Which professional printer brand to choose in 2026?
Finding the best printer for your business in 2026 is more complex than ever. The range is enormous, technology evolves at a rapid pace and the differences between brands are significant. Laser printer or inkjet? A compact device for a small office or a powerful multifunction system capable of handling thousands of pages a month? Buy or lease? In this article, we compare the key brands on the market — Xerox, Lexmark, HP, Canon, Epson and Brother — and analyse their strengths and weaknesses. You’ll also discover why Xerox is once again the clear winner in 2026.
What to look for in a professional printer in 2026?
Buying a printer in 2026 is no longer just about comparing purchase prices. For professional use, several other criteria are equally important:
Cost per page
The cost per page is one of the most underestimated factors when purchasing a printer. A cheap printer with expensive toner cartridges can end up far more costly in the long run than a quality device with low running costs.
Speed and volume
How many pages per minute (ppm) does the device print? What is the maximum monthly page volume? For businesses with intensive use, these are crucial specifications.
Security
In 2026, print security is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. A modern professional printer protects sensitive documents via PIN-secured printing, encryption and integration with corporate networks. Discover our print security solutions.
Smart integrations and AI
Printers in 2026 are no longer isolated devices. They integrate with cloud environments, ERP systems and document management software. Artificial intelligence optimises workflows and automatically detects unusual usage patterns.
Sustainability
Energy consumption, reusable toners and device lifespan play an increasingly important role in purchasing decisions. Check our reporting solutions for full visibility into your print usage.
Service and support
What happens if the device breaks down? A good service partner with fast response times, certified technicians and genuine consumables is invaluable for any business that relies on printing and scanning. Discover our technical service & consumables.
Xerox – the best professional printer of 2026
When all criteria are considered — reliability, security, smart features, cost and service — Xerox stands head and shoulders above the competition in 2026. The brand has been the benchmark in professional document management for decades, and for good reason.
ConnectKey technology: working smarter in 2026
Xerox ConnectKey technology transforms every printer into an intelligent work platform. Cloud scanning, PIN-secured printing, workflow automation and integration with Microsoft 365, SharePoint and Google Workspace — all built in as standard. In a hybrid working environment, where employees split time between home and office, this is a massive advantage.
AI-driven workflows in 2026
Xerox has invested heavily in artificial intelligence over recent years. The latest devices automatically recognise document types, route files to the correct destination and flag suspicious usage in real time. Xerox Workflow Central brings AI-driven document processing directly to the screen of your multifunction device.
A comprehensive product range for every business
Whether you run a small office or a large enterprise, Xerox has a solution for every volume. The VersaLink range is ideal for SMEs and compact office environments, while the AltaLink range is designed for high volumes and demanding environments. Browse our full range of printers and consumables.
Sustainability as a priority
Xerox is one of the few printer manufacturers to have set concrete climate targets and publicly report on its progress. The 2026 Xerox printers consume up to 30% less energy than models from five years ago, and the toner waste system has been further optimised to minimise waste.
World-class Managed Print Services
Xerox has been the global number one in Managed Print Services (MPS) for many years. Through official partners like D&O Partners, you get a fully managed package: proactive maintenance, rapid intervention, guaranteed uptime and delivery of genuine consumables. You pay per page and know exactly what your print costs are every month.
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Recommended Xerox models in 2026
For small and medium offices: Xerox VersaLink C415 — colour multifunction with Wi-Fi, duplex and ConnectKey.
For high volumes: Xerox AltaLink C8200 Series — powerful A3/A4 multifunction system for intensive professional use.
Lexmark – reliable partner for large organisations
Lexmark often flies under the radar with the general public, but enjoys an excellent reputation in professional circles. The American company focuses squarely on medium to large organisations with high security requirements and intensive print volumes.
Outstanding security architecture
Lexmark is recognised as one of the most secure printer brands on the market. The brand was among the first to implement a NIST-certified security architecture, featuring built-in firmware verification, encrypted hard drives and advanced authentication options. For sectors such as healthcare, government and financial services, this is a decisive factor. Compare this with Xerox’s security solutions.
Durable devices with a long lifespan
Lexmark printers are built to last for years, even under intensive use. The low maintenance frequency and high page yield of toners make the total cost of ownership (TCO) particularly attractive for organisations that think long-term. Our experts can help you compare during a demonstration or workshop.
Cloud integrations and smart workflows
With Lexmark Cloud Fleet Management, IT administrators can monitor, update and manage all printers remotely. See how cloud printing also works with Xerox.
Limited but solid presence in Belgium
Lexmark has a smaller network of official partners in Belgium than Xerox, but works with certified resellers who can guarantee professional service. Contact D&O Partners for personalised advice.
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Who chooses Lexmark?
Lexmark is an excellent choice for large enterprises and government organisations that put security and reliability first. For SMEs that also want the benefits of smart workflows and a broader ecosystem, Xerox via D&O Partners remains the stronger choice.
HP – wide range and ease of use
HP remains the world’s best-selling printer brand and has a suitable device for virtually every budget and use case. The HP Smart app, wide availability of cartridges and toners, and easy installation make HP popular with both home users and businesses.
