Large Format Printers Price Comparison
Compare 125 large format printers from HP, Epson and Canon. Find the best price from multiple UK retailers, from entry-level A1 to professional A0 wide-format.
Large Format Printers price comparison UK
Three brands share virtually the entire large-format printer market in the UK — HP, Epson and Canon — yet the differences between them are far from cosmetic. HP dominates with 60 models and a higher average price point, Epson counters with a strong SureColor range that punches above its weight on colour accuracy, and Canon's imagePROGRAF line offers some of the most competitive entry prices we've tracked, starting from 0 £. Understanding which brand suits your workflow matters far more than chasing the lowest sticker price.
The spread here is striking. At one end, compact 24-inch models aimed at architects and engineers handling CAD drawings sit comfortably below 0 £. At the other, production-grade A0 systems with dual-roll feeds and integrated scanners push well past 0 £. The median price of 0 £ tells you something useful: most buyers end up in mid-range territory, typically a 24- or 36-inch pigment inkjet with Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity — capable enough for a busy design studio without the footprint of a floor-standing production unit.
One thing our data makes clear: multifunction capability commands a significant premium. A standalone printer and its MFP equivalent from the same range can differ by hundreds of pounds. Whether that's worth it depends entirely on whether you need to scan and copy originals — for reprographics workflows, it usually is. For pure print output, the single-function models often represent better value. We'd also flag that ink system type is frequently overlooked at purchase: pigment-based inks cost more per A1 page but resist fading far longer, which matters enormously for photographic and fine art output.
Connectivity has become a baseline expectation. Every model in our current catalogue supports Ethernet; most add Wi-Fi. What separates the serious contenders is bundled RIP software and roll-feed reliability — two factors that rarely appear in headline specs but define day-to-day usability. If you're also managing a broader print environment, it's worth comparing costs against laser printers for high-volume document work, or considering a multifunction printer for general office duties alongside a dedicated wide-format unit.
Prices shift regularly — Black Friday and January sales consistently produce the sharpest drops on HP DesignJet models in particular. We track offers across multiple UK retailers daily, so comparing before you commit is always worthwhile.
How to Choose a Large Format Printer: The Key Criteria
Most buyers focus on print width and miss the factors that actually determine whether a large format printer earns its keep. Ink system, media compatibility and running costs can make or break the investment — especially when a single A1 colour page can cost anywhere from 50p to well over £1.50 depending on the model. Here's what genuinely matters.
Maximum print width: 24-inch vs 36-inch vs A0
This is the non-negotiable starting point. A 24-inch (610mm) printer handles A1 documents comfortably — the standard for most architectural and engineering drawings. Step up to 36-inch (914mm) and you unlock A0 and larger banner formats. Beyond that, 44-inch and 60-inch models are production territory. Don't over-specify: a 36-inch machine costs significantly more to buy and run than a 24-inch, and if your workflow rarely exceeds A1, you're paying for capacity you'll never use. Check your most common output size before anything else.
Ink system: pigment vs dye-based
Pigment-based inks — standard on Epson SureColor P-series and HP DesignJet Z-series — deliver a wider colour gamut, superior UV resistance and longevity measured in decades under glass. They're the right choice for photographic prints, colour-critical design work and anything destined for display. Dye-based systems dry faster and cost less upfront, but prints fade more quickly and are less water-resistant. For technical CAD output where longevity isn't the priority, dye-based is perfectly adequate. For fine art or client-facing colour work, pigment is non-negotiable.
Multifunction capability: do you actually need to scan?
MFP large-format units — such as the HP DesignJet T830 or Epson SC-T3100M — add an integrated scanner and copier, which is genuinely useful in reprographics environments where you need to digitise existing drawings. The premium over a print-only model is substantial, often several hundred pounds. If your studio already has a flatbed scanner or you rarely need to copy originals, the single-function printer is almost always the smarter buy. If you're replacing a separate scanner and printer, the MFP can pay for itself quickly.
Ink cost per page and cartridge yield
Running costs are where large-format printers can surprise you. An A1 colour page typically costs between £0.50 and £1.50 in ink alone, depending on coverage and ink system. High-capacity cartridge options — available on most mid-range and above models — significantly reduce cost per page and the frequency of cartridge changes. Always check whether the model you're considering supports XL or high-yield cartridges. For studios printing dozens of A1 sheets daily, this calculation matters more than the purchase price.
