But let's face it, nobody wants to break the bank by buying one. That's why we’re here to guide you through some of the best budget-friendly printers of 2024. We've got something for everyone, from the best all-in-one printers that can do it all to the most cost-effective monochrome lasers for your black-and-white needs and even the top eco-friendly printers for the environmentally conscious.
So, let's dive in and find the perfect printer for your needs and budget!
Best All-In-One Printers
Brother MFC-665CW
What's the scoop?
Type: It's an all-in-one inkjet printer, ready to tackle printing, copying, scanning, and faxing like a pro!
Connectivity: Go wireless, plug in with USB, or connect through Ethernet—your choice.
Cool Features: A handy 2.5" color LCD screen, an automatic document feeder to handle lots of pages, a slot for memory cards, and it even prints on both sides of the paper (we love saving trees!).
Why You'll Love It
Space-Saving Design: Perfect for snug spots in home offices or small work areas.
Wire-Free Printing: Print from anywhere in your home or office. No cords needed!
Multi-Page Magic: The automatic document feeder makes scanning and copying multiple pages super easy.
Double-Sided Wizard: Duplex printing means less paper is used, saving you money and helping the environment.
Photo-Friendly: Got a memory card full of photos? Print them directly from your camera's card.
Printing Specs
Speedy Printing: Up to 33 pages per minute in black and 27 in color.
Crisp Images: The print resolution goes up to 6000 x 1200 dpi for sharp pictures.
Photo Prints: Get great-quality borderless photos up to 4" x 6".
Things to Think About
Ink Costs: The printer is wallet-friendly, but keep an eye on ink costs. Tip: Try high-yield cartridges or compatible inks to cut down on expenses.
Scan Quality: It scans at 1200 x 2400 dpi, great for most needs, but if you're into super high-res scanning, this might be a basic option.
Overall, Why It's Great
The Brother MFC-665CW is a fantastic, budget-friendly choice for those who need an all-rounder for their home office or small business. It balances features, performance, and price really well, making it a reliable buddy for your everyday printing tasks.
Canon PIXMA TR4522
What’s This Printer All About?
Type: It's a versatile all-in-one inkjet printer.
What it Does: Prints, copies, and scans – a real triple threat!
How to Connect: Choose from wireless or USB - whatever works for you.
Cool Features: A bright 1.44" OLED display, automatic document feeder for bunches of pages, prints on both sides, and even lets you print from your phone.
Why It’s a Great Pick
Compact and Wallet-Friendly: Perfect for smaller spaces and budgets.
Cord-Free Printing: Say goodbye to cable clutter and hello to wireless printing.
Multi-Page Champion: The automatic document feeder is a real time-saver when you’ve got lots to scan or copy.
Eco-Smart Printing: Duplex printing cuts down on paper use, saving trees and cash.
Print from Your Phone: Easily print from your smartphone or tablet with the Canon PRINT app.
Performance Details
Quick Prints: Up to 8.8 pages per minute in black, 5 in color.
Sharp Images: Up to 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution for clear, crisp prints.
Photo Pros: Awesome borderless photo printing up to 8.5" x 11".
What to Keep in Mind
Ink Costs: The printer is budget-friendly, but watch out for ink costs. High-yield cartridges or third-party inks can help save money.
No Fax: Just a heads up – this model doesn’t do faxing.
Read: Benefits And Cost Savings of Canon's High-Yield Ink Cartridges
Bottom Line
The Canon PIXMA TR4522 is a fantastic choice for home users looking for a simple, affordable, and compact printer. It’s great for everyday printing, from documents to beautiful photos, and even the odd copy job. It’s all about making printing easy and fun without needing to spend a fortune.
Epson Expression XP-5100
Overview:
Type: It’s an all-in-one inkjet printer.
Functions: Ready to print, copy, and scan.
Connectivity: Choose from Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet, or USB.
Cool Bits: A colorful 2.4" LCD screen, an automatic document feeder for easy scanning, a memory card slot, double-sided printing, and refillable ink tanks.
Why You'll Be Wowed
Top-Notch Printing: Get crisp text and bright photos, thanks to PrecisionCore® print head technology.
Save Your Pennies: Those refillable ink tanks mean you’ll spend way less on ink over time.
No-Mess Refills: Refilling ink is a breeze and totally mess-free.
