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 Canon PIXMA TS6420a is a compact and user-friendly all-in-one inkjet printer designed mainly for home office use. It supports wireless Wi-Fi and USB connections, making it easy to print from laptops and mobile devices. One of its notable features is automatic duplex printing, which helps save paper by printing on both sides without manual flipping. The print speeds are moderate—up to 13 pages per minute in black and around 7 ppm in color—suitable for everyday documents but not for heavy or fast-paced printing needs.

It uses standard Canon ink cartridges with a print resolution up to 4800 x 1200 dpi, delivering good color quality for photos and documents. Its running costs can be somewhat higher compared to laser printers or refillable ink systems because inkjet cartridges tend to use more ink over time. The printer includes a 64 MB memory and an OLED display for easy control, with scanning and copying functions adding versatility. It weighs about 14 pounds and can handle various paper types, including glossy photo paper and envelopes.

While energy efficiency details aren’t specified, Canon printers typically have moderate power consumption. Given its features and price point, this printer is well suited for light to moderate home use where convenience and print quality matter more than ultra-low running costs.

The Canon PIXMA TR4720 is a versatile all-in-one inkjet printer designed for home or small office use. It offers wireless printing, scanning, copying, and faxing, which adds convenience beyond just printing. A key feature for keeping running costs low is its automatic double-sided printing, which saves paper and cuts expenses over time. It uses a hybrid ink system with pigment-based black ink and dye-based colors that generally produce sharp text and vibrant images. The printer is also ENERGY STAR certified and consumes just 7 watts while printing, which helps reduce electricity bills.

Ink installation and replacement are straightforward, and the printer supports Alexa-enabled smart reorder notifications, so you won’t accidentally run out of ink or buy more than needed. This feature can save money and hassle but requires enrolling in Amazon’s smart reorder system. The print speed is moderate, with about 8.8 pages per minute for black-and-white and 4.4 for color, which is fine for casual or home users but might feel slow for heavy tasks.

On the downside, while the printer offers decent print quality and convenience, inkjet cartridges usually cost more per page compared to laser toner, so if you print very frequently, costs can add up. The 100-sheet paper tray is suitable for light to medium use but may require frequent refills with higher volume. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi and USB, allowing easy connection to smartphones and computers, but no Ethernet port means it’s less ideal for wired office setups. The PIXMA TR4720 strikes a good balance of features and energy efficiency for those seeking to minimize running costs on moderate home printing needs, especially if easy ink management and duplex printing are priorities.