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10 Best Cheapest Color Printer 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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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
9.8
Chosen by1,134
Print Quality (Resolution)
Ink/Toner Costs
Size and Design

Most important from
12538 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
Print quality, especially for photos, is quite good with bright and vivid colors.
Ink/Toner Costs
Ink longevity is outstanding; after printing hundreds of photos, the ink tanks are still mostly full.
Size and Design
This printer has been pretty impressive; it is smaller and more lightweight than expected, taking up less desk space.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a solid choice for a budget-friendly color printer, especially for home use. One of its standout features is the innovative cartridge-free printing system, which utilizes high-capacity ink tanks. This design not only means that you won't have to deal with the hassle of replacing small, expensive cartridges but can also save you up to 90% on replacement ink costs over time. With enough ink included to print approximately 4,500 black and 7,500 color pages, it significantly reduces the frequency of ink purchases, making it a great option for light to moderate printing needs.

In terms of print quality, the ET-2800 performs well, producing sharp text and vibrant images thanks to Epson’s Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology. It’s versatile enough to handle various paper types, which is a bonus if you plan to print different projects. The built-in scanner and copier add functionality, making it an all-in-one solution for basic document needs, and the color display helps with navigation. Connectivity options are also flexible with both wired and wireless capabilities, allowing you to print from various devices, including smartphones.

However, there are some limitations to consider. The print speed is relatively slow, with a maximum of 10 pages per minute for black and only 5 pages per minute for color prints. If you have a high volume of printing, this might be a drawback. Additionally, while the size is manageable, it might still take up more space than some compact printers, particularly if you have a smaller workspace. Lastly, while the warranty provides peace of mind, some users may prefer traditional cartridges for convenience and speed of replacement. The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is particularly appealing for users looking to save on ink costs while enjoying decent print quality and multifunction capabilities, but it may not meet the needs of those requiring high-speed printing.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,134
Print Quality (Resolution)
Ink/Toner Costs
Size and Design

Most important from
12538 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
Print quality, especially for photos, is quite good with bright and vivid colors.
Ink/Toner Costs
Ink longevity is outstanding; after printing hundreds of photos, the ink tanks are still mostly full.
Size and Design
This printer has been pretty impressive; it is smaller and more lightweight than expected, taking up less desk space.
#2

HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e All-in-One Printer, Color, Printer-for-Small Medium Business, Print, Copy, scan, fax,Touchscreen; Smart Advance Scan, 3 months of Instant Ink included

Rating
9.6
Print Quality (Resolution)
Print Speed
Connectivity Options

Most important from
8563 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
Print quality is fantastic, as is the speed of printing.
Print Speed
Print quality is fantastic, as is the speed of printing.
Connectivity Options
Setting up the printer was fairly straightforward, with easy wireless connectivity.
Paper Handling
Automatic double-sided printing is a convenient feature that saves time and paper.
Multifunction Features
Borderless printing capabilities make it perfect for creating professional-looking newsletters.

The HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e All-in-One Printer is a versatile option ideal for small to medium-sized businesses needing a reliable color printer. It offers high print quality with a resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi for color prints, ensuring vibrant and sharp documents. Its print speeds are decent, with up to 18 ppm for color and 22 ppm for black and white, making it suitable for moderate printing tasks. Connectivity is robust with options for wireless, USB, and Ethernet connections, ensuring flexibility in different office setups.

The inclusion of a 250-sheet input tray and automatic double-sided printing and scanning enhances productivity, reducing the need for frequent paper reloads and manual handling. Multifunction features like copying, scanning, and faxing coupled with a 2.7-inch touchscreen interface provide a user-friendly experience. The printer also integrates well with mobile devices via the HP app, enabling easy printing and scanning directly from smartphones.

One of the standout features is the 3 months of Instant Ink service, offering notable savings on ink costs, though users should be aware of the subscription fee post the initial period. On the downside, the printer is relatively heavy at 20.48 pounds and may take up considerable desk space. Additionally, while its security features are advanced, they might be more beneficial to businesses dealing with sensitive information. The HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e is a strong contender in its category, especially for offices needing a multifunctional printer with robust connectivity and good print quality.

