10 Best Cheapest Printer To Run 2025 in the United States

The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is a versatile and cost-efficient all-in-one printer designed for users who prioritize low running costs. One of its most significant advantages is the cartridge-free printing system, which uses high-capacity ink tanks. This innovative approach can lead to substantial savings, with ink bottle sets that can print up to 7,500 black and 6,000 color pages. This makes it an excellent option for users who do a lot of printing and want to minimize the cost per page. Additionally, it comes with up to 2 years of ink in the box, reducing the frequency and frustration of running out of ink.

The printer also supports auto-duplex printing, which helps save paper and offers hands-free, voice-activated printing for added convenience. For connectivity, it includes Wi-Fi Direct and Ethernet options, allowing easy printing from various devices without needing a network. The color touchscreen interface further enhances user experience. On the downside, the print speeds—17 ppm for monochrome and 9 ppm for color—might not be the fastest for high-volume offices. The printer is also quite large and heavy, which could be a drawback if space is a concern.

Despite these points, the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 remains a strong contender for anyone needing a reliable and economical printer, particularly well-suited for home offices or small business environments.

The HP Smart Tank 5000 is designed for users who want to keep printing costs low while handling medium to high volume print jobs. It uses refillable ink tanks rather than cartridges, which helps lower the cost per page significantly. With up to 2 years of ink included, you can print about 6,000 pages in black or color before needing to refill, making it a budget-friendly choice for families or home offices. Print speeds are modest—10 pages per minute for black and 5 for color—which suits everyday tasks but might feel slow for heavy users.

It offers wireless and mobile printing, so you can print straight from your phone or tablet, adding convenience. However, it only supports manual duplex printing, meaning you have to flip pages yourself if you want double-sided prints. Energy-wise, it’s Energy Star certified, which means it saves power compared to older models. Setup and use are straightforward, supported by an app that simplifies scanning and copying.

On the downside, the initial print speed can be a bit slow, and it has just one USB port, limiting wired connection options. Maintenance costs should remain low due to the refillable tanks, though occasional printhead cleaning might be necessary. The HP Smart Tank 5000 is well suited for those prioritizing low running costs and decent print quality rather than fast, heavy-duty printing.

The HP Smart Tank Plus 651 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a printer that’s inexpensive to run over time. It uses refillable ink tanks instead of cartridges, which means you get up to two years of ink right out of the box—enough for about 6,000 black and 8,000 color pages. This makes the cost per page very low compared to traditional printers, saving you money especially if you print a lot. It’s an all-in-one device, so you can print, scan, copy, and fax, plus it has an automatic document feeder which makes handling multiple pages easier.

The printer supports wireless and mobile printing, and you can even control it with Alexa, which adds convenience. Print quality is good for everyday documents and photos, with sharp text and vibrant colors. However, the print speed is moderate—around 11 pages per minute for black and 5 for color—so it’s not the fastest if you have heavy or urgent printing needs. Duplex printing is manual, meaning you have to flip the pages yourself to print on both sides, which might be inconvenient if you want frequent double-sided printing.

While the printer is energy-efficient and easy to maintain thanks to the refillable tanks, it weighs about 10 pounds and takes up a fair bit of desk space. It is best suited for home users or small offices that want to keep running costs low without needing ultra-fast speeds or automatic duplexing. For those seeking reliable, cost-effective printing with good quality and wireless features, the HP Smart Tank Plus 651 is worth considering.