Cheapest Printer Buying Advice and User Impressions
Note: We have researched 13 printers for you.
Last updated on 15.05.24 um 01:47
In today's fast-paced world, finding a balance between cost and functionality when acquiring office equipment is a priority for many. The search for affordable printing solutions is particularly important for both businesses and home offices aiming to reduce overheads without compromising on quality. This guide focuses on a selection of printer models that offer economic benefits without a hefty price tag.
We understand that the initial purchase is just part of the investment; running costs can quickly add up if not considered carefully. That's why the printers featured here have been chosen for their enduring value, ensuring efficiency and budget-friendly operation over time. From ink usage and cartridge costs to energy consumption, every aspect has been considered to help you make the most informed decision possible.
We understand that the initial purchase is just part of the investment; running costs can quickly add up if not considered carefully. That's why the printers featured here have been chosen for their enduring value, ensuring efficiency and budget-friendly operation over time. From ink usage and cartridge costs to energy consumption, every aspect has been considered to help you make the most informed decision possible.
To simplify the price comparison, we determine the prices for the individual articles on Amazon, Ebay and other shops and link the offers via partner links where applicable. This means that we receive a commission if you buy something that we recommend - the price does not change for you.
Pictured: Brother MFC-J1010DW Wireless Color In...
What to Look for in Cheapest Printers
Important criteria
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Print quality
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Ink or toner efficiency
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Print speed
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Connectivity options
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Ease of use and setup
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Brand reputation and reliability
1.) Printing Costs
When considering the cheapest printer, evaluate the long-term costs associated with printing rather than just the upfront price of the hardware. Printers with a low initial price can often have high cartridge replacement or maintenance costs. Research the cost per page for printing, which includes ink or toner expenditure, to get a fair estimate of overall expenses. Also consider compatible third-party ink options or printers with refillable ink tanks that may offer a more economical and environmentally friendly approach over time.
2.) Printer Functionality
Assess the functionality you require from a printer, including whether you need color printing, scanning, copying, or wireless connectivity. Choosing a basic model that meets your needs without extraneous features can help keep costs low. However, investing in an all-in-one printer might save money and space in the long run if you foresee the need for multiple functions. Check for mobile printing capabilities if you plan to print from smartphones or tablets.
Pictured: HP DeskJet 4255e Wireless All-in-One ...
3.) Print Quality and Speed
Compare the print quality and speed specifications of the cheapest printers within your budget. For occasional home use, a modest print quality and slower print speed might be acceptable and cost-effective. However, if you plan to use the printer for business purposes or for printing high-quality photos, consider a printer that offers higher resolution and faster print speeds. Note that high-quality printing often requires higher ink consumption.
4.) Brand and Customer Support
Consider the reputation of the printer manufacturer and the customer support offered. Well-known brands might offer better reliability and customer service, which can save money on repairs and troubleshooting in the long term. It's also beneficial to look at warranty coverage and service agreement terms, as these can significantly impact the cost of owning and maintaining the printer over its lifespan.
The Cheapest Printers of our Choice
Our Pick
Brother MFC-J1010DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in
Type/Color: Black
Size: One Size
Properties
- The Brother MFC-J1010DW is compact and economical, perfect for small spaces and budgets.
- Delivering full functionality in a small space, with no sacrificing features.
- This compact inkjet all-in-one has fast print and scan speeds.
- Put the power of printing at your fingertips with Brother Mobile Connect(1) App.
- Easy onscreen menu navigation for printing, copying, scanning, and printer management.
- Versatile paper handling and duplex printing for various media types.
- 20-page capacity automatic document feeder for quick copying and scanning.
- 150-sheet capacity adjustable paper tray minimizes paper refills.
In other categories
2
MUNBYN Portable Printer Wireless for Travel ITP01
Model: A40
Type/Color: Grey
Size: portable
Properties
- Portable & Efficient: Compact and lightweight, easily fits in handbag or briefcase.
- Suitable for business trips, school, car, and other mobile scenarios.
- More Printing Options: Adjustable paper slot width, supports various paper sizes.
- All-in-One Printer: Supports Bluetooth and USB connection, multiple file formats.
- More Cost-Effective: Uses thermal printing, no need for ink or toner.
- Saves at least 50% of printing costs, energy-saving and eco-friendly.
- Trustworthy Brand: Provides video tutorials, 24/7 online support.
