Quick Picks: Best Budget Printers 2026
Best Overall Budget All-in-One
Brother MFC-J4335DW
Print, scan, copy, fax with low running costs
Best for Lowest Running Costs
Epson EcoTank ET-2800
$5/year ink cost vs $150+ for cartridges
Best Budget Laser
Brother HL-L2460DW
Fast mono laser, toner never dries out
Best Ultra-Cheap Entry
HP DeskJet 4155e
Under $100, includes 6 months free ink
Understanding the True Cost of a Cheap Printer
The Cheap Printer Trap
A $49 inkjet printer can cost $157 per year in ink cartridges. Meanwhile, a $199 ink tank printer costs just $5 per year to operate. Over 3 years, the "cheap" printer costs you $520 while the "expensive" one costs only $214.
When shopping for a budget printer, the purchase price is just the beginning. The real cost comes from consumables, replacement cartridges, toner, and paper over the printer's lifetime. Here's what you need to know:
Total Cost of Ownership Breakdown
| Printer Type | Purchase Price | Yearly Ink/Toner | 3-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheap Cartridge Inkjet | $49 | $157 | $520 |
| Ink Tank (EcoTank) | $199 | $5 | $214 |
| Budget Mono Laser | $149 | $30 | $239 |
| Mid-Range Inkjet | $129 | $89 | $396 |
*Based on 100 pages/month average usage
Brother MFC-J4335DW
Key Specifications
- OK Print/Scan/Copy/Fax
- OK 20 ppm black, 19 ppm color
- OK Automatic duplex printing
- OK 150-sheet paper tray
- OK WiFi Direct & USB
- OK INKvestment high-yield cartridges
Considerations
- X No touchscreen (button controls)
- X 20-sheet ADF (not 35-50)
- X Basic photo quality
Why We Recommend It
The Brother MFC-J4335DW hits the sweet spot for budget all-in-one printers. At under $150, you get printing, scanning, copying, and even faxing with fast print speeds that rival printers costing twice as much.
What sets this printer apart is Brother's INKvestment tank system, featuring high-yield cartridges that dramatically reduce your per-page costs compared to standard inkjet cartridges. The included cartridges print up to 3,000 black pages and 1,500 color pages right out of the box.
The automatic duplex printing saves paper costs, and wireless connectivity means everyone in your home can print without cables. It's the ideal choice for families and home offices who need versatility without breaking the bank.
Epson EcoTank ET-2800
Key Specifications
- OK Print/Scan/Copy
- OK Up to 4,500 black pages included ink
- OK Up to 7,500 color pages included ink
- OK 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution
- OK WiFi Direct & USB
- OK Refillable ink tanks
Considerations
- X Slower at 10.5 ppm black
- X No automatic duplex
- X No fax capability
- X 100-sheet tray capacity
Savings Alert
The included ink bottles print enough pages to equal 90 traditional cartridges. Replacement ink bottles cost just $13 each and last for years of normal use.
Why We Recommend It
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is the undisputed champion of low running costs. While the $199 price tag is higher than budget cartridge printers, the included ink alone is worth over $400 in equivalent cartridge costs.
The refillable tank system eliminates the frustration of constantly replacing expensive cartridges. For families who print homework, crafts, or documents regularly, this printer pays for itself within the first year.
Print quality is excellent at 5760 x 1440 dpi, producing vibrant photos and sharp text. The ink also won't dry out like traditional inkjets, making it perfect for occasional printers who hate wasting money on dried-up cartridges.
Brother HL-L2460DW
Key Specifications
- OK 36 pages per minute
- OK Automatic duplex printing
- OK 250-sheet paper tray
- OK WiFi, Ethernet & USB
- OK Toner never dries out
- OK 3,000-page starter toner
Considerations
- X Monochrome only (no color)
- X Print only (no scan/copy)
- X Basic LCD display
Why We Recommend It
For anyone who primarily prints documents, the Brother HL-L2460DW is hard to beat. At 36 pages per minute, it's three times faster than budget inkjets and produces razor-sharp text every time.
The killer advantage of laser over inkjet for budget buyers is that toner never dries out. If you only print occasionally, you won't waste money on dried-up cartridges. The included toner prints 3,000 pages, and high-yield replacements go up to 4,500 pages.
With automatic duplex printing, WiFi, and Ethernet connectivity, this printer handles everything a small office needs. It's perfect for remote workers, students writing papers, or anyone who values speed and reliability over color printing.