Roll feed, auto-cutter and media flexibility
A motorised roll feed with an integrated auto-cutter is essential for any kind of production volume — it enables unattended batch printing and eliminates the manual trimming that slows down single-sheet workflows. Most models above 0 £ include this as standard; entry-level units may offer it as an optional extra. Media flexibility matters too: check the maximum supported gsm (grams per square metre) if you plan to print on heavyweight matte, canvas or specialist substrates. A printer rated to 60–300 gsm will struggle with premium fine-art papers that require 350 gsm or above.
Footprint and installation reality
Large-format printers are physically large. A 24-inch desktop model needs roughly 1.2–1.5 metres of bench space; a 36-inch floor-standing unit with stand can occupy 2 metres or more in length and requires adequate clearance at the rear for roll media. Measure your space before ordering. Some models ship with a stand included; others charge extra. Factor in ventilation too — sustained high-volume printing generates heat, and solvent-based systems require proper airflow. Delivery and installation logistics are worth checking with the retailer, particularly for heavier floor-standing units.
- Entry-level: CAD and technical drawing (From 0 £ to 0 £) : This bracket covers compact 24-inch models from Canon imagePROGRAF TC and HP DesignJet T-series entry editions, as well as Epson's SC-T2100. Print quality is solid for CAD, GIS and technical documents at 2400 x 1200 DPI. Colour accuracy is adequate but not colour-managed for photographic work. Ideal for architects, engineers and students who need reliable A1 output without a large footprint. Expect Wi-Fi and Ethernet as standard; auto-cutters may be optional extras at this price.
- The sweet spot: studio-ready performance (From 0 £ to 0 £) : Where most professional buyers land. Models like the HP DesignJet T630 36-inch and Epson SC-T3100M MFP sit here, offering 36-inch capability, improved ink systems and often multifunction options. Print speeds are meaningfully faster, media compatibility broader, and cartridge yields higher. Suitable for busy design studios, reprographics departments and print service providers handling moderate volumes. This range offers the best balance of capability and running cost for most UK professional workflows.
- Professional colour and production (From 0 £ to 0 £) : Pigment-based colour systems dominate here — Epson SureColor SC-P6500 series and HP DesignJet T830 MFP. Expect 8- to 12-colour ink configurations, wider colour gamuts and media support up to 450 gsm. These machines are built for colour-critical output: photography, fine art reproduction, high-end design proofing. Running costs are higher, but output quality justifies the investment for studios where colour accuracy is a commercial requirement. Bundled colour management software is often included.
- High-volume and wide-format production (Over 0 £) : Floor-standing A0 and wider systems, dual-roll configurations and production-grade throughput. Epson SC-T5700D and comparable HP and Canon flagships occupy this bracket. Designed for reprographics bureaux, large-format print shops and engineering departments with sustained daily output requirements. Total cost of ownership — ink, maintenance kits, media — becomes the primary financial consideration. Expect dedicated installation support and extended warranty options from UK resellers.
Top products
- HP Designjet T230 24-in Printer (HP) : The most accessible entry point in the HP DesignJet range — reliable CAD output at A1, compact footprint, and the most competitive price we track. Don't expect photographic colour accuracy, but for technical drawings it's hard to fault.
- Epson SureColor SC-T2100 large format printer Wi-Fi Colour 2400 x 1200 DPI A1 (594 x 841 mm) Ethernet LAN (Epson) : Epson's answer to the entry-level CAD market, and a genuine alternative to HP at this price. The 2400 x 1200 DPI output is noticeably sharper than you'd expect at this price point. Limited to A1 format — if you need A0, look elsewhere.
- HP Designjet T830 24-in Multifunction Printer (HP) : The standout MFP choice for studios that need to scan and copy as well as print. Integrated scanner adds real workflow value; the price premium over the T630 is justified if you're replacing a separate scanner. Overkill if you only print.
- HP Designjet T650 36-in Printer 2025 edition (HP) : The 2025 edition brings updated firmware and improved connectivity to HP's reliable T650 platform. At 36 inches it handles A0 comfortably — the right upgrade path for studios outgrowing a 24-inch machine. Running costs are higher than the 24-inch models, so factor that in.
