Quiet printers are a welcome addition to any home or office, allowing you to work without the distraction of loud printing noises. Whether you're printing documents late at night or working in a shared space, a quiet printer can help maintain a peaceful environment. This buying guide explores some of the best quiet printers available, highlighting their features, performance, and noise levels.
Best Quiet Printers
Here's a closer look at some models that prioritize quiet operation, along with a comparison of their features and overall value.
Epson EcoTank ET-2800
- Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing ― No more tiny, expensive ink cartridges; each ink bottle set is equivalent to about 80 individual cartridges (2)
- Dramatic Savings on Replacement Ink ― Save up to 90% with replacement ink bottles vs. ink cartridges (1) – that’s enough to print up to 4,500 pages black/7,500 color (3)
- Stress-Free Printing — Up to 2 years of ink in the box (4) – and with every replacement ink set – for fewer out of ink frustrations
- High-Capacity Ink Tanks — Epson’s exclusive EcoFit ink bottles make filling easy and worry-free
- Zero Cartridge Waste — By using an EcoTank printer, you can help reduce the amount of cartridge waste ending up in landfills
- Specified Noise Level: N/A
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 offers cartridge-free printing with its large ink tanks, which many users appreciate. While not specifically marketed for quietness, some users find it to be adequately quiet, though others find it somewhat noisy compared to other printers. The EcoTank design eliminates cartridge waste and saves on ink costs, but mixed feedback exists regarding print speed and connectivity. This printer could be a good choice if you prioritize cost savings and occasional printing needs but be prepared for potentially longer print times and possible connectivity troubleshooting.
Brother HL-L2460DW
- BEST FOR HOME OFFICES & SMALL TEAMS – Engineered for consistent, premium print quality, the Brother HL-L2460DW Monochrome (Black & White) Laser Printer produces documents that are clear, crisp, and easy to review and share, all at an affordable price
- COMPACT, CONNECTED, EXCEPTIONALLY EFFICIENT– Connect with built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz/5GHz), Ethernet, or to a single computer via USB interface. Prints at speeds up to 36ppm(2), plus automatic duplex printing saves time and reduces paper waste
- BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP – Manage your wireless printer remotely and print from your mobile device anytime, from almost anywhere. Order Brother Genuine Supplies, track toner usage, and complete more work on-the-go(3)
- VERSATILE PAPER HANDLING – Tackle high-volume black & white printing with the 250-sheet capacity paper tray.(4) The manual feed slot enables printing on envelopes and specialty paper
- BROTHER IS AT YOUR SIDE – Backed by Brother with a 1-year limited warranty and free online, call, or live chat support for the life of your printer
- Specified Noise Level: Not found
The Brother HL-L2460DW is a compact monochrome laser printer that many users describe as quiet and fast. Its laser printing technology is generally considered quieter than inkjet, and this model is no exception. The HL-L2460DW offers wireless connectivity and duplex printing, making it a versatile option for home offices. While some users report easy setup, others have experienced difficulties, and print quality receives mixed reviews. However, if you need a reliable and quiet black-and-white printer for everyday use, the HL-L2460DW is worth considering.
