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A cheap computer printer should be exactly that: affordable to buy and cheap to run. The problem is that many budget models sneak their cost into the ink, so a printer can end up costing you hundreds over a year. This guide cuts through the fine print to show you which budget-friendly all-in-ones deliver real value without the hidden expense.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind WellFizz. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
You will find six reliable all-in-one models that handle everyday printing, scanning, and copying. Let’s look at the best cheap computer printer options and separate the true bargains from the ink-guzzling traps.
Quick Picks
- Brother Work Smart 1360 (MFC-J1360DW) — Best Overall
- Canon PIXMA TS7720 — Speed Pick
- HP Envy 6155 — Smart Pick
- Canon PIXMA TR4720 — Versatile Pick
- HP DeskJet 2855e — Entry Level
- HP DeskJet 2755 (Renewed) — Renewed Value
How To Choose The Best Cheap Computer Printer
Choosing a budget printer is about balancing the upfront price with the long-term running costs. The cheapest box on the shelf might use expensive proprietary ink cartridges, while a slightly pricier model could save you money each time you print. Here are the key specs to weigh before you click buy.
Beware of the Ink Trap
The single biggest expense on a cheap inkjet is the ink itself. Printers like the HP DeskJet series are cheap to buy but use small cartridges that need frequent replacing. Meanwhile, models with higher-yield cartridges or a subscription service (like HP’s Instant Ink) can lower the cost per page over time. Always check the cartridge page yield — the number of pages a single cartridge can print — before committing. A printer with a slightly higher sticker price but cheaper, higher-yield ink is almost always the better deal.
Print Speed and Volume
Print speed is measured in pages per minute (ppm) for both black-and-white and color documents. At the budget end of the market, you will see speeds between 5 and 16 ppm for monochrome documents. If you only print a few pages a week, slow speeds are tolerable. If you are printing school booklets or weekly reports, look for a model like the Brother Work Smart 1360 that can print 16 ppm in black — this makes a significant difference when you are waiting for a multi-page document to finish.
Connectivity and Mobile Printing
Nearly every cheap printer now includes Wi-Fi, letting you print from your phone or laptop without a cable. However, many budget models only support the older 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band, which can cause connection drops if your home network runs on 5 GHz. Look for models with a dedicated mobile app (like the HP Smart app or the Brother Mobile Connect app) and support for Apple AirPrint. A printer that is a pain to connect will sit unused, negating any savings.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Print Speed (B&W) | Input Tray | Duplex Print | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brother Work Smart 1360 | Productivity & Value | 16 ppm | 150 sheets | Automatic | Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA TS7720 | Speed & Touchscreen | 15.0 ppm | — | Automatic | Amazon |
| HP Envy 6155 | AI Features & Support | 10 ppm | 100 sheets | Automatic | Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA TR4720 | Space & Versatility | 8.8 ppm | 100 sheets | Automatic | Amazon |
| HP DeskJet 2855e | Lowest Upfront Cost | 7.5 ppm | 60 sheets | Manual | Amazon |
| HP DeskJet 2755 | Refurbished Savings | 7.5 ppm | — | Manual | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Brother Work Smart 1360 (MFC-J1360DW)
The speed demon that keeps your wallet happy with a massive 150-sheet tray.
If you want a cheap computer printer that doesn’t feel cheap to use, this Brother is the pick. It blazes through black documents at 16 pages per minute (ppm) and color prints at 9 ppm, versus the HP DeskJet 2855e at 7.5 ppm in black. The 150-sheet input tray holds more paper than the HP’s 60-sheet tray, so you can load it and forget it for a week’s worth of school projects or home office paperwork. You also get automatic duplex (two-sided) printing, which saves both paper and time.
Buyers report that the wireless setup via the Brother Mobile Connect app is smooth on iPhones and iPads, and that the scanner’s ability to email documents directly is a handy time-saver. The 1.8-inch color display (the control screen on the printer itself) makes navigating cloud apps like Google Drive and Dropbox straightforward. The main trade-off, as some owners mention, is that the “EasySetup” software can cause the Print&Scan app to fail — a fix is to install the full driver package and firmware updates directly, which solves the issue.
Unlike many rivals that skimp on build quality, this Brother feels solid enough for daily use, though buyers do mention the plastic chassis is not meant for a heavy-duty office environment. The ink, using LC501 series cartridges, is affordable to replace, which is the real victory here — you get premium speed and capacity without premium running costs. While the Canon PIXMA TS7720 is fast at 15 ppm in black, the Brother edges ahead in paper capacity and overall value.
