Does the thought of buying a new printer make your wallet sweat? We’ve all been there. You need to print an important document, a school report, or maybe just a fun coloring page, but the price tag on a new printer feels surprisingly high. It seems like every time you look, the “budget” options come with hidden costs or disappointing quality.
Choosing a budget printer is tricky. You want something reliable that won’t eat up all your money on ink cartridges. Many people worry they will buy a cheap machine only to find it breaks quickly or produces blurry, faded prints. Finding that sweet spot—great performance without the big price—is the real challenge.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what features matter most when shopping for an affordable printer. By the end, you will know how to spot the best deals and avoid common traps. Get ready to find a printer that saves you money now and in the long run. Let’s dive into the world of smart, budget-friendly printing!
Top Budget Printers Recommendations
- The DeskJet 2827e is perfect for homes printing to-do lists, letters, financial documents and recipes. Print speeds up to 5.5 ppm color, 7.5 ppm black
- PERFECTLY FORMATTED PRINTS 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
- KEY FEATURES – Color printing, copy, scan, and a 60-sheet input tray
- The DeskJet 2855e is perfect for homes printing to-do lists, letters, financial documents and recipes. Print speeds up to 5.5 ppm color, 7.5 ppm black
- PERFECTLY FORMATTED PRINTS 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
- KEY FEATURES – Color printing, copy, scan, and a 60-sheet input tray
- BEST FOR HOME AND HOME OFFICE: Get all your work done with an all-in-one multifunction printer. Print, copy, and scan on one compact printer for home use and home offices. Brother inkjet printers 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.
- PRODUCTIVITY-FOCUSED PRINTING FEATURES: 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).
- BEST FOR HOMES & HOME OFFICES – Engineered for consistent, premium print quality, the Brother HL-L2405W Monochrome (Black & White) Laser Printer delivers sharp, crisp prints at an affordable price. Prints one-sided documents at speeds up to 30ppm(2)
- COMPACT, CONNECTED PRINTER – Flexible connection options make this an ideal printer for home use and at-home offices. Securely connect to multiple devices with built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz/5GHz) or locally to a single computer via USB interface
- BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP – Manage your printer remotely and print from your mobile device anytime, from almost anywhere. Order Brother Genuine Supplies, track toner usage, and complete more work on-the-go(3)
- Fine hybrid ink system for detailed documents and photos.In The Box : PIXMA TS202 Inkjet Printer, Setup CD-ROM, Full Set of Ink Cartridges (PG-243/CL-244), Power Cord
- Quickly refill paper with the dedicated rear paper tray
- With a great compact size, the Pixma TS202 fits almost anywhere
- ALL-IN-ONE: Print, Copy, Scan features for full control at your fingertips. Single-sided printing only.
- FAST PRINT SPEEDS: Print approximately 7.7 (black) / 4 (color) images per minute.
- EASY SETUP: Get running in just a few minutes thanks to a streamlined and easy setup process out of the box.
- 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
- Print at home like a Pro.
- Reliable technology uniquely built to work at home.
- Print from your couch with the best print app.
The Smart Shopper’s Guide to Budget Printers
Buying a new printer does not have to empty your wallet. Budget printers offer great value for everyday tasks. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs without overspending.
Key Features to Look For
1. Printer Type: Inkjet vs. Laser
- Inkjet Printers: These spray tiny droplets of liquid ink onto the paper. They are usually cheaper upfront. They handle photos and color documents well.
- Laser Printers: These use toner powder. They print much faster. They are better for high volumes of black and white text documents.
2. Connectivity Options
Modern printers need easy ways to connect. Look for:
- Wi-Fi: This lets you print from any device on your home network. It is very convenient.
- USB Port: This is the basic, reliable way to connect directly to one computer.
- Mobile Printing Apps: Check if the printer works with apps like Apple AirPrint or Mopria.
3. All-in-One Capability
Do you need more than just printing? Many budget models are “All-in-One” (AIO). This means they can also:
- Scan documents
- Copy documents
- Sometimes, fax (though less common now)
Important Materials and Running Costs
Ink and Toner Costs
The initial price of the printer is just the start. You must consider the running costs. This is where many budget printers save money on the machine but charge more for supplies.
- Cartridge Yield: Check how many pages a cartridge prints. Higher yield cartridges cost more initially but save money over time.
- Refillable Tank Systems: Some newer budget models use ink tanks instead of cartridges. You refill these tanks with inexpensive bottles of ink. This often lowers printing costs significantly.
Build Quality
Budget printers use more plastic parts. They might not feel as sturdy as expensive models. For light home use, this is usually fine. Heavy, daily use might wear them out faster.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Print Resolution (DPI)
Dots Per Inch (DPI) measures how sharp your print is. For simple text, a lower DPI is okay. If you print photos, look for a higher DPI (like 4800 x 1200 DPI for inkjets).
Print Speed (PPM)
Pages Per Minute (PPM) tells you how fast the printer works. Budget printers are slower. If you print long reports, a slow speed can become frustrating.
Paper Handling
Check the paper tray capacity. A small tray means you refill it often. Also, see if the printer handles different paper types, like cardstock or envelopes.
User Experience and Use Cases
Setting Up the Printer
A good budget printer installs easily. Read reviews about the setup process. Difficult setup wastes time and causes frustration.
Who Should Buy Which Type?
- Student/Home User: An affordable Inkjet AIO is perfect. It handles homework, occasional color projects, and scanning notes.
- Home Office/Small Business (Text Heavy): A basic Monochrome (black and white) Laser Printer offers fast, crisp text documents cheaply.
- Photo Enthusiast: You might need to spend slightly more on a dedicated photo inkjet to get the best color quality.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Budget Printers
Q: Are budget printers slow?
A: Yes, budget printers usually print slower than high-end models. They are best for small print jobs.
Q: Can budget printers print good quality photos?
A: Inkjet budget printers can print decent photos. However, high-end photo printers offer much better color accuracy and detail.
Q: What is the biggest hidden cost in a budget printer?
A: The biggest hidden cost is usually the price and low page yield of replacement ink cartridges.
Q: Should I choose Wi-Fi or just USB?
A: Wi-Fi is highly recommended. It lets you print wirelessly from phones, tablets, and laptops easily.
Q: Do budget laser printers print in color?
A: Most very cheap laser printers only print in black and white (monochrome). Color laser printers cost significantly more.
Q: How do I know if the ink will dry out?
A: If you print at least once every few weeks, the liquid ink in an inkjet should stay usable. Infrequent use can cause clogs.
Q: Is “All-in-One” worth the extra money?
A: Yes. If you ever need to scan or copy something, an AIO saves you the cost of buying a separate scanner.
Q: What does “DPI” mean for me?
A: Higher DPI means sharper pictures and smoother text edges. For basic documents, you do not need the highest number.
Q: Can I use third-party (non-brand) ink?
A: Some printers allow this, but be careful. Non-brand cartridges might save money but can sometimes damage the printer or produce poor quality.
Q: How long do budget printers usually last?
A: With normal home use (a few pages a week), a budget printer should last three to five years. Heavy use shortens the lifespan.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!