Printers

Printers and printing supplies for home, office, retail and warehouse use: laser, inkjet, photo, dot matrix, label, receipt and large format printers, plus toner, ink, paper and spare parts. Brands include Brother, Epson, Canon, Xerox, Zebra and Lexmark, alongside compatible consumables from Activejet.

How to choose a printer

Printing technology. Laser printers produce sharp text quickly and suit offices that print documents every day. Inkjet printers handle colour and photos better, but the print heads can clog if the printer sits unused for weeks. If you mainly print photographs, look at the dedicated photo printers rather than a general office inkjet.

Running costs. The purchase price is only part of the cost, so check how many pages a cartridge or toner yields before you buy. More than half of our range is consumables, which lets you compare original and compatible options for the exact model number of your printer. Always match the model number, as cartridges that look alike are often not interchangeable.

Volume and paper size. A4 is standard for most desktop printers, and a model with automatic double-sided printing and a larger paper tray saves time and paper in a busy office. For technical drawings, posters or maps, our large format printers and plotters handle wider rolls and sheets. Light home use rarely needs more than a compact inkjet or small laser.

Specialist jobs. Label printers use thermal technology, so there is no ink or toner to replace. Check the maximum label width, the print resolution in dpi and whether the printer connects by USB, Ethernet or Bluetooth. Receipt and POS printers are usually sold for 58 mm or 80 mm paper rolls, so confirm compatibility with your till software. Dot matrix printers remain the choice for multi-part carbon forms.

Printer brands we carry

• Brother: known for compact monochrome laser printers and multifunction devices, and also for its label printers.
• Epson: a long-standing inkjet manufacturer, well known for refillable ink tank printers aimed at high-volume printing.
• Canon: makes inkjet and laser printers for home and office, and is particularly strong in photo printing.
• Xerox: a name from the photocopier world, now focused on office laser printers and multifunction devices for workgroups.
• Lexmark: concentrates on business laser printers built for shared use and heavier monthly workloads.
• Zebra, TSC and Bixolon: specialists in barcode, label and receipt printers for shops, warehouses and logistics.
• Activejet: supplies compatible ink and toner as an alternative to original cartridges.

Subcategories cover consumables, paper, label printers, laser printers, receipt and POS printers, inkjet printers, photo printers, large format printers, dot matrix printers, card printers, printer parts, accessories, and labels and label tapes. Also in our range: ACTIS, Peach and Anycubic.

Printer FAQ

Is a laser or an inkjet printer better for home use?

An inkjet printer is usually the better fit if you print colour pages or photos now and then. A laser printer is better if you mostly print black text documents, because toner does not dry out between uses. Think about how often you print, as that matters more than the technology label.

How do I find the right ink or toner for my printer?

Start with the exact model number printed on the front or back of the printer. Use it to search for cartridges or toner, because different models from the same brand often use different ones. Compatible consumables are made by third parties to fit a given model, so check the listed printer compatibility before ordering.

What is the difference between direct thermal and thermal transfer label printing?

Direct thermal printers use heat-sensitive labels and need no ribbon, which suits shipping labels and short-term use. Thermal transfer printers melt a ribbon onto the label, giving prints that resist fading, heat and rubbing. Choose thermal transfer for labels that must last, such as asset tags or product labels.

What do I need to set up a receipt printer?

You need a receipt printer, the right width of thermal paper roll (commonly 58 mm or 80 mm) and a connection your till software supports, such as USB, Ethernet or Bluetooth. Check that the printer works with your POS program before buying. Keep a few spare rolls on hand, as they run out quickly in a busy shop.