- Notice: Does not support Chromebooks, 6-hour battery life.
$ 119.99 *
View
on Amazon
Price Pick
Eschen Portable Printer
Type/Color: Blue
Size: S
Properties
- Lovely Portable Mini Printer: Compact size, lightweight
- Superior Print Quality: Crisp prints, reliable 203 dpi
- Our Guarantee & Package Included: Satisfaction guarantee, inclusive package
- Wireless Bluetooth Connection: Easy and quick connectivity
- Multifunctional Printer: Supports various printing functions
- Ideal Gift: Perfect gift for various individuals
In other categories
- Rank 10 of 18 in Cheapest Photo Printer
4
Pantum Laser Printer Black and White
Type/Color: Black
Size: 16.4''×12.0''×11.8''inch
Properties
- Wireless laser printer that works with computers, laptops, and mobile devices.
- Supports Windows and Mac systems, prints 23 pages per minute.
- Handles letter and legal size paper, including card stock and envelopes.
- Small and compact design suitable for home use.
- Includes a black laser printer, driver program, USB cable, and starter cartridge.
- Compatible with Pantum PB-212 toner.
In other categories
- Rank 1 of 17 in Cheapest Laser Printer
- Rank 2 of 15 in Fastest Laser Printer
$ 98.99 *
View
on Amazon
5
Gloryang Inkless Portable Printer for Travel
Model: PD-A4
Type/Color: Blue
Size: 8.5x11
Properties
- Ink-Free Printing: Cost-effective, advanced thermal technology, no ink needed.
- Lightweight & Portable: 1.75lb weight, measures 1.7in thick, convenient.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Connects to iOS, Android devices via Bluetooth easily.
- High-Quality Printing & Rechargeable: Crystal-clear printing, 3 hours of continuous printing.
- Built-in Paper Bin, Save Space: Convenient, mess-free, two ways to load paper.
6
HP OfficeJet 250 All-in-One Portable Printer
Model: 250
Type/Color: Black
Size: Printer
In other categories
7
Canon PIXMA TR8620a
Type/Color: Black
Size: One Size
Properties
- Never run out of ink
- Get notifications with Alexa for low ink levels
- Alexa can place reorders from Amazon
- Smart Reorders prevent excess or insufficient supplies
- No subscription needed
- Wireless 4-in-1 functionality
- Print Speed: 15 ipm black, 10 ipm color
- 200 Sheet Capacity (100 Cassette, 100 Rear Feed)
- Auto 2-Sided Printing
- 1,000 Page Duty Cycle
- Micro SD Slot, ENERGY STAR, EPEAT Silver
- 1 Year Warranty
- Print with voice command: “Alexa, discover my printer"
8
HP DeskJet 4255e Wireless All-in-One Color
Type/Color: White
Size: one size
Properties
- Trusted printer brand perfect for home use
- Print speeds up to 5.5 ppm color
- Color printing, copy, scan, auto document feeder
- 60-sheet input tray
- Reliable Wi-Fi connectivity
- Easiest-to-use print app
- 3 months of ink included with HP+
- Subscribe to Instant Ink delivery service
- Compact design to fit any home
- Print basic documents easily with icon LCD
- Made with at least 60% recycled plastic
- Energy efficient with ENERGY STAR and EPEAT certifications
- Compatible only with original HP cartridges
In other categories
- Rank 5 of 7 in Most Reliable Home Printer
9
Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer Home
Type/Color: White
Size: One Size
Properties
- Print, copy, scan, and fax capabilities
- Compact, versatile, and easy-to-use design
- Simple setup through Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app
- Easy ink cartridge installation and replacement
- Fast and easy to load front paper tray
- Capacity to produce quality documents and photos
- Borderless prints up to 8.5" x 11"
- Specifications available in technical specification section
In other categories
- Rank 6 of 7 in Most Reliable Home Printer
10
Canon Pixma MG2522 All-in-One Inkjet Printer
Type/Color: White
Size: 013803284676
Properties
- PIXMA MG2522 is a basic home printer
- Easily print documents and support XL cartridges
- Affordable printing option
In other categories
11
HP Smart-Tank 5000 Wireless All-in-One Ink
Model: 5000
Type/Color: white
Size: 17.11 x 14.23 x 6.19
Properties
- Perfect for home printing with color documents
- Best for low-cost, high-volume printing with included ink
- Print, copy, scan, and wireless capabilities
- Delivers color graphics and crisp text
- Print, scan, and copy from your phone
- Self-healing Wi-Fi for reliable connectivity
- Simple, spill-free refill system for easy ink replenishment
- Smart-guided buttons for easy usability
- Basic encryption and password protection for privacy
- Made from 45% recycled plastic for sustainability
In other categories
- Rank 2 of 4 in Cheapest Ink for Printer
12
HP DeskJet 2755e Wireless Color inkjet-printer
Type/Color: white
Size: Standard
Properties
