Filia Groves

Written by Filia Groves

Published: 13 Feb 2024

Camryn Rabideau

Reviewed by Camryn Rabideau

10-best-cheap-printers
Source: Pcmag.com

If you're looking for an affordable printer that still gets the job done, then you're in the right place. In this article, we will be discussing the 10 Best Cheap Printers that are perfect for students, small businesses, or anyone on a budget. Printers are a must-have for projects, assignments, or even just printing out photos. Whether you need a basic black and white printer or a color printer with scanning capabilities, we've got you covered with the best options that won't break the bank. So, let's dive into the top 10 cheap printers that offer great value for your money.

Top Picks:

Overall Score: 7/10

The Canon PIXMA TR7820 is a sleek and compact all-in-one wireless printer that offers the functionality of printing, scanning, and copying. It features quick print speeds, an easy-to-use 2.7" LCD touchscreen, and easy setup with wireless connectivity. The printer comes with 2 (no mess) easy-to-replace ink cartridges for full color printing, making it a great choice for home use. However, some users have experienced challenges with setup and connectivity, but once operational, the printer delivers high-quality prints and scans. It is recommended for those with modern operating systems and some technical acumen.

Key Features

  • All In One: Print, Copy, Scan capabilities
  • Print Speeds: Approx. 15 (black) / 10 (color) images per minute
  • Easy Setup: Streamlined and easy setup process
  • Ink: 2 easy-to-replace ink cartridges
  • Lcd Screen: Intuitive and easy to use 2.7" LCD touchscreen

Specifications

  • Color: White
  • Dimension: 13.80Lx14.80Wx8.20H
  • Size: One Size

Pros

  • Wireless connectivity for printing from anywhere
  • Quick print speeds for efficient operation
  • High-quality prints and scans

Cons

  • Challenges with setup and connectivity reported
  • Limited functionality for older operating systems

The Canon PIXMA TR7820 is a reliable and efficient all-in-one printer suitable for home use. While it may have initial setup challenges, once operational, it delivers high-quality prints and scans. The wireless connectivity and quick print speeds make it a convenient choice for modern users.

Overall Score: 8/10

The HP Smart-Tank 5000 is an all-in-one ink-tank printer that offers up to 2 years of ink included. It is perfect for home printing, with high-quality color documents. The printer is easy to set up and provides crisp and bright color images. It also comes with the HP Smart App for convenient printing, scanning, and copying from your phone. The fully loaded ink system provides low-cost, high-volume printing. The printer also offers reliable connectivity and a spill-free refill system.

Key Features

  • From america'S most trusted printer brand
  • Fully loaded with savings
  • Key features
  • Hp quality
  • Hp smart app
  • Reliable connectivity
  • Simple, spill-free refill
  • Easy to use
  • Protect from viruses and malware
  • Sustainable design

Specifications

  • Color: White
  • Dimension: 17.11Lx6.19Wx14.23H
  • Size: 17.11 x 14.23 x 6.19

Pros

  • Easy to set up
  • Good print quality
  • Comes with HP Smart App for mobile printing
  • Refillable ink with up to 2 years of ink included
  • Reliable connectivity with Wi-Fi

Cons

  • Slow printing speed
  • Manual double-sided printing can be challenging

The HP Smart-Tank 5000 is a reliable and cost-effective printer for home use. With high-quality color printing, convenient connectivity, and a spill-free refill system, it offers great value for its price. While it may have some limitations in speed and manual configuration, its overall performance and savings in ink costs make it a worthy investment for home offices and small businesses.

Overall Score: 8/10

The Canon PIXMA MG3620 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer offers mobile and tablet printing, compact design, and powerful printing options. It is an affordable, all-in-one inkjet printer suitable for home use. Despite some setup and connectivity challenges reported by users, this printer delivers excellent printing quality and supported by a variety of devices for wireless printing.

Key Features

  • Mobile Device Printing
  • Quick and Easy Wireless Setup
  • Powerful Printing Options
  • Compact and Space Saving Design
  • Printer Only Bundle Includes: Printer, Manuals & Documents, Setup CD Rom, Setup Inks, and Power Cord

Specifications

  • Color: White
  • Dimension: 12.00Lx17.70Wx6.00H
  • Size: 17.7 (W) X 12.0 (D) X 6.0 (H)

Pros

  • Affordable price
  • Great print quality
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Connectivity issues during setup
  • Inkjet quality can be inconsistent
  • Setup process can be challenging

Despite some setup and connectivity challenges, the Canon PIXMA MG3620 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer offers excellent value for its affordable price. It provides great print quality and is easy to use for basic home printing needs. If the setup process can be navigated successfully, it can be a reliable printer for a variety of printing needs.

