Despite Dominance of HP, Many People Still Don’t Own a Printer. ☹

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Despite Dominance of HP, Many People Still Don’t Own a Printer. ☹
A recent survey from TechRadar Pro reveals a surprising trend in the printer market: despite the overwhelming market share of HP, many people still don’t own a printer. The findings highlight the shifting role of printers in today’s digital age, where cloud storage, document sharing, and mobile devices are increasingly taking over tasks that once required physical prints.

The survey, conducted across TechRadar Pro’s WhatsApp community with 3,676 respondents from nine different brands, aimed to answer the question, “What printer do you have?” The results were both expected and eye-opening.

HP Leads, But Printer Ownership is on the Decline
HP continues to dominate the market, with 38% of respondents reporting ownership of an HP printer. However, 21% of those surveyed indicated that they do not own a printer at all, pointing to a growing trend of people opting out of personal printing.

While HP maintains its lead, it’s clear that the printer market is evolving, with many either choosing alternatives or doing without altogether.

Japanese Brands Dominate the Market’s Top Spots
In addition to HP’s strong presence, Japanese brands make a significant impact. Brother, Canon, and Epson together account for 37% of the survey’s results, with Brother leading at 11%, followed by Canon at 14%, and Epson at 12%. This demonstrates the substantial influence of Japanese technology in the global printing sector.

By contrast, other brands like Kyocera, Oki, Ricoh, Xerox, and Lexmark account for less than 5% combined, suggesting these companies have smaller, more niche markets and limited visibility among the surveyed group.

Why Fewer People Own Printers
The growing trend of not owning a printer may reflect urban living, where access to printing services at libraries, office supply stores, or coworking spaces makes owning a personal printer less necessary. In addition, the high costs associated with maintaining a printer—particularly the ongoing expense of ink cartridges—can deter potential buyers.

One recent survey conducted by TechRadar Pro revealed that while printer cartridges may seem affordable with shelf prices under $20, the real cost of ownership over time can be staggering. Printer owners may spend anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 per liter of ink over the lifespan of the device, making the long-term investment less appealing.

As digital alternatives become more mainstream and accessible, it seems likely that the need for personal printers will continue to decline, with many opting to go without—despite the enduring popularity of major brands like HP.

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November 11, 2024 at 3:48 PM