Do you need to print something important, but your old printer is broken or you don’t even have one? Buying a new printer can feel like a big decision, especially when you’re trying to stick to a budget. It’s tough to know which ones are good without spending a lot of money. You want to print homework, important documents, or maybe even fun pictures, but you don’t want to break the bank.
The good news is, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a reliable printer! We know that looking through all the different models can be confusing. You might worry that cheaper printers won’t print well or won’t last very long. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you sort through the options.
In this post, we’ll show you some of the best printers you can get for under $50. We’ll talk about what makes them good choices and what to look for. By the end, you’ll feel confident about picking a printer that fits your needs and your wallet. Let’s dive in and find the perfect printer for you!
Our Top 5 Printers Under $50 Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Printers Under $50 Detailed Reviews
1. Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer with Mobile and Tablet Printing
Rating: 8.7/10
The Canon Pixma MG3620 is a fantastic all-in-one printer that makes printing, copying, and scanning super easy. It’s perfect for home or a small office because it connects wirelessly, and you can print right from your phone or tablet. Plus, it saves energy and space!
What We Like:
- It’s a 3-in-1 printer: you can print, copy, and scan.
- You can easily print and scan from your mobile devices.
- It has automatic two-sided printing, which saves paper.
- The compact design fits nicely in any space.
- It’s ENERGY STAR certified, so it’s good for the planet and your electricity bill.
- You can connect it to Alexa to get reminders when you’re low on ink and even have it reorder for you from Amazon.
- There’s no subscription needed for the smart ink reordering.
What Could Be Improved:
- The print speeds of 9.9 and 5.7 ipm are decent but might be slow for very large print jobs.
- The 100-sheet paper capacity means you’ll be refilling it more often if you print a lot.
This printer offers a lot of convenience for its price. It’s a smart choice for anyone who wants a reliable and easy-to-use wireless printer for their home.
2. Canon PIXMA TS6420a All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer [Print
![Canon PIXMA TS6420a All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer [Print, Copy, Scan], Works with Alexa](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21-0hP0b2eL._SL500_.jpg)
Rating: 8.7/10
The Canon PIXMA TS6420a All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer is a handy device for your home or office. It can print, copy, and scan your documents. You can easily see what you’re doing on its clear 4.3″ OLED screen. Setting it up with your phone or computer is super simple. Plus, it connects to Wi-Fi, so you can print from anywhere in your house.
What We Like:
- It’s super easy to set up.
- You can print from your phone or tablet using the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria.
- The 4.3″ OLED screen makes navigating menus a breeze.
- It works with Alexa, so you can use voice commands.
- The Easy-Photo Print Editor App and Canon Creative Park App let you get creative with your printing.
- It’s an all-in-one printer, meaning it does print, copy, and scan.
What Could Be Improved:
- Ink cartridges can be a bit pricey.
- It’s not the fastest printer out there for large jobs.
This Canon PIXMA TS6420a is a solid choice for anyone needing a versatile and user-friendly printer. It makes printing and managing your documents simple and fun.
3. Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper
Rating: 8.9/10
The Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper is a reliable choice for your printing needs. This 8.5 x 11 inch, 20 lb paper comes in a 500-sheet ream and is a bright white, making your documents look sharp and professional. It works well in most printers and copiers.
What We Like:
- This paper is designed for everyday use at home or in the office.
- It’s versatile and works with laser printers, inkjet printers, copiers, and fax machines.
- The 20 lb weight ensures that ink and toner spread evenly, and it dries fast. This means fewer paper jams!
- The bright white color (92 GE / 104 Euro) makes your text and pictures stand out with great contrast.
- It’s made from virgin paper, giving you professional results.
- The paper is acid-free, so it won’t turn yellow over time.
- Each sheet is the standard letter size, 8.5 x 11 inches.
What Could Be Improved:
- While good for general printing, it might not be the best choice for very high-quality photo printing.
- The packaging, while functional, could be a bit more robust for storage.
If you need dependable paper for your daily printing tasks, this Amazon Basics ream is a solid option. It offers good value and consistent performance for most home and office printing jobs.
4. TYPONOS Sticker Printer
Rating: 9.4/10
Unleash your inner artist with the TYPONOS Sticker Printer, PM290 Mini Printer! This cute and compact green machine lets you create your own custom stickers for school, home, or office. It’s a fun way to jazz up your study notes, journals, or even make personalized gifts. Plus, it comes with three rolls of paper in different colors!
What We Like:
- Super portable and easy to carry around.
- Comes with three rolls of paper to get you started right away.
- Connects easily to your phone or tablet via Bluetooth using the “Labelnize” app.
- Great for making labels, notes, and even fun learning games for kids.
- Makes a thoughtful and creative gift for students and DIY lovers.
- Prints clear and sharp black and white images and text.
What Could Be Improved:
- Only prints in black and white, so no colorful stickers.
- Doesn’t include a charging adapter, so you’ll need your own.
- Only works with phones and tablets; it cannot print from a computer.
- You need to use the specific “Labelnize” app to connect, not your phone’s regular Bluetooth settings.
This sticker printer is a fantastic tool for adding a personal touch to your life and spreading a little joy. It’s an excellent choice for anyone who loves to get creative and organized!
