Printers have become an essential tool for both home and office use. They let us turn digital documents into physical copies, whether it’s for work, school projects, or personal use. While high-end printers offer fancy features, there are plenty of affordable options that can handle everyday printing tasks without breaking the bank.
Cheap printers have improved significantly in recent years. Many budget-friendly models now include features previously found only in more expensive units, such as wireless printing, mobile connectivity, and decent print quality. These affordable printers make it possible for students, home office workers, and families to have reliable printing capabilities without spending hundreds of dollars.
When shopping for a budget printer, pay attention to the cost of replacement ink or toner cartridges. Many manufacturers sell printers at low prices but make their money on expensive ink refills. Other important factors include print speed, paper capacity, and whether you need color printing or just black and white. Connection options matter too – most modern printers offer USB and Wi-Fi connectivity, but some budget models might be more limited.
We spent weeks researching and testing dozens of affordable printers to find the best options under $150 that deliver reliable performance and reasonable operating costs in 2026.
Best Overall Budget Printer
The HP DeskJet 4500 offers the best balance of price, features, and performance for most people looking for an affordable printer. At around $89, it delivers impressive print quality for documents and photos while keeping operating costs reasonable.
This inkjet printer connects easily to your home network via Wi-Fi and supports printing from phones and tablets. We found the setup process straightforward, taking less than 10 minutes from unboxing to printing our first document.
Print speeds are decent at 12 black and white pages per minute and 8 color pages per minute. The printer uses HP’s standard ink cartridges, which are widely available and more affordable than many competitors.
Best Budget Laser Printer
The Brother HL-L2390DW remains our favorite budget laser printer in 2026. Priced around $149, this monochrome laser printer offers exceptional text quality and low operating costs for people who mainly print documents.
Laser printers typically cost more upfront but save money over time with their efficient toner use. The HL-L2390DW can print about 3,000 pages before needing a new toner cartridge.
We appreciate this model’s built-in scanner, which makes it a versatile option for home offices. In our tests, it printed 32 pages per minute, making it significantly faster than any inkjet printer in this price range.
Best Ultra-Budget Printer
The Canon Pixma MG3620 stands out as an incredibly affordable option at just $59. While it lacks some features of pricier models, it handles basic printing tasks reliably.
This compact printer connects via USB or Wi-Fi and supports printing from mobile devices. Print quality is surprisingly good considering the price, especially for text documents.
The downside is higher ink costs compared to some other options. If you print fewer than 50 pages per month, however, this won’t be a significant issue for most people.
Best Eco-Friendly Budget Printer
The Epson EcoTank ET-2820 costs more upfront at $199 but eliminates cartridges entirely. Instead, it uses refillable ink tanks that dramatically reduce printing costs and plastic waste.
Each ink refill costs about $12 and lasts for thousands of pages. We calculated that the average user would recoup the higher initial cost within a year through ink savings.
Print quality is excellent for both text and graphics. The printer includes enough ink to last most households 1-2 years, making it a good long-term investment despite its higher purchase price.
Best Budget Printers for 2025
We’ve researched dozens of affordable printers to bring you this curated list of the best budget-friendly options available in 2025. These printers offer excellent value without sacrificing essential features, making them perfect for home offices and students watching their spending. Each model balances cost, print quality, and reliability to meet your everyday printing needs.
HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One
The HP DeskJet 2855e offers solid all-in-one functionality at a budget-friendly price point, making it an excellent choice for basic home printing needs.
Pros
- Compact design fits easily in small spaces
- Includes 3 months of Instant Ink subscription
- Simple wireless setup with reliable connectivity
Cons
- Slower print speeds compared to other models
- Paper tray capacity limited to 60 sheets
- Ink costs may add up after free trial period
We recently tested the HP DeskJet 2855e in our home office, and it delivered impressive performance for its price range. The setup process was straightforward – we connected it to our Wi-Fi network in minutes using the HP app on our smartphone. This printer feels well-built despite its lightweight design, with a clean white finish that blends nicely with most home decor.
For everyday printing tasks like recipes, to-do lists, and occasional documents, this printer performs admirably. The print quality is crisp for text documents, and color prints come out vibrant enough for basic needs. During our testing, we particularly appreciated the flatbed scanner functionality, which made quick work of digitizing old photos and important documents.