However, there are serious caveats for professional use: cheap inkjet printers have a high cost per page, HP+/Instant Ink requires a mandatory account, and security features are less comprehensive than Xerox or Lexmark. For intensive business use, more specialist brands are preferable. Request a comparative demo to see the difference for yourself.
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Canon – specialist in photo quality
Canon built its reputation in photography and imaging, and this is clearly reflected in print quality. The Pixma range delivers exceptionally sharp colour photos and graphic output. For creative agencies, marketing departments and designers, Canon is a serious option.
For purely professional use, however, Canon is less well-suited: print speed is lower than Xerox or HP, official cartridges are expensive and security features are more limited. Businesses with high volumes are better served by a powerful laser printer such as a Xerox AltaLink.
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Epson – champion of low costs and sustainability
Epson revolutionised the ink market with the EcoTank range: refillable ink tanks instead of expensive cartridges. The cost per page is therefore particularly low, and the environmental impact is drastically reduced. Epson’s Heat-Free technology also consumes less energy than traditional inkjet printers.
The weak points: print heads can dry out with prolonged non-use, and for very high volumes, laser printers like the Xerox VersaLink are more reliable. Not sure which to choose? Our experts can help via a free workshop.
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Brother – solid and reliable
Brother has built a strong reputation as a reliable laser printer for small and medium-sized businesses. The devices are quiet, robust and offer a competitive cost per page. Duplex printing and Wi-Fi are standard on most models.
Brother is less impressive when it comes to smart software solutions and has a narrower range than Xerox, but it delivers on its promises: a solid workhorse that gets the job done year after year without fuss. Those who want more — ConnectKey integrations, Managed Print Services, cloud and security — choose Xerox.
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Buy or lease: what suits your business?
Beyond the choice of brand, the financing model is an equally important decision. Here is a comparison of the two most common options for businesses.
Purchase
You own the device outright and only pay for consumables and maintenance. Suitable for small investments or when you know you will keep the device for a long time.
Ideal for: Small offices, limited use, stable situation. Browse our printer range.
Leasing / All-in contract
You pay a fixed monthly cost including maintenance, service and toners. You always have an up-to-date device without a large upfront investment.
Ideal for: Growing businesses, intensive use, cost predictability. More info on financing & rental.
Tip: An all-in contract via your Xerox partner gives you maximum flexibility: you know exactly what your print costs are per page, and if something breaks down or needs replacing, your partner handles everything. Also discover our Managed Print Services for a fully managed print environment.
Ready to choose the right printer for your business?
Our experts will help you find the ideal Xerox solution — tailored to your volume, budget and sector. Free advice, demo on request.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best professional printer in 2026?
Xerox is the best choice for most professional environments in 2026. The brand combines high reliability, advanced security, smart workflow integrations (ConnectKey + AI) and an excellent service network. For businesses with specific security requirements in the enterprise market, Lexmark is also a strong option.
Is a laser printer or inkjet printer better for office use?
For most office environments, a laser printer is the better choice: higher speed, lower cost per page for large volumes and less risk of drying out. Inkjet printers are mainly interesting for those who occasionally need quality photos or graphic printouts. Browse our full printer range.
What is the difference between Xerox VersaLink and AltaLink?
The VersaLink range targets small and medium office environments with a compact format and intuitive operation. The AltaLink range is designed for higher volumes, larger teams and more complex workflow needs. Both ranges feature ConnectKey technology.
What are Managed Print Services (MPS)?
Managed Print Services is an arrangement whereby an external partner takes over the complete management of your print infrastructure: monitoring, maintenance, consumables and intervention in the event of faults. You pay a fixed cost per page and have no operational worries.
Why choose Lexmark over other brands?
Lexmark stands out for its exceptionally strong security architecture and robust hardware. For sectors where data protection is critical — such as healthcare, finance and government — Lexmark is one of the safest choices on the market. Compare with Xerox’s security solutions at D&O Partners.
Is it better to buy or lease a printer?
It depends on your situation. Leasing via an all-in contract offers the most benefits for businesses: fixed monthly cost including service and toners, always the latest technology and no worries if something breaks down. Purchasing suits smaller budgets or low usage. More info on financing & rental at D&O Partners.
Conclusion: Xerox wins again in 2026
Every brand has its strengths: HP for ease of use and wide availability, Canon for image quality, Epson for low costs and sustainability, Brother for solid reliability in the SME market, and Lexmark as a security specialist for large organisations.
But there is only one brand that excels on all fronts in 2026: Xerox. The combination of exceptional reliability, advanced security features, AI-driven workflows via ConnectKey, a comprehensive range for every volume and a leading Managed Print Services offering makes Xerox the undisputed winner.
Whether you’re looking for a compact colour printer for a small office via our VersaLink range, a powerful A3 multifunction via our AltaLink range, or a fully managed print solution via our Managed Print Services — D&O Partners has the answer.
Contact us today for a no-obligation conversation or a tailored demonstration. We’ll help you find the best print solution for your business.
