Do you dream of printing out your awesome school projects, vibrant photos, or even fun DIY crafts without emptying your wallet? It can feel like a huge challenge to find a printer that’s both good and cheap. So many printers out there have confusing names and features, and it’s easy to get lost trying to figure out which one is the best deal.
We all know that printers can sometimes cost a lot, and then the ink refills can cost even more! It’s frustrating when you just need to print a few pages and suddenly you’re spending a fortune. That’s why finding an inexpensive printer that still does a great job is super important. It means you can keep creating and sharing without worrying about the price tag.
This blog post is here to help! We’re going to break down what makes a printer a great value. You’ll learn how to spot the best budget-friendly printers that still deliver good quality. By the end, you’ll feel confident choosing a printer that fits your needs and your budget, so you can get back to all your printing adventures!
Our Top 5 Inexpensive Printer Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Inexpensive 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: 8.6/10
The Canon PIXMA TS6420a All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer is a handy gadget for your home or small office. It can print, copy, and scan all your documents. Plus, it connects wirelessly, so you can print from anywhere in your house. You can even use your voice with Alexa!
What We Like:
- The bright 4.4-inch OLED screen makes it easy to see and use the printer’s features.
- Setting it up with your phone or computer is a breeze.
- Built-in Wi-Fi lets you print from any room without messy wires.
- You can print directly from your phone or tablet using the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, or Mopria.
- Creative printing is fun with the Easy-Photo Print Editor App and Canon Creative Park App.
- It works with Alexa, so you can print with just your voice.
What Could Be Improved:
- The ink cartridges can be a bit pricey, which might add up over time.
- While setup is easy, sometimes connecting to Wi-Fi can be a little finicky.
This Canon printer makes printing, copying, and scanning super simple. Its wireless features and app compatibility offer great convenience for all your printing needs.
2. HP DeskJet 4227e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
Rating: 8.7/10
Meet the HP DeskJet 4227e, your new home printing buddy! This all-in-one machine handles printing, scanning, and copying with ease. It’s designed for everyday tasks like printing to-do lists, letters, and recipes. Plus, it comes with a 3-month free trial of HP Instant Ink.
What We Like:
- AI-powered printing makes web pages and emails look great, saving you paper.
- It’s super easy to print, scan, and copy from your phone or tablet using the HP app.
- Reliable Wi-Fi automatically fixes connection problems.
- The compact design fits perfectly in any home.
- It’s made with recycled plastic and is eco-friendly.
- Comes with a 3-month trial of HP Instant Ink, so you get ink delivered.
What Could Be Improved:
- Print speeds are a bit slower for color (5.5 ppm) and black (8.5 ppm) compared to some other printers.
- The printer only works with HP ink cartridges.
- After the 3-month Instant Ink trial, you’ll need to pay a monthly fee or cancel.
This HP DeskJet 4227e is a solid choice for home users who need a simple, reliable printer. Its smart features and eco-friendly design make it a convenient addition to any household.
3. Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer with Mobile and Tablet Printing
Rating: 8.8/10
Meet the Canon Pixma MG3620, a black wireless all-in-one printer that makes printing, copying, and scanning super easy. It’s built for your busy life and lets you print right from your phone or tablet.
What We Like:
- It’s a 3-in-1 printer, so you can print, copy, and scan all with one machine.
- You can easily print and scan photos and documents straight from your mobile devices.
- It prints at a speed of 9.9 pages per minute for black and white and 5.7 pages per minute for color.
- The printer holds 100 sheets of paper, so you don’t have to refill it often.
- It automatically prints on both sides of the paper, saving you time and paper.
- It’s ENERGY STAR certified, meaning it’s good for the environment and saves energy.
- The printer has a small, space-saving design, perfect for any desk.
- You can connect it to Alexa to get alerts when you’re low on ink. Alexa can even reorder ink for you from Amazon if you sign up for smart reorders, so you never run out.
What Could Be Improved:
- The print speed for color documents is a bit slower than some other printers.
- While the ink reordering is handy, you need to enroll in smart reorders for it to work.
This Canon Pixma MG3620 is a smart and convenient choice for your home or small office needs. Its wireless capabilities and mobile printing make it a breeze to stay productive.
4. Canon PIXMA TS4320 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer for Duplex Printing
Rating: 9.3/10
Meet the Canon PIXMA TS4320, a white wireless color inkjet printer that’s a smart choice for your home or hybrid workspace. This all-in-one machine handles printing, scanning, and copying with ease, all while keeping your budget in mind. Its compact design won’t take up much room, and setting it up is a breeze, so you can start printing, scanning, and copying right away. Plus, it comes with a 1-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What We Like:
- It’s super affordable and a great value for all the features it offers.
- Prints look amazing! Text is sharp, and colors are bright for both documents and photos.
- Getting it set up is simple, and using it to print, scan, and copy is straightforward.
- The dual-band Wi-Fi keeps your connection strong, letting you print from anywhere in your home.
- Automatic 2-sided printing saves you paper and time.
- It can print on lots of different paper sizes, with or without borders.
- Its small size and clean white look fit nicely in any room.
- Printing from your phone or tablet is easy with apps like Canon PRINT, AirPrint, and Mopria.
- It’s good for the planet, with EPEAT Silver and ENERGY STAR certifications.
What Could Be Improved:
- The ink cartridges are hybrid, meaning you might need to replace both even if only one runs out.
