The difference is what’s used to apply content to paper. Laser printers use toner powder, which makes them more expensive and bulkier but longer-lasting for office settings. Inkjet printers use ink and dye, and while they will run out faster than toner, they make for a more affordable, compact package that works best for printing at home and in other less demanding settings.

You’ll likely have fewer connection issues over the life of your printer if you can set it up near your internet router and hardwire it in via an Ethernet cable. But if you’re planning on connecting wirelessly, follow the instructions included in your printer’s quick-start guide. Across every model I tested, that was the simplest method of getting the printer up and running on Wi-Fi.

It depends on whether you’re the kind of person who doesn’t want to think about refilling. The HP Instant Ink plan that’s available with my top pick, the HP Envy 6555e, charges based on the number of pages you expect to print monthly. It starts at $1.79 per month for 10 pages. If you print less than expected, pages roll over. Similarly, if you print more, your account can buy more automatically. Signing up means you don’t have to monitor ink levels because HP will ship you more whenever your Wi-Fi-connected printer gets low.