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10 Best Budget Printers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan and Copy – The Ideal Basic Home Printer - White, Medium

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,183
Print Quality (DPI)
Connectivity Options

Most important from
13409 reviews

Print Quality (DPI)
Print quality is excellent, with sharp text and vibrant colors, making it ideal for both documents and photos.
Connectivity Options
While the printer's app connectivity can be inconsistent, it generally resolves with some troubleshooting.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly all-in-one printer, particularly in a home setting. One of its standout features is the innovative cartridge-free printing system. Its high-capacity ink tanks provide a significant cost-saving advantage, allowing you to print up to 4,500 black and 7,500 color pages with just the ink included in the box. This equates to an estimated 90 traditional ink cartridges, making it a great option for users who print frequently without the hassle of constant cartridge changes. The print quality is impressive, thanks to Epson's Micro Piezo technology, delivering sharp text and vibrant images on various paper types, which is essential for those who value quality prints, such as students or home office workers.

The ET-2800 also features a built-in scanner and copier, making it a multifunctional device that can meet various needs, from document handling to photo printing. With a maximum print speed of 10 pages per minute for monochrome and 5 for color, it may not be the fastest option available, but it’s adequate for personal and family use. Its connectivity options include both wired and wireless capabilities, allowing for flexible printing from laptops or mobile devices.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. While the initial ink savings are substantial, the manual duplex feature means you'll need to flip pages yourself for double-sided printing, which can be inconvenient. The print speed might feel slow if you're used to high-volume printing, and the 100-sheet input capacity may not suffice for more extensive needs without frequent reloading. In light of these aspects, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is particularly well-suited for budget-conscious users seeking reliability and lower long-term costs in ink and maintenance. It seamlessly combines essential printing, scanning, and copying functionality, standing out as a practical choice for home use.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,183
Print Quality (DPI)
Connectivity Options

Most important from
13409 reviews

Print Quality (DPI)
Print quality is excellent, with sharp text and vibrant colors, making it ideal for both documents and photos.
Connectivity Options
While the printer's app connectivity can be inconsistent, it generally resolves with some troubleshooting.
#2

Epson EcoTank ET-4800 Wireless All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scanner, Copier, Fax, ADF and Ethernet – Ideal-for Your Home Office, White

Rating
9.8
Print Quality (DPI)
Print Speed (PPM)
Ink/Toner Cost and Yield

Most important from
4311 reviews

Print Quality (DPI)
Print quality is sharp for documents and satisfactory for everyday color prints, though it may not meet professional photo printing standards.
Print Speed (PPM)
While the printer isn't the fastest, it balances cost savings and reliability well.
Ink/Toner Cost and Yield
The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 offers a refreshing alternative to ink subscriptions with its massive, refillable ink reservoirs, eliminating the need for monthly payment plans.
Paper Handling
The automatic document feeder is a convenient feature for scanning multiple pages efficiently.
Multifunction Features
The automatic document feeder is a convenient feature for scanning multiple pages efficiently.

The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 is an all-in-one budget printer that offers several impressive features suitable for home office use. It stands out for its cartridge-free design, which allows you to refill ink tanks with low-cost ink bottles instead of buying expensive cartridges. This can lead to significant savings, as one set of replacement ink bottles can print up to 4,500 pages in black and 7,500 pages in color, potentially lasting up to two years depending on usage. This also reduces cartridge waste, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Print quality is notable, with Epson's Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology delivering sharp text and vibrant color prints on a variety of paper types.

The built-in scanner and copier, along with an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), add to the printer's multifunctionality, making tasks like copying and scanning documents easier. Connectivity options are modern and versatile, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and voice-activated printing. The Epson Smart Panel App adds convenience by allowing you to print from your smart devices. However, there are some trade-offs. The print speed is on the slower side, with a maximum of 10 pages per minute (ppm) for monochrome and 5 ppm for color prints. This might not be ideal if you need to print large volumes quickly.

Additionally, the paper handling capacity is relatively modest, with a 100-sheet input tray, which may require frequent refilling for heavy users. The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 is a cost-effective and versatile printer that excels in ink efficiency and multifunction capabilities, best suited for home offices with moderate printing needs and an emphasis on cost savings and environmental benefits.

Rating
9.8
Print Quality (DPI)
Print Speed (PPM)
Ink/Toner Cost and Yield

Most important from
4311 reviews

Print Quality (DPI)
Print quality is sharp for documents and satisfactory for everyday color prints, though it may not meet professional photo printing standards.
Print Speed (PPM)
While the printer isn't the fastest, it balances cost savings and reliability well.
Ink/Toner Cost and Yield
The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 offers a refreshing alternative to ink subscriptions with its massive, refillable ink reservoirs, eliminating the need for monthly payment plans.
Paper Handling
The automatic document feeder is a convenient feature for scanning multiple pages efficiently.
Multifunction Features
The automatic document feeder is a convenient feature for scanning multiple pages efficiently.
#3

Brother MFC-J1010DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer, Duplex Printing, Mobile & Cloud Print, Compact Design, 1.8" Color Display, Works with Alexa

Rating
9.6
Print Quality (DPI)
Connectivity Options
Ink/Toner Cost and Yield

Most important from
7611 reviews

Print Quality (DPI)
Print quality is good, especially for black and white drafts, though photo printing is slower.
Connectivity Options
Set-up was smooth and quick, allowing printing from phones and PCs within minutes.
Ink/Toner Cost and Yield
Ink subscription service is cost-effective for low-volume users, offering seamless cartridge delivery and monitoring.
Paper Handling
Automatic duplex printing works well after initial adjustment, saving on paper costs.

