Contents
Finding the best cheap printer can be tricky. The HP DeskJet 2955 is our top pick because it includes a 3-month trial of Instant Ink. You get reliable printing, scanning, and copying in one compact machine. For a more budget-friendly option, the Canon PIXMA TS4320 offers good value but lacks duplex printing.
The main tradeoff here is between higher-quality prints from the HP model and the lower price of the Canon. This page has more comparisons to help you decide which printer fits your needs best.
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The Top 9
Top 9 Printers Reviewed in Detail
Below are detailed reviews of each printer mentioned in the list.
1. Best Overall
The HP DeskJet 2955 is a versatile all-in-one printer that combines printing, scanning, and copying in one compact unit. Its standout feature is the 3-month trial of Instant Ink, which helps keep printing costs low. This model is designed for home use and offers reliable performance for everyday tasks.
Compared to other options, the DeskJet 2955 excels in affordability and ease of use. It is lightweight at just 10.45 lbs, making it easy to move if needed. However, it may not handle high-volume printing as well as some other models.
The main limitation of the HP DeskJet 2955 is its slower print speed compared to some competitors. If you need faster printing for a busy home office, you might look for a model with higher speeds.
Pros
- 3-month trial of Instant Ink included
- Compact design for easy placement
- Versatile printing, scanning, and copying
Cons
- Slower print speed than some models
- Less suitable for high-volume printing
Best for: Home users needing an all-in-one solution. Not ideal for: Those requiring fast printing speeds.
A reliable choice for basic printing needs.
2. Best Premium
Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer, Duplex Printing, Copier/Scanner, 1.42" OLED Display, Compact, White
- Affordable Versatility – A budget-friendly all-in-one printer perfect for both home users and hybrid workers, offering exceptional value
- Crisp, Vibrant Prints – Experience impressive print quality for both documents and photos, thanks to its 2-cartridge hybrid ink system that delivers sharp text and vivid colors
- Effortless Setup & Use – Get started quickly with easy setup for your smartphone or computer, so you can print, scan, and copy without delay
- Reliable Wireless Connectivity – Enjoy stable and consistent connections with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz), ensuring smooth printing from anywhere in your home or office
- Scan & Copy Handling – Utilize the device’s integrated scanner for efficient scanning and copying operations
- Save Time & Paper – Optimize your printing with automatic 2-sided printing, reducing paper consumption and speeding up your workflow
- Diverse Media Support – Print a wide range of documents and photos up to 8.5” x 11”, with or without borders, for all your creative and professional needs
- Intuitive OLED Display – Easily monitor ink levels, printer status, and adjust settings at a glance using the 1.42” Monochrome OLED screen
- Compact & Stylish – Designed to fit seamlessly into any workspace, its small footprint complements your environment without sacrificing functionality
- Convenient Mobile Printing2 – Print directly from your smartphone or tablet with popular services like the Canon PRINT App, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria Print Service
The Canon PIXMA TS6520 offers affordable versatility for home users and hybrid workers. Its main strength lies in the crisp, vibrant prints produced by its hybrid ink system. This printer supports duplex printing, allowing for automatic double-sided printing, which saves paper.
Compared to other models in this roundup, the TS6520 provides excellent value due to its compact design and solid print quality. It is an excellent choice for both documents and photos. However, it lacks certain advanced features found in pricier models.
One limitation is that the TS6520’s print speed is slower when producing larger documents. If you frequently print large orders, this could be a drawback.
Pros
- Duplex printing for automatic double-sided documents
- Compact and stylish design
- Good print quality for documents and photos
Cons
- Slower print speed for larger documents
- Limited advanced features compared to higher-end models
Best for: Home users and hybrid workers who print both documents and photos. Not ideal for: Users needing faster print speeds for bulk printing.
A versatile printer offering great functionality.
