Considering their unique operating system and their unfortunate incompatibility with USB-only printers, Chromebooks weren’t the easiest laptops to pair with printers, initially.
As the popularity of Chromebooks began to increase, however, more and more manufacturers have started releasing printers compatible with Chromebook devices.
Still, it can be hard to differentiate printers that are compatible with Chromebooks from printers that aren’t, so we’re going to simplify your selection process by revealing our picks for the best printers for Chromebook today, so stick around.
Table of Contents
List of the Top 5 Best Printers Compatible With Chromebook
- HP ENVY 5055 – Best for Cloud-Ready Operation
- Brother Compact HL-L2350 – Best Laser Printer for Chromebook
- HP OfficeJet Pro 9015 – Best for Wireless Operation
- Canon PIXMA TR4520 – Best for Budget
- Samsung Xpress M2020W – Best for Personal Use
- Canon PIXMA iX6820 – Best Inkjet for Chromebook
Our Favorite Picks for Chromebooks’ Printers
| Product | Max Resolution | Speed | Auto Document Feeder |
| HP ENVY 5055 | 4800 x 1200 dpi | 10 ppm | No |
| Brother HL-L2350 | 2400 x 600 dpi | 32 ppm | No |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 9015 | 4800 x 1200 dpi | 22 ppm | Yes |
| Canon PIXMA TR4520 | 4800 x 1200 dpi | 8.8 ppm | Yes |
| Samsung M2020W | 1200 x 1200 dpi | 21 ppm | No |
| Canon PIXMA iX6820 | 9600 x 2400 dpi | 14.5 ppm | No |
The 6 Best Printers for Chromebook in 2021
With so many options to pick from, finding the ideal printer to integrate with your Chromebook can be quite challenging. To help simplify the selection process, we’ve managed to compile a list of the absolute best Chromebook-compatible printers available today.
1. HP ENVY 5055 – Best for Cloud-Ready Operation
The HP ENVY 5055 is an all-in-one, cloud-ready printer that enables you to print, scan, and copy with a very convenient control scheme. The ENVY 5055 is well-equipped with some of the most advanced printer-related features out there, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which enable you to print from just about any device, not just your Chromebook.
You can use the HP Smart app in conjunction with cloud accounts, including DropBox, Google Drive, iCloud, and so forth. Moreover, you can use it to print directly from social media accounts.
As far as the resolution, this printer offers you 4800 x 1200 dpi when it comes to color prints and 1200 x 1200 dpi for grayscale prints. You’re guaranteed an intricate and glossy texture with both functionalities. Numbers-wise, the ENVY 5055 can produce 7 colorful or 10 grayscale pages in a single minute. The device can produce both borderless and bordered prints, too.
Like we already mentioned, this is an all-in-one unit, so you can forget about buying a separate unit to scan your files. It’s equipped with a 1200 x 1200 dpi scanner that features a 2.2-inch mono touchscreen.
The input tray is capable of accommodating up to 100 sheets, so you won’t have to refill every few days. The output tray, on the other hand, can handle only 25 sheets, which isn’t that much compared to other competitors, but it’s still satisfactory.
The HP ENVY 5055 flaunts an auto-duplexing functionality that spares you the hassle of having to flip the pages time and time again when you’re printing, copying, or scanning. To add, the unit is equipped with the Amazon Dash Replenishment feature, which helps reduce ink wastage.
This cloud-ready printer can support a host of media types, including letter, legal, and envelope, just to name a few. The monthly duty cycle on this device is around 1000 pages.
As far as smart features, this device can order ink on your behalf before it runs dry. Further, it can integrate with Amazon Alexa to activate its voice control functionality.
Pros:
- Lots of smart functionalities
- Lightweight and sturdy design
- Cloud-ready operation
- Excellent printing resolution
- Relatively fast printing speed
- Plenty of connectivity options
Cons:
- Wi-Fi malfunctions from time to time
- The software can use some improvements
Final Verdict
The HP ENVY 5055 is a well-rounded printer that’s perfect for just about any Chromebook. It’s one of the best cloud-ready printers out there, if not the best, and it flaunts high printing speed for both monochrome and color prints.
2. Brother Compact HL-L2350 – Best Laser Printer for Chromebook
When it comes to monochrome printing, the Brother Compact HL-L2350 is second to none. It flaunts a 2400 x 600 dpi printing resolution that allows it to produce sharp prints that will satisfy the harshest critic.
