Except for those who really appreciate monochromic photography, the quest for the best black and white photo printer may not ring a bell for many people. While colorful photos focus mostly on the shades and vivid pigments, monochrome photos rely mostly on the contrast and textures.
That's why a great printer that can do justice to the black and white tone of a photo is quite crucial. Otherwise, the masterpiece you have just snapped will die right after it comes out of the device.
In this write-up, we have tried to pile up the options you have in your hand concerning some excellent printing solutions. These machines provide exceptional details in black and white output that conforms to the true artistic nature of the original image.
Should You Go for Monochrome Printers?
We know it; for many newbie photographers, choosing a monochromic copier for black and white photo-printing is the easiest route to take. But before you move on with something like this, you better be careful.
Monochromic laser printers that we see in the market are actually not dedicated to do proper justice to the true nature of a picture. These devices provide outputs that give only a shade of what you are looking for.
But the absence of finer details that you need for your picture will surely be missed and felt. That's why going for a color inkjet one for this purpose seems to be an ideal option.
The inkjet machine judges every single pixel according to its merit, and the black color is dealt with the same precision and care. And the result? Well, you get smoother detail and excellent contrast and texture with the photos.
It's better for you if you go for a general inkjet one rather than a monochromic laser printer for this purpose.
10 Best Black and White Photo Printer
We took our time out to list down the most promising devices that can serve you with the best quality ever. Here's the detailed discussion we have gathered up for you!
1. Canon PIXMA TR4520
What better device could we start our black and white photo printer reviews with, than the Canon PIXMA TR4520! This wireless copier is just one of the best you can ever own for your printing jobs!
Using its high-speed Wi-Fi technology, you get to connect it directly to your laptops and PC. Now command without using a tangling cable and go cable-free once and for all!
Moreover, this one can also integrate with mobile devices through the wireless connection. Using a mobile app that you can simply download on your phone, you get to print, scan, copy from your phone, right away!
Its IFTTT support is just the type of smart feature you need. It makes it pretty easy for you to synchronize the machine with a number of websites and get direct access. Having this option in hand, all you need to do is just a few clicks on the sites to get printouts and copies!
One of the key features that have impressed us the most is its cloud storage integration. With a few simple setups, the machine can get access to iCloud, Dropbox, or any other cloud storage to print directly from it.
Apart from cloud storage, the device can also link up with social media content, as well. Print your favorite photos right with a click!
In case if you are worried about the ink usage of the machine, the Dash Replenishment option has got you covered. Subscribing to this skim, the copier will automatically keep track of the ink you are using and reorder at a certain point of drainage. Cool, huh?
Lastly, the PIXMA TR4520 is fully compatible with Voice Activated Devices. Using Alexa or Google Assistant, you get to command the printer verbally to do what you want with it!
2. HP DeskJet 2622
The HP Deskjet 2622 has quite a significant reservation of elegance for it. If you like colorful design, the blue and white combination of this device will surely turn your head!
If you are impressed by its look, you need to fasten your seatbelts for more! This all-in-one gadget can solve the three most common issues of yours - printing, faxing, and copying.
You will get all of these services without using a single inch of cable! This wireless solution uses built-in Wi-Fi technology. Using the Wi-Fi, you get to connect it with your desktop or laptop personal computer.
As for accessing the gadget through your mobile device, this one has got your covered, as well. Using the latest HP app - The HP Smart app, connecting the machine to your smartphone is easier than you can think.
Command printing, copying, or scanning through the app just by a few taps. Utilize the camera of your phone to scan any document right away.
If you are struggling with space-management, there's good news for you! The Deskjet 2622 comes with a pretty sleek and compact design that saves you space like a pro!
It's easy to store and settle in any corner of your house. Again, it comes with an output tray that can be easily detached to allow more space to be used.
The Deskjet 2622 is also an ink-saver. Using the original HP high-yield ink cartridge, you can make sure that the inks last long enough for you. It will provide you almost double back-up than any third-party ink. Save money even when you are using it to its fullest potential!
3. Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000
Epson HD XP-15000 does what it sounds. It prints in true HD quality. If you are a photographer and looking for the best black and white photo printer, this should be on your priority list!
It prints up to a large size of 13 by 19 inches. So, even if your picture is large enough, it still can come out of the XP-15000, keeping all the aspect ratio in place.
To support such printing quality, this device is equipped with 6 different HD ink cartridges. It includes red and gray ink for that ultra-wide color gamut that you get. Plus, it also works pretty well for enhanced black and white color printouts.
