Ubuntu Mini PCs can support most printers and scanners via native drivers, open-source tools like CUPS, or manufacturer-specific software. Compatibility depends on hardware age, brand (HP, Epson, Canon), and connectivity (USB, Wi-Fi). For older devices, manual driver installation or third-party repositories like “hplip” may be required. Always verify Linux support on the manufacturer’s website before purchasing.
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Table of Contents
Top 5 Mini PCs in 2025
| Rank | Model | Processor | RAM | Storage | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GEEKOM Mini IT12 (Best Performance) | Intel i5-12450H (8C/12T) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD | $379.00 | Check Price |
| 2 | GMKtec N150 (1TB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 1TB PCIe M.2 SSD | $191.99 | Check Price |
| 3 | KAMRUI GK3Plus (Budget Pick) | Intel N95 (3.4GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB M.2 SSD | $169.99 | Check Price |
| 4 | ACEMAGICIAN N150 (Cheapest 16GB) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 256GB SSD | $139.99 | Check Price |
| 5 | GMKtec N150 (512GB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe SSD | $168.99 | Check Price |
What Printers/Scanners Work Out-of-the-Box with Ubuntu?
Most modern HP, Brother, and Epson devices automatically connect via USB or Wi-Fi using Ubuntu’s built-in driver database. OpenPrinters.org lists 3,000+ certified models. For example, HP LaserJet Pro MFP M148fdw and Epson WorkForce WF-2950 require no additional setup. Always check the “Ubuntu Certified Hardware” database or use the Terminal command lsusb to detect connected devices.
| Brand | USB Plug-and-Play | Wireless Auto-Detect |
|---|---|---|
| HP | Yes (Post-2015 models) | Requires hplip-tools |
| Epson | Yes | ESC/P-R models only |
| Brother | Partial | Needs brscan4 |
How to Install Legacy Printer Drivers on Ubuntu?
- Open “Software & Updates” > Select “Additional Drivers” tab
- Search for proprietary drivers (e.g., “hplip” for HP printers)
- Enable “Recommended” drivers and apply changes
- For scanners, install “sane-airscan” or “xsane” via Terminal
For discontinued models, use the TurboPrint paid driver suite or compile drivers from GitHub repositories like “foo2zjs”.
When dealing with legacy hardware, always verify kernel module compatibility first. Printers using parallel port connections may require lp0 module activation via sudo modprobe lp. For devices requiring PPAs, ensure repository signatures are validated through apt-key before installation. A common pitfall involves missing 32-bit libraries – resolve this by running sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386 followed by repository updates.
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Why Does My Scanner Show as “Unsupported” in Ubuntu?
Ubuntu may lack SANE backend support for niche scanner models. Fixes:
- Run
sudo apt install sane-utilsto update scanning libraries - Add third-party PPAs:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:inkysplat/ocr - Use VueScan ($40) for universal driver emulation
Scanners using proprietary connection protocols often require manual configuration. Check /etc/sane.d/ directory for available backends and compare against your device’s chipset information from sane-find-scanner output. Multifunction devices may need separated printer/scanner profiles in CUPS and SANE respectively. For Fujitsu ScanSnap models, download the proprietary brscan4 driver package directly from Brother’s support site and use dpkg with --force-all flag if dependency issues arise.
“Ubuntu’s 2023 hardware certification program now mandates printer/scanner vendors to provide at least 5 years of Linux driver support. However, SMB multifunction devices remain challenging—always test firmware updates in a VM before deploying to production Mini PCs.”
— Markus Haas, OpenPrinting Project Contributor
FAQs
- Does Ubuntu Support All-in-One Printer/Scanners?
- Yes, if listed on OpenPrinters.org. HP OfficeJet Pro 9010 and Brother MFC-J995DW work fully. Avoid Lexmark CS431dn due to incomplete scan-to-email support.
- Can I Use AirPrint with Ubuntu?
- Yes. Install
avahi-daemonand enable “AirPrint Ubuntu” in CUPS. Epson ET-3850 and HP Envy 6055e confirmed working. - Is USB-C Printing Supported on Ubuntu Mini PCs?
- Yes, with kernel 5.15+. Requires
usbmuxdfor Apple devices and Thunderbolt approval viaboltctl.