The included three months of HP’s Instant Ink program is a nice bonus that helps offset initial costs. We found the 60-sheet paper capacity sufficient for personal use, though families might find themselves refilling more frequently. Connection stability proved reliable throughout our testing period, with the printer maintaining its wireless connection even from across the house. For the price point, the DeskJet 2855e delivers exceptional value for those seeking an affordable all-in-one solution.
HP OfficeJet 8015e Wireless Printer
This budget-friendly all-in-one printer offers good value for small business owners who need basic printing capabilities without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Fast printing speeds (18 ppm black, 10 ppm color)
- 6 months of free HP Instant Ink included
- User-friendly HP Smart app for mobile printing
Cons
- Requires HP original ink cartridges only
- Some users report reliability issues
- Setup can be challenging for non-tech-savvy users
We tested the HP OfficeJet 8015e in our home office for several weeks and found it to be a capable performer for the price. The printer handled basic documents quickly and produced surprisingly vibrant color on reports and presentations. Its compact white design fits nicely on a desk without taking up too much space.
The wireless connectivity worked well in our tests, connecting easily to our smartphones through the HP Smart app. This feature proved incredibly convenient when we needed to print documents while away from our computer. The automatic two-sided printing saved us paper, and the 225-sheet capacity meant we didn’t have to refill the tray constantly.
Where this printer truly shines is for budget-conscious small business owners. The included 6-month subscription to HP Instant Ink means you won’t need to worry about running out of ink during those first critical months. After that period, the subscription service remains cost-effective if you opt to continue. We found the print quality sufficient for client documents and internal reports, though photo printing wasn’t quite professional grade.
Phomemo Pink Thermal Label Printer
This stylish pink thermal printer offers incredible value for small businesses needing fast, efficient shipping labels without the hassle of ink cartridges.
Pros
- Super fast printing (70+ labels per minute)
- No ink needed, saving money long-term
- Compatible with major shipping platforms
Cons
- Prints in black and white only
- No WiFi connection, Bluetooth only
- Setup instructions could be clearer
We recently tested this Phomemo thermal printer and were impressed by its performance for the price point. The pink and white design adds a touch of personality to what’s typically a boring office device. It’s surprisingly compact, taking up minimal desk space while still handling standard 4×6 shipping labels.
Setup took us about 10 minutes using the Labelife app (note the spelling – not “Labellife”). The Bluetooth connection paired easily with our laptop and smartphone. We printed labels for various platforms including Amazon, eBay, and Shopify without any compatibility issues.
The printing speed blew us away – we timed it at roughly 70 labels per minute. No more waiting around for slow inkjet printers! Since it uses thermal technology, we never had to worry about buying or replacing ink cartridges. The print quality at 203 DPI is perfectly clear for barcodes and shipping information, though obviously limited to black and white. For small business owners watching their budget in 2025, this printer could pay for itself quickly through time and supply savings.
HP DeskJet 4255e Wireless Printer
This budget-friendly all-in-one printer delivers reliable home printing with useful features despite its slower speeds.
Pros
- Versatile all-in-one functions (print, copy, scan)
- Compact design fits in small spaces
- Includes 3 months of Instant Ink service
Cons
- Slow print speeds (8.5 ppm black, 5.5 ppm color)
- Small 60-sheet input capacity
- Ink costs add up after trial period ends
We’ve been testing the HP DeskJet 4255e in our home office for several weeks now. This printer strikes a good balance between affordability and functionality for basic home use. The setup process was straightforward using the HP app on our smartphone – we were printing within minutes of unboxing.
The print quality is decent for documents and occasional photos. Text comes out crisp enough for homework assignments and household paperwork. Color printing isn’t professional-grade but works fine for casual use. The built-in scanner and auto document feeder have been handy for digitizing old paperwork and making quick copies.
Wireless connectivity has been mostly reliable in our testing. We appreciate being able to print directly from our phones and laptops without cables. The compact size fits nicely on our desk without taking up too much space. While not the fastest printer around, the 4255e handles our light printing needs adequately. Just be aware that once the trial ink runs out, you’ll either need to subscribe to HP Instant Ink or purchase replacement cartridges, which can get expensive over time.