- It doesn’t have an automatic document feeder for scanning or copying multiple pages at once.
For a cost-effective and versatile printer that handles your everyday needs, the Canon PIXMA TS4320 is a solid contender. It delivers good quality prints and convenient features in a compact package.
5. Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer
Rating: 8.9/10
Meet the Canon PIXMA TR4720, a sleek black all-in-one wireless printer designed for your home. It handles printing, copying, scanning, and faxing with ease. This printer is built for convenience, making it a great addition to any busy household.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 printer: print, copy, scan, and fax.
- It has an Auto Document Feeder (ADF) for scanning and copying multiple pages quickly.
- You can print wirelessly from your phone or tablet.
- It prints on both sides of the paper automatically, saving you paper and time.
- It can print borderless photos and documents up to 8.5″ x 11″.
- The ink cartridges are easy to install and replace.
- It’s ENERGY STAR certified, meaning it uses less energy.
- Connect it to Alexa to get reminders when you’re low on ink. Alexa can even reorder ink for you from Amazon if you sign up for smart reorders.
- It comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The print speed is a bit slow at 8.8 / 4.4 ipm (images per minute).
The Canon PIXMA TR4720 offers a good balance of features for home use. Its automatic duplex printing and ADF make tasks much simpler.
The Smart Shopper’s Guide: Finding Your Inexpensive Printer
Looking for a printer that won’t break the bank? You’ve come to the right place! Buying a printer can feel tricky, but we’ll help you find a great option without spending too much. This guide will show you what to look for, what matters, and how to get the best quality for your money.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for an inexpensive printer, keep these important things in mind:
- Print Speed: How fast does it print pages? This is measured in pages per minute (ppm). Faster is usually better if you print a lot.
- Print Resolution: This tells you how sharp and clear your prints will be. Higher numbers mean better quality.
- Connectivity: How do you connect it to your computer or phone? Look for USB, Wi-Fi, or even mobile printing options.
- Ink/Toner Type: Most inexpensive printers use ink cartridges. Some might use toner, which is like ink powder and can be cheaper per page for black and white printing.
- All-in-One Capabilities: Do you need to scan and copy too? Many budget printers are “all-in-one” or “multifunction.”
Important Materials and What They Mean
While you won’t be building the printer yourself, understanding a bit about how it’s made helps.
- Plastic Casing: Most inexpensive printers use strong plastic. It keeps the printer light and affordable.
- Print Heads: These are tiny parts that spray ink onto the paper. They are important for good print quality.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Print Quality
What makes a print look good or not so good? Several things affect this:
- Ink Quality: Good ink makes colors bright and text sharp. Cheap ink might fade or look dull.
- Paper Type: Using the right paper makes a big difference. Plain printer paper is fine for everyday use, but photo paper is best for pictures.
- Printer Settings: Your printer has settings for draft, normal, and best quality. Choose the right one for what you’re printing.
- Driver Software: The software that tells your computer how to talk to the printer helps control print quality.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use your printer. This helps you pick the right features.
- Home Use: If you print homework, recipes, or occasional photos, a basic inkjet or all-in-one printer works well.
- Small Office/Home Office (SOHO): For printing documents, reports, or invoices, a fast black and white laser printer or a reliable all-in-one inkjet can be a good choice.
- Students: A printer that can handle text documents and occasional color prints is perfect. Wi-Fi is also handy for dorm rooms.
- Occasional Photo Printing: If you want to print a few photos, make sure the printer handles color well and consider ink costs.
An inexpensive printer can be a great tool. It saves you money and lets you print what you need, when you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Inexpensive Printers
Q: What is the most important feature to look for in an inexpensive printer?
A: The most important feature depends on what you’ll print. For lots of text, speed is key. For clear documents, resolution matters. For convenience, an all-in-one is great.
Q: Are inexpensive printers good for printing photos?
A: Some inexpensive printers can print decent photos, but they might not match the quality of more expensive photo printers. Look for printers with good color resolution if photos are important.
Q: How do I know if a printer is truly inexpensive?
A: Look at the initial price of the printer and also the cost of replacement ink or toner. Sometimes a slightly more expensive printer can save you money in the long run due to cheaper ink.
Q: What does “all-in-one” mean for a printer?
A: An “all-in-one” printer can print, scan, and copy documents. Some can even fax.
Q: Is Wi-Fi connectivity worth it on a budget printer?
A: Yes, Wi-Fi is very useful. It lets you print from multiple devices wirelessly, like your phone or tablet, without needing to plug anything in.
Q: How can I make my printer ink last longer?
A: Print in draft mode when you don’t need high quality. Print in black and white when possible. Also, turn off your printer properly so it doesn’t waste ink cleaning itself.
Q: What’s the difference between inkjet and laser printers?
A: Inkjet printers spray liquid ink. They are usually cheaper upfront and good for color printing. Laser printers use toner powder. They are faster for text and can be cheaper per page for black and white printing.
Q: Should I buy a new or used inexpensive printer?
A: Buying new usually means a warranty and no hidden problems. Used printers can be cheaper, but you risk them not working well or needing repairs soon.
Q: How do I check the print resolution?
A: Print resolution is usually shown as a number followed by “dpi” (dots per inch). For example, 600 x 600 dpi. Higher numbers mean sharper prints.
Q: What are the running costs of an inexpensive printer?
A: The main running cost is ink or toner. Also consider electricity and paper. Always check the price of ink cartridges before buying the printer.
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.