The affordable printer market is a minefield of low upfront costs and surprisingly high long-term expenses. This guide cuts through the marketing noise to find machines that deliver crisp text and reliable scans without bleeding your wallet dry.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind WellFizz. I analyze hundreds of consumer data points, owner reviews, and technical spec sheets to identify which budget-tier printers genuinely last and which are designed to fail expensively.
Whether you need a machine for homework, remote work documents, or occasional recipe printouts, the market offers a few diamonds in the rough. This review is your shortcut to finding the true best cheap printer that won’t punish you with hidden costs or frustrating software lockouts.
How To Choose The Best Cheap Printer
A low price tag is a tempting trap. The real cost of a printer is measured in cents per page, cartridge yield, and the sheer frustration of software that demands you create an account just to print a boarding pass. Here’s what to check before you click “buy.”
Understand the True Cost Per Page
Never buy a printer, then ignore the ink. Look at the yield of the standard cartridge versus the high-yield (XL) option. A standard cartridge might print 100-150 black pages, while the XL version can print 300-600. That large cartridge costs more per unit, but far less per page. A printer with cheap machines but expensive standard cartridges will eat your savings after two refills.
Beware the Subscription Lock-In
Many manufacturers now push optional or required ink subscription services. When you sign up, the ink is monitored and sent to you automatically. The danger? Some printers are designed so that if your subscription lapses, the printer becomes a brick, even if there is ink still inside the starter cartridges. Read the fine print: if a printer is “Instant Ink” ready, ask yourself if you are comfortable with the service’s ongoing monthly fee.
Confirm Your Wi-Fi Band Compatibility
Most budget printers are 2.4 GHz only. If your router runs a combined 2.4/5 GHz network (most modern mesh systems do), the printer may fail to connect or require you to create a guest 2.4 GHz network. This is a surprisingly common pain point that drives owners crazy. Check the specifications for “dual-band” or “2.4 GHz only” before you set up your home office.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP DeskJet 2755 | Budget All-in-One | Ultra-low budget basic printing | Manual Duplex; 60-sheet tray | Amazon |
| HP DeskJet 2855e | Budget All-in-One | Low volume with auto-refill ink service | Manual Duplex; 2.4 GHz only | Amazon |
| HP Envy 6555e | Mid-Range AIO | Documents with automatic duplex | Auto Duplex; 10 ppm Black | Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA TS6520 | Compact AIO | Space-saving home with photo prints | Auto Duplex; Dual-band Wi-Fi | Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA TS7720 | Premium Compact | Touchscreen control and fast prints | Auto Duplex; 2.7” Touchscreen | Amazon |
| Epson WorkForce WF-2930 | Home Office Workhorse | Multi-page fax and scan jobs | Auto Document Feeder; Fax | Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA MG3620 | Entry-Level Classic | Reliable plain paper wireless printing | Auto Duplex; 9.9 ppm Black | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Canon PIXMA TS7720
The Canon PIXMA TS7720 strikes the best balance between entry-level price and meaningful features. Its 2.7-inch color touchscreen makes navigation feel modern, and automatic duplex printing saves paper without you having to stand nearby and flip pages. Print speeds of 15 ppm black and 10 ppm color outpace the competing HP models at this tier, making it a genuinely productive machine for light home tasks.
Canon’s two-cartridge system (PG-285 Black and CL-286 Color) is straightforward, and the high-yield XL cartridges lower the cost per page for moderate-volume users. The flatbed scanner delivers crisp 1200 x 1200 dpi scans for text and simple photos, though there is no automatic document feeder, so multi-page jobs must be handled page by page.
Setup is generally smooth, though some users report needing to manually connect to the router during initial Wi-Fi configuration. The machine defaults to auto power-off after four hours, which can be annoying if you don’t want to wait through a cold start. Overall, the TS7720 delivers premium features like a large display and automatic duplex for a mid-range price.
Why it’s great
- Large 2.7-inch LCD touchscreen for easy controls
- Automatic duplex printing saves paper
- Fast 15 ppm black print speed
Good to know
- No automatic document feeder for scanning
- Default auto power-off after 4 hours
- Starter ink cartridges are low-yield
2. Canon PIXMA TS6520
The Canon PIXMA TS6520 is the most thoughtfully designed compact printer in this price tier. Its 1.42-inch monochrome OLED display is small but efficient, giving you at-a-glance information on ink levels and settings without needing a full touchscreen. The standout feature is dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), meaning it won’t struggle to connect on modern mesh networks the way other budget machines do.
