10 Best Matrix Printers Of 2026
Matrix Printers — Reviews, Recommendations & Updated Buying Guide September 2026
Epson LQ-690II 24-pin dot matrix printer
Why We Love It
Epson Dot Matrix Printers Grey
Why We Love It
Epson LQ-690II Dot Matrix Printer 4800 x 1200 DPI 487 CPS
Why We Love It
10POS Matrix Printer RP-12NW
Why We Love It
Quick Pick
10 Best Matrix Printers Of 2026
Buying Guide: Matrix Printers
📋 Table of Contents
1What's the difference between 9-pin and 24-pin matrix printers?
24-pin printers produce sharper, higher-quality output with better character definition, making them better for documents that need clarity. 9-pin models are faster and cheaper to run, but print quality is noticeably grainier, so they work best for high-volume routine printing like invoices or labels.
2How do I choose the right print width for my needs?
Check what paper sizes you'll print regularly—80-column printers handle standard A4 documents, while 132-column models let you print wide spreadsheets and reports without folding. If you work with large data sheets or accounting reports, the wider format saves time and looks more professional.
3What maintenance costs should I budget for with a matrix printer?
The main ongoing expenses are ribbons, which need replacing every few million characters, and print head replacement when quality degrades. Check ribbon costs and availability before buying, as some brands have expensive or hard-to-find supplies that can add up quickly over time.
4When is it worth paying more for a faster matrix printer?
If you're printing high volumes daily (invoices, receipts, shipping labels), a faster model at 300+ lines per minute cuts wait time and boosts productivity significantly. For light occasional use, standard-speed printers are fine and save money.
5Are matrix printers still practical for modern business, or should I switch to inkjet?
Matrix printers excel where durability and cost-per-page matter—they handle rough paper, multi-part forms, and continuous operation better than inkjet. Choose matrix only if you need these specific advantages; for standard office printing, modern inkjet or laser is usually faster and cleaner.
How we choose
Our editors are people who genuinely love testing and writing about products. We compare each product's real-world usability and strengths, then distill what matters most into our own "Why We Love It" points — so you get an honest, at-a-glance sense of what counts before you buy.