University comes with plenty of expenses. Between accommodation, transport, internet and study materials, a printer might not be the first thing on your shopping list.
But when assignments pile up and exams approach, having one nearby can feel like a good investment.
So, should you buy a printer in 2026, or keep using the library and local print shops? The answer depends less on the brand and more on how you study.
First, do you actually need a printer?
Think about what you print during a typical month.
A personal printer can be useful if you regularly work with lecture notes, revision materials, assignments, research papers or past examination papers. It may also suit you if you find it easier to concentrate on paper and like highlighting or annotating your notes.
Colour printing can matter for courses involving diagrams, charts and visual presentations.
However, if you submit everything digitally and only print occasionally, paying per page may be cheaper. You avoid the purchase price, replacement supplies and responsibility for maintaining another device.
Before buying, track your printing for a few weeks. How many pages do you print? How much do you spend? How often do you need colour?
Those answers will help you choose more confidently than a list of features alone.
Four printers worth comparing
These models illustrate four different approaches to student printing. Availability, specifications, accessories and warranty coverage vary by country, so confirm the exact local model before purchasing.
1. Epson EcoTank ET-3950: for regular printing
If printed notes and revision papers are part of your weekly routine, a refillable ink-tank printer such as the Epson EcoTank ET-3950 is worth comparing.
It combines printing, scanning and copying, with automatic double-sided printing. The refillable ink system is particularly relevant when you expect to print regularly.
The main reason to consider it is ongoing ink costs. With enough printing, a refillable system can offer better value than repeatedly replacing small cartridges.
The trade-off is the upfront investment and desk space. If you print only a handful of pages each term, you may struggle to justify buying a printer designed around more frequent use.
2. HP Smart Tank 5101: for an everyday home-study setup
The HP Smart Tank 5101 is an all-in-one option for students who want to print documents, scan paperwork and make copies using one device.
Its refillable ink tanks and wireless printing support make it worth considering for a shared home or student study space. Printing from compatible phones and computers can also be helpful when your work is spread across devices.
Before buying, check the features that matter to you rather than assuming every all-in-one printer works the same way. Confirm device compatibility, double-sided printing options and local warranty support.
Also check whether this exact model is available in your region.
3. Brother MFC-L2820DW: for mostly black-and-white documents
If you mainly print essays, research articles and revision notes, colour may not be essential.
The Brother MFC-L2820DW is a monochrome laser option with printing, scanning and copying capabilities, plus Wi-Fi and USB connectivity. Confirm the document-feeding features and specifications of the version offered by your seller.
Laser printers are well suited to text-heavy work. Toner also does not dry out like liquid ink can, which is worth considering if your printing varies between busy academic periods and holidays.
The limitation is straightforward: it prints in black and white. If you regularly need colour diagrams or presentation materials, you would need another way to print those.
Compare replacement toner costs and expected yields before deciding.
4. Canon PIXMA TR160: when portability matters
A compact printer can be appealing if you move between university accommodation and home or have limited permanent desk space.
The Canon PIXMA TR160 offers a portable design and wireless printing. An optional battery allows printing away from a power outlet.
However, portability should solve a real need. If the printer will stay on the same desk throughout the year, a conventional home printer may be a more practical choice.
Check replacement ink prices and whether the battery is included or sold separately. The total package cost matters more than the starting price.
Look beyond the price on the box
The cheapest printer to buy is not necessarily the cheapest to own.
Compare the purchase price with the cost of replacement ink or toner, expected page yields, paper and any accessories you need. Make sure compatible supplies are available locally and that the warranty is supported where you live.
Connectivity matters too. Confirm that the printer works with your laptop or phone and suits the way you intend to connect.
If you regularly print long documents, automatic double-sided printing may be useful. If you scan multiple pages at a time, check whether the printer includes an automatic document feeder.
Choose features you will actually use, rather than paying for an impressive specification list.
Buying a printer versus paying per page
A simple comparison can help you decide.
Estimate what you currently spend at the library or print shop over an academic year. Then compare that with the purchase price of a printer plus the paper and supplies you expect to use during the same period.
Be careful when comparing advertised page yields. Your results will depend on what you print, especially when pages contain colour images or large areas of ink coverage.
Convenience has value as well. Printing at home can save trips and make last-minute work easier. But if you print infrequently, that convenience may not outweigh the cost.
There is nothing wrong with deciding not to buy one.
So, which printer should you choose?
For frequent printing, compare refillable ink-tank options such as an Epson EcoTank.
For everyday printing, scanning and copying, consider an all-in-one ink-tank model such as an HP Smart Tank.
For mostly text documents, compare a Brother monochrome laser printer.
For genuine portability needs, consider a compact option such as the Canon PIXMA TR160.
And if you only print occasionally, keep the library or local print shop in the comparison. It may still be the smartest choice for your budget.
Looking for a student printer in Kenya?
Start with your workload: what you print, how often you print and whether you need colour. Then compare the running costs, connectivity and warranty of the models available to you.
You can browse our printer collection to explore options, or contact Epson(K)SmartTech to enquire about current availability and get help narrowing down your choice.
Epson(K)SmartTech sells printers and other technology products in Kenya only. The models discussed in this article are comparison examples, not confirmation of current stock.
Epson(K)SmartTech. Smart tech. Smarter choices.