HP DeskJet 4155e
Key Specifications
- OK Print/Scan/Copy
- OK 8.5 ppm black, 5.5 ppm color
- OK 6 months free HP+ ink
- OK WiFi & Bluetooth
- OK HP Smart App
- OK Compact design
Considerations
- X High per-page ink costs
- X HP+ requires internet connection
- X 60-sheet paper tray
- X No automatic duplex
Important Note
The HP+ subscription includes 6 months of free ink, but after that, ink costs can add up quickly. Consider this printer if you print very little or are willing to use HP's Instant Ink subscription service.
Why We Recommend It
At under $85, the HP DeskJet 4155e is one of the cheapest all-in-one printers you can buy. The included 6 months of free HP+ ink makes it an attractive option for light users who want minimal upfront investment.
The HP Smart App offers excellent mobile printing capabilities, and setup is quick and easy. For students in dorms, renters who don't want to invest heavily, or anyone who prints fewer than 50 pages a month, this is a solid choice.
Just be aware of the running costs after the free ink runs out. If you end up printing more than expected, consider upgrading to an ink tank printer for long-term savings.
Budget Printer Comparison 2026
| Printer | Price | Type | Speed | Yearly Ink Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brother MFC-J4335DW | $149 | Inkjet AIO | 20 ppm | $60 | All-around value |
| Epson ET-2800 | $199 | Ink Tank AIO | 10.5 ppm | $5 | Lowest running cost |
| Brother HL-L2460DW | $159 | Mono Laser | 36 ppm | $30 | Speed & documents |
| HP DeskJet 4155e | $84 | Inkjet AIO | 8.5 ppm | $120+ | Ultra-low upfront |
Budget Printer Buying Guide 2026
Inkjet vs Laser: Which is Cheaper?
For black-and-white document printing, laser printers are cheaper in the long run. Toner costs less per page than ink and never dries out.
For color printing, ink tank printers like EcoTank offer the lowest running costs but higher upfront prices.
All-in-One vs Print Only
All-in-one printers with scanning and copying cost only slightly more than print-only models.
The convenience of having a scanner is usually worth the extra $20-30, especially for students and home offices.
Key Features Worth Paying For
- Auto duplex printing saves paper costs
- WiFi connectivity for easy sharing
- High-yield cartridge compatibility
- ADF for multi-page scanning
Features to Skip on a Budget
- Touchscreen (buttons work fine)
- Fax (unless you actually need it)
- Extra-large paper trays
- NFC tap-to-print
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best cheap printer for occasional home use? v
For occasional home use, a laser printer like the Brother HL-L2460DW is best because toner doesn't dry out like inkjet ink. If you need color, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 won't clog like traditional inkjets even with infrequent use. Avoid cheap cartridge inkjets if you print less than monthly - the ink will dry up and waste your money.
Are cheap printers worth buying or should I spend more? v
Budget printers under $200 can be excellent value, especially ink tank models like Epson EcoTank that have extremely low running costs. The key is calculating total cost of ownership including ink/toner, not just the purchase price. A $199 EcoTank costs less over 3 years than a $49 cheap inkjet.
What's the cheapest printer to run in 2026? v
Ink tank printers like the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 are the cheapest to run, costing as little as $5 per year in ink for average use. Traditional cartridge printers can cost $150+ per year in ink replacement. For black-and-white only, laser printers like the Brother HL-L2460DW cost around $30 per year in toner.
Is HP Instant Ink worth it for budget buyers? v
HP Instant Ink can be worthwhile for light printers who don't want a high upfront cost. The free tier (15 pages/month) is great for minimal use. However, if you print regularly, an ink tank printer is more cost-effective long-term. Instant Ink also requires a constant internet connection.
What features should I prioritize on a budget printer? v
Prioritize: 1) Low running costs (high-yield cartridges or ink tank), 2) WiFi connectivity for easy sharing, 3) Automatic duplex printing to save paper. Skip expensive features like touchscreens, large paper trays, and NFC - they add cost without improving print quality.
Our Final Recommendation
For most budget buyers in 2026, we recommend the Epson EcoTank ET-2800. While it costs $199 upfront, the included ink is worth $400+ in cartridge equivalents, and yearly ink costs are just $5. It's the smartest long-term investment for anyone who wants quality printing without ongoing expense.
If you need speed and primarily print documents, get the Brother HL-L2460DW laser printer. For the absolute lowest upfront cost with all-in-one features, the HP DeskJet 4155e with 6 months free ink is a solid choice.
View Epson ET-2800 on Amazon