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10 Best Inexpensive Printers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Epson EcoTank ET-2803 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan, Copy and AirPrint Support

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,384
Cost of Consumables
Print Quality
Connectivity Options

Most important from
17244 reviews

Cost of Consumables
Never having to buy ink cartridges again thanks to the huge refill bottles is a game changer that saves both money and hassle.
Print Quality
Print quality is consistently high with sharp, vibrant results that handle both text and photos very well.
Connectivity Options
Setup is straightforward and the printer is simple to use, with an intuitive app that makes wireless printing from smartphones effortless.
Paper Handling
Paper loading capacity is limited, holding only about 10 sheets at once, which can lead to jams or loading issues if overloaded.
Additional Features
The app interface is far more user-friendly and reliable than some competitors, making printing from mobile devices a smooth experience.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2803 is a smart choice for those looking for an affordable, all-in-one printer with low ongoing ink costs. It uses an inkjet system with refillable high-capacity ink tanks, so you don’t need to buy pricey cartridges often. This can save you up to 90% on ink over time, making it great if you print regularly. The print quality is sharp and vibrant thanks to Epson’s advanced Micro Piezo technology, and it handles both text and color images well on various paper types.

In terms of speed, it prints about 10 pages per minute in black and 5 pages per minute in color, which is suitable for everyday home or small office use but might feel slow if you need large volumes quickly. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi and USB, and it supports wireless printing from smartphones or tablets using AirPrint and Epson’s app, which adds convenience. Paper handling is straightforward with one 100-sheet tray accommodating common sizes like letter and legal, though it lacks automatic double-sided printing. The built-in flatbed scanner and copier add useful functionality without extra cost or space.

The printer has a moderate initial weight, setup is fairly simple, and Epson offers a 2-year limited warranty for peace of mind. Epson recommends using their genuine ink bottles to avoid potential damage and maintain quality. This printer suits users who want a reliable, budget-friendly device with very low ink costs and decent quality. If faster print speeds or duplex printing are essential, other options might be better, but for typical home or small office use with moderate print volumes, the EcoTank ET-2803 offers good value.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,384
Cost of Consumables
Print Quality
Connectivity Options

Most important from
17244 reviews

Cost of Consumables
Never having to buy ink cartridges again thanks to the huge refill bottles is a game changer that saves both money and hassle.
Print Quality
Print quality is consistently high with sharp, vibrant results that handle both text and photos very well.
Connectivity Options
Setup is straightforward and the printer is simple to use, with an intuitive app that makes wireless printing from smartphones effortless.
Paper Handling
Paper loading capacity is limited, holding only about 10 sheets at once, which can lead to jams or loading issues if overloaded.
Additional Features
The app interface is far more user-friendly and reliable than some competitors, making printing from mobile devices a smooth experience.
#2

Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan and Copy – The Ideal Basic Home Printer - White, Medium

Rating
10.0
Print Quality
Cost of Consumables

Most important from
17244 reviews

Print Quality
Print quality, especially for photos, is excellent with vivid colors and no smudging.
Cost of Consumables
The ink lasts significantly longer than traditional cartridges, making it a cost-effective choice.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a solid choice for anyone looking for an inexpensive home printer with a focus on long-term savings and convenience. One of its standout features is the innovative cartridge-free printing system. Instead of traditional ink cartridges, it uses high-capacity ink tanks that can save you up to 90% on replacement ink costs. This efficiency means you can print a substantial number of pages—up to 4,500 in black and 7,500 in color—before needing a refill, which can be a major benefit for families or small offices that print frequently.

Print quality is impressive thanks to Epson's Micro Piezo technology, delivering sharp text and vibrant color images on a variety of paper types. The built-in scanner and copier add to its versatility, making it suitable for basic document management tasks around the home. Additionally, with up to two years of ink included, you won’t have to worry about running out of ink unexpectedly.

There are some drawbacks to consider. The print speed is on the slower side, with a maximum of 10 pages per minute for black and only 5 for color. This could be a concern if you often need to print large documents quickly. Also, while the printer offers various connectivity options, including wired and wireless, some users might find the initial setup a bit cumbersome, particularly if they're not tech-savvy. The ET-2800 is also relatively lightweight, which makes it easy to place anywhere in your home, but its design might not suit everyone's aesthetic preferences. Lastly, while the two-year warranty is a plus, it's always good to check the terms to understand what is covered.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 stands out for its cost-saving features and print quality, making it ideal for budget-conscious users who want reliability and efficiency in their home printing needs.