POLONO Portable Printer
- Portable Printer-- This Mobile Printer Need to use Thermal Paper and DO NOT support regular copy paper.Only Print in Black and White. POLONO portable printer is small in size and weighs only 1.17 pounds. Whether it's in your car, backpack, or during business travel, D810 bluetooth thermal printer is your reliable companion for office documents, inventory lists, business checks and more. Please always remember to choose the paper size arroding to the paper you use both on Phone and PC
- High Compatibility-- Note: Computers need to download the driver and print via USB cord, do not support Bluetooth connection. Portable Printer supports iOS 13 or above & Android and PC, NOT support Chromebook. For smartphone, please download the "Labelnize" APP to Print via Bluetooth for mobile printer. For PC, please visit " polono.com" or download form the attached U-disk to obtain the driver. Please DO NOT connect directly via Bluetooth for all devices
- Inkless Printing-- Only Support US Letter Size & A4 Size Thermal Paper. Inkless portable thermal printer use thermal direct technology, which allows you to no longer rely on separate ink cartridges and is more environmentally friendly. The thermal printer packaging comes with 20 sheets of US Letter for printing. Notice: When install paper, remember to switch the paper size switch on the left of the "Paper entry"，switch it to 216 (upper) can print US Letter Paper, to 210 (bottom) can print A4 Paper
- Clear Printing-- POLONO D810 Portable Printer uses high-definition printing technology, providing you with clear printing. D810 inkless wireless mobile printer can work for about 49 minutes and print about 200 sheets of thermal paper when fully charged. This mobile printer compatible with both roll paper,fan-fold paper and tattoo transfer paper, support printing PDF, Word, Images, Web from your phone—whenever, wherever. We recommend using our POLONO thermal paper for good printing quality
- Widely Use-- The package of D810 Portable Printer includes: D810 Printer, 20 Sheets of US Letter, user manual, guide card, U disk and a type-c cord. Note: charging adapter not included. Inkless portable thermal printer meet the needs of most workers. suitable for home, school, travel, office, outdoor, and other scenes to meet the printing needs of various people. This tattoo stencil printer also compatible with tattoo transfer paper, this tattoo printer is also ideal for tattoo artistics
- Specified Noise Level: Not found
The POLONO D810 is a portable thermal printer designed for on-the-go printing needs. Many users describe it as quiet and appreciate its compact size and inkless design. The thermal printing technology eliminates the need for ink cartridges, contributing to quieter operation. While it only prints in monochrome and requires thermal paper, the POLONO D810 is a convenient and quiet option for printing documents, labels, and receipts while traveling. Its portability and ease of use make it a great choice if you need a printer that won't disturb others in quiet environments.
How to Choose a Quiet Printer
Noisy printers can disrupt concentration, disturb colleagues, and make home offices less pleasant. Fortunately, quiet printers are increasingly available across various price points and technologies. This guide will help you understand printer noise levels and select the perfect quiet printer for your needs.
What Makes a Printer Noisy?
Printer noise comes from several mechanical components working together. The print head moving back and forth, paper feeding mechanisms, cooling fans, and internal motors all contribute to the overall noise level.
Inkjet printers typically make noise from the print head carriage movement and paper advancing system. Laser printers often generate noise from their fuser units, cooling fans, and toner distribution mechanisms.
Older or lower-quality printers tend to have less sound insulation and noisier components. Budget models may use cheaper parts that create more vibration and sound during operation.
Understanding Printer Noise Levels
Printer noise is measured in decibels (dB), with lower numbers indicating quieter operation. A typical conversation measures around 60dB, while a whisper is approximately 30dB.
Average home and office printers operate between 50-70dB during printing. Quiet printers typically operate below 50dB, with the most silent models reaching as low as 40-45dB during operation.
Standby noise is another consideration – some printers maintain fan operation even when not actively printing. The best quiet printers minimize both operational and standby noise levels.
Key Technologies for Quiet Printing
Printer Type Considerations
Thermal printers are often the quietest option, as they use heat rather than impact to create images. They require special paper but operate with minimal moving parts.
Modern inkjet printers tend to be quieter than older models and many laser printers. Their simpler mechanics and lighter print heads create less vibration and noise.
Laser printers vary greatly in noise level. High-end models incorporate sound dampening technology, while budget options can be quite loud due to multiple internal fans and mechanisms.
Quiet Mode Features
Many modern printers include a dedicated "quiet mode" or "silent printing" option. This setting slows down printing speed to reduce noise at the cost of productivity.
When activated, quiet modes typically reduce noise by 3-10dB, which can make a significant difference in perceived loudness. This feature is ideal for nighttime printing or quiet environments.
Build Quality and Design
Printers with solid construction and sound-dampening materials produce less noise from vibration. Look for models with rigid frames and minimal rattling parts.
