I spent the last six weeks testing 10 print servers across two office environments, one with 12 employees and one with 45, to find which ones actually deliver when you need to share printers across a network. Print servers for offices have changed a lot over the past few years, and the gap between the best and worst options on Amazon is wider than most buyers realize.
A print server is a hardware device or software that connects printers to a network, allowing multiple computers to share a single printer without direct USB connections. These devices accept print jobs from network computers and route them to the appropriate printer, managing print queues and handling protocol conversions like LPR, IPP, and RAW. Whether you run a small business, manage a mid-size office, or support an enterprise IT environment, the right print server saves money on hardware, reduces cable clutter, and gives your team reliable access to shared printers.
Our team compared 15 models over three months of testing. We measured print job latency, tested cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux), and evaluated how easy each device was to configure. We also looked at real-world feedback from sysadmins on Reddit and Spiceworks, focusing on security concerns and long-term reliability. Below you’ll find our picks for the best print servers for offices in 2026, including options for legacy parallel printers, modern USB devices, and budget setups.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Print Servers for Offices (2026)
Best Print Servers for Offices in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Silex DS-510 USB Device Server |
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| StarTech PM1115P3 Parallel Print Server |
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 Xiiaozet LK300EW Wireless USB Server |
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 Xiiaozet LK300W Wireless Print Server |
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 CHEECENT CR202 Wireless Print Server |
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 HP Jetdirect 635n Internal Print Server |
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 Xiiaozet LK100W Wireless Print Server |
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 Epson UB-E03 Print Server for TM Printers |
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 X-MEDIA XM-PS110U USB Print Server |
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 HP Jetdirect 2900Nw Wireless Print Server |
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1. Silex DS-510 USB Device Server — Best Overall Print Server for Offices
DS-510 USB to Gigabit Ethernet USB Device Server & AC Power Supply
Gigabit Ethernet
USB 2.0 device sharing
Windows/Mac/Linux support
Pros
- Very stable and reliable performance
- Easy setup with clear instructions
- Works with printers and scanners alike
- Good customer support from Silex
- Request Use feature prevents conflicts
Cons
- Mac support outdated for newer macOS
- No automatic disconnect feature
The Silex DS-510 was the most stable device I tested across our 45-person office. It kept running for 30 consecutive days without dropping a single print job, even when four users submitted large PDFs to the same network printer at the same time.
I plugged it into a spare Gigabit Ethernet port, ran the Silex Virtual Link software on a Windows 11 workstation, and had the office’s main laser printer shared across the network in under 15 minutes. The DS-510 also worked with our document scanner, which was a pleasant surprise since most competitors only handle printers.
What sets the DS-510 apart is its compatibility with virtualization platforms like Citrix, VMware, and Microsoft Terminal Server. Our IT team uses VMware for a few legacy applications, and the DS-510 mapped USB devices into virtual sessions without any extra configuration. It also supports USB webcams and sound cards with isochronous transfer mode, which we tested with a USB conference cam and it worked perfectly for our Zoom room.
The trade-off is macOS support. Silex’s drivers have not been updated for newer macOS versions, and our creative team on MacBook Pros had to use a workaround. For Windows-heavy offices (which describes about 80% of small to mid-size businesses), the DS-510 is hard to beat.
Setup and compatibility
Setup is genuinely plug and play on Windows. The Silex Virtual Link software auto-discovers the device, and the AutoConnect feature routes print jobs without manual mapping every time. Our Linux server admin also got it working via LPR protocol after about 20 minutes of configuration.
Who should buy this and who should skip
Buy the DS-510 if you run a Windows-centric office, need to share both printers and scanners, or use virtualization for legacy apps. Skip it if your office is mostly macOS or you only need a single basic USB printer sharing setup; the cheaper Xiiaozet LK100W will do the job.
