While compatibility has improved in recent years, some printers still don't work well or not at all with Macs, so we've compiled a list of the best printers that are fully compatible with macOS. These models work seamlessly out of the box without installing drivers or third-party apps. Many options exist, from feature-rich color laser models to simple inkjet printers for occasional use.
Below are our recommendations for the best printers for Mac you can buy. For the Apple enthusiasts out there, check out our recommendations for the best iPhone photo printers and best AirPrint printers. For other options, see the best all-in-one printers.
We've tested over 170 printers since 2020 with one goal in mind: to give you reliable, unbiased reviews that help you choose the right printer for your needs. To keep things fair, we purchase every product ourselves from major retailers, just like you would. Each printer then goes through a thorough, standardized testing process that evaluates all the key factors you should consider when buying a new model. From build quality and cost per print to color accuracy and overall performance, we provide as much detail as possible to guide your decision.
Want to learn more about our methods? Look at our How We Test Printers article for a deep dive into our testing procedures.
-
Best Printer For Mac
Build Quality9.0Estimated Black Page Yield2,311 printsEstimated Color Page Yield2,422 printsDocument Quality9.5Scanning9.4Printing Speed8.3Black-Only Printing Cost0.036 US$/printSee all our test resultsColor Printing Cost0.125 US$/printThe best printer for Mac that we've tested is the Canon Color imageCLASS MF665Cdw. It's a versatile all-in-one that delivers sharp and detailed documents. It's also very quick, reaching speeds of up to 26 pages per minute. You won't have to fuss with a complicated setup either. It supports Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet, and it works with Apple AirPrint, so you can print straight from your Mac, iPhone, or iPad without installing extra drivers or third-party apps.
Scanning is just as strong. The flatbed captures clean, detailed scans, and the automatic document feeder handles duplex scanning, which makes it easy to process double-sided and multi-page documents quickly. When it comes to ongoing costs, this printer stands out. Its toner cartridges last a long time and don't cost a fortune, and since the drum is built into the cartridge, maintenance is straightforward. If you print a lot, you can opt for XL cartridges that stretch your yield even further.
That said, like most laser printers, it isn't the right pick for photos. Images tend to look flat and grainy, with little fine detail. If photo quality matters, you'll want an inkjet instead. We recommend the Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850 and the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500. The ET-5850 fits better in an office thanks to its faster speeds and features like an automatic document feeder with duplex scanning. The ET-8500 focuses on photo printing and delivers better image quality. Both are supertank models that can produce thousands of prints, so you won't deal with high long-term ink costs, but you'll pay more upfront.
-
Best Mid-Range Printer For Mac
Build Quality6.5Estimated Black Page Yield6,650 printsEstimated Color Page Yield4,255 printsDocument Quality9.0Scanning6.2Printing Speed5.7Black-Only Printing Cost0.003 US$/printSee all our test resultsColor Printing Cost0.011 US$/printIf you want to keep your cost per print as low as possible and don't need an automatic document feeder, the Epson EcoTank ET-2980 is a fantastic option. Setup is quick and painless, and since it supports Apple AirPrint, you can start printing from your Mac or iPhone without installing extra software. It also works over USB and Wi-Fi and supports Mopria Print Service, so pretty much anyone in your home can connect without hassle. This model uses Epson's supertank ink system, which keeps long-term costs impressively low. The ink bottles are affordable and last for thousands of pages, so you won't have to replace cartridges often. It delivers sharp black-and-white text and vibrant color documents.
While its color accuracy isn't perfect, photos are detailed and vibrant, making them perfectly suitable for casual at-home printing. The biggest drawback is the scanner. It tends to overprocess images, which can strip away watermarks and fine details, such as thin graph lines. Switching to the slower photo setting fixes most of those issues and produces much better scans. Just keep in mind that scanning longer documents takes longer because you'll need to place each page on the flatbed manually. If you'd prefer a similar printer with a more capable scanner, check out the Epson EcoTank ET-3950.
Another thing to keep in mind is clogging. Since it's an inkjet printer, you'll want to use it regularly to prevent the printheads from clogging. If you're looking for an all-in-one printer you'll use only for black-and-white documents, consider the laser Brother MFC-L2820DW. It produces outstanding documents at blazing speed and won't have any clogging issues.