Rating
10.0
Print Quality
Cost of Consumables

Most important from
17244 reviews

Print Quality
Print quality, especially for photos, is excellent with vivid colors and no smudging.
Cost of Consumables
The ink lasts significantly longer than traditional cartridges, making it a cost-effective choice.
#3

Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Laser Printer with Copy and Scan, Duplex, Mobile, Black & White | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1), Works with Alexa

Rating
8.2
Print Speed
Print Quality
Connectivity Options

Most important from
2247 reviews

Print Speed
Prints fast, quiet, and just works effortlessly.
Print Quality
The print quality is excellent, with clear and crisp text.
Connectivity Options
Trouble-free operation with flawless Wi-Fi communication.
Cost of Consumables
Toner cartridges are reasonably priced, especially in multipacks.

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a solid choice for small businesses looking for a reliable and fast monochrome laser printer. It excels in print speed, offering up to 36 pages per minute, which can significantly boost productivity. The print quality is commendable for black and white documents, delivering clear and crisp text. With its print, scan, and copy capabilities, it provides versatile functionality in a compact design.

Connectivity is a strong point for this printer, with options including Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet, making it easy to set up in various environments. Additionally, the Brother Mobile Connect app enhances convenience by allowing users to manage printing tasks from mobile devices. Paper handling is efficient with a 250-sheet capacity and an automatic document feeder that supports up to 50 pages, making it suitable for moderate to high-volume printing tasks.

The cost of consumables, such as toner cartridges, can add up, though the option to subscribe to the Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service may help reduce costs by up to 50%. One downside is the lack of color printing, which might be a deal-breaker for those needing to print color documents. The printer is also relatively heavy at 25 pounds, which might be a consideration for small office spaces with limited room. Its auto-duplex feature for double-sided printing and network readiness are valuable additions. The Brother DCP-L2640DW is best suited for small businesses or home offices that primarily need high-speed, high-quality black and white printing with the added benefits of scanning and copying.

Rating
8.2
Print Speed
Print Quality
Connectivity Options

Most important from
2247 reviews

Print Speed
Prints fast, quiet, and just works effortlessly.
Print Quality
The print quality is excellent, with clear and crisp text.
Connectivity Options
Trouble-free operation with flawless Wi-Fi communication.
Cost of Consumables
Toner cartridges are reasonably priced, especially in multipacks.

Buying Guide for the Best Inexpensive Printers

Choosing the right printer can be a daunting task, especially when you're looking for an inexpensive option. The key is to understand your needs and match them with the printer's specifications. Here are some important specs to consider when selecting an inexpensive printer, along with explanations to help you make an informed decision.
Print TechnologyPrint technology refers to the method a printer uses to produce text and images on paper. The two main types are inkjet and laser. Inkjet printers are generally cheaper upfront and are good for printing high-quality color images and photos. Laser printers, on the other hand, are more cost-effective for high-volume black-and-white printing and have lower long-term costs. If you need to print a lot of documents, a laser printer might be the better choice. For occasional printing and photo printing, an inkjet printer is suitable.
Print SpeedPrint speed is measured in pages per minute (PPM) and indicates how fast a printer can produce printed pages. This is important if you need to print large documents quickly. Low-end printers typically have a print speed of around 5-10 PPM for color and 10-20 PPM for black-and-white. If you print frequently or in large volumes, look for a printer with a higher PPM. For occasional use, a lower PPM will suffice.
Print QualityPrint quality is measured in dots per inch (DPI) and determines how sharp and detailed the printed output will be. Higher DPI values mean better print quality. For general document printing, a DPI of 600x600 is usually adequate. For high-quality photo printing, look for a printer with a DPI of 1200x1200 or higher. Consider what you will be printing most often to decide the level of print quality you need.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options refer to how you can connect your printer to your computer or other devices. Common options include USB, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet. Wi-Fi connectivity allows for wireless printing from multiple devices, which is convenient for home use. USB connections are straightforward and reliable but limit you to printing from one device at a time. Ethernet is useful for office settings where multiple users need to access the printer. Choose the connectivity option that best fits your usage scenario.
Paper HandlingPaper handling refers to the types and sizes of paper a printer can accommodate, as well as the capacity of its paper tray. If you need to print on different paper sizes or types, such as envelopes or cardstock, make sure the printer supports them. The paper tray capacity is also important; a larger capacity means less frequent refilling. For home use, a standard tray capacity of 100-150 sheets is usually sufficient. For office use, look for a higher capacity.
Cost of ConsumablesThe cost of consumables includes ink or toner cartridges and paper. This is an important factor to consider because it affects the long-term cost of owning the printer. Inkjet printers often have lower initial costs but higher ongoing costs for ink. Laser printers have higher initial costs but lower costs per page for toner. Check the price and yield of the cartridges to estimate your ongoing expenses. If you print a lot, a printer with lower-cost consumables will save you money in the long run.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance the functionality of your printer. Common features include scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities, which are useful for home offices. Duplex printing (automatic double-sided printing) can save paper and is convenient for printing long documents. Mobile printing support allows you to print directly from your smartphone or tablet. Consider which additional features are important to you and choose a printer that offers them.

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