Top 5 Printers Under $100: Best Budget Picks Reviewed

Do you need to print something, but your old printer is giving you trouble? Or maybe you’re just starting out and need a reliable printer without spending a lot of money. It can be really tricky to find a good printer that costs less than $100. There are so many brands and models out there, and it’s hard to know which one is the best for you. You might worry about getting a printer that’s slow, has bad print quality, or runs out of ink too quickly.

Picking the right printer for under $100 can feel like a puzzle. You want something that works well for school papers, important documents, or even fun crafts, but you don’t want to break the bank. We know how frustrating it can be to sift through all the choices and wonder if you’re making the right pick. That’s why we’ve put together this guide.

By reading on, you’ll discover the top printers that are easy on your wallet and still get the job done. We’ll help you understand what to look for so you can choose a printer that’s perfect for your needs. Get ready to say goodbye to printing headaches and hello to your new, affordable printing companion!

Our Top 5 Printer For Under 100 Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Printer For Under 100 Detailed Reviews

1. HP Smart Tank 5103 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer

HP Smart Tank 5103 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer, Scanner,2 Years of Ink, 100 Sheets of Photo Paper Included, Cartridge-Free, Refillable, AI-Enabled (5D1B2A)

Rating: 9.0/10

The HP Smart Tank 5103 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer is a game-changer for home and small office printing. It offers cartridge-free printing, meaning you get tons of ink to start, and refilling is super easy and clean. Plus, it comes with photo paper to get you printing great pictures right away!

What We Like:

  • Cartridge-free printing means you can print a lot without stopping.
  • The included ink lasts for about two years, which is awesome!
  • Refilling the ink tanks is mess-free and simple.
  • Prints look great, with sharp text and bright, true-to-life photos.
  • HP’s AI feature helps format web pages and emails so you don’t waste paper.
  • The HP app lets you print, scan, copy, and even fax from your phone.
  • Self-healing Wi-Fi keeps your connection stable.
  • Comes with 100 sheets of glossy, quick-dry photo paper.
  • HP Wolf Essential Security helps protect your data.

What Could Be Improved:

  • While setup is easy, initial setup might take a little time.
  • The AI formatting is helpful but might not be perfect for every single document.

This printer is a fantastic choice for anyone who prints a lot and wants to save money and hassle. It makes printing photos and documents easy and impressive.

2. HP DeskJet 4155e Wireless Color Inkjet Printer

HP DeskJet 4155e Wireless Color Inkjet Printer, Print, scan, copy, Easy setup, Mobile printing, Best-for home, 3 month Instant Ink trial included, white

Rating: 8.5/10

The HP DeskJet 4155e Wireless Color Inkjet Printer is a great choice for your home printing needs. It’s super easy to set up and use. You can print, scan, and copy in color. Plus, it connects wirelessly so you can print from your phone!

What We Like:

  • It’s from America’s most trusted printer brand.
  • It’s perfect for printing everyday things like recipes and forms.
  • You get a 3-month HP Instant Ink trial, so you won’t run out of ink right away.
  • The HP Smart App makes printing, scanning, and copying from your phone a breeze.
  • It has a handy auto document feeder for scanning multiple pages.
  • Dual-band Wi-Fi helps fix connection problems automatically.
  • You can print in color or black and white.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Print speeds are a bit slower than some other printers.
  • HP+ features require an HP account, internet, and HP ink for the printer’s life.
  • It only works with HP ink cartridges.

This HP DeskJet is a solid, user-friendly printer for any home. It offers convenient features that make everyday printing tasks simple.

3. Liene M100 4×6” Photo Printer

Rating: 9.3/10

Bring your favorite memories to life with the Liene M100 4×6” Photo Printer. This portable printer lets you print beautiful, full-color photos directly from your smartphone or computer. It uses thermal dye sublimation technology to create vibrant, long-lasting prints that resist water, scratches, and fingerprints. The Liene M100 is designed for ease of use, making it perfect for capturing and sharing special moments with family and friends.

