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 Canon Megatank G3290 is a solid choice for anyone looking for an affordable color printer that also handles scanning and copying. Its print quality is good, with a sharp 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution for both color and black-and-white prints, which means your documents and photos will come out clear and detailed. In terms of speed, it prints about 11 pages per minute in black and white and 6 pages per minute in color; this is decent for home or small office use but not the fastest if you need high volume quickly. Connectivity is flexible with both Wi-Fi and USB options, so you can print from your phone or computer without hassle. A standout feature is the Megatank system that comes with up to two years' worth of ink included, allowing you to print thousands of pages before needing a refill, which saves you a lot on ink costs compared to traditional cartridges.

Paper handling is straightforward with one tray holding up to 100 sheets and support for various paper sizes, including borderless photo printing. The printer also offers convenient multifunction features like auto duplex (double-sided) printing and a 2.7-inch color touchscreen for easy control. Its compact design is reasonable, weighing about 14 pounds and measuring 14 by 16 inches, so it won’t take up too much desk space.

The print speed is acceptable for casual use, but it may feel slow for heavier printing needs. Also, having only one paper tray means switching paper types might be a bit less convenient for some users. This printer is best suited for budget-conscious users who want reliable color printing with low ink costs and useful all-in-one features rather than those needing very fast or high-volume printing.

The Brother MFC-L3780CDW is a comprehensive all-in-one color printer that stands out for its laser-quality print output and multifunctionality, making it particularly suitable for small businesses and home offices. Its print speed of up to 31 pages per minute (both color and monochrome) is impressive, ensuring rapid document production. The single-pass duplex feature for copying and scanning adds to its efficiency, saving time and effort. Connectivity options are robust, with Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, and NFC making it adaptable to various devices including smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

The printer's design, although slightly bulky at 47.8 pounds, is built to handle a variety of media types and sizes, making it versatile for different printing needs. One of its significant advantages is the support for genuine Brother toner cartridges, which, when paired with the Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service, can potentially reduce toner costs by up to 50%. However, the initial cost of these cartridges can be higher compared to other brands. The print resolution of 2400 x 600 dpi ensures clear and professional quality prints.

The size and weight of the printer might be cumbersome for smaller spaces. Additionally, while the multifunction features are a plus, users who primarily need basic printing might find it over-featured. In essence, the Brother MFC-L3780CDW offers strong print quality and multifunction capabilities, but its larger footprint and higher toner costs might not be ideal for everyone.