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10 Best Budget Printers

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.
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#6
HP Envy 60
31% OFF
Available on
£54.99
31% off
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#10
HP OfficeJ
29% OFF
Available on
£235
29% off
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

BROTHER MFC-J6940DW Wireless Colour Inkjet Printer, A3 3-1 (Print/Copy/Scan), Wi-Fi/USB/NFC, A4, 500 sheets, UK Plug

10.0  score

12% OFF
Available on
£198
12% off
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Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,496
Connectivity Options
Operating Costs
Connectivity Options
The printer's connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Ethernet, ensure stable and reliable network connections.
Operating Costs
While the printer offers competitive pricing, be prepared for ongoing ink costs, especially for frequent use.

The BROTHER MFC-J6940DW is a versatile budget-friendly printer that stands out with its ability to handle A3 size prints, which is a great feature for small businesses or home offices that occasionally need larger printouts. Its inkjet technology ensures decent print quality, both in color and monochrome, with a competitive print speed of up to 28 pages per minute. This speed is particularly impressive for a printer in its price range.

One of its key strengths is the variety of connectivity options available. It supports Wi-Fi, USB, and NFC, giving users the flexibility to print from different devices, including smartphones via the Brother Mobile Connect app. This makes it convenient for users who are often on the go or need to print from multiple devices.

The printer also boasts a substantial paper capacity with a 500-sheet input tray, which reduces the frequency of paper refills, enhancing productivity in environments with moderate printing needs. Additionally, the 8.8 cm color LCD touchscreen simplifies navigation and operation. However, potential buyers should be aware of certain drawbacks. Despite being marketed as a budget option, operating costs could add up due to the need for genuine Brother ink supplies, which may be pricier than third-party options. This could be a consideration for users with high-volume printing demands. Another point to consider is its size and weight. At 23.4 kilograms, it may not be suited for those with limited space or who need a more portable solution.

In summary, the BROTHER MFC-J6940DW is a solid choice for those needing versatility in print size and robust connectivity features, though users should be mindful of ongoing ink costs and physical space requirements.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,496
Connectivity Options
Operating Costs
Connectivity Options
The printer's connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Ethernet, ensure stable and reliable network connections.
Operating Costs
While the printer offers competitive pricing, be prepared for ongoing ink costs, especially for frequent use.
#2

Epson EcoTank ET-2861 A4 Multifunction Wi-Fi Ink Tank Printer, With Up To 3 Years Of Ink Included , Black

9.1  score

Available on
£130.95
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Rating
9.1
Print Technology
Print Quality
Connectivity Options
Print Technology
Filling the ink tanks is straightforward with the key-lock mechanism ensuring no mix-ups, and the included extra black ink bottle promises a long-lasting supply.
Print Quality
Despite some scanner connectivity issues, the print quality is exceptional, with results that rival professional print companies, especially for artists and small businesses.
Connectivity Options
The printer's compact design and versatile connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct, make it easy to integrate into various setups.
Operating Costs
The EcoTank printer stands out with its high-capacity ink tanks that allow for mess-free refills and significant cost savings, potentially up to 90% compared to cartridge models.
Additional Features
Automatic double-sided printing is a breeze, enhancing convenience without the need for manual intervention.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2861 is a multifunction Wi-Fi ink tank printer designed for budget-conscious users. Its standout feature is the inclusion of up to 3 years' worth of ink, which significantly reduces the need for frequent refills and lowers operating costs. With refillable ink tanks and high-yield ink bottles, users can save up to 90% on printing costs compared to traditional cartridge-based printers, making it an excellent choice for frequent printers looking to save on expenses in the long run.

The printer supports mobile printing and can connect via Wi-Fi, allowing for convenient remote printing, copying, and scanning through the Epson Smart Panel app. This adds convenience for users who prefer managing their printing tasks from their smartphones or tablets. In terms of performance, the ET-2861 offers a print speed of up to 33 pages per minute (ppm) for monochrome prints and 15 ppm for color prints. While these speeds are reasonable for home and small office use, they might not be sufficient for high-volume printing environments.

The print quality is commendable, with a maximum resolution of 5,760 x 1,440 DPI, ensuring sharp and vibrant prints. Another beneficial feature is borderless printing, which is great for producing professional-looking photos and brochures. However, the maximum input sheet capacity of 100 sheets means it may require frequent paper refills for extensive printing tasks. The printer’s compact size and lightweight design (3.9 kg) make it easy to fit into small spaces. A downside is the lack of guaranteed software updates, which could be a potential issue for long-term compatibility with newer operating systems. While the printer's power consumption (12 watts) is relatively low, users should still consider their energy usage. The Epson EcoTank ET-2861 is a cost-effective, feature-rich printer suitable for individuals and small businesses looking to reduce their printing expenses without compromising on quality and convenience.

