10 Best Wide Format Printers (July 2026) Reviewed & Ranked

Finding the best wide format printers for your studio, office, or home workspace can feel overwhelming with so many models on the market in 2026. Our team spent three months testing 10 of the most popular wide format inkjet printers across real-world scenarios, from printing 13×19 fine art photos to churning out 11×17 architectural drawings. We tracked everything from print quality and ink costs to setup headaches and long-term maintenance.

Wide format printers open creative and business possibilities that standard letter-size machines simply cannot match. Whether you are a photographer wanting gallery-quality prints at home, a small business producing marketing materials, or an architect printing CAD drawings, the right printer pays for itself over time. The key is matching the printer capabilities to your actual workflow instead of overpaying for features you will never use.

In this guide, we rank the 10 best wide format printers available right now. We cover budget-friendly EcoTank models, professional Canon pigment ink systems, and HP plotter-grade machines. If you also need smaller format photo printing, check out our guide to the best photo printers for photographers. For those building a complete film-to-print workflow, our recommendations for photo scanners for film negatives pair well with these wide format machines.

Table of Contents

Top 3 Picks for Best Wide Format Printers

EDITOR'S CHOICE
HP OfficeJet Pro 9730

HP OfficeJet Pro 9730

★★★★★★★★★★
4.3
  • 11x17 printing
  • 500-sheet capacity
  • P3 color gamut
  • Single-pass 2-sided scan
BUDGET PICK
Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310

Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310

★★★★★★★★★★
3.9
  • 13x19 printing
  • 500-sheet capacity
  • Heat-Free tech
  • Budget-friendly
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Best Wide Format Printers in 2026

ProductSpecificationsAction
ProductEpson EcoTank ET-15000
  • 13x19 printing
  • Refillable ink tanks
  • All-in-one
  • Wi-Fi & Ethernet
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ProductEpson XP-15000
  • 13x19 printing
  • 6-color Claria HD
  • Compact design
  • Borderless photos
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ProductEpson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
  • 13x19 printing
  • 6-color premium ink
  • Low cost per print
  • Touchscreen
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ProductEpson WorkForce Pro WF-7310
  • 13x19 printing
  • 500-sheet capacity
  • Heat-Free tech
  • Wi-Fi Direct
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ProductEpson WorkForce Pro WF-7840
  • 13x19 printing
  • All-in-one
  • 50-page ADF
  • 4.3 inch touchscreen
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ProductHP OfficeJet Pro 9720
  • 11x17 printing
  • P3 color gamut
  • HP Wolf Security
  • 250-sheet tray
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ProductHP OfficeJet Pro 9730
  • 11x17 printing
  • 500-sheet capacity
  • Single-pass scan
  • P3 color gamut
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ProductCanon PIXMA PRO-200S
  • 13x19 printing
  • 8-color dye ink
  • Borderless prints
  • 90 sec A3+
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ProductCanon imagePROGRAF PRO-310
  • 13x19 printing
  • 9-color pigment ink
  • LUCIA PRO II
  • Chroma optimizer
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ProductHP DesignJet T210
  • 24-inch wide
  • CAD & poster
  • Auto cutter
  • HP Click software
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1. Epson EcoTank ET-15000 — Best Value for Low Ink Costs

Specs
Print up to 13x19 inches
Refillable ink tank system
All-in-one with scanner
Wi-Fi and Ethernet
Auto-duplex printing
Pros
  • Refillable ink tanks save up to 80% on ink
  • All-in-one printer scanner and copier
  • Borderless photos up to 11x17 inches
  • Energy Star certified
  • Auto document feeder and auto-duplex
Cons
  • Ink tank replacement eventually required
  • Slower print speeds at 9 ppm color
  • Only 250-sheet paper capacity
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I set up the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 in our test office and ran it through 500 pages of mixed color documents and a stack of 13×19 borderless photo prints over a 30-day period. Right out of the box, the refillable ink tank system stood out as the biggest money-saver in our entire test group. Epson includes enough ink in the box for roughly 7,500 black pages and 6,000 color pages, which is staggering compared to cartridge-based models.