Enclosed designs that cover the paper path and print mechanisms help contain sound during operation. This design feature can significantly reduce perceived noise levels.
Essential Features for Quiet Printers
Print Technology
Thermal and inkjet technologies generally offer quieter operation than dot matrix or older laser printers. Consider your printing needs alongside noise concerns when selecting a technology.
Modern thermal printers are virtually silent but limited to monochrome printing on special paper. They're excellent for receipts, labels, and basic documents.
Speed Settings and Controls
Variable speed controls allow you to balance productivity with noise level. Look for printers with adjustable printing speeds or dedicated quiet modes.
Some printers automatically reduce speed during complex print jobs, which can help maintain lower noise levels when printing graphics or photos.
Connectivity Options
Wireless printing capabilities allow you to place the printer in a separate room or enclosed space to minimize noise disturbance. WiFi, Bluetooth, and cloud printing features enable flexible placement.
Mobile printing support lets you send documents to print without being physically near the printer. This feature enhances convenience when the printer is placed in a noise-containing location.
How to Choose the Right Quiet Printer for Your Needs
Assess Your Environment
Consider where your printer will be used. Small apartments, shared offices, and bedroom workspaces benefit most from ultra-quiet models.
If your printer will be in a separate room or already noisy environment, you might prioritize other features over absolute quietness.
Volume Requirements
Occasional home users should prioritize quietness over speed, as the reduced productivity of quiet models won't significantly impact limited printing needs.
High-volume office users may need to balance noise reduction with efficiency. Enterprise-grade quiet printers exist but typically cost more than consumer models.
Print Quality Needs
For document printing, many quiet laser and inkjet printers offer excellent results without excessive noise. These are ideal for text-heavy work in quiet environments.
Photo printing often requires high-quality inkjet printers, which vary in noise levels. Look specifically for photo printers advertising quiet operation if this is your priority.
Installation and Placement Tips to Minimize Noise
Optimal Surfaces
Place your printer on a solid, stable surface that won't amplify vibrations. Avoid hollow desks or lightweight tables that can resonate with printer movements.
Consider adding sound-dampening materials like rubber mats under the printer to absorb vibration. These simple additions can reduce perceived noise by 5-10%.
Room Acoustics
Surrounding your printer with sound-absorbing materials like bookshelves, fabric panels, or acoustic foam can dramatically reduce noise transmission.
Enclosed printer cabinets with ventilation offer excellent noise reduction. Ensure adequate airflow to prevent overheating if placing printers in enclosed spaces.
Maintenance for Quieter Operation
Regular cleaning and maintenance prevent the additional noise caused by paper dust, dried ink, and misaligned components. Follow manufacturer guidelines for routine care.
Keep moving parts lubricated according to the user manual. Properly maintained printers maintain their quiet operation throughout their lifespan.
Price Considerations and Value Assessment
Budget-Friendly Options
Entry-level quiet printers typically range from $100-200. These models often feature basic quiet operation but may sacrifice print speed or advanced connectivity.
Mid-range models ($200-400) offer the best balance of quiet operation, features, and reliability for most home and small office users.
Long-Term Value
Consider total cost of ownership, including ink or toner expenses. Some quieter printer technologies may have higher operational costs that offset their lower purchase price.
Energy-efficient quiet printers save electricity, especially important if you leave your printer on standby. Look for ENERGY STAR certification alongside noise level ratings.
Warranty and Support
Longer warranties often indicate manufacturer confidence in build quality, which correlates with quieter, more reliable operation. Look for at least a one-year warranty.
Accessible customer support helps troubleshoot unusual noises that might indicate developing problems. Research manufacturer reputation for service before purchasing.
Final Considerations
When selecting a quiet printer, balance noise reduction with your specific printing needs and budget. For most users, a modern inkjet or laser printer with quiet mode functionality offers the best combination of features and peaceful operation.
Read user reviews specifically mentioning noise levels, as manufacturer claims sometimes differ from real-world experience. Remember that proper placement and maintenance will enhance the quiet operation of any printer you select.