Finding the Best Large Format Printers in 2025

Large format printers range from 18” to 100” in width and can be used for all sorts of print jobs. The main purpose, as the name suggests, is that they produce large printed documents, photos, posters and banners – saving you the time and financial expense of having to outsource this kind of work.

Having a large format printer at your business reduces your outsourcing costs and gives you more flexibility in what you can print quickly on-site. But how do you know what printer is best for you?

What to consider when choosing the best large format printer

There are many considerations when it comes to choosing a large format printer, including:

• Print resolution
• Maximum print size
• Ink set configuration
• Connectivity

You should take into account what kind of printing you intend to do, as well as any future-proofing you think may be necessary. Let’s explore the different considerations mentioned here in more detail.

Print resolution

In order to produce clear photos and text on a large scale, images need to be at the right resolution. The dots per inch (dpi) number is the key factor to look at when determining the right large format printer for your job – the maximum number of droplets of ink per square inch.

The usual recommendation for large format printers is between 150-300 dpi. This might sound low, but keep in mind that large format items are usually viewed from a distance, reducing the need for a higher resolution. Also, higher resolutions can make photo files large and hard to work with, especially if you need to use editing software.

Maximum print size

You also need to be sure the large format printer you choose is capable of doing the job you had in mind. If you’re printing signs and banners, you’ll need a much larger printer than if you’re only printing plans or photos, so you need to check the maximum print size before you purchase. It can also be beneficial to think about how you might use the printer in the future, to get the best value for your money.

Ink set configuration

Every printer uses a combination of ink colours to create your images. The most common option is CMYK – a mixture of cyan, magenta, yellow and black, applied through the subtractive blending process.

Some large format printers will offer you a further extension of these core colours, with shades such as matte black, photo black, chromatic blue, chromatic green, grey, light cyan and light magenta. These are designed to improve colour accuracy and give you a high-end finish. If you’re planning to print photos or other items with lots of varied colours, or where subtle differences in colour really matters, this is a good feature to look out for.

Connectivity

How you connect your phone or laptop to your large format printer can be a determining factor when choosing a printer. You want to be able to print your content quickly and easily, without having to jump through a load of technical hoops for each print job.

Many large format printers use WiFi connections because it’s not always practical to have the printer right next to your desk. This is typically paired with a display interface on the printer itself which allows you to manage your print queue.

Other options include USB, Bluetooth or an ethernet cable. Some older printers use parallel or serial ports, although these have largely been phased out. As well as thinking about what is most convenient, make sure you check the device you want to connect to the printer also supports this kind of connection.

What specialist large format printers are available in 2025?

For certain print jobs, you need specialist tools. Whilst a general all-round printer will get the job done, you’ll get the best result with a piece of kit designed specifically with your output in mind. Let’s explore some of the best large format printers by business area.

Best large format printer for photographers

When it comes to photography, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 is one of the best large format photo printers out there, printing up to A2. This model accepts jobs via ethernet cable as well as over Wi-Fi, and comes with the Canon Print Studio plug-in, allowing you to create and save favourite layouts and colour options.

It uses 12 LUCIA PRO ll inkjet cartridges that can be replaced individually, meaning you only have to change the ink colour that has run out. Four of these inks are dedicated solely to monochrome printing, resulting in beautiful photos both in colour and black & white. As well as this, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 prints to a resolution of 2,400 x 1,200 DPI, resulting in fantastically sharp images – perfect for showcasing your photography portfolio.

Best large format printer for posters

The HP DesignJet Z9+ PS 44" Large Format Colour Inkjet Printer has fantastic speed and colour control; combined with its capacity for print jobs up to 44” wide, this makes it ideal for printing posters.

It benefits from a 500GB hard drive, integrated vertical trimmer, automatic roll feed, and has a 9-colour ink set. Thanks to HP Pixel Control and its highly-developed printhead technology, this professional printer delivers extraordinarily high-resolution prints.

Best large format sublimation printer

The Epson SureColour SC-F9300 is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a large format sublimation printer. With print speeds of up to 108.6m² per hour, this printer will allow you to get the job done faster without losing any quality.

Featuring a PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead and UltraChrome 12 cartridge ink set, with additional tools to help detect and remove clogs, this is a great choice for professionals looking for speed, accuracy and reliability. It also includes a roll adapter to help you load the heavy rolls of paper or other materials you’re using without difficulty.

To find out more about sublimation printers, you can read our helpful guide.

Best large format printer for canvas

The Epson SureColour SC-T3405 can print A1 posters in as little as 24 seconds – making it one of our top choices in the large format printer for canvas category. It can support a range of ink cartridge sizes, from smaller 110ml options all the way up to 700ml, allowing it to print high precision technical drawings without an issue. The UltraChrome XD2 inks are smudge and water resistant – a must-have for any busy office where accidents can happen.

Architects and other technical professionals will also appreciate the slick design and wireless connectivity of this printer, allowing it to fit seamlessly into an office space. Simply connect your PC, tablet or smartphone to the device to get your print job started.

If you need more information, please visit our dedicated guide to the best large format printers for canvas.

Best large format printer for graphic designers

Offering 60 inches of printing space, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-6600 is one of the best wide format printers on the market. With a 1.28 inch wide 12-channel print head that supports LUCIA PRO inks, this model produces ultra-high-quality images that will truly do your graphic design work justice. This model also features Chroma Optimiser, offering increased accuracy and depth for darker tones.

One of the best parts of this printer is the dual roll functionality, allowing you to load two different paper types and then load up your jobs. This means you won’t waste time and effort switching between rolls – and allows you to see what your work looks like on different outputs.

Looking for a smaller size printer? Try the sibling model, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-4600, which has a print size of up to 44 inches.

Why we’re the best place to find large format printers

Here at Perfect Colours, we are large-format print specialists with over 25 years experience and know all there is to know about printers. If you need support with choosing a large-format printer, get in touch with our expert team to discuss your needs..