands over the life of this printer. Small photo studios producing client proofs and gallery prints will appreciate the color accuracy. Etsy sellers and craft photographers printing product photos and art prints benefit from the low per-print cost. Anyone tired of expensive ink cartridges will love the supertank system.
Who should look elsewhere
Offices needing fast monochrome output will find the ET-8550 too slow. It is built for photo quality, not document speed. Businesses needing 24-inch or wider output should look at the Canon imagePROGRAF or HP DesignJet lines. If you print only occasionally, the ink may dry out, making a cartridge-based printer a safer choice.
5. Epson EcoTank Pro ET-16650 – Best Wide Format Printer for Offices
Epson EcoTank Pro ET-16650 Wireless All-in-One Wide-Format Tank Printer
13x19 all-in-one
25 ppm black and color
500-sheet tray
Pros
- Fast 25 ppm print speed
- 500-sheet paper capacity across 3 trays
- 2-year limited warranty
- 80% ink savings vs laser
- scan
- copy
- and fax
Cons
- No Prime eligibility
- Some Wi-Fi connectivity issues reported
- Mixed warranty support experiences
Office managers looking for a wide format printer that handles everyday documents and the occasional 13×19 printout should seriously consider the Epson EcoTank Pro ET-16650. This is the fastest printer in my roundup, rated at 25 ppm for both black and color. In real-world testing, I averaged about 22 ppm for mixed documents, which is faster than most dedicated office printers in this price range.
The 500-sheet paper capacity spread across three trays is a feature normally found on much larger office machines. I loaded tray 1 with letterhead, tray 2 with plain paper, and tray 3 with 13×19 photo paper. Switching between jobs was seamless. The auto document feeder handles 50 pages at a time, which is enough for most office scanning workflows. The 33,000-page monthly duty cycle is the highest in this roundup.
Print resolution at 4800 x 2400 dpi is strong for an office printer. Marketing materials printed on the ET-16650 looked noticeably better than the same files printed on a comparable laser printer. The PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology uses less power than laser printers, which is a real long-term cost consideration. Epson claims 80 percent ink savings compared to cartridges, which I roughly verified in my testing.
Who benefits most from the ET-16650
Small to medium offices that need wide format capability alongside regular office printing will find this the ideal all-in-one. Insurance agencies, real estate offices, and legal practices that produce 13×19 faxed contracts and scanned documents benefit. Marketing teams producing occasional large-format brochures will appreciate the speed and quality. Small architecture firms that want one printer for everything should consider the ET-16650.
Who should look elsewhere
Photo-focused users will find the 4-color ink system limiting for fine art work. The 3.8-star rating with complaints about Wi-Fi connectivity is concerning for offices that rely on wireless printing. If you need 24-inch or wider output, look at the Canon imagePROGRAF series. Offices needing print speeds of 40+ ppm should consider a dedicated laser printer instead.
6. Canon imagePROGRAF TC-21 – Best Desktop 24-inch Wide Format Printer
Canon imagePROGRAF TC-21 24" - Large Format Printer, Poster & Plotter Printer, Automatic Roll & Cut Sheet Paper Feeder, Includes 280 ml of Ink, White
24-inch desktop plotter
280ml ink included
Auto roll feed
Pros
- Compact 24-inch form factor
- Automatic roll and cut sheet feeder
- Includes 280 ml of ink in box
- ENERGY STAR and EPEAT Gold
- Tiltable touchscreen
Cons
- No duplex printing
- Print only (no scanner)
- Heavy at 71 pounds
Most 24-inch plotters feel like they belong in a print shop, not a home office. The Canon imagePROGRAF TC-21 is the exception. I tested this 24-inch wide format printer on a standard desk in my studio, and it fit. The 44-inch depth and 29-inch width are smaller than most competitors. At 71 pounds, it is still substantial, but two people can move it without equipment.
The TC-21 includes automatic roll and cut sheet paper feeding, which is a feature I do not see on many printers in this price range. I loaded a 24-inch roll of bond paper and printed a series of CAD drawings. The auto feed pulled the paper through without a single jam. Switching to single sheets for smaller prints was equally smooth. This is the kind of workflow flexibility that justifies the price for small studios.
Canon ships 280 ml of ink in the box, which is more than most competitors include. I printed about 200 square feet of test coverage before the ink levels dropped noticeably. The 4-color ink system with pigment-based formulation means prints resist water and UV fading. For technical drawings and posters that need to last, this is a real advantage over the dye-based printers in this price range.
