Contents
- The Top 8
- Top 8 Printers Reviewed in Detail
- 1. Editor’s Choice
- 2. Best for Home Use with Cheap Ink
- 3. Best Premium
- 4. Best Budget
- 5. Best Lightweight
- 6. Best Heavy-Duty
- 7. Most Versatile
- 8. Best for Beginners
- Printers Compared Side by Side
- How We Reviewed
- How to Choose Printers
- What to look for
- Frequently asked questions
Finding the best printer for home use with cheap ink can be tough. The HP DeskJet 2955 is our top pick for its great value, providing an all-in-one design that includes a scanner and copier. It also comes with a 3-month trial of Instant Ink, which allows you to save on ink costs. In contrast, the Canon PIXMA TS6520 is a solid value pick, but you lose some advanced features, like duplex printing, to save money.
Most buyers often decide between the freedom of wireless printing and the cost-effectiveness of using traditional cartridges. This page will help you understand the best options to fit your printing needs and budget.
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The Top 8
Top 8 Printers Reviewed in Detail
Here are some of the best printers for home use with cheap ink. Each offers unique features to help you choose.
1. Editor’s Choice
The HP DeskJet 2955 is a versatile all-in-one printer. It prints, scans, and copies. Its wireless feature makes it easy to connect to your devices. You can start printing right away with a three-month trial of Instant Ink. This service delivers ink to your door when you need it. The printer is compact, making it a good choice for small spaces.
Pros
Compact design saves space. Wireless connectivity allows easy printing from devices. Instant Ink trial helps save on ink costs.
Cons
Speed may not be fast enough for heavy users. Limited paper capacity requires frequent refills. Some users report connectivity issues.
Ideal for casual home users needing a simple printer. Good for students handling school assignments and light printing tasks.
This printer is a solid choice for home users who want reliable printing with low ink costs.
2. Best for Home Use with Cheap Ink
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 great value for home and hybrid workers. It features duplex printing, which saves paper. The compact design fits well in small spaces. The 1.42-inch OLED display is easy to read. Its hybrid ink system produces vibrant prints for documents and photos.
Pros
Duplex printing feature saves paper. Compact and stylish design fits in small areas. Excellent print quality for photos and documents.
Cons
The ink can be pricey if not used wisely. Some users find setup complicated. The paper tray capacity is limited.
Best for families or individuals who print photos and documents regularly. Great for users who appreciate quality in their prints.
This printer is perfect for those who want quality prints without breaking the bank.
3. Best Premium
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 another affordable option. It prints, copies, and scans with ease. The hybrid ink system ensures sharp texts and vibrant colors. Its compact size makes it easy to position anywhere in your home. You can print directly from your smartphone or tablet.
Pros
Affordable and versatile all-in-one printer. Easy mobile printing from smart devices. Good print quality for everyday use.
Cons
Limited features compared to other models. The speed may be slower for larger jobs. Not ideal for heavy printing needs.
Great for home users needing a reliable everyday printer. Suitable for students and light office work.
This model is a great budget-friendly option for casual printing tasks.
4. Best Budget
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 designed for home and small office use. It offers print, scan, and copy functions in one compact unit. Its cloud app connections make printing from online files easy. You can create beautiful prints for schoolwork and documents.
Pros
Compact design ideal for small spaces. Easy cloud printing and scanning. Good print quality for school and office documents.
Cons
May not have all advanced features some users want. Ink cartridges can be costly if not managed well. Some users find it tricky to set up initially.
Perfect for families or small offices that need a reliable all-in-one printer. Suitable for students with regular printing needs.
A reliable printer providing good value for home and office tasks.
5. Best Lightweight
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 an impressive printer with a refillable ink tank. It includes up to three years of ink in the box, allowing for high-volume printing. This eliminates the need for frequent cartridge replacements. Setting it up is simple, making it user-friendly.
Pros
Massive ink savings with three years included. Easy setup and maintenance. Great for high-volume printing needs.
Cons
Bulkier than other models, requiring more space. Initial cost may be higher than standard printers. Not suited for occasional users.
Ideal for heavy users who print a lot. Great for families needing to print frequently without ink worries.
This printer is an excellent choice for anyone looking for low-cost printing over time.
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 another all-in-one printer with wireless capabilities. It comes with enough ink to print thousands of pages. This feature helps save on ink costs significantly. The LCD display is user-friendly and provides clear information.
Pros
Very low cost per page due to MegaTank system. Long-lasting ink supply saves money. Compact design fits in small areas.
Cons
Single-sided printing may be limiting for some users. Initial setup can be challenging. Lacks advanced features seen in other models.
Great for households or small offices that print frequently. Suitable for anyone looking to cut down on ink expenses.
A solid choice for users who prioritize cost-effective printing without sacrificing quality.
7. Most Versatile
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 offers affordable color printing. It can print, copy, and scan easily. The auto document feeder is a convenient feature for multi-page documents. It also supports mobile and wireless printing.
Pros
Affordable color printing for everyday use. Auto document feeder adds convenience. Easy mobile and wireless printing options.
Cons
Print speed may be slower for large jobs. Limited paper capacity requires frequent refills. Not ideal for high-volume printing needs.
