10 Best Print Servers

Buying Guide

Choosing the best print servers for your home or office requires understanding your existing hardware, network architecture, and the volume of print jobs you handle daily. A print server acts as a bridge between your printer and your local network, allowing multiple users to send print jobs without needing a dedicated host computer. This guide walks you through the essential factors to consider so you can confidently select the right device for your workflow.

Connection Type and Port Capacity

The most critical factor when evaluating print servers is matching the connection type to your printer. Most modern printers use USB, so a USB print server is the most common choice. However, legacy devices or specialized industrial printers may require a parallel port, such as a Centronics connection. If you have an older parallel printer, ensure the server explicitly lists parallel support, as standard USB servers will not work with adapters alone.

Port capacity is equally important. If you only need to share one printer, a single-port model is sufficient and keeps your setup simple. However, if you have multiple printers—such as a laser printer for documents and an inkjet for photos—a multi-port server allows you to connect them all to the network through a single device, saving switch ports and outlet space.

Wired vs. Wireless Networking

Print servers connect to your network either via a wired Ethernet cable or over WiFi. Wired Ethernet print servers offer the most stable connection, with no risk of wireless interference or drop-offs, making them ideal for office environments where reliability is paramount. They typically feature 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet ports, which are more than sufficient for standard text documents. For high-volume environments or when sharing large graphic files, a gigabit Ethernet model provides faster data transfer between the network and the server.

Wireless print servers offer flexibility in printer placement. You can position your printer anywhere within WiFi range without running a long Ethernet cable to your router. This is particularly useful for home offices or spaces where routing cables is impractical. Some models even support dual connectivity, allowing you to connect via Ethernet or WiFi depending on your current network layout.

Setup and Installation Considerations

Ease of setup varies significantly among print servers. Some devices are designed for plug-and-play simplicity, while others require more technical configuration. When comparing options, look for servers that offer web-based configuration utilities, which allow you to manage settings from any browser on your network. Cross-platform compatibility is also vital; ensure the server supports your operating system, whether you are using Windows, macOS, or Linux.

Wireless models often require an initial wired connection to configure the WiFi settings before they can operate cord-free. Pay attention to user reviews regarding setup complexity, as a device with excellent hardware can still be frustrating if the configuration software is poorly designed. Additionally, consider whether the server supports standard network protocols like RAW printing or LPD, which dictate how print jobs are processed and sent to the printer.

Device Sharing and Multi-Function Support

If you plan to share a multi-function printer (a device that prints, scans, and copies), you need a print server that supports device sharing beyond just printing. Standard print servers only handle print jobs and will not transmit scan commands back to your computer. Device servers, sometimes called USB device servers, are built to handle bi-directional communication. These allow you to share scanners, external hard drives, and other USB peripherals over the network, providing much greater utility than a basic print-only model.

Reliability Signals and Maintenance

A reliable print server should maintain a persistent connection to your network without requiring frequent reboots. When evaluating reliability, look at the average user ratings and focus on comments mentioning connection stability, firmware updates, and long-term performance. Devices from established networking brands often have better firmware support and longer track records of stability.

Maintenance for print servers is generally minimal, but firmware updates are occasionally necessary to patch security vulnerabilities or improve compatibility with newer operating systems. Check if the manufacturer provides accessible firmware downloads and clear update instructions. A server with an auto-reconnect feature is highly valuable, as it will automatically re-establish the network connection if your router restarts or experiences a brief outage.

How to Compare Reviews

When reading user reviews, prioritize feedback from users with a similar setup to yours. A review mentioning seamless integration with a specific operating system or printer brand is far more useful than a generic positive or negative comment. Look for patterns in negative reviews—if multiple users report dropped connections or difficult setup processes, those are likely systemic issues with the device. Conversely, consistent praise for easy configuration and stable connections indicates a well-engineered product. Pay particular attention to reviews that mention the specific protocols or printer models you intend to use.

Final Recommendation

To choose among the ranked products, start by identifying your printer connection type and whether you need wired or wireless networking. For users with a single USB printer in a stable office environment, a basic wired 1-port USB print server provides a straightforward and reliable solution. If you need to share multiple printers or want the freedom to place your printer away from the router, a multi-port wireless model is the better investment. For those with legacy parallel printers, selecting a dedicated parallel server is non-negotiable. Finally, if you rely on scanning functions or want to share other USB devices alongside your printer, opt for a versatile USB device server that supports full bi-directional communication. Matching the server capabilities directly to your specific hardware and network needs will ensure a smooth, hassle-free printing experience.