The best USB network print server depends on your printer connections, network setup, and need for wireless access. The StarTech PM1115U2 is best for a single USB printer on wired Ethernet; the StarTech PM1115UW adds Wi-Fi; and the Xiiaozet LK300W is designed to share up to three USB printers. For two printers, consider the CHEECENT CR202. The X-MEDIA XM-PS110P is a different option for older printers with a parallel port, not USB.
| Product | Best For | Connection Or Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| StarTech PM1115U2 | Single USB printer, wired network | One USB printer; Ethernet |
| StarTech PM1115UW | Single USB printer, wireless network | One USB printer; Wi-Fi and Ethernet |
| Xiiaozet LK300W | Sharing several USB printers | Up to three printers; Wi-Fi or LAN |
| CHEECENT CR202 | Sharing two USB printers | Two printers; Wi-Fi or Ethernet |
| X-MEDIA XM-PS110P | Parallel-port printer | One parallel printer; Ethernet |
StarTech PM1115U2 Wired USB Print Server
Best for: A home or small office that needs to share one USB printer over a wired Ethernet network. This model connects a USB 2.0 printer to an RJ45 LAN and supports 10Base-T and 100Base-TX auto-sensing.
It was selected for buyers who prefer a wired connection and want a clearly described setup method. Configuration uses a web interface with a static IP address or DHCP and the LPR queue “LP1.” The product information says it works with most USB 2.0 printers using standard drivers.
Limitation: It is not plug-and-play and requires intermediate network knowledge. It does not support USB hubs, some multifunction printers with proprietary drivers, or printers that require full bidirectional communication. Choose another option if wireless access or scanning is essential.
StarTech PM1115UW Wireless USB Print Server
Best for: A user who wants to share one USB printer over Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet. It supports 802.11b/g/n wireless standards and includes an RJ45 port for 10/100 Mbps wired connections, giving buyers two ways to join a network.
This model suits homes and small offices that need shared printing without placing the printer beside a computer. StarTech provides an online setup video, a user manual, FAQs, and an IT Pro Community for installation help.
Limitation: The listed features do not specify printer-model compatibility or promise plug-and-play installation. Check whether the printer and operating system are supported before buying, and plan to follow the setup instructions.
Xiiaozet LK300W Three-Printer Server
Best for: A household or office that wants to share up to three USB printers across a local network. The LK300W supports Wi-Fi and wired LAN, automatic print queue management, and standard TCP/IP printing through Raw mode or IPP. A dedicated host computer is not required.
It was selected for its stated multi-printer capacity and support for adding printers in Windows and macOS by IP address or hostname. The listed compatibility includes inkjet, laser, thermal label, and dot-matrix printers, with a note that some settings may need adjustment.
Limitation: Mobile printing and AirPrint are not supported. Some printers may require sleep mode and bidirectional communication to be disabled. Confirm that your specific printer works with the supported protocols before relying on it.
CHEECENT CR202 Two-Port Print Server
Best for: Buyers who need to share two USB printers over Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Its two USB ports allow multiple computers on a local network to access two printers. Browser-based management is provided, and the device has a metal shell and mounting hole for desktop or wall installation.
This is a better fit than a single-printer server when two printers need network access without keeping a host computer running. The product information lists Windows, Mac, and Linux computer support and says setup is not plug-and-play.
Limitation: It does not support scanning, phones, tablets, Chromebooks, or Android devices, and it is not intended for 3D or photo printers. Read the manual and confirm your computer and printer requirements before purchase.
X-MEDIA XM-PS110P Parallel Print Server
Best for: Owners of a printer with a parallel Centronics port who need Ethernet network sharing. This model provides one parallel printer connection and 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet.
It was included as a related alternative for legacy printer setups, but it is not a USB print server. Choose it only when the printer has the matching parallel port; a USB printer needs a different model from this list.
Limitation: Its listed connection is parallel, not USB, and the product details provided do not describe wireless networking or USB compatibility.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A USB Network Print Server
Does the server match the printer’s connection?
Check the printer’s physical port before comparing network features. USB models connect to USB printers; the X-MEDIA option connects to a parallel-port printer. A network adapter cannot make a mismatched printer connector fit without an explicitly supported solution.
Do you need Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet?
Choose a wired model if the printer can sit near a router or network switch and you prefer an Ethernet connection. Choose a Wi-Fi-capable model if running a network cable is inconvenient. The StarTech PM1115UW, Xiiaozet LK300W, and CHEECENT CR202 list wireless support; the StarTech PM1115U2 is wired.
How many printers need to be shared?
Match port capacity to the number of printers: the CHEECENT CR202 lists two USB printer ports, while the Xiiaozet LK300W supports three. The StarTech models are for one USB printer. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for adding each printer to your computers.
What setup and printer features matter?
Network print servers may need manual IP, protocol, or queue configuration. Confirm operating-system and printer compatibility, especially for multifunction devices, scanners, and printers that rely on bidirectional communication. Do not assume that network printing also enables scanning, mobile printing, or AirPrint.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a USB network print server do?
It connects a USB printer to a local network so supported computers can send print jobs without using a permanently connected host computer.
Will a print server make every USB printer compatible?
No. Compatibility depends on the printer, drivers, operating system, and server protocols. Some devices exclude multifunction printers or models that need bidirectional communication.
Can a network print server enable wireless printing?
Only if the server supports Wi-Fi or connects to a wireless network as specified by its instructions. The wired StarTech PM1115U2 uses Ethernet; other listed models offer wireless connectivity.
Can these devices share a scanner or print from a phone?
Do not assume so. The CHEECENT CR202 states that scanning and phone or tablet use are not supported, and the Xiiaozet LK300W does not support mobile printing or AirPrint.
Is the X-MEDIA XM-PS110P a USB print server?
No. It is designed for a parallel Centronics printer connection. Select a USB model for a printer with a USB port.