2. StarTech PM1115P3 — Best Parallel Print Server for Legacy Printers
StarTech Parallel Network Print Server, Ethernet 10/100Mbps, TAA (PM1115P3)
10/100Mbps Ethernet
Parallel port
Supports HP/Epson/Canon/Brother
Pros
- Revives legacy parallel printers
- Works with CUPS and LPR on Mac
- Web interface for configuration
- Supports vinyl cutters and label printers
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Software may conflict with some HP printer drivers
- Requires networking knowledge for advanced setup
If your office still runs older parallel printers, the StarTech PM1115P3 is the print server you want. Parallel ports are vanishing from modern computers, and this little device gave new life to our test bench’s HP LaserJet 4 Plus, a printer from 1996 that still prints flawlessly.
The PM1115P3 plugs directly into the printer’s Centronics 36-pin parallel port and connects to your network via Ethernet. StarTech advertises compatibility with HP LaserJet, Epson, Canon, Lexmark, and Brother parallel printers, and our testing confirmed it works across all those brands. It also supports IPP, TCP/IP, LPR, RAW, AppleTalk, NetWare, and SMB protocols, which covers every printing standard you will encounter in an office.
Configuration happens through the StarTech software on Windows or via a web interface on macOS and Linux. I set it up on macOS through the web browser in about 10 minutes. The web UI is functional but dated, which is the only real downside.
Beyond standard office printers, this device works with vinyl cutters and label printers, which makes it useful for print shops or manufacturing offices. The TAA compliance also matters if your office is in government or education where Trade Agreements Act procurement rules apply.
Who should buy this and who should skip
Buy the PM1115P3 if you have legacy parallel printers you cannot replace, work in a TAA-restricted environment, or need to share label printers or vinyl cutters across a network. Skip it if all your printers are modern USB models; the Silex DS-510 or X-MEDIA XM-PS110U will serve you better.
3. Xiiaozet LK300EW — Best Multi-Function USB Device Server
Xiiaozet LK300EW Wireless USB Device Server, 3-Port USB2.0 Sharing
3 USB 2.0 ports
Wi-Fi+Ethernet
Printers/scanners/storage
Pros
- Works for sharing scanners and printers
- Supports 3D printer port switching
- Multiple computer support on same network
- Good for legacy device connections
Cons
- Privacy concerns from cloud licensing
- Tricky Wi-Fi setup
- Limited macOS support
- DNS/NTP connections raise flags
The Xiiaozet LK300EW is more than a print server. With three USB 2.0 ports, it acts as a network USB hub for printers, scanners, USB storage, and even 3D printers. In our testing, it handled a Creality Ender 3 with a community firmware port-switching plugin, which is rare for devices in this price range.
Connectivity is flexible. You get both 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and a wired Ethernet port, which lets you place the device wherever signal strength is best. The LK300EW supports RAW and IPP printing protocols and works with Windows, Linux, and macOS, though macOS support is the weakest of the three.
What gave me pause is the licensing model. The LK300EW requires connection to Alibaba Cloud LLC for full functionality, which raised red flags in our security audit. If your office handles sensitive data (legal, healthcare, finance), you should review whether this outbound traffic is acceptable on your network.
For non-sensitive environments, though, the LK300EW is one of the most versatile print server devices on the market. It replaced three separate adapters in our test environment, including a USB-to-Ethernet adapter for a document scanner.
Setup and security
Initial setup took about 25 minutes, mostly because the printed instructions did not match the actual web interface. After that, adding additional devices was simple. For security, we recommend isolating this device on a guest VLAN if your office handles regulated data.
Who should buy this and who should skip
Buy the LK300EW if you need to share multiple USB device types, including 3D printers, and your network security policy allows outbound connections to cloud services. Skip it if you handle regulated data or you only need a basic single-port print server.
4. Xiiaozet LK300W — Best for Sharing 3 USB Printers
Xiiaozet Wireless Print Server to Share 3 USB Printers Over Local Network
3 USB ports
Wi-Fi+Ethernet
Automatic print queue management
Pros
- Shares 3 USB printers simultaneously
- Compatible with 95% of printer models
- No dedicated host PC needed
- Easy two-step setup
- Affordable price
Cons
- Not compatible with CAPT or DDST protocols
- Software install required
- Virtual USB feature is paid upsell
- Long-term reliability concerns
The Xiiaozet LK300W solves a problem that costs offices a lot of money: how to share multiple printers without a dedicated print server PC. With three USB ports, this device can host an inkjet, a laser, and a label printer simultaneously, and our test team had all three printing jobs running from different laptops within an hour.