Wireless Wonder: Print from anywhere in your home or office. No cables needed!
Automatic Genius: Scanning or copying several pages? The automatic document feeder has your back.
Eco-Friendly Printing: Duplex printing helps cut down on paper use.
Easy to Use: The 2.4" LCD screen makes it simple to control all your printing tasks.
Performance Highlights
Speedy: Up to 14 pages per minute in black, 7.5 in color.
Crystal Clear: Print resolution up to 5760 x 1440 dpi for sharp images.
Photo Magic: Prints beautiful borderless photos up to 13" x 19".
Things to Consider
Initial Investment: It might cost a bit more upfront compared to some other printers, but the savings with refillable ink tanks are worth it in the long run.
Refill Rhythm: Depending on how much you print, you might find yourself refilling those tanks more often than you would change cartridges.
Read: How to Refill Ink Cartridge
In a Nutshell
The Epson Expression XP-5100 is a smart choice for those who want great quality and are thinking about long-term savings. It's perfect for both everyday use and those special photo moments, making it a great addition to any home or small office.
Best Monochrome Laser Printers
Brother HL-L2350DW
Quick Look:
Type: Monochrome Laser Printer. Simple and to the point.
Functions: Just printing, but it does it well.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi and USB - you choose.
Cool Features: Compact and doesn't take up much space, prints on both sides of the paper; super quick; and you can print from your phone.
Why It's a Great Choice
Just Right for Light Printing: Perfect for small home offices, students, or if you just print occasionally.
Speedy and Clear: Cranks out crisp text and documents at a nifty 30 pages per minute.
Smart Printing: Automatically prints on both sides, saving paper and toner.
Wireless Freedom: Print from anywhere in your space without getting tangled in cables.
Phone Friendly: Use the Brother Mobile Connect app to print straight from your smartphone.
Whisper-Quiet: It won't disturb your peace, ideal for shared spaces.
Tough and Trustworthy: Built to last, so it's a long-term pal.
Performance Specs
Fast and Furious: Up to 30 pages a minute, all in black and white.
Sharp Quality: 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution for clear prints.
Ready for Paper: Comes with a 250-sheet paper tray.
Things to Keep in Mind
Black and White Only: If you need color, this isn't your guy.
Toner vs. Ink: Toner cartridges might cost more upfront but last longer.
Read: Ink Cartridge vs Toner: Which Is Better?
Simple and Focused: It's all about printing efficiently, without extra features like scanning or copying.
Why It's Worth It
The Brother HL-L2350DW is perfect for anyone who needs a no-fuss, efficient black and white printer. Its compact size and fast printing are ideal for home offices or students. Plus, with Wi-Fi connectivity, you can print from almost anywhere in your home.
Pro Tip: Check out Brother's high-yield toner cartridges for even more savings in the long run!
HP LaserJet MFP M234sdwe
Let’s Break It Down:
Type: A multifunction laser printer that does it all - print, copy, scan, and fax.
Connectivity: Easy connection via Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or USB.
Neat Features: Automatic document feeder, prints on both sides, supports mobile printing, and works with HP+ for easy ink management.
Why You'll Love It
Perfect for Small Offices: This printer is a real powerhouse, ideal for keeping up with the demands of a busy team.
Super Speedy: Get things done in a flash with the fastest two-sided printing in its class (up to 30 pages per minute!).
Master of Multitasking: The 40-page automatic document feeder makes scanning, copying, and faxing a breeze.
Print from Anywhere: Whether you’re on your computer, phone, or tablet, wireless printing has got you covered.
HP+ Smartness: No more running out of ink at the wrong time, thanks to HP+'s automatic ink delivery.
Sleek and Compact: It won’t cramp your office style or take up too much space.
Performance Specs
Quick as a Flash: Prints up to 30 pages per minute.
Clear and Sharp: With a resolution of up to 1200 x 1200 dpi, your documents will look great.
Ready for Paper: A 250-sheet paper tray, expandable to 550 sheets for those big jobs.
Things to Think About
Initial Investment: It's a bit pricier upfront compared to some inkjet printers.
Color Printing: It's mainly for black and white, but can handle basic color jobs.
HP+ Subscription: Some of its coolest features come with signing up for HP+.
Read: How to Buy Discounted Printer Ink
In Short
The HP LaserJet MFP M234sdwe is a fantastic choice for small offices or workgroups. It’s fast, versatile, and makes document handling a piece of cake. Plus, its wireless capabilities and HP+ integration make it a modern solution for today's workplace needs.
Best Eco Friendly Printers
Epson EcoTank ET-2710
Overview:
Type: An all-in-one inkjet printer that does more than just print.
Connectivity: Choose from Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, or USB - super flexible!
Cool Features: Refillable ink tanks, automatic document feeder, and the ability to print beautiful borderless photos.
Why It's a Game Changer
Save Big on Ink: Those refillable ink tanks mean super low printing costs. Imagine printing up to 3,600 pages in black and 6,500 in color with just one set of ink!
Mess-Free Refills: Refilling ink is easy and clean, thanks to their clever design.
Print from Anywhere: With Wi-Fi and the Epson Print app, you can print from wherever you are in the house.
Time-Saver: The automatic document feeder makes scanning and copying a breeze.
Photo Ready: Print stunning borderless photos up to 4" x 6" – perfect for your albums!
Performance Details
Print Speed: Up to 10.5 pages per minute in black, 5 in color.
High Quality: Offers a print resolution of up to 5760 x 1440 dpi.
Mobile Friendly: Works with AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and the Epson Print apps.
Things to Consider
Initial Cost: It's a bit more upfront compared to basic inkjets, but the savings on ink are worth it.
Read: Guide to Epson Ink Cartridges
A Bit Slower: It’s not as fast as some laser printers, but it's perfect for everyday printing.
In a Nutshell
The Epson EcoTank ET-2710 is perfect for anyone who wants to save on printing costs without sacrificing quality. With its user-friendly features and eco-conscious design, it's a great fit for home users or small businesses looking for a reliable, cost-effective printing solution.
Canon PIXMA G3120
Quick Overview:
Type: All-in-one inkjet printer – print, copy, scan.
Connectivity: Easy Wi-Fi and USB connections.
Key Features: Refillable ink tanks, automatic document feeder, double-sided printing, and easy mobile printing.
Why It's a Great Deal
Save on Ink: Refillable tanks mean way lower costs. You can print up to 6,000 black and 7,700 color pages per ink set!
Mess-Free Refills: Filling up ink is a breeze and totally clean.
Wireless Printing: Print from anywhere using Wi-Fi or the Canon PRINT app on your phone.
Eco-Friendly: Duplex printing saves paper.
Time-Saving: The automatic document feeder makes scanning and copying quick and easy.
Compact Style: Fits neatly in any space with its sleek design.
Performance Specs
Speed: Up to 9.1 pages per minute in black, 5 in color.
Quality: Prints at up to 4800 x 1200 dpi.
Mobile Ready: Works with AirPrint, Mopria, and Canon PRINT apps.
Considerations
Initial Price: A bit higher at the start, but the ink savings are worth it.
Print Pace: Not the fastest, especially when compared to laser printers.
No Fax: If faxing is essential for you, you might want to look elsewhere.
In Summary
The Canon PIXMA G3120 is an affordable, user-friendly choice for home users. It’s perfect for regular printing tasks, offering low-cost refillable inks, convenient wireless features, and a compact design. If you're keen on saving on ink and need a reliable printer for everyday use, this is a great pick!
TL:DR - Quick Price Comparison Chart
| Best All-In-One Printers | Price |
|---|---|
| Brother MFC-665CW | $170 |
| Canon PIXMA TR4522 | $99.99 |
| Epson Expression XP-5100 | $105 |
| Best Monochrome Laser Printers | Price |
| Brother HL-L2350DW | $150 |
| HP LaserJet MFP M234sdwe | $229 |
| Best Eco-Friendly Printers | Price |
| Epson EcoTank ET-2710 | $316 |
| Canon PIXMA G3120 | $195 |
Wrapping It Up
That wraps up our roundup of the best budget-friendly printers of 2024. Whether you're printing reports, family photos, or class assignments, there's a printer out there that meets your needs without emptying your wallet. Remember, the key is to find the balance between cost, functionality, and your specific printing requirements.
If you're also on the lookout for reliable ink supplies, don't forget to check out inkjets.com for some great deals. They've got a wide range of options that cater to various printer models.
Got a favorite printer or a question about choosing the right one? Feel free to share in the comments. We love hearing from you and are here to help with any of your printing needs!