Printers and multifunction devices: how to choose (really) well in Portugal

Printers and multifunction devices: how to choose (really) well in Portugal

Buying a printer seems simple… until you get to the first set of cartridges/toner and realize that the cost of use can be more important than the price of the machine. DECO PROteste warns precisely about this: expenses with ink/toner can exceed the purchase price, so it's worth comparing printing costs and not just promotions.

In this guide you will learn how to choose printers and multifunction devices (MFPs / all-in-ones) for home, study, business and office — focusing on Portugal, mobile compatibility and realistic costs.

1) First: define your profile (in 2 minutes)

Answer these 5 questions:

  1. How many pages do you print per month ? (0–50 / 50–200 / 200–1000 / 1000+)

  2. Do you need color , or is black and white enough?

  3. Will you be printing high-quality photos or just documents?

  4. Do you need a scanner/copier (multifunction) and an ADF (automatic document feeder)?

  5. Will you be able to print from your cell phone (iPhone/Android) without any hassle?

Practical tip: if you don't know the number of pages per month, open the print history (if available) or estimate "pages per week × 4".

2) Laser vs. Inkjet vs. Tank: Which Makes Sense for You?

DECO sums up the basic logic well: laser tends to be better when speed is essential; inkjet is usually more suitable for higher quality photographs .

A) Laser printer (toner)

Ideal for: those who print a lot of text and want speed and consistency.
Advantages:

  • quick for documents

  • clear and durable text

  • Good for medium/high volumes.

Note: Color laser printers may be more expensive in terms of consumables (4 toners, sometimes a drum).

B) Inkjet (cartridges)

Ideal for: those who print infrequently/occasionally and want good color/photo quality.
Advantages:

  • Good color/photo quality (depending on the model)

  • entry price often low

Warning: If you print infrequently, some systems may require cleaning/cycles—the cost of ink can be significant.

C) Ink tank (refill / “tank”)

DECO points out clear advantages for moderate and intensive users: lower ink costs , more pages between refills, and less waste — but with a higher initial cost .

Ideal for: families/students who print regularly, small businesses, and anyone who wants a low cost per page.

3) Multifunctional: when it pays off (and what to look for)

A multifunction printer prints, copies, and scans (and sometimes faxes). If you have documents to scan, such as contracts, invoices, or school papers, it's usually the most practical choice.

Resources that are worth money (and time)

  • Automatic duplex printing (front and back) : saves paper and effort.

  • ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) : automatic feeder for scanning/copying multiple sheets in succession.

  • Scan resolution/quality + searchable PDF option (OCR, when available in the software).

4) Driverless connectivity and printing (very important in 2026)

If you want to print from your phone and laptop without any issues, look for support for modern standards:

  • AirPrint (Apple): Apple's technology for printing from iPhone/iPad/Mac without installing drivers .

  • Mopria (Android/Windows): a driverless experience for printing (and sometimes scanning) on ​​certified printers.

  • IPP Everywhere (PWG): a standard that allows you to find and print to network/USB printers without specific manufacturer software .

Quick checklist: Wi-Fi + AirPrint (Apple) + Mopria (Android) + IPP Everywhere = fewer problems.

5) Actual costs: how to compare “cost per page” (CPP)

The classic mistake is buying a cheap printer and then paying dearly for supplies. DECO emphasizes that the cost of ink/toner can exceed the cost of the equipment itself.

How to estimate CPP (simple formula)

CPP ≈ (consumable price ÷ page yield)

And here's the important detail: yield (number of pages) is usually declared according to ISO standards.

  • ISO/IEC 24711 for ink cartridge yield.

  • ISO/IEC 19752 for monochrome toner yield.
    Manufacturers like Epson explain that the tests follow ISO/IEC 24711/24712 for "page yield".

Important: Your actual yield may vary (coverage, print mode, photos vs. text, etc.). The standards help you compare, but do not guarantee that you will get the same number in all scenarios.

6) Compatible vs. Original Cartridges (Cost vs. Risk Decision)

Compatible cartridges may be cheaper, but DECO notes that problems vary greatly depending on the brand/model — you may want to choose reputable suppliers and pay attention to quality.

7) Warranty in Portugal (peace of mind purchase)

In Portugal, the system was reinforced by Decree-Law No. 84/2021 , in force since 2022, and the legal guarantee for new movable goods is widely communicated as 3 years .
(For used items sold by professionals, a discount may be available by agreement — this topic is explained in consumer rights guides.)

Final checklist (quick purchase, no regrets)

  • Defined monthly volume (pages/month)

  • Laser / inkjet / tank printer chosen according to your profile.

  • Automatic duplexing (if you print a lot)

  • Multifunctional + ADF (if you scan/copy batteries)

  • AirPrint + Mopria + IPP Everywhere (if you want "stress-free printing")

  • Estimated CPP with ISO yields

  • Consumables available and reasonably priced (Portugal)

FAQ

What is the best home printer in Portugal?
It depends on the volume: for low volume and photos, inkjet usually makes sense; for speed and text, laser; for low cost per page in regular use, tank printing.

Do I really need AirPrint / Mopria?
If you print from your phone, yes — it reduces problems and eliminates drivers in many cases.

Are the "X pages" yields reliable?
These are statements based on ISO standards (useful for comparison), but their actual use may vary.