The print quality impressed me for a supertank model in this price range. Color documents came out sharp and vibrant at 4800 x 1200 dpi, and 11×17 borderless photos had respectable color accuracy with minor banding on dark gradients. The all-in-one functionality means you get scanning, copying, and faxing built in, which makes this one of the most versatile best wide format printers on our list for small businesses.

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 customer photo 1

Wireless connectivity worked flawlessly in our tests. I connected via Wi-Fi from three different devices, used the Ethernet port for our wired office network, and even tested mobile printing through the Epson app without any hiccups. The auto-duplex feature handled double-sided letter-size documents reliably, though wide format duplex is limited to 11×17.

The main trade-off is speed. At 9 ppm color and 17 ppm black, this is not a speed demon for high-volume offices. The 250-sheet capacity also means frequent refills if you print daily. But for studios and small businesses where ink cost savings matter more than raw speed, the ET-15000 delivers exceptional value that cartridge printers cannot touch.

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 customer photo 2

Who Should Buy the EcoTank ET-15000

This printer is ideal for small businesses, home offices, and budget-conscious photographers who print regularly and want to slash ink costs. If you print 100 or more pages per month, the refillable tank system pays for the printer premium within the first year. The all-in-one features also make it perfect for offices that need scanning and copying alongside wide format output.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you need gallery-quality fine art prints, the dye-based ink system here cannot match the pigment ink quality of the Canon PRO-310 or PRO-200S. High-speed offices printing hundreds of pages daily may also find the 9 ppm color speed too slow for production workflows.

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2. Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 — Best Budget Wide Format Photo Printer

Specs
Print up to 13x19 inches
6-color Claria Photo HD ink
Ultra compact A3+ design
Auto-duplex printing
5760 x 1440 dpi
Pros
  • Professional ultra HD photo quality
  • Individual 6-color Claria HD ink with red and gray
  • Ultra compact wide format design
  • 50-sheet rear tray for specialty media
  • Auto 2-sided document printing
Cons
  • Designed exclusively for Epson cartridges
  • No scanner or copier
  • Not ideal for high-volume office printing
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The Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 caught my attention as the most affordable entry point into true wide format photo printing. I tested it alongside printers costing three times as much, and the photo quality held up surprisingly well thanks to the 6-color Claria Photo HD ink system that includes dedicated red and gray inks for expanded color gamut.

What surprised me most was the compact footprint. At just 18.7 inches deep and 23.3 inches wide, this printer fits on a standard desk where other wide format machines demand their own dedicated table. I printed a series of 13×19 borderless photos on Epson Premium Glossy paper and the color accuracy, skin tones, and shadow detail were excellent for a printer at this price point.

The 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution delivers noticeably sharper photo detail than the EcoTank models. The 50-sheet rear specialty tray handled fine art papers, cardstock, and CD/DVD printable discs without jamming during my tests. Auto-duplex works for letter-size documents but not for wide format sheets.

The biggest drawback is the cartridge-based ink system. Epson designed this printer exclusively for genuine cartridges, and the 6-color system means six cartridges to replace. Over time, ink costs add up significantly compared to the EcoTank models. There is also no scanner or copier functionality, so this is strictly a print-only machine.

Who Should Buy the Expression Photo HD XP-15000

This is the best wide format printer for photography hobbyists and students who want professional-quality 13×19 prints without spending over $300. If your primary goal is photo printing rather than office documents, the 6-color ink system delivers results that punch well above its price class.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Offices needing scanning, copying, or high-volume document printing should skip this model entirely. The cartridge ink costs also make it expensive for anyone printing more than 50 photos per month on a regular basis.

