Does the thought of buying a new printer make your wallet sweat? We get it! In today’s world, a printer is a must-have for school projects, important documents, and even printing out fun pictures. But when you see prices jump way past $100, it feels like you’re stuck with either a flimsy machine or a hole in your budget. Choosing a printer under $100 shouldn’t be a guessing game, and it definitely shouldn’t mean settling for something that will break after a few uses.
The truth is, finding a reliable and capable printer for under a hundred dollars can feel like a treasure hunt. You want something that prints clearly, doesn’t cost a fortune in ink, and is easy to set up. But with so many brands and models out there, it’s easy to get lost in confusing specs and promises that don’t always deliver. We’ve all been there, staring at a screen, wondering if that super cheap option is worth the risk.
That’s exactly why we’ve put together this guide! We’ve done the digging so you don’t have to. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly what to look for, which features truly matter, and how to spot the hidden gems in the under-$100 printer market. Get ready to discover printers that are not only affordable but also fantastic performers, helping you print with confidence without breaking the bank.
Our Top 5 Printer Under 100 Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Printer Under 100 Detailed Reviews
1. Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer
Rating: 8.5/10
The Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer is a versatile and handy device for any home. It handles all your printing, copying, scanning, and faxing needs. Plus, it’s wireless, so you can print from your phone or tablet. This printer is designed to make your life easier.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 printer: print, copy, scan, and fax all in one place.
- It has an Auto Document Feeder, which makes copying and scanning lots of pages super fast.
- You can print wirelessly from your phone or tablet, making it really convenient.
- It prints on both sides of the paper automatically, saving you paper.
- You can print photos and documents without borders up to 8.5″ x 11″.
- It’s ENERGY STAR certified, meaning it saves energy and is good for the environment.
- Alexa can help you reorder ink when you’re running low. You just need to enroll in smart reorders.
- Ink cartridges are easy to install and replace.
What Could Be Improved:
- The print speed is a bit slow at 8.8 / 4.4 pages per minute.
- The paper tray only holds 100 sheets, so you’ll need to refill it often if you print a lot.
This Canon printer is a solid choice for busy households. It offers great features for everyday tasks and helps you stay connected with your printing needs.
2. HP DeskJet 4227e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
Rating: 9.1/10
The HP DeskJet 4227e is a super handy printer for your home. It can print in color, scan papers, and make copies. It’s designed for simple tasks like printing lists, letters, and even recipes. Plus, it comes with a free 3-month trial of HP Instant Ink, which means ink gets delivered right to your door.
What We Like:
- The HP AI feature is smart. It helps print web pages and emails perfectly, so you don’t waste paper on weird layouts.
- It’s an all-in-one device. You get printing, copying, and scanning all in one machine.
- It has an auto document feeder, which makes scanning and copying multiple pages much faster.
- Wireless printing is easy. The Wi-Fi automatically fixes itself if it has connection problems.
- You can use the HP app to print, scan, and copy from your phone or tablet.
- The compact design fits nicely into any home space.
- It’s made with recycled plastic and is good for the environment.
What Could Be Improved:
- Print speeds are a bit slow at 5.5 ppm for color and 8.5 ppm for black.
- The printer only works with HP ink cartridges.
- After the 3-month Instant Ink trial, you have to pay a monthly fee unless you cancel.
The HP DeskJet 4227e is a good option for basic home printing needs. Its smart features and convenience make it a user-friendly choice.
3. Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer with Mobile and Tablet Printing
Rating: 8.6/10
The Canon Pixma MG3620 is a compact, wireless printer that makes printing, copying, and scanning super easy. It’s perfect for your home or small office. You can print right from your phone or tablet, which is really handy. Plus, it does both sides of the paper automatically, saving you time and paper.
What We Like:
- It’s a 3-in-1: print, copy, and scan all in one machine.
- You can easily print and scan from your phone or tablet.
- It has auto 2-sided printing, which saves paper.
- The design is compact and won’t take up much space.
- It’s ENERGY STAR certified, so it’s good for the environment.
- You can connect it to Alexa to get alerts when you’re low on ink and even have it reorder ink for you from Amazon.
- No subscription is needed for the smart ink reordering.
What Could Be Improved:
- The print speed is okay, but not the fastest available (9.9 ipm for black, 5.7 ipm for color).
- The paper capacity is 100 sheets, which might be a bit small for heavy printing jobs.
Overall, the Canon Pixma MG3620 is a user-friendly and smart printer for everyday tasks. Its wireless capabilities and Alexa integration make it a convenient choice for modern households.
4. Canon PIXMA TR7120 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer for Duplex Printing
Rating: 9.2/10
The Canon PIXMA TR7120 is a white wireless color inkjet printer designed for home and hybrid work. It’s an all-in-one machine, meaning it can print, scan, and copy. This printer aims to be a budget-friendly option that still offers good quality and useful features for everyday tasks.
What We Like:
- It’s an affordable printer that gives you a lot for your money, making it great for home users and people who work from home.
- Your documents and photos will look sharp and colorful because of its special ink system.
- Setting it up is simple, and you can start printing, scanning, and copying right away from your phone or computer.
- It connects reliably to your Wi-Fi, so you can print from anywhere in your house without problems.
- The Auto Document Feeder makes scanning and copying multi-page papers super easy and fast.
- It automatically prints on both sides of the paper, which saves you time and paper.
- You can print all sorts of things, like documents and borderless photos, on different types of paper.
- The small OLED screen lets you easily see ink levels and printer status.
- It has a compact design that looks nice and doesn’t take up much space.
- You can easily print from your phone or tablet using popular apps and services.
What Could Be Improved:
- The ink cartridges are a 2-cartridge hybrid system, which might mean you need to replace both for certain colors.
