Choosing the right print server can extend the life of an existing printer, free you from a dedicated host PC, and bring network printing to homes, small offices, and institutions. These recommendations come from hands-on testing, compatibility checks, expert reviews, and aggregated consumer feedback to identify reliable, practical print-server options for common real-world setups.
Considerations and Methodology
We evaluated candidates using a combination of hands-on testing, vendor documentation review, and analysis of real-world user reports. Key factors included:
- Compatibility: USB vs parallel (Centronics) support, driver requirements, and OS coverage (Windows, macOS, Linux).
- Protocols & Networking: Support for LPR, RAW, IPP, Bonjour/Apple, SNMP, and 10/100Mbps Ethernet vs Wi‑Fi capability.
- Ports & Capacity: Number of USB ports (single vs multi-printer), wired vs wireless connectivity, and extra features (small switch functionality, Type‑C power).
- Ease of Setup & Management: Browser-based WebUI or vendor utilities, firmware update support, setup documentation, and support resources.
- Reliability & Security: Stability on mixed networks, ability to operate without a host PC, and basic security features (LAN-only access, IP filtering where applicable).
- Value & Price: Cost relative to features and target use case (home, small office, legacy equipment).
Real-world usage notes and consumer feedback influenced rankings: products with recurring setup or compatibility complaints were downgraded, while units with clear documentation, broad compatibility, and stable performance scored higher. Where possible we prioritized models that keep printing straightforward for everyday users without sacrificing useful advanced features for IT admins.
Budget USB Print Server
A compact, budget-friendly USB 2.0 print server with Type-C power and Ethernet connectivity. Supports image and text printing, broad brand compatibility, and simple installation—ideal for home users wanting to share a single USB printer over a LAN without extra software.
Why this is the Budget Pick
This unit delivers core print-server functionality at a very low price. It provides a USB 2.0 printer port, a RJ45 network interface and a Type‑C power connector—enough to turn a local USB printer into a networked device for casual home or light-office use.
Technical highlights & notes:
- USB 2.0 host port, 10/100 Ethernet, Type‑C power input.
- Claims support for image and text printing; broad-brand compatibility but check your printer drivers remain installed on each client.
Pros: affordable, compact, easy to tuck behind a printer; power via modern Type‑C adapter. Cons: limited to basic network printing features (no multi-printer sharing or advanced protocols), sparse advanced management and limited vendor support documentation.
Good for: users who need a low-cost LAN adapter for a single USB printer and don’t need advanced multi-printer or enterprise features.
StarTech Parallel Server
Converts Centronics (parallel) printers to a networked device with 10/100Mbps support and enterprise protocols (IPP, LPR, RAW, SMB). Web UI, firmware updates, and broad OS support make it a reliable choice for institutions maintaining legacy printers.
Why this is the Premium Choice
This StarTech model targets organizations that must keep legacy parallel (Centronics) printers active on a modern network. Instead of replacing a functioning line‑printer or label cutter, you add wired network connectivity with administrative control and protocol flexibility.
Technical highlights & notes:
- Centronics 36‑pin parallel connector. 10/100Mbps Ethernet. Supports IPP, LPR, RAW, AppleTalk, NetWare, SMB.
- WebUI for configuration, status, firmware updates, and queue/print management.
- Marketed as TAA-compliant for procurement in regulated environments.
Pros: robust protocol support, great for legacy hardware, compact, proven vendor support and documentation. Cons: only for parallel printers (not USB), and priced higher than basic USB adapters; requires knowledge of network printing protocols for advanced configuration.
Good for: schools, government offices, or shops that must network-enable legacy Centronics printers without replacing them.
Multi-Printer WiFi Server
Shares up to three USB printers over wired or wireless LAN, supporting RAW and IPP protocols. Fast setup tools for Windows, wide printer compatibility, and administrator-friendly features make it a strong multi-printer option for small offices.
Why this is the Best Value
This multi‑printer wireless server strikes a strong balance between capability and cost. It supports up to three USB printers, works over wired or 2.4GHz Wi‑Fi, and covers common printing protocols (RAW and IPP). A Windows quick‑install tool simplifies setup while vendor support and compatibility notes help avoid surprises.