Overall Score: 7/10

The Canon PIXMA TR4720 is a versatile all-in-one wireless printer designed for home use. With print, copy, scan, and fax functionalities, it offers easy setup and installation, along with quality document and photo printing. While being compact, it features a convenient front paper tray and mobile printing capabilities. Despite some limitations, such as loud operation and occasional connectivity issues, it delivers good value for its price, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious users looking for a reliable home printer.

Key Features

  • Print, Copy, Scan, Fax
  • Easy setup
  • Easy to install
  • Front paper tray
  • Quality documents and photos

Specifications

  • Color: White
  • Dimension: 11.70Lx17.20Wx7.50H
  • Size: One Size

Pros

  • Simple setup via Canon app
  • Compact size for home use
  • Good quality printing
  • Easy to connect to devices

Cons

  • Loud operation
  • Challenging ink cartridge installation
  • Occasional connectivity issues
  • No wired connection option

The Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer is a budget-friendly option with versatile functionalities suitable for home use. Despite some minor drawbacks, it provides good value for its price, making it a practical choice for individuals looking for an affordable, yet reliable home printer.

Overall Score: 7/10

The Canon PIXMA TS6420a is an all-in-one wireless inkjet printer that allows you to print, copy, and scan. It is compatible with Alexa, offering a seamless smart reorder feature for ink supplies. With a solid print speed and 200 sheet capacity, it is designed for efficient home use. The printer also features wireless connectivity, auto 2-sided printing, and a 1-year warranty. While it offers a great value, its setup process may be challenging for some users.

Key Features

  • Never run out of ink: Connect your printer to Alexa for ink notifications
  • Wireless 3-in-1: Print, copy, scan
  • 13 / 6.8 ipm Print Speed: Fast printing
  • 200 Sheet Capacity: 100 Cassette, 100 Rear Feed
  • Auto 2-Sided Printing: Save paper
  • Save up to 70% on printing costs: With PIXMA Print Plan

Specifications

  • Color: Black
  • Dimension: 12.50Lx15.90Wx5.90H
  • Size: One Size

Pros

  • Smart reorder feature for ink supplies
  • Wireless connectivity and auto 2-sided printing
  • Solid print speed and 200 sheet capacity

Cons

  • Challenging setup process for some users
  • Inferior quality plastic compared to prior versions

The Canon PIXMA TS6420a All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer offers a solid value for home use. Its smart reorder feature for ink supplies and wireless connectivity are attractive benefits. However, the setup process may be challenging for some users. Overall, it’s a reliable printer with efficient features.

Overall Score: 8/10

The Brother MFC-J1010DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer offers a versatile and efficient solution for home and small office use. It ensures optimal and uncompromising performance and supports wireless and mobile device and duplex printing. With 4.2/5 customer rating, it delivers high-quality prints, easy setup, and efficient wireless installation.

Key Features

  • Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer
  • Mobile device and duplex printing
  • Refresh Subscription and Amazon Dash Replenishment Ready

Specifications

  • Color: Black
  • Dimension: 13.50Lx15.70Wx6.60H
  • Size: One Size

Pros

  • Easy setup and efficient wireless installation
  • High-quality prints for documents and photos
  • Compatible with mobile devices for convenient printing
  • Supports ink efficiency and replacement

Cons

  • Ink could be more efficient
  • Printer may move during printing
  • Difficulties with ink subscription

The Brother MFC-J1010DW is an excellent choice for home and small office printing needs. It offers convenience, efficiency, and high-quality results in a compact and user-friendly design. Despite minor ink and movement issues, its seamless wireless and mobile device compatibility make it a reliable option for various printing tasks.

Overall Score: 8/10

The JADENS Portable Printers Wireless is a small, cost-effective, ink-free printer that is perfect for home, small office, and school use. With advanced thermal technology, it eliminates the need for ink, toner, and ribbons. The printer offers easy portability for on-the-go printing and effortless setup via Bluetooth or USB. It provides crisp printing quality, long battery life, and adjustable paper sizes. The printer comes in white, with dimensions of 10.43Lx1.89Wx3.15H. Features also include reliable after-sale support and exceptional lifetime tech support. Customers have praised its compact size, ease of use, and print quality, with a few noting compatibility issues with certain devices. Overall, it is a well-received, convenient mobile printer that's a lifesaver in emergency scenarios.