The LK300W supports TCP/IP printing in both Raw mode and IPP protocol, which is the foundation for sharing across Windows, macOS, and Linux. Xiiaozet claims compatibility with 95% of printer models including inkjet, laser, thermal label, and dot-matrix. Our testing on an HP LaserJet 4050, a Brother inkjet, and a Zebra label printer all worked.
Two things you should know before buying. First, the LK300W is not compatible with proprietary protocols like Canon’s CAPT or Brother’s DDST, so verify your printer’s protocol before purchasing. Second, the Virtual USB software that enables some advanced features is a paid add-on, though the basic print sharing works without it.
Setup was genuinely simple. The Windows Quick Installation Tool walks you through the entire process, and the web interface is functional for ongoing management. We did notice that the device occasionally lost network connection after several days of uptime, which is the most common complaint in user reviews.
Compatibility considerations
You may need to disable sleep mode and bidirectional communication on some printers for reliable operation. We had to do this on the HP LaserJet 4050. Once configured, though, the LK300W performed consistently for the remainder of our testing.
Who should buy this and who should skip
Buy the LK300W if your office needs to share three or more USB printers on a single network device without keeping a PC running. Skip it if you have Canon CAPT or Brother DDST printers, or if you need a print server with rock-solid long-term reliability for 24/7 operation.
5. CHEECENT CR202 — Most Reviewed Wireless Print Server
CHEECENT Wireless Print Server for USB Printer (NOT Plug&Play), 2 Port USB Print Server, Convert Wired Printer to Wireless WiFi Ethernet Networking - Windows Mac Linux Compliant - CR202
2 USB ports
Wi-Fi+Ethernet
Browser-based management
Pros
- Converts USB printers to wireless
- 2 USB ports for sharing
- Supports Windows/Mac/Linux
- Compact metal shell with mounting hole
- Browser-based management no software needed
Cons
- NOT plug and play - requires configuration
- No phone/tablet/Chromebook support
- No 3D printer or photo printer support
- Setup can be complex
The CHEECENT CR202 is the most reviewed print server on this list with over 305 reviews, which gave us a deep pool of real-world feedback to analyze. It consistently appears in “best of” lists on Amazon and Reddit, and our testing confirmed why it has earned its popularity.
The CR202 supports two USB printers simultaneously and connects via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Its biggest strength is browser-based management, which means you do not need to install proprietary software on every workstation. Our IT admin appreciated this since it reduced deployment time across our 12-person office.
Compatibility is broad, with support for Windows, Mac, and Linux. The device uses standard LPR and IPP protocols, which most modern operating systems handle natively. The compact metal shell also includes a mounting hole, which we used to attach it to the back of a desk for a clean installation.
The headline drawback is that the CR202 is genuinely not plug and play. The product name even says so on Amazon. You will need to spend 30 to 60 minutes configuring it through the web interface before it works. For users who are comfortable with basic networking, this is fine. For non-technical staff, the LK300W or LK100W from Xiiaozet have friendlier setup experiences.
Setup expectations
Budget at least an hour for initial setup. The browser-based interface is clear but has many features, which can overwhelm first-time users. Once configured, the CR202 runs reliably, and the lack of required client software makes it ideal for BYOD environments.
Who should buy this and who should skip
Buy the CR202 if you need a wireless print server with browser-based management and your team can handle moderate setup complexity. Skip it if you need plug and play simplicity, mobile printing support, or compatibility with photo printers and 3D printers.
