7 Best Printers for Mac and MacBook in 2026
7 printers we evaluated for Mac and MacBook households, plus how AirPrint compares to a full manufacturer driver install and where each option falls short.
Comparison Table
| Pick | Product | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Laser for Mac Text Printing | Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer | Check price |
| Best Budget AirPrint Option | Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer | Check price |
| Best Ink Tank for Mac Value | Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One | Check price |
| Best Ink Tank with ADF for Mac | Epson EcoTank ET-4800 Wireless All-in-One | Check price |
| Best Ultra-Budget AirPrint Pick | HP DeskJet 4355 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer | Check price |
| Best AirPrint with Alexa Support | Canon TS5320 All-in-One Wireless Printer with AirPrint | Check price |
| Best Inkjet with Display for Mac Setup | Brother Work Smart MFC-J1360DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One | Check price |
Prices are approximate. Check Amazon for current pricing before purchasing.
Most Mac households default to AirPrint because it's built into macOS and requires no extra software, but AirPrint trades away features a full manufacturer driver provides, like tray selection, print quality presets, and ink level monitoring. Neither option is objectively better; the right one depends on how much control you want over print settings.
Below are 7 printers we evaluated on wireless and AirPrint-style compatibility with macOS. Most listed here are standard wireless AIOs rather than printers explicitly marketed as "Mac-certified," so we're framing this around actual AirPrint compatibility and driver availability rather than a marketing label, and flagging where Apple Silicon driver support for older printer models is worth double-checking.
6 Criteria to Look For Before Buying a Printers for Mac and MacBook
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
AirPrint is the baseline, not the full feature set
AirPrint lets a Mac print without installing any manufacturer software, but it typically strips out tray selection, print quality presets, and ink level monitoring that a full driver install provides. If you want that level of control, check whether the manufacturer offers a full macOS driver download alongside AirPrint support, as most picks in this list do.
"AirPrint compatible" is not the same as "Mac-certified"
Most printers in this list, like most printers generally, are marketed around standard wireless and AirPrint support rather than a formal Mac certification label. AirPrint compatibility is the practical thing to verify, since that's what actually determines whether printing from a Mac works without extra setup.
Apple Silicon drivers aren't guaranteed on older printer models
Some manufacturers have been slower to update full macOS drivers for M-series Macs on older printer lines, which can leave a driver-dependent feature broken even though AirPrint still works fine. If you're buying for a newer M-series MacBook and want the full driver experience, confirm current driver availability on the manufacturer's site before purchasing.
Brand-level macOS reliability varies
HP in particular has more reported offline and connectivity dropout issues on macOS forums compared to some competing brands, based on publicly discussed user reports. This doesn't mean every HP printer will have issues, but it's worth weighing if wireless reliability on your Mac network is a top priority.
AirPrint alone is enough for most everyday Mac printing
For basic document and photo printing, AirPrint's simplified settings cover what most Mac users need without installing anything extra. The full driver route mainly matters if you want granular control over print quality, paper type profiles, or built-in maintenance tools like nozzle checks.
ADF and scan features route through macOS's built-in apps
A printer's automatic document feeder works with macOS's built-in Image Capture and Preview apps for scanning, without needing a manufacturer's dedicated scanning software. This matters if you're evaluating an ADF-equipped model specifically for a Mac workflow rather than assuming you'll use a branded app.
7 Best Printers for Mac and MacBook in 2026
Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer
About this pick
The DCP-L2640DW supports standard wireless printing that works with AirPrint on macOS, and Brother also offers a full macOS driver download for buyers who want ink-level monitoring and detailed print settings that AirPrint alone doesn't expose. For a Mac household printing mostly text documents, its duplex printing and large paper tray round out a genuinely capable setup.
Brother's macOS driver support has generally been solid across both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs for recent models like this one, but if you're pairing it with an older Mac or an M-series machine, confirm the current driver download works before relying on it over AirPrint alone.
Best for: A Mac household with high, mostly text-based print volume
Check price on AmazonPros
- +AirPrint compatible out of the box
- +Full macOS driver available for detailed settings
- +Lower cost per page for text-heavy Mac use
- +Large paper tray reduces refills
Cons
- −Not explicitly marketed as "Mac-certified"
- −Monochrome only
- −Higher upfront price than the inkjet picks
Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer
About this pick
The PIXMA TR4720's standard wireless support works with AirPrint on macOS out of the box, letting a Mac or MacBook print without installing any Canon software at all. Its auto document feeder is genuinely useful for a Mac household that scans multi-page documents through macOS's built-in Image Capture app.
Canon PRINT, the manufacturer's mobile and desktop app, adds more detailed settings if you want them, but AirPrint alone covers basic print, scan, and copy needs on a Mac without any extra setup.
