Consumer Reports’ 2026 survey of 70,000 printers reveals the five brands with the worst reliability ratings. Lexmark, Xerox, Canon, HP, and Epson all underperform in key categories, with laser and inkjet models plagued by jams, poor text quality, and high maintenance costs. Here’s why these brands fail—and which alternatives deliver better long-term value.
Printers remain one of the most frustrating consumer electronics categories, with reliability issues ranging from paper jams to exorbitant ink costs. Consumer Reports’ latest survey, covering nearly 70,000 printers purchased between 2016 and 2024, identifies the five brands with the worst track records. The findings highlight a critical divide: laser printers generally outperform inkjets in longevity, but even within these categories, some brands consistently underdeliver.
The survey evaluates both laser and inkjet printers across multiple subcategories, including all-in-one models, color/black-and-white variants, and tank-based systems. The results reveal that Lexmark, Xerox, Canon, HP, and Epson all struggle with reliability, though their failures manifest differently. Laser printers from Lexmark and Xerox suffer from mediocre performance, while Canon, HP, and Epson’s inkjet models are plagued by poor text legibility and high maintenance costs.
Why Printer Reliability Matters More Than Ever
With remote work and home offices becoming permanent fixtures, printer reliability is no longer a minor convenience—it’s a productivity necessity. A faulty printer can disrupt workflows, waste time, and incur unexpected costs. Consumer Reports’ data shows that the most common complaints include:
- Paper jams: A persistent issue across both laser and inkjet models.
- Poor text quality: Inkjet printers, in particular, struggle with legibility over time.
- High maintenance costs: Disposable ink cartridges and toner replacements add up quickly.
- Short lifespan: Many models fail within 2–3 years of purchase.
Given these pain points, choosing the right brand—and the right type of printer—can save hundreds of dollars and countless hours of frustration.
1. Lexmark: The Laser Printer Also-Ran
Lexmark’s laser printers are the definition of mediocrity. In Consumer Reports’ survey, Lexmark only appeared in one subcategory: all-in-one color laser printers. Even there, its ratings were middling at best, trailing behind Brother, Canon, and HP. The lack of data on other Lexmark models suggests low market adoption—a red flag for reliability.
Laser printers are supposed to be the more dependable choice, using powdered toner instead of liquid ink. Yet Lexmark’s offerings fail to capitalize on this advantage. Users report frequent maintenance issues and underwhelming performance, making it a brand to avoid unless you’re locked into a corporate contract.
2. Xerox: A Legacy Brand Struggling to Keep Up
Xerox, the pioneer of modern photocopying, has failed to translate its historical dominance into reliable laser printers. This is the first year Consumer Reports included Xerox in its survey, as previous years lacked sufficient user feedback—a telling sign of its declining relevance.
In the all-in-one black-and-white, all-in-one color, and regular color laser printer categories, Xerox’s models were merely “acceptable.” None stood out as particularly reliable, and all were outclassed by Brother, HP, and Canon. For a brand with Xerox’s legacy, this performance is disappointing. Unless you’re prioritizing brand nostalgia, there’s little reason to choose Xerox over its competitors.
3. Canon: Inkjet Frustrations Overshadow Laser Strengths
Canon’s laser printers perform adequately, but its inkjet lineup is a reliability nightmare. Consumer Reports tested three inkjet subcategories: all-in-one, regular, and tank models. Canon’s tank inkjet printers scored the lowest of any brand, failing to meet even the basic reliability thresholds for a recommendation.
The core issues with Canon’s inkjets mirror industry-wide problems:
- Disposable ink cartridges drive up long-term costs.
- Text legibility degrades over time, especially with frequent use.
- Tank models, which should offer cost savings, underperform compared to competitors like Epson.
If you’re considering a Canon printer, stick to its laser models—or look elsewhere entirely.
4. HP: The Most Popular, But Far From the Best
HP dominates the all-in-one inkjet printer market, but its popularity doesn’t translate to reliability. Consumer Reports’ survey found HP’s inkjet models to be consistently mediocre, with ratings that barely clear the “acceptable” threshold. In the tank inkjet category, HP performed similarly to Brother but fell short of Epson’s dominance.
HP’s regular inkjet printers were the worst of the bunch, failing to meet Consumer Reports’ reliability recommendations entirely. This aligns with HP’s broader reputation for underwhelming laptop reliability, suggesting a pattern of prioritizing market share over product quality.
5. Epson: The Tank Printer Specialist with Limited Appeal
Epson’s tank inkjet printers are the sole bright spot in its lineup, earning the highest reliability scores in their category. However, this specialization comes at a cost: Epson’s all-in-one and regular inkjet printers perform poorly, with ratings that fail to meet Consumer Reports’ recommendations.
If you’re specifically in the market for a tank inkjet printer, Epson is a solid choice. But for any other type of printer, Epson’s offerings are outclassed by Brother, Canon, and HP. This narrow focus limits Epson’s appeal, making it a niche player rather than a versatile brand.
What Should You Buy Instead?
Consumer Reports’ survey highlights the brands that consistently outperform the competition:
- Brother: The most reliable brand across both laser and inkjet categories, with top marks in all-in-one and regular models.
- Canon (laser only): A decent alternative for laser printers, though its inkjets are best avoided.
- HP (laser only): While its inkjets underperform, HP’s laser printers are more dependable.
For inkjet printers, tank models from Epson or Brother offer the best long-term value, reducing the ongoing cost of ink replacements. For laser printers, Brother remains the safest bet for both home and office use.
The Bottom Line
Consumer Reports’ 2026 survey leaves no doubt: Lexmark, Xerox, Canon, HP, and Epson all struggle with reliability in key printer categories. Whether it’s Lexmark’s underwhelming laser printers or Epson’s hit-or-miss inkjets, these brands fail to deliver consistent performance. For users who need a dependable printer, Brother’s laser and tank models emerge as the clear winners, offering the best balance of reliability, cost efficiency, and longevity.
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