10 Best Low Cost Inkjet Printer 2026 in the United States

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a versatile and cost-effective inkjet printer, particularly suited for home use. Its standout feature is the innovative cartridge-free design with high-capacity ink tanks, significantly reducing the cost and frequency of ink purchases. This model promises dramatic savings on replacement ink, with bottles lasting up to 4,500 pages for black ink and 7,500 pages for color, making it an economical choice compared to traditional cartridge printers. Additionally, the included ink lasts up to two years, which minimizes the need for frequent replacements and helps reduce cartridge waste, an environmentally friendly aspect.

The print quality is impressive with a resolution of 5760 x 1440 DPI, ensuring sharp text and vibrant color images, supported by Epson’s Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology. However, the print speed is relatively slow, with a maximum of 10 pages per minute for monochrome and 5 pages per minute for color, which may not be ideal for high-volume printing needs. Connectivity is flexible with both wired and wireless options, and the printer also supports mobile printing. The built-in scanner and copier add to its multifunctional appeal, and the LCD display makes navigation straightforward.

On the downside, the machine lacks automatic duplex printing, which means users need to manually flip pages for double-sided printing. The maximum input sheet capacity is 100, which is decent for home use but may be limiting for larger tasks. The size and weight are moderate, making it a manageable addition to a home office setup. The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is an excellent printer for anyone looking to save on ink costs and reduce waste, with the trade-off of slower print speeds and no automatic duplexing.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a solid choice for anyone looking for an affordable inkjet printer that handles basic home printing needs with ease. Its print quality is very good, offering sharp documents and vivid colors thanks to a high maximum resolution of up to 5760 x 1440 dpi. For speed, it can print about 10 pages per minute in black and 5 pages per minute in color, which is reasonable for home use but not ideal if you need very fast printing. One of its biggest strengths is its cartridge-free design, using refillable ink tanks instead of traditional cartridges. This means you can save a lot on ink costs—up to 90% cheaper—and print thousands of pages before needing to refill, which is great if you print regularly and want to avoid the hassle and waste of frequent cartridge replacements.

Connectivity options include both USB and Wi-Fi, making it easy to print from a computer or mobile device. The printer supports common paper sizes and types but only has a single paper tray with a capacity of around 100 sheets, which is typical for home printers but might require frequent refilling if you print a lot. It does not support automatic double-sided printing, so manual flipping is needed for duplex jobs. The ET-2800 also includes scanning and copying functions, so it's a versatile all-in-one device for everyday tasks. Its flatbed scanner has modest resolution, and the printer’s physical size is somewhat large for small spaces. This printer is well suited for home users who want low ongoing ink expenses and decent print quality without needing high-speed or advanced office features.

The Brother Work Smart 1360 is designed with home users and small home offices in mind, offering a good balance of features for its price. It produces sharp prints with a high resolution (up to 1200 x 6000 dpi), which should satisfy everyday printing and color projects. Print speed is decent for a budget inkjet, running at about 16 pages per minute for black-and-white and 9 ppm for color, making it suitable for moderate workloads without long waits.

Ink-wise, this model uses LC501 series cartridges, and while the printer includes a trial subscription to Brother’s ink refresh service, ongoing ink costs might be a consideration since inkjets usually have higher cartridge expenses compared to laser printers. The automatic duplex printing is a handy feature that helps save paper, and the 150-sheet input tray is generous enough for typical home office needs. Connectivity options include wireless and USB, making it easy to print from laptops, smartphones, or tablets. The 1.8” color display and compatibility with popular cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox add convenience, especially for users who want quick access without a computer. The inclusion of a 20-sheet automatic document feeder and multifunction capabilities (copy and scan) enhances productivity.

The printer's compact footprint and manageable weight (around 17 pounds) mean it won’t take up much space, fitting well on a desk or shelf. However, it lacks advanced features like fax or very high-speed printing, which might limit its appeal for higher volume or specialized office needs. Some users may find the print speeds for color documents on the slower side, and ink costs could add up over time. This model suits home users or small offices looking for an affordable, all-in-one inkjet printer with good print quality, easy wireless connectivity, and practical paper handling features. It balances functionality and cost, though those needing fast color printing or very low ink expenses might want to explore other options.