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Best overall answer: choose the Canon PIXMA TS6520 if you need the lowest entry price for occasional color printing, scanning and copying; choose the Canon PIXMA G3270 MegaTank or Canon MegaTank Pixma G3290 when regular printing makes bottled ink worthwhile; and choose the Brother HL-L2460DW when you mainly print black-and-white documents and may leave the printer idle for weeks. There is no single cheapest model for every Mac owner because cartridge, tank and toner costs change the total price over time.
All four models below come from 2026 buying guides, but prices and stock change. Confirm the exact model number and regional suffix, AirPrint support, consumable availability and current retailer price before ordering.
Quick picks: which cheap Mac printer fits your use?
| Best for | Model | What you get | Main compromises |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lowest upfront color all-in-one | Canon PIXMA TS6520 | Wireless print, scan, copy, automatic duplex printing and AirPrint | Conventional cartridges can cost more over heavy use; the cited sale price was temporary |
| Lower refill cost for regular color printing | Canon PIXMA G3270 MegaTank | Bottled-ink tank system and low running-cost potential | No automatic duplex, low paper capacity and no automatic document feeder |
| Mostly text, labels or long idle periods | Brother HL-L2460DW | Monochrome laser printing that avoids inkjet printhead clogging during long gaps | No color printing, scanning or copying |
| Alternative low-cost color tank | Canon MegaTank Pixma G3290 | Low ink costs with an affordable initial price, according to Tom’s Guide | No document feeder, one paper tray and average print/copy speeds |
RTINGS names the Brother HL-L2460DW its budget printer for Mac and recommends a laser model for occasional documents or labels. TechRadar’s budget coverage identifies the G3270 as its ink-tank pick, while Tom’s Guide names the G3290 its top budget recommendation. TechRadar’s August 21, 2026 report listed the TS6520 at a temporary $79 price against a stated $149.99; that is historical evidence, not a current quote.
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A low shelf price is only the first part of the purchase. Compare the printer, its included supplies, replacement cartridge or bottle prices, expected page yield, paper usage and the cost of features you would otherwise buy separately. A $79 color printer can be economical for a student who prints a few pages a week, yet expensive for a home office that prints hundreds of pages every month.
#1 Best Overall
- Affordable Versatility - A budget-friendly all-in-one printer perfect for both home users and hybrid workers, offering exceptional value
- Crisp, Vibrant Prints - Experience impressive print quality for both documents and photos, thanks to its 2-cartridge hybrid ink system that delivers sharp text and vivid colors
- Effortless Setup & Use - Get started quickly with easy setup for your smartphone or computer, so you can print, scan, and copy without delay
- Reliable Wireless Connectivity - Enjoy stable and consistent connections with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz), ensuring smooth printing from anywhere in your home or office
- Scan & Copy Handling - Utilize the device’s integrated scanner for efficient scanning and copying operations
Match the supply system to your page volume
- Cartridge ink: usually the lowest initial purchase price and a sensible fit for occasional mixed color use. Frequent printing can make replacement cartridges the dominant cost.
- Ink tank: costs more at checkout but uses refill bottles. TechRadar says the G3270’s bottled refills cost less than conventional inkjet cartridges; the advantage grows with sustained color volume.
- Monochrome laser toner: suits text-heavy work and intermittent use. RTINGS highlights the absence of inkjet printhead clogging when the printer sits unused, but a monochrome laser cannot print color and the Brother model does not scan or copy.
Do not treat a manufacturer’s quoted yield as your personal cost per page. Coverage, duplex use, cleaning cycles, graphics and the amount of unused ink on a page all affect consumption. Estimate your monthly pages first, then compare the price and stated yield of the exact compatible consumable.
Mac compatibility: AirPrint first, model number second
Apple’s “Add and manage printers on Mac” guidance says AirPrint can print without an app, additional drivers or other software. The Mac and wireless printer must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Apple lists many popular printer families as AirPrint-compatible, but compatibility is model-specific: a name shared by several regional versions does not guarantee identical support.
Before buying, check the retailer or manufacturer listing for the complete model code, your macOS version and explicit AirPrint support. If the model is not AirPrint-compatible, Apple advises installing the latest software from the printer manufacturer. Avoid assuming that a generic driver will expose scanning, duplex, ink-level or finishing controls.
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Set up a wireless printer in macOS
- Connect the printer to your home Wi-Fi using the printer’s own setup panel or wireless setup procedure.
- Connect the Mac or MacBook to that same Wi-Fi network. Guest networks and client-isolation settings can prevent discovery.
- Open Apple menu > System Settings > Printers & Scanners.
- Select Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax. Wait for the printer to appear, then select the entry that identifies AirPrint when available.
- Choose Add. Print a test page from a simple document and confirm paper size, color and duplex options.
Apple also documents adding some network printers by IP with AirPrint, IPP, LPD or HP Jetdirect. Generic protocols can expose fewer features than the model’s AirPrint entry, so use them only when automatic discovery fails or your network administrator requires it.