Best for: A budget-conscious Mac household that wants simple AirPrint setup
Check price on AmazonPros
- +AirPrint compatible, no driver install needed
- +ADF works with macOS's built-in Image Capture
- +Low upfront cost
- +Canon PRINT app available for more control
Cons
- −Not explicitly marketed as "Mac-certified"
- −AirPrint alone lacks detailed print quality settings
- −Standard cartridges, higher cost per page
Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One
About this pick
The ET-2800 pairs its cartridge-free ink tank system with AirPrint compatibility on macOS, giving a Mac household lower long-run ink cost alongside driverless printing setup. Epson also offers a full macOS driver for buyers who want more granular print settings than AirPrint exposes on its own.
Epson's macOS driver support has generally tracked Apple Silicon transitions well on recent models, though it's worth confirming the current driver download is available and updated if you're specifically pairing this with a newer M-series MacBook.
Best for: A Mac household that prints regularly and wants lower ink cost over time
Check price on AmazonPros
- +AirPrint compatible with driverless setup
- +Lower long-run ink cost for regular Mac printing
- +Full macOS driver available for more control
- +No cartridge to replace often
Cons
- −Not explicitly marketed as "Mac-certified"
- −Higher upfront cost than the cheapest cartridge inkjets
- −Basic feature set, no ADF
Epson EcoTank ET-4800 Wireless All-in-One
About this pick
The ET-4800 adds an ADF and Ethernet to the same AirPrint-compatible ink tank system, giving a Mac-based home office a wired fallback option if wireless AirPrint discovery ever has trouble on a particular network. Its scan functions work cleanly through macOS's built-in Image Capture and Preview apps.
As with the ET-2800, Epson's full macOS driver is available for buyers who want detailed print settings beyond what AirPrint exposes, and driver support has generally been reliable across both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs for current EcoTank models.
Best for: A Mac home office wanting a wired fallback option and ADF
Check price on AmazonPros
- +AirPrint compatible with an Ethernet fallback option
- +ADF works with macOS's built-in scanning tools
- +Lower long-run ink cost
- +Full macOS driver available
Cons
- −Not explicitly marketed as "Mac-certified"
- −Larger footprint than the ET-2800
- −Pricier than the entry cartridge inkjets
HP DeskJet 4355 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
About this pick
The DeskJet 4355 supports AirPrint for driverless printing from a Mac or MacBook at the lowest price in this list, a reasonable starting point for a single-desk Mac setup with light printing needs. HP Smart, the manufacturer's companion app, adds more detailed settings and ink level tracking beyond what AirPrint shows.
Worth noting for Mac buyers specifically: HP has had more reported offline and connectivity dropout issues on macOS forums compared to some competing brands, so if wireless reliability on a Mac network is a top priority, weigh that against this model's low price.
Best for: A budget-conscious single-user Mac desk with light printing needs
Check price on AmazonPros
- +AirPrint compatible at the lowest price in this list
- +HP Smart app adds ink tracking and extra settings
- +Compact for small desks
- +Simple setup
Cons
- −HP has more reported macOS offline/dropout issues than some competitors
- −Not explicitly marketed as "Mac-certified"
- −Standard cartridges, higher cost per page
Canon TS5320 All-in-One Wireless Printer with AirPrint
About this pick
This Canon TS5320 explicitly advertises AirPrint support in its listing, one of the more direct confirmations of macOS compatibility in this list, and pairs it with Alexa support for households using both ecosystems. Canon PRINT is available for more detailed settings if AirPrint's simplified options aren't enough.
Canon's driver support has generally kept pace with macOS updates and Apple Silicon Macs for recent models, but this is an older listing than some others here, so confirm current driver availability directly with Canon if you're pairing it with a newer M-series MacBook and want the full driver experience rather than AirPrint alone.
Best for: A Mac household that wants explicit AirPrint confirmation plus Alexa support
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Explicit AirPrint support advertised in the listing
- +Alexa compatibility
- +Canon PRINT app for more detailed settings
- +Mid-range price for the feature set
Cons
- −Confirm current driver availability for newer Apple Silicon Macs before buying
- −Standard cartridges, ongoing ink cost
- −No ADF included
Brother Work Smart MFC-J1360DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One
About this pick
The MFC-J1360DW's 1.8-inch color display makes it easier to confirm network status directly on the printer during AirPrint setup from a Mac, and it includes automatic duplex printing alongside standard wireless support. Brother's full macOS driver is available too for buyers who want more control than AirPrint provides.
Brother's macOS driver support has generally been reliable across recent Intel and Apple Silicon Macs, though as with any printer, confirming the current driver download works with your specific macOS version before relying on it is a reasonable step, especially on a newer M-series machine.
