Getting the right papers is a matter of weighing numerous factors. Weight, brightness, the likelihood of jamming, and the feel of the paper all may play a role in the decision.
Because there are thousands of choices out there, it’s necessary to test as many of them as possible to find the best options. That’s precisely what this review is all about.
After exhaustive testing, these 10 products are rated as the paper that you can find on the market. With a focus on copy and multipurpose paper, this is your guide to choosing the right paper for your office.
Best Printer Papers:
1. HP Paper
Formerly known as HP Multipurpose, a name change and package re-design have done nothing to detract from the excellence of this papers. This product is the best paper for inkjet use. It’s suitable for all of your everyday printing and copying needs at 20 pounds and 96 on the brightness scale.
HP has engineered this paper with its Page Wide Technology, which makes it possible to print faster using less energy. The result is increased productivity. This product also includes HP’s ColorLok technology to ensure the truest, brightest hues.
The technology even ensures that the ink dries faster. Moreover, this HP paper is an environmentally responsible choice as it is manufactured from renewable forest resources.
Users love how crisp and clear their documents look on this paper. They praise how quickly the ink dries and appreciate the smooth, matte surface. However, critics say that the paper is so thin that sometimes more than one sheet feeds through the printer at a time.
Overall, this HP paper is a functional and economical choice for everyday print jobs.
Pros
- 100 percent guarantee from HP
- Sharp rendering of text and images
- Excellent color printing without smearing
- Acid-free
Cons
- Some printers may grab more than one sheet at a time.
2. Hammermill Papers
This selection is 20-pound weight, and on the brightness scale, it scores a 92. An economical choice, this is the best copy paper use as it is ideal for high-volume runs. It’s also appropriate for general, everyday copying and faxing. With a flat, smooth surface, trouble-free printing is the standard with this paper.
All Hammermill paper products are made in the USA. They’ve been in business for more than a century, which makes them experts in the paper industry. Hammermill works in concert with the Forest Stewardship Council, or FSC, to do business in a more environmentally conscious manner.
This is a versatile paper choice that’s suitable for use with inkjet and laser printers as well as copiers. With ColorLok Technology, the ink dries faster and looks deeper and brighter. It’s also acid-free so it won’t yellow over time.
People who have used this paper report that it performs great. However, some did have an issue with the ink bleeding through the page when doing double-sided printing.
An economical choice that works for a variety of applications, this Hammermill Paper may be perfect for everyday use.
Pros
- Consistent quality
- Environmentally responsible
- Contains ColorLok technology
- Affordable
Cons
- Double-sided printing sometimes bleeds through to the other side
3. Georgia Pacific 991322R Spectrum Standard Papers
Inkjet paper reviews suggest that this paper is the ideal choice for this type. Another 20-pound weight paper, this selection measures 92 on the brightness scale. It is designed for use with almost any copying or printing device.
The manufacturer calls it an “all-around performer,” and testing reveals that this is accurate. For text and graphics, the results are always sharp and clear.
While it is extremely highly rated for use with inkjet, this paper will perform just as well in a laser or a copier. Smearing does not appear to be an issue, and neither does bleed through.
People who are fans of this paper love its bright-white appearance and relatively solid weight. Nonetheless, some people who have used the same paper over the years note that it seems to have gotten thinner recently.
People who mainly use an inkjet will be delighted with this paper’s performance. Even using it on a laser or in a copier doesn’t diminish its functionality.
Pros
- Bright white
- Affordable price
- Good weight for everyday printing projects
Cons
- Georgia Pacific may have recently substituted a slightly lighter-weight paper
4. Printworks 100 Percent Recycled Multipurpose Papers
Another 20-pound contender with a brightness measure of 92, this offering from Printworks diversifies itself from the competition in important ways.
This is a made-in-the-USA product that is manufactured from recycled paper items like food and beverage containers and printed material. Printworks guarantees it for use with multi-function devices, copiers, laser, and inkjet.