Rank #2
- Affordable Versatility - A budget-friendly all-in-one printer perfect for both home users and hybrid workers, offering exceptional value
- Crisp, Vibrant Prints - Experience impressive print quality for both documents and photos, thanks to its 2-cartridge hybrid ink system that delivers sharp text and vivid colors
- Effortless Setup & Use - Get started quickly with easy setup for your smartphone or computer, so you can print, scan, and copy without delay
- Reliable Wireless Connectivity - Enjoy stable and consistent connections with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz), ensuring smooth printing from anywhere in your home or office
- Scan & Copy Handling - Utilize the device’s integrated scanner for efficient scanning and copying operations
Model-by-model buying advice
Canon PIXMA TS6520: cheapest entry to a color all-in-one
The TS6520 is the straightforward choice when you need a low purchase price and several functions in one compact home printer. TechRadar reported wireless printing, scanning, copying, automatic duplex printing and Apple AirPrint. Those features cover schoolwork, occasional forms, recipes and routine household documents without buying a separate scanner.
TechRadar reported a temporary Amazon price of $79 on August 21, 2026, compared with a stated $149.99 regular price. Because that was a dated deal, treat it as a price-history reference only. Check the live listing, included ink and return policy before paying.
- Choose it when: color matters, you print irregularly, automatic two-sided printing is useful and the lowest initial outlay is your priority.
- Think twice when: you expect sustained monthly volume, because cartridge replacement economics can outweigh the cheap hardware.
- Confirm: the exact regional suffix, AirPrint listing and current cartridge prices.
Canon PIXMA G3270 MegaTank: lower refill cost for recurring color work
TechRadar’s September 8, 2026 budget-printer guide names the G3270 its budget ink-tank pick. Its refill bottles cost less than conventional inkjet cartridges, but the printer itself costs more initially. That trade-off favors users who print color regularly enough to consume a meaningful amount of ink.
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The limitations are practical rather than cosmetic: the guide notes no automatic duplex printing, low paper capacity and no automatic document feeder. You will need to turn pages manually for two-sided jobs, reload paper more often and place each multi-page scan on the glass.
Rank #3
- SET IT UP ONCE AND PRINT WITH CONFIDENCE. No complicated maintenance. Just easy, reliable printing you can count on.
- INK FOR YEARS. NOT MONTHS. Up to 2 years of ink included. Get thousands of pages of cartridge-free printing. More pages, less hassle
- KEEPS PRINTING WELL AFTER COMPETITORS HAVE QUIT. No complex maintenance. Sharper text, richer colors.[2] Only with HP Smart Tank
- PREMIUM SUPPORT - Strong technical expertise to solve issues faster
- THE LAST PRINTER YOU'LL EVER NEED. Enjoy years of refillable, cartridge-free printing.
- Choose it when: you print color worksheets, forms or graphics every month and want to reduce recurring ink expense.
- Avoid it when: you need unattended two-sided output, a feeder for multi-page scanning or a large paper reserve.
- Before checkout: verify AirPrint and macOS support for the precise listing, because the cited buying guide does not establish support for every regional version.
Brother HL-L2460DW: text-first laser for an idle printer
RTINGS identifies the HL-L2460DW as its budget Mac printer and points to monochrome laser technology for occasional documents or labels. Laser printing avoids the inkjet printhead-clogging problem that can appear after long idle periods. That makes this the most defensible low-maintenance choice for a household that prints forms, shipping labels or reports but may go weeks without using the printer.
This is a deliberately narrow fit. It prints black-and-white only and does not replace a scanner or copier. If you need color charts, photos or a single device for document capture, add those requirements before comparing prices.
- Choose it when: nearly every page is text or a monochrome label and reliability after idle periods matters more than color.
- Do not choose it when: color output, scanning or copying is non-negotiable.
- Check: the exact Mac connection method and AirPrint entry for the regional model before ordering.
Canon MegaTank Pixma G3290: another tank-based color option
Tom’s Guide’s 2026 printer guide calls the G3290 its top budget printer recommendation, citing low ink costs and an affordable initial price. It is an alternative for buyers who want a refillable color system but do not want to limit their search to the G3270.
Tom’s Guide notes three constraints: no document feeder, one paper tray and average print and copy speeds. Those limits matter if you scan stacks of pages, switch frequently between paper types or need fast output for a busy home office.
Rank #4
- PERFECT FOR BASIC PRINTING NEEDS – Print everyday color documents like to-do lists, letters, financial documents and recipes
- KEY FEATURES – Color print, copy, scan, and a 60-sheet input tray, plus mobile and wireless printing
- OPTIMIZE PRINT FORMATTING WITH HP AI – Print web pages and emails with precision—no wasted pages or awkward layouts; HP AI easily removes unwanted content, so your prints are just the way you want
- ICON LCD – Print your basic documents with ease from the intuitive control panel
- PRINT SPEED – Up to 7.5 ppm black, 5.5 ppm color
- Choose it when: low ink expense and basic color all-in-one functions matter more than speed or feeder convenience.
- Look elsewhere when: multi-page scanning, multiple paper stocks or high-throughput copying is central to your workflow.