3. Best Value
Canon PIXMA TS4320 – Wireless Color Inkjet Printer with Print, Copy, Scan
- Affordable Versatility – A budget-friendly all-in-one printer perfect for both home users and hybrid workers, offering exceptional value
- Crisp, Vibrant Prints – Experience impressive print quality for both documents and photos, thanks to its 2-cartridge hybrid ink system that delivers sharp text and vivid colors
- Effortless Setup & Use – Get started quickly with easy setup for your smartphone or computer, so you can print, scan, and copy without delay
- Reliable Wireless Connectivity – Enjoy stable and consistent connections with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz), ensuring smooth printing from anywhere in your home or office
- Scan & Copy Handling – Utilize the device’s integrated scanner for efficient scanning and copying operations
- Save Time & Paper – Optimize your printing with automatic 2-sided printing, reducing paper consumption and speeding up your workflow
- Diverse Media Support – Print a wide range of documents and photos up to 8.5” x 11”, with or without borders, for all your creative and professional needs
- Compact & Stylish – Designed to fit seamlessly into any workspace, its small footprint complements your environment without sacrificing functionality
- Convenient Mobile Printing2 – Print directly from your smartphone or tablet with popular services like the Canon PRINT App, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria Print Service
- Eco-Conscious Choice – This printer is EPEAT Silver and ENERGY STAR certified, helping you reduce your environmental footprint
The Canon PIXMA TS4320 is a budget-friendly all-in-one printer that combines printing, scanning, and copying in one device. It features a 2-cartridge hybrid ink system, which delivers impressive print quality for both documents and photos. This model is compact, making it a good fit for smaller spaces.
When comparing it to other models, the TS4320 stands out for its affordability while still providing good quality prints. However, it does not have duplex printing, which may be a disadvantage for some users who want automatic double-sided printing.
The main limitation of the TS4320 is that it lacks some advanced connectivity options, such as NFC. If you need a printer that easily connects with multiple devices, this could be a downside.
Pros
- Compact and space-saving design
- Sharp text and vivid color prints
- Affordable all-in-one functionality
Cons
- No duplex printing feature
- Limited connectivity options
Best for: Users looking for an affordable all-in-one printer. Not ideal for: Those who need automatic double-sided printing.
An excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers.
4. Best Design
Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Print, Scan, Copy
- AFFORDABLE ALL-IN-ONE FOR HOME AND HOME OFFICE: Print, copy, and scan on one compact wireless printer designed for everyday home office printing, schoolwork, documents, and reports. Produce beautiful prints for results that stand out.
- EASY TO USE WITH CLOUD APP CONNECTIONS: Print from and scan to popular Cloud apps(2), including Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, and more from the simple-to-use 1.8” color display on your printer.
- FULL-SIZE FEATURES IN A COMPACT DESIGN: This printer includes automatic duplex (2-sided) printing, a 20-sheet single-sided Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)(3), and a 150-sheet paper tray(3). Engineered to print at fast speeds of up to 16 pages per minute (ppm) in black and up to 9 ppm in color(4).
- MULTIPLE CONNECTION OPTIONS: Connect your way. Interface with your printer on your wireless network or via USB.
- MOBILE PRINTING MADE EASY: Go mobile with the Brother Mobile Connect app(5) that delivers easy onscreen menu navigation for printing, copying, scanning, and device management from your mobile device. Monitor your ink usage with Page Gauge to help ensure you don’t run out(6).
The Brother Work Smart 1360 is a compact all-in-one printer designed for everyday home office use. Its primary strength is its capability to print, copy, and scan, all while delivering vibrant prints for professional documents. This model is built for ease of use, with cloud app connections for added convenience.
When compared to other models here, the Brother 1360 offers reliable performance at a great value. It fits well in smaller spaces and provides good quality across all functions. However, it may not handle high-volume printing as effectively as larger models.
One limitation is that it does not come with as much ink as some competing models. If you require a printer with a large initial ink supply, this might not be your best option.
Pros
- Compact, space-saving design
- Supports printing from cloud apps
- Good quality for everyday documents
Cons
- May not handle high-volume printing
- Less ink included compared to some competitors
Best for: Home office users needing an all-in-one printer. Not ideal for: Users requiring high-volume printing capabilities.
A reliable choice for home office needs.
5. Runner-Up
HP Smart Tank 5003 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer, Scanner, Copier with up to 3 Years of Ink Included, Best-for-Home, Cartridge-Free Refillable,…
- THE LAST PRINTER YOU’LL EVER NEED – Set it up once and print with confidence; no complicated maintenance, just easy, reliable printing you can count on
- FULLY LOADED WITH SAVINGS – Best for low-cost, high-volume printing—up to 3 years of HP Ink included; get up to 6,000 color or black pages right out of the box
- KEY FEATURES – Print, copy and scan, plus borderless prints, mobile and wireless printing
- MESS-FREE REFILL – Replenish ink with HP’s easy-access, mess-free refill system; simply plug the ink bottles into this cartridge-free ink tank and let them drain—no squeezing, no spilling
- BEST PRINT QUALITY, PERIOD – Sharper text, richer colors, only with HP Smart Tank
The HP Smart Tank 5003 is a refillable ink tank printer that aims to reduce printing costs significantly. With up to 3 years of ink included, this model stands out for its low-cost printing capabilities. It is designed for high-volume users and works well for everyday home or office printing.