5. ETIKEZ PM260 Label Maker Machine with Tape
Rating: 9.1/10
Tired of messy ink cartridges and complicated setups? The ETIKEZ PM260 Label Maker Machine with Tape is your inkless, Bluetooth-enabled solution for all your labeling needs. This portable printer makes organizing your home, kitchen, school, or office a breeze, all from your smartphone or computer.
What We Like:
- Super easy to use with the “Labelnize” app for iOS and Android, and a separate driver for PC.
- The app is packed with features like QR codes, barcodes, icons, and tons of fonts and languages.
- No ink needed means no mess and no extra costs! It uses smart thermal printing.
- Prints clearly with 203 DPI resolution and supports labels from 1″ to 2″ wide.
- It’s perfect for so many things, from labeling medicine bottles to organizing cables and even for special holiday gifts.
- The built-in rechargeable battery is convenient and saves energy with auto-shutoff.
What Could Be Improved:
- You need to download a specific app and driver, so you can’t just connect directly via Bluetooth.
- The instructions mention being careful not to tear the green backing sticker on the labels to avoid printing problems.
- You need to adjust the paper slot to make sure the tape is aligned correctly, which takes a little practice.
The ETIKEZ PM260 offers a clean, efficient, and feature-rich way to label everything. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to bring order and clarity to their life.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Printers Under $50
Finding a good printer without breaking the bank can be tricky. But don’t worry! This guide will help you pick the best printer for your needs, even if your budget is $50 or less. We’ll cover what to look for, what matters, and how to get the most bang for your buck.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a printer under $50, focus on these important features:
- Print Speed: How fast does the printer put ink on paper? For basic tasks, a slower speed is okay. If you print a lot, look for faster speeds.
- Print Resolution: This tells you how clear and sharp your prints will be. Higher numbers mean better quality. For everyday documents, a medium resolution is usually fine.
- Connectivity: How does the printer connect to your computer or device? Most cheap printers use a USB cable. Some might offer Wi-Fi, which is super handy.
- Ink Cartridge Cost: This is super important! The printer itself might be cheap, but the ink can cost a lot over time. Look for printers that use affordable ink cartridges. Sometimes, printers with more ink included at the start are a better deal.
- Type of Printer: Most printers in this price range are inkjet. Some might be monochrome (black and white only). Decide if you need color or just black and white.
Important Materials and How They Affect Quality
The parts inside a printer are usually made of plastic and metal. These materials help it work.
- Print Head: This is the part that sprays ink onto the paper. A good print head helps make sharp images and text.
- Rollers: These grab the paper and move it through the printer. If the rollers are worn out, paper jams can happen.
- Ink: The quality of the ink itself matters. Some inks are more vibrant and last longer than others. Cheaper inks might fade faster or look dull.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make your prints look great or not so great.
- Ink Quality: As we mentioned, good ink is key. High-quality ink creates bold colors and sharp lines.
- Paper Type: The paper you use makes a difference. Regular copy paper is fine for most things. If you want photos to look amazing, use photo paper.
- Driver Software: The software that comes with the printer (called drivers) helps your computer talk to the printer. Updated drivers can improve printing quality and fix problems.
- Maintenance: Keeping your printer clean helps it work well. Dust and paper bits can cause issues. Running the printer’s cleaning cycles can also help.
- Ink Levels: When ink levels get low, print quality can drop. Colors might look faded or stripes might appear on the page.
User Experience and Use Cases
Printers under $50 are usually best for simple tasks.
- For Students: They’re great for printing homework, essays, and study guides. You can print documents quickly and easily.
- For Home Offices: If you just need to print the occasional bill, recipe, or important document, these printers work well. They don’t take up much space.
- For Basic Photo Printing: Some inkjet printers can print color photos. They won’t be professional quality, but they’re good for casual snapshots.
- Limitations: These printers are usually not designed for heavy use. Printing hundreds of pages a day might be too much. They also might not have advanced features like scanning or copying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in a printer under $50?
A: The main Key Features to look for are print speed, print resolution, connectivity options (like USB or Wi-Fi), and the cost of ink cartridges. Also, consider if you need color or just black and white prints.
Q: Can I print photos with a printer under $50?
A: Yes, some inkjet printers in this price range can print color photos. However, the quality might not be as good as with more expensive photo printers.
Q: How do I know if the ink will be expensive?
A: Look up the model number of the ink cartridges the printer uses before you buy. Search online for their prices. Sometimes, printers that come with more ink to start with are a better deal.
Q: Will these printers be slow?
A: Print speed can vary. Some might be slower than others. If you print a lot, check the printer’s specifications for its print speed (pages per minute).
Q: What if the printer jams?
A: Paper jams happen. Usually, you can gently pull the paper out. Check your printer’s manual for specific instructions.
Q: Do I need special software to use these printers?
A: Yes, you will need to install driver software. This usually comes on a CD or can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website.
Q: Are printers under $50 good for printing lots of pages?
A: No, they are generally best for light to moderate use. If you print hundreds of pages regularly, you might need a more robust printer.
Q: What is “print resolution” and why does it matter?
A: Print resolution is how clear and detailed your prints are. It’s measured in dots per inch (DPI). Higher DPI means sharper text and images.
Q: Can I connect these printers to my phone or tablet?
A: Some might offer Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows you to print wirelessly from your phone or tablet. Check the product description for this feature.
Q: What happens when the ink runs out?
A: You will need to buy and replace the ink cartridges. Make sure you can find affordable replacement cartridges for the model you choose.
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.