Printworks takes pride in its commitment to making this product from 100 percent recycled materials. They are so dedicated that they obtain their materials from within a 300-mile radius of the paper plant to reduce their overall carbon footprint.
Despite all of that hard work, there’s little price difference between a ream of this paper from Printworks and the competition.
Customers are enthusiastic about the idea of 100 percent recycled paper. They like the brightness and smooth texture, and they say that it doesn’t jam them. However, there does seem to be some suspicion about Printworks’ claim of providing a product that is 100 percent made from recycled paper material.
Despite some mild controversy, this Printworks paper performs exceptionally well in testing and appears to be more environmentally responsible than most paper on the market today.
Pros
- Good for the environment
- Made in the USA
- Decent weight and bright white
Cons
- Each ream is wrapped in plastic
5. Hammermill Papers
If you’re looking for high-quality copy paper, your search could end right here. The 24-pound weight is in the Goldilocks zone and this paper rates a 97 on the brightness scale. In other words, this is a super-bright paper that has a great feel in the hands. Plus, it comes with a 99.9 percent jam-free guarantee, and you can print double-sided with ease.
This made-in-the-USA paper is acid-free to ensure that it won’t yellow over the years. The extra-bright white of this paper makes text, graphics, and images pop off of the page. Thanks to ColorLok technology, the ink dries quickly and looks even more saturated and intense.
Users say that they love the professional look and feel of this paper. When they want to impress clients or the boss, this is the paper they use. Nonetheless, some people claim that the price is a bit steep for what you get.
This thick, luxe-feeling paper is fantastic for use when you want a project to stand out.
Pros
- Jams are rare
- Bright white
- Wonderful weight
- Professional looking and feeling
Cons
- More expensive
6. Epson Bright White Pro Papers
Many people regard Epson printers to be among the most reliable available today. If you’re one of them, then you’ll find that this is the best paper for Epson printer use.
Guaranteed to work with every inkjet printer, this Epson paper features an ultra-smooth surface and rates a 96 on the US brightness scale. Accordingly, the text is always crisp, and the colors are remarkably vivid.
The 24-pound weight is the perfect choice when you want to be certain that your document will have a genuinely professional feel in your hand. Plus, this is an acid-free paper, so even years later it will still look crisp and white.
You can use it as your general-purpose copy and print paper, but when results matter, your documents will shine.
Most reviewers agree that there is plenty to like about this Epson Bright White Pro Paper. It gives a crisp and professional finish to any document. Nonetheless, there were some issues with the ink showing through on double-sided projects.
When you need paper that is a step up from every day, this Epson paper may be a good choice, particularly if you have an Epson printer.
Pros
- Solid, 24-pound weight
- Bright white
- High contrast with ink
Cons
- Ink sometimes bleeds through to the other side of the paper
7. AmazonBasics Multipurpose Copy Papers
This all-purpose paper can be purchased for an affordable price. It is compatible with laser and inkjet as well as all copiers and fax machines. The 20-pound weight of the paper is perfect for everyday jobs. Acid-free paper, this product from AmazonBasics won’t discolor over the years.
Rated on the US brightness scale as a 92, this affordable, basic paper will get you through all print jobs large and small. It probably is not advisable to use this paper for any projects that will be going to clients or for double-sided print jobs because it is quite thin.
Nonetheless, some users like this paper and rate it highly. They appreciate the low cost and the paper’s basic functionality. Others say that they don’t like the slick feel of the surface, and some reviewers comment that the paper tends to curl up when exposed to heat, such as when it is run through a laser.
This paper may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but some people rave about its quality and functionality.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Good brightness rating
- Sufficient for everyday projects
Cons
- Slick feeling
- Tends to curl with heat
8. Boise Polaris Premium Laser Papers
This performance paper is designed for use with proposals, reports, and presentations. Accordingly, you can expect crisp, clear results and plenty of vivid details with graphs, charts, and images. A 99.99 percent jam-free performance guarantee provides plenty of peace of mind.
Also, this paper has ColorLok technology to provide faster ink drying and more impressive, saturated colors.
