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The cheapest printer on the shelf is often the most expensive one to own. A low sticker price usually means small starter cartridges and costly refills, and the gap shows up within months.
These six picks balance entry price against running cost. The list is built from published specifications, not our own testing, and prices change often, so check the current price before buying.
New to printers? Start with our guide to the best printers for home use, then come back here for the details.
Quick Picks
| Printer | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Canon PIXMA TR4720 | Color inkjet all-in-one | Light, occasional printing in a small space |
| HP DeskJet 2827e | Color inkjet all-in-one | The lowest entry price for printing, copying and scanning |
| Epson Expression Home XP-4250 | Color inkjet all-in-one | Budget home inkjet |
| Epson EcoTank ET-2800 | Ink tank all-in-one | Entry-level ink tank printing |
| Brother HL-L2350DW | Monochrome laser | Text-only printing at home |
| Brother Work Smart 1360 | Color inkjet all-in-one | Compact everyday color printing |
6 Best Cheap Printers
1. Canon PIXMA TR4720
A small, plain color inkjet all-in-one that prints, copies and scans.
Good for: a dorm, spare room or apartment. Strengths: compact body and a simple feature set. Weaknesses: small cartridges mean it is not meant for heavy use. Skip it if you print daily.
2. HP DeskJet 2827e
A low-cost wireless color inkjet all-in-one.
Good for: someone who prints a few pages a month. Strengths: low purchase price and small footprint. Weaknesses: starter ink is limited and running cost is high for frequent use. Skip it if you print regularly.
3. Epson Expression Home XP-4250
A budget wireless color inkjet all-in-one from Epson.
Good for: light home use. Strengths: low entry price and basic features. Weaknesses: cartridge running cost is high for frequent printing. Skip it if you print more than occasionally.
4. Epson EcoTank ET-2800
A simpler entry model in Epson’s ink tank range.
Good for: light-to-moderate printing where ink cost matters. Strengths: refillable tanks and a basic feature set. Weaknesses: fewer conveniences than higher-tier models; check duplex and feeder support. Skip it if you need an automatic document feeder.
5. Brother HL-L2350DW
A compact monochrome laser with wireless and automatic two-sided printing.
Good for: homework, forms and shipping paperwork. Strengths: crisp text, and toner does not dry out between uses. Weaknesses: no color, and no scanning or copying. Skip it if you print photos or need a scanner.
6. Brother Work Smart 1360
A compact color inkjet all-in-one that prints, scans and copies, from Brother’s Work Smart line.
Good for: households that want occasional color without a bulky machine. Strengths: small size and a basic, easy feature set. Weaknesses: cartridge refills add up if volume grows. Skip it if you need a document feeder; check the product page.
The Real Cost of a Cheap Printer
Total cost of ownership
The cost of a printer is the purchase price plus the ink or toner you buy over its life. A cheap printer with expensive cartridges can cost more over three years than a pricier one with cheap ink.
A worked example
Here are made-up numbers purely to show the math. A 60-dollar inkjet with a 35-dollar cartridge set that prints 300 pages costs 11.7 cents a page. Printing 600 pages over a year means two sets, so you spend 60 plus 70, which is 130 dollars. A 160-dollar tank printer with ink at 2 cents a page costs 160 plus 12, which is 172 dollars for the first year but only 12 dollars a year after. Run the same math for your own page count.
Starter ink and subscriptions
Many cheap printers ship with partly filled starter cartridges, so your first refill comes soon. Ink subscription plans can lower cost for light users but tie you to one brand.
Be careful with renewed units
Renewed or refurbished printers can save money but check the seller, warranty and supplies. Some listings are renewed, and the model may not be the one you want.
When it is cheaper to print elsewhere
If you print under a few pages a month, a library or print shop may cost less than owning a printer. See also printers under $100 and printers for low-volume printing.
How to Choose
Add the first refill to the price
Starter cartridges are often half full. Add the price of the first replacement set to the printer price.
Low volume: cheap inkjet. High volume: not cheap
Under about 20 pages a month, a cheap inkjet or laser is fine. Beyond that, consider an ink tank or a laser.
Look for sales
Printers are discounted often. Ink and toner are the real cost, so compare yields rather than chasing the lowest sticker price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest printer to own?
Over several years, a monochrome laser or an ink tank model usually beats a low-cost cartridge inkjet.
Are cheap printers reliable?
Basic models are fine for occasional use. For daily use, a sturdier laser or tank model lasts longer.
Should I buy compatible ink?
It can save money, but some brands block it. Check the ink policy first.
What are the best affordable and inexpensive printers?
Check the printer price and the cost of ink or toner together. See our price-based lists: printers under $100, under $150 and under $200.
Bottom Line
For rare printing, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 is the budget choice. For text, the Brother HL-L2350DW is cheap to own. For frequent printing, spend more on an ink tank such as the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 and save on ink.
More Printer Guides
- Best Printers for Home Use
- Best Color Laser Printers for Home Use
- Best Color Printers for Home and Family Use
- Best Epson EcoTank Printers for Low Ink Cost
- Best Laser Printers for Home and Home Office
