10 Best Low Budget Printer 2026 in the United States

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a low-budget, all-in-one color printer designed for home use. One of its standout features is the innovative cartridge-free printing system using high-capacity ink tanks, which can drastically reduce the cost of consumables. The printer comes with enough ink to last up to two years, making it a cost-effective option for those who print frequently. Additionally, replacing ink bottles is straightforward and less wasteful compared to traditional cartridges, promoting environmental sustainability.

This model also includes a built-in scanner and copier, adding to its versatility for home projects. The print quality is commendable, thanks to Epson’s Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology, which ensures sharp text and vibrant photos and graphics on various paper types.

However, the printer's speed is relatively slow, with a maximum of 10 pages per minute (ppm) for monochrome and 5 ppm for color prints, which might not be suitable for high-volume printing needs. Another drawback is the manual duplex printing, requiring users to flip the pages themselves for double-sided printing. Connectivity options are decent, with both wired and wireless capabilities, although it does not support Ethernet connections. The paper handling capacity is moderate, holding up to 100 sheets, which is adequate for home use but may be limited for more intensive printing tasks. The printer's LCD display and control method via the app are user-friendly, although the screen might be small for some users. The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is well-suited for users seeking a cost-efficient, eco-friendly, and reliable home printer, but it may not be the best choice for those needing fast print speeds or extensive paper handling.

The Brother MFC-J1010DW is a compact all-in-one inkjet printer that suits home offices or small business users looking for budget-friendly, versatile functionality. It offers decent print speeds, reaching up to 17 pages per minute in black and 9.5 ppm in color, which is good for everyday printing needs without long waits. Its print quality, with high resolution up to 6000 x 1200 dpi (on Windows), ensures sharp text and vibrant colors, making it suitable for documents and occasional photos.

Connectivity options are flexible, supporting Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet, plus mobile and cloud printing through the Brother Mobile Connect app, which adds convenience for wireless device users. The 20-page automatic document feeder and 150-sheet capacity tray help reduce the hassle of constant paper refills, though these are modest sizes compared to higher-end models. Automatic duplex printing is a helpful feature to save paper and effort.

Inkjet consumables usually cost more over time compared to laser printers, so ink expenses might add up if you print a lot. The printer includes a small 1.8-inch color display for easy navigation, but it’s quite basic. Its Alexa integration for ink alerts and ordering is a neat modern touch but depends on using the Alexa ecosystem. It also supports fax and copy functions, which may be less essential for some users. This Brother model delivers solid, reliable performance at a reasonable price, with convenient wireless features and a compact design, making it a strong choice for users needing a capable, easy-to-use printer without breaking the bank.

The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 is a well-rounded low-budget printer that brings several notable strengths to the table. Its cartridge-free, high-capacity ink tank system is a standout feature, offering significant cost savings on replacement ink – you can print up to 4,500 pages in black and 7,500 pages in color. This makes it an economical choice for users looking to minimize ongoing costs. Additionally, the printer promises up to two years of ink included in the box, reducing the hassle of frequent refills.

The printing speed is relatively modest, with a maximum of 10 pages per minute for monochrome and 5 pages per minute for color, which might be slow for high-volume printing needs. The print quality is impressive for both text and color graphics, thanks to Epson's Heat-Free Technology. Connectivity options are robust, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and voice-activated printing. The printer’s ability to handle various paper types and its built-in scanner, copier, fax, and ADF add valuable versatility. The environmental benefits of reduced cartridge waste further enhance its appeal.

The initial price might seem high for a low-budget category, but the long-term savings on ink can offset this. The printer's sheet capacity is modest at 100 sheets, which may require frequent refilling for busy offices. It includes modern features like the Epson Smart Panel app for easy printing from smart devices and a two-year warranty with registration, providing peace of mind. The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 is particularly suitable for home offices and users who prioritize cost-efficiency, environmental benefits, and multifunctionality over high-speed performance.