Rating
9.6
Print Quality (Resolution)
Print Speed
Connectivity Options

Most important from
8563 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
Print quality is fantastic, as is the speed of printing.
Print Speed
Print quality is fantastic, as is the speed of printing.
Connectivity Options
Setting up the printer was fairly straightforward, with easy wireless connectivity.
Paper Handling
Automatic double-sided printing is a convenient feature that saves time and paper.
Multifunction Features
Borderless printing capabilities make it perfect for creating professional-looking newsletters.
#3

HP Color Laserjet Pro MFP 3301fdw Wireless All-in-One Color Laser Printer, Office Printer, Scanner, Copier, Fax, ADF, Duplex, Best-for-Office (499Q5F)

Rating
9.4
Print Quality (Resolution)
Connectivity Options
Ink/Toner Costs

Most important from
4815 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
The print quality is impressive, producing beautiful and professional-looking documents.
Connectivity Options
Setup is a breeze, with the printer being instantly recognized on the network and ready to go within minutes.
Ink/Toner Costs
The toner cartridges last a long time, making it a cost-effective choice for home use.
Size and Design
The printer's professional appearance and build quality are standout features that enhance its appeal.

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw is a robust all-in-one color laser printer designed for small office teams. It offers quality color printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities. This printer boasts a respectable print speed of up to 26 pages per minute for both black and color, which is quite efficient for office use. The print resolution at 600x600 dpi ensures documents are clear and professional, though not the highest resolution available in the market.

Connectivity is a strong point with options for Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet, and the HP app allows for convenient mobile printing. The automatic duplex printing and scanning features, along with a 250-sheet input tray, enhance productivity by reducing manual intervention. However, the recurring cost of toner cartridges can be higher as it only works with original HP cartridges, potentially limiting options for cheaper alternatives. The printer is slightly bulky at 37.7 pounds, which may require a dedicated space.

Its eco-friendly design, certified by Energy Star and EPEAT, makes it a sustainable choice. The printer also includes advanced security features to protect data, which is crucial for business environments. It’s a reliable and feature-rich device suitable for small offices that need efficient, multi-functional printing capabilities within a reasonable budget.

Rating
9.4
Print Quality (Resolution)
Connectivity Options
Ink/Toner Costs

Most important from
4815 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
The print quality is impressive, producing beautiful and professional-looking documents.
Connectivity Options
Setup is a breeze, with the printer being instantly recognized on the network and ready to go within minutes.
Ink/Toner Costs
The toner cartridges last a long time, making it a cost-effective choice for home use.
Size and Design
The printer's professional appearance and build quality are standout features that enhance its appeal.

Buying Guide for the Best Cheapest Color Printer

Choosing the right color printer involves understanding your specific needs and how different features will meet those needs. Whether you need a printer for home use, a small office, or a larger business, there are several key specifications to consider. By understanding these specs, you can make an informed decision and find a printer that offers the best value for your requirements.
Print Quality (Resolution)Print quality is measured in DPI (dots per inch). Higher DPI means better print quality, which is important for printing detailed images and professional documents. For general home use, a resolution of 600 x 600 DPI is usually sufficient. For high-quality photo printing, look for printers with at least 1200 x 1200 DPI. Consider what you will be printing most often to determine the necessary print quality.
Print SpeedPrint speed is measured in pages per minute (PPM). Faster print speeds are important if you need to print large volumes of documents quickly. For occasional home use, a speed of 10-20 PPM is typically adequate. For office environments where printing is frequent, look for printers with speeds of 20-30 PPM or higher. Assess how often and how much you print to choose the right speed.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options include USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth. USB connections are standard for direct computer-to-printer setups. Wi-Fi and Ethernet are ideal for networked environments, allowing multiple devices to connect to the printer. Bluetooth is useful for printing from mobile devices. Consider how you will connect to the printer and choose one with the appropriate options.
Ink/Toner CostsInk and toner costs can add up over time, so it's important to consider the cost per page. Some printers have lower upfront costs but higher ink/toner prices. Look for printers with high-yield cartridges or consider ink tank printers for lower long-term costs. Think about your printing volume and budget for ongoing supplies.
Paper HandlingPaper handling includes the types and sizes of paper a printer can accommodate, as well as the capacity of the paper tray. For basic home use, a standard tray capacity of 100-150 sheets is usually enough. For offices, look for larger capacities and the ability to handle various paper sizes and types. Consider what types of documents you will print and how often you will need to refill the paper tray.
Multifunction FeaturesMultifunction printers (MFPs) can print, scan, copy, and sometimes fax. These are useful if you need to perform multiple tasks with one device. For home use, an MFP can save space and money. For office use, it can increase productivity. Determine if you need these additional functions and choose accordingly.
Size and DesignThe size and design of the printer can affect where you place it and how it fits into your space. Compact printers are ideal for small spaces, while larger printers may offer more features. Consider the available space in your home or office and choose a printer that fits comfortably.

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