Does your printer seem to cost more in ink than the paper it prints on? You’re not alone! Many people want to print important documents, fun crafts, or school projects without spending a fortune. But when you look for a “cheap computer printer,” the choices can be overwhelming. You see so many brands and models, and it’s hard to know which one is actually a good deal and won’t break down after a few months.
Choosing the right budget printer can feel like a puzzle. You worry about the cost of ink cartridges, how fast it prints, and if it can handle the types of things you need to print. Nobody wants to buy a printer only to find out it costs too much to run or doesn’t do what they need it to. It’s a common headache!
But don’t worry! This blog post is here to help. We’ll break down what makes a printer a great value. You’ll learn about the different types of printers that are easy on your wallet and what features really matter. By the end, you’ll feel confident picking a printer that fits your needs and your budget. Let’s find you a printer that’s both affordable and awesome!
Our Top 5 Cheap Computer Printer Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Cheap Computer Printer Detailed Reviews
1. HP DeskJet 2827e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
Rating: 8.5/10
The HP DeskJet 2827e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Scanner, Copier is designed to make printing and managing your home documents simple and smart. It’s great for printing lists, letters, and even recipes. Plus, it comes with a 3-month trial of HP’s Instant Ink service, so you won’t run out of ink unexpectedly.
What We Like:
- HP AI makes sure web pages and emails print perfectly, without wasted paper or weird layouts.
- It’s an all-in-one device: you can print in color, copy, and scan.
- Reliable Wi-Fi automatically fixes connection problems.
- The HP app lets you print, scan, and copy from your phone or tablet easily.
- A 3-month Instant Ink trial is included, and ink is delivered to your door.
- Its compact size fits well in any home.
- The simple LCD screen makes basic printing easy to control.
- It’s made with recycled plastic and is energy efficient.
What Could Be Improved:
- Print speeds are slower for color documents (5.5 ppm) compared to black and white (7.5 ppm).
- The printer only works with HP cartridges that have HP chips or circuitry.
- After the 3-month Instant Ink trial, there’s a monthly fee unless you cancel.
This printer is a smart choice for home users who want easy, reliable printing with helpful features like AI formatting and convenient ink delivery. It’s a great option for everyday tasks.
2. Canon PIXMA TS3720 Wireless All-in-One Printer for Basic Home Printing
Rating: 9.1/10
The Canon PIXMA TS3720 Wireless All-in-One Printer in white is a simple and effective printer for all your basic home printing needs. It can print, copy, and scan, making it a handy tool for school projects, documents, or even fun photo prints.
What We Like:
- It’s an all-in-one printer, so you can print, copy, and scan right from one device.
- Setting it up is super easy and quick.
- Replacing the ink cartridges is simple and mess-free with just two cartridges.
- You can print from your phone or tablet using the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, or Mopria.
- It connects easily to your Wi-Fi, even without a computer.
- It can print on different kinds of paper, including photos and even square prints.
- It comes with a 1-year warranty for your peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- This printer only prints on one side of the paper at a time.
- The printing speed is a bit slow, especially for color pages.
- The LCD screen is small, which might make it a little harder to navigate menus.
This Canon PIXMA TS3720 is a good option for anyone needing an easy-to-use printer for everyday tasks. It offers convenience and versatility for basic home printing needs.
3. HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
Rating: 8.7/10
Meet the HP DeskJet 2855e, your new best friend for all your home printing needs. This all-in-one printer, scanner, and copier handles everything from to-do lists and letters to recipes and important financial papers. It’s designed to make printing simple and efficient for any busy household.
What We Like:
- HP AI ensures your web pages and emails print perfectly, saving you paper and frustration.
- It offers color printing, copying, and scanning all in one compact device.
- The 60-sheet input tray is convenient for moderate printing jobs.
- Reliable single-band Wi-Fi connectivity automatically fixes connection problems.
- The HP app makes printing, scanning, and copying from your smartphone or tablet super easy.
- It includes 3 months of HP Instant Ink, a great value to get you started.
What Could Be Improved:
- Print speeds are moderate, at 5.5 ppm for color and 7.5 ppm for black, which might be slow for high-volume users.
- Single-band Wi-Fi is less robust than dual-band options.
The HP DeskJet 2855e is a solid choice for families who need a dependable printer for everyday tasks. Its smart features and easy app control make it a user-friendly addition to any home office or study area.
4. HP DeskJet 4227e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
Rating: 9.5/10
The HP DeskJet 4227e is a smart, all-in-one printer designed for your home. It can print, scan, and copy, making it great for schoolwork, recipes, or important papers. Its wireless feature means you can print from anywhere in your house using your phone or computer. Plus, it comes with a handy 3-month free trial of HP’s Instant Ink service!
What We Like:
- It prints in color and black and white.
- The HP AI feature helps your prints look just right, without extra blank space.
- You can print, scan, and copy easily.
- It has an auto document feeder for scanning multiple pages.
- The Wi-Fi is super reliable and fixes itself if there’s a problem.
- The HP app lets you control the printer from your phone or tablet.
- You get 3 months of free ink delivered to your door with HP+ activation.
- It’s a compact size that fits anywhere.
- The simple screen makes it easy to use.
- It’s made with recycled plastic and saves energy.
What Could Be Improved:
- Print speeds are a bit slower for color pages.
- It only works with HP ink cartridges.
- There might be a monthly fee for Instant Ink after the free trial.
This printer is a great addition to any home office or busy household. It offers many useful features for everyday printing needs.