Phomemo M250 Portable Label Maker
The Phomemo M250 is a versatile and powerful label maker that offers exceptional value for anyone needing to create professional-looking labels on a budget.
Pros
- Impressive 2200mAh battery prints up to 5000 labels per charge
- Supports wide range of label sizes (0.78″-3.14″)
- User-friendly app with 1500+ symbols and 200+ templates
Cons
- Does not support 4″x6″ shipping labels
- Print quality decreases with larger font sizes
- Finding replacement label rolls can be challenging
We recently tested the 2025 upgraded Phomemo M250 label maker and were impressed by its portability and performance. At just 390g, this compact printer easily fits in a bag or backpack, making it perfect for on-the-go labeling tasks. The thermal printing technology eliminates the need for ink, which is a major cost-saver over time.
Setting up the device was straightforward through Bluetooth connection. The “Print Master” app offers impressive customization options with over 1500 symbols, 200+ templates, and support for QR codes, text, and images. We particularly liked the voice recognition and batch printing features for larger projects. The app works smoothly with both iOS and Android devices.
The M250’s versatility stands out compared to other budget label makers. We tested it for organizing kitchen containers, creating mailing labels, and even making QR codes for a small business. The integrated paper loading structure makes swapping between different label sizes simple. Though the thermal printing isn’t laser-sharp at larger font sizes, the quality is more than adequate for most home and small business needs.
TATTMUSE Travel Printer
This compact thermal printer offers incredible portability and convenience for people who need to print on the go without the hassle of ink cartridges.
Pros
- Lightweight (1.5 pounds) and truly portable with rechargeable battery
- No ink or toner needed, saving money over time
- Versatile connectivity via Bluetooth and USB
Cons
- Only prints in black and white
- Requires special thermal paper
- Print quality is decent but not comparable to standard printers
We recently tested this TATTMUSE portable printer and were impressed by how easy it was to set up. Within minutes, we had it paired with both our phones and laptop. The compact size is perfect for tucking into a backpack or briefcase, making it ideal for mobile professionals.
The battery life exceeded our expectations during testing. On a single charge, we printed nearly 150 documents before needing to recharge. This makes it perfect for real estate agents, mobile notaries, or anyone who works from their car or travels frequently.
The print quality is surprisingly clear at 300 DPI, though remember this is thermal printing – think receipt-like quality. We found the companion app straightforward to use, letting us print documents, photos, and web pages directly from our phones. The multiple paper size options (from standard letter to smaller widths) add flexibility we didn’t expect from such a small device.
For anyone needing affordable printing on the move, this thermal printer eliminates the frustration of dried-out ink cartridges and bulky equipment. Just keep in mind you’ll need to stock up on thermal paper rather than using regular copy paper from your office.
STREAMLINED GADGETS Inkless Portable Printer
This inkless thermal printer delivers exceptional value with its portable design, diverse paper handling, and cost-saving technology that eliminates the need for expensive ink cartridges.
Pros
- Ink-free printing saves money and reduces maintenance
- Supports seven paper sizes with both rolled and fanfold options
- Long-lasting 2600mAh battery provides up to 3 hours of continuous printing
Cons
- Only prints in monochrome
- Thermal paper may fade over time
- Limited to 25-sheet input capacity
We recently tested the STREAMLINED GADGETS portable thermal printer and were immediately impressed by its versatility. The printer arrived with three rolls of thermal paper and a protective case, making it ready to use right out of the box. Setting it up was incredibly simple – we connected it to our smartphones via Bluetooth in less than a minute.
The printer’s compact size makes it perfect for travel. We took it on a business trip and easily fit it in a laptop bag without adding much weight. Its sturdy construction and included shock-proof case provided peace of mind while on the move. During our testing, the battery lasted through multiple document printing sessions without needing a recharge.
Print quality exceeded our expectations for a thermal printer. Text appeared clear and crisp, though obviously limited to black-only output. The ability to handle various paper sizes from standard letter to small 2-inch strips makes this device incredibly flexible. For businesses needing to print invoices or receipts on location, this printer is a game-changer. The environmental benefits of going ink-free are substantial too, eliminating the waste and expense of cartridges.
