Whether All-in-One (Print/Scan/Copy) is Worth It for Home

What You Get With All-in-One

An all-in-one printer (also called MFP - Multi-Function Printer) includes:

• Printer: Obviously
• Scanner: Turn paper documents into digital files (PDF, JPEG)
• Copier: Make duplicates without a computer
• Sometimes fax: Some models include fax (rarely needed in 2026)

All of this fits in one device, usually the same size as a printer-only model.

When All-in-One is Worth It

1. You Have Kids in School

This is the #1 reason families buy all-in-ones. Schools constantly require:

• Scanning permission slips and forms
• Copying worksheets
• Scanning artwork or projects to submit digitally
• Making copies of field trip forms or medical records

Without a scanner: You take phone photos (which look unprofessional and are hard to read) or drive to FedEx/UPS to scan ($1-2 per page).

With a scanner: Scan at home, get a clean PDF, email it. Takes 30 seconds.

2. You Work From Home or Run a Small Business

Even in the digital age, you still need to scan:

• Receipts for expense tracking
• Signed contracts and documents
• Forms from clients
• Invoices and bills
• Tax documents

Plus copying: business cards, client documents, certificates, etc.

3. You Deal With Paperwork (Medical, Legal, Financial)

• Scanning insurance documents
• Copying medical records
• Scanning tax forms to send to your accountant
• Digitizing important documents for backup
• Copying ID cards for applications

4. The Price Difference is Small

If the all-in-one is only $20-40 more than the printer-only model, get it. Even if you only use the scanner twice a year, it pays for itself versus going to FedEx/UPS.

Example:

• Brother printer-only: $149
• Brother all-in-one: $179
• Difference: $30
• FedEx scanning: $1.50/page
• Scan 20 pages over the printer's life → $30 saved

5. You're Digitizing Old Photos or Documents

If you have boxes of old photos, papers, or documents you want to digitize, a scanner at home is way more convenient than using a scanning app or service.

When Printer-Only is Fine

Skip the All-in-One If:

1. You Literally Never Scan or Copy

If you can't remember the last time you needed to scan something, and you handle everything digitally already, save the money.

2. You Use Your Phone for Everything

Modern phone scanning apps (Adobe Scan, Microsoft Lens, Apple Notes) work surprisingly well for occasional scans. If you only scan a document once or twice a year, your phone is good enough.

3. You're on a Tight Budget

If every dollar matters and you know you won't use the scanner, get the cheaper printer-only model. Don't pay for features you won't use.

4. You Have a Separate Scanner Already

If you already own a standalone scanner that works fine, there's no need to duplicate functionality.

The Hidden Value of Copying Without a Computer

One underrated feature: standalone copying. With an all-in-one, you can:

• Press a button on the printer
• Make a copy
• No computer needed, no drivers, no software

This is perfect for:

• Quick copies when your computer is off
• Letting kids make copies without computer access
• Copying something when you're in a hurry

Features to Look For in All-in-Ones

If you're getting an all-in-one, make sure it has:

• Flatbed scanner: Essential (all have this)
• Automatic Document Feeder (ADF): Lets you scan multiple pages without manually flipping each one (worth the extra $30-50 if you scan often)
• Scan-to-email or scan-to-cloud: Send scans directly without going through a computer
• Mobile scanning: Scan from the printer to your phone via app
• Duplex ADF: Scans both sides of pages automatically (only on higher-end models, nice if you scan a lot)

What About Scan Apps on Your Phone?

Phone scanning apps are great for:

• Receipts
• Business cards
• Single-page documents
• Quick scans on the go

Phone scanning apps are terrible for:

• Multi-page documents (tedious)
• High-quality scans (300+ DPI)
• Photos (you need a real scanner for archival quality)
• Legal documents (need professional-quality scans)
• Anything with small text

A dedicated scanner is faster, easier, and better quality.

Cost Comparison

Typical Price Differences

• Budget inkjet printer-only: $50-80
• Budget all-in-one inkjet: $70-110
• Difference: $20-30

• Laser printer-only: $150-200
• Laser all-in-one: $180-250
• Difference: $30-50

For $20-50, the all-in-one is usually worth it for the flexibility, even if you don't use it often.

The Verdict

Get an all-in-one if:

• You have kids
• You work from home
• You deal with paperwork occasionally
• The price difference is under $50
• You're not sure (better to have it and not need it)

Skip the all-in-one if:

• You're 100% digital and never scan
• You're on a very tight budget
• You already have a scanner