Decision table: select by your actual workflow
| Your priority | Best starting point | Why | Trade-off to accept |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spend as little as possible today | PIXMA TS6520 | Reported $79 promotional price and full all-in-one feature set | The promotion may have ended, and cartridge costs can dominate later |
| Print color every month | PIXMA G3270 MegaTank | Bottled refills are positioned as cheaper than conventional cartridges | No automatic duplex, feeder or large paper capacity |
| Print text after long gaps | HL-L2460DW | Monochrome laser avoids inkjet-clogging concerns | No color, scanner or copier |
| Want a second tank-based option | MegaTank Pixma G3290 | Tom’s Guide cites low ink costs and affordable entry pricing | One tray, no feeder and average speeds |
How to calculate your real ownership cost
Use a simple five-year or two-year estimate rather than comparing sticker prices:
- Record the current printer price, shipping, tax and the amount of ink or toner included.
- Estimate pages per month, separating black text from color pages.
- Find the exact replacement cartridge, bottle or toner yield for your model and calculate the number of replacements required for that volume.
- Add paper, expected maintenance items and any separate scanner or duplexing equipment you would otherwise need.
- Compare the total with a laser or tank alternative. A higher initial price can be cheaper once recurring supplies are included.
This method avoids a false universal ranking. The cited sources do not establish one cheapest model across all retailers, regions or print volumes, and they do not provide a single verified cost-per-page statistic for these four printers.
Online buying checklist
- Model identity: match every character of the model and regional suffix; similar names can have different wireless or supply support.
- AirPrint: look for explicit AirPrint and macOS compatibility, not merely “works with computers.”
- Current price: treat the TS6520’s $79 figure as an August 2026 historical promotion and recheck the live offer.
- Supplies: price the exact cartridge, bottle, toner or drum SKU before buying the printer.
- Included items: confirm whether starter supplies, a USB cable and a full paper tray are included.
- Return policy: make sure the retailer accepts a return if the exact printer cannot join your network or exposes fewer Mac features than expected.
- Physical fit: measure the shelf with trays extended, not only the closed-printer dimensions.
- Workflow features: verify automatic duplexing, an automatic document feeder, paper capacity and color support independently.
Mac setup and first-print checks
After adding the printer in System Settings, print a one-page document before installing optional utilities. Confirm that the correct paper size is selected, that color and grayscale choices behave as expected and that duplex appears only when the hardware supports it. Scan a page if you bought an all-in-one, then check that the scanned file opens in the application you intend to use.
If macOS finds multiple entries, prefer the AirPrint entry. A duplicate USB or generic IP entry may work but can hide model-specific options. Keep the printer’s firmware current through its supported maintenance method, but do not install unrelated software merely to print when AirPrint already works.
Best Value
- FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – The Envy 6155 is perfect for homes printing everyday high-quality color documents like homework and borderless photos. Print speeds up to 10 ppm black, 7 ppm color.
- 3 MONTH TRIAL OF INSTANT INK – Subscribe to the Instant Ink delivery service to get ink delivered directly to your door before you run out, and you save up to 50% on ink. After 3 months, a monthly fee applies unless cancelled.
- KEY FEATURES – Color print, copy and scan, plus auto 2-sided printing and a 100-sheet input tray
- HP'S MOST INTUITIVE COLOR TOUCHSCREEN – Smoothly navigate your printer with the easy-to-use 2.4" touchscreen
- WIRELESS PRINTING – Stay connected with our most reliable dual-band Wi-Fi, which automatically detects and resolves connection issues
Troubleshooting common Mac printer problems
The printer does not appear
- Confirm the Mac and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network, not separate guest and main networks.
- Wake the printer and wait for it to finish startup.
- Return to System Settings > Printers & Scanners and select Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax again.
- If discovery still fails, use the printer’s documented IP address and try AirPrint or IPP. Expect fewer controls with generic protocols.
Printing works but duplex or scanning is missing
Remove duplicate printer entries and add the AirPrint entry again. Check whether the model actually includes automatic duplexing or an automatic document feeder; the G3270, for example, lacks both, and the G3290 lacks a feeder. A protocol or generic driver can also expose fewer features than the supported model entry.
Pages are streaked after the printer sat unused
This symptom is associated with inkjet systems and may require the manufacturer’s cleaning or alignment routine. If long idle periods are normal for you, a monochrome laser such as the HL-L2460DW avoids inkjet printhead clogging as a category of problem. Do not buy a laser model, however, if color output is essential.
Ink or toner costs are unexpectedly high
Check that the replacement supply matches the complete model code, then compare yield rather than package size. Frequent cleaning, heavy color coverage and one-sided printing can consume supplies faster than a light text workload. Recalculate using your actual monthly pages before replacing the printer.
Bottom line
For the cheapest way into a wireless color all-in-one, start with the PIXMA TS6520 but verify that any current discount is real and still available. For recurring color pages, pay more up front for the PIXMA G3270 MegaTank or consider the G3290, accepting their feeder, tray and duplex limitations. For mostly black text, labels and long idle periods, the Brother HL-L2460DW is the focused laser choice. In every case, confirm the exact regional model’s AirPrint support and compare supply costs before placing an online order.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
