1
Monochrome laser printer
Best for: Most homeschool families
Low cost per page, fast, and toner does not dry out between uses.
Good to know: Look for wireless and automatic duplex.
Buying guide · Printing
Best Printer and Laminator for Homeschool
Homeschoolers print a lot: worksheets, logs, maps, certificates. The printer you choose decides whether that costs a few cents a page or a lot more. The short answer: a black-and-white laser printer for most pages, color only if you need it often.
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Quick picks
| Pick | Best for |
|---|---|
| Monochrome laser printer | Most homeschool families |
| Ink tank printer (such as Epson EcoTank) | Families who print color often |
| Color laser printer | Lots of color, little maintenance |
| Thermal laminator | Reusable charts and checklists |
| Paper cutter | Flashcards, ID cards and certificates |
| Comb or coil binding machine | Turning printables into books |
How to choose
Cost per page, not price of the printer. Cheap inkjets often have expensive cartridges. Laser toner and ink tanks cost far less per page.
Black and white is enough for most worksheets. Color matters for maps, art and some early readers. If you print color weekly, look at ink tank or color laser.
Duplex printing. Automatic two-sided printing halves your paper use.
Wireless. Printing from a phone or laptop anywhere in the house is worth it.
Our picks
2
Ink tank printer (such as Epson EcoTank)
Best for: Families who print color often
Refillable ink bottles instead of cartridges keep color pages cheap.
Good to know: Higher price up front; pays off with heavy printing.
3
Color laser printer
Best for: Lots of color, little maintenance
Sharp color and no ink to dry out.
Good to know: Bigger and more expensive than a mono laser.
4
Thermal laminator
Best for: Reusable charts and checklists
Laminate a chore chart or schedule once and use dry-erase markers all year.
Good to know: Buy laminating pouches in letter size.
5
Paper cutter
Best for: Flashcards, ID cards and certificates
Straight cuts in seconds.
Good to know: A rotary trimmer is safer than a guillotine with kids around.
6
Comb or coil binding machine
Best for: Turning printables into books
Bind a printed planner or unit study so it lies flat.
Good to know: Comb binding is cheaper and lets you add pages.
Questions families ask
Is it cheaper to print at home or at a print shop?
For a few pages a week, home printing on a laser printer is cheapest. For a whole planner or binder at once, a print shop can be competitive and binds it for you.
What paper should I use for homeschool printables?
Regular 20 lb letter paper for worksheets; 65 lb cardstock for covers, certificates and anything you laminate.
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