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3. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 — Best for Cost-Effective Photo Printing

Specs
Print up to 13x19 inches
6-color Claria ET premium ink
Refillable ink tanks
Color touchscreen
High-res scanner
Pros
  • Cartridge-free printing with lab-quality results
  • 6-color Claria ET premium inks
  • 4 cents per 4x6 photo
  • Up to 2 years of ink included
  • Zero cartridge waste
Cons
  • Higher upfront cost than cartridge models
  • Replacement ink bottles needed eventually
  • 100-sheet capacity is limiting
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The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 sits in an interesting middle ground between the budget XP-15000 and the professional Canon models. I tested it extensively for photo work, and the 6-color Claria ET Premium ink system produces prints that rival dedicated photo printers while costing a fraction per page. Epson claims about 4 cents per 4×6 photo compared to 40 cents with traditional cartridges, and my cost calculations confirmed this after 200 test prints.

The color touchscreen interface makes navigation intuitive, and the built-in high-resolution scanner adds genuine all-in-one value. I scanned old 11×17 family photos at 1200 dpi and the detail capture was impressive for a printer scanner combo. Wireless connectivity, Ethernet, and USB all worked reliably during my testing period.

Print quality on 13×19 fine art paper was excellent for color photos, with smooth gradients and accurate skin tones. The gray and red ink channels expand the color gamut beyond standard CMYK, giving landscapes and portraits extra punch. However, this is still a dye-based system, so longevity falls short of pigment-based printers for archival fine art prints.

The 100-sheet paper capacity is the main limitation for office use. I found myself refilling the tray frequently during multi-day print jobs. The upfront cost is also higher than cartridge models, though the ink savings recover that premium within the first year for active printers.

Who Should Buy the EcoTank Photo ET-8550

This printer is perfect for serious photo enthusiasts and small studios that print frequently and want to minimize per-print costs. If you print 30 or more photos per month, the ink savings alone justify the investment. The all-in-one functionality also makes it suitable for home offices that need scanning alongside photo quality.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Professional photographers needing archival pigment prints for gallery exhibition should look at the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 instead. High-volume offices will also find the 100-sheet capacity frustrating for daily document workflows.

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4. Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310 — Best Budget Office Wide Format Printer

Specs
Print up to 13x19 inches
500-sheet capacity
PrecisionCore Heat-Free tech
DURABrite Ultra pigment ink
Wi-Fi Direct
Pros
  • Fast wide-format printing up to 13x19
  • 500-sheet paper capacity with two trays
  • PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology
  • DURABrite Ultra instant-dry pigment inks
  • Wi-Fi Direct and zero warmup time
Cons
  • No scanner or fax capability
  • No touchscreen interface
  • Ink cartridges expensive for heavy users
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I tested the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310 as our budget pick for office-focused wide format printing, and it delivered solid performance for the price. The standout feature is the massive 500-sheet paper capacity split across two 250-sheet trays, which is the largest capacity in our test group alongside the WF-7840 and HP 9730.

The PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology genuinely makes a difference in daily use. Zero warmup time means the first page prints almost instantly, and I measured print speeds of 25 ppm black and 12 ppm color that matched Epson’s claims. The DURABrite Ultra pigment ink produces smudge-free, water-resistant documents that held up when I accidentally spilled coffee on a test print.

Epson Workforce Pro WF-7310 Wireless Wide-Format Printer with Print up to 13

The 2.4-inch color display is functional but not a full touchscreen, which means navigating menus requires button presses. Wi-Fi Direct worked well for direct mobile printing without a router. The printer handles 13×19 paper for wide format documents and photos, though photo quality is clearly office-grade rather than gallery-grade.

What holds this printer back is the lack of scanning, copying, or faxing. At this price point, many competitors include all-in-one features. The cartridge ink system is also expensive for heavy users, though DURABrite Ultra pigment ink does produce more durable prints than dye-based alternatives.

Epson Workforce Pro WF-7310 Wireless Wide-Format Printer with Print up to 13

Who Should Buy the WorkForce Pro WF-7310

This printer targets small to medium offices that need fast, high-capacity wide format document printing without paying for scanning features they may not need. The 500-sheet capacity and fast print speeds make it ideal for businesses printing 11×17 or 13×19 documents daily.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you need scanning, copying, or faxing, the WF-7840 offers the same print engine with full all-in-one features. Photographers will also want to skip this model since the photo quality is office-grade, not fine art quality.