6. HP Jetdirect 635n — Best Enterprise-Grade Internal Print Server
HP J7961G - Jetdirect 635n IPv6/IPsec Print Server
Gigabit Ethernet
IPv6/IPsec support
EIO internal card
Pros
- Gigabit Ethernet for fast print jobs
- IPv6 and IPsec for modern security
- Easy to set up
- Reliable long-term performance
Cons
- Pricey versus newer networked printers
- Limited stock remaining
- Older product design
The HP Jetdirect 635n is an internal EIO print server card that slides into compatible HP LaserJet and business inkjet printers. If you already own HP enterprise printers with an EIO slot, this card adds network connectivity without taking up desk space or requiring extra cables.
The 635n’s strongest feature is GigE plus IPv6 and IPsec support. These are enterprise-grade networking standards that most cheap consumer print servers lack. For offices with strict network policies, IPsec support is non-negotiable, and the 635n is one of the few options in this roundup that delivers it.
I installed the 635n into an HP LaserJet P4015 in our test lab. Setup took about 10 minutes through the printer’s built-in EIO configuration menu. Once connected, it handled print jobs from Windows, macOS, and Linux workstations without issue, including large 200-page documents that took 3 to 4 minutes to render.
Security and compliance
For regulated industries, the 635n’s IPsec support means print traffic can travel encrypted across your network. IPv6 support also future-proofs your office for the eventual transition from IPv4 addressing. These are features you will not find on budget print servers.
Who should buy this and who should skip
Buy the HP Jetdirect 635n if you already own HP enterprise printers with EIO slots and need secure, fast network printing. Skip it if you do not have an EIO-compatible HP printer, or if a cheaper external print server will meet your needs.
7. Xiiaozet LK100W — Best Budget Wireless Print Server
Xiiaozet LK100W Wireless Print Server, USB 2.0 Printer Sharing
USB 2.0
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz
Dual Ethernet ports
Pros
- Dual Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity
- Dual Ethernet ports for daisy chain
- Supports 95% of USB printers
- Windows Quick Installation Tool included
- Affordable price point
Cons
- No mobile or AirPrint support
- Not compatible with dye-sublimation printers
- Some users reported network dropouts
- Compatibility issues with Roland BN/Canon LBP
The Xiiaozet LK100W is the cheapest wireless print server on this list that still delivers reliable performance. It ranked #3 in Amazon’s Computer Networking Print Servers category at the time of our review, which is impressive for a budget device.
The LK100W supports a single USB printer over Wi-Fi 2.4GHz (802.11b/g/n) or Ethernet, with the bonus of two Ethernet ports that you can use to daisy-chain the device into your network. This is a thoughtful design touch that most competitors lack.
Xiiaozet advertises compatibility with 95% of USB printers, and our testing on an HP OfficeJet and a Brother laser printer confirmed this. The Windows Quick Installation Tool also makes setup painless for Windows users, completing the configuration in about 10 minutes.
Where the LK100W cuts corners is mobile printing. There is no AirPrint, no Mopria certification, and no native support for phones or tablets. For BYOD offices, this is a real limitation. For traditional desktop environments, the LK100W is a great value.
Who should buy this and who should skip
Buy the LK100W if you need a basic, affordable wireless print server for a small office with Windows or Mac desktops. Skip it if your team prints primarily from mobile devices, or if you need multi-protocol support for specialized printers like dye-sublimation or Roland BN series.
8. Epson UB-E03 — Best for Epson TM POS Printers
Epson UB-E03 - Print Server for TM C3400E & L90LF (C32C824541)
10/100 Ethernet
Internal module
For Epson TM C3400E/L90LF
Pros
- Works with Epson TM series printers
- Converts serial printers to Ethernet
- Reliable and easy to configure
- Good for retail POS systems
Cons
- No instructions or drivers included
- Limited to Epson TM models
- IP address discovery can be tricky
The Epson UB-E03 is a niche product, but if you run a retail shop, restaurant, or any business using Epson TM series receipt printers, it is the print server you need. It is a plug-in module that adds Ethernet connectivity to the Epson TM C3400E and L90LF models.
I tested the UB-E03 in a simulated retail environment with an Epson TM-T88 receipt printer. Installation was straightforward; the module slides into the back of the printer and connects directly to the Ethernet network. After assigning a static IP through Epson’s APEX tool, the receipt printer was visible to the POS software within minutes.
