10 Best Cheapest Printer To Run 2026 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 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.

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.