What We Like:

  • Prints vibrant, high-quality 4×6 photos with thermal dye sublimation.
  • Easy to connect and print from iPhones, Androids, and PCs via Wi-Fi hotspot.
  • Comes with 100 sheets of photo paper and 3 color cartridges, so you can start printing right away.
  • The Liene App allows for fun customization like filters, borders, and brightness adjustments.
  • Prints ID and Visa photos from home, which is super convenient.
  • Supports up to 5 simultaneous connections, perfect for sharing with others.
  • Compact, minimalist, and magnetic design makes it easy to store.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Users should be reminded to clean the print head if smudges appear on photos.
  • Make sure the ink cartridge is clicked securely into place before printing.

The Liene M100 is a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to print photos easily and with great quality. It’s a simple way to keep your cherished memories tangible and share them with loved ones.

4. Portable Printers Wireless for Travel

Portable Printers Wireless for Travel, Thermal Inkless Printer Support 8.5" X 11" US Letter & A4 Size, Bluetooth Mobile Printer Compatible with iOS, Android & Laptop for Home Office Car (Black)

Rating: 8.6/10

Traveling or working remotely just got easier with the Portable Printers Wireless for Travel. This thermal printer is your new best friend for printing documents anywhere, anytime. It’s small, light, and connects easily to your phone or laptop.

What We Like:

  • Super light and compact, it fits easily in your backpack. You can print documents like a pro, even when you’re on the go.
  • Connecting is a breeze with Bluetooth. Print from your iPhone, Android, or iPad in just seconds.
  • No more messy ink! This printer uses thermal paper, saving you money and hassle. It prints clear documents with a sharp 300DPI.
  • The battery lasts a long time, letting you print up to 150 pages without needing a recharge.
  • It handles different paper sizes, including US Letter and A4, so you’re ready for any printing job.
  • Dedicated customer support is available to help you with any questions.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Bluetooth only works with phones and tablets, not laptops or desktops. You’ll need a USB-C cable for those.
  • You need to download a special app and drivers to get it working with your devices.
  • It only works with special thermal printing paper.

This portable printer is a fantastic tool for anyone who needs to print on the move. It offers convenience and quality without the fuss of traditional printers.

5. HP Laserjet MFP M234sdw Wireless Printer

HP Laserjet MFP M234sdw Wireless Printer, Print, scan, Copy, Fast speeds, Easy Setup, Mobile Printing, Best-for-Small Teams

Rating: 9.3/10

The HP LaserJet MFP M234sdw is a fantastic all-in-one printer built for busy small teams. It handles printing, scanning, and copying with impressive speed and ease. This machine is designed to help you get more done, especially if you need to print lots of black-and-white documents. It’s a great fit for offices with 1 to 5 people who need reliable performance.

What We Like:

  • It offers the FASTEST two-sided printing in its class, saving you time.
  • The dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset automatically fixes connection problems.
  • Strong security features protect your printer from online threats.
  • You can print from any device – phones, tablets, PCs, and Macs.
  • The HP Smart app simplifies tasks like scanning to the cloud and printing from your phone.
  • It’s Instant Ink eligible, which can save you money on ink.
  • Copying and scanning are easy with the automatic document feeder.

What Could Be Improved:

  • This model is primarily for black-and-white printing, so it’s not ideal for color needs.
  • While setup is easy, some users might prefer more advanced customization options not found here.

This printer is a smart investment for small teams needing efficient and high-quality black-and-white document management. It makes printing and scanning tasks simple and quick.

Your Wallet-Friendly Guide to Printers Under $100

Finding a great printer without breaking the bank is totally doable! This guide will help you pick the perfect one for your needs. We’ll look at what makes a good printer, what to watch out for, and how people use them.

1. Key Features to Look For

When you shop for a printer under $100, some features are super important.