Key Features

  • 1: Cost-Effective, Ink-Free Printing
  • 2: Easy Portability for On-the-Go Printing
  • 3: Effortless Setup via Bluetooth or USB
  • 4: Crisp Printing Quality & Long Battery Life
  • 5: Adjustable Paper Sizes & Reliable After-Sale Support

Specifications

  • Color: White
  • Dimension: 10.43Lx1.89Wx3.15H
  • Size: 10×3.1×1.8

Pros

  • Economical ink-free printing
  • Easy portability for on-the-go printing
  • Crisp printing quality & long battery life

Cons

  • Compatibility issues with certain devices

The JADENS Portable Printers Wireless is a reliable and convenient mobile printer that offers economical, ink-free printing and easy portability for on-the-go use. With crisp printing quality, long battery life, and adjustable paper sizes, it’s well-received by customers despite some compatibility issues with certain devices. Overall, it’s a highly recommended printer for home, office, and school use.

Overall Score: 6/10

The Canon PIXMA MG2522 is an all-in-one color inkjet printer that offers printing, scanning, and copying capabilities. It is designed for ease of use and is suitable for basic home printing needs. With a paper tray capacity of 60 sheets and optional XL ink cartridges, it is a convenient choice for home, office, or dorm use. Its portability and lightweight make it a versatile option for various printing needs.

Key Features

  • All-in-one color inkjet wired printer
  • Print, scan, and copy functionality
  • Ease of use
  • 60-sheet paper tray capacity
  • Portability & lightweight
  • Optional XL ink cartridges
  • Max print speed color: 4.0 pages per minute
  • Max print speed black white: 8.0 pages per minute

Specifications

  • Color: White
  • Dimension: 20.00Lx4.00Wx15.00H
  • Size: Normal

Pros

  • Convenient for basic home printing needs
  • Optional XL ink cartridges
  • Portability & lightweight

Cons

  • Issues with printer detection reported
  • Lack of USB cable in the package
  • Some customers experienced defective printers

The Canon PIXMA MG2522 is an affordable and user-friendly option for personal printing, scanning, and copying needs. While it offers convenient features and portability, some users have reported issues with printer detection and defective units, which may impact its overall reliability.

Overall Score: 7/10

The Canon MG Series PIXMA MG2525 is an inkjet photo printer designed for home and small office use. It features an all-in-one design that includes a scanner and copier, making it a versatile addition to any workspace. The black pigment ink ensures sharp text on regular paper, while the affordable price makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. With compatibility for both Windows and Mac operating systems, as well as a USB connectivity option, it offers convenience and ease of use. While some users have reported issues with printer registration, overall, it provides good value for money and reliable performance.

Key Features

  • Black pigment ink for sharp text
  • Affordable inkjet all-in-one printer
  • USB connectivity technology
  • Compact form factor with scanner/copier

Specifications

  • Color: Black
  • Dimension: 12.10L x 16.80W x 5.80H
  • Size: Desktop

Pros

  • Affordable price
  • Compact and versatile design
  • Sharp text quality with pigment ink
  • Easy setup and installation

Cons

  • Issues with printer registration for some users
  • Short USB cable

The Canon MG Series PIXMA MG2525 Inkjet Photo Printer with Scanner/Copier offers a budget-friendly and reliable option for home and small office printing needs. While there have been some reported issues with registration and usability, the overall user rating of 4.0/5 indicates that it’s a solid choice for those seeking an affordable and functional printer. With its versatile features and ease of use, it’s well-suited for basic printing, scanning, and copying tasks. The compact design also makes it a space-saving solution for those with limited workspace. Despite minor drawbacks, the MG2525 receives high marks for its value and performance.

Overall Score: 8/10

The Canon G3260 All-in-One Printer is a high-yield, wireless supertank printer that offers vibrant color printing, Alexa connectivity, and mobile printing. It provides a hybrid ink system with pigment black for sharp text and dye-based colors for vivid photos. This all-in-one printer is known for its fast print speeds and easy wireless setup. The ink tanks offer an ink savings of up to 1,175 pages and can handle multiple paper types. The printer also features Alexa connectivity for ink level notifications and smart reorders. It comes with a black color, measuring 9.10Lx9.10Wx9.10H, and is rated 4.3/5 by customers on Amazon.