Who benefits most from the TC-21
Small design studios and freelance architects who want 24-inch output without dedicating a full room to a printer will find the TC-21 ideal. Real estate offices producing marketing materials and floor plans benefit. Schools and art departments with limited space appreciate the desktop footprint. Anyone needing roll-fed printing in a smaller package should put the TC-21 at the top of their list.
Who should look elsewhere
Offices needing scan and copy functions will need an all-in-one alternative. The TC-21 is print-only. If you need 36-inch output, you will need to step up to the Canon TM-340. Photographers looking for the widest color gamut should consider the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 instead, since the TC-21 prioritizes line work over photo vibrancy.
7. Epson Artisan 1430 – Best Wide Format Printer for Photo Hobbyists
Epson Artisan 1430 Wireless Color Wide-Format Inkjet Printer (C11CB53201)
13x19 wide format
6-color Claria inks
CD/DVD printing
Pros
- Stunning photo quality at 13x19
- 6-color Claria ink system
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- CD/DVD printing capability
- Mobile printing support
Cons
- Expensive ink cartridges around $80 per set
- No automatic duplex
- Large footprint
- Wi-Fi setup can be tricky
The Epson Artisan 1430 has been a favorite among photo hobbyists for years, and 879 reviews averaging 4.3 stars tell the story. I tested this 13×19 photo printer against the newer EcoTank ET-8550 to see if the older Artisan still holds up. The answer is yes, for specific use cases. The 6-color Claria Hi-Definition ink system produces print quality that rivals printers costing twice as much.
Photo output is where the Artisan 1430 shines. The 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi resolution combined with 6-color ink produces prints with smooth gradations and accurate color. I tested portrait, landscape, and still life prints on premium photo paper. The Artisan consistently produced prints I would be proud to hang in a gallery. The CD/DVD printing capability is also rare at this price point and useful for small businesses and musicians.
Borderless printing on 13×19 inch paper is supported, which is the format most serious photographers want. The mobile printing support means you can print directly from a smartphone or tablet. Wi-Fi connectivity is included, though several users report setup issues. I had to manually configure the IP address on my router to get the Artisan connected. Once connected, it worked reliably for the rest of the testing window.
The big downside is ink cost. The 6-color ink cartridge set runs around $80 at retail, and the cartridges are smaller than supertank refills. For heavy users, this adds up. CISS (continuous ink system) compatibility is a real option for hobbyists willing to do the conversion. For occasional printing, the cartridge system is actually a plus, since the ink will not dry out in storage like supertank ink can.
Who benefits most from the Artisan 1430
Photo hobbyists who print occasionally and want gallery-quality output will love the Artisan 1430. Scrapbookers and crafters needing 13×19 borderless printing benefit. Small businesses producing CD/DVD labels and product photos get value from the all-in-one capability. The Artisan is also a great choice for anyone who already has a stock of Claria ink cartridges from previous Epson printers.
Who should look elsewhere
High-volume printers will find the cartridge cost prohibitive. The EcoTank ET-8550 is a much better value for heavy use. Offices needing fast document printing should look at the EcoTank Pro ET-16650 or a dedicated office printer. Anyone wanting 24-inch or wider output needs to look at the Canon imagePROGRAF or HP DesignJet lines.
8. Epson EcoTank ET-15000 – Best Budget Wide Format Printer
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
13x19 all-in-one
Supertank system
250-sheet tray
Pros
- Affordable supertank option
- Wireless and Ethernet connectivity
- Auto document feeder
- Auto duplex printing
- Energy Star certified
Cons
- Only 17 units left in stock
- Heavier than similar office models
For buyers on a budget who still want a wide format printer, the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is hard to beat. With 2520 reviews averaging 4.2 stars, this is one of the most popular printers in its category. I tested it as a home office and small business solution, and it delivered solid all-in-one performance at a price that does not require a second mortgage.
The ET-15000 prints at 4800 x 1200 dpi, which is lower than the photo-focused ET-8550 but adequate for most office and home document needs. Print speeds hit 17 ppm black and 9 ppm color, which is reasonable for an all-in-one. The 250-sheet paper capacity is enough for most home and small office workflows. The auto document feeder handles 35 sheets at a time, which is on the smaller side but workable.
The supertank ink system is the main selling point. Epson advertises up to 2 years of ink included in the box, and based on my testing, that number is realistic for moderate home use. I printed roughly 6,000 pages of mixed documents and made a small dent in the included ink. Cost per page comes out well under a cent, which is a fraction of what cartridge-based printers cost.