-
Best Budget Printer For Mac
Build Quality8.0Estimated Black Page Yield1,273 printsEstimated Color Page YieldN/ADocument Quality8.5Scanning0.0Printing Speed8.3Black-Only Printing Cost0.039 US$/printSee all our test resultsColor Printing CostN/AIf you're on a tight budget and only need to print once in a blue moon, we recommend the Brother HL-L2460DW. This monochrome laser model is a print-only unit, so it doesn't include a scanner. But unlike inkjet printers, there's no risk of clogging if it sits unused for long periods. It feels sturdy, has a relatively small footprint, which is great if you have space constraints, and has a detachable power cord, making it easy to replace if damaged. It prints quickly at up to 34 pages per minute, but unfortunately, its print quality isn't the best out of the box. You can greatly improve it by changing the printer's settings. See our full review for more about this.
For people who need to print in color, check out the Brother MFC-J1205W, also sold as the Brother MFC-J1215W. Given its low price point, this all-in-one inkjet printer feels surprisingly well-built. Like our mid-range pick, it also uses four ink cartridges. These cartridges get you around 1100 black and 700 color pages and aren't overly expensive, so your cost per print will remain low over time. Naturally, there are compromises, such as the lack of an ADF and automatic double-sided printing, since it's a budget-friendly model. Its printing speed is also slower at nine black or six color pages per minute, so it isn't the best option for printing long reports or essays.
-
Best Cheap Printer For Mac
Build Quality5.5Estimated Black Page Yield142 printsEstimated Color Page Yield254 printsDocument Quality8.5Scanning7.0Printing Speed4.9Black-Only Printing Cost0.134 US$/printSee all our test resultsColor Printing Cost0.098 US$/printIf you need a cheap printer that can get the job done, consider the Canon PIXMA MG3620. The build doesn't feel sturdy, and it only has a basic flatbed scanner, but it prints good-quality documents and photos. You still get USB and Wi-Fi connectivity and Apple AirPrint support. The main drawback of a cheap model like this one is page yields and maintenance requirements. It uses two ink cartridges (one black and one tri-color) with low page yield, so you'll have to replace the cartridges often if you print a lot. Also, because it uses a tri-color cartridge, you'll need to replace the entire cartridge even if just one color runs out.
Just remember that if you only print the occasional document or return label, you're better off spending a bit more right away and going with a laser model like our budget pick, the Brother HL-L2460DW. Laser printers don't suffer from clogging if they sit for long periods between print jobs, so they can save you time and money in the long run.
Notable Mentions
-
Brother MFC-L3780CDW/MFC-L3720CDW:
The Brother MFC-L3780CDW/MFC-L3720CDW is an excellent alternative to the Canon Color imageCLASS MF665Cdw color laser printer with fast scanning and printing speeds. However, the printer costs a bit more, and you'll have to spend more on toner over time because it doesn't yield as many pages.
See our review -
HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e:
If you want a printer that includes an automatic document feeder, consider the HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e instead of the Epson EcoTank ET-2980. It yields fewer prints, but its print quality is also very good.
See our review -
Brother MFC-L2820DW:
If you only print black-and-white documents, consider the Brother MFC-L2820DW as an alternative to the Brother MFC-J4335DW. It prints faster and produces scans that are just as sharp. You can find variants with an ADF.
See our review -
Canon PIXMA G4270:
If you're looking for a slightly cheaper alternative to the Epson EcoTank ET-2980, the Canon PIXMA G4270 is a great alternative. Although it's becoming difficult to find, it offers very similar performance and even includes an automatic document feeder.
See our review
Recent Updates
Feb 19, 2026:
Removed the now-discontinued Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw and the Brother MFC-L8905CDW and replaced them with the Canon Color imageCLASS MF665Cdw. Removed the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 from the Notable Mentions, as this is a very niche product that doesn't quite fit on this list. Removed the Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw as it's a lot more expensive than our top pick without any tangible benefits. Added the HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e as a Notable Mention alternative to the Epson EcoTank ET-2980 for people looking for a model that includes an ADF.
Apr 22, 2025:
Added the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 as a Notable Mention. Minor text changes for conciseness.
Jan 29, 2025:
We've verified our recommendations are available and represent the best choices.
Nov 04, 2024:
We've verified that all our recommendations are available and represent the best choices.
Aug 08, 2024: We've completely revamped this article, introducing a new format, new performance usages, and changes in recommendations to better represent the best choices available.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best printers for Mac you can buy. In addition to the test results, we factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability.
If you would like to do the work of choosing yourself, here's the list of all our printer reviews. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. While no printer is perfect for every use, most are good enough to please almost everyone, and the differences are often not noticeable unless you really look for them.