Imagine this: You’re ready to print that important report, but your printer is across the room, and you’re tangled in a mess of cords. Or maybe you’re on your laptop in the living room, and the printer is tucked away in your office. Sound familiar? For years, printers meant cables. But what if you could print from anywhere in your home or office, without a single wire in sight? That’s where a wireless print server comes in, and today, we’re diving into how it can make your life so much easier.
Choosing the right wireless print server can feel like a puzzle. So many different brands and features! You want one that’s easy to set up, works with all your devices, and doesn’t cost a fortune. It’s easy to get lost in the technical jargon, and you might worry about compatibility issues or slow printing speeds. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying the freedom of wireless printing.
In this post, we’ll break down what a wireless print server is and what to look for when you’re shopping. We’ll explore the key features that make a difference and help you understand how to choose the best one for your needs. By the end, you’ll feel confident in making a smart choice and finally say goodbye to printer cable chaos!
Our Top 5 Wireless Print Server Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Wireless Print Server Detailed Reviews
1. CHEECENT Wireless Print Server for USB Printer (NOT Plug&Play)
Rating: 8.9/10
The CHEECENT CR202 Wireless Print Server is a handy device that lets you share your USB printers over your home or office network without needing a dedicated computer to be always on. You can connect up to two printers to it and print from any computer on your network, whether you use Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable. It’s a great way to make older printers wireless and save money by not buying a new one.
What We Like:
- Lets you share two USB printers wirelessly or via Ethernet.
- Turns your old wired printer into a network printer, saving you money.
- Compact and easy to install, can be mounted on a wall or desktop.
- Works with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers.
- Comes with a money-back guarantee for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s not a plug-and-play device; you need to set it up using a web browser and install printer drivers on each computer.
- Does not support printing from smartphones, tablets, scanners, or Chromebooks.
- Not compatible with all printer types, such as 3D or photo printers.
- You must turn off “Bidirectional Mode” in your printer settings for it to work correctly.
This print server is a smart solution for sharing printers. Just be sure to read the instructions carefully before you buy and set it up.
2. Xiiaozet Wireless Print Server for Sharing 3 USB Printers Over Local Network
Rating: 9.2/10
Tired of sharing one printer by physically plugging and unplugging USB cables? The Xiiaozet Wireless Print Server is here to make your life easier! This handy device lets you connect up to three USB printers to your home or office network wirelessly. Now, everyone on your network can print to any of those printers without being tied to a specific computer. It’s a smart way to boost productivity and stop the printer-sharing hassle.
What We Like:
- Share 3 Printers Wirelessly: Connect and share up to three USB printers across your local network.
- Easy Setup: Get your printers connected and shared quickly with a simple two-step process. Windows users get a special tool to make it even faster.
- Wide Printer Compatibility: Works with most USB printers, including inkjet, laser, and label printers, supporting common printing protocols.
- Secure Printing: Your documents stay safe on your local network, preventing leaks.
- Flexible Connection: Choose between wired or wireless connections to fit your setup.
What Could Be Improved:
- No Mobile or AirPrint Support: This server does not support printing directly from smartphones or tablets using mobile features or AirPrint.
- Specific Printer Exclusions: Certain printer models, like some Canon LBP series and dye-sublimation printers, are not compatible. Always check the compatibility list.
- Installation Required: While setup is easy, installation is still necessary.
This Xiiaozet Wireless Print Server is a practical solution for sharing multiple printers. It offers a convenient and secure way to streamline your printing needs in any small office or home environment.
3. BrosTrend AC1200 WiFi to Ethernet Adapter
Rating: 9.1/10
Tired of tangled Ethernet cords? The BrosTrend AC1200 WiFi to Ethernet Adapter is your solution! This handy gadget lets you connect devices that only have an Ethernet port to your home Wi-Fi network. Think of it as a bridge that brings wireless internet to your wired gadgets. It’s powered right from your electrical outlet, making setup super simple.
What We Like:
- Connects Wired Devices to Wi-Fi: Easily give internet access to devices like smart TVs, game consoles, and printers without needing a Wi-Fi card.
- Works with Almost Anything: It’s compatible with any device that has an Ethernet port, including smart TVs, PlayStation, Xbox, Blu-ray players, and even computers. No drivers needed!
- Super Fast Speeds: Get up to 867Mbps on the 5GHz band or 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. This is great for smooth movie streaming, lag-free gaming, and quick downloads. It’s four times faster than older N300 adapters.
- Works with All Routers: This adapter connects to any Wi-Fi router using the 802.11ax/ac/a/b/g/n standards.
- Better Signal Strength: It has two external antennas that you can move to catch a stronger Wi-Fi signal compared to adapters with internal antennas.
- Easy Setup: The WPS button makes connecting to your Wi-Fi network a breeze.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it uses AC1200 speeds, the actual performance can depend on your router and Wi-Fi signal strength.
- It requires an available electrical outlet for power.
The BrosTrend AC1200 Adapter is a smart buy for anyone wanting to cut the cords and enjoy a more connected home. It’s a simple way to upgrade older devices and improve your streaming and gaming experience.
4. IOGEAR 1-Port USB 2.0 Print Server
Rating: 9.3/10
The IOGEAR 1-Port USB 2.0 Print Server, GPSU21 lets you easily share your USB printer. You can connect it to your network. This means many computers can use the same printer. It’s a great way to save money and space.
What We Like:
- Connects USB 2.0 and 1.1 printers to your network.
- Multiple computers can share one USB printer.
- Print from any computer on your network, or even from the internet.
- It has an auto-sensing Ethernet port (10Base-T and 100Base-T).
- Supports DHCP client and different network rules.