The Brother MFC-J1010DW is a budget-friendly, all-in-one inkjet printer that fits well in small spaces, making it ideal for home offices or small businesses. With a maximum print resolution of up to 6000 x 1200 dpi for Windows users, it provides good print quality for both documents and color prints. However, the print speed is moderate, with a maximum of 17 pages per minute (ppm) for monochrome and 9.5 ppm for color, which might be on the slower side for high-volume printing needs.

The automatic duplex printing feature saves on paper costs by printing on both sides of the page, and the 150-sheet capacity paper tray means fewer refills during use. Connectivity options are versatile, including Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet, making it easy to print from various devices, including smartphones and laptops, through the Brother Mobile Connect app. The 20-page automatic document feeder (ADF) adds convenience for scanning and copying multi-page documents.

One notable advantage is the cost-effectiveness of the ink, especially with the option for a refresh subscription and Amazon Dash Replenishment, which can help manage and reduce running costs over time. On the downside, the MFC-J1010DW may have limited scanning capabilities due to its sheetfed scanner, and the initial page print time of 6.9 seconds is relatively slow. Additionally, some users might find the build quality to be less robust compared to higher-end models. This printer offers a solid mix of features and connectivity options suitable for budget-conscious users who need a reliable, multifunctional device for light to moderate use.

Rating
9.6
Print Quality (DPI)
Connectivity Options
Ink/Toner Cost and Yield

Most important from
7611 reviews

Print Quality (DPI)
Print quality is good, especially for black and white drafts, though photo printing is slower.
Connectivity Options
Set-up was smooth and quick, allowing printing from phones and PCs within minutes.
Ink/Toner Cost and Yield
Ink subscription service is cost-effective for low-volume users, offering seamless cartridge delivery and monitoring.
Paper Handling
Automatic duplex printing works well after initial adjustment, saving on paper costs.

Buying Guide for the Best Budget Printers

When it comes to buying a budget printer, it's important to find a balance between cost and functionality. You want a printer that meets your needs without breaking the bank. To make an informed decision, consider the key specifications that will impact your overall experience and satisfaction with the printer. Here are some important specs to look at and how to choose the right one for you.
Print Quality (DPI)Print quality is measured in dots per inch (DPI). This spec indicates how detailed and sharp the printed images and text will be. Higher DPI means better quality. For general home use, a DPI of 600x600 is usually sufficient. If you need to print high-quality photos or detailed graphics, look for a printer with a higher DPI, such as 1200x1200 or more. Consider what you will be printing most often to determine the right DPI for you.
Print Speed (PPM)Print speed is measured in pages per minute (PPM). This spec tells you how quickly the printer can produce pages. If you print large documents frequently, a higher PPM will save you time. For occasional printing, a lower PPM might be acceptable. Generally, a speed of 20-30 PPM is good for home use, while higher speeds are better for office environments. Think about your typical printing volume to decide the appropriate print speed.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect your printer to your devices. Common options include USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. USB is reliable for direct connections, while Wi-Fi and Bluetooth offer wireless convenience, allowing you to print from multiple devices, including smartphones and tablets. If you prefer flexibility and ease of use, look for a printer with wireless capabilities. Consider your preferred method of connection and the devices you will be using.
Ink/Toner Cost and YieldThe cost and yield of ink or toner cartridges can significantly impact the overall cost of owning a printer. Yield refers to the number of pages a cartridge can print before needing replacement. Higher yield cartridges may cost more upfront but can save money in the long run. Research the cost of replacement cartridges and their yield to estimate ongoing expenses. If you print frequently, look for printers with affordable, high-yield cartridges to keep costs down.
Paper HandlingPaper handling refers to the types and sizes of paper a printer can accommodate, as well as the capacity of its paper tray. If you need to print on various paper sizes or types, such as envelopes or photo paper, ensure the printer supports them. A larger paper tray capacity means less frequent refilling, which is convenient for high-volume printing. Consider your typical printing tasks and choose a printer that can handle the paper types and volumes you need.
Multifunction FeaturesMultifunction printers (MFPs) offer additional features like scanning, copying, and faxing. These can be useful if you need to perform multiple tasks with one device. If you only need to print, a single-function printer might be sufficient. However, if you foresee needing to scan documents or make copies, an MFP can save space and money by combining these functions. Think about your potential needs beyond printing to decide if a multifunction printer is right for you.

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