Have you tried to print a last-minute boarding pass before a flight, only to find your printer “offline”? Or maybe you’re tired of expensive ink refills that cost more than your monthly Netflix? Over the years, printers have been a recognisable fixture of offices all around the world, but today, they have become more compact and accessible, introducing them to the home.
Technically, a printer isn’t an absolute necessity for any household. But for home businesses, and particularly people who work in fields that require conceptualising ideas, such as design work, having a printer on hand can be extremely handy.
In this article, we’ll be going through some of our top picks for affordable and quality home printers in Malaysia.
Editor
Mae An NG chevron_right
Table of Contents
How to Choose Printer in Malaysia
1. Network Compatibility
If you want to print from your phone or multiple devices, go for wireless models. Most support Wi-Fi and work with Maxis, Celcom, Digi, or U Mobile home internet.
2. Ink or Toner Cost
Ink tank printers are best for heavy users—refills are cheap and last long. Laser printers use toner, which is pricier but lasts even longer (great for black-and-white).
3. Portability
Need to print on the go? Look for compact or portable thermal printers—easy to carry, no ink needed.
4. Print Volume and Speed
For families or small offices, choose models with high page yields and faster print speeds.
5. Weather Considerations
Our humid weather can affect ink—keep your printer in a cool, dry spot, and use genuine ink to avoid clogging.
Budget Tiers (in RM)
|
Tier |
Price Range (RM) |
Suitable For |
|
Budget |
100–300 |
Students, light use |
|
Mid-range |
300–800 |
Families, home office |
|
Premium |
800 and above |
Small biz, heavy use |
Where to Buy and Get Bundle Promos
Check Shopee MY, Lazada, and PG Mall for the best deals. Look for bundle promos with extra ink or paper. Sometimes telcos like Unifi or Celcom offer printer bundles with broadband plans.
Extra Tips – Don’t skip these!
1. Don’t just look at the printer price
2. Always check paper size and type compatibility
3. For humid weather, avoid leaving paper inside
4. Look for an auto duplex if you print a lot
5. Buy from local sellers with good ratings
6. Keep a small stock of ink or paper at home
7. Check if the printer supports cloud printing
Comparison Table - Best Printers in Malaysia
|
Printer Model |
Price Range (RM) |
Highlights |
Special / Smart Feature |
|
HP Smart Tank 580 |
900–1,200 |
High-yield ink, wireless, all-in-one |
Remote print via HP Smart App |
|
Epson L3210 |
600–900 |
Ultra-low-cost ink tank, compact |
High-resolution photo printing |
|
Brother DCP-T530DW |
700–900 |
Wireless, duplex, refillable ink |
3-year warranty, mobile app |
|
Canon Pixma TS307 |
120–200 |
Budget wireless, smartphone copy |
Flat-top for easy scanning |
|
HP LaserJet MFP M236dw |
800–1,200 |
Fast mono laser, wireless, compact |
Duplex print, mobile print |
|
Niimbot B3S/B31 Label Printer |
150–300 |
Portable, Bluetooth label printing |
App-based label design |
|
GPRINTER GP-3120TU Thermal Barcode Printer |
200–350 |
Barcode/receipt printer, fast |
Supports various paper sizes |
|
Canon Selphy CP1500 |
400–600 |
Photo printer, portable |
Dye-sublimation, Wi-Fi |
|
PeriPage A4 Portable Printer |
300–500 |
Pocket-sized, thermal printing |
USB & Bluetooth, no ink needed |
|
AJA DJ6 Engraving Machine |
1,000–1,500 |
Laser engraver/printer combo |
Engraves acrylic, wood, etc. |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best printer for home use in Malaysia?
For most households, the best printer is one that balances affordability with features like wireless connectivity and cheap ink refills. If your home has school-going kids or remote workers, go for an all-in-one printer that can scan, copy, and print. Bonus if it connects easily to phones or tablets, since many people now rely on mobile workflows.
2. Is an inkjet or laser printer better?
It depends on your usage. Inkjet printers are cheaper upfront and can print in colour. This is great for students, photos, or casual users. But if you're printing mostly black-and-white documents, a laser printer might be more cost-efficient in the long run. The toner doesn't dry out like ink cartridges do, which is handy in Malaysia’s humid weather.
3. Which printer uses the cheapest ink?
Ink tank or refillable cartridge printers are the most economical over time. These printers let you refill ink yourself, which cuts down replacement costs significantly, ideal if you print a lot every week. You’ll find ink bottles for as low as RM10–RM15, depending on colour and brand compatibility.
4. What kind of printer is best for students?
Students need something budget-friendly, easy to use, and compact. A wireless inkjet or basic all-in-one printer is usually enough for school assignments, notes, and reference materials. If you’re in college or uni and moving around, a portable A4 thermal printer might also be a solid pick, especially for light, occasional use.
