You have a blueprint, a presentation, or a spreadsheet that demands more than a standard letter-size sheet. Fitting crucial details onto 8.5 x 11 paper often means shrinking fonts or losing clarity. For architects, engineers, small business owners, and creative professionals, an 11×17 printer (also called a wide-format or tabloid printer) is the practical solution. These machines handle larger pages up to 11 by 17 inches, giving you room for full-size diagrams, marketing materials, and financial reports without compromise.
This guide covers four of the top 11×17 printers available in 2026. We evaluated each model based on print speed, paper handling, connectivity, and long-term value. Whether you need an all-in-one for a busy office or a cost-effective ink tank system for high-volume jobs, our picks span reliable brands like Epson, Brother, and HP. For more printing solutions, check out our roundup of top printers for iPhone for portable and wireless options.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in an 11×17 Printer
Print Speed and Volume
When you print large documents regularly, speed matters. Look at the rated pages per minute (ppm) for both black and color prints. For a busy small office, a printer that delivers at least 20 ppm in black keeps workflows moving. Also check the monthly duty cycle: a higher number means the machine is built for sustained use.
For example, the Brother INKvestment 6560 achieves up to 31 ppm in black, making it one of the fastest options in this category. If you prioritize speed for client-facing materials, consider models with robust paper trays to reduce refills. For more guidance on office printers, see our best professional printers article.
Paper Handling and Media Support
An 11×17 printer must handle tabloid-size paper effortlessly. Look at the paper tray capacity and whether it supports multiple input trays. A rear feed or bypass tray is useful for specialty media like cardstock or glossy photo paper. Automatic duplex (two-sided) printing saves paper and time, especially when printing multi-page reports.
The Epson Workforce Pro WF-7310 offers two 250-sheet trays plus a rear feed, giving you 500 sheets total. That capacity is ideal for teams that print large projects without constant reloading. For Chromebook users, our best printers for Chromebook guide covers models with seamless wireless integration.
Running Costs and Ink Efficiency
The upfront price is only part of the equation. Ink or toner costs can add up quickly, especially with high-volume printing. Cartridge-based printers often have lower initial costs but higher per-page expenses. Supertank models, like the Epson EcoTank ET-15000, use refillable ink tanks that dramatically reduce cost per page.
Brother’s INKvestment system comes with high-yield cartridges in the box, giving you thousands of pages before replacements are needed. For Mac users, our top MacBook pro printers list includes models with AirPrint support and energy-efficient operation.
Connectivity and Smart Features
Modern printers should fit into your existing workflow without hassle. Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB connectivity are standard, but look for dual-band Wi-Fi for stable connections in busy offices. Wi-Fi Direct lets you print without a network, useful for ad-hoc tasks. A color touchscreen simplifies navigation and settings adjustments.
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9730 includes dual-band Wi-Fi that automatically resolves connection issues, plus a 4.3-inch touchscreen. Mobile apps from Epson, Brother, and HP allow you to print, scan, and manage jobs from a smartphone. For additional options, our best printers for Mac article highlights models with native macOS compatibility.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 11×17 printer depends on your specific needs. For a budget-friendly all-in-one that handles high print volumes without sacrificing speed, the Epson Workforce Pro WF-7310 Wireless All-in-One is a solid choice with its PrecisionCore technology and dual 250-sheet trays. If you want the lowest long-term running costs and print thousands of pages each month, the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 Wireless All-in-One delivers exceptional value with its refillable ink tanks. Both models offer reliable performance, wide-format capabilities, and the connectivity features modern offices demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size paper does an 11×17 printer use?
An 11×17 printer handles tabloid or ledger paper measuring 11 by 17 inches. Many models also support standard letter (8.5 x 11), legal (8.5 x 14), and various envelope sizes. Some printers include a bypass tray for thicker media like cardstock or photo paper.
Can I print wirelessly from my phone to an 11×17 printer?
Yes, most modern 11×17 printers support Wi-Fi and mobile printing through Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, or the manufacturer’s app. Models like the Brother INKvestment 6560 and HP OfficeJet Pro 9730 allow you to print from a smartphone or tablet without a computer.
Are 11×17 printers expensive to maintain?
Running costs vary by model. Cartridge-based printers have higher per-page costs, while supertank models like the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 offer very low cost per page because you refill ink bottles instead of replacing cartridges. High-yield cartridge systems from Brother also reduce frequency of replacements.
Do I need a special driver for a Mac to use an 11×17 printer?
Most major brands provide Mac-compatible drivers and support AirPrint for wireless printing. For example, Epson and Brother offer downloadable drivers for macOS. Check the manufacturer’s website for the latest compatibility information before purchasing. For more details, see our guide on best printers for Mac.