- Good for home printing basic color documents
- Print speeds up to 7.5 pages per minute
- Key features: color printing, copying, and scanning
- Free HP+ smart features during setup
- Connectivity: dual-band Wi-Fi and USB 2.0 port
- HP Smart app for easy mobile printing
- 3 months of instant ink included with HP+
- Works only with cartridges using original HP chips
- Dynamic security blocks non-HP cartridges
In other categories
- Rank 1 of 1 in Cheapest Printers for Home Use
- Rank 7 of 7 in Most Reliable Home Printer
13
Canon PIXMA MG2522 All-in-One Color Inkjet
Model: MG2522
Type/Color: White
Size: Normal
Properties
- All-in-one Color Inkjet Wired Printer
- Print Scan Copy
- Ease of use
- Paper tray Capacity: 60 sheets
- Portability & lightweight
- Max printspeed color: 4.0 pages per minute
- Max printspeed black white: 8.0
- Included components: Canon PIXMA All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
In other categories
* All prices incl. VAT, plus shipping if applicable. Prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. The selection of products was made independently of the manufacturer and without any claim to completeness. All links to products are external partner links through which we may receive compensation. All information without guarantee.
Top Picks for Budget-Friendly Printers
Home Users
Discover a selection of printers that balance cost and functionality for home use. Ideal for those who need reliable printing without breaking the bank.
Students
Find budget printers that are perfect for students. These printers are selected for their affordability and ease of use, enabling efficient study time.
Small Businesses
Explore our curated list of cost-effective printers designed to meet the needs of small businesses. These printers offer dependable printing solutions on a budget.
Photographers
Look at pocket-friendly printers suitable for photographers who print occasionally. These printers provide satisfactory quality without the high price tag.
Questions You Might Ask
For home use, consider the printer's size, print speed, and resolution. Evaluate whether you need color printing capabilities and if you'll print photos. Also, check the connectivity options (WiFi, Bluetooth, USB) and whether it's compatible with your devices. Don't forget to consider the cost of consumables, such as ink or toner.
Laser printers are generally faster, more durable, and cost-effective for high-volume printing, offering lower cost per page and better text quality. They're ideal for office settings. Inkjet printers, however, are usually cheaper upfront and can produce better-quality photo prints, making them suitable for home users who print images or have low printing demands.
All-in-one printers offer additional functionalities like scanning, copying, and faxing. If you frequently need these features, investing in an all-in-one printer can save space and money compared to buying separate devices. However, if you only need to print, a simple single-function printer might be more cost-effective.
Dye-based inks provide bright, vivid colors with great saturation and are ideal for photo printing but may fade faster over time. Pigment-based inks are more resistant to fading, smudging, and water damage, making them better for documents that need to last, although they may not be as vibrant as dye-based inks.
Print resolution, measured in dots per inch (DPI), is important for producing sharp and detailed prints. For general home or office use, a resolution of 600-1200 DPI is typically sufficient. If you plan on printing high-quality photos or detailed graphics, look for a higher resolution printer.
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How to Choose the Cheapest Printer: A Smart Guide
In the digital age, a reliable printer remains an indispensable tool for both work and personal tasks. If you're on a budget, finding the cheapest printer that meets your needs without sacrificing quality can feel like a daunting endeavor. However, with a few savvy tips and a keen eye for the essential features, you can secure a cost-effective printing solution that doesn't break the bank. This guide will help you navigate the maze of options and find a budget-friendly printer that ticks all the right boxes.
Understand Your Printing Needs
Before jumping into the sea of printer deals, take a moment to assess your actual printing needs. Do you print frequently or sporadically? Are you mostly printing text documents or do you need high-quality color prints for photos and graphics? Your usage patterns will dictate the printer features that are essential versus those that are simply nice to have.
