You probably don’t realize that many “wireless” office inkjets still need Ethernet-friendly network features to share smoothly across teams. If you’re choosing a printer for a busy office, the right model can cut downtime, lower ink costs, and make scanning easier, too. The five options here cover different needs, from compact tanks to shared print servers, and one of them may fit your workflow better than you expect.
| Epson EcoTank ET-2720 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer |
| Best Overall | Print Function: Print, scan, copy | Network Connection: Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, USB | Paper Capacity: 100 sheets | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Wireless Print Server for USB Printer (CR202) |
| Print Server Adapter | Print Function: Printing only | Network Connection: Wi‑Fi or Ethernet | Paper Capacity: Up to 2 printers | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Epson EcoTank ET-4800 Wireless All-in-One Printer |
| Best for Small Office | Print Function: Print, copy, scan, fax | Network Connection: Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, USB | Paper Capacity: 100 sheets | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Wireless Print Server for Sharing One Printer |
| Network Sharing Pick | Print Function: Printing only | Network Connection: Wi‑Fi, Ethernet | Paper Capacity: Not specified | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| GOWENIC USB Printer Server with RJ45 LAN Adapter |
| Budget-Friendly Pick | Print Function: Printing only | Network Connection: RJ45 LAN | Paper Capacity: Not specified | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Epson EcoTank ET-2720 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer
If you want an affordable all-in-one inkjet that’s easy to set up and built for low-cost, high-volume printing, the Epson EcoTank ET-2720 is a strong pick. You can print, scan, and copy with its compact black design, 100-sheet tray, and flatbed scanner. It uses a cartridge-free EcoTank system and includes enough ink for up to 4,500 black pages and 7,500 color pages. You get USB, Wi‑Fi, and Ethernet connectivity, plus mobile and voice printing. It prints up to 10.5 ppm in black and 5 ppm in color, with sharp 5760 x 1440 dpi output.
- Print Function:Print, scan, copy
- Network Connection:Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, USB
- Paper Capacity:100 sheets
- Print Speed:10.5/5 ppm
- Ink System:EcoTank supertank
- Mobile Printing:Supported
- Additional Feature:Borderless photo printing
- Additional Feature:Voice-activated printing
- Additional Feature:1200 dpi scanner
Wireless Print Server for USB Printer (CR202)
The CR202 wireless print server is a smart fit for you when you want to turn one or two USB printers into shared network printers without replacing your existing hardware. You can connect up to two USB printers, then link the unit to your router through WiFi or Ethernet. It works with most USB printers on Windows and Mac, and you manage it through a browser on a computer. Keep in mind, you’ll need drivers on each device, and it won’t support scanners, phones, tablets, or 3D printers. Setup isn’t plug-and-play, but it’s compact, durable, and practical.
- Print Function:Printing only
- Network Connection:Wi‑Fi or Ethernet
- Paper Capacity:Up to 2 printers
- Print Speed:Not specified
- Ink System:N/A
- Mobile Printing:Not supported
- Additional Feature:Dual USB printer sharing
- Additional Feature:Browser-based management
- Additional Feature:Metal wall-mount shell
Epson EcoTank ET-4800 Wireless All-in-One Printer
For a home office that needs printing, scanning, copying, and faxing in one compact machine, the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 stands out as a practical workhorse. You get cartridge-free ink tanks, so you’ll spend less time swapping supplies and more time working. It prints up to 10 ppm in black and 5 ppm in color, with sharp 5760 x 1440 dpi output. Use the 30-sheet ADF, 100-sheet tray, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, or the Epson Smart Panel app. It doesn’t offer automatic duplexing, but its ink yield helps you print more for less.