This 24-pound paper feels professional and looks even better with its 98 rating on the brightness scale. Specifically designed for use in laser, this is a genuinely high-performance paper that’s made in the USA. This smoother, heavier choice will make your documents stand out from the crowd.
Most reviewers love this product, saying that the pages don’t jam in the printer and that their print jobs look crisp and clean. If there is a complaint, it’s usually rated to the relatively high per-ream price.
While it may cost more than some competitors, this Boise Polaris paper also is of superior quality. When you want to print to impress, it’s a great choice.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Bright white
- Good weight
- Doesn’t jam
Cons
- Expensive
9. Strathmore 59-854 Laser Vellum Paper
Most of the entries in this review relate to good-quality printing papers, but this one is a bit different. This premium paper is translucent vellum rated at 29 pounds. Fifty acid-free sheets are included in each package for a price.
When you have a really special project to complete, consider using this elegant paper to make it truly memorable.
Many people use this paper for things like wedding invitations and announcements of special events. Perhaps you could print a menu for a gala event. Other people use it when they want to recreate an Old-World feel for text or images.
People love this premium paper, remarking that it works equally well in a variety of types. Images are crisp and clear. The overall effect is elegant. However, it pays to allow plenty of drying time after printing to avoid the risk of smearing.
If you need to print documents for a special occasion, then this is the paper for you. You’ll love how elegant and refined it can make any document.
Pros
- Beautiful paper
- Translucent for a variety of projects
- Elegant look and feel
Cons
- Liable to smear without adequate drying time
10. Staples Multiuse Multipurpose Paper
This is a good printing paper if you’re on a budget and just need to get through your busy days with a minimum of hassle. Twenty-pound paper that rates a 94 on the brightness scale, this serviceable product will get you through even the most demanding print jobs regardless of what type of machine you’re using.
This acid-free paper stands the test of time too, so you won’t have to worry about yellowing or fading. It promises excellent value for your money, and while it’s a bit no-frills, there’s no harm in that when you’re just printing drafts and other routine documents.
Most people remark that they are satisfied with this product, especially in light of the inexpensive price. Unfortunately, some people did have problems with jamming and ink bleeding through to the other side of the page on double-sided print jobs.
It may not be the fanciest paper on this list, but it certainly gets the job done. If you’re on a budget, give this paper from Staples a try.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Bright white
- Sufficient weight
Cons
- May cause printer jams
- Ink may bleed through to the other side of the sheet
Tips for Choosing
Buying a good paper is not accidental. With so many available options, you’re more likely to end up with an inferior product than one that’s great. However, you can make a good choice if you keep a few factors in mind.
The first of these is brightness.
The brighter the paper, the crisper text, and images will appear on the page. A scale of 0-100 is used in the US to denote the brightness of the paper. Most paper falls somewhere in the 92-100 range, with 100 being the brightest available. In general, the closer to 100 you get, the higher the quality of the paper.
Another vital factor is weight.
This refers to the heft or thickness of each page. Standard-weight paper, which averages about 20 pounds, is suitable for draft documents and printed emails. Mid-grade paper usually is graded at between 22 and 24 pounds and is perfect for presentations and formal documents. But if you are looking for cardstock paper you need to be sure that your printer can print on 110lb paper.
It also makes sense to consider overall paper quality.
Paper that is 75 percent wood pulp and 25 percent cotton typically is a reliable and long-lasting blend. However, given all the above tips, it is worth paying attention to the printer, what will you print?
Making the Decision
Choosing the right papers depends upon the job that needs to be done. If you need paper for everyday print jobs like drafts, emails, and faxes, then you can go with lightweight, less bright paper. It may not hold ink as well or feel as good as more expensive paper, but it’s adequate for your purposes.
When you’re going to be making a presentation or are printing something that will go to clients, then it’s time to step up to a higher grade of paper. Choose a paper that has a higher rating on the brightness scale and is at least 22 to 24 pounds. This will ensure that you make the right impression.
