Which Wide Format Printer Is Best for Your Business?

Investing in the right wide-format printer can have a direct impact on your workflow efficiency, print quality, and operating costs. Whether you're printing detailed technical drawings, vibrant marketing graphics, retail signage, or professional photography, choosing the right device depends on your industry, print volume, and quality standards.

What You'll Learn in This Guide

In this comprehensive guide, we break down leading wide-format printer models from Canon, Epson, and HP, each tailored to a specific set of business requirements. These printers have been selected for their reliability, output performance, and compatibility with common business applications such as CAD, posters, photo printing, and more.

Who Typically Uses Wide Format Printers?

Wide-format printers are used across a diverse range of industries. Our customers include:

• Architects and construction professionals

• Engineers and surveyors

• Marketing and creative teams

• Retailers producing in-house signage

• Photographers and design studios

• Print shops and reprographic services

• Startups and small businesses

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the Best Wide Format Printer for CAD and Technical Drawings?

Most wide-format printers can handle CAD output, as it requires precise linework and minimal colour. However, your selection should reflect how frequently you print and the type of workspace you have.

• For occasional or light use, go with a compact desktop model like the Canon TC-21 or Epson SureColor T2100.

• For higher-volume, regular printing, consider a floor-standing printer with larger ink tanks, such as the HP DesignJet T230.

Do I Need a Specialised Printer for Photography?

All wide-format printers can technically print on photo paper, but not all deliver true photographic quality. If you're producing high-end photography, art prints, or colour-critical visuals, you'll need a printer with:

• A wide colour gamut

• Advanced ink systems

• Precise colour management

Recommended options include:

• Canon imagePROGRAF PRO Series (e.g. PRO-2600 / PRO-4600)

• Epson SureColor P7500 / P9000

• HP DesignJet Z9+

These models are specifically engineered for professional photo and fine art applications.

What’s the Most Affordable Wide Format Printer That Still Delivers Quality?

If you're on a tighter budget or just getting started, entry-level models provide solid performance without a large upfront investment. Consider:

• Canon TC-21

• Epson SureColor T2100

These printers are ideal for basic CAD, posters, and general-purpose printing.

Best Wide Format Printers by Business Type

To help you choose the best model for your needs, here’s a breakdown of top wide-format printers organised by business use case.

For Architects, Engineers & Construction Professionals

ey Features: High-precision linework, CAD compatibility, compact footprint

• Canon imagePROGRAF TC-21 – Portable A1 printer with pigment inks; perfect for technical drawings in smaller offices or mobile sites.

• Epson SureColor T2100 – Entry-level technical printer with wireless connectivity and dependable accuracy.

• HP DesignJet T230 – Easy to use, cost-effective, and designed for small architecture or design firms.

For Small Businesses & Startups

Key Features: Versatility, low maintenance, strong general-purpose performance

• Canon TM-240 / TM-255 – Quiet, efficient, and water-resistant; ideal for in-office documents and signage.

• Epson SureColor T3100 – Stylish design and fast printing for mixed media tasks.

• HP DesignJet T250 – Compact and budget-friendly, suited to everyday business printing needs.

For Marketing Teams & Retail Signage

Key Features: Vivid colour, media flexibility, fast output speeds

• Canon TM Series – Optimised for posters, in-store displays, and signage; uses durable pigment inks.

• Epson SureColor SC-T5400 – High-speed graphics and versatile media handling.

• HP DesignJet T650 – Excellent image quality and colour vibrancy for in-house marketing teams.

For Photographers & Creative Studios

Key Features: Wide colour gamut, gallery-grade resolution, colour fidelity

• Canon PRO Series (e.g., PRO-4600) – Features LUCIA PRO inks for exceptional tonal range and smooth gradients.

• Epson SureColor P7500 / P9000 – Renowned for its accuracy and permanence, trusted by professional photographers.

• HP DesignJet Z9+ – High-end photo output with dual roll support and advanced colour profiling.

For Print Shops & Reprographic Services

Key Features: High throughput, media variety, multifunction options

• Canon TM Series (Advanced Models) – Built for high-volume mixed-media jobs with consistent output.

• Epson SureColor SC-T7200 – Industrial-level performance with strong media support.

• HP DesignJet T830 MFP – Includes scanning and copying, ideal for document-heavy environments.

Wide Format Printer Comparison Table

Business Type	Canon	Epson	HP	Key Highlights
Architects & Construction	TC-21, TM-240	SureColor T2100	DesignJet T230	Compact, accurate CAD output
Small Businesses	TM-240 / TM-255	SureColor T3100	DesignJet T250	Cost-effective, easy to maintain
Marketing & Retail	TM Series	SureColor SC-T5400	DesignJet T650	Vivid colour, poster-ready
Photographers & Designers	PRO Series (e.g. PRO-4600)	SureColor P7500 / P9000	DesignJet Z9+	High-res, gallery-quality photo prints
Print Shops & Reprographics	TM Series (Advanced Models)	SureColor SC-T7200	DesignJet T830 MFP	High volume, multifunction capabilities

How to Choose the Right Wide Format Printer

Before finalising your purchase, make sure to evaluate these key criteria:

• Print Width: Most offices will need A1 (24") or A0 (36") printers. Larger models (44"+) suit photography, banners, or large-format artwork.

• Ink Type: Choose pigment inks for water-resistance and archival quality. Dye inks are cheaper but less durable.

• Media Compatibility: Check for support for roll and sheet media, photo paper, banner vinyl, and scanning (if needed).

• Speed vs. Quality: If you print in bulk, faster speeds help — but not at the expense of detail or accuracy.

• Connectivity & Software: Look for Wi-Fi, cloud print options, and driver support for CAD and design platforms.

Ready to Choose the Perfect Wide Format Printer?

We stock a full range of wide-format printers from Canon, Epson, and HP, along with inks, paper, and accessories to keep your business running smoothly.

Whether you're upgrading or investing in your first device, our expert team can help match you with the ideal printer for your specific needs.

Speak to a human today:  0333 090 9162. Contact us for expert advice, competitive pricing, and a tailored solution for your business.