5. Canon PIXMA TS4320 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer for Duplex Printing
Rating: 9.1/10
The Canon PIXMA TS4320 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer in white is a super smart choice for your home or when you’re working from home. It’s a cost-efficient printer that does more than just print. It can also copy and scan, all in a neat, compact design. Setting it up is a breeze, and it even comes with a 1-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What We Like:
- It’s budget-friendly and great for families or people working from home.
- Prints look really good, with sharp text and bright colors, thanks to its special ink system.
- Setting it up on your phone or computer is super easy and fast.
- The wireless connection is strong, working on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi, so you can print from anywhere in your house.
- Scanning and copying are simple with the built-in scanner.
- It automatically prints on both sides of the paper, saving you time and paper.
- You can print lots of different things, like documents and photos, up to 8.5″ x 11″, with or without borders.
- It’s small and looks nice, fitting easily into any room.
- You can print right from your phone or tablet using apps like the Canon PRINT App, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria.
- It’s good for the environment, with EPEAT Silver and ENERGY STAR certifications.
What Could Be Improved:
- The ink cartridges are separate, which can sometimes be more expensive to replace than a combined cartridge.
- It doesn’t have an automatic document feeder for scanning or copying multiple pages at once.
This Canon PIXMA TS4320 is a fantastic, versatile printer for everyday tasks. It offers great value and features that make printing, scanning, and copying simple and efficient.
Your Guide to Finding a Cheap Computer Printer
Finding a good printer that doesn’t cost a lot can be tricky. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs. We’ll look at important things to consider so you can make a smart choice.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a budget printer, some features are more important than others.
Inkjet vs. Laser: What’s the Difference?
- Inkjet Printers: These use liquid ink. They are usually cheaper to buy upfront. They print good pictures and are great for occasional printing.
- Laser Printers: These use toner, which is a powder. They are often more expensive to buy but cheaper to run if you print a lot. They print text very quickly and clearly.
Connectivity: How it Connects to Your Computer
- USB: This is the most basic way to connect. You plug a cable from the printer to your computer. It’s simple and reliable.
- Wi-Fi: This lets you print wirelessly. You can print from your computer, phone, or tablet without cables. This is very convenient.
- All-in-One Features: Many cheap printers can also scan and copy. This saves you money because you don’t need separate machines.
Print Speed and Quality
- Print Speed: This is measured in pages per minute (ppm). Faster printers get your work done quicker.
- Print Quality: Look at the resolution, measured in dots per inch (dpi). Higher dpi means sharper text and clearer images.
2. Important Materials and Technology
The materials and technology inside a printer affect how it works and how long it lasts.
- Printheads (Inkjet): These spray the ink onto the paper. Good printheads make for sharper prints.
- Toner Cartridges (Laser): These hold the toner powder. Some cartridges are high-yield, meaning they print more pages before needing a refill.
- Paper Handling: Check how much paper the printer can hold. A bigger paper tray means you don’t have to refill it as often.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a printer work better, while others can make it less good.
What Makes a Printer Great:
- Easy Setup: A printer that is simple to set up saves you frustration.
- Low Running Costs: This means the ink or toner cartridges don’t cost too much.
- Good Software: The printer’s software should be easy to use for printing, scanning, and copying.
What Can Make a Printer Less Good:
- Expensive Ink/Toner: If replacement cartridges cost a lot, your “cheap” printer can become expensive over time.
- Slow Printing: If it takes a long time to print even a few pages, it can be annoying.
- Poor Print Quality: Blurry text or faded colors are not good.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use the printer most often.
For Home and School Use:
- Occasional Printing: If you only print a few pages a week for homework or recipes, a basic inkjet printer is usually a good choice.
- Photos: If you want to print photos, an inkjet printer with good color quality is best.
- Scanning and Copying: If you need to scan documents or make copies, look for an all-in-one printer.
For Light Office Use:
- Lots of Text: If you print many documents with text, a cheap laser printer might be better. They are faster and toner often lasts longer than ink.
- Convenience: Wi-Fi printing is very helpful if multiple people need to print from different devices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the cheapest type of printer to buy?
A: Inkjet printers are generally the cheapest to buy upfront. However, their ink cartridges can be more expensive in the long run.
Q: How can I make my printer ink last longer?
A: Print in draft mode for everyday documents. Avoid printing large, solid color blocks unless necessary. Also, keep your printer software updated.
Q: Is a Wi-Fi printer worth it for a cheap printer?
A: Yes, Wi-Fi printing adds a lot of convenience. It lets you print from anywhere in your home without cables.
Q: What does “all-in-one” mean for a printer?
A: An all-in-one printer can print, scan, and copy. It’s like having three machines in one.
Q: How do I know if a printer is good for photos?
A: Look for printers that mention photo printing or have higher dpi (dots per inch) ratings. Inkjet printers are usually better for photos.
Q: What is the difference between ink and toner?
A: Ink is a liquid used in inkjet printers. Toner is a powder used in laser printers. Toner is generally better for sharp text and faster printing.
Q: Will a cheap printer cost more to run?
A: Sometimes. The initial price might be low, but the cost of replacement ink or toner cartridges can add up quickly. Always check the cost of these supplies.
Q: Can I use third-party ink cartridges with my printer?
A: Some printers allow this, but it can sometimes void your warranty. It’s usually safer to use the manufacturer’s recommended cartridges.
Q: How important is print speed for a cheap printer?
A: It depends on your needs. If you print often, a faster printer is better. For occasional printing, speed is less important.
Q: What should I do if my cheap printer is not printing well?
A: First, check if the ink or toner levels are low. Then, try running the printer’s cleaning cycle through the software. Make sure you are using the correct paper type.
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.