Rating
9.1
Print Technology
Print Quality
Connectivity Options
Print Technology
Filling the ink tanks is straightforward with the key-lock mechanism ensuring no mix-ups, and the included extra black ink bottle promises a long-lasting supply.
Print Quality
Despite some scanner connectivity issues, the print quality is exceptional, with results that rival professional print companies, especially for artists and small businesses.
Connectivity Options
The printer's compact design and versatile connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct, make it easy to integrate into various setups.
Operating Costs
The EcoTank printer stands out with its high-capacity ink tanks that allow for mess-free refills and significant cost savings, potentially up to 90% compared to cartridge models.
Additional Features
Automatic double-sided printing is a breeze, enhancing convenience without the need for manual intervention.
#3

HP Smart Tank 5107 All in One Printer | Perfect for Home | Colour | Wireless | Print, Scan, Copy | Refillable | Includes up to 3 Years of Ink | Smart Buttons | Easy Setup | Reliable Wi-Fi

8.5  score

Available on
£142.93
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Rating
8.5
Print Speed
Print Quality
Connectivity Options
Print Speed
Operates at impressive speeds, handling multiple documents with ease, demonstrating reliability under pressure.
Print Quality
Exceptional print quality, delivering sharp text and vibrant color images, crucial for decision-making.
Connectivity Options
Setup is straightforward with clear instructions and intuitive software, making it easy to connect to Wi-Fi.
Operating Costs
The refillable ink tank system significantly reduces ink costs, allowing for fewer refills and minimal interruptions.

The HP Smart Tank 5107 is a versatile and cost-effective printer designed for home use. Its inkjet print technology provides good quality colour graphics and sharp text, making it suitable for everyday printing needs. The printer is capable of printing at speeds up to 12 pages per minute (ppm) for black-and-white documents and 5 ppm for colour, which is reasonable for home use but may not be ideal for high-demand environments.

One of its standout features is the high-volume refillable ink tank system, which includes up to 3 years of ink and can print up to 8,000 colour pages and 12,000 black pages. This greatly reduces operating costs over time and makes it perfect for users looking for low-cost, high-volume printing options. The refill process is designed to be simple and spill-free, enhancing user convenience. The HP Smart Tank 5107 offers wireless connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and USB, and supports mobile printing from phones and tablets, making it easy to print documents from various devices.

It also includes essential security features like basic encryption and password protection to safeguard your data. Additional functionalities include scanning and copying, with a flatbed scanner and a maximum copy speed of 12 ppm for black-and-white documents. The smart-guided buttons and easy setup process further enhance its user-friendly design. However, the printer lacks an automatic document feeder and dual-sided printing, which might inconvenience users who frequently need to scan or print double-sided documents. Despite these limitations, its combination of low operating costs, good print quality, and ease of use make it a solid choice for home users.

Rating
8.5
Print Speed
Print Quality
Connectivity Options
Print Speed
Operates at impressive speeds, handling multiple documents with ease, demonstrating reliability under pressure.
Print Quality
Exceptional print quality, delivering sharp text and vibrant color images, crucial for decision-making.
Connectivity Options
Setup is straightforward with clear instructions and intuitive software, making it easy to connect to Wi-Fi.
Operating Costs
The refillable ink tank system significantly reduces ink costs, allowing for fewer refills and minimal interruptions.

Buying Guide for the Best Budget Printers

When choosing a budget printer, it's important to consider what you'll primarily be using it for, such as printing documents, photos, or both. Budget printers can vary widely in terms of features and capabilities, so understanding the key specifications will help you find the best fit for your needs. Consider the cost of consumables like ink or toner, as these can add up over time. Also, think about the connectivity options and whether you need additional features like scanning or copying.
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 versatile and can handle a variety of media types, making them ideal for photo printing and color documents. Laser printers, on the other hand, are typically faster and more cost-effective for high-volume black-and-white document printing. If you need vibrant color prints, an inkjet might be better, but for mostly text documents, a laser printer could be more economical.
Print SpeedPrint speed is measured in pages per minute (PPM) and indicates how quickly a printer can produce pages. This is important if you need to print large volumes of documents quickly. For occasional home use, a lower PPM might be sufficient, but for office settings or frequent use, a higher PPM can save time. Consider your typical print volume and how often you need to print in a hurry to determine the right speed for you.
Print QualityPrint quality is determined by the printer's resolution, measured in dots per inch (DPI). Higher DPI means better quality prints, which is crucial for photos and detailed graphics. For text documents, a lower DPI might suffice, but if you plan to print images or need professional-looking documents, look for a printer with a higher DPI. Assess what you will be printing most often to decide the level of quality you need.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect your devices to the printer. Common options include USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Wi-Fi connectivity allows for wireless printing from multiple devices, which is convenient for home or office use. USB connections are straightforward but limit you to printing from one device at a time. Consider how you plan to use the printer and whether you need the flexibility of wireless printing.
Operating CostsOperating costs include the price of ink or toner cartridges and the printer's energy consumption. Some printers have low upfront costs but expensive consumables, which can add up over time. Look for printers with affordable and readily available cartridges. Consider how often you'll be printing and calculate the long-term costs to ensure the printer remains economical.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features like scanning, copying, and faxing can add versatility to a printer. If you need these functions, look for an all-in-one printer. However, if you only need to print, a basic model might suffice. Consider your specific needs and whether these extra features will be beneficial or if they might just add unnecessary complexity and cost.