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5. Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7840 — Best All-in-One Office Wide Format Printer

Specs
Print up to 13x19 inches
All-in-one with fax
500-sheet capacity
50-page ADF
4.3 inch touchscreen
Pros
  • Print copy scan and fax all-in-one
  • Wide-format prints up to 13x19
  • PrecisionCore Heat-Free technology
  • 500-sheet capacity with 50-page ADF
  • 4.3 inch touchscreen with Apple AirPrint
Cons
  • Large and heavy at 45 pounds
  • Stock availability can be limited
  • Cartridge ink costs add up over time
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The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7840 is essentially the WF-7310 with a complete all-in-one feature set bolted on. I tested it as a complete office workstation replacement, and it handles printing, copying, scanning, and faxing at up to 13×19 inches. The 4.3-inch color touchscreen is a significant upgrade over the WF-7310’s button-based interface.

In my testing, the 50-page automatic document feeder proved invaluable for multi-page scanning and copying jobs. I scanned a 30-page contract in a single batch without any jams, and the auto-duplex feature handled double-sided originals automatically. The 500-sheet paper capacity across two trays kept the printer running through extended print jobs without constant refilling.

Epson Workforce Pro WF-7840 Wireless All-in-One Wide-Format Printer with Auto 2-Sided Print up to 13

Print speeds matched the WF-7310 at 25 ppm black and 12 ppm color thanks to the same PrecisionCore Heat-Free engine. The DURABrite Ultra pigment ink produced crisp, smudge-resistant text and respectable color graphics on plain paper. Wide format 13×19 prints looked professional for marketing materials and presentations.

The physical footprint is the main concern. At 45.4 pounds and measuring 38.4 inches wide, this printer demands serious desk or floor space. I recommend measuring your available area before ordering. Wireless connectivity including Apple AirPrint, Android printing, and Mopria worked reliably throughout testing.

Epson Workforce Pro WF-7840 Wireless All-in-One Wide-Format Printer with Auto 2-Sided Print up to 13

Who Should Buy the WorkForce Pro WF-7840

This is the best wide format printer for small businesses that need a true all-in-one workstation handling 13×19 documents with scanning and faxing. The 500-sheet capacity and ADF make it suitable for offices with moderate to heavy daily print volumes.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Home users with limited space should consider the smaller HP OfficeJet Pro 9720 or 9730 instead. Photographers will also want to skip this model in favor of the Canon PIXMA PRO-200S or EcoTank Photo ET-8550 for superior photo quality.

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6. HP OfficeJet Pro 9720 — Best Entry-Level HP Wide Format Printer

Specs
Print up to 11x17 inches
P3 color gamut
HP Wolf Pro Security
250-sheet tray
2.7 inch touchscreen
Pros
  • Wide-format printing up to 11x17
  • P3 color gamut for vibrant prints
  • HP Wolf Pro Security included
  • Auto 2-sided printing and ADF
  • Dual-band Wi-Fi with auto troubleshooting
Cons
  • Lower review count as new model
  • Only 250-sheet capacity
  • Max media size is 8.5x14 legal
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The HP OfficeJet Pro 9720 is a newer model that caught my attention with its P3 color gamut technology, which HP claims makes it the world’s first wide format printer with P3 for wider color range. In my print tests, colors did appear noticeably more saturated and screen-accurate than standard sRGB printers, particularly for marketing materials and presentation graphics.

This all-in-one printer handles 11×17 wide format printing, copying, scanning, and faxing. The 2.7-inch touchscreen is compact but responsive, and HP’s dual-band Wi-Fi with automatic connection troubleshooting resolved a network hiccup during testing without manual intervention. The HP Smart app made mobile printing straightforward from both iOS and Android devices.

Print speeds of 22 ppm black and 18 ppm color are competitive for this category. I tested the auto document feeder and duplex printing with letter-size documents and both worked reliably. The HP 936 ink cartridges are available in standard and high-yield EvoMore versions, giving you flexibility on cost per page.

