10 Best Affordable Printers 2025 in the United States

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a solid choice for a basic home printer, especially if you want to save on ink costs. Its cartridge-free system uses high-capacity ink tanks, which significantly reduces the expense and waste associated with traditional ink cartridges. You can expect to print up to 4,500 pages in black and 7,500 in color with the included ink, making it economical for frequent users. The print quality is good for both text and color graphics, thanks to Epson's Micro Piezo Heat Free technology.

Print speeds are on the slower side—10 pages per minute (ppm) for black and 5 ppm for color—which might be a drawback if you need faster print jobs. The printer offers decent connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and USB, and supports mobile printing through AirPrint and the Epson Smart Panel app. The built-in scanner and copier add to its versatility, though it comes with just a single USB port. Paper handling is adequate with a 100-sheet input capacity, which might be limiting for large volume printing tasks.

Another benefit is the reduced environmental impact due to the zero cartridge waste, aligning with eco-friendly preferences. It's crucial to use genuine Epson ink to avoid potential damage not covered by the warranty. This printer is best suited for home users who prioritize low running costs and eco-friendliness over high-speed performance.

The HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e All-in-One Printer is a versatile and reliable choice for small to medium-sized businesses. It excels in print quality and speed, with print speeds up to 22 ppm for black and 18 ppm for color, ensuring efficient handling of various document types including professional-quality color presentations and flyers. The printer features an automatic document feeder, double-sided printing, and a 250-sheet input tray, which helps manage larger print jobs with ease.

The 2.7-inch touchscreen and the HP Smart app make operations straightforward and add convenience by allowing remote printing from smartphones and tablets. Additionally, the printer's wireless, USB, and Ethernet connectivity options ensure seamless integration into various office setups. One of its notable strengths is the inclusion of 3 months of HP's Instant Ink service, which can reduce the cost of consumables significantly. However, after the free period, the user would need to subscribe to continue benefiting from the service, which may add to the ongoing costs.

The printer is designed to work only with original HP cartridges, which could limit options for more affordable third-party consumables. Furthermore, the initial setup and firmware updates are geared to maintain the exclusivity of HP-branded supplies. Despite these limitations, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e offers strong security features with the HP Wolf Pro Security suite and is built with sustainability in mind, using over 40% recycled plastic. This printer is well-suited for those who prioritize print quality, speed, and efficient document handling, making it a solid contender in the affordable printer category for business use.

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw is an all-in-one printer designed for small office environments. It excels in print quality and speed, delivering up to 26 pages per minute for both monochrome and color prints, which is quite efficient for office tasks. The print technology used is laser, which ensures sharp and professional output. Additionally, this printer supports duplex printing, meaning it can print on both sides of the paper automatically, saving time and resources.

The input tray has a capacity of 250 sheets, making it suitable for moderate printing volumes without frequent reloading. Paper handling is versatile, supporting various media sizes including letter, legal, and envelopes, which is useful for diverse office needs. Connectivity options are robust, featuring Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet, allowing flexible connection setups and easy integration with office networks. The HP app enables printing directly from smartphones, adding to convenience. Another key strength is the built-in HP Wolf Pro Security, which helps protect sensitive data against cyber threats, a significant advantage for business use.

However, the cost of consumables could be a downside; the printer is designed to work only with original HP cartridges, potentially leading to higher ongoing costs. Additionally, the printer weighs 37.7 pounds, which may be cumbersome to move or reposition. Users looking for sustainable options will appreciate its Energy Star and EPEAT certification, along with the recycling program for toner cartridges. While it's a solid choice for office settings, the cost of consumables and its relatively heavy weight might be drawbacks to consider.