10 Best Inexpensive Printers 2025 in the United States

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a solid choice for anyone looking for an inexpensive home printer with a focus on long-term savings and convenience. One of its standout features is the innovative cartridge-free printing system. Instead of traditional ink cartridges, it uses high-capacity ink tanks that can save you up to 90% on replacement ink costs. This efficiency means you can print a substantial number of pages—up to 4,500 in black and 7,500 in color—before needing a refill, which can be a major benefit for families or small offices that print frequently.

Print quality is impressive thanks to Epson's Micro Piezo technology, delivering sharp text and vibrant color images on a variety of paper types. The built-in scanner and copier add to its versatility, making it suitable for basic document management tasks around the home. Additionally, with up to two years of ink included, you won’t have to worry about running out of ink unexpectedly.

There are some drawbacks to consider. The print speed is on the slower side, with a maximum of 10 pages per minute for black and only 5 for color. This could be a concern if you often need to print large documents quickly. Also, while the printer offers various connectivity options, including wired and wireless, some users might find the initial setup a bit cumbersome, particularly if they're not tech-savvy. The ET-2800 is also relatively lightweight, which makes it easy to place anywhere in your home, but its design might not suit everyone's aesthetic preferences. Lastly, while the two-year warranty is a plus, it's always good to check the terms to understand what is covered.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 stands out for its cost-saving features and print quality, making it ideal for budget-conscious users who want reliability and efficiency in their home printing needs.

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a solid choice for small businesses looking for a reliable and fast monochrome laser printer. It excels in print speed, offering up to 36 pages per minute, which can significantly boost productivity. The print quality is commendable for black and white documents, delivering clear and crisp text. With its print, scan, and copy capabilities, it provides versatile functionality in a compact design.

Connectivity is a strong point for this printer, with options including Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet, making it easy to set up in various environments. Additionally, the Brother Mobile Connect app enhances convenience by allowing users to manage printing tasks from mobile devices. Paper handling is efficient with a 250-sheet capacity and an automatic document feeder that supports up to 50 pages, making it suitable for moderate to high-volume printing tasks.

The cost of consumables, such as toner cartridges, can add up, though the option to subscribe to the Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service may help reduce costs by up to 50%. One downside is the lack of color printing, which might be a deal-breaker for those needing to print color documents. The printer is also relatively heavy at 25 pounds, which might be a consideration for small office spaces with limited room. Its auto-duplex feature for double-sided printing and network readiness are valuable additions. The Brother DCP-L2640DW is best suited for small businesses or home offices that primarily need high-speed, high-quality black and white printing with the added benefits of scanning and copying.

The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 is a feature-packed, affordable printer that caters well to home office needs. Its standout feature is the cartridge-free printing system, utilizing high-capacity ink tanks, which significantly reduces the cost of consumables. This setup can save users up to 90% on ink costs compared to traditional cartridges, with enough ink included to last up to two years.

Additionally, the printer supports impressive print quality with its Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology, ensuring sharp text and vibrant color graphics on various paper types. It's also equipped with a built-in scanner, copier, fax, and auto document feeder (ADF), making it a versatile all-in-one device. Connectivity options are robust, featuring both Ethernet and Wi-Fi capabilities, along with voice-activated printing and the convenience of the Epson Smart Panel App for mobile printing.

However, the printer's relatively slow print speeds, at 10 ppm for monochrome and 5 ppm for color, may not be ideal for heavy printing tasks. The 100-sheet input capacity and modest 8 MB memory storage could be limiting for more extensive office environments. Despite these drawbacks, the EcoTank ET-4800's cost efficiency, minimal cartridge waste, and comprehensive functionality make it an excellent choice for budget-conscious users seeking a reliable home office printer.