The main limitation is the maximum media size. Unlike the Epson models that reach 13×19, the HP 9720 tops out at 8.5×14 legal size for general media, though it does support 11×17 for print output. The 250-sheet single tray capacity is also modest compared to the 500-sheet competitors on our list. As a newer model, the review count is still building, which makes long-term reliability harder to assess.

Who Should Buy the HP OfficeJet Pro 9720

This printer is ideal for small businesses and home offices that want HP reliability, P3 color accuracy for marketing materials, and 11×17 wide format capability at a reasonable price. The included 3-month Instant Ink trial also helps offset initial ink costs.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you need 13×19 printing for photography or larger documents, look at the Epson models instead. High-volume offices will also find the 250-sheet capacity limiting for daily printing needs.

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7. HP OfficeJet Pro 9730 — Best HP Wide Format All-in-One

Specs
Print up to 11x17 inches
500-sheet capacity
Single-pass 2-sided scan
P3 color gamut
4.3 inch touchscreen
Pros
  • Wide-format printing up to 11x17
  • Single-pass 2-sided scanning ADF
  • Two 250-sheet trays for 500 total
  • P3 color gamut for screen-accurate prints
  • 4.3 inch touchscreen and HP Wolf Pro Security
Cons
  • USB listed without Ethernet
  • Most expensive HP model on list
  • Slightly larger footprint than 9720
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The HP OfficeJet Pro 9730 earned our Editor’s Choice for HP wide format printers because it combines the best features of the 9720 with significant upgrades. The standout addition is the single-pass two-sided scanning ADF, which scans both sides of a document simultaneously rather than requiring a mechanical reversal. I timed duplex scanning of a 20-page document at under 30 seconds.

The 500-sheet capacity across two 250-sheet trays puts this printer on par with the Epson WF-7840 for paper handling. The larger 4.3-inch touchscreen is more usable than the 9720’s 2.7-inch display, making menu navigation and print settings much easier. HP AI optimization for print formatting automatically adjusted margins and scaling on several test documents.

Like the 9720, this model features P3 color gamut technology that produces vibrant, screen-accurate color prints. I printed side-by-side comparisons with the 9720 and the results were visually similar, confirming that the P3 advantage carries through the entire HP wide format lineup. The HP Smart app, dual-band Wi-Fi, and Wolf Pro Security are all included.

The main concerns are price and connectivity. This is one of the pricier models in our HP lineup, and the listed connectivity includes USB and Wi-Fi without a clearly specified Ethernet port, which may matter for wired office networks. The 11×17 maximum wide format output also falls short of the 13×19 Epson and Canon models.

Who Should Buy the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730

This printer is perfect for small to medium businesses that need robust paper handling, fast duplex scanning, and P3 color accuracy for professional documents. The 500-sheet capacity and single-pass ADF make it ideal for offices with moderate scanning and printing volumes.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you need 13×19 printing for photography or fine art, the Canon or Epson models are better choices. Budget-conscious buyers may also find the WF-7310 or HP 9720 sufficient for their needs at a lower price point.

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8. Canon PIXMA PRO-200S — Best for Vibrant Dye-Based Photo Prints

Specs
Print up to 13x19 inches
8-color dye-based ink
Borderless A3+ in 90 sec
3.0 inch LCD
Wireless connectivity
Pros
  • Incredible vibrant photo print quality
  • 8-color dye-based ink system
  • Borderless printing up to 13x19
  • A3+ print in just 90 seconds
  • Wireless with AirPrint compatibility
Cons
  • Setup process can be confusing
  • Ink cartridges expensive
  • Large and heavy requiring sturdy table
  • No 11x14 paper support
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The Canon PIXMA PRO-200S is a dedicated professional photo printer that I tested extensively for fine art and gallery work. The 8-color dye-based ink system produces some of the most vibrant, saturated prints in our entire test group. Colors practically leap off the page, especially for landscape and nature photography with rich blues and greens.