5. Can I print from my phone or tablet in Malaysia?
Yes, most modern printers support mobile printing via apps or direct Wi-Fi/Bluetooth. This is especially useful for people who work on their phones, like students using Google Docs or small business owners printing e-waybills. Always check app compatibility; some work better on Android than iOS and vice versa.
Top 10 Printers in Malaysia 2025
Mini verdict
The HP Smart Tank 580 is the best printer if you want high-volume printing without worrying about ink running out every month. Wireless printing? Senang je—just use the HP Smart App from your phone, even if you’re chilling in the living room. Remote scanning is handy too, but scanning at max resolution can be slow. The price is a bit higher, but you save on ink in the long run.
Key Features
- Ink tank system (super cheap per page)
- Wireless + remote printing
- Scan, copy, print—all-in-one
- HP Smart App for mobile control
Why We Recommend It
Ink refills are affordable, and you can print hundreds of pages before topping up. If your family always needs to print assignments, or you’re running a small business, this is a solid investment. The wireless features mean you don’t have to fight over USB cables.
User Tip
Try scanning at 400DPI for best speed/quality balance, it’s fast enough for most needs, and still looks sharp.
Mini verdict
The Epson L3210 is a solid all-rounder. What makes the best printer is its balance, high print quality, very low ink cost, and decent speed. Whether you’re printing colourful worksheets for your kids or client invoices for your side hustle, this printer gets it done without fuss. Plus, it doesn’t take up much space, which is a big plus for smaller apartments or condo setups.
Key Features
- Ultra-low-cost ink tank
- High-resolution printing (up to 5760 x 1440 DPI)
- Print, scan, copy
- Fast print speeds for black & colour
Why We Recommend It
Malaysians are practical, and this printer fits that mindset perfectly. It’s efficient and economical, just what you need if you’re printing often but don’t want to keep buying expensive cartridges. The EcoTank system is easy to refill, and the ink lasts forever (well, almost). Colour quality is also surprisingly good, especially if you print posters or simple marketing materials from home.
User Tip
Want to save more ink? Switch your print mode to “draft” for everyday documents. It’s faster and uses way less ink, but still clear enough for most non-official stuff.
Mini verdict
If you’re looking for a smart, all-in-one solution that won’t frustrate you, the Brother DCP-T530DW is one of the best printers right now. It’s reliable, has strong wireless connectivity, and supports mobile printing from multiple devices, ideal for a household where everyone’s always printing something. You also get automatic duplex printing, which is not that common in this price range.
Key Features
- Wireless & mobile app support
- Duplex printing
- High ink yield (up to 7,500 pages black)
- 3-in-1: print, scan, copy
Why We Recommend It
This printer’s a lifesaver for busy households or WFH setups. It can handle heavy-duty printing without overheating, and it connects easily to laptops, smartphones, or tablets. The ink refill process is quick and clean; very user-friendly even if you’re not a “techie.” If you share a printer with family or housemates, the wireless feature makes life easier.
User Tip
Set up the Brother iPrint&Scan app on all your family members’ phones. That way, anyone can print from their own device
Mini verdict
The Canon Pixma TS307 is the best printer for basic home use. It’s cheap, wireless, and you can even use your phone to copy documents. Just snap a photo and print. Great for those who print occasionally.
Key Features
- Wireless printing
- Smartphone copy
- Low-cost cartridges
- Flat-top for easy scanning
Why We Recommend It:
Not everyone needs a printer that can do everything. Some of us just need to print a few pages now and then. If that’s you, this printer makes sense. It’s easy to set up and doesn’t take up much space, great for dorms, hostels, or small bedrooms. Plus, the app feature adds unexpected value for a printer this cheap.
User Tip
Keep spare cartridges—low-cost ink runs out faster if you print a lot.
Mini verdict
If you need fast, sharp black-and-white prints, this is the best printer for you. The HP M236dw is a reliable monochrome laser printer that delivers professional-looking prints every time. It also features auto-duplex, which is a big win for offices or exam-season students.
Key Features
- Fast mono laser printing
- Duplex (double-sided) print
- Wireless/mobile print
- Compact design
Why We Recommend It
Laser printers are perfect for heavy document printing—think contracts, reports, and invoices. For those who don’t need colour, laser is the way to go. This model doesn’t mess around—it’s fast and cost-effective for high-volume jobs. The toner lasts much longer than ink. Ideal for tuition centres, law students, or anyone drowning in paperwork. Even better? It’s surprisingly compact for a laser model.
User Tip
If you mostly print black-and-white, laser saves you more in the long run.