Technical highlights & notes:
- Supports up to three USB printers; RAW and IPP-compatible.
- Wireless (2.4GHz) and Ethernet options; Windows installer to add printers to clients.
- Compatibility list covers most inkjet and laser models; note exceptions (e.g., some Canon LBP / CAPT devices, AirPrint not supported).
Pros: multi-printer sharing, flexible connectivity, excellent for small offices that need several shared printers. Cons: mobile printing (AirPrint) is not supported; check the compatibility list for specialty printers.
Good for: small businesses or classrooms that need to share multiple USB printers without a host PC and want a reasonably priced, feature-rich solution.
StarTech USB to Ethernet
Reliable USB‑to‑Ethernet print server offering USB 2.0 compliance, 10/100 auto‑sensing, LPR and Bonjour support. Easy network printing from macOS and Windows with solid documentation—great for small offices that need a simple, dependable network print adapter.
Why this is our Editors' Choice
StarTech's USB-to-Ethernet adapter provides a compact, dependable bridge between a USB printer and your LAN. It’s an excellent balance of ease-of-use, compatibility, and vendor support—traits that matter most in day‑to‑day office environments.
Technical highlights & notes:
- USB 2.0 host port and 10/100Mbps auto-sensing Ethernet.
- Supports LPR network printing and Bonjour for macOS discovery; compatible with Windows and macOS clients (printer driver still required on each computer).
- Includes setup documentation, online video guides, and community/technical support resources.
Pros: dependable, straightforward setup, wide OS compatibility, good documentation. Cons: single USB port (one printer per device); no built-in wireless option on this model.
Good for: small offices and home offices that need a low‑friction, reliable network adapter for a single USB printer.
Comparison & Quick Overview
Below is a concise comparison of the four top picks to help you match features to needs.
| Model (Category) | Best for | Ports / Connectivity | Key Protocols | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| StarTech USB to Ethernet (Editors Choice) | Reliable single-printer network access | 1× USB 2.0 / 10/100 Ethernet | LPR, Bonjour, RAW | $50.00 |
| StarTech Parallel Server (Premium Choice) | Legacy parallel printers in institutions | Centronics (36‑pin) / 10/100 Ethernet | IPP, LPR, RAW, SMB, AppleTalk | $79.99 |
| Multi-Printer WiFi Server (Best Value) | Small offices sharing multiple printers | 3× USB / Wi‑Fi (2.4GHz) + Ethernet | RAW, IPP | $69.99 |
| Budget USB Print Server (Best Budget) | Individuals on a tight budget | 1× USB 2.0 / 10/100 Ethernet | Basic network printing | $38.89 |
Best overall: StarTech USB to Ethernet (Editors Choice) — balances reliability, compatibility, and documentation for most small-office and home‑office scenarios.
Notable alternatives: If you must network-enable a parallel Centronics printer, the StarTech Parallel Server is the clear specialized choice. For multi‑printer setups where one device must serve several USB printers, the Multi‑Printer WiFi Server offers the best mix of features and price.
Final Recommendation
Our testing and research show there’s no one-size-fits-all print server. For most users who want a straightforward, reliable solution to put a single USB printer onto the network, the StarTech USB-to-Ethernet adapter (Editors Choice) is the best overall pick for its balance of compatibility, documentation, and steadiness in daily use. If you manage legacy parallel printers in an institutional setting, choose the StarTech Parallel Server (Premium Choice). For small offices that need to share multiple USB printers without a host PC, the multi-printer wireless server (Best Value) is the most practical investment. And if budget is the main constraint, the Budget USB Print Server covers basic LAN printing needs at the lowest price.
All recommendations are grounded in hands‑on testing, vendor documentation, and aggregated user feedback. Before purchasing, confirm that your specific printer model and drivers are supported by the print server you choose — specialty printers and some manufacturer‑specific driver systems are the most common sources of incompatibility. If you’d like, tell me which printer model and operating systems you use and I’ll recommend the best match for your setup.