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The best inexpensive printer depends on what you print and how often. For mostly text, a monochrome laser avoids inkjet cartridges; for occasional color, a low-cost all-in-one can work; and for regular color printing, a refillable tank may cost less to run. This U.S.-focused shortlist draws on 2026 review-guide recommendations, not a single head-to-head ranking. Prices and availability can change, so treat the cited price as context rather than a live offer.
Five inexpensive printers, matched to the job
| Printer | Best for | Key trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Brother HL-L2460DW | Mostly black-and-white documents and occasional labels | Print-only; no scanner |
| Brother MFC-J1360DW | Light-volume color printing with scanning and copying | Modest standard cartridge yields |
| Epson Expression Home XP-4200 | Low-entry-price home printing and scanning | Limited ink yield; inkjet can clog when left unused |
| Canon PIXMA MG3620 | Very occasional, low-cost photo printing | Tri-color cartridge can waste remaining ink |
| Canon MegaTank PIXMA G3290 | Regular color printing with refillable tanks | One paper tray; no automatic document feeder |
Brother HL-L2460DW: best for black-and-white documents
RTINGS recommends this monochrome laser for document printing and occasional labels. Its review reports sharp text, automatic two-sided printing, and speeds up to 34 pages per minute. Toner yield is reported at around 1,300 pages for standard toner and up to 5,000 pages for an XL option; these are source-reported figures, not guaranteed yields. The drum is a separate maintenance supply and may eventually need replacement. Because it does not scan, choose another model if you need an all-in-one. RTINGS’ 2026 printer guide
Brother MFC-J1360DW: best low-cost color all-in-one for light use
This inkjet all-in-one offers sharp text, detailed output, casual-use photos, and a scanner with an automatic document feeder, according to RTINGS. Its standard cartridges have modest yields, making it a weaker choice for heavy printing. RTINGS also mentions the MFC-J1365DW as an INKvestment variant that may suit more frequent printing; check its local availability and price before comparing it, since model variants and stock can differ.
Epson Expression Home XP-4200: best low-entry-price option for occasional home use
RTINGS describes the XP-4200 as a straightforward all-in-one with Wi-Fi, USB, a flatbed scanner, and automatic duplex printing. Its 2026 guide gives an approximate U.S. price of $60, not a current retail quote. The same guide reports roughly 250 black or 190 color pages per ink set, as well as speeds around 15 black or seven color pages per minute. Those yields and speeds are source-specific estimates and results. If the printer will sit unused for long stretches, an inkjet may be a poor fit because its nozzles can clog.
#1 Best Overall
- UPC: 198828789662
- Weight: 10.450 lbs
Canon PIXMA MG3620: best for very occasional photo printing
RTINGS names this its budget photo pick, citing color rendition and scan detail for the price point. The two-cartridge design uses one tri-color cartridge, so when a single color runs out, usable ink in the other colors may be wasted. That can make replacement costs unattractive when you print frequently. Regular use can reduce the risk of inkjet clogging.
Canon MegaTank PIXMA G3290: best for recurring color printing
Tom’s Guide identifies the G3290 as its best budget printer. It prints, copies, and scans; uses four refillable ink tanks; supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth; and offers duplex printing. Tom’s Guide estimates color printing at about 0.9 cents per page, compared with its stated 1.9-cent category average. These are the publication’s estimates, not universal costs: ink pricing and page coverage affect actual cost. The printer has one paper tray, no automatic document feeder, and average print and copy speed. Tom’s Guide printer guide
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
How to choose the right budget printer
Compare ownership cost, not just the purchase price
A cheap printer can become expensive if replacement cartridges run out often. Before buying, compare the printer price with the cost and estimated yield of compatible ink or toner, and account for maintenance supplies such as a separate drum when applicable. Page-yield estimates are not guarantees: coverage and print settings affect how many pages a supply lasts. Which? on printer ink costs
Match the technology to your print habits
- Mostly text, with long idle periods: Compare a monochrome laser. It avoids the inkjet-clogging concern, but the HL-L2460DW is print-only.
- Occasional color or home photos: A cartridge inkjet can keep the initial spend down, but limited yields and infrequent use can undermine that saving.
- Regular color printing: Compare refillable ink tanks. They can lower ongoing ink cost, though the initial purchase may be higher.
Check the features you will actually use
Decide whether you need color, scanning, copying, automatic duplex printing, wireless connectivity, or an automatic document feeder. These are separate capabilities: an all-in-one does not necessarily include an ADF, and an inexpensive printer may omit scanning entirely. For photo output, favor an inkjet; Which? notes that laser printers cannot print on glossy photo paper.
Rank #3
- 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
Check regional model names and current availability
Prices and stock change, and model names can vary by market. For example, TechRadar identifies the DeskJet 2855e as the U.S. name and 2820e as the U.K. name. Confirm the exact model offered in your country, its included features, and compatible replacement supplies before purchase. TechRadar’s cheap-printer guide
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- AFFORDABLE ALL-IN-ONE FOR HOME AND HOME OFFICE: Print, copy, and scan on one compact wireless printer designed for everyday home office printing, schoolwork, documents, and reports. Produce beautiful prints for results that stand out.
- EASY TO USE WITH CLOUD APP CONNECTIONS: Print from and scan to popular Cloud apps(2), including Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, and more from the simple-to-use 1.8” color display on your printer.
- FULL-SIZE FEATURES IN A COMPACT DESIGN: This printer includes automatic duplex (2-sided) printing, a 20-sheet single-sided Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)(3), and a 150-sheet paper tray(3). Engineered to print at fast speeds of up to 16 pages per minute (ppm) in black and up to 9 ppm in color(4).
- MULTIPLE CONNECTION OPTIONS: Connect your way. Interface with your printer on your wireless network or via USB.
- MOBILE PRINTING MADE EASY: Go mobile with the Brother Mobile Connect app(5) that delivers easy onscreen menu navigation for printing, copying, scanning, and device management from your mobile device. Monitor your ink usage with Page Gauge to help ensure you don’t run out(6).
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.