Compared to other options, the Smart Tank 5003 provides convenience with its cartridge-free design. It delivers consistent quality for both documents and photos. However, it may be more complex to set up than traditional cartridge-based models.
One potential drawback is its larger size, which might be an issue for users with limited space. the initial setup may take more time than expected.
Pros
- Up to 3 years of ink included
- Cartridge-free, refillable ink tank design
- Great for high-volume printing
Cons
- Larger footprint may not fit small spaces
- Setup can take longer than traditional models
Best for: Users with high-volume printing needs. Not ideal for: Those with limited space.
Ideal for users looking to save on ink costs.
6. Best Heavy-Duty
Canon MegaTank G3270 All-in-One Wireless Color Printer
- Wireless Print/Copy/Scan
- Up to 2 years of ink included (2)
- Print up to 6,000 black & white / 7,700 color pages using a single set of inks! (1)
- Save up to $1,000 on ink (1)
- 1.35” Square LCD display
- Single-sided printing
- See below for disclaimers
The Canon MegaTank G3270 is an all-in-one wireless printer known for its ink savings. It includes up to 2 years of ink, enabling users to print thousands of pages before needing a refill. This feature is particularly valuable for those who print frequently.
In comparison to other models, the MegaTank G3270 stands out for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. It can print up to 6,000 black and white pages and 7,700 color pages with a single set of inks. However, it is slightly bulkier than some compact competitors, which may be a concern for small workspaces.
One limitation is that it lacks an LCD touch screen, which could make operation less intuitive. If you prefer a user-friendly interface, you may want to consider other options.
Pros
- Up to 2 years of ink included
- High page yield per ink set
- Wireless printing capabilities
Cons
- Bulkier design may not suit small spaces
- No LCD touch screen for easy operation
Best for: Budget-conscious users who print frequently. Not ideal for: Those needing a compact design.
Excellent for saving on ink while enjoying quality printing.
7. Best for Beginners
HP DeskJet 4355 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Scanner, Copier, Best-for-Home, 3 Month Trial of Instant Ink Included, AI-Capable (AJ4Y0A)
- AFFORDABLE COLOR PRINTING – Print everyday color documents like to-do lists, letters, financial documents and recipes
- KEY FEATURES – Color print, copy, scan, a 35-sheet auto document feeder and a 60-sheet input tray, plus mobile and wireless printing
- OPTIMIZE PRINT FORMATTING WITH HP AI – Print web pages and emails with precision—no wasted pages or awkward layouts; HP AI easily removes unwanted content, so your prints are just the way you want
- ICON LCD – Print your basic documents with ease from the intuitive control panel
- PRINT SPEED – Up to 8.5 ppm black, 5.5 ppm color
- WIRELESS PRINTING – Stay connected with our most reliable dual-band Wi-Fi, which automatically detects and resolves connection issues
- 3 MONTH TRIAL OF INSTANT INK INCLUDED – Subscribe to Instant Ink delivery service to get ink automatically delivered before you run out ; after 3 months, a monthly fee applies unless cancelled
- HP APP – Print, scan, copy, or fax right from your smartphone with the easiest-to-use print app
- SUSTAINABLE DESIGN – Made with at least 70% recycled plastics, plus it’s ENERGY STAR and EPEAT certified
- COMPACT DESIGN – Made to fit any home
The HP DeskJet 4355 is another solid all-in-one printer designed for home use. It combines printing, scanning, and copying into one device, making it versatile for daily tasks. Its standout feature is the 35-sheet automatic document feeder, allowing for easier handling of multi-page documents.
Compared with other models, the DeskJet 4355 excels in its user-friendly design and mobile printing options. It is lighter than many competitors, making it easy to move. However, its print quality may not match higher-end models, particularly for photo printing.
One downside is that it has a smaller input tray, which may require more frequent refills for larger jobs. If you often print in bulk, consider a model with a larger capacity.
Pros
- Automatic document feeder for convenience
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Versatile all-in-one functionality
Cons
- Smaller input tray capacity
- Print quality may not be as high for photos
Best for: Home users needing everyday printing solutions. Not ideal for: Those printing large documents frequently.
A practical choice for daily printing tasks.
8. Best Budget
HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Print, Scan, Copy, ADF, Duplex Printing Best-for-Home Office, 3 Month Trial of Instant Ink…
- FROM AMERICA’S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – The OfficeJet Pro 8125 is perfect for home offices printing professional-quality color documents like business documents, reports, presentations and flyers. Print speeds up to 20 ppm black, 10 ppm color.