- Print Function:Print, copy, scan, fax
- Network Connection:Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, USB
- Paper Capacity:100 sheets
- Print Speed:10/5 ppm
- Ink System:EcoTank supertank
- Mobile Printing:Supported
- Additional Feature:30-sheet ADF
- Additional Feature:1.44-inch color display
- Additional Feature:Fax function
Wireless Print Server for Sharing One Printer
A wireless print server makes one USB printer easy to share across your LAN, so it’s a smart fit when you need multiple computers to print to a single device without swapping cables. You can connect it over 2.4 GHz WiFi or through a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port, then assign an IP address for remote access inside your network. It supports most USB inkjet, laser, thermal label, and dot matrix printers from brands like HP, Brother, and Canon. Setup’s simple on Windows, with web-based management for Mac and Linux. Smart LEDs help you monitor status quickly.
- Print Function:Printing only
- Network Connection:Wi‑Fi, Ethernet
- Paper Capacity:Not specified
- Print Speed:Not specified
- Ink System:N/A
- Mobile Printing:Not supported
- Additional Feature:Dual Ethernet ports
- Additional Feature:Automatic queue handling
- Additional Feature:Smart indicator lights
GOWENIC USB Printer Server with RJ45 LAN Adapter
Sharing a single USB printer across your network gets much easier with the GOWENIC USB Printer Server with RJ45 LAN Adapter, especially if you need print access in a home office, small business, school, or government setting. You connect one USB printer to its USB 2.0 port, then use the RJ45 LAN link to let any computer on the same network print. It supports TCP/IP LPR, web-based setup, monitoring, and reset tools. You’ll save space, cut cable clutter, and avoid a dedicated print host. It includes a Cat5 cable, adapter, disc, and manual for quick setup.
- Print Function:Printing only
- Network Connection:RJ45 LAN
- Paper Capacity:Not specified
- Print Speed:Not specified
- Ink System:N/A
- Mobile Printing:Not supported
- Additional Feature:RJ45 LAN adapter
- Additional Feature:Web-browser configuration
- Additional Feature:Low-power chipset
Factors to Consider When Choosing Ethernet Inkjet Printers
When you choose an Ethernet inkjet printer, check that it’s fully compatible with your network and meets your print speed needs. You should also compare ink tank efficiency and decide whether wireless backup options matter to you. If you need more than printing, make sure it can also scan and copy.
Ethernet Compatibility
Before you buy an Ethernet inkjet printer, make sure its wired port matches your network, whether that’s 10/100 Mbps or 10/100/1000 Mbps, and confirm it supports the printing protocols you use, such as TCP/IP, LPR, IPP, or RAW/9100. You should also check whether the printer can keep a fixed IP address through static setup or a DHCP reservation, so everyone on your network can find it reliably. Look for web-based admin tools, SNMP support, and remote alerts, because they make setup and monitoring much easier. If you plan to share scanning or faxing, verify that those functions work over Ethernet too; some models only handle printing unless you add network drivers or modules. Matching these details helps you avoid connection problems and wasted time.
Print Speed Needs
To choose the right Ethernet inkjet printer, match its print speed to your daily workload: a 10 ppm black model is usually fine for light to moderate use, while 20+ ppm better fits busier offices. You should also check color ppm separately, since color jobs often run 40–60% slower than black. Don’t ignore first-page-out time or warm-up latency, because they matter most for short jobs and quick reprints. If you’ll print in draft mode, you can gain speed; if you need high-resolution output, expect throughput to drop. For shared networks, consider how the printer handles multiple queued jobs so one fast rating doesn’t turn into slow office performance.
Ink Tank Efficiency
Checking ink tank efficiency helps you keep Ethernet inkjet printing costs predictable, especially if your office prints a steady volume each month. You should compare each printer’s stated black and color ink yields, because high-capacity tanks often claim 4,000 to 7,500 pages before a refill. Match those numbers to your monthly print volume so you can estimate refill frequency. Also check bottle sizes and cost per milliliter; larger 50 to 100 mL bottles usually lower your cost per page than small cartridges. Choose models with front-fill, spill-resistant tanks and clear level windows so you can monitor ink easily. Finally, factor in ink type and total cost of ownership over one to two years, since pigment and dye inks serve different needs.