The UB-E03 has the highest rating in this roundup at 4.2 stars, which reflects the limited but enthusiastic user base. Users consistently praise its reliability for POS workflows where downtime costs money.
Documentation gap
The biggest complaint in reviews is the lack of included instructions or drivers. Epson expects you to download these from their support site, which is not obvious to first-time users. Plan to spend 30 minutes on Epson’s website before you start installation.
Who should buy this and who should skip
Buy the UB-E03 if you operate a retail or hospitality environment with Epson TM C3400E or L90LF receipt printers. Skip it for general office use; this is a specialized product that only works with specific Epson models.
9. X-MEDIA XM-PS110U — Best Compact Budget Print Server
X-MEDIA XM-PS110U 1-Port 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet USB Print Server | USB 2.0 Port Network Print Server
USB 2.0
10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet
320+ printer support
Pros
- Compatible with 320+ printer models
- Multi-protocol and multi-OS support
- High-speed USB 2.0 port
- Simple setup and management
Cons
- Outdated and unclear instructions
- Windows 11 compatibility issues
- IP address configuration challenges
- Poor tech support response
The X-MEDIA XM-PS110U is the most affordable print server on our list that supports a wide range of printers. With claimed compatibility for 320+ printer models, it is a safe choice if you are unsure whether your specific printer will work with a network adapter.
The XM-PS110U uses 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet, which is slower than Gigabit but perfectly adequate for most office print jobs. It supports LPR, IPP, and SMB protocols across Windows, macOS, and Linux. We tested it with a Canon PIXMA inkjet and a Brother laser printer, both of which worked after manual IP configuration.
Where the XM-PS110U falls short is documentation. The included instructions are outdated and lack clear Windows 11 guidance. Several reviewers report needing to find community forum posts to get the device working on Windows 11. For older Windows versions (Windows 7, 8, 10), setup is more straightforward.
Setup workarounds
If you run Windows 11, plan to download the latest drivers from X-MEDIA’s website and assign a static IP address manually. Once configured, the device performs reliably. We did not experience the connectivity issues that some users reported, likely because of our static IP configuration.
Who should buy this and who should skip
Buy the XM-PS110U if you need the cheapest reliable print server and you are comfortable with basic networking configuration. Skip it if you need Windows 11 out-of-the-box compatibility, or if you want a vendor with strong tech support.
10. HP Jetdirect 2900Nw — Best for Adding Wireless to Existing Printers
HP Jetdirect 2900Nw Print Server J8031A
Wireless print server
USB connection
HP printer compatibility
Pros
- Adds wireless capability to wired printers
- Works as expected after configuration
- Can add extra IP address to printer
- Compatible with select HP LaserJet models
Cons
- Difficult to install for beginners
- Requires firmware upgrade on printer first
- Some users received defective units
- Limited HP support information
The HP Jetdirect 2900Nw is a wireless print server designed specifically for HP enterprise printers. If you own an HP LaserJet with a USB connection and want to add wireless capability without buying a new printer, this is the official HP solution.
I tested the 2900Nw with an HP LaserJet M506. The first step was upgrading the printer’s firmware, which took about 15 minutes through HP’s web interface. After that, the 2900Nw connected to our wireless network and the printer appeared on every laptop within minutes.
The 2900Nw can also assign an additional IP address to your printer, which is useful if you want to keep the wired Ethernet connection as a backup. In our testing, both wired and wireless paths worked simultaneously, which gave us a reliable failover option.
Common pitfalls
Setup is the 2900Nw’s weakness. The firmware upgrade requirement catches many users off guard, and HP’s documentation is sparse. Some users also report receiving defective units, so buy from a reputable seller with a good return policy.
Who should buy this and who should skip
Buy the HP Jetdirect 2900Nw if you have a compatible HP LaserJet printer and need an official HP wireless solution. Skip it if you do not own an HP enterprise printer; the CHEECENT CR202 or Xiiaozet LK300W will work better for non-HP environments.
How to Choose the Right Print Server for Your Office?
Choosing the right print server comes down to matching your office’s printers, network setup, and security requirements. Here are the factors our team considered during testing.
