10 Best Cheapest Printer To Run 2025 in the United States

The Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Laser Printer is a solid choice for small businesses looking for a cost-effective printing solution. This printer uses laser toner, which generally has a lower cost per page compared to inkjet printers, making it cheaper to run in the long term. The high print yield of Brother Genuine TN830 or TN830XL toner means fewer replacements and savings on supply costs. The duplex printing feature helps reduce paper usage, contributing to lower operational costs and environmental benefits. Additionally, the printer is Energy Star and EPEAT qualified, indicating good energy efficiency which can help keep electricity costs down.

However, it's worth noting that while the upfront cost of genuine Brother toner can be high, subscribing to the Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service can provide savings and convenience with automatic toner replenishment. Maintenance costs are generally low for laser printers, and the Brother DCP-L2640DW is no exception, with reliable performance reducing the need for frequent repairs. Connectivity is versatile with options including Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet, which makes it adaptable to various office setups and easy to integrate. The Brother Mobile Connect app adds convenience for managing printing tasks remotely.

On the downside, being a monochrome printer, it only prints in black and white, which might not be suitable for businesses needing color prints. Additionally, the printer's weight (25 pounds) and size may be a consideration if space is limited. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Brother DCP-L2640DW is a cost-effective and efficient printer for small businesses.

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.