10 Best Inexpensive Printers

The Epson EcoTank ET-3850 is a standout option for anyone seeking an economical printer with substantial long-term savings. One of its major strengths is the ultra-high capacity ink tanks, which are designed to reduce printing costs substantially by up to 90%. This is especially beneficial for users who print frequently, as the printer includes enough ink for up to three years, eliminating the hassle of frequent cartridge replacements. With print speeds of 33 pages per minute for monochrome prints and 20 pages per minute for color, it allows quick processing of documents. Its print quality is decent, with a maximum color resolution of 4800 x 1200 DPI, suitable for most home or small office needs.

The printer's multifunction features are robust, including automatic duplex printing and a 30-page document feeder, which are not commonly found in printers of this price range. It also supports Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct connectivity, making it easy to print from various devices, including smartphones and tablets. The compact design and inclusion of an LCD screen add to its convenience.

Despite these advantages, there are a few drawbacks. The printer's relatively low print resolution for black and white documents at 600 DPI might not satisfy users who require high-detail prints. Also, its 6.7 kg weight makes it less portable if you need to move it around frequently. Additionally, while the initial purchase price may be higher than traditional cartridge-based printers, the cost savings on ink can justify this expenditure over time.

In conclusion, the Epson EcoTank ET-3850 is ideal for budget-conscious users who need efficient, high-volume printing with minimal operating costs. Its features are well-suited for family or small office use, especially where mobile and wireless printing are needed.

The Brother MFC-J6940DW is a versatile all-in-one inkjet printer that prints, copies, scans, and faxes up to A3 size, which is larger than the common A4. It’s a good choice if you need bigger printouts without occupying much more space than a standard A4 printer. It offers fast print speeds—up to 28 pages per minute in both black and color—helpful if you print large volumes regularly. The print quality is decent for everyday business or home use, with a maximum color resolution of 600 dpi, which is fine for text and basic graphics but not ideal for high-detail photo printing. Connectivity is flexible, supporting Wi-Fi, USB, and NFC, plus you can print directly from your smartphone using the Brother Mobile Connect app, adding convenience.

The printer handles up to 500 sheets, which reduces how often you need to refill paper, and includes automatic duplex (double-sided) printing to save paper. It also features an easy-to-use 8.8 cm color touchscreen for navigation. One drawback is the relatively large size and weight (over 23 kg), so it needs a sturdy spot. While the starter ink cartridges can print about 550 pages, ink replacement costs can add up over time, especially if you print frequently, though Brother does offer high-yield cartridges and value packs to help reduce this.

This printer suits small offices or home users who want multifunction features and the ability to print larger documents without a high upfront cost, but it might be more than necessary for casual or low-volume printing.

The HP Smart Tank 5107 All in One Printer is a versatile option for home users looking for an inexpensive printing solution. One significant strength is its affordability in the long run, thanks to the included ink supply that can last up to three years, making it ideal for high-volume printing. It supports wireless printing, allowing you to print, scan, and copy from your phone or tablet seamlessly. The refillable ink tank system is user-friendly and reduces the hassle and mess of traditional ink replacements.

However, the print speed may be a drawback for some, with a maximum of 12 pages per minute for monochrome and just 5 pages per minute for color. While these speeds are adequate for home use, they might not be suitable for those with a higher print demand. The print quality is decent, with a maximum resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi for color prints, ensuring clarity in photos and graphics.

In terms of connectivity, the printer offers Wi-Fi and USB options, which are standard for home printers, but it may lack advanced connectivity features seen in higher-end models. Additionally, the paper handling capacity is limited, with a maximum input of 100 sheets, which could require more frequent refills if printing in large volumes. Size-wise, the printer is relatively compact, fitting well in small office spaces. It includes multifunctional features like scanning and copying but doesn’t support duplex scanning, which could be a limitation if double-sided scanning is a frequent need. The device also offers basic security features, providing some peace of mind for home users.

For those primarily focused on cost savings and moderate printing needs, the HP Smart Tank 5107 could be a reliable choice, but it may not satisfy users looking for faster speeds or more advanced features.