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.

If you print a few pages a month, the cheapest printer to own is not always the cheapest to run. Ink can dry out when a printer sits idle, so the right type depends on how often you really print.

This guide covers five printers for occasional use. It is built from published specifications and listings, not our own testing, so confirm 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
Brother HL-L2460DW Compact monochrome laser Text-only printing with two-sided output
Canon PIXMA TR4720 Color inkjet all-in-one Light, occasional printing in a small space
HP DeskJet 4155e Color inkjet all-in-one Small-space everyday printing
HP DeskJet 2827e Color inkjet all-in-one The lowest entry price for printing, copying and scanning
Brother Work Smart 1360 Color inkjet all-in-one Compact everyday color printing

5 Best Printers for Low-Volume Printing

1. 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.

Check on Amazon

2. 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.

Check on Amazon

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.

Check on Amazon

4. 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.

Check on Amazon

5. 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.

Check on Amazon

Printing Rarely: Notes

Laser for rare use

Toner does not dry out, so a laser copes with long gaps.

Inkjet care

If you pick an inkjet, print a test page every few weeks. See how to stop ink drying out.

Consider printing elsewhere

If you print a handful of pages a year, a library or print shop may cost less.

How to Choose

Consider a laser for rare use

Toner does not dry out, so a laser copes well with long gaps.

If you choose an inkjet, print a test page

Print something every few weeks to keep the nozzles clear.

Skip the ink tank

Tank printers pay back only with regular printing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best printer for occasional use?

A compact monochrome laser for text. A basic inkjet if you need color.

Do inkjets dry out?

Yes, if left unused for weeks. Print a test page now and then.

Is it worth buying a printer for a few pages a month?

If you print only a few, a print shop may cost less.

Bottom Line

For text, the Brother HL-L2460DW is the low-upkeep pick. For occasional color, a basic inkjet such as the Canon PIXMA TR4720 or HP DeskJet 4155e is enough.

More Printer Guides