  • Print Quality: You want your words and pictures to look clear and sharp. Look for printers that offer good resolution, usually measured in DPI (dots per inch). Higher DPI means sharper prints.
  • Speed: How fast does it print? If you print a lot, a faster printer saves you time. Check the PPM (pages per minute).
  • Connectivity: How do you connect to the printer? Most come with USB. Wi-Fi is a huge plus! It lets you print from your phone or tablet without cables.
  • Ink/Toner Costs: This is a big one! Printers themselves can be cheap, but ink can cost a lot over time. Some printers use cartridges, while others use tanks that you refill. Tank printers often save you money in the long run.
  • All-in-One Functionality: Many printers under $100 are “all-in-ones.” This means they can also scan and copy. This saves you space and money compared to buying separate machines.

2. Important Materials and Components

Printers are made of different parts. Knowing about them helps you understand quality.

  • Print Head: This is the part that puts ink on the paper. A good print head creates clear, consistent lines.
  • Ink Cartridges/Tanks: These hold the ink. The type of ink (dye-based or pigment-based) affects how your prints look and how long they last. Pigment-based ink is usually more fade-resistant.
  • Paper Tray: This holds the paper. Make sure it’s sturdy enough for the amount of paper you plan to use.
  • Control Panel: This is where you press buttons to control the printer. A simple, easy-to-understand panel is best.

3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Certain things can make your printer work better or worse.

  • Ink Quality: Using the brand-name ink recommended by the printer maker usually gives the best results. Off-brand ink can sometimes cause problems or lower print quality.
  • Paper Type: Different paper types work better for different jobs. Plain paper is fine for documents, but photo paper makes pictures look amazing.
  • Maintenance: Keeping your printer clean is important. Dust can clog print heads. Running cleaning cycles regularly helps.
  • Software Updates: Printer makers often release software updates. These can fix bugs and improve performance.

4. User Experience and Use Cases

How you plan to use the printer matters a lot.

  • Home Use: For printing homework, recipes, or occasional photos, a basic inkjet all-in-one is usually perfect. Wi-Fi is a big help here.
  • Students: Students often need to print essays and assignments. A reliable, easy-to-use printer is key. Low ink costs are a bonus.
  • Small Offices/Home Offices: If you print a lot of documents, consider a printer with higher PPM and possibly a toner-based printer (though these are rarer under $100). A scanner and copier are very useful.
  • Crafters: If you print designs for crafts, look for good color accuracy and the ability to print on different paper types.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in a printer under $100?

A: You should look for good print quality (high DPI), reasonable print speed (PPM), easy connectivity (USB or Wi-Fi), affordable ink costs, and if you need it, scanning and copying features (all-in-one).

Q: Can I get a printer with Wi-Fi for under $100?

A: Yes, many printers under $100 now come with Wi-Fi. This lets you print wirelessly from your computer, phone, or tablet.

Q: Are printers under $100 good for printing photos?

A: Some are, especially inkjet printers. For the best photo quality, look for printers that mention photo printing and consider using photo paper.

Q: How do I know if the ink will be expensive?

A: Research the cost of replacement ink cartridges or refill kits for the specific printer model you are considering. Printers with ink tanks often have lower long-term ink costs.

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 it better to buy a new printer or an older model that’s on sale?

A: Newer models often have better technology and features. However, if an older model has the features you need and is a great price, it can be a good deal.

Q: Will a printer under $100 last a long time?

A: With proper care and maintenance, many budget printers can last for several years, especially for light to moderate use.

Q: What is DPI and why is it important?

A: DPI stands for dots per inch. It measures how many tiny ink dots a printer can place on an inch of paper. A higher DPI means sharper, more detailed prints.

Q: Can I print from my smartphone with these printers?

A: Yes, many printers under $100 offer mobile printing capabilities, often through Wi-Fi and dedicated apps from the printer manufacturer.

Q: Should I buy an inkjet or a laser printer if my budget is under $100?

A: For under $100, you will almost always find inkjet printers. Laser printers are typically more expensive, especially at this price point.

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.

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