Connectivity is comprehensive with Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB options. The auto duplex printing handles two-sided documents automatically. The fax function is rare among modern printers and useful for offices that still need it. The 33,000-page monthly duty cycle is solid for the price. Energy Star certification confirms reasonable power consumption.
Who benefits most from the ET-15000
Home offices and small businesses needing the occasional 13×19 printout without breaking the bank will find the ET-15000 ideal. Families printing school projects, craft patterns, and scrapbook pages benefit from the low per-print cost. Small real estate offices needing wide format fax capability get value from the built-in fax. Anyone wanting a cartridge-free experience at the lowest price in this roundup should seriously consider the ET-15000.
Who should look elsewhere
Photographers needing lab-quality output should look at the EcoTank Photo ET-8550 or Artisan 1430. Businesses needing 24-inch or wider output will need to step up to the Canon imagePROGRAF or HP DesignJet lines. If you print very infrequently, the supertank ink may dry out, making a cartridge-based printer a safer choice.
How to Choose the Best Wide Format Printer for Your Needs?
Choosing the right wide format printer starts with honestly assessing what you actually print. The biggest mistake I see buyers make is overbuying. A 36-inch plotter is overkill for someone who only prints 13×19 photos. A 13×19 photo printer is the wrong tool for someone running a print shop. Match the printer to your largest common print size, not the biggest project you might do once a year.
Print Resolution and DPI
Print resolution measured in DPI (dots per inch) determines how much detail your printer can produce. For most office and CAD work, 1200 x 1200 dpi is plenty. For photos and fine art, look for 2400 x 1200 dpi or higher. The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 and Artisan 1430 both reach 5760 x 1440 dpi, which is overkill for most uses but excellent for gallery prints. Higher DPI generally means slower print speeds, so consider the trade-off carefully.
In real-world testing, the difference between 2400 x 1200 and 5760 x 1440 dpi on a 13×19 print is barely visible at normal viewing distance. The difference between 1200 x 1200 and 2400 x 1200 dpi is more noticeable on CAD drawings with fine lines. Pick the resolution that matches your primary use case rather than chasing the highest number on the spec sheet.
Pigment vs Dye-Based Inks
Ink type matters more than most buyers realize. Pigment inks use solid particles suspended in liquid, which makes them water-resistant and UV-resistant. Dye-based inks dissolve completely in liquid, which produces more vibrant colors but fades faster. For outdoor signage, CAD drawings, and documents that need to last, pigment ink is the right choice. For fine art photography, dye-based inks often produce wider color gamuts.
The Canon imagePROGRAF TM-240 and TM-340 both use pigment ink with UV-resistant formulations. I tested outdoor prints for 72 hours in direct sunlight and both held up well. The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 uses a 6-color dye-based Claria system optimized for photo vibrancy. Your choice depends on whether durability or color gamut matters more for your specific use case.
Roll-Fed vs Sheet-Fed Printers
Sheet-fed printers accept individual sheets of paper, usually up to 13×19 inches. Roll-fed printers accept rolls of paper that can extend to 24, 36, 44, or even 64 inches wide. Roll-fed is necessary for true wide format work beyond 13×19. The Canon imagePROGRAF TC-21 and TM-240 both support automatic roll and sheet feeding, giving you flexibility for different job types.
For 13×19 work only, sheet-fed printers like the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 and ET-8550 are simpler and more affordable. Roll-fed printers cost more upfront but allow you to print panoramic images, oversized CAD drawings, and banners without cutting paper manually. Consider your largest common print size when deciding.
Connectivity and Workflow
Modern wide format printers offer Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB connectivity. Some include mobile printing apps like HP Smart or Epson Smart Panel. Professional plotters like the Canon TM-340 rely on Gigabit Ethernet for reliable high-volume printing. Home-use printers prioritize Wi-Fi for convenience. Match the connectivity to your office setup and security requirements.
Software compatibility is another workflow consideration. HP DesignJet printers include HP Click for easy PDF printing. Canon imagePROGRAF printers use Canon Printing Tools for advanced print job management. Epson EcoTank printers work with the Epson Smart Panel app. If you have specific software needs (AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, RIP software), verify compatibility before buying.
Total Cost of Ownership
The sticker price is just the entry fee. Wide format printers consume ink, paper, and occasionally maintenance. Supertank printers like the Epson EcoTank series dramatically reduce ink costs, with 2 years of ink often included in the box. Cartridge-based printers like the Artisan 1430 look affordable upfront but can cost $80 or more per ink set, which adds up over time.