The HL-L2350 is fairly compact compared to other laser devices within its class, so you don’t have to worry about it taking much space. Despite its relatively small construction, it still manages to house manifold facilities, which is quite impressive.
This monochrome printer is compatible with Google Cloud Print, which is why it’s among the best-suited printers for Chromebooks. If you want to use Google Cloud Print with other units, you’ll have to connect via Wi-Fi, whereas, with the HL-L2350, Google Cloud Print is enabled already. Speaking of Wi-Fi, this Chromebook printer features Wi-Fi Direct technology as well.
One of the strongest selling points of this printer is its remarkable printing speed of up to 32 pages per minute. This makes it an optimal printer for a workplace environment. Further, the device features auto-duplexing technologies for increased efficiency.
Tray capacity is also very impressive in this machine, flaunting a 250-sheet input tray and a 100-sheet output tray. With such capacity at your service, you can forget all about organizing scattered pages.
To seal the deal, the Brother Compact HL-L2350 features the Dash Replenishment feature, which helps reduce toner wastage significantly.
The monthly volume recommended for this machine is around 2000 pages, which is superior to the ENVY 5055 already, but the actual monthly duty cycle that this machine can handle is up to 15000 pages! Simply put, this is a full-fledged workhorse.
Pros:
- Remarkable printing speed
- Commodious monthly duty cycle
- Amazon Dash Replenishment
- Superior 2400 x 600 dpi print quality
- Very accommodating tray capacity
- Google Cloud Print is enabled
Cons:
- Doesn’t feature an ethernet port
- Hard to integrate with iOS devices
Final Verdict
To put it simply, it’s almost impossible to find a better monochrome printer than the HL-L2350 to pair with your Chromebook. The device offers remarkable print quality and speed, making it one of the best options for business-related use cases.
Read also: Best 11×17 Printer in 2021
3. HP OfficeJet Pro 9015 – Best for Wireless Operation
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9015 is an all-in-one unit that does an admirable job of striking the perfect balance between compact, eye-catching aesthetics and comprehensive functionality. In our very humble opinion, this has to be the best-looking printer on the market today.
Aesthetics aside, the OfficeJet Pro 9015 has Wi-Fi connectivity, which enables you to connect it to any Wi-Fi-enabled device with ease. To add, this is a cloud-ready printer, making it an optimal match for your Chromebook.
This printer can print, copy, scan, and even fax! It only needs to be connected to a compatible device. It offers both greyscale and color operations. If you’re going to print in grayscale, you’ll get a resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi, whereas color prints will enjoy a more vivid 4800 x 1200 dpi.
Similar to the HP ENVY 5055, the OfficeJet Pro 9015 is equipped with the HP Smart app. With the aid of this app, you can adjust your documents and alter a wide range of options. We’re not the biggest fans of the HP Smart app’s interface, but it gets the job done.
This Chromebook-compatible printer also houses an effective 1200 dpi scanner that allows you to scan files directly from your cloud accounts. Moreover, you have the ability to edit those files before you print them out.
The OfficeJet Pro 9015 is also equipped with Smart Tasks, which is a functionality that enables you to digitize your documents for efficient printing. The functionality can be paired with Google Drive or QuickBooks.
This printer capitalizes on the ENVY 5055’s tray capacity by offering a 60-sheet output tray. The input tray, however, remains the same, with up to 250 sheets. In addition, the device features a 35-sheet ADF for your convenience.
The OfficeJet Pro 9015 features the Amazon Dash Replenishment service, which helps save a great deal of ink. It also saves you up to 10% if you were to order more ink using it.
Speed-wise, this printer flaunts 22 pages per minute in grayscale and color operation. To add, it offers both borderless and bordered printing. Last but not least, the device features encryption and password functionalities so that your data is always protected.
Pros:
- All-in-one functionality with fax
- Excellent printing speed of 32 ppm
- Monthly duty cycle of 25000 prints
- Offers auto-duplex printing
- Dash Replenishment service
- Cloud and Wi-Fi connectivity
Cons:
- Construction is comparatively heavy
- Features only one paper input source
Final Verdict
If you’re impressed with the ENVY 5055 but need faster printing and more output tray capacity, it doesn’t get better than the HP OfficeJet Pro 9015. This printer is also cloud services-ready and utilizes Wi-Fi technology, so you’re not missing out on anything, connectivity-wise.