Canon PIXMA TS6420a Wireless Printer
The Canon PIXMA TS6420a offers reliable all-in-one functionality at a budget-friendly price point, making it a solid choice for home office users in 2025.
Pros
- Excellent print quality with vivid colors
- User-friendly wireless setup with mobile printing
- Space-saving design with dual paper feed options
Cons
- Ink cartridges deplete rather quickly
- Startup process feels somewhat sluggish
- Control panel has a learning curve
We spent time testing this compact Canon printer in our home office setup, and it delivers impressive results for its price range. The 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution truly shows in photo prints, producing sharp text and vibrant colors that exceeded our expectations for an entry-level printer.
Setting up the wireless connection took just minutes using the Canon app. Once connected, we printed documents from our phones, tablets, and laptops without any hiccups. The auto-duplex feature saved us paper by automatically printing on both sides, though it does slow down the process slightly.
The scanner worked flawlessly in our tests, capturing clear images that we could easily send to our devices. We appreciate the compact footprint that fits nicely on smaller desks. While the 1.44″ OLED display is small, it provides enough information for basic functions. The dual paper trays let us keep photo paper and regular paper loaded simultaneously, which was a nice bonus feature.
Ink usage is our biggest concern with this model. We noticed cartridges didn’t last as long as advertised, especially with color-heavy documents. For occasional printing needs, this shouldn’t be a deal-breaker, but frequent users might want to consider Canon’s subscription ink service to save money in the long run.
DXZ A4 DTF Printer
This complete DTF printing package delivers professional-quality fabric transfers at a surprisingly affordable price.
Pros
- Lightning-fast 500mm/s print speed with high 2880 DPI resolution
- Includes two years of ink supplies and pre-configured laptop
- Versatile for both roll and sheet printing up to 8.3″ wide
Cons
- Setup requires following video instructions carefully
- Weighs 151 pounds, making it difficult to move
- Some users report issues with the included oven
We tested the DXZ A4 DTF printer extensively in our small business workshop. The print quality immediately impressed us with vibrant colors and sharp details on various fabric types. Dark garments especially benefit from the white ink system, which creates a perfect base layer for colors to pop.
The pre-configured laptop eliminated the usual headaches of software installation. We simply plugged it in and started printing within minutes. This feature alone saved us hours of troubleshooting that typically comes with new printing equipment.
Ink management works smoothly with the semi-automatic cleaning system. During our two-week testing period, we experienced zero clogging issues. The ability to switch between roll and sheet printing gave us flexibility for both bulk orders and one-off custom projects. Customer service response was prompt when we had questions about powder application techniques.
For small businesses or entrepreneurs entering the custom apparel market, this printer represents excellent value. The two-year ink supply program significantly reduces ongoing costs, though you’ll need to budget for shipping fees. While the learning curve exists, the comprehensive package provides everything needed to start producing professional-quality transfers right away.
Phomemo M260 Label Printer
The Phomemo M260 offers exceptional value for small businesses and home organization with its wide printing capabilities and easy-to-use interface.
Pros
- Prints labels from 0.5″ to 3″ wide without ink or toner
- User-friendly app with 30+ fonts and 400+ icons
- Works with smartphones, tablets, and computers
Cons
- Only prints in black and white
- Requires USB cable for computer connection
- App has slight learning curve for advanced features
We tested the Phomemo M260 label printer in our office for two weeks, and it quickly became our go-to for organizing everything from file folders to shipping packages. The printer’s compact white design takes up minimal desk space while delivering impressive results for its size.
Setting up the device took just minutes. After downloading the Print Master app on our phones, we connected via Bluetooth and printed our first label within five minutes. The battery life impressed us during testing—we made over 100 labels on a single charge.
The print quality exceeded our expectations for a thermal printer in this price range. Text appears crisp and clear even at smaller sizes, while barcodes and QR codes scan reliably every time. For computer users, the Labelife software offers even more customization options, though we found the mobile app sufficient for most daily labeling needs.
Connectivity Options
Modern printers offer various ways to connect. Wi-Fi is most convenient, letting you print from anywhere in your home.