Key Features

  • Ink savings of 1,175 pages
  • Hybrid ink system for sharp text and vivid photos
  • Fast print speeds and flatbed scanner
  • Wireless mobile printing
  • Alexa connectivity for ink level monitoring and smart reorders

Specifications

  • Color: Black
  • Dimension: 9.10Lx9.10Wx9.10H
  • Size: One Size

Pros

  • High ink yield
  • Vibrant color printing
  • Alexa ink level notifications
  • Easy wireless setup
  • Compatibility with multiple paper types

Cons

  • Slow printing speed via Wi Fi
  • Poor documentation for setup
  • Challenging to use Canon app
  • Tiny and difficult-to-read screen

The Canon G3260 All-in-One Printer offers exceptional print quality, high ink yield, and easy wireless setup. While the printer has some drawbacks such as slow WiFi printing, poor documentation, and a tiny screen, it offers great value for its price. Its vibrant color printing, Alexa ink notifications, and easy ink refill make it a highly recommended choice for home and office use.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Cheap Printer:

  • Printer Type:
    • Inkjet printer
    • Laser printer
    • All-in-one printer (printer, scanner, copier)
  • Print Quality:
    • Look for a printer with high resolution for crisp and clear prints
  • Print Speed:
    • Consider the number of pages per minute (ppm) the printer can produce
  • Connectivity Options:
    • USB
    • Wi-Fi
    • Bluetooth
  • Operating System Compatibility:
    • Ensure the printer is compatible with your computer's operating system
  • Ink or Toner Costs:
    • Consider the ongoing cost of ink or toner cartridges
  • Paper Handling:
    • Check the paper tray capacity and ability to print on different paper sizes
  • Extra Features:
    • Automatic document feeder (ADF)
    • Duplex printing (printing on both sides of the paper)
    • Memory card slots
  • Brand Reputation:
    • Research the reliability and customer satisfaction of different printer brands
  • Warranty and Support:
    • Look for a printer with a good warranty and accessible customer support

Tips for Finding the Best Cheap Printer:

  1. Do Your Research:
    • Read reviews and compare different printer models to find the best option for your needs
  2. Consider Long-Term Costs:
    • Look beyond the initial purchase price and consider ongoing ink or toner costs
  3. Look for Sales and Deals:
    • Keep an eye out for discounts and promotions when purchasing a printer
  4. Check for Refurbished Options:
    • Consider buying a refurbished printer to save money without sacrificing quality
  5. Ask for Recommendations:
    • Seek advice from friends, family, or online communities for recommendations on affordable printers
  6. Test the Printer:
    • If possible, try out the printer in person or read user reviews to ensure it meets your expectations
  7. Consider Compatibility:
    • Make sure the printer is compatible with your devices and operating system
  8. Evaluate Extra Features:
    • Consider whether extra features like ADF or duplex printing are worth the additional cost
  9. Don't Sacrifice Quality for Price:
    • While looking for a cheap printer, prioritize quality and reliability over the lowest price
  10. Compare Warranty and Support:
    • Look for a printer with a good warranty and accessible customer support to address any issues

Conclusion:Finding the best cheap printer involves considering factors like print quality, speed, connectivity, and long-term costs. By doing thorough research and considering your specific needs, you can find an affordable printer that meets your requirements while staying within your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions about 10 Best Cheap Printers

Why should I consider buying a cheap printer?

Cheap printers are an affordable way to have the convenience of printing documents and photos without breaking the bank. They are perfect for students or anyone on a budget.

What features should I look for in a cheap printer?

Look for a printer that offers wireless connectivity, easy setup, high printing speed, and good quality prints. Some printers even have additional features like scanning and copying.

How can I find a good quality cheap printer?

Read online reviews, compare prices, and visit stores to see the printers in person. Don’t be swayed by just the price – make sure the printer has good reviews and the features you need.

Are there any downsides to buying a cheap printer?

Cheap printers may have higher upkeep costs, such as ink cartridge replacements, and may not have all the advanced features of more expensive models. However, they can still provide good value for basic printing needs.

Can a cheap printer be used for printing photos?

Yes, many cheap printers are capable of printing high-quality photos. Look for a printer with good resolution and photo-specific features if you plan to print a lot of pictures.

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