Its two-cartridge hybrid system (PG-295 black and CL-286 color) delivers sharp black text and vivid colors for borderless photos up to 8.5 x 11 inches. The automatic duplex function works reliably, and the compact footprint is ideal for a cramped desk shelf. Print speed tops out at 14 ppm black and 9 ppm color, which is competitive for the class.
Users consistently praise the simple standalone operation—you can copy or scan directly from the machine without a computer or phone. The duplex printing and dual-band wireless make it a future-proof choice for a home that doesn’t want to fight with connectivity. The starter cartridges are low-yield, so budget for high-yield replacements from day one.
Why it’s great
- Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz) for reliable connectivity
- Compact, space-saving footprint
- Automatic duplex printing
Good to know
- No USB cable included
- Monochrome OLED, not a color touchscreen
- Starter ink cartridges are low-yield
3. Epson WorkForce WF-2930
The Epson WorkForce WF-2930 is the only printer in this roundup that includes a fax function and an automatic document feeder (ADF), making it the right pick for a home office that handles multi-page contracts or correspondence. The 10 ppm black and 5 ppm color print speeds are modest, but the ability to walk away with a stack of pages in the ADF while it scans or copies is a genuine productivity lift.
Epson uses individual ink cartridges (CMYK), so you only replace the color that runs out, rather than tossing a tri-color cartridge with one empty well. Users report the setup via the Epson Smart Panel app is straightforward, but the printer feels physically light and plasticky, which matches its position at the lower end of the Epson pro line. The permanent printhead is designed to last the life of the printer, reducing long-term maintenance.
The 1.4-inch color display is small but functional for menu navigation. Be aware that some owners report the starter cartridges are very low-yield, and the printer strongly encourages use of genuine Epson ink, as third-party cartridges can void the warranty. If you routinely need to fax or scan stacks of pages, the WF-2930 is the only option under that does so.
Why it’s great
- Built-in automatic document feeder for multi-page scanning
- Individual ink cartridges replace only empty colors
- Fax function included
Good to know
- Printer feels flimsy and plasticky
- Starter ink cartridges are less than half full
- Epson genuine ink required to avoid warranty void
4. HP Envy 6555e (Renewed)
The HP Envy 6555e is a stronger machine than the cheaper DeskJet models, offering automatic duplex printing and a 13.5-pound build that feels more substantial on a desk. The refreshed unit delivers print speeds of 10 ppm black and 7 ppm color, along with a flatbed scanner that resolves up to 1200 x 1200 dpi. The built-in touchscreen is a step up from button-only budget printers, making navigation of settings more natural.
HP+ activation unlocks the three-month Instant Ink trial, which is useful if you want to test the subscription model, but the printer works fine without it if you buy your own cartridges. The HP Smart app for mobile printing and scanning is one of the more mature in the industry, handling complex layouts reliably once the initial setup hurdle is cleared.
Setup time is the biggest variable here—some users report being up and running in under 15 minutes, while others spent hours dealing with HP’s software installer and account requirements. As a refurbished unit, this machine costs significantly less than new but carries the risk of limited warranty coverage. For those willing to fight the initial setup, the ongoing print quality and automatic duplex make it a strong mid-range choice.
Why it’s great
- Automatic duplex printing
- Substantial build quality at 13.5 pounds
- Touchscreen control panel
Good to know
- Refurbished unit with limited warranty
- Setup time is highly variable
- HP+ subscription may be pushed aggressively
5. Canon PIXMA MG3620
The Canon PIXMA MG3620 is a long-running classic for a reason: it does the basic three functions (print, copy, scan) reliably without demanding a subscription or a dedicated smartphone app to operate. Its print speed of 9.9 ppm black and 5.7 ppm color is adequate for light home use, and the automatic duplex printing works well from both computers and mobile devices.
The MG3620 uses PG-245/CL-246 cartridges, and many users report that a single set of XL cartridges lasts over a year with low-volume usage under 100 pages per month. The print resolution of 4800 x 600 dpi produces sharp black letters and vibrant color output, including respectable borderless photo prints on glossy paper. The compact black design fits unobtrusively on a small desk, and the LCD screen, while basic, provides enough feedback for setup.