Why You’ll Love It
- Fast 16 ppm black printing and 9 ppm color printing.
- Large 150-sheet input tray reduces refills.
- Automatic duplex (two-sided) printing saves paper.
- Affordable LC501 series ink cartridges.
The Downsides
- Setup can be glitchy if you skip the full driver install.
- Plastic build feels flimsy; not for high-volume commercial use.
- Small 1.8-inch display is basic compared to touchscreen rivals.
Best for families: This printer handles weekly homework and paperwork without slowing you down, and the paper tray means you refill far less often.
skip it if: You want a touchscreen or need to fax — this model prints, scans, and copies, but has no built-in fax modem.
2. Canon PIXMA TS7720
A snappy all-in-one with a big touchscreen that prints 10 color pages a minute.
The Canon PIXMA TS7720 is the speed king among the more affordable printers here, printing 15 black pages per minute (ppm) and 10 color ppm. That means it prints color documents at 10 ppm, versus the Canon PIXMA TR4720 at 4.4 ppm, so you are not waiting around for charts, photos, or school graphics to finish. The 2.7-inch LCD touchscreen (a display you tap on like a smartphone) makes navigating print jobs, copies, and settings intuitive without needing to fumble through a phone app every time.
Customers note that the initial setup, while mostly straightforward, requires manually connecting the printer to your Wi-Fi router if the automatic app-based method fails. A few owners mentioned the default auto power-off setting (which turns the printer off after 4 hours of inactivity) is annoying, but you can adjust this in the menu. The print quality on plain paper is clean and crisp, though one reviewer who bought it for garden photos was disappointed, describing the colors as “muted and hazy, worse than old HP.” That may be due to the starter ink cartridges that come in the box — they often have a lower yield than replacement cartridges.
On the design side, the paper tray pulls out manually, which takes up a bit of desk space. The printer uses just two cartridges (a black and a tri-color), making refills simple. For anyone who values a fast, easy-to-control printer with automatic duplex printing, and who mainly prints text documents and occasional images rather than professional-quality photo prints, this is a strong contender.
What Stands Out
- Fast 15 ppm black and 10 ppm color printing speeds.
- Large, responsive 2.7-inch LCD touchscreen for direct control.
- Automatic duplex (two-sided) printing saves paper.
- Easy two-cartridge ink system to replace.
Things to Consider
- Starter ink cartridges print muted colors and run out quickly.
- Wireless setup can be finicky; may need manual router connection.
- Default auto power-off can interrupt workflow.
Good for fast home printing: The TS7720 is a great fit if speed and a touchscreen matter more than photo quality, and you are okay swapping starter cartridges soon after buying.
Not the one for photo enthusiasts: If crisp, vibrant photo prints are your main goal, the muted colors from the trial ink will frustrate you.
3. HP Envy 6155
An AI-powered helper that cleans up your web pages and makes printing smarter.
The HP Envy 6155 sits in a balance: it prints at 10 ppm in black and 7 ppm in color (slower than the Brother 1360 but faster than the basic HP DeskJet 2855e), and it packs a 2.4-inch color touchscreen. Its standout feature is HP’s built-in AI, which automatically removes clutter and ads from web pages and emails before you print them, so you never waste paper on a wonky layout. The 100-sheet input tray is a nice middle ground between the 60-sheet budget trays and the Brother’s 150-sheet monster.
Reviewers point out that setup is fast — one reviewer had it running within 15 minutes — but a few hit a wall trying to connect to a computer or phone, and one ultimately returned the unit after extended tech support calls. The plastic body feels a bit flimsy according to several owners, but it holds up fine for a desk that sees occasional use. A specific pain point is that inserting the ink cartridges takes more force than you’d expect, though it works fine once clicked in place.
The printer supports dual-band Wi-Fi (which means it can connect to the faster 5 GHz band, unlike the 2.4 GHz-only DeskJet models), and the HP Smart app lets you print, scan, and copy from your phone. It comes with a 3-month trial of Instant Ink, HP’s subscription service that sends ink before you run out — after the trial, a monthly fee applies. If you are the kind of person who wants smart features, auto-duplex printing, and sustainable design (at least 60% recycled plastic), this Envy is a solid mid-range investment.
Smart Features You Get
- AI-powered print formatting cleans up web pages.
- 2.4-inch color touchscreen for easy navigation.
- Dual-band Wi-Fi for a more reliable connection.
- Auto-duplex (two-sided) printing is standