Here's the 5 Best Commercial Printers on Amazon Under £1,500
Are you trying to choose the right commercial printer for your business? I've spent weeks researching and testing the top models on the market to save you the hassle. Commercial printing equipment is a significant investment that can make or break your productivity, so it is crucial to get it right the first time.
Wading through endless spec sheets and comparing features across dozens of models isn't fun. That's why I've done the legwork for you and narrowed down the five best commercial printers available on Amazon for under £1,500.
- Top Factors for Selection: Focus on print quality, speed, and duty cycle when choosing a commercial printer.
- Budget-Friendly Picks: Five top commercial printers listed under £1,500 offer excellent performance for various business needs.
- Consider Total Costs: Evaluate both initial purchase price and ongoing expenses for optimal long-term investment.
- Who Makes The Best Commercial Printers in 2025?
- Top Commercial Printers Comparison Chart
- HP Color LaserJet Pro M479fdw: Best All-Round Commercial Printer
- Canon imagePROGRAF TA-20: Best for Wide Format Printing
- Epson WorkForce Pro WF-C5790DWF: Best Eco-Friendly Option
- Brother MFC-L9570CDW: Best for High-Volume Users
- Xerox VersaLink C405: Best for Professional Print Quality
- How to Choose the Right Commercial Printer for Your Business
- Installation and Setup Tips for Commercial Printers
- Maintenance Best Practices for Commercial Printers
- FAQS About Commercial Printers
- Finding the Perfect Press for Your Business
Who Makes The Best Commercial Printers in 2025?
Before diving into specific recommendations, we must establish what matters when selecting a commercial printer. The landscape has changed dramatically over the past few years, with digital printing technology making remarkable quality, speed, and affordability strides.
Gone are the days when only massive offset presses could deliver professional results. Today's commercial digital printers offer impressive capabilities previously available only to large print shops with deep pockets.
When evaluating commercial printers, I focused on these key factors:
- Print quality: Resolution, colour accuracy, and consistency
- Speed: Pages per minute for both monochrome and colour
- Duty cycle: Monthly volume capacity and reliability
- Media handling: Paper sizes, weights, and speciality media compatibility
- Running costs: Ink/toner efficiency and total cost of ownership
- Connectivity: Network options, cloud printing, and mobile compatibility
- Finishing options: Duplexing, stapling, folding, and booklet making
- Footprint and noise level: Physical size and operational noise
- Energy efficiency: Power consumption and eco-friendly features
- Support and warranty: Service response times and coverage terms
A proper commercial printer must deliver consistent, high-quality results while handling the daily demands of a busy business environment. Reliability is paramount — unexpected downtime can seriously affect your operations and bottom line.
Top Commercial Printers Comparison Chart
Before we explore each printer in detail, here's a quick comparison of our top five picks:
| Printer Model | Print Speed | Max Resolution | Monthly Duty Cycle | Connectivity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP Color LaserJet Pro M479fdw | 28 ppm | 600 x 600 dpi | 50,000 pages | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, USB | £899 |
| Canon imagePROGRAF TA-20 | 104 A1 posters/hour | 2400 x 1200 dpi | 20,000 pages | Ethernet, USB | £1,299 |
| Epson WorkForce Pro WF-C5790DWF | 34 ppm | 4800 x 1200 dpi | 45,000 pages | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, NFC | £799 |
| Brother MFC-L9570CDW | 31 ppm | 2400 x 600 dpi | 80,000 pages | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, NFC | £1,199 |
| Xerox VersaLink C405 | 36 ppm | 600 x 600 dpi | 80,000 pages | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, NFC | £1,449 |
Now, let's examine each model in greater detail to help you determine the best fit for your business needs. All these printers represent excellent value within the sub-£1,500 price range.
HP Color LaserJet Pro M479fdw: Best All-Round Commercial Printer
The HP Color LaserJet Pro M479fdw is our lineup's most well-rounded commercial printer. It strikes an impressive balance between performance, quality, and affordability, making it suitable for various business applications.
- BUILT TO KEEP YOUR BUSINESS MOVING FORWARD Print, scan, copy and fax consistently high quality documents with the HP Color LaserJet Pro Multifunction M479fdw, a wireless printer designed to let you focus on growing your business
Key Features
At 28 pages per minute for both colour and black and white, the M479fdw offers respectable speed for most business environments. The 50,000-page monthly duty cycle provides ample capacity for small to medium businesses, and the automatic document feeder can handle 50 sheets at once.
Print quality is excellent, with vibrant colours and sharp text. The 600 x 600 dpi resolution might sound modest compared to some competitors. Still, HP's image enhancement technologies deliver results that punch above their weight.
What distinguishes this printer is its intuitive interface. The 4.3-inch colour touchscreen makes navigating features and settings remarkably straightforward. You won't need to spend hours training staff on how to use it effectively.
Connectivity Options
The M479fdw offers comprehensive connectivity options, including:
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi Direct
- USB 2.0
- NFC touch-to-print
- Cloud printing services
These options ensure seamless integration with virtually any office setup. The printer works flawlessly with the HP Smart app, allowing users to print directly from mobile devices.
Running Costs
The running costs are pretty reasonable, with high-capacity toner cartridges yielding approximately 7,500 pages for black and 6,000 pages for each colour. The price per page is about 1.8p for monochrome and 9.7p for colour, which is competitive within this class.
Real-World Performance
I tested this printer in a marketing agency that regularly produces brochures, presentations, and direct mail pieces. Over three weeks, it handled varied workloads with consistent quality and no paper jams. The automatic duplexing feature worked flawlessly, even with heavier stock up to 200 gsm.
Drawbacks
No printer is perfect, and the M479fdw does have some limitations. The paper capacity of 300 sheets (expandable to 850) might be insufficient for high-volume environments. Additionally, it lacks some advanced finishing options found in pricier models, such as stapling and booklet making.
If your business needs these features, consider other options or budget additional finishing equipment.
Canon imagePROGRAF TA-20: Best for Wide Format Printing
For businesses that need to produce large-format materials like posters, banners, and architectural drawings, the Canon imagePROGRAF TA-20 offers remarkable capability at a price point that's surprisingly accessible.
- Paper Roll Size: 8″-24″ (2” Core)
- 5 ink cartridges included
- Printhead included
- Stand included
Wide Format Capabilities
The TA-20 can handle media up to 24 inches wide, opening up possibilities for creating impactful marketing materials, technical drawings, and retail signage in-house. Despite its broad format capabilities, it maintains a compact footprint that won't overwhelm your office space.
Print Speed and Quality
Regarding speed, the TA-20 can produce an A1-sized poster in just 28 seconds in draft mode. For higher-quality prints, expect around 104 A1 posters per hour, which is impressive for a printer in this price range.
The 2400 x 1200 dpi resolution delivers excellent detail and colour accuracy, making it suitable for graphics-intensive applications. The five-colour ink system (LUCIA TD pigment inks) produces water-resistant prints with remarkable longevity and UV resistance.
Media Handling
One of the TA-20's strengths is its versatility with different media types. It can handle:
- Plain paper
- Coated paper
- Glossy photo paper
- Matte canvas
- Polypropylene
- Adhesive vinyl
The printer has roll feed and cut sheet options, allowing for efficient production of standard and custom-sized prints. The built-in cutter automatically trims prints to the desired size, saving time and reducing waste.
Software and Workflow
Canon's PosterArtist Lite software comes bundled with the printer, providing templates and design tools for creating professional-looking posters without extensive graphic design experience. The printer also includes Direct Print Plus software, allowing batch printing of multiple files in different formats.
Limitations
While the TA-20 excels at wide-format printing, it's not an all-purpose office printer. Suppose you need scanning, copying, or standard document printing alongside your wide format needs. In that case, you'll need a separate device for those functions.
The initial ink set is relatively small, so budget for replacement inks soon after purchase. Running costs can be higher than standard office printers, though they're reasonable compared to outsourcing large-format printing.
Epson WorkForce Pro WF-C5790DWF: Best Eco-Friendly Option
The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-C5790DWF stands out for its innovative approach to business printing, using inkjet technology rather than a laser to deliver surprisingly robust commercial performance with remarkable environmental benefits.
- Genuine Epson Ink
PrecisionCore Technology
What makes this printer special is Epson's PrecisionCore technology, which combines the quality advantages of inkjet with speeds that rival laser printers. It keeps pace with most laser competitors in its class at 34 pages per minute for monochrome and colour.
The 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution produces exceptional print quality, particularly for colour graphics and images. The text is crisp and professional, even in smaller font sizes.
Environmental Impact
The WF-C5790DWF uses up to 90% less power than comparable laser printers, making it the choice for environmentally conscious businesses. The inkjet technology generates no heat during printing, contributing to its energy efficiency.
Unlike laser printers, which use heat to fuse toner to paper, this printer's cool printing process also reduces wear and tear on internal components, potentially extending the device's lifespan.
High-Capacity Ink Packs
Epson's DURABrite Pro inks come in high-capacity packs that yield up to 10,000 black and 7,000 pages for each colour. This reduces the frequency of replacements and the cost per page to approximately 1.2p for monochrome and 7.5p for colour—lower than most laser alternatives.
The ink packs are easy to replace and generate significantly less waste than traditional toner cartridges.
Media Flexibility
The WF-C5790DWF handles various media types and sizes, from standard office paper to cardstock, envelopes, and speciality media. The 330-sheet standard capacity can be expanded to 830 sheets with optional paper trays.
Business Features
Despite its eco-friendly focus, this printer doesn't compromise on business functionality. It includes:
- Automatic duplex printing, scanning, copying, and faxing
- 50-sheet automatic document feeder
- 4.3-inch colour touchscreen
- Comprehensive security features
- Compatibility with document management systems
Drawbacks
While the print quality is excellent for most business applications, it may not match the absolute precision of top-tier laser printers for extremely fine text or detailed technical drawings. Prints aren't as water-resistant as laser output without speciality media.
The maximum monthly duty cycle of 45,000 pages is substantial but falls short of some laser competitors in this price range. If your business routinely exceeds 5,000 pages per month, consider other options.
Brother MFC-L9570CDW: Best for High-Volume Users
For businesses with demanding print volumes, the Brother MFC-L9570CDW delivers enterprise-level performance and reliability at a price point accessible to small and medium enterprises.
- Multifunction devices: copier/fax/Printer/Scanner
- Recommended use: plain paper Print
- Print color capability: color
- Maximum mono Print speed (ppm): 33
- Maximum color Print speed (ppm): 33
Built for Volume
The standout feature of the MFC-L9570CDW is its exceptional durability and capacity. With an 80,000-page monthly duty cycle, it's built to handle sustained heavy use without breaking a sweat. The standard paper capacity of 520 sheets can be expanded to a massive 2,380 sheets with optional trays.
It maintains a steady workflow at 31 pages per minute for colour and monochrome, even during peak demand periods. The 2400 x 600 dpi resolution ensures professional-quality output for all your business documents.
Advanced Security Features
In today's increasingly complex security landscape, the MFC-L9570CDW stands out for its comprehensive protection features:
- Secure Function Lock to restrict printer functions by user
- Active Directory integration for network authentication
- Secure Print to ensure documents are only released to authorised users
- NFC card reader compatibility for secure authentication
- IPsec and 802.1x network security protocols
These features make it an excellent choice for businesses that handle sensitive information or operate in regulated industries.
Robust Scanning Capabilities
The dual-scan document feeder processes both sides of a document simultaneously, achieving speeds of up to 100 images per minute in monochrome and 34 images per minute in colour. This level of scanning performance is typically found only in much more expensive dedicated scanners.
The scanner supports various file formats, including searchable PDFS, making it valuable for document management and archiving workflows.
My Brother Portal Integration
Brother's cloud-based management platform allows remote monitoring and management of your printer fleet. Administrators can track usage, set alerts for consumables, and deploy configuration changes across multiple devices from a single dashboard.
Cost Considerations
While the upfront price is competitive, the actual value of the MFC-L9570CDW becomes evident when considering the total cost of ownership. The super high-yield toner cartridges (9,000 pages for black, 6,500 for each colour) bring the cost per page down to approximately 1.5p for monochrome and 8.9p for colour.
The separate drum units also yield approximately 50,000 pages, reducing long-term maintenance costs.
Limitations
At 63.5 kg, this is the heaviest printer in our lineup and requires significant space. It's unsuitable for cramped offices or environments where the printer might need to be moved frequently.
The control panel, while functional, isn't as intuitive as some competitors. New users need some time to become familiar with the interface and workflow.
Xerox VersaLink C405: Best for Professional Print Quality
For businesses where print quality is paramount, the Xerox VersaLink C405 delivers exceptional results that approach the standard of dedicated print shops.
- Powerful performance and peace of mind, Right out of the box, you'll count on your VersaLink C405 to consistently and flawlessly perform the tasks that make your business work more efficiently, From IT-free installation wizards, to step-by-step configuration options, you're ready to go-hassle free
Superior Output Quality
While all the printers in this roundup produce professional results, the VersaLink C405 takes quality to another level. The EA toner technology produces remarkably smooth gradients and solid fills. At the same time, Xerox's colour management ensures accurate reproduction of brand colours and images.
At 600 x 600 dpi (with enhanced image quality that simulates 2400 x 2400 dpi), the text is razor-sharp, and the photos show impressive detail. This level of quality can make a significant difference in perception for businesses that regularly produce client-facing materials or marketing collateral.
Customisable Workflow
The 5-inch colour touchscreen interface is tablet-like in its responsiveness. It can be customised with apps from the Xerox App Gallery. These apps streamline common workflows and integrate with popular cloud services and business applications.
For example, the portal integration allows you to access professionally designed templates directly from the printer interface, saving time and ensuring consistent branding across all your printed materials.
Advanced Features
The VersaLink C405 includes several features typically found only in higher-end models:
- Mobile printing with Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and Xerox Print Service
- Walk-up USB printing for standard file formats
- Optional Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct connectivity
- Advanced security features, including secure print and card authentication
- Automated supply replenishment through Xerox's Smart Supplies program
Performance Specifications
With a print speed of 36 pages per minute for both colour and black and white, the C405 is the fastest printer in our lineup. The 80,000-page monthly duty cycle matches the Brother model, making it suitable for high-volume environments.
The standard paper capacity of 700 sheets can be expanded to 1,250 with an optional tray, providing ample capacity for most business needs.
Cost Considerations
The Xerox VersaLink C405 has the highest initial price in our comparison at £1,449. Still, the extra-high-capacity toner cartridges (10,500 pages for black, 8,000 for colours) help offset this with a competitive cost per page of approximately 1.7p for monochrome and 9.2p for colour.
Limitations
While the quality is exceptional, the C405 lacks some of the media flexibility found in other models. The maximum paper weight of 220 gsm is adequate for most business applications. Still, it might be limiting for creative agencies or marketing departments that work with speciality media.
Additionally, the printer's size and weight make it more suitable for dedicated print areas than personal workspaces.
How to Choose the Right Commercial Printer for Your Business
Now that we've examined the top options, let's discuss how to match them to your business needs. Consider these questions:
What's Your Primary Use Case?
Different business types have different printing requirements:
- Marketing agencies typically need excellent colour accuracy and the ability to handle various media types. The Xerox VersaLink C405 or Canon imagePROGRAF TA-20 would be excellent choices.
- Accounting firms prioritise reliability, security, and economical monochrome printing. The Brother MFC-L9570CDW offers the best balance of these features.
- Retail businesses often need signage and promotional materials along with standard documentation. The Canon TA-20 for wide format needs to be paired with the HP M479fdw for everyday printing, which could be ideal.
- Medical offices require reliable printing with excellent security features. The Brother MFC-L9570CDW or Xerox VersaLink C405 would serve well.
What's Your Monthly Print Volume?
Be realistic about your actual print volume:
- Under 3,000 pages: The HP Color LaserJet Pro M479fdw or Epson WF-C5790DWF
- 3,000-5,000 pages: The Xerox VersaLink C405
- Over 5,000 pages: The Brother MFC-L9570CDW
Choosing a printer with a duty cycle that comfortably exceeds your volume will improve reliability and longevity.
What's Your Budget for Consumables?
The initial purchase price is just one factor—ongoing costs for toner or ink, maintenance kits, and other consumables will quickly exceed the upfront investment. Consider the total cost of ownership over 3-5 years.
The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-C5790DWF offers the lowest running costs among our selections, making it especially attractive for budget-conscious businesses with moderate print volumes.
How Important Is Eco-Friendliness?
If environmental impact is a priority, the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-C5790DWF is the clear winner, with dramatically lower energy consumption and waste production than laser alternatives.
Do You Need Specialised Media Handling?
For businesses that regularly print on heavy cardstock, speciality papers, or oversized formats, the Canon imagePROGRAF TA-20 offers unmatched versatility.
The HP Color LaserJet Pro M479fdw provides good flexibility within its price range for standard office environments that occasionally need speciality media.
Professional Recommendations
Knowing the printer that's best suited for your needs is crucial. If you're still unsure after reviewing these options, consider contacting Inkbot Design's print consultation service. Their team can provide personalised recommendations based on your specific requirements and budget.
Installation and Setup Tips for Commercial Printers
Once you've selected your ideal printer, proper installation and setup will ensure optimal performance. Here are some professional tips:
Physical Placement
- Allow adequate ventilation around the printer (at least 10cm on all sides)
- Place on a sturdy, level surface that can support the printer's weight
- Avoid direct sunlight, which can affect print quality and damage components
- Consider noise levels when placing near workstations
Network Configuration
- Use a wired Ethernet connection when possible for the most reliable performance.
- Assign a static IP address to prevent connectivity issues after network change.s
- Enable secure printing protocols like HTTPS and IPsec
- Configure administrative passwords that follow your organisation's security policies
Driver and Software Installation
- Always download the latest drivers from the manufacturer's website
- Install the complete software package on administrative computers for access to all features
- Use the basic driver package for general user workstations to reduce complexity
- Consider using manufacturer-provided deployment tools for multi-user environments
Initial Calibration
- Run the printer's built-in calibration routine after installation
- Print test pages to verify proper configuration and quality
- Create and save custom presets for frequently used print jobs
Security Settings
- Disable unused protocols and services
- Implement user authentication where appropriate
- Configure automatic firmware updates
- Enable audit logging for sensitive environments
Taking time for proper setup will save countless hours of troubleshooting and maintenance.
Maintenance Best Practices for Commercial Printers
Proper maintenance is essential for maximising the lifespan and performance of your commercial printer. Follow these guidelines:
Daily Maintenance
- Check paper trays for proper loading
- Remove any paper jams carefully following the manufacturer's instructions
- Clean the scanner glass on multifunction models
- Check output quality for any signs of issues
Weekly Maintenance
- Clean exterior surfaces with a dry or slightly damp cloth
- Inspect paper paths for debris or obstructions
- Clean printheads or run cleaning cycles as recommended
- Check supply levels and order replacements before they're depleted
Monthly Maintenance
- Run calibration routines
- Check and clean internal components as specified in the user manual
- Update firmware if new versions are available
- Review usage statistics to identify potential issues
Quarterly Maintenance
- Replace air filters if applicable
- Clean internal sensors carefully
- Inspect and clean fans and ventilation areas
- Schedule preventive maintenance with a technician if under a service contract
Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your printer but also ensures consistent print quality and reduces unexpected downtime.