4. Canon PIXMA TR4520 – Best for Budget
For our budget pick, we’re going with the highly popular Canon PIXMA TR4520. Costing under $100, this printer offers a 4-in-1 functionality that covers printing, copying, scanning, and faxing. Quite a lot of value for the money.
One of the strongest selling points of the PIXMA TR4520 is that it’s considerably compact and flaunts a sleek, aesthetically appealing design with an all-black finish. You can also find it in a white finish if black doesn’t accentuate the look of your office. The unit measures 8.8 x 16.9 x 22 inches, so it won’t take up too much space. It’s not the lightest, but it weighs only 13 pounds.
The Canon PIXMA TR4520 houses an automatic document feeder that enables you to scan and copy numerous pages simultaneously. Further, it’s capable of printing card-sized documents, so you can easily use it to print out a copy of your ID, with both sides printed at once.
The faxing functionality enables you to fax two-sided documents with a simple press of a button. It’s worth noting that not a lot of Chromebook-compatible printers offer this functionality.
This printer has a maximum resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi, and it features both color printing and grayscale printing capabilities. For color printing, the device displays a speed of 4.4 pages per minute, whereas, with grayscale, you get a speed of 8.8 pages per minute. This isn’t much when compared to other competitors on the list, but let’s keep in mind that this unit costs under $100.
The PIXMA TR4520 features a range of connectivity options, from Wi-Fi connectivity to IFTTT, so you’ll be able to print from a host of sources. Furthermore, it’s compatible with the Windows operating system as well as macOS
The device is equipped with a 2.1-inch display screen that ensures ease of navigation. Not just that, but it can also print over Mopria Print Service and AirPrint. The unit also has an automatic shut-off functionality for energy efficiency.
Pros:
- Listed at an affordable price tag
- Excellent printing resolution
- Equipped with a faxing functionality
- Lots of connectivity options
- Houses an automatic document feeder
- Touch screen for easy navigation
Cons:
- Printing speed is pretty mediocre
- Color cartridges aren’t separated
Final Verdict
The Canon PIXMA TR4520 might not be the fastest printer on the list, but it definitely offers an excellent deal of value for the price. Having an automatic document feeder and a touchscreen alone is enough to get you sold. It’s highly recommended for buyers on a tight budget.
5. Samsung Xpress M2020W – Best for Personal Use
The Samsung Xpress M2020W is an excellent monochrome printer when it comes to how much value it offers. This machine is best suited for personal use, but not office environment use, with an output speed and quality that will leave you impressed.
The Samsung Xpress M2020W is equipped with numerous advanced functionalities, including Wi-Fi Direct and NFC support. The setup process is standard for a monochrome laser printer.
The device flaunts a printing speed of 21 pages per minute, which is actually pretty impressive considering its price tag and how more expensive units are considerably slower. However, you must keep in mind that 21 ppm is the speed you should expect when printing documents that have minimal formatting. The more complex the formatting, the slower the rate will be.
The output quality isn’t the most impressive we’ve ever seen, but it’s not bad at all. One thing you must keep in mind, however, is that the running cost can be quite steep with this unit. It’s not going to be that costly with light-duty use, though.
The M2020W is smaller than most inkjet printers, measuring only 7 x 13 x 8.5 inches. Further, it has a comparatively low paper capacity of 150 sheets. The device’s compact construction and low paper capacity are exactly why we think of it as a personal-use unit and not an office unit.
The M2020W has an advantage over other units within its class like the Samsung M2625D and the Brother Compact HL-2240, and that advantage is that it flaunts Wi-Fi support, specifically for mobile printing. All you have to do is connect the printer to a network and you’ll be able to print from your smartphone device or tablet via a wireless access point.
Alternatively, you can use Wi-Fi Direct to connect your smartphone directly to the printer. And if your phone supports NFC technology, printing will become even more convenient.
Pros:
- Small and lightweight construction
- Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and NFC support
- Suitable capacity for personal use
- Relatively fast printing
- Wide range of connectivity options
- Listed at an affordable price tag
Cons:
- Doesn’t feature an ethernet port
- Not suitable for heavy-duty printing
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a compact unit with wireless printing options for personal monochrome laser printing, the Samsung SL-M2020W has a lot to offer you. Just keep in mind that this unit is only suitable for light-duty use due to its limited paper capacity and high running cost.