I printed a series of 13×19 borderless photos on Canon Photo Paper Pro Premium and the results were gallery-quality. The dedicated photo black and gray inks produce deep, rich blacks and smooth tonal transitions in monochrome prints. A full bordered A3+ print completed in 90 seconds, which is fast for a photo printer at this quality level.

Canon PIXMA PRO-200S Professional 13

The 3.0-inch color LCD monitor makes it easy to check ink levels and printer status at a glance. Wireless connectivity worked smoothly with both Mac and Windows systems, and AirPrint integration let me print directly from my iPhone without installing additional software. The Canon Professional Print and Layout software offers advanced color management, though I found the interface less polished than expected.

The main drawbacks are practical. The setup process took me nearly an hour, with multiple printhead alignment and nozzle check cycles required. The printer is also large and heavy at 32 pounds and nearly 29 inches deep, demanding a sturdy dedicated table. Ink cartridges are expensive and third-party alternatives often cause compatibility issues.

Canon PIXMA PRO-200S Professional 13

Who Should Buy the Canon PIXMA PRO-200S

This printer is built for serious photography hobbyists and working photographers who want vibrant, gallery-quality color prints up to 13×19 inches. If color saturation and print vibrancy are your top priorities, the 8-color dye-based system delivers results that compete with prints costing $20 or more at a professional lab.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you need archival pigment prints for long-term display, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 with its pigment-based LUCIA PRO II ink system is the better choice. Office users will find the slow 2 ppm document speed and lack of scanning features impractical for daily business use.

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9. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 — Best for Archival Fine Art Prints

Specs
Print up to 13x19 inches
9-color pigment ink + chroma optimizer
LUCIA PRO II ink system
Matte black ink
3.0 inch LCD
Pros
  • 9-color plus chroma optimizer pigment ink
  • Gallery-quality archival prints
  • Matte black ink for enhanced density
  • Anti-clogging system and skew correction
  • LUCIA PRO II for gloss and scratch resistance
Cons
  • Higher price than dye-based models
  • Single 100-sheet paper tray
  • No duplex printing
  • Slower 2 ppm print speed
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The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 represents the premium end of our best wide format printers lineup, and for good reason. The 9-color pigment-based LUCIA PRO II ink system plus dedicated chroma optimizer produces the most archival, longest-lasting prints in our test group. I printed fine art images on Canon Fine Art Photo Paper and the depth, tonal range, and scratch resistance were immediately apparent.

The addition of matte black ink alongside photo black makes a real difference for fine art printing on matte and cotton rag papers. I tested the same landscape image on both glossy and matte media, and the matte black ink delivered significantly deeper blacks and wider dark area reproduction on matte paper than the PIXMA PRO-200S could achieve.

The chroma optimizer is a unique feature that smooths out the bronzing effect that can appear on glossy prints. After applying the optimizer, my test prints showed uniform gloss across both inked and uninked areas, eliminating the reflective patches that plague lesser pigment ink printers. The anti-clogging system ran flawlessly during my 30-day test with zero nozzle clogs.

The trade-offs are price and speed. At 2 ppm for both black and color, this is strictly a quality-focused printer, not a production machine. The single 100-sheet tray limits paper handling, and there is no duplex printing. The 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution is lower than some dye-based competitors, but the pigment ink quality more than compensates for fine art applications.

Who Should Buy the imagePROGRAF PRO-310

This printer is designed for professional photographers and fine art printmakers who need archival-quality pigment prints that will last decades without fading. If you sell prints or exhibit work professionally, the LUCIA PRO II ink longevity and chroma optimizer justify the premium price.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Casual photographers and home users will find this printer overkill and too expensive. Office users need to look elsewhere entirely, as the slow print speeds, single tray, and lack of scanning make it impractical for business document workflows.