In addition to its mind-blowing print quality, it also comes with a staggering load capacity of 200 sheets in its front loader. Surprisingly, the rear loader supports up to 50 sheets of paper, as well.
This gives you an idea of how fabulous the printing speed it may come up with. Not much guesswork needed; it can print at a speed of 9.2 ISO ppm for black and white photos. As for borderless printouts, it takes only about 27 seconds to give you an impressive output.
Supported by this high-speed printing, the machine can print on both sides of a paper automatically. It flips the paper within seconds to print on either side of a sheet.
Lastly, for easy navigation around the device, it has a 2.4-inch color LCD screen. With the help of a few buttons around it, you can explore all the settings through this screen pretty conveniently.
4. CANON PIXMA IX6820
On number four of our list for top 10 black and white photo printer reviews, we have placed the Canon PIXMA IX6820. This one is full of useful features that a high-end device ought to have.
Those of you who look far beyond the PPM rate and truly admire quality, this one has got a lot of charms for you! It comes with a maximum printing resolution of 9600 X 2500 dpi, which is more than enough to turn dull photos into life!
The mesmerizing quality you get from the device is surely going to impress you to the fullest form. It's very much possible that you will face a hard time differing between the digital image vs. the printed one.
Save more ink with the Pixma IX6820. As this one comes with 5 different individual ink tanks, it makes it easy to keep track of the ink usage. Just find out which color is running out and replace that one only. It saves a lot of time and bucks!
The loading tray of this copier can hold up to 150 pieces of paper in it. If you are printing hundreds of pages of docs, there's no need to refill the paper multiple times.
If you are really impatient about the printouts, stay like that! Because the Pixma IX6820 allows you to print B&W documents at a rate of 14.5 ppm and color docs at 10.4 ppm. It's justified to be impatient having this kind of speed in town!
One of the best parts of this device is its automatic power-up option. Once it goes to sleep mode because of inactivity, it can be woken up by any command you pass. With a press of a button on the PC or phone, the machine wakes up in seconds.
5. HP OfficeJet 3830
If versatility is concerned, HP has probably produced very few products as functional as the OfficeJet 3830. It will surely be a betting horse for the title of the best black and white photo printer.
The first thing you notice about this model is its sleek and compact design. It's lightweight and very handy in size, which makes it really easy to put nearly on any surface around your house.
Just like any of the other latest copiers, this one can be connected to your smart devices, or laptops using the Wi-Fi direct option. Again, it can get access to your cloud storage and social media to receive wireless printing command from these sources.
When you are copying or scanning on the bulk amount, it gets really annoying to replace paper every single time. Thanks to the 35-sheet auto document feeder option, OfficeJet 3830 is there to ease up your job!
Moreover, the input tray can hold up to 60 sheets at a time while the output tray allows 25 pieces of paper in it.
For copying and scanning jobs, the 2.2-inch mono touchscreen on the device is enough to navigate the settings. Although it may not be the largest display out there, it is still pretty much visible.
Another great option of this machine is its compatibility with HP Instant Ink service. It cuts your cost of ink to almost half with a flexible ink-plan throughout the month. Just subscribe at a nominal rate and enjoy it!
Annoying sounds during printouts may not entertain everybody - if you are one of them, congratulations! This device can prints out at a very quiet sound.
For those of you who are the 'perfectionists' in their photography, the Canon Pixma MG3620 should be a proper choice.
This is because of its picture-perfect quality of printouts. Whether it is just a document or high-resolution picture - this device brings out amazing outputs. This machine can offer a print resolution of 4800 X 1200 dpi.
With this amount of resolution in place, you can get the finest detail possible. All the little textures that you hope doesn't go missing, will be finally exhibiting! It will be a hard nut to crack to differentiate between the digitized image and the printout one!
Being one of the most modern models of copier, the MG3620 comes with a cable-free technology. This way, you get to interact with this machine through your PC or smart gadgets wirelessly.
Again, using the smartphone to communicate with this gadget is really easy. You just need to download the Canon printing app on your phone and command through it. This way, you can take full control of your device even if you are operating it remotely!
The print speed of the Pixma MG3620 is quite impressive. You get to print 10 pages per minute if you are going full black and white. Given the details you are getting on each printout, the speed seems quite justified.
Apart from that, this one can print on both sides of a paper automatically. It flips the sheet on its own to copy on both sides within seconds. There's no need for any physical effort for duplex printing.
