10 Best Printer With Low Ink Cost 2025 in the United States

The HP DeskJet 2827e is designed primarily for home users who need a compact, all-in-one printer for occasional printing tasks like documents, letters, and recipes. It uses dye-based ink and original HP 67 or 67XL cartridges, which deliver decent print quality, but it does not support refillable ink tanks or non-HP cartridges due to built-in chip restrictions. This limits options for cheaper ink refills and may increase long-term ink costs. The printer offers manual duplexing, so you can print on both sides of the paper, but it requires you to flip pages yourself. Print speeds are moderate, with about 7.5 pages per minute in black and 5.5 in color, which is fine for home use but not suited for heavy printing needs.

A notable benefit is the included 3-month Instant Ink trial, which delivers ink to your door before you run out, potentially lowering ink costs if you continue the subscription. Wireless connectivity and the HP app make printing from smartphones and computers simple and reliable. However, the 60-sheet paper tray and basic features reflect its entry-level focus. If you want the absolute lowest ink cost and flexibility with third-party inks or refillable tanks, this model may fall short. But if you value ease of use, decent print quality, and a compact design with moderate ink costs through HP’s subscription, the DeskJet 2827e is a solid choice for light home printing.

The Canon Megatank G3290 is a solid choice if you want to keep ink costs low while having a reliable all-in-one printer for home or office use. It comes with enough ink to print for up to two years, delivering up to 6,000 black-and-white and 7,700 color pages from a single ink set, which is excellent for anyone who prints frequently without worrying about constantly buying cartridges. This is thanks to its refillable ink tanks and included ink bottles, which help save potentially hundreds of dollars compared to traditional cartridge printers. The dye-based and pigment-based inks offer good color quality and sharp black text. It supports automatic duplex (double-sided) printing, which can reduce paper use and is handy for document printing.

The printer connects easily over Wi-Fi or USB and includes a user-friendly 2.7-inch touchscreen for direct control. Print speeds are reasonable at 11 pages per minute in black and 6 in color, suitable for casual to moderate printing needs though it may feel slow for heavy office use. The print resolution is high, allowing for clear photos and sharp text. It also supports mobile printing, making it convenient from smartphones.

The printer weighs 14.2 pounds, so it's not very portable but fine for a stationary setup. Some users might find the initial cost higher than cartridge printers, but the long-term ink savings and high page yield provide good value. The Canon Megatank G3290 is especially well-suited for users looking for low-cost printing with the convenience of an all-in-one device. It is ideal for those who print a lot yet want to avoid frequent cartridge replacements or high ink expenses. If you want a budget-friendly way to print, copy, and scan with decent speed and quality, this printer is a worthwhile option.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2803 is a great option for those looking to minimize ink costs. Its standout feature is the cartridge-free design, using high-capacity, refillable ink tanks that significantly reduce the long-term cost of printing. Each set of ink bottles can print up to 4,500 black-and-white pages and 7,500 color pages, offering impressive savings by eliminating the need for frequent cartridge replacements. This printer also supports third-party ink, adding to its cost-efficiency.

Another advantage is the two years’ worth of ink included in the box, reducing the frequency of refills and decreasing out-of-ink frustrations. The EcoTank design also contributes to zero cartridge waste, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Additionally, the printer includes a built-in scanner and copier, and supports wireless connectivity and AirPrint for easy printing from smart devices. Its print quality is high, thanks to Epson's Micro Piezo Heat Free technology, delivering sharp text and vibrant colors on various paper types.

However, it does have some drawbacks. The print speed is relatively slow, with a maximum of 10 pages per minute for black and white and 5 pages per minute for color. It also lacks duplex printing, which means it can't print on both sides of the paper automatically. Despite these limitations, the Epson EcoTank ET-2803 is an efficient and cost-effective solution for households or small offices that prioritize low ink costs and high print volumes over speed and duplex printing.