10 Best Budget Printers 2025 in the United States

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.

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.

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a compact monochrome multi-function laser printer that’s well-suited for small businesses or home offices. It stands out for its impressive print speed of up to 36 pages per minute, which is a real time-saver for those who need to print large documents quickly. Additionally, it features a 50-page automatic document feeder, enhancing efficiency when scanning or copying multi-page documents.

One of its key strengths is versatility in connectivity. The printer supports dual-band wireless connections, Ethernet, and USB, making it easy to integrate into various office setups. The Brother Mobile Connect app further enhances usability, allowing users to print and manage tasks directly from their mobile devices, which is a big plus for those who value convenience.

In terms of print quality, it delivers sharp black-and-white documents with a maximum resolution of 1200 x 1200 DPI, suitable for everyday printing tasks. The printer is energy-efficient and comes with the option for automatic duplex printing, helping to save on paper costs, an important consideration for budget-conscious users. However, it only prints in monochrome, which may not meet the needs of those who occasionally require color prints. The initial investment can be a bit higher compared to entry-level inkjet printers, but the lower ink and toner costs over time can offset that for users who print frequently. Additionally, while it accommodates various paper sizes, the maximum media size is limited to 8.5 x 14 inches, which might restrict options for larger print jobs.

The weight of 25 pounds might make it less portable than some other models, which could be a consideration for those with limited space or who need to move their printer frequently. The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a solid choice for users looking for a reliable, fast, and cost-effective monochrome printer with additional scanning and copying capabilities.