7. Canon PIXMA TS6220
For quite a long time now, Canon has been successfully maintaining a strong position in the market. That's because of the versatile devices they are introducing every now and then that even professional photographers admire.
Canon Pixma TS6220 is just a suitable representative to their legacy of quality and professionalism. To begin with, this one comes with an intelligent 5-color ink tank system.
You get individual color in each tank of the 5-tank set. That's why the dedicated black color from the tanks puts you one step ahead in printing out a stunning monochromic picture.
This 5-tank system has its own advantage, as well. In case you are running out of ink, you can skip refilling the whole ink storage. Instead, just find out the individual tank that is going low on ink and replace it.
Apart from terrific details on output, professionals may want a great printing speed nowadays. That's where the Canon Pixma TS6220 doesn't let you down. It prints out pretty fast, just like laser printers.
Using the wireless option of this machine, you can easily sync the Pixma TS6220 to a number of web services. Upon linking up, you can directly print out from the sites instantly!
Using the navigation panel on the machine is one of the easiest tasks on earth. The 3-inch wide LED screen works just with your taps of fingers. Copy or scan through the panel without the need for an operating gadget.
As we said, the Pixma TS6220 is one of the most versatile machines out there. That's why it can be integrated with the VAD solutions in your house, like the Alexa and Google Assistant.
8. Canon SELPHY CP1300
Remember, in our childhood; we used to wish we could print out pictures right away with some kind of imaginary machine? Well, that wish seems to have come true!
The Selphy is a special device designed by Canon for printing photos and pictures on the go. A pocket-sized copier that weighs just below 6 pounds should definitely excite any photography-enthusiast!
So, is this the best printer for black and white photo printing? Well, you never know! The best prizes come in small packages!
It measures only 14 by 9 by 5.5 inches. That's really sleek and handy enough to be carried nearly anywhere you go. It has been designed in such a way, too!
All you need to do is install the Canon Print app on your phone. Connect the device with your phone via Wi-Fi and start printing right away!
Its vibrant 3.2-inch LCD screen lets you navigate through the setting quite conveniently. Plus, there is a whole bunch of buttons right below the screen for any task you want to carry on!
You can even use a memory card or USB drive to connect with the machine. This will make it easier for you to print from flash memory directly.
9. Canon TS5120
If you are looking for a smart device that can handle your copying, printing, and scanning solutions, just stop. Now, look no further as the Canon TS5120 is here! This simple machine can be used for three different tasks with equal quality and precision.
As we said, it's a smart gadget; it comes with auto power on and off option. It can automatically detect if you are idle or not using it for too long, and once detected, it will turn itself off. Basically, it will activate a sleep mode to save power.
Again, if you send any command to the device, it will self-wake within seconds!
To help you navigate the settings and options of the gadget, it has a 2.5-inch LCD screen. The display is accompanied by a few buttons beside it to help you select the proper settings for your job.
Loading paper in this one is easier than any regular printer. There are two different loaders - one in front and another on the rear side. If you have got a load of printing to do, choose the front one. Otherwise, the rear one is just fine from a few quick printouts.
What made us truly admire its smartness is the misplacement notification option of it. This is really exciting to use. If you have left any documents inside the machine and forget to take it out, it will automatically notify you about this.
It won't be stopping the notification unless you take the paper out! That's a brilliant addition, we must say!
10. Epson Eco Tank ET-2720
Before wrapping up our black and white photo printer reviews, what if we told you that you could print at only one cent? Sound too good to be true? Well, say hello to Epson Eco Tank ET-2720!
This machine comes with a top-notch ink-use system that cuts your cost to a whole new level that costs only a cent per print. But you need to use genuine Epson ink for this purpose to get the best possible result.
Epson Eco Tank ET-2720 is designed with an ink-bottle system. This version is explicitly different from the traditional ink-cartridge method. It can save you around 90% of your cost of refilling!
Another selling point for these ink-bottles is the no-squeeze nature. Meaning, these bottles can't be squeezed, and obviously, no ink can spill out from these, either. So, along with saving your bucks, you can save ink, too!
One surprising fact about the inkpots that come with the package is the tenure of its usage. According to Epson, you get to use the ink up to 2 years in a row. That's around 4500 sheets of printouts for black and white documents and images!
On the plus side, connecting the ET-2720 wirelessly to your PC and smart devices is really easy. You get to print directly from the palm of your hands, even if you are not in close proximity to the machine.