6. Canon PIXMA iX6820 – Best Inkjet for Chromebook
The Canon PIXMA iX6820 is one of the best Chromebook printers today, as it supports mobile printing, cloud printing, and AirPrint technology. You can also integrate it with Android and iOS devices on the same network.
This printer has the ability to print on tabloid-size and super-tabloid-size paper with ease, with a maximum of 13 x 19 inches. The PIXMA iX6820 has a speed of 14.5 images per minute, which is satisfactory for personal use and low-duty business environments.
The PIXMA iX6820 is a printer that’s worth your consideration if you’re looking for a unit that’s compatible with many different platforms. It’s compatible with Windows, Chrome OS, or OSX. Further, with the aid of apps like Google Cloud Print, AirPrint, and PIXMA Printing Solutions, it’s guaranteed to offer smooth integration with a vast range of smartphones.
Sadly, the device doesn’t support NFC technology and doesn’t feature a duplexing functionality, which means you won’t be able to carry out two-sided printing tasks. Further, there’s only one paper tray, and so you’ll have to switch between letter-size and larger-size paper according to each use case.
Since this printer only features one tray, it can be used as a second printer to another letter-size unit or you can employ it for personal use. The tray is capable of holding 150 sheets only, which is why, once again, this unit isn’t the right pick for heavy-duty use.
The Canon PIXMA iX6820 measures around 6.3 x 23 x 12.3 inches, so it’s not the most compact option out there. The setup should be pretty standard if you have enough room to accommodate it. The construction is sturdy and very aesthetically appealing with a jet black finish.
The graphics output is great for most use cases. However, if you have a critical eye for printers, you should consider a different device. But keep in mind that this remarkable device is listed at around $200, which is pretty cost-effective.
Pros:
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- Good printing speed and quality
- Excellent connectivity range
- Can print 13 x 19-inch documents
- Features an ethernet port
- Compatible with various systems
Cons:
- Lacks a duplexing functionality
- Features only a single paper tray
Final Verdict
Not only is the Canon PIXMA iX6820 the best inkjet printer for Chromebook, but it’s also one of the best printers on the market when it comes to compatibility and connectivity options. It’s ideal for personal use as well as low-duty business environments. Sadly, it lacks auto duplex printing.
How to Choose a Printer for Chromebook
Even after learning about the best printers for Chromebook, you may still need help pinpointing the right device for your needs. To ensure the most bang for your buck, you ought to consider the following factors.
Google Cloud Print
Google Cloud Print is arguably the most critical feature to look for in a printer for Chromebook. Why? Because most Chromebooks aren’t able to recognize third-party drivers. The way these devices connect to printers is via Google Cloud Print.
Laser vs. Inkjet
Next, you want to figure out which type of printer is suitable for your needs. On one hand, you have laser printers, which are ideal for printing documents but aren’t the best when it comes to printing photos. They’re all about superior text quality.
On the other hand, you have inkjet printers, which are dedicated mainly to printing out visual media, including photographs.
If you want a printer for personal use, inkjet printers are the way to go. For work-related use cases, however, laser printers are extremely reliable.
Resolution
After deciding on the type of printer you need, you want to pay close attention to the resolution that the printer offers because it’ll dictate how sharp and vivid the prints are going to be. Printer resolution is expressed in dots per inch (DPI). The higher the resolution, the more high-quality the prints will be.
Printing Speed
Gauging the adequacy of a printer’s speed boils down to your needs, really. If you’re employing a printer for personal use, it doesn’t have to be the fastest device out there. On the other hand, if you’re using a printer for business purposes where deadlines need to be met, speed becomes of utter importance. Ideally, you want a unit that can print around 10 pages per minute.
Color Printing
Not all printers offer color printing. Some units like the Brother HL-L2350 and Samsung Xpress M2020W are only capable of printing images in grayscale. So, if you’re looking to print in color, make sure the printer you’re about to buy supports color printing.
Running Cost
When in the market for any printer, you want to make sure that it won’t cost you a fortune to run. You do this by inspecting the frequency of cartridge replacement. Some cartridges and toners can be pretty expensive, so changing them often can cost you a lot of money.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, the information shared in this article has helped you find the perfect printer for your Chromebook. If we were to crown a winner, we’d have to go with the HP OfficeJet Pro 9015, as it flaunts everything from great connectivity and compatibility to high printing speed and quality.
The Brother Compact HL-L2350 would be our first choice if it came down to selecting the best laser printer for Chromebook. However, it all boils down to your needs and budget.