10 Best Cheapest Color Printer 2025 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 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.

The Brother MFC-J1010DW is a compact and budget-friendly all-in-one color inkjet printer that fits well in small spaces like home offices. It offers sharp print quality with a high resolution up to 6000 x 1200 dpi on Windows, which means your documents and photos will look clear and vibrant. The print speed is decent for its class, with about 17 pages per minute in black and around 9.5 pages per minute in color—good enough for casual or light office use but not ideal for heavy workloads.

Connectivity options are modern and flexible, including Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet, plus it supports printing directly from smartphones through an easy-to-use mobile app, which simplifies managing print jobs without a computer. It also features automatic duplex printing (printing on both sides), saving paper effortlessly. The 150-sheet paper tray and 20-page automatic document feeder help handle everyday printing and scanning tasks without frequent refills.

While the printer supports borderless printing and has scanning and copying features, it lacks fax capabilities. Ink costs might be a consideration since inkjet cartridges typically need replacing more often compared to laser toner, so it works best for users with low to moderate printing demands. Its compact design and light weight make it a practical choice if space is tight. This printer is a solid pick for anyone needing an affordable, versatile color printer with wireless convenience and basic multifunction features, particularly suitable for home or small office environments.