- 3 MONTH TRIAL OF INSTANT INK INCLUDED – Subscribe to the Instant Ink delivery service to get ink delivered directly to your door before you run out, and you save up to 50% on ink; after 3 months, a monthly fee applies unless cancelled
- KEY FEATURES – Fast color printing, scan, copy, auto 2-sided printing, auto document feeder, and a 225-sheet input tray
- 2.7-INCH TOUCHSCREEN – Quickly navigate your printer with a large color touchscreen and a phone-like user interface
- WIRELESS PRINTING – Stay connected with our most reliable dual-band Wi-Fi, which automatically detects and resolves connection issues
- HP APP – Print, scan, copy, or fax right from your smartphone with the easy-to-use print app
- OPTIMIZE PRINT FORMATTING WITH HP AI – Print web pages and emails with precision—no wasted pages or awkward layouts; HP AI easily removes unwanted content, so your prints are just the way you want
- PROTECTS YOUR DATA – HP Wolf Essential Security bolsters security and helps keep your network protected from cyber threats
- SUSTAINABLE DESIGN – Made with more than 45% recycled plastic content
- This printer is intended to work only with cartridges with original HP chips or circuitry and will block cartridges using non-HP chips or circuitry. Periodic firmware updates will maintain the effectiveness of these measures.
The HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 is a reliable all-in-one printer designed for home office use. It prints, scans, and copies with impressive speed, reaching up to 20 pages per minute for black and white documents. Its sturdy feature set includes duplex printing for double-sided documents, maximizing efficiency.
When compared to other models, the OfficeJet Pro 8125 offers superior print speeds and quality, making it suitable for business use. It is slightly larger but still manageable for most home offices. However, it may be overkill for casual home users who only print occasionally.
One limitation is that the OfficeJet Pro 8125 can be more expensive initially compared to entry-level models. If you don’t need high-speed printing, consider a more affordable option.
Pros
- High-speed printing up to 20 pages per minute
- Duplex printing capability
- Ideal for professional-quality documents
Cons
- Higher initial cost than basic models
- May be too advanced for casual users
Best for: Home office users needing speed and quality. Not ideal for: Casual users with low printing needs.
A strong choice for professional-quality printing.
9. Best for Daily Use
Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Printer, Copy, Scan, Duplex, Mobile Printing
- BEST FOR SMALL BUSINESSES – Engineered for extraordinary productivity, the Brother DCP-L2640DW Monochrome (Black & White) 3-in-1 combines laser printer, scanner, copier in one compact footprint and delivers high-quality black & white prints
- FAST PRINTER WITH EFFICIENT SCANNING – Produces documents quickly with print speeds up to 36 ppm(2) and scan speeds up to 23.6/7.9 ipm(3) (black/color). A 50-page auto document feeder(4) allows for convenient, time saving multi-page scanning and copying
- FLEXIBLE CONNECTION OPTIONS – Easily navigate the changing demands of your business with secure multi-device connectivity via built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz / 5GHz) and Ethernet. Or connect locally to a single computer via USB interface
- BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP – Print, scan, and manage your wireless printer anytime, from almost anywhere from your mobile device. Order Brother Genuine Supplies, track toner usage, and complete more work on-the-go(5)
- CHOOSE BROTHER GENUINE TONER – When it’s time to replace your toner, be sure to choose Brother Genuine TN830 or TN830XL replacement toner. And with Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service, you’ll never worry about running out of toner again and you’ll enjoy savings of up to 50%(6) on Brother Genuine Toner. Get started with Refresh today with a Free Trial(1)
The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a monochrome multi-function printer designed for compact spaces. It offers printing, scanning, and copying capabilities, making it suitable for small businesses. Its standout feature is its fast print speed, enabling efficient document handling.
Compared to other printers in this list, the DCP-L2640DW excels in producing high-quality black and white prints rapidly. It is well-suited for users who primarily print documents rather than photos. However, it lacks color printing capabilities, which may not suit all needs.
One limitation is that it may not be the best option for users needing color printouts. If you want vibrant color documents, look for an inkjet printer instead.
Pros
- Fast print speed for monochrome documents
- Compact design for small spaces
- Multi-function capabilities
Cons
- No color printing option
- Less versatile for varied printing tasks
Best for: Small businesses needing quick document printing. Not ideal for: Users wanting color printouts.
A practical choice for efficient black and white printing.
