2026 Monthly Print Volume Guide
Best Printer for 1000 Pages Per Month Australia
Printing around 1,000 pages per month sits in an important middle ground. It is too much for many entry level cartridge printers to remain economical, but it usually does not justify a large enterprise machine.
For this workload, the best choices are generally refillable ink tank printers or compact business laser models with proper paper capacity, automatic duplex printing and consumables designed for regular use.
Quick Answer
For a regular workload of around 1,000 pages per month, the Epson ET-4950 is our best all-round choice because the workload sits within its business-oriented usage range and it combines refillable ink, ADF, duplex printing, fax and networking. The ET-3950 is the better value option if fax is unnecessary, while the Brother MFC-L8390CDW suits offices that prioritise speed.
Availability check: Current OZ Toner active listings and stock availability were checked on 2 October 2026. Prices and stock can change.
Our Quick Recommendations
- Best overall for around 1,000 pages per month: Epson EcoTank ET-4950
- Best value if fax is not required: Epson EcoTank ET-3950
- Best colour laser alternative: Brother MFC-L8390CDW
- Best for larger paper capacity: Canon MAXIFY GX7160
Why 1,000 Pages Per Month Changes the Buying Decision
At roughly 1,000 pages per month, running cost becomes much more important than the sticker price of the printer. A machine using small cartridges can require frequent replacement and create unnecessary downtime.
You should look for:
- Refillable ink bottles or higher yield toner
- At least a 250 sheet paper tray where possible
- Automatic duplex printing
- ADF scanning if multi page documents are common
- Ethernet or reliable wireless networking for office use
- A manufacturer recommended monthly volume that comfortably covers your workload
Printer Comparison for Around 1,000 Pages Per Month
| Model | Best For | Consumables | ADF | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epson ET-4950 | Best all round | Epson 502 ink bottles | 30 sheets | $635.00 |
| Epson ET-3950 | Best if fax is unnecessary | Epson 502 ink bottles | 30 sheets | $598.00 |
| Brother MFC-L8390CDW | Faster office workflow | TN258 and TN259 toner | 50 sheets | $655.88 |
| Canon GX7160 | Higher paper capacity | Canon GI 66 ink bottles | Yes | $795.00 |
Price snapshot: 2 October 2026. Prices and availability can change.
1. Epson EcoTank ET-4950
The Epson ET-4950 is a particularly good fit for a business producing around 1,000 pages per month because Epson's recommended monthly duty cycle extends up to approximately 1,600 pages.
It combines refillable ink economics with office features including a 30 sheet ADF, automatic duplex printing, fax, Ethernet and wireless connectivity. Replacement 502 ink bottles are rated at up to 8,500 black pages and 6,500 colour pages under Epson test methodology.
Why it fits this workload
- Monthly volume is within the manufacturer's recommended range
- Low cost bottled ink
- 250 sheet paper input
- ADF and automatic duplex printing
- Suitable for a small office or work from home business
2. Epson EcoTank ET-3950
The ET-3950 offers the same core 502 ink platform, similar print speed and the same up to 1,600 page recommended monthly range, but removes fax. It is a strong choice for businesses that scan regularly and want to keep the purchase price lower.
Its 30 sheet ADF, duplex scanning, 250 sheet tray, Ethernet and Wi Fi make it much better suited to regular office use than a basic home printer.
3. Brother MFC-L8390CDW
If the same 1,000 page workload is shared across several staff members, the Brother MFC-L8390CDW can be a more productive choice than an ink tank. It prints at up to 30 ppm and supports automatic duplex scanning through a 50 sheet ADF.
It is especially attractive when office speed, sharp text and faster scanning matter more than achieving the lowest possible consumable cost.
4. Canon MAXIFY GX7160
The GX7160 costs more upfront but offers much greater standard paper capacity than the Epson models. Its two 250 sheet cassettes plus rear feed are useful for businesses that do not want to refill paper every few days or that keep multiple media types loaded.
It also includes duplex print and scan, fax, Ethernet and Wi Fi, making it a strong option when the business is likely to grow beyond 1,000 pages per month.
What About the Epson ET-2950?
The ET-2950 can physically print 1,000 pages in a month, but it is better suited to lighter workloads because it lacks an ADF and has a smaller paper input tray. If 1,000 pages is a regular monthly requirement rather than an occasional peak, the ET-3950 or ET-4950 is more practical.
How We Selected These Printers
Recommendations are based on printers currently available from OZ Toner on 2 October 2026 and on manufacturer recommended monthly volume, consumable yield, paper capacity, duplex functions and suitability for a regular workload of around 1000 pages each month.
Explore the Complete OZ Toner 2026 Office Printer Guide Series
Not every office needs the same printer. Use the guides below to compare printers by business size, monthly print volume and industry workflow.
General Office Buying Guides
Choose by Monthly Print Volume
Choose by Industry
- Best Printer for Medical Practice Australia
- Best Printer for Accounting Office Australia
- Best Printer for Real Estate Office Australia
- Best Printer for School Office Australia
- Best Printer for Law Firm Australia
A3 & Technical Office Printing
Start with the main guide: Best Office Printer Australia 2026.
OZ Toner Selection Notes
Best fit
Small offices and businesses with a consistent moderate workload where running cost matters but enterprise-level speed is unnecessary.
Consider another category if
Avoid relying on a basic cartridge printer for a predictable 1,000-page monthly workload. Also avoid paying for a very large workgroup printer unless scan volume, user count or future growth justifies it.
Selection methodology: How OZ Toner Selects Printers for Buying Guides.
More Questions Buyers Ask
Is 1,000 pages per month too much for an EcoTank printer?
Not for the right business-oriented EcoTank model. Always compare your expected workload with the manufacturer's recommended monthly range for the specific model rather than assuming all EcoTank printers are the same.
Should a 1,000-page-per-month printer have a 250-sheet tray?
It is not mandatory, but it is very useful. A 250-sheet tray reduces interruptions and better matches normal office paper usage than a small home-printer tray.
Is 1,000 pages per month considered high volume?
It is moderate business volume. It is enough for running cost, paper handling and ADF features to matter, but it does not normally require an enterprise print-room device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1,000 pages per month considered high volume?
It is moderate business volume. It is high enough that cartridge cost and paper handling matter, but still within the recommended range of many small office ink tank and business laser printers.
Is EcoTank suitable for 1,000 pages per month?
Yes, provided the specific model's recommended monthly volume supports that workload. The ET-3950 and ET-4950 are both designed for regular office use and are rated by Epson for recommended monthly volumes up to approximately 1,600 pages.
Should I choose laser or ink tank for 1,000 pages per month?
Choose ink tank when low running cost is the priority. Choose laser when faster output, shared use and faster document handling are more important.
At 1,000 Pages Per Month, Running Cost Matters
Choose a printer designed for regular business use rather than relying on a low capacity home model.
Browse PrintersLast Updated Date: 2 October 2026