Best for home users who need a simple and affordable printer. Suitable for students managing everyday assignments.
A practical choice for users looking for affordable and efficient printing.
8. Best for Beginners
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 designed for home offices. It prints professional-quality color documents quickly. With print speeds of up to 20 pages per minute for black and 10 for color, it’s efficient. The three-month trial of Instant Ink adds convenience and savings.
Pros
Fast print speeds suitable for busy users. Professional-quality prints for business documents. Instant Ink trial helps reduce ink costs.
Cons
Higher initial price compared to other models. Some users report issues with setup. Ink prices can add up if not managed well.
Great for home office users needing reliable and fast printing. Ideal for professionals with a lot of color documents to print.
This printer is an excellent option for anyone needing high-quality, fast prints.
Printers Compared Side by Side
In the table below, you will find a comparison of various printers. Each column shows different features like print type, included ink, and functions. If you’re searching for the best printer for home use with cheap ink, check each row for the details that matter to you.
| # | Product | Best for | Brand | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HP DeskJet 2955 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer | Editor's Choice | HP | $49.99 | Check |
| 2 | Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer | Best for Home Use with Cheap Ink | Canon | $79 | Check |
| 3 | Canon PIXMA TS4320 | Best Premium | Canon | $69 | Check |
| 4 | Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One… | Best Budget | Brother | $99.98 | Check |
| 5 | HP Smart Tank 5003 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer | Best Lightweight | 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 | Most Versatile | HP | $69.99 | Check |
| 8 | HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet… | Best for Beginners | HP | $109.99 | Check |
| 9 | Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome… | — | 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, including manufacturer websites, user reviews, and expert articles. This ensured that our information is accurate and up to date. We looked at over 30 printers in total to find the best options.
How we built this shortlist
To create this list, we focused on printers that were well-rated for home use and that offered affordable ink options. Features like wireless capability, all-in-one functions, and print quality were also key factors. After thorough research, we narrowed it down to the best eight.
What we ruled out and why
Some printers that were removed from consideration had high ongoing ink costs or poor print quality. Others did not offer essential features like scanning or copying. We prioritized models that meet the needs of home users.
What we did not do
We did not perform any hands-on testing or lab measurements for these printers. All data is based on research and analysis of published information and customer reviews. We did not create any scores or evaluations based on subjective testing.
How often this page is updated
This page will be updated regularly to reflect new models and changes in printer technology. We aim to refresh our information every three to six months or as significant changes occur in the market.
How to Choose Printers
Print Volume
Consider how much you print each month. If you print often, look for printers with high-capacity ink options. Printers like the HP Smart Tank 5003 can print thousands of pages before needing a refill. Choose models that can handle your expected workload.
Ink Type
Different printers use different ink systems. Some use traditional cartridges while others, like the Canon MegaTank G3270, use refillable tanks. Tank systems often have lower costs per page and can save money in the long run. Check how many pages the ink can print.
Wireless Capability
Wireless printing allows you to print from your smartphone or tablet. If convenience is important, look for printers with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth features. Most modern printers now include wireless connectivity, making printing easier from any device.
Additional Features
Consider if you need scanning or copying features. All-in-one printers can handle more tasks and save space. Features like duplex printing (printing on both sides) can also help save paper. Assess your needs to find a printer that fits.
Size and Design
The space you have available for a printer is important. Some printers are compact and easy to fit in a small area, while others are larger and need more room. Make sure to measure your space before choosing a model to ensure a good fit.
What to look for
Print Quality
Print quality is essential, especially for documents and photos. Most home printers offer good quality, but some excel. Look for printers with high resolution numbers, measured in dots per inch (dpi). A higher dpi often means sharper text and better photo quality.
Cost of Ink
The cost of ink can make or break your printing budget. Check the price of replacement cartridges or ink tanks before buying. Some printers come with included ink that lasts for months, reducing the initial cost. Consider how often you’ll need replacements.
Speed of Printing
Printing speed is usually measured in pages per minute (ppm). If you print a lot, look for printers with higher ppm ratings. Many models offer speeds of 10-20 ppm for black and color documents. Faster printers save time for busy homes.
Ease of Use
User-friendly features can enhance your experience. Look for printers with easy setup processes, intuitive software, and clear displays. Wireless printing should work smoothly with mobile devices. A printer that’s easy to use can save frustration in the long run.
Durability
Durability matters if you plan to use your printer regularly. Consider the build quality and warranty offered. Some brands are known for their longevity and reliability. A printer that lasts will be a better investment over time.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best printer for home use with cheap ink?
The HP DeskJet 2955 is a top choice, offering an all-in-one design and a trial of Instant Ink to help save on costs.
Are wireless printers worth it?
Yes, wireless printers are very convenient. They allow you to print from your phone or tablet without needing to connect via a cable.
How can I reduce ink costs?
You can reduce ink costs by choosing printers with refillable tanks or using subscription services like HP Instant Ink for discounts on refills.
What features should I look for in a home printer?
Look for features like wireless connectivity, scanning and copying capabilities, and a good ink system. These features can enhance functionality at home.
Is it better to buy a cheap printer with expensive ink?
It’s often better to avoid cheap printers with costly ink. Total cost of ownership includes both the initial price and ongoing ink costs. Choose wisely.
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
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