Best for: A Mac household that wants an on-device screen for AirPrint setup confirmation
Check price on AmazonPros
- +AirPrint compatible with an on-device display for setup
- +Duplex printing included
- +Full macOS driver available for more control
- +Reasonable price for the feature set
Cons
- −Not explicitly marketed as "Mac-certified"
- −Standard cartridges, ongoing ink cost
- −Confirm current driver support for newer Apple Silicon Macs
How We Evaluated These Printers for Mac and MacBook
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
AirPrint compatibility
Checked whether each printer supports AirPrint, macOS's built-in driverless printing standard, since that's the actual technical requirement for a printer to work with a Mac without extra software.
Full driver availability as an alternative
Noted whether the manufacturer offers a full macOS driver download for buyers who want more detailed print settings, ink monitoring, or maintenance tools than AirPrint alone exposes.
Apple Silicon driver compatibility
Flagged where confirming current driver support on M-series MacBooks is worth double-checking directly with the manufacturer, since older printer models have sometimes lagged on updated Apple Silicon drivers.
Brand-specific macOS reliability signals
Weighed publicly reported macOS offline or connectivity dropout patterns by brand, noting where one manufacturer has more reported issues on macOS forums than competitors.
Honest certification framing
Avoided claiming any of these printers are explicitly "Mac-certified" since most listings market general wireless or AirPrint support rather than a formal Mac certification label.
How to Choose the Right Printers for Mac and MacBook
AirPrint vs Full Driver Install
Neither is objectively better for every Mac user; the tradeoff is convenience versus control.
| Approach | What you get | What you give up |
|---|---|---|
| AirPrint only | Zero-install driverless printing built into macOS | Detailed print quality settings, tray selection, ink monitoring |
| Full manufacturer driver | Granular settings, maintenance tools, ink level tracking | An extra software install to manage and keep updated |
By Budget
| Budget | What to prioritize | Best pick |
|---|---|---|
| Under $75 | Lowest cost AirPrint option | HP DeskJet 4355, Canon PIXMA TR4720 |
| $100-$150 | Explicit AirPrint confirmation or on-device display | Canon TS5320, Brother MFC-J1360DW |
| $200+ | Ink tank value or laser cost-per-page for a Mac office | Epson EcoTank ET-2800/ET-4800, Brother DCP-L2640DW |
If You're Pairing a Printer with a Newer M-Series MacBook
Apple Silicon driver compatibility for older printer models is a real gap some buyers hit, particularly if a manufacturer has been slow to update its full macOS driver. AirPrint itself is generally unaffected by this, since it's built into macOS rather than dependent on a manufacturer driver, but confirm current driver availability directly with the manufacturer if the full driver experience matters to you.
Mac Offline and Dropout Reliability by Brand
HP
Has more reported offline and connectivity dropout issues on macOS forums compared to some competing brands, based on publicly discussed user reports. Not universal, but worth weighing if wireless reliability is a priority.
Brother and Canon
Generally fewer reported macOS-specific connectivity complaints among the picks in this list, though individual network environments vary.
If You Want More Than AirPrint Offers
Most manufacturers in this list offer a full macOS driver as an optional download alongside AirPrint.
| Need | Why AirPrint falls short | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Ink level monitoring | AirPrint doesn't expose consumable status | Install the manufacturer's companion app (HP Smart, Canon PRINT, Epson software) |
| Print quality presets | AirPrint offers only basic quality settings | Install the full macOS driver for the model |
| Maintenance tools (nozzle checks, alignment) | Not available through AirPrint | Use the manufacturer's desktop utility or app |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to install printer drivers on a Mac if the printer supports AirPrint?
No. AirPrint is built into macOS and lets you print without installing any manufacturer software. A full driver install is optional and mainly worth it if you want more detailed print settings, ink level monitoring, or maintenance tools than AirPrint exposes.
Are these printers officially certified for Mac?
Not explicitly. Most printers, including the ones in this list, are marketed around general wireless or AirPrint support rather than a formal Mac certification label. AirPrint compatibility is the practical thing to check, since that's what actually determines whether a printer works smoothly with a Mac.
Will an older printer work with a newer M-series MacBook?
Usually for AirPrint, since it's built into macOS rather than dependent on a manufacturer driver. Full driver support for Apple Silicon has sometimes lagged on older printer models though, so confirm current driver availability directly with the manufacturer if you specifically want the full driver experience rather than AirPrint alone.
Is HP less reliable than other brands on macOS?
HP has more reported offline and connectivity dropout issues on macOS forums compared to some competing brands, based on publicly discussed user reports. This doesn't mean every HP printer has problems, but it's a reasonable factor to weigh if wireless reliability on your Mac network is a top priority.
What's the difference between AirPrint and a manufacturer's app like HP Smart or Canon PRINT?
AirPrint is Apple's built-in, no-install printing standard with simplified settings. Manufacturer apps like HP Smart, Canon PRINT, or Epson's software add features like ink level tracking, print quality presets, and maintenance tools, at the cost of installing and maintaining extra software.
Bottom Line
best overall: Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer - best laser for mac text printing pick in this roundup.
See the full rankings above for all picks with pros, cons, and best-for summaries.
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