10 Best Cheapest Color Printer 2026 in the United States

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.

The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 stands out with its cartridge-free printing that uses Claria ET Premium 6-color inks, ensuring high-quality, vibrant photos and sharp text. It can print a 4 x 6 photo in as little as 15 seconds, making it quite fast for photo printing. The printer also supports a wide range of media types and sizes, including borderless photos up to 13 x 19 inches and even specialty media like cardstock and CDs/DVDs, enhancing its versatility.

Connectivity is robust with options including wireless, Ethernet, and USB, along with mobile printing via the Epson Smart Panel app, which supports both iOS and Android devices. The 4.3-inch color touchscreen and voice-activated printing add to its user-friendly appeal. One of its major strengths is the cost-effectiveness of its ink bottles, promising significant savings compared to traditional cartridges and the ability to print up to 6,200 color pages per set, reducing long-term costs. The printer also features auto-duplex printing and copying, making it convenient for double-sided printing tasks.

However, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is quite large and heavy, which might be a drawback for those with limited space. Its printing speed, while decent for photos, is slower for monochrome and color documents at 16 ppm and 12 ppm, respectively, which might not meet the needs of users requiring faster document printing. Additionally, it might be more expensive upfront compared to other budget printers, though the long-term ink savings could offset this. In summary, this printer is ideal for users who prioritize high-quality photo printing, extensive media support, and long-term savings on ink, while being mindful of its size and upfront cost.

The Brother MFC-L8900CDW is a feature-rich color laser printer suitable for users who need fast and high-quality printing. It can print and copy at a rapid speed of up to 33 pages per minute, which is quite impressive. The 5-inch color touchscreen makes it easy to navigate menus and create up to 48 custom shortcuts, enhancing usability. Connectivity is robust with options for wired, wireless, and NFC, making it convenient to print from various devices, including mobile phones.

The 70-page auto document feeder adds efficiency, especially for double-sided scanning with a speed of up to 56 images per minute. However, weighing over 63 pounds, it's quite heavy and may be challenging to move. Also, the initial cost of a laser printer and its high-yield toner cartridges can be more expensive compared to inkjet alternatives, which might not be ideal for users looking for the absolute cheapest printing option.

The printer's multifunction features, including scanning and copying, make it versatile for an office environment. Its solid build quality and advanced features are great for business use but may be overkill for home users with basic printing needs.