What is an all-in-one printer? It is a printer that also scans and copies, and some models also fax. You may also see it called a multifunction printer or MFP. Here is what to look for.
Last updated: October 30, 2026.
What an all-in-one printer does
An all-in-one combines a printer, a scanner and a copier in one body. Some add a fax. It saves space and money compared with buying separate machines.
Key features to check
- Document feeder (ADF): scans and copies stacks of pages.
- Duplex printing: prints on both sides automatically.
- Wireless: prints from phones and laptops on your network.
- Fax: only some models include it.
Inkjet, ink tank and laser all-in-ones
All-in-ones come in inkjet, ink tank and laser types, each with different running costs. Our guide to the best all-in-one printers covers all three.
Who needs an all-in-one
If you handle paperwork, receipts or school documents, an all-in-one is worth it. If you only print, a single-function printer is cheaper and smaller.
Types of All-in-One Printers
- Inkjet all-in-one: color and photos, compact bodies.
- Ink tank all-in-one: refillable tanks and a low cost per page.
- Laser all-in-one: fast, crisp text; monochrome or color.
- Wide-format all-in-one: handles larger sheets, such as 11×17.
Pros and Cons
An all-in-one saves space and money compared with separate machines and lets you copy without a computer. The downside is a bigger body, a scanner that may be basic on cheap models, and one device to repair if something fails.
Who Should Skip One
If you only print and never scan, a print-only printer is cheaper and smaller. If you scan large volumes, a dedicated document scanner may be faster than a printer’s scanner.
What to Check Before Buying
Check for a document feeder, duplex printing, wireless support and the cost of ink or toner. See our best all-in-one printers and printers with a document feeder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an all-in-one printer the same as a multifunction printer?
Yes. The terms mean the same thing.
Do all-in-one printers fax?
Some do. Check the product page.
Are all-in-ones more expensive to run?
Running cost depends on the ink or toner, not on the scanner.
Bottom Line
An all-in-one prints, scans and copies in one device and suits homes that handle paperwork. Learn how to scan with a printer next.