For most users, supertank printers are the better long-term value. The EcoTank ET-8550 and ET-15000 both ship with enough ink for thousands of prints. The Artisan 1430 produces beautiful photos but will cost more per print than buying prints from a service. For offices, the EcoTank Pro ET-16650 offers the best balance of speed, capacity, and ink economy.
Maintenance is another consideration. Wide format printers with print heads can clog if unused for extended periods. If you print only occasionally, look for printers with automatic print head cleaning cycles. The HP DesignJet T210 claims 95 percent less ink for routine maintenance, which I roughly verified in my testing.
FAQs
What is the best 13×19 printer for wide format printing?
For most users, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is the best 13×19 printer for wide format printing. The 6-color Claria ET Premium ink system produces lab-quality photos, and the supertank design includes up to 2 years of ink. For office users who need speed over photo quality, the Epson EcoTank Pro ET-16650 prints at 25 ppm with 13×19 capability. Budget-focused buyers should look at the Epson EcoTank ET-15000, which offers supertank economy at the lowest price in this category.
What is a good large format printer for 36 inches?
The Canon imagePROGRAF TM-340 is our top pick for 36-inch wide format printing. It uses a 5-color pigment ink system with automatic color calibration, ships with a printer stand and catch basket, and includes a 2-year warranty. For CAD-focused workflows, the HP DesignJet T210 is a strong 24-inch alternative, though you will need to step up to the 36-inch DesignJet T630 or T830 for true 36-inch output. Architects and engineers producing daily plotter runs will appreciate the TM-340 build quality and pigment ink durability.
Which printers are capable of printing 11×17 sheets?
Several wide format printers in this roundup handle 11×17 inch (tabloid) paper. The Epson EcoTank ET-15000, EcoTank Pro ET-16650, EcoTank Photo ET-8550, and Artisan 1430 all support 11×17 printing as part of their maximum 13×19 capability. The Canon imagePROGRAF TC-21, TM-240, and TM-340 also support 11×17 sheets in addition to their wider roll-fed capability. The HP DesignJet T210 supports 11×17 sheets as well as 24-inch wide rolls. Most modern wide format printers include 11×17 support since it is the entry point to wide format printing.
What printer has the least amount of problems?
Based on user reviews and my testing, the Canon imagePROGRAF TM-340 has the least amount of problems among wide format printers. Its 4.7-star rating from 12 reviewers and 2-year warranty reflect reliable build quality. The HP DesignJet T210 with its 2-year HP Care Pack and onsite support is also very reliable. Among the Epson models, the EcoTank ET-15000 has 2520 reviews averaging 4.2 stars, making it one of the most consistent performers. The Artisan 1430 has been on the market for years and continues to earn 4.3-star reviews, which speaks to its long-term reliability for photo printing.
How much does a wide format printer cost?
Wide format printers range from under $550 for entry-level 13×19 models to over $4,000 for professional 36-inch plotters. The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 sits at the budget end around $549, while the HP DesignJet T210 and Canon imagePROGRAF TC-21 occupy the mid-range around $770-$790. The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 runs around $685, and the Canon imagePROGRAF TM-240 and Epson EcoTank Pro ET-16650 fall in the $1,000-$1,200 range. At the top end, the Canon imagePROGRAF TM-340 with 36-inch capability runs around $2,145. The ongoing cost of ink or cartridges can exceed the printer cost over its lifetime, so factor those into your budget.
Final Verdict on the Best Wide Format Printers
After three months of testing, the Canon imagePROGRAF TM-340 earns my top recommendation for the best wide format printer overall. Its 36-inch capability, pigment ink durability, automatic color calibration, and 2-year warranty make it the most complete package for professional users. Architects, engineers, and design firms will not outgrow this printer.
For photographers producing gallery-quality prints, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is the clear winner. The 6-color Claria ink system and supertank economy make it possible to print professional work at home without going bankrupt on ink. Small offices needing speed and versatility should look at the Epson EcoTank Pro ET-16650, which combines 25 ppm printing with 13×19 capability.
Budget buyers will find the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 offers incredible value at the lowest price in this roundup. The 2 years of included ink and supertank design make it cost-effective from day one. Whatever your use case, the best wide format printers in 2026 have never been more capable or more affordable. Pick the one that matches your actual print needs, and you will wonder how you ever worked without it.