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The best fax printer scanner is a fax-capable all-in-one matched to your workload, paper handling, scanning method and supply budget. For a typical home office, start with a color inkjet or ink-tank model that has an automatic document feeder (ADF), automatic two-sided printing and the connections your phone system supports. Choose a laser all-in-one instead when fast, sharp text and sustained office printing matter more than photos.
What a fax printer scanner actually is
A fax printer scanner is an all-in-one device that combines printing, scanning, copying and faxing. “All-in-one” does not guarantee fax: manufacturers describe fax as available only on selected configurations, so verify the exact model number, regional version and specification sheet before ordering. A listing that says “print, copy and scan” may not include a fax modem.
Fax is also a separate capability from networking. A machine can print over Wi-Fi or Ethernet and still require a physical telephone connection for traditional faxing. Some offices use an online fax service or a voice-over-IP adapter instead, but compatibility depends on the service and phone system. Treat the fax connection as a requirement to check, not an assumption based on wireless support.
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The following models illustrate different buying priorities. Manufacturer listings establish the features they advertise; the independent-review comments are identified as review findings, not universal performance guarantees. Prices, bundles, supplies and regional availability change, so check the current listing for your country.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
| Model | Best fit | Listed or reviewed features | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP OfficeJet Pro 8139e | Home office needing a conventional cartridge inkjet | Print, copy, scan and fax; two-sided printing; mobile, wireless and Ethernet connectivity; up to 20 pages per minute in the US store listing | Confirm the current regional model, cartridge bundle and whether the advertised speed applies to the mode you use. |
| HP Smart Tank 7603 | Frequent color printing where refillable ink is attractive | Print, scan, copy and fax; wireless connection; ADF; refillable ink bottles in the US listing | Confirm the current bottle bundle, included ink and regional availability. |
| Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850 | Higher-volume color office work | Tom’s Guide review reports print, copy, scan and fax, dual 250-page paper cassettes, a 50-sheet ADF and stated ability to handle more than 3,000 pages per month | The page-capacity statement is that reviewer’s assessment, not a manufacturer duty-cycle specification. The review also reports a high initial price and an occasional paper-feed issue. |
| Epson EcoTank ET-4950 | Feature-rich mid-price ink-tank workflow | TechRadar’s 2026 review selected it as its overall pick and tested print quality, speed, scanning, copying and automatic two-sided workflows | The “overall pick” is an editorial review judgment, not an independent category-wide lab result. Jim Hill, TechRadar’s Senior Editor, Printers, described it as unusually loaded with features and ink. |
| Canon MegaTank Pixma G3290 | Low estimated color-print cost | Tom’s Guide’s 2026 review estimated color printing at 0.9 cents per page, compared with that publication’s estimated category average of 1.9 cents | Both figures are publication estimates, not guaranteed costs. Verify that the exact configuration includes fax before purchase. |
These examples are not interchangeable. The HP cartridge model emphasizes a familiar home-office format and listed connectivity; the Smart Tank and EcoTank models target refillable-ink economics; the ET-5850 adds substantial paper capacity; and the Canon cost figure is useful only as a model-specific estimate. A fax requirement narrows the field further because not every version in a product family includes fax.
Inkjet, ink tank or laser: which technology fits?
Choose an inkjet cartridge all-in-one when
- Your upfront budget is limited.
- You need color graphics, occasional photos or mixed documents.
- Your monthly volume is moderate and you accept replacing cartridges.
- You want a compact home-office machine rather than a high-capacity workgroup device.
Inkjet printers generally produce smooth color and photo output at a lower initial price than many office lasers. Their ongoing cost depends heavily on cartridge yield and how often the printer performs maintenance cycles. A low purchase price can become expensive if you print hundreds of pages every month with small cartridges.
Choose an ink-tank all-in-one when
- You print color regularly and want bottles rather than small cartridges.
- You can pay more upfront in exchange for potentially lower running costs.
- You are comfortable checking ink levels and refilling carefully.
- You need color documents but not necessarily laser-level text speed.
Ink tanks can suit a home business, classroom or small office with recurring color work. The economic advantage depends on your actual page mix, bottle yield, replacement-bottle price and wasted ink. Compare the exact refill bottles for the exact model; bottles from another series may not be compatible.
Choose a laser all-in-one when
- Your priority is fast, crisp text for invoices, forms and reports.
- You print in sustained batches or leave the machine idle between jobs.
- Monochrome output covers most of your work.
- You prefer toner that does not dry out during long idle periods.
Laser is usually the stronger office-workflow choice for high-volume text. A color laser can handle business graphics, but it may cost more to buy and maintain than a monochrome model. If photos are important, an inkjet or ink tank is generally the better fit. Tom’s Guide’s category guidance similarly places color graphics and photos with inkjet, and fast, sharp office text with laser.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How much printing can the machine handle?
Estimate your real monthly volume before comparing advertised speeds. Count invoices, shipping labels, forms, school pages, scanned copies and faxed pages—not just pages you print from a computer. Then separate occasional peaks from your normal month. A machine that is adequate for 200 pages most months may be frustrating if it must process a 1,000-page filing project every quarter.
- Light home use: occasional letters, forms and scans. A compact cartridge inkjet can be sufficient.
- Regular home-office use: recurring invoices, client packets and color documents. An ink tank or office-oriented inkjet can reduce refill interruptions.
- Small-business batches: sustained text printing and frequent copies. Compare laser speed, input capacity, output-tray size and toner yield.
- High-volume color: prioritize multiple paper cassettes, a large ADF, refillable supplies and a documented duty-cycle or workload rating.
Do not turn a reviewer’s estimate into a guarantee. Tom’s Guide says the ET-5850 handled more than 3,000 pages per month in its review context; that is not the same as a manufacturer-rated duty cycle and should not be used as a universal limit for every user.
ADF capacity and duplex scanning: two features buyers confuse
When an ADF matters
An automatic document feeder lets you place a stack of pages for repeated scanning, copying or faxing instead of feeding each sheet by hand. It is valuable for contracts, invoices, tax packets and multi-page faxes. Capacity is expressed in sheets, but practical capacity depends on paper weight, curl, staples and mixed sizes.
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Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
ADF does not mean automatic two-sided scanning
A basic ADF may scan only one side at a time. Automatic duplex scanning means the scanner captures both sides without you turning the pages, either in one pass with two sensors or by reversing the sheet internally. A printer can offer duplex printing while scanning remains single-sided, so look for separate labels such as “automatic duplex scanning,” “two-sided scan” or “duplex ADF.”
For two-sided originals, ask these questions before buying:
- Does duplex scanning work for scan, copy and fax, or only one of those functions?
- Is it single-pass or does the feeder reverse each sheet?
- What is the maximum duplex scan resolution and paper size?
- Can the software combine both sides into one PDF in the order you need?
Fax setup requirements and a reliable setup sequence
Traditional fax normally needs a telephone line or a supported analog telephone adapter. Wireless networking connects the printer to computers and phones; it does not, by itself, provide a fax number. Before installation, identify the wall jack or adapter, the number used for faxing, and whether the line also carries voice calls, voicemail or a digital phone service.
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- Connect the line. Plug the telephone cable from the active fax line or supported adapter into the printer’s line port. If a telephone handset shares the line, use the printer’s phone port only when the manual specifies that arrangement.
- Enter the fax identity. In the printer’s fax settings, enter the station name and fax number required by your region or office procedure.
- Set dialing behavior. Configure tone or pulse dialing if offered, outside-line access digits for a business phone system, and the correct country or area-code rules.
- Choose receive behavior. Select automatic fax-only mode when the number is dedicated to fax. For a shared voice line, choose the mode that lets you answer calls or use the printer’s ring-pattern and answering-machine settings as appropriate.
- Load and send a test. Place a one-page document in the scanner glass or ADF, enter a known fax number and send it. Confirm that the remote machine receives a legible page and that your confirmation report shows the expected number.
- Test reception. Have another fax send a page back. Check that the printer detects the call, prints or stores the fax as configured and reports any transmission error.
Voice-over-IP lines can introduce failed calls, garbled pages or dropped connections because fax tones are sensitive to latency and compression. If your service supports an analog adapter or a dedicated fax option, follow its settings; otherwise, ask the provider whether fax is supported before relying on it for records.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Consumables and the real cost of ownership
Supply compatibility is model-specific. Brother’s supply catalog, for example, separates ink, toner and replacement drums by printer family. The same principle applies across brands: confirm the exact cartridge, bottle, toner and drum part numbers for your model and region before ordering.
| Cost factor | What to check | Why it changes the decision |
|---|---|---|
| Ink or toner yield | Rated pages for the standard and high-yield supply | A cheaper cartridge can cost more per page if its yield is low. |
| Color usage | Whether black-only pages consume color ink during maintenance or composite black printing | Color-heavy maintenance can raise costs for users who mostly print text. |
| Tank refill pricing | Exact bottle part numbers, included starter volume and regional price | Low running-cost claims depend on the bottles you can actually buy. |
| Drum and waste components | Whether the laser uses a separate drum and how often it is replaced | Toner is not the only long-term laser expense. |
| Paper | Plain, recycled, photo and specialty paper requirements | Photo and heavier stock can cost more and may reduce feeder capacity. |
| Service and downtime | Warranty terms, local support and the cost of a replacement during repairs | A low page cost is less useful if a failed unit stops billing or shipping work. |
Tom’s Guide estimated 0.9 cents per color page for the Canon MegaTank Pixma G3290, versus its estimated category average of 1.9 cents, in a 2026 review. Treat those as that publication’s estimates under its assumptions, not as a promise for your paper, coverage, maintenance or regional bottle prices.
Connection, software and workflow checks
For a home office, Wi-Fi is convenient, while Ethernet is often more stable for a fixed workstation. USB can provide a direct fallback if wireless discovery fails. Verify that the printer supports the operating systems and mobile platforms you use, and check whether scanning to a computer, email or network folder requires a separate app or desktop utility.
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- Wireless placement: keep the printer within reliable range of the access point and avoid placing it inside a metal cabinet.
- Ethernet stability: use wired networking when the printer serves multiple desks or must remain reachable during Wi-Fi changes.
- Scan destinations: confirm that the software can create searchable or multi-page PDFs if your filing system needs them.
- Fax reports: enable transmission reports when you need a record of the number, time, page count and result.
- Security: change default administrator credentials, use current firmware supplied by the manufacturer and restrict fax reception if unsolicited faxes are a concern.
A practical buying decision tree
- Is fax mandatory? If yes, eliminate every configuration whose specification does not explicitly list fax. If no, a non-fax all-in-one may offer more choices or lower cost.
- Do you print mostly text? Choose a laser when speed and sharp monochrome output dominate. Choose inkjet or tank when color and photos matter.
- Do you print color every week? Compare an ink tank’s bottle cost and included yield with cartridge prices. Do not judge by the printer’s purchase price alone.
- Do you scan or fax multi-page stacks? Require an ADF and choose its capacity based on your largest normal batch.
- Are your originals double-sided? Require automatic duplex scanning; duplex printing alone is not enough.
- Do you print in batches? Compare paper drawers, output capacity, warm-up behavior and the supply yield rather than relying only on a headline pages-per-minute figure.
- Will it share a phone line? Confirm the receive mode, caller-handling behavior and compatibility with your phone provider before purchase.
- Can you verify supplies locally? Check ink, toner, drum or bottle availability and exact part numbers before committing to a model.
Common buying and setup mistakes
Assuming every model in a family has fax
Manufacturers often sell similar-looking variants with different radios, feeders or fax hardware. Compare the full model number, not just the family name or a retailer’s shortened title.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Confusing duplex printing with duplex scanning
“Two-sided” in a headline may refer only to output. Confirm the scanner’s behavior in its own specification line.
Buying a small ADF for large document packets
A 20-sheet feeder may be fine for a few invoices but tedious for a contract stack. Also check whether the feeder can be loaded to its rated capacity without skew or jams with your paper.
Comparing only the printer price
Use a simple ownership worksheet: purchase price, included supply yield, replacement supply price, expected pages per month, paper cost and any drum or maintenance component. Recalculate for black-only and color-heavy months.
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Connecting fax to the wrong port or line
Plugging a telephone cable into an Ethernet socket will not work, and a shared voice line may answer before the fax does. Label the line, run both send and receive tests and keep a test page with the installation notes.
Ignoring paper path and maintenance
Keep the paper tray covered in dusty rooms, remove curled sheets, use the recommended media setting and clean the scanner glass and ADF strip. These small tasks prevent streaks, skewed scans and repeated jams.
Which type is the best match?
| Your priority | Most suitable direction | Features to prioritize |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest upfront cost with occasional color | Cartridge inkjet all-in-one | Fax, ADF, wireless, affordable high-yield cartridges |
| Frequent color documents and lower refill interruptions | Ink-tank all-in-one | Refillable bottles, included yield, ADF, automatic duplex printing |
| Fast, sharp text for mostly monochrome work | Laser all-in-one | High-yield toner, paper capacity, duty-cycle guidance, Ethernet |
| Multi-page two-sided records | Any technology with a duplex ADF | Automatic duplex scanning, scan-to-PDF workflow, adequate feeder capacity |
| Large recurring color batches | Office-oriented ink tank or color laser | Multiple cassettes, output capacity, supply availability, service support |
For a general home office, the safest specification target is a fax-capable color all-in-one with an ADF, automatic duplex printing, stable Wi-Fi or Ethernet and supplies you can buy locally. Move to an ink tank when color volume makes cartridge replacement burdensome; move to laser when speed, text quality and sustained batches outweigh photo performance.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