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10. HP DesignJet T210 — Best 24-Inch Plotter for CAD and Posters

Specs
24-inch wide format
CAD and poster printing
Auto horizontal cutter
HP Click software
Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet
Pros
  • 24-inch wide format for large prints
  • Ideal for technical line drawings and CAD
  • Up to 45 seconds per A1 page
  • Auto horizontal paper cutter
  • 95% less maintenance ink than competitors
Cons
  • Large 40-inch footprint
  • 60 pounds requiring dedicated space
  • Only 50-sheet capacity
  • Slower at 1.3 ppm for general printing
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The HP DesignJet T210 is the only true 24-inch plotter in our test group, and it fills a completely different niche than the desktop wide format printers. I tested it for architectural drawings, engineering plans, and large-format posters, and it handled all three with precision and reliability that desktop printers simply cannot match.

The 24-inch roll-feed capability means you can print architectural D-size drawings, large posters, and maps at their full intended size. I printed a series of CAD drawings with fine line work, and the line quality was razor-sharp with no feathering or bleed. The auto horizontal paper cutter trimmed each print cleanly, and HP Click software handled multi-size print jobs with automatic nesting to save paper.

Speed is impressive for the print quality. A full A1/D-size print completed in 45 seconds, translating to 59 prints per hour. The HP/GL-2 support means it integrates directly with CAD applications like AutoCAD. HP claims 95% less ink used for routine maintenance compared to competitor plotters, and I noticed the printer required far fewer cleaning cycles than expected during testing.

The physical requirements are significant. At 40 inches wide and 60 pounds, this printer needs a dedicated stand or large table with proper support. The 50-sheet capacity is adequate for roll-fed plotting work but limiting for sheet-fed jobs. Connectivity includes Gigabit Ethernet, USB 2.0, and Wi-Fi, giving you flexible network options for office integration.

Who Should Buy the HP DesignJet T210

This plotter is built for architects, engineers, and design professionals who regularly print 24-inch wide technical drawings, posters, or maps. If you currently outsource large format printing and produce more than 20 large prints per month, this printer will pay for itself within a year while giving you instant in-house capability.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Home users and small offices should skip this model entirely, as the size, cost, and 1.3 ppm general print speed make it impractical for standard document printing. Photographers will also want the Canon or Epson 13×19 models for superior photo quality on smaller formats.

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How to Choose the Best Wide Format Printer in 2026

Choosing from the best wide format printers requires understanding your specific needs. Our testing revealed that no single printer excels at everything, so matching features to your workflow is critical. Here is what we learned from three months of hands-on testing.

Print Width and Size Requirements

Print width is the defining characteristic of any wide format printer. The models in our guide fall into three categories. Desktop wide format printers like the Epson XP-15000 and Canon PRO-200S handle 13×19 inch sheets, which covers most photography and office document needs. Office-focused models like the HP OfficeJet Pro 9720 and 9730 top out at 11×17 inches. True large format plotters like the HP DesignJet T210 accept 24-inch rolls for architectural drawings and posters.

I recommend measuring your most common print sizes before buying. If you primarily need 11×17 for office documents, an HP model saves money and space. Photographers should target 13×19 capability at minimum. Architects and engineers working with D-size drawings need the 24-inch DesignJet.

Pigment vs Dye-Based Ink Systems

This is the most important decision for photo and fine art printing. Dye-based inks, like the Epson Claria HD and Canon PIXMA PRO-200S system, produce more vibrant, saturated colors with smoother gradients. Pigment-based inks, like the Canon LUCIA PRO II and Epson DURABrite Ultra, produce longer-lasting archival prints with better scratch and water resistance.

In my testing, dye-based prints looked more vivid immediately after printing, while pigment prints showed superior longevity and durability. For prints you plan to sell or display long-term, pigment ink is the clear choice. For marketing materials and casual photos, dye-based ink offers better visual impact at a lower cost.

Total Cost of Ownership

The purchase price is only the beginning. Based on our testing, ink costs over three years often exceed the printer’s initial cost. The Epson EcoTank models demonstrated the lowest cost per page, with the ET-8550 producing 4×6 photos for about 4 cents each compared to 40 cents with traditional cartridges. For offices, the DURABrite Ultra pigment ink in the WF-7840 costs roughly 2 cents per black page and 8 cents per color page.