Printers Compared Side by Side
The table below shows key specifications and features of each printer. Compare the columns for performance, printing capabilities, and who might benefit from each model. If you’re looking for the best cheap printer, this overview will help narrow down your choices.
| # | Product | Best for | Brand | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HP DeskJet 2955 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer | Best Overall | HP | $49.99 | Check |
| 2 | Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer | Best Premium | Canon | $79 | Check |
| 3 | Canon PIXMA TS4320 | Best Value | Canon | $69 | Check |
| 4 | Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One… | Best Design | Brother | $99.98 | Check |
| 5 | HP Smart Tank 5003 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer | Runner-Up | HP | $189.99 | Check |
| 6 | Canon MegaTank G3270 All-in-One Wireless Color Printer | Best Heavy-Duty | Canon | $159 | Check |
| 7 | HP DeskJet 4355 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer | Best for Beginners | HP | $69.99 | Check |
| 8 | HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet… | Best Budget | HP | $109.99 | Check |
| 9 | Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome… | Best for Daily Use | Brother | $209.99 | Check |
Prices come from Amazon and change often. The price on Amazon at checkout is the one that applies.
How We Reviewed
Where our data comes from
We gathered data from reliable sources like manufacturer websites, expert reviews, and customer feedback. This allowed us to compile a complete list of printers available in the market.
How we built this shortlist
We reviewed around 30 printer models based on their specs, features, and customer ratings. Only those that received positive feedback and had essential features made it to our final selection.
What we ruled out and why
We excluded printers that had poor reviews, lacked essential features like wireless connectivity, or were too expensive for the budget category. Our focus was strictly on affordability and quality.
What we did not do
We did not conduct hands-on testing or lab measurements. All evaluations are based on research, data collection, and user feedback. We did not create scores or ratings for products.
How often this page is updated
This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest models and changes in the market. We check for new releases and any changes in product specifications every few months.
What to look for
Print Quality
Print quality is essential when selecting a printer. Look for printers that provide sharp text and vibrant colors. For color inkjet printers, a high dpi (dots per inch) is important. Aim for at least 1200 x 4800 dpi for quality photos and documents.
Cost of Ink
Consider the price of ink cartridges when choosing a printer. Some models, like the HP Smart Tank, come with refillable tanks, which can lower ongoing costs. Check how many pages you can print with one cartridge to find the best value.
Connectivity Options
Look for printers with multiple connectivity options like Wi-Fi, USB, and mobile printing. Many modern printers support wireless printing, allowing you to print from smartphones or tablets. Ensure your printer works well with your home network.
Size and Design
Printer size can be important, especially if you have limited space. Compact models, like the Canon PIXMA TS6520, fit well in small areas. Consider the design too; a sleek look can complement your workspace beautifully.
Functionality
Decide if you need an all-in-one printer that scans and copies. Many options in this category offer these features, saving space and money. More functions mean more capabilities, which can be beneficial for home or office use.
How to Choose Printers
Determine Your Printing Needs
Before buying, think about what you will print most often. If you print photos frequently, choose a printer with high-quality color capabilities. For documents, make sure it can handle sharp text without smudging.
Evaluate Your Budget
Set a spending limit before searching for the best cheap printer. Factor in ongoing costs like ink. Printers that offer low-cost ink options may save you more money in the long run.
Check Reviews and Ratings
Look at user reviews and expert ratings for printers. These sources often highlight common issues or strengths. Consider models with consistently positive feedback to ensure reliability.
Compare Features
Make a list of must-have features such as wireless printing, duplex options, or scanner capabilities. Use this list to compare models side by side, helping you find the printer that best meets your needs.
Consider Size and Space
Measure the space where you plan to keep the printer. If you have limited room, opt for a more compact model. Bigger printers often come with extra features but can take up more space.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best cheap printer?
The best cheap printer is the HP DeskJet 2955, which offers great features and performance at an affordable price.
Are cheap printers reliable?
Many cheap printers are reliable for everyday tasks. Look for models with good reviews and sturdy designs.
How much does it cost to maintain a cheap printer?
Maintenance costs depend on ink prices and usage. Models with refillable tanks often save money over time.
Do cheap printers have scanning and copying features?
Many cheap printers, like the Canon PIXMA TS4320, offer scanning and copying features along with printing.
Can I print from my phone with a cheap printer?
Yes, many cheap printers support mobile printing, allowing you to print directly from your smartphone or tablet.
Shopping around? We have 75 more printer guides for other budgets and use cases.
Sources and standards
Background reading we checked while putting this guide together:
- ENERGY STAR computer specs ENERGY STAR (EPA/DOE)
- NIST cybersecurity guidance NIST
About the author
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