Wireless connectivity is the biggest headache: some users report a high rate of print jobs dropping from the queue on Wi-Fi. Connecting via USB cable is a reliable workaround, and many owners simply leave it wired. The scanner is adequate for text but struggles with fine photographic detail. The MG3620 is the right choice if you want a no-frills, low-cost machine that doesn’t nag you about subscriptions.
Why it’s great
- Very low cost per page with XL cartridges
- Reliable automatic duplex printing
- Compact, space-saving design
Good to know
- Wireless connectivity is inconsistent
- Scanner is best for text, not detailed photos
- Wi-Fi setup can take hours
6. HP DeskJet 2855e
The HP DeskJet 2855e is the entry point for those just starting with home printing, but it comes with a critical warning: it is 2.4 GHz only. If your home network runs on a combined or 5 GHz-only configuration, you will need to create a separate guest network for this printer. Once connected, the HP Smart App handles mobile printing competently, and the 3-month Instant Ink trial is genuinely convenient for those who want ink delivered automatically.
Print speeds top out at 7.5 ppm black and 5.5 ppm color, which is on the slower side but acceptable for occasional letter-size documents and school worksheets. The flatbed scanner is functional for document copying, but there is no ADF or duplex scanning. The 60-sheet input tray is small, so you will refill it for any significant print job.
The biggest frustration is the software lock-in: the printer strongly pushes HP+ activation and Instant Ink. Some users report that the printer will not operate after an ink subscription lapses, even with ink in the tank. If you want a subscription-free life, avoid activating HP+. For someone who wants a hands-off ink solution and can tolerate 2.4 GHz limitations, the 2855e works fine for very light duty.
Why it’s great
- Instant Ink trial is convenient for automatic refills
- HP Smart App handles mobile printing well
- Very low upfront hardware cost
Good to know
- 2.4 GHz only—may not connect to modern mesh networks
- Slow print speeds
- Aggressive push for HP+ subscription
7. HP DeskJet 2755 (Renewed)
The HP DeskJet 2755 is the absolute floor for a wireless all-in-one. As a renewed unit, its price is the lowest in this roundup, but you trade that for a manual duplex function—meaning you must flip pages yourself to print on both sides. Print speeds of 7.5 ppm black and 5.5 ppm color are slow, and the 60-sheet input tray is the smallest in the class.
Setup is a mixed bag: some users report a 20-minute process, while others spent hours due to poorly written instructions and a lack of a physical manual. The HP Smart app is required to complete initial configuration, and the printer strongly encourages signing up for Instant Ink. Once up and running, the print quality is acceptable for everyday text documents, with black resolution up to 1200 x 1200 rendered dpi.
The biggest risk is the subscription lock: the printer can stop working if an Instant Ink subscription lapses, even if ink remains. This is a common complaint among budget buyers who thought they were getting a simple device. If you can tolerate the account creation and 2.4 GHz-only Wi-Fi, this is a functional machine for rare print jobs. For any regular use, the extra cost of the TS6520 or TS7720 is quickly justified.
Why it’s great
- Lowest hardware cost of any printer in the roundup
- Print, scan, and copy functionality in one machine
- Accepts high-yield HP 67 XL cartridges
Good to know
- Manual duplex only—must flip pages yourself
- Renewed unit with limited warranty
- Aggressive subscription prompts and account creation required
FAQ
Can I use third-party ink cartridges in a cheap printer?
What does “2.4 GHz only” mean for my home Wi-Fi network?
How do I calculate the true cost per page of a cheap printer?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best cheap printer winner is the Canon PIXMA TS7720 because it combines an intuitive 2.7-inch touchscreen with automatic duplex printing at a mid-range price. If you need to scan or fax multi-page documents, grab the Epson WorkForce WF-2930 for its auto document feeder and fax function. For a compact desk that needs reliable dual-band Wi-Fi and crisp photo prints, nothing beats the Canon PIXMA TS6520.
Mo Maruf
I created WellFizz to bridge the gap between vague wellness advice and actionable solutions. My mission is simple: to decode the research and give you practical tools you can actually use.
Beyond the data, I am a passionate traveler. I believe that stepping away from the screen to explore new environments is essential for mental clarity and physical vitality.