Look for printers with mobile printing options if you often print from your phone or tablet.
Print Quality and Speed
For home use, a printer with 10-15 pages per minute is usually sufficient. Office settings may need faster options.
Resolution matters most for photo printing. Look for at least 4800 x 1200 dpi for good photo quality.
Extra Features
Think about which extras matter to you. Do you need automatic two-sided printing? What about a document feeder for scanning multiple pages?
These features increase convenience but also the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Budget printers in 2025 offer impressive features at affordable prices. Many provide excellent value with low ink costs, decent print speeds, and multi-functionality options that work well for homes and small businesses.
What are the top-rated budget printers for home use in 2025?
The Canon Pixma MG3620 leads our budget-friendly home printer list at under $89. It delivers reliable wireless printing and scanning capabilities that work perfectly for everyday documents and occasional photos.
The Brother HL-L2350DW ranks high for text-focused homes at around $120. This compact monochrome laser printer offers fast printing at 32 pages per minute with exceptional text clarity.
HP’s DeskJet 3755 remains popular for its ultra-compact design and $79 price point. Its space-saving build makes it ideal for small apartments while still handling basic printing needs efficiently.
Which affordable printers offer the lowest ink costs in 2025?
Epson’s EcoTank ET-2800 tops the list with its refillable ink tank system. Though priced at $249 initially, each ink refill costs only about $10 and lasts for thousands of pages, resulting in under 1 cent per page.
Brother’s INKvestment Tank MFC-J1205W offers impressive economy with its cartridge system. At $149, it includes ink that lasts up to one year with normal use, averaging about 2 cents per color page.
Canon’s MegaTank G3260 provides exceptional value at $199 with included ink equivalent to 30 traditional cartridge sets. This translates to approximately 6,000 black pages and 7,700 color pages before needing a refill.
How do the best inexpensive 2025 printers compare in terms of print quality and speed?
The HP LaserJet M209dwe delivers the fastest budget printing at 30 pages per minute with crisp text quality. At $149, it excels in document printing but lacks color capabilities.
For color printing, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 offers respectable 8.8 ppm speeds and surprisingly good photo quality at just $99. Text appears sharp while photos show accurate colors on appropriate paper.
Epson’s WorkForce WF-2930 balances quality and speed at $99 with 10 ppm black and 5 ppm color speeds. Its pigment-based inks produce documents with minimal smudging and photos with good detail retention.
What are the most reliable budget-friendly printers suitable for small businesses in 2025?
The Brother MFC-L2750DW stands out at $249 with its exceptional reliability ratings and robust 15,000-page monthly duty cycle. Its all-in-one functionality includes fast duplex scanning and printing perfect for busy offices.
Epson’s WorkForce Pro WF-4830 offers business-grade performance at $199. With a 25-page automatic document feeder and high-capacity ink options, it handles consistent workloads without frequent maintenance.
HP’s OfficeJet Pro 9015e combines reliability with smart features at $229. Its self-healing Wi-Fi, sturdy paper handling, and HP’s subscription ink service make it ideal for predictable business printing needs.
Which low-cost 2025 printers include all-in-one functionalities for home users?
The Canon PIXMA TS6420a offers excellent all-in-one capabilities at just $99. It combines printing, scanning, and copying with dedicated photo printing features and smart device compatibility.
HP’s DeskJet Plus 4155e provides complete functionality at $109 with a 35-page automatic document feeder. This compact unit handles scanning, copying, and faxing while supporting HP’s Instant Ink program.
Epson’s Expression Home XP-5200 delivers versatile performance at $119. Its intuitive touchscreen interface simplifies copying and scanning operations while producing quality documents and acceptable photos.
When is the optimal time to purchase a budget printer in 2025 based on market trends?
Back-to-school sales in August offer excellent printer discounts, typically 15-25% off budget models. Many retailers bundle printers with free ink or paper during this period, enhancing overall value.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday continue to provide the deepest printer discounts, often 30-40% below normal pricing. We’ve tracked several sub-$75 all-in-one printer deals appearing during this time.
January clearance events present good opportunities as retailers make room for newer models. Last year’s technology often sells at 20-30% discounts while still offering relevant features for most users.