Wireless Backup Options
When the wired network drops, a strong Ethernet inkjet printer should keep working over Wi‑Fi or Wi‑Fi Direct without much interruption. You should confirm it supports both Ethernet and wireless so you can switch without chasing a backup device. Look for automatic failover or the ability to accept jobs on the wireless side when the cable goes dead. Don’t settle for a stripped-down mode; your backup connection should still deliver the same print resolution, color output, and media-size support you expect on Ethernet. If your team prints from phones or tablets, standard mobile printing or Wi‑Fi Direct lets you keep going without a router. Also check that firmware lets you set SSID, security, and credentials remotely, then store them securely for fast reconnection.
Scan And Copy
For scan and copy tasks, start by checking whether the Ethernet inkjet printer has a flatbed scanner, an automatic document feeder (ADF), or both, since an ADF is essential for handling multi-page jobs efficiently. You should also confirm the ADF capacity, since 20–50 sheets is common, and make sure duplex scanning works if you copy or archive two-sided pages. Check the optical resolution too: 600–1,200 dpi handles standard documents well, while 1,200 dpi or higher helps with detailed scans. Review copy controls such as speed, scaling, and batch size, and see whether you can copy straight from the ADF. Finally, verify scan-to options like email, SMB, or USB, plus PDF, TIFF, JPEG, and OCR support for smoother document workflows.
Media Handling Capacity
Start by matching the printer’s media handling capacity to your workload, especially the input tray size, since many home and office inkjets hold about 100 sheets and a larger tray can cut down on refills. If you print often, check whether the printer supports legal-size or other long-document modes, so you’re not stuck shrinking layouts. For scanning and copying, confirm the automatic document feeder’s sheet count; a 30-sheet or larger ADF saves time on multipage jobs. You should also verify borderless photo printing and the maximum photo size if you handle marketing images or proofs. Finally, compare tray options and supported media types—plain paper, cardstock, envelopes, and labels—because multiple sources and wider media support give you more flexibility and reduce manual switching.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Set up Ethernet Printing on a Mac?
Open System Settings, select Printers & Scanners, click Add Printer, pick the Ethernet printer from the list, then choose its IP address or Bonjour entry. Install any required drivers when prompted and print a test page to verify the connection.
Can Ethernet Inkjet Printers Scan Over the Network?
Yes. If your Ethernet inkjet printer includes network scanning support, use the printer’s scanning application or web interface to send scans directly to a Mac, PC, or cloud storage.
Do Ethernet Printers Support Mobile Printing Apps?
Yes. You can often use mobile printing apps with Ethernet printers when the printer supports Wi Fi Direct, Apple AirPrint, Mopria, or the manufacturer’s mobile app. The printer must be accessible on your network, and some models may not provide the full range of mobile features.
How Many Users Can Share One Ethernet Printer?
You can share a single Ethernet printer with dozens or even hundreds of users, provided the network and printer resources are sufficient; limits are typically practical, such as available bandwidth, printer memory, and administrator settings.
What Security Features Protect Network Printer Connections?
Protect network printer connections by using WPA2 or WPA3 for Wi Fi, encrypting print jobs with IPPS or TLS, requiring user authentication at the device, enabling secure PIN or code release for print queues, restricting printer management to HTTPS with strong admin credentials, and enforcing firewall rules that limit access to printer services. Keep printer firmware up to date and turn off unused services and network protocols.
Final Thoughts
If you’re choosing an Ethernet inkjet printer for your office, focus on speed, network support, and low ink costs. Epson EcoTank models stand out because they can slash running costs by up to 90% compared with cartridge printers, which is a huge win over time. You’ll also want features like duplex printing, ADF support, and easy web-based management. Pick the right model now, and you’ll keep your team printing smoothly and affordably.
