Do you need to print something, but your wallet feels a little light? Printing can be a hassle, especially when you see the prices of new printers. It feels like you’re stuck between paying too much for something you only need occasionally, or buying a super cheap printer that breaks after a few pages. It’s frustrating, right? You just want to print your school papers, your favorite photos, or maybe that important document without breaking the bank.
Choosing a cheap printer can be tricky. You worry about hidden costs, like expensive ink cartridges that cost more than the printer itself! You might also wonder if a cheap printer will even work well. Will the print quality be good enough? Will it last? These are all real questions that make picking the right one feel like a puzzle.
But don’t worry! We’re here to help. In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about finding a great cheap printer. We’ll look at what makes a printer a good deal, what to watch out for, and how to pick one that fits your needs without emptying your piggy bank. Get ready to discover how you can print what you need, when you need it, for less!
Our Top 5 Cheap Printer Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Cheap Printer Detailed Reviews
1. 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 your go-to gadget for handling all your printing, copying, and scanning needs right from your home. Its bright 4.4-inch OLED screen makes it super easy to see and use all the functions. Setting it up with your phone or computer is a breeze, and with built-in Wi-Fi, you can print from anywhere in the house. Plus, it works with Alexa, making it even more convenient!
What We Like:
- The clear 4.4-inch OLED screen makes navigating menus simple and enjoyable.
- Setting up the printer with your smartphone or computer is quick and hassle-free.
- Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to print wirelessly from any room in your home.
- You can easily print from your phone or tablet using the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria.
- Creative printing options are available through the Easy-Photo Print Editor App and Canon Creative Park App.
- It can print, copy, and scan, making it a versatile all-in-one device.
- Works with Alexa, adding voice control convenience.
What Could Be Improved:
- Ink cartridges can sometimes be a bit pricey.
- The printer might be a little larger than some compact models, so check your space.
The Canon PIXMA TS6420a is a user-friendly and versatile printer that simplifies your home printing tasks. It’s a solid choice for most households looking for an easy-to-use, connected printing solution.
2. Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer with Mobile and Tablet Printing
Rating: 8.9/10
The Canon Pixma MG3620 is a fantastic all-in-one printer that makes printing, copying, and scanning super easy, especially from your phone or tablet. Its black color looks sleek, and it’s small enough to fit almost anywhere. This printer is designed for busy households and students who need a reliable way to handle their printing needs without a lot of fuss.
What We Like:
- Wireless printing from your phone and tablet is a breeze.
- It’s a 3-in-1 device, so you can print, copy, and scan all with one machine.
- Automatic two-sided printing saves paper and is good for the environment.
- The compact design saves space on your desk.
- You can connect it to Alexa to get reminders when ink is low and even have it reorder ink automatically from Amazon. This means you’ll never run out of ink unexpectedly.
- It’s ENERGY STAR certified, which means it uses less energy.
What Could Be Improved:
- The print speed is decent but not the fastest available for very large print jobs.
- The 100-sheet paper capacity might be a bit small for very heavy printing needs.
For everyday printing, copying, and scanning, the Canon Pixma MG3620 is a smart and convenient choice. Its wireless capabilities and smart ink reordering make it a user-friendly and modern solution for your home or dorm.
3. Canon TS202 Inkjet Photo Printer
Rating: 8.9/10
The Canon TS202 Inkjet Photo Printer, Black (USB Required, not Included) is a compact printer designed for printing clear documents and vibrant photos. It uses a special ink system to make your prints look great. This printer is easy to set up and use for your home or small office needs.
What We Like:
- It has a fine hybrid ink system that creates detailed documents and sharp photos.
- Refilling paper is easy with its dedicated rear paper tray.
- Its compact size lets it fit almost anywhere.
- It comes with a full set of ink cartridges to get you started right away.
- It’s compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems.
What Could Be Improved:
- You will need to buy a USB cable separately as it’s not included.
- The paper capacity is good for everyday use but might require frequent refills for large print jobs.
This printer is a solid choice for anyone needing a simple and effective way to print at home. It offers good quality prints in a small package, making it convenient for everyday use.
4. HP DeskJet 4227e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the HP DeskJet 4227e, your new best friend for all your home printing needs. This all-in-one printer handles everything from to-do lists and letters to financial documents and recipes with ease. It’s designed to make your life simpler, whether you’re printing from your phone or your computer.
What We Like:
- Prints web pages and emails perfectly thanks to HP AI, so no more wasted paper on awkward layouts.
- It’s a color printer, scanner, and copier all in one convenient package.
- The auto document feeder makes scanning multiple pages super easy.
- Wireless printing is super reliable, and it fixes connection problems on its own.
- You can print, scan, and copy from your smartphone or tablet using the easy HP app.
- Comes with a 3-month trial of HP Instant Ink, so you get ink delivered to your door.
- The compact design fits nicely in any home.
- It’s made with recycled plastic and is good for the environment.
What Could Be Improved:
- Print speeds are a bit slow for color documents (up to 5.5 ppm).
- The printer only works with HP ink cartridges, which means you can’t use generic ones.
This HP DeskJet 4227e is a great choice for busy households. It simplifies printing and scanning with smart features and a user-friendly design.
