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 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.