- Epson SureColor SC-P6500DE large format printer Wi-Fi Inkjet Colour 1200 x 2400 DPI A1 (594 x 841 mm) Ethernet LAN (Epson) : The most capable colour machine in our top 15 — UltraChrome pigment inks, dual-roll capability and a colour gamut that rivals dedicated photo printers. Expensive to buy and run, but for colour-critical professional output it's the benchmark in this catalogue.
Related categories
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a 24-inch and a 36-inch large format printer?
A 24-inch printer handles documents up to A1 (594mm wide) in a single pass, while a 36-inch model extends to A0 (841mm) and larger banner formats. For most architects and engineers working to standard drawing sizes, 24-inch is sufficient and considerably cheaper to buy and run. The 36-inch format becomes worthwhile if you regularly produce A0 site plans, large presentation graphics or banner output — but don't upsize purely as a precaution, as the running cost difference is real.
Are HP DesignJet printers better than Epson SureColor for professional use?
Neither brand is universally better — they excel in different areas. HP DesignJet models are widely regarded for reliability, fast first-print times and strong driver support across Windows and macOS, making them a safe choice for technical and CAD workflows. Epson SureColor, particularly the P-series with UltraChrome pigment inks, leads on colour gamut and photographic output quality. For pure colour accuracy and fine art reproduction, Epson is our preferred recommendation; for a workhorse CAD printer in a busy office, HP's ecosystem and UK service network are hard to beat.
How much does it actually cost to run a large format printer per page?
Expect to pay roughly £0.50 to £1.50 per A1 colour page in ink costs alone, depending on ink coverage, ink system type and whether you're using standard or high-capacity cartridges. Pigment-based systems typically sit at the higher end of that range but deliver superior longevity. Add media costs — bond paper rolls are inexpensive, but heavyweight matte or photographic paper can add £0.50–£2.00 per sheet. High-yield cartridge options, available on most mid-range models, are the single most effective way to reduce running costs.
Do I need a RIP (Raster Image Processor) for a large format printer?
For basic CAD and technical document printing, the bundled printer driver is usually sufficient. A RIP becomes important when you need precise colour management, spot colour matching, tiling of oversized files, or production-level job queuing. Most professional Epson and HP models above 0 £ include basic colour management software; dedicated third-party RIPs (such as Wasatch or Caldera) are an additional investment but essential for print service providers and colour-critical studios. If you're printing for clients who specify Pantone or CMYK profiles, budget for a RIP from the outset.
What are the pitfalls of buying a cheap large format printer?
The main trap is underestimating running costs. Entry-level models below 0 £ often use standard-yield cartridges with a high cost per page — a printer that costs less upfront can end up costing significantly more over 12 months of regular use. Also watch for models that charge separately for the stand (essential for floor-standing units), the auto-cutter, and extended warranty. A second pitfall is buying a 24-inch printer when your workflow regularly requires A0 output, then tiling prints manually — a frustrating and time-consuming workaround. Always verify maximum print width against your actual document sizes before purchasing.
Is Wi-Fi connectivity reliable enough for large format printing in a studio environment?
Wi-Fi works well for occasional and moderate-volume printing, and all current models support at least 802.11n. For a busy studio printing large files continuously, a wired Ethernet connection is more reliable and faster — a 500MB CAD file over Wi-Fi can cause noticeable delays compared to Gigabit Ethernet. Most models in this catalogue support both, so there's no reason not to use Ethernet as the primary connection if your studio layout allows it. Wi-Fi is genuinely useful for mobile printing from tablets and phones, which is a legitimate use case for site-based architects.
Can large format printers handle canvas and fine art media, or only paper rolls?
Most mid-range and above large format printers support a range of media beyond standard bond paper, including heavyweight matte, glossy photo paper, canvas and some specialist substrates — provided the media thickness falls within the printer's rated tolerance (typically up to 300–450 gsm). Canvas printing specifically requires a pigment ink system for adequate adhesion and longevity; dye-based models are not recommended for canvas. Always check the manufacturer's approved media list for the specific model, as feeding unsupported media can cause jams and void the warranty.