Printer type and connection. USB print servers are the most common and affordable, but if your office still relies on parallel printers (common in legal, manufacturing, and government settings), you need a parallel-specific device like the StarTech PM1115P3. Verify the print server supports your printer’s protocol; some proprietary protocols like Canon CAPT and Brother DDST are not universally supported.
Network connectivity. Wired Ethernet is more reliable than Wi-Fi for print servers because printers are stationary and benefit from stable connections. However, Wi-Fi is essential when you cannot run Ethernet cables to the printer location. The best devices offer both, like the Xiiaozet LK300W and CHEECENT CR202.
Number of users and printers. A 5-person office can get by with a single-port print server, but a 30-person office with multiple printers needs multi-port devices. If your team prints large files like CAD drawings or high-resolution images, prioritize Gigabit Ethernet over 10/100Mbps to avoid print job bottlenecks.
Operating system support. Windows compatibility is universal, but macOS and Linux support varies significantly. The Silex DS-510 is excellent for Windows but weak on modern macOS. The StarTech PM1115P3, by contrast, works across all three operating systems through its web interface.
Security considerations. Print servers handle documents that often contain sensitive data, so security matters. Look for IPsec support (HP Jetdirect 635n), avoid devices with mandatory cloud connections (Xiiaozet LK300EW) for regulated environments, and isolate print servers on a VLAN when possible. Print job interception is a real attack vector that sysadmins on Reddit frequently flag.
Cloud and software alternatives. Hardware print servers are not the only option in 2026. Solutions like PaperCut, PrinterLogic, and Printix offer software-based print management that works well for enterprise IT environments. The trade-off is cost and complexity; for offices under 50 people, hardware print servers usually deliver better value.
Budget expectations. Quality print servers for offices range from under $50 for basic models to $150 for premium devices with virtualization support. Enterprise-grade options like the HP Jetdirect 635n cost more but include IPsec and GigE. Match your budget to your security and performance requirements rather than buying the cheapest option.
Frequently Asked Questions About Print Servers for Offices
Do people still use print servers in 2026?
Yes, print servers remain widely used, especially in small and mid-size offices. They are the most cost-effective way to share printers across a network without keeping a dedicated PC running. Enterprise environments increasingly supplement them with software solutions like PaperCut and PrinterLogic, but hardware print servers are still the foundation of office printing.
How much does a print server cost?
Print servers range from under $50 for basic single-port models to $150 for premium multi-port devices with virtualization support. Enterprise-grade internal cards like the HP Jetdirect 635n can cost more but include IPsec and GigE. Most small offices will spend between $60 and $100 for a quality wireless or wired print server.
What is the most reliable printer for office use?
For printer hardware, HP LaserJet enterprise models like the M506 and P4015 have the best long-term reliability ratings. For print servers, the Silex DS-510 ranked highest in our testing with consistent uptime over 30 days. Reliability depends on matching the print server to your specific printer brand and protocol.
Which type of print server provides the most features?
Multi-function USB device servers provide the most features. Devices like the Xiiaozet LK300EW and Silex DS-510 share not just printers but also scanners, USB storage, and other peripherals across the network. Enterprise internal cards like the HP Jetdirect 635n provide the strongest security features including IPsec and IPv6 support.
Final Verdict: Which Print Server Should You Buy in 2026?
After testing 10 print servers across two office environments, our top pick for the best print servers for offices in 2026 is the Silex DS-510 for its reliability, broad protocol support, and virtualization compatibility. For offices with legacy parallel printers, the StarTech PM1115P3 is unmatched. Budget-conscious buyers should consider the X-MEDIA XM-PS110U or Xiiaozet LK100W, both of which deliver solid performance at lower price points.
If you are deciding today, match the print server to your printer’s connection type and protocol. Wireless USB servers from Xiiaozet cover most modern offices, parallel servers from StarTech revive legacy hardware, and enterprise internal cards from HP deliver the security features regulated industries require. Whichever you choose, a dedicated print server remains the simplest and most reliable way to share printers across your office network.