Are Cheap USB/Wi-Fi Print Servers Worth It
Considering a print server to make your old USB printer wireless? Before you buy, here's what actually works and what doesn't.
What's Happening
You have a perfectly good USB printer, but it's stuck in one location and you want to print wirelessly from anywhere in your home or office. You've discovered USB print servers that promise to add network capabilities for $20-50, but you're wondering if these cheap devices actually work or if they're more trouble than they're worth. The answer depends heavily on your specific printer model, your technical comfort level, and your patience for setup quirks and occasional compatibility issues.
Quick Checks (Do These First)
- Check if your printer is worth keeping - Can you buy a new wireless printer for $60-100? That might be easier than fighting with a print server.
- Verify printer compatibility - Search for your exact printer model + the print server model to see if others have succeeded.
- Check your router's USB port - Some routers have built-in print server functionality that's free and may work better.
- Consider your technical skill - Print servers often require manual configuration and troubleshooting.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Fix 1: Try Your Router's Built-In Print Server First
Many modern routers have USB ports with built-in print server capabilities.
- Check if your router has a USB port (usually on the back)
- Connect your printer to the router's USB port
- Log into your router's admin interface (usually 192.168.1.1 or similar)
- Look for "USB Device" or "Print Server" settings
- Enable the print server function
- Follow your router's instructions to add the printer on your computers
This costs nothing and is often more reliable than standalone print servers since it's integrated into your router's firmware.
Fix 2: Research Compatibility Before Buying
Not all printers work well with all print servers.
- HP printers generally have the best compatibility with print servers
- Canon printers may work but can be slower or less reliable
- Multifunction devices (scan/copy/print) often have issues—scanning may not work over a print server
- Search for reviews mentioning your specific printer brand and model
- Check the print server manufacturer's compatibility list
- Look for print servers that support your operating system (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Spending $35-50 on a quality print server from StarTech or TP-Link is often more successful than buying the cheapest $15 option.
Fix 3: Be Prepared for Setup Challenges
Print servers are rarely plug-and-play despite marketing claims.
- Expect to manually configure network settings
- You may need to install printer drivers before connecting to the print server
- Some print servers require you to create a virtual printer port on each computer
- Have the print server's manual ready (download PDF if not included)
- Set aside 30-60 minutes for initial setup
- Be prepared to occasionally reset the print server if connection issues develop
Windows updates have been known to break print server connections, requiring reconfiguration.
Fix 4: Calculate Total Cost vs. New Printer
Sometimes the economics don't make sense.
- Quality print server: $35-50
- Your time troubleshooting: 2-5 hours potentially
- Ongoing reliability issues: frustration
- Compare to new wireless printer: $60-120 for basic models
- New printers include manufacturer support, warranty, and modern features
If your old printer is more than 5 years old, buying a new wireless printer might save you money and headaches in the long run.
If Nothing Worked
If you've purchased a print server and can't get it working after following all instructions, check for firmware updates for the print server itself—these sometimes resolve compatibility issues. Try connecting from different devices to see if the problem is device-specific. Some users report success after disabling firewall software temporarily during setup. If the print server shows up on your network but Windows can't find it, you may need to manually add the printer using its IP address and the correct printer driver.
When to Call a Pro
If you've spent more than a few hours trying to configure a print server without success, it might be time to either admit defeat and buy a new wireless printer, or call in professional help. IT professionals can often diagnose driver conflicts, network configuration issues, or firmware problems more quickly than trial-and-error troubleshooting. For business environments where reliable printing is critical, professional setup and support for print servers is usually worth the investment to avoid ongoing productivity losses.
Need Professional Help?
If you're in the Tampa Bay area and need hands-on assistance, Geeks in Sneaks provides friendly, on-site tech support in Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, and Dunedin.
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