Lastly, it works perfectly okay with Voice Activated Devices, as well. Just connect it with Alexa or Google Assistant and just say 'Print' to see the magic happen!
What to Look for Before Buying?
So, you are up to buying the best photo printer for black and white photography. Unless you are really a thirsty photographer, our recommended list for copiers should be quite useful to you. But in case you are planning to explore more, here are some crucial factors you may not want to overlook.
Inkjet Vs. Laser
This must be solved before you set out to get one device for you. For top-quality output with optimum details, an inkjet copier may work out better than a laser one. Inkjet printers generally use dedicated black ink that treats the image according to its right merit.
Moreover, this may not be the case for all the laser ones out there. So, in case you are not looking for an average output, you may want to stick to an inkjet one.
Black Ink Count
For monochromic photographers, black and white hold a special place in their hearts. So, the black that regular people admire may not be that convincing of a dark shade for a photographer.
A printer that is dedicated to monochromic photo-printing should have a special concentration on the black ink count. Moreover, a general one may have one single dedicated slot for black color. But to expect a better output with regards to B&W print, there should be at least a couple of black and gray ink slots.
Different shades of black ink will enhance the tone of the picture and can do justice to the actual image. The more grayscale you can manage, the more natural the dark tone of the image may appear.
Pigmented Ink
Before you get fascinated with ink, you need to understand that not all the inks are made equally. In comparison to generally made ink, pigmented-ink stands a higher chance of putting long-lasting impressions over the printed image.
This is because pigmented ink lasts long and withstands n different environments and lighting. Even under direct sunlight, the image doesn't tend to lose the darker shade of it.
Paper Compatibility
As a photographer, you may incline towards using glossy or matte papers for your printouts. This is crucial, as most general printers may not support such paper types and sizes. If the device you are about to get doesn't have room for such paper, it's useless in buying it.
Make sure the machine supports the photo-printing papers that you use on a regular basis. There is a great possibility you may find printers that are compatible with multiple photo-printing paper types and sizes.
RIP Drivers
Transferring the photos from your editing software to the printer is not going to be the same if you are not using the right driver. If your device lacks drivers such as Raster Image Processors, the true tone and color will never be transferred from your digital display to the actual reality.
So, make sure the gadget is using the right RIP driver for the best output.
Wireless Connection
This one goes without description. A wireless printer will make your image printing job a lot easier. There's literally no point in getting tangled in cables in this era. Most of the top-quality devices today are dedicatedly wireless, and Wi-Fi enabled.
Make sure the machine you are going for comes with wireless connectivity to your phone or personal computer.
Print From Flash Drive
Not always, you will have the luxury to open up a PC and command for printing an image. There may come a moment when you are in a hurry and need to print right away from a flash drive.
Thankfully, there are a few devices available in the market that have dedicated memory card and flash drive slot. You get to connect the flash drive directly to the printer and print out instantly.
Lightweight and Compact
This is more of an optional feature that you may want to look for. As a photographer, you may need to move frequently with your camera and total set up. It would be great if you can carry your printer with you, as well, for some quick print out.
Keeping that in mind, choosing a device that comes with a sleek and compact design should be a wise choice for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a black and white printer print color?If you are using a monochromic printer that is dedicated to black and white printout, then it won't be printing colorful documents. But if you are using a device that has provision for other color ink, then it can print color, as well.
2. Is it better to get matte or glossy photos?If you are printing only black and white, then matte paper will be a better option for you. This is because matte is better for less vibrant photos, particularly monochromic ones.
3. Do you need both black and color cartridge to print?Not necessarily. If you remove a few color inks from the cartridges and leave the black one there, you can still print black and white images.
4. What is the difference between grayscale and black and white?Black and white means you are only using a black cartridge and no other cartridge with it. On the other hand, in grayscale, it uses shades of gray color while you print.
5. Which is better - inkjet or laser?In case you are printing black and white images, choosing an inkjet printer with a dedicated black cartridge would be better.
Final WordsSo, here we are - at the end of our discussion. We hope we have given you a good overview of how to find the best black and white photo printer. However, it depends entirely on you how you identify one as the best one for you.
If you are planning to print gallery-grade pictures, you need to be ready to spend more than usual. On the other hand, if the regular-quality printout is okay with you, it may not cost you much in this case.
So, think about your need, and keep your eyes on our reviews to find a suitable match with you!
Happy printing!