- You can manage it using Telnet or web software.
- Comes with a 3-year warranty and free US-based tech support.
What Could Be Improved:
- You need to look at the user guide for setup and troubleshooting.
- A PDF manual is provided for reference.
This IOGEAR print server is a smart solution for sharing your printer. It makes printing easier for everyone in your home or office.
5. StarTech.com StarTech.com 1-Port Wireless N USB 2.0 Network Print Server – 10/100 Mbps Ethernet USB Printer Server Adapter – Windows 10 – 802.11 b/g/n
Rating: 8.5/10
The StarTech.com 1-Port Wireless N USB 2.0 Network Print Server is a handy gadget that lets you share your USB printer with multiple computers. You can connect it wirelessly to your network using Wi-Fi, or you can plug it in with an Ethernet cable. This makes printing super easy from your home or small office. It works with most printers and is designed to be simple to set up and use.
What We Like:
- Lets you share one USB printer wirelessly or with a wired connection.
- Supports common wireless (802.11b/g/n) and wired (10/100 Mbps Ethernet) networks.
- Easy to set up with helpful online videos and guides.
- Works with both Mac and Windows computers.
- Built tough and backed by StarTech.com’s 2-year warranty and tech support.
What Could Be Improved:
- Doesn’t support printing from iPhones or iPads (iOS, iPadOS, AirPrint).
This print server is a smart way to make your printer available to everyone in your home or office. It offers flexibility with both wireless and wired options, making it a good choice for shared printing needs.
Your Guide to a Wireless Print Server: Print Smarter, Not Harder
Tired of tangled printer cords and the hassle of connecting every device? A wireless print server might be your next favorite tech gadget. It lets you share a USB printer with multiple computers and devices over your Wi-Fi network. This means anyone on your network can print without being physically connected. Let’s dive into what you need to know before you buy.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a wireless print server, keep these important features in mind:
- Connectivity Options: Most wireless print servers connect to your Wi-Fi network. Look for support for common Wi-Fi standards like 802.11b/g/n. Some might also offer an Ethernet port for a wired connection, which can be more stable.
- Number of USB Ports: How many printers do you need to share? Most servers have one USB port, but some offer more if you have multiple printers to connect.
- Operating System Compatibility: Make sure the print server works with all the computers you plan to use. Check for compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Ease of Setup: A good wireless print server should be easy to set up. Look for devices that come with simple instructions or a user-friendly setup wizard.
- Security Features: For shared networks, security is important. Some servers offer password protection to control who can print.
- Printing Protocols: Most servers support standard printing protocols like LPR and IPP. This ensures your printer can communicate effectively with the server and your devices.
Important Materials
Wireless print servers are typically made from durable plastic casings. The internal components are standard electronic parts. The main focus here is on the quality of the electronics and the build of the casing to ensure it lasts.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a wireless print server work better or cause problems:
- Signal Strength: A strong Wi-Fi signal is crucial. If your Wi-Fi is weak where the print server is located, you’ll experience dropped connections and slow printing.
- Firmware Updates: Manufacturers sometimes release firmware updates. These updates can fix bugs and improve performance. Regularly checking for and installing these updates can keep your server running smoothly.
- Driver Support: The print server needs to work with your printer’s drivers. If your printer is very old or obscure, it might not have compatible drivers. Always check the product’s compatibility list.
- Overheating: Like any electronic device, a print server can overheat if it’s in a poorly ventilated area. This can lead to performance issues or even damage. Make sure it has enough space to breathe.
- Network Congestion: If your Wi-Fi network is very busy with many devices, it can slow down printing.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a wireless print server is all about convenience.
- Home Offices: If you have multiple computers at home and one printer, a wireless print server lets everyone print from their own device without moving around.
- Small Businesses: In a small office, a print server eliminates the need for a dedicated computer to share a printer. This saves space and energy.
- Shared Living Spaces: Roommates can easily share a single printer without needing to connect it to each laptop.
- Schools and Libraries: These places often use print servers to allow many users to access printers conveniently.
The setup usually involves connecting the print server to your printer via USB and then configuring it to join your Wi-Fi network. After that, you install a small piece of software on each computer that tells it how to find and use the printer through the server. Once set up, printing becomes as simple as selecting your shared printer from any device on the network.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a wireless print server?
A: A wireless print server lets you share a USB printer with multiple devices over your Wi-Fi network, so you don’t need to plug your printer into every computer.
Q: Do I need a special printer to use a wireless print server?
A: No, most standard USB printers will work. You just need to make sure the print server supports your printer model.
Q: How do I set up a wireless print server?
A: You usually connect the server to your printer, then connect the server to your Wi-Fi. After that, you install software on your computers to find the printer.
Q: Can I print from my phone or tablet?
A: Some print servers support mobile printing through apps or specific protocols. Check the product details.
Q: Will a wireless print server slow down my internet?
A: It uses your Wi-Fi network, but it shouldn’t significantly slow down your internet speed for other tasks.
Q: Is it difficult to install the software on my computer?
A: Most come with easy-to-follow instructions and simple setup wizards, making it quite manageable.
Q: What happens if my Wi-Fi signal is weak?
A: A weak Wi-Fi signal can cause printing to be slow or fail. You might need to move the print server closer to your router.
Q: Can I share more than one printer with a single server?
A: Most wireless print servers have only one USB port for one printer. You would need a server with multiple ports for more printers.
Q: Are wireless print servers secure?
A: Some offer password protection to control access. It’s good to enable this if you have a shared network.
Q: Where is the best place to put a wireless print server?
A: Place it in a location with a good Wi-Fi signal, away from heat sources, and where it has good air circulation.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.