Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, reviewstook.com earns from qualifying purchases. Links to Amazon on this page are affiliate links; they cost you nothing extra.
A basic printer does the essentials: print, maybe scan and copy, and connect without fuss. If you or a family member wants something simple, fewer features is a plus.
This guide covers six simple printers for home. It is built from published specifications and listings, not our own testing, so check details on each product page.
New to printers? Start with our guide to the best printers for home use and how we pick printers.
Last updated: October 30, 2026.
Quick Picks
| Printer | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Canon PIXMA TR4720 | Color inkjet all-in-one | Light, occasional printing in a small space |
| Brother HL-L2460DW | Compact monochrome laser | Text-only printing with two-sided output |
| HP DeskJet 4155e | Color inkjet all-in-one | Small-space everyday printing |
| HP DeskJet 2955 | Color inkjet all-in-one | Everyday basic printing, copying and scanning |
| HP Envy 6555e | Color inkjet all-in-one | Everyday home color printing |
| Epson EcoTank ET-2800 | Ink tank all-in-one | Entry-level ink tank printing |
6 Best Basic Printers for Home: Simple, Easy and Reliable
1. Canon PIXMA TR4720
A small 4-in-1 color inkjet that prints, copies, scans and faxes, with an auto document feeder, per the listing.
Good for: a dorm, spare room or apartment. Strengths: compact body, a document feeder and a simple feature set. Weaknesses: small cartridges mean it is not meant for heavy use. Skip it if you print daily.
2. Brother HL-L2460DW
A wireless compact monochrome laser with duplex printing.
Good for: students, teachers and home workers who print text. Strengths: toner keeps between uses, and duplex saves paper. Weaknesses: no color, and no scanner. Skip it if you need color or a scanner.
3. HP DeskJet 4155e
A compact color inkjet all-in-one with a feature set above the entry tier.
Good for: apartments and shared rooms. Strengths: compact body and basic automation. Weaknesses: cartridge costs can climb with volume. Skip it if you need heavy-duty output.
4. HP DeskJet 2955
A wireless color inkjet all-in-one in HP’s DeskJet range.
Good for: small households with light printing needs. Strengths: simple operation and compact size. Weaknesses: cartridge costs climb with volume, and HP’s ink program applies. Skip it if you print in volume.
5. HP Envy 6555e
A home-focused color inkjet all-in-one with duplex printing.
Good for: homework, recipes and occasional photos. Strengths: a straightforward feature set and automatic two-sided printing. Weaknesses: cartridges and HP’s ink program may add running cost. Skip it if you print in volume.
6. Epson EcoTank ET-2800
A simple entry model in Epson’s EcoTank range that prints, copies and scans over wireless.
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.
Choosing a Simple Printer
Fewer features can be a plus
A basic printer that prints, copies and scans without fuss is easier to set up and use, especially for older users.
Clear app and display
A guided app setup and a readable display make setup easier. See how to connect a printer to WiFi.
Low-upkeep type
A monochrome laser is the lowest-upkeep type for text because toner does not dry out.
Check the refill cost
Cheap printers can have costly refills. Compare cost per page.
How to Choose
Decide on color
A black-and-white laser is simplest for text. A color inkjet covers school projects and photos.
Prefer wireless with an app
A printer with a clear app and screen is easier for less technical users.
Check ink or toner cost
Cheap printers can have costly refills. Compare cost per page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest printer to set up?
Printers with a guided app setup and a clear display are easiest. Read recent buyer comments on setup.
Is a basic printer enough for most people?
For occasional printing, yes.
Should seniors get a laser or inkjet?
A monochrome laser is the lowest-upkeep choice for text.
Bottom Line
For text, the Brother HL-L2460DW is the simple pick. For color, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 or HP DeskJet 4155e cover the basics, and the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 keeps ink costs down if you print often.
More Printer Guides
- Best Printers for Home Use
- Best Printers for Chromebook Users
- Best Printers for High-Volume Printing at Home or Office
- Best Printers for Low-Volume Printing
- Best Printers for Mac and MacBook Users
- Best Printers for Real Estate Agents and Notaries