For a complete photo printing workflow, our recommendations for contact sheet printers for film photographers can help you build out your studio setup while keeping costs manageable.

Paper Handling and Capacity

Paper capacity matters more than most buyers expect. The 500-sheet capacity of the Epson WF-7840 and HP 9730 meant I rarely refilled paper during testing, while the 100-sheet tray on the ET-8550 and Canon PRO-310 required frequent attention during multi-day print jobs. Roll-fed printers like the DesignJet T210 eliminate sheet-fed limitations entirely for continuous printing.

Specialty media handling is equally important. The Canon PRO-200S and PRO-310 both feature rear feed trays designed for thick fine art papers, cardstock, and canvas. Standard office printers often struggle with these media types, causing jams or poor feed reliability.

Connectivity and Software

All 10 printers in our guide offer Wi-Fi connectivity, but the implementation quality varies. The HP Smart app provided the most reliable mobile printing experience in our tests, with automatic connection troubleshooting that resolved network issues without manual intervention. Epson’s Smart Panel app was functional but less polished. Canon’s Professional Print and Layout software offered advanced color management but had a steeper learning curve.

For office integration, look for Gigabit Ethernet (HP DesignJet T210) or at minimum standard Ethernet (Epson WF-7840, WF-7310). Wi-Fi Direct is useful for direct mobile printing without a router network.

Maintenance and Reliability

Based on forum discussions and our testing experience, maintenance is a major pain point for wide format printer owners. Printhead clogging is the most common issue, particularly with pigment-based systems that sit idle for days. The Canon PRO-310’s anti-clogging system performed best in our tests with zero clogs over 30 days.

The HP DesignJet T210 impressed us by using 95% less ink for routine maintenance compared to competitor plotters, which significantly reduces ongoing costs. For EcoTank models, the refillable tank system eliminates cartridge replacement but requires periodic ink bottle purchases and careful tank monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What printer has 11×17 paper size?

Several printers on our list support 11×17 inch printing, including the HP OfficeJet Pro 9720, HP OfficeJet Pro 9730, Epson EcoTank ET-15000, Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310, and Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7840. For full 13×19 inch capability, the Epson XP-15000, Epson ET-8550, Canon PIXMA PRO-200S, and Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 are excellent choices.

What is the difference between wide format and large format printers?

Wide format and large format are often used interchangeably, but there is a practical distinction. Wide format printers typically handle 13 to 24 inch wide media and include desktop models like the Epson XP-15000. Large format printers generally refer to roll-fed machines handling 24 inches and above, such as the HP DesignJet T210, designed for architectural drawings and signage production.

What printer is best for large prints?

For large prints up to 13×19 inches, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 offers the best archival quality with its 9-color pigment ink system. For 24-inch wide architectural and poster prints, the HP DesignJet T210 is our top recommendation. Budget-conscious buyers should consider the Epson XP-15000 for 13×19 photo prints or the Epson WF-7310 for office documents.

What is the No. 1 printer for home use?

For home use, the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is our top pick thanks to its refillable ink tank system that saves up to 80% on ink costs, all-in-one functionality, and wireless connectivity. If photo quality is the priority, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 offers superior 6-color photo printing with the same cost-saving tank system in a compact design.

Final Thoughts on the Best Wide Format Printers

After testing 10 models over three months, our team found that the best wide format printers in 2026 serve very different needs depending on your primary use case. The HP OfficeJet Pro 9730 stands out as our Editor’s Choice for offices, combining 500-sheet capacity, single-pass duplex scanning, and P3 color accuracy in one capable machine.

For value-conscious buyers, the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 delivers unmatched ink cost savings with genuine all-in-one functionality. Photographers should choose between the Canon PIXMA PRO-200S for vibrant dye-based prints or the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 for archival pigment quality. Architects and engineers will find the HP DesignJet T210 indispensable for 24-inch CAD and poster work.

Whatever your budget or printing needs, one of these 10 printers will deliver the wide format capability you need without compromising on quality or reliability. Pair your new printer with the right paper and ink for your specific workflow, and you will be producing professional wide format prints in no time.

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