5. Portable Printers Wireless for Travel
Rating: 9.2/10
The N80 Portable Wireless Printer is your perfect companion for printing on the go. This compact, inkless printer weighs just 1.5 pounds and fits easily into your backpack or briefcase. It’s ideal for anyone who needs to print documents, contracts, invoices, or boarding passes anywhere, anytime, whether you’re traveling for business, working on a construction site, or simply need a printer at home or in your car. It supports both US Letter and A4 sizes, making it versatile for various needs.
What We Like:
- Ultra-Portable Design: Weighing only 1.5 pounds and featuring a built-in 2600mAh battery, this printer is designed for ultimate portability, letting you print up to 160 sheets on a single charge.
- Ink-Free Technology: Save money and go green with direct thermal printing. No need for ink, toner, or ribbons, just thermal paper.
- Versatile Connectivity: Easily connects via Bluetooth to iOS and Android devices using the “Nada Print” app. Laptops and computers can connect via USB-C.
- Clear Printing Quality: Enjoy crisp and clear prints with 203DPI resolution, perfect for PDFs, Word documents, pictures, and even tattoo transfer paper.
- Multi-Purpose Use: Great for offices, homes, schools, travel, and even tattoo artists. It handles roll paper, folded paper, and tattoo transfer paper.
What Could Be Improved:
- Laptop Bluetooth Limitation: Laptops and computers can only connect via USB, not Bluetooth, and require driver installation.
- Proprietary Paper Required: Only works with special thermal paper; ordinary paper won’t print.
- Charger Not Included: You’ll need to provide your own charging adapter.
The N80 printer offers a convenient solution for all your mobile printing needs. Its ease of use and portability make it a valuable tool for various situations.
Finding Your Budget-Friendly Buddy: The Cheap Printer Buying Guide
Buying a printer doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. You can find a great printer that fits your budget. This guide will help you choose the best cheap printer for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you are looking for a cheap printer, some features are more important than others.
- Print Quality: Even cheap printers can print clearly. Look for printers that offer good resolution for sharp text and bright colors.
- Speed: How fast does the printer print? If you print a lot, a faster printer saves you time.
- Connectivity: How can you connect the printer? Most printers connect with a USB cable. Some also have Wi-Fi, which lets you print from your phone or computer without wires.
- Ink or Toner: This is a big one for cost. Some printers use ink cartridges, while others use toner. Ink cartridges can be more expensive to replace.
- All-in-One Capabilities: Do you need to scan or copy documents? Many cheap printers are all-in-one, meaning they can print, scan, and copy.
Important Materials and Technology
Printers are made of different parts. The technology inside affects how they work.
- Inkjet vs. Laser: Most cheap printers are inkjet. Inkjet printers spray tiny drops of ink onto the paper. They are good for color photos. Laser printers use toner powder. They are usually faster and better for text. Toner can be more expensive upfront but may last longer for text printing.
- Print Heads: These are the parts that put the ink on the paper. Good print heads help make clear images.
- Paper Tray Capacity: This tells you how many sheets of paper the printer can hold at once. A larger tray means you won’t have to refill it as often.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a printer work better, and others can make it worse.
- Ink/Toner Quality: Using the right ink or toner is important. Cheaper, off-brand ink might not print as well or could even damage your printer. Always try to use the brand recommended by the printer maker.
- Driver Software: The software that comes with the printer (called drivers) helps your computer talk to the printer. Make sure the drivers are up-to-date for the best performance.
- Paper Type: The kind of paper you use matters. Using plain paper for photos won’t give you the best results. Special photo paper makes pictures look much better.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use your printer. This helps you pick the right one.
- Home Use: For printing homework, recipes, or occasional photos, a simple inkjet printer is often perfect.
- Small Office Use: If you print a lot of documents, a laser printer might be better. It prints faster and toner can be cheaper per page for text.
- Students: Students need printers for school papers. An all-in-one printer is handy for scanning assignments.
- Ease of Setup: Some printers are very easy to set up. Others can be a bit tricky. Read reviews to see how easy people found it to get their printer working.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Printers
Q: What is the most important feature in a cheap printer?
A: The most important feature is good print quality for your needs. This means clear text and decent colors.
Q: Are cheap printers worth buying?
A: Yes, cheap printers can be very worth it if you don’t need advanced features. They are great for basic printing tasks.
Q: How do I save money on printer ink?
A: Look for printers that have cheaper ink cartridges. Some printers let you buy larger cartridges that last longer.
Q: What’s the difference between inkjet and laser printers for budget buyers?
A: Inkjet printers are usually cheaper to buy and better for color photos. Laser printers are better for fast text printing and toner can last longer for text.
Q: Can I print from my phone with a cheap printer?
A: Some cheap printers have Wi-Fi, which lets you print from your phone or tablet easily.
Q: What does “all-in-one” mean for a printer?
A: An all-in-one printer can print, scan, and copy documents. This saves you money compared to buying separate machines.
Q: How do I know if a printer’s print quality is good?
A: Read reviews from other buyers. They often mention how clear the text and colors are.
Q: Will a cheap printer be slow?
A: Some cheap printers can be slow, especially for color printing. If speed is important, check the printer’s page-per-minute (PPM) rating.
Q: What if I only need to print in black and white?
A: You can find very cheap black and white laser printers that are excellent for text documents.
Q: Is it okay to use third-party ink cartridges?
A: It can save you money, but sometimes third-party ink doesn’t print as well or can cause problems. Check your printer’s warranty and reviews.
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.