Inkjet printers often offer a lower upfront cost and are ideal for a wide range of printing tasks, including color prints. However, they can be costlier in the long run due to ink expenses. Laser printers, on the other hand, typically have a higher initial price but a lower per-page cost, especially for black-and-white documents, making them a good choice for heavy printing demands.
Another aspect to consider is multifunctionality. Do you need scanning and copying capabilities? While all-in-one printers can be slightly more expensive, they may save you from investing in additional devices in the long run. Prioritize features like duplex printing, wireless connectivity, and ease of use based on how they will streamline your workflow.
Analyzing Printer Costs: Beyond the Price Tag
It's easy to be swayed by the cheapest price tag on the shelf, but this isn't always the most economical choice in the long term. The total cost of ownership includes not just the purchase price but also the cost of supplies like ink or toner, paper, and maintenance over the printer's lifespan.
Research the cost and yield of replacement cartridges. Some printers feature high-capacity ink or toner options, which offer a lower cost per page despite a higher upfront cost for the cartridges themselves. Also, consider exploring compatible third-party inks or remanufactured cartridges for potential savings, although this could affect print quality and warranty conditions.
Don't overlook the energy efficiency of a printer. Models that are ENERGY STAR certified consume less power, which can reduce your electricity bills. Additionally, check for warranty and manufacturer support options. A longer warranty period or access to affordable repairs can keep costs down should any issues arise.
Reading Reviews and Reputation
Dive into the reviews of the printers you are considering. User reviews can provide insight into real-world performance, reliability, and hidden costs or issues that may not be evident at first glance. Take note of common complaints and praise to gauge what you might expect from the device.
Brand reputation also plays a significant role in your decision. Established brands with a track record of quality products and customer service might offer more reliable and user-friendly printers. Although a lesser-known brand could entice with lower prices, possible complications with durability and support might mean it's not the savings you expected.
Check out expert reviews as well. Professional tech reviewers scrutinize various aspects of printers, such as print speed, quality, feature set, and cost effectiveness. Their comparative analyses can highlight the best values within the budget range, pointing you towards models that offer the most bang for your buck.
Where to Shop for the Best Deals
When on the hunt for the cheapest printer, timing and location are everything. Retailers often offer sales during back-to-school seasons, holidays, and Black Friday events. Keep an eye out for these discounts, as they can significantly slash the cost of a printer model you've been eyeing.
Online marketplaces and refurbished equipment stores can present opportunities for savings, offering both new and used printers at reduced prices. However, be wary and ensure any previously owned device comes with a guarantee of functionality. Some manufacturers also offer certified refurbished printers with a warranty — a solid compromise between cost and reliability.
Consider utilizing price comparison tools and signing up for notification alerts from price tracking websites. By doing so, you'll be in the loop when prices drop or new promotions are available. Coupons and store loyalty programs can also yield unexpected savings, so leverage any available resources to minimize your expenses.
Hands-on Reviews and Recommendations from Discussion-Boards
To assist readers in making an informed decision when searching for the most cost-effective printers, a carefully curated collection of resources has been compiled. These resources have been organized into four distinct categories for ease of navigation: expert reviews, forum discussions, Reddit threads, and informative videos. Each category has been chosen based on its relevance and the credibility of the content it provides, ensuring that users have access to a well-rounded compendium of insights about the cheapest printers available.
Nov 24, 2023 — The best budget printer we've tested is the Brother MFC-J1205W, also known as the Brother MFC-J1215W at Walmart. This color all-in-one inkjet ...
www.bogleheads.org
I'm looking to get a wireless laser printer for occasional printing and looking to spend $100-$150. I'm leaning towards a basic Brother one.
On r/buyitforlife Brother printers are prob mentioned the most. For run cost nothing is cheaper than than Laserjet. Combine the two and its most...
Every time this question comes up, the answer is always the same. Brother Laser Printer.
Looking for recommendations for a home printer. It doesn't need to have a bunch of features. Here are my criteria: Print 10-75 pages a month.
For inkjet the cheapest option in the long run is a CISS but it's expensive upfront. A good kit is about $100 but ink then costs about $10 or so...
Best Budget Printer in 2023 (Top 5 Picks For Home ... - YouTube
Links to the Best Budget Printers we listed in this video: ▻ 5. HP Envy Inspire 7955e -