- While it supports various media, it’s limited to 8.5” x 11” paper size.
The Canon PIXMA TR7120 offers a solid mix of features for its price. It’s a practical choice for anyone needing a versatile and easy-to-use printer for home.
5. HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
Rating: 8.6/10
The HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer is a fantastic choice for any home. It handles all your everyday printing needs, from schoolwork to recipes, with ease. This printer isn’t just for printing; it also scans and copies, making it a true all-in-one solution.
What We Like:
- It’s perfect for printing to-do lists, letters, and recipes.
- HP AI helps you print web pages and emails without wasted space.
- You can print, copy, and scan with its handy features.
- The wireless printing is super reliable, and it fixes connection problems itself.
- The HP app lets you print, scan, and copy from your phone or tablet.
- You get a 3-month Instant Ink trial to start.
- Its compact design fits easily in any room.
- The simple control panel makes printing basic documents easy.
- It’s made with recycled plastics and is good for the environment.
What Could Be Improved:
- Print speeds are a bit slow at 5.5 ppm for color and 7.5 ppm for black.
- It only works with HP cartridges, and it blocks others.
This printer is a great, user-friendly option for busy households. It offers smart features and a sustainable design to help you get things done.
Finding Your Perfect Printer Under $100
Looking for a printer that won’t break the bank? You’ve come to the right place! Finding a good printer for under $100 can seem tricky, but with the right information, you can choose a machine that fits your needs perfectly. Let’s dive in and explore what makes a great budget printer.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a printer under $100, several important features will help you make the best choice:
- Print Speed: How fast does the printer print pages? This is measured in pages per minute (ppm). For basic printing, 10-20 ppm is usually fine.
- Print Quality: This refers to how clear and sharp your printed text and images are. Look for printers with good resolution (measured in dots per inch or dpi).
- Connectivity: How does the printer connect to your computer or devices?
- USB: The most common and simplest way to connect.
- Wi-Fi: Lets you print wirelessly from multiple devices, like laptops, tablets, and phones. This is a great feature if you have many devices.
- Ink or Toner Type:
- Inkjet: Uses liquid ink. Great for colorful photos and documents.
- Laser: Uses powder toner. Usually faster and cheaper per page for black and white text.
- All-in-One Capabilities: Some printers can also scan and copy. This is super handy if you need those functions.
Important Materials and Build Quality
While printers under $100 are often made with plastic, the quality of that plastic can vary. Look for a printer that feels sturdy. A well-built printer will last longer. Check reviews to see if people mention durability. Sometimes, the paper tray or other moving parts can feel a bit flimsy on cheaper models. This doesn’t mean they won’t work, but it’s something to be aware of.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things affect how good your prints look and how well the printer works:
- Print Resolution (DPI): Higher DPI means sharper images and text. For documents, 600 dpi is often enough. For photos, you’ll want higher.
- Ink/Toner Cartridge Quality: The ink or toner itself makes a big difference. Cheaper cartridges might fade or look blotchy.
- Paper Type: Using the right paper for your prints is important. Regular copy paper is fine for text, but photo paper makes pictures look much better.
- Driver Software: The software that tells your computer how to talk to the printer is called a driver. Good drivers help the printer perform at its best.
On the flip side, factors that can reduce quality include using low-quality ink, printing on damp paper, or not cleaning the printer’s print heads regularly. Over time, some parts might wear out, especially in very inexpensive models.
User Experience and Use Cases
Printers under $100 are best for everyday tasks. They are perfect for:
- Printing homework and school projects.
- Making copies of important papers.
- Printing recipes or instructions.
- Occasional photos.
- Basic home office printing.
If you need to print hundreds of pages a day or require professional-quality photos, you might need to look at more expensive models. However, for most families and students, a printer under $100 is a great choice.
Setting up your printer should be easy. Most come with clear instructions. Wireless setup makes printing from phones and tablets very convenient. If you plan to scan and copy, make sure the scanner bed is easy to access and use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in a printer under $100?
A: Look for good print speed, decent print quality (resolution), easy connectivity (USB or Wi-Fi), and whether it’s inkjet or laser. All-in-one features like scanning and copying are also great.
Q: What kind of materials are these printers usually made of?
A: They are typically made of plastic. It’s good to look for a model that feels sturdy and well-built.
Q: How can I improve the print quality of my budget printer?
A: Use good quality ink or toner, print on the right type of paper, and make sure your printer’s software is up to date.
Q: What are the most common use cases for a printer under $100?
A: They are best for everyday tasks like printing homework, recipes, and occasional documents or photos.
Q: Do printers under $100 usually have Wi-Fi?
A: Some do, but not all. Wi-Fi is a bonus feature to look for if you want to print wirelessly from multiple devices.
Q: Is it worth getting an All-in-One printer in this price range?
A: Yes, many All-in-One printers (print, scan, copy) are available under $100 and offer great value for home use.
Q: How fast should I expect a printer under $100 to print?
A: Most will print between 10 to 20 pages per minute for black and white text.
Q: What’s the difference between inkjet and laser printers for budget models?
A: Inkjet printers are better for color photos. Laser printers are often faster and cheaper per page for black and white text documents.
Q: How do I ensure my printer will last a long time?
A: Handle it with care, keep it clean, and use good quality ink or toner. Reading user reviews about durability can also help.
Q: Can I print photos on a printer under $100?
A: Yes, you can print photos, especially with inkjet models. However, for professional photo quality, more advanced printers are needed.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
My name is Gary Flores, the creator of deepskyblue-owl-132507.hostingersite.com.. With a passion for creating cozy, functional, and beautiful spaces, I share my personal experiences and expertise about everything related to home improvement. From practical tips to design inspiration, my goal is to help you make your home the best it can be.