Mini verdict
This pocket-sized label printer is the best printer for making labels on the go. It works on Bluetooth connection, app-based design, and no messy ink. This compact label printer may not look like much, but for small business owners or neat freaks, it’s a total game-changer. From product labels to name tags and pantry labels, the Niimbot makes it super easy to print labels straight from your phone.
Key Features
- Bluetooth connection
- App-based label creation
- Portable, rechargeable
- Thermal printing (no ink needed)
Why We Recommend It
With the rise of online selling in Malaysia, this little gadget makes life way easier. You don’t need a computer or fancy setup, just connect your phone via Bluetooth, design your label on the app, and print. It’s quick, clean, and surprisingly addictive to use. No ink, no mess.
User Tip
Stock up on label rolls in bulk. They’re cheaper that way, and you won’t run out mid-packing.
Mini verdict
This is the best printer for printing barcodes, receipts, or shipping labels. The GPRINTER GP-3120TU isn’t your usual home or office printer, but if you’re running a small logistics biz, online shop, or mini-mart, it’s one of the best printers for printing fast and reliable thermal labels. It works great for shipping labels, barcodes, or price tags, and it can handle a ton of labels daily without slowing down.
Key Features
- Direct thermal printing (no ink needed)
- USB interface
- Fast label output
- Supports multiple label sizes
Why We Recommend It
Many sellers on Shopee and Lazada rely on this model because it just works. It doesn’t need ink or toner, and it’s compatible with most e-commerce platforms’ label formats. Even if you’re not super tech-savvy, the setup is manageable. And if you run a kedai runcit or manage a large number of parcels, this speeds up your entire packing process.
User Tip
Keep it in a cool place. Thermal paper can fade if exposed to heat.
Mini verdict
Want instant photo prints at family gatherings? This is the best printer for you. Compact, wireless, and prints lab-quality photos in minutes. The Canon Selphy CP1500 can print photos anytime, anywhere. Whether it's for a wedding booth, birthday party, or just capturing memories, this sleek machine lets you go from digital to physical in less than a minute, with bright, vibrant results.
Key Features
- Dye-sublimation photo printing
- Portable, compact
- Wireless/mobile print
Why We Recommend It:
This one’s great for people who love personalising gifts, journaling, or running photo booths. Print straight from your phone via Wi-Fi or plug in an SD card. The prints are smudge-proof and water-resistant, making them ideal for our humid weather.
User Tip
Make sure to buy the official paper-and-ink combo packs. The CP1500 uses a set of dye ribbons that match the paper count, so that you won’t end up with leftover ribbon or wasted sheets.
Mini verdict
This pocket-sized thermal printer is the best printer for printing notes, tickets, or small documents on the go. It’s ultra-portable, works without ink (thermal), and can print full A4 documents from your phone or laptop. Whether you're a student living in a hostel or a freelancer working from cafes, this printer is all about convenience; just toss it in your bag and go.
Key Features
- Portable, lightweight
- USB & Bluetooth
- No ink required
- Rechargeable battery
Why We Recommend It
This one’s not for heavy printing, but for light tasks on the fly, like printing contracts, notes, or last-minute assignments—it’s a lifesaver. It’s compact enough to fit into a tote bag and doesn’t need constant refills. Just charge it up, connect via Bluetooth, and you're good to go. A great choice for commuters or anyone who doesn’t have a fixed desk at home.
User Tip
Use high-quality thermal paper rolls (not cheap ones) to avoid blurry or faded prints, especially in a hot climate. Also, keep the paper dry; humidity can affect the print clarity.
Mini verdict
While not your typical document printer, the AJA DJ6 is a powerful engraving tool for DIY lovers and small businesses. It's one of the best printers for those who want to personalise wood, leather, acrylic, or even glass. Perfect for those making custom signage, keychains, or small gifts, it turns your side hustle into a proper operation.
Key Features
- Laser engraving (on wood, acrylic, etc.)
- High-precision detailing
- Compatible with LightBurn and LaserGRBL software
- Works with PC/laptop
Why We Recommend It
Got a small Etsy shop or like making gifts for birthdays, Raya, or weddings? This machine can engrave beautiful designs onto various surfaces with impressive detail. It takes a bit of learning, but once you get the hang of it, the creative potential is endless. A popular pick among local crafters and bazaar sellers.
User Tip
Use it in a well-ventilated area. Engraving wood or acrylic can release fumes, and Malaysian houses (with their enclosed spaces and ceiling fans) can get stuffy fast.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best printer in Malaysia isn’t just about specs—it’s about how you live, print, and save. If you’re always printing assignments or running a business, invest in an ink tank or laser model. For students or light users, a budget wireless printer is enough. And if you’re always on the move, go for a portable option. Remember: buy from trusted platforms, look for bundle deals, and always check the warranty. Happy printing, and may your ink never run dry!