FAQS About Commercial Printers
What's the difference between a commercial printer and a regular office printer?
Commercial printers are designed for higher volume, faster speeds, and more robust build quality than standard office printers. They typically feature higher duty cycles, larger paper capacities, and more advanced finishing options. They are built to withstand continuous use in busy environments.
How long should a commercial printer last?
Properly maintained, a quality commercial printer should last 5-7 years of regular use. Many models can exceed this timeline if well-maintained and not pushed beyond their recommended monthly duty cycles.
Is leasing a commercial printer better than buying one?
Leasing can be advantageous if you prefer predictable monthly expenses, want to avoid a significant upfront investment or plan to upgrade regularly. Buying makes more sense if you have available capital and plan to keep the printer for more than 3-4 years.
What's the most economical commercial printer for a small business?
For small businesses with moderate print volumes, the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-C5790DWF offers the lowest total cost of ownership when considering both purchase price and running costs. Its energy efficiency provides additional savings on electricity bills.
How important is the duty cycle rating?
Very important! A printer's duty cycle indicates its designed capacity for monthly volume. Regularly exceeding this volume will lead to premature wear and reliability issues. Your monthly print volume should be 20-30% below the rated duty cycle for optimal performance and longevity.
Can commercial printers handle speciality media like envelopes and cardstock?
Yes, most commercial printers can handle speciality media, but capabilities vary by model. Among our selections, the Canon imagePROGRAF TA-20 offers the most versatility for speciality media. Always check the specifications for maximum paper weight and supported media types.
How do I calculate the total cost of ownership?
To calculate the total cost of ownership (TCO), add the initial purchase price to the projected cost of consumables and maintenance over your expected ownership period. For consumables, multiply your estimated monthly volume by the cost per page and then by the number of months you plan to keep the printer.
What security features should I look for in a commercial printer?
Essential security features include secure/encrypted printing, user authentication, administrative controls, network security protocols, and hard drive encryption for models with internal storage. The Brother MFC-L9570CDW and Xerox VersaLink C405 offer our comparison's most comprehensive security features.
Are inkjet or laser printers better for commercial use?
Traditionally, laser printers have dominated commercial environments. Still, high-capacity inkjet models like the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-C5790DWF now offer comparable performance with lower energy consumption and competitive running costs. The best choice depends on your specific requirements for speed, media handling, and print quality.
How can I reduce printing costs without sacrificing quality?
Implement these strategies to optimise costs:
Use draft mode for internal documents
Print in monochrome when colour isn't necessary
Enable duplex printing by default
Use print management software to monitor and control usage
Purchase consumables in bulk when possible
Perform regular maintenance to prevent waste and costly repairs
Finding the Perfect Press for Your Business
Selecting the right commercial printer requires balancing performance, quality, and cost considerations against your business needs. Among our top picks, the HP Color LaserJet Pro M479fdw offers the best all-around value for most businesses, while specialised options like the Canon imagePROGRAF TA-20 excel in particular niches.
Remember that the initial purchase price represents only a fraction of the total cost of ownership. Consider running costs, energy consumption, and maintenance requirements when deciding.
By carefully assessing your needs and choosing the appropriate printer, you'll ensure productive, high-quality printing capabilities that support your business objectives without unnecessary expense.
Ready to take the next step in upgrading your printing capabilities? The print equipment specialists at Inkbot Design can help you navigate the options and find the perfect solution for your business requirements and budget.
Don't settle for less than the best commercial printer for your unique needs — your business documents deserve professional quality and reliability.
Last update on 2025-05-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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