Best Printers for Chromebook in 2026: What Actually Works With ChromeOS
Last Updated:Last updated: November 9, 2026.
Quick answer: a Chromebook can print to almost any modern Wi-Fi printer that supports standard driverless printing (IPP Everywhere, which printers usually advertise as Mopria or AirPrint support). There's nothing to install. Our picks: the Brother HL-L2405W for homework and documents, the Canon PIXMA TS6420a if you print occasionally, and the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 for cheap color. Avoid printers that only work through a Windows or Mac app, and remember that Chromebooks can't print over Bluetooth.
How to tell if a printer works with a Chromebook
ChromeOS doesn't use printer-maker drivers. It talks to printers with the same standard protocol that phones use. Before you buy, look for any of these on the box or spec sheet:
- Works with Chromebook or ChromeOS listed as a supported system
- Mopria certified
- AirPrint (printers that support AirPrint almost always support IPP Everywhere too)
Google's rules, from its Chromebook help page: the printer and Chromebook must be on the same network, a USB cable also works, and Bluetooth printing isn't supported.
Our picks
| Printer | Best for | Approx. price | Type | Scanner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brother HL-L2405W | Homework and documents | $140 | Mono laser | No |
| Canon PIXMA TS6420a | Occasional color | $70 | Cartridge inkjet | Yes |
| Epson EcoTank ET-2800 | Cheap color in volume | $190–$240 | Ink tank | Yes |
| Brother HL-L2460DW | Heavy printing, duplex | $180 | Mono laser | No |
| Brother MFC-J4335DW | Home office with a document feeder | $267 | Cartridge inkjet | Yes |
Typical street prices, November 2026.
Brother HL-L2405W: best for school and documents
Brother lists ChromeOS support alongside Windows, macOS, iOS and Android. It's a compact mono laser, so pages are cheap and the toner never dries out over summer break. It uses TN830 toner. Full review.
Canon PIXMA TS6420a: best if you print now and then
About $70, with Mopria and ChromeOS support, automatic two-sided printing and a flatbed scanner that works with the Chromebook Scan app. It connects only to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, which matters if your router splits its bands. Full review.
Epson EcoTank ET-2800: best for cheap color
Mopria-certified with refillable tanks (Epson 522), so color school projects cost pennies. Full review.
Step-ups
The Brother HL-L2460DW adds automatic duplex and Ethernet. The Brother MFC-J4335DW adds color, a 20-page document feeder and low-cost LC401 cartridges.
How to add a printer to a Chromebook
- Connect the printer to your Wi-Fi network (or plug it in with USB).
- Open what you want to print and press Ctrl + P.
- Next to Destination, choose See more and pick your printer. To keep it permanently, go to Settings > Device > Printers and scanners and click Save next to it.
- If it isn't listed, click Add printer and enter its IP address, with protocol IPP and queue ipp/print.
If the Chromebook asks for a printer model or PPD file during manual setup, choose your printer's maker and model from the list, or try Generic PostScript. Google allows a PPD file of up to 250 KB to be uploaded. Our full Chromebook printing guide covers troubleshooting.
Chromebook Printer Questions
Does Google Cloud Print still work?
No. Google shut down Cloud Print on December 31, 2020. Chromebooks now print directly to network and USB printers, which is why IPP Everywhere support matters.
Can I print from a Chromebook to an HP printer?
Yes, most current HP Wi-Fi printers support driverless printing and appear automatically. Be careful with HP+ models, which require HP ink and an HP account.
Can a Chromebook scan?
Yes. Open the Scan app from the launcher. It works with most all-in-ones that support driverless scanning (eSCL), including the Canon and Epson picks above.
Why won't my Chromebook find my printer?
Check that both are on the same network (not a guest network), restart the printer, and try adding it by IP address. Some school-managed Chromebooks block adding printers; in that case the school's administrator has to allow it.
Can I print from a Chromebook over Bluetooth?
No. ChromeOS doesn't support Bluetooth printing. Use Wi-Fi or a USB cable.
More help: Duplex printing on a Chromebook · How to print from Google Docs · Best printers for college students
By William Elward, founder of Castle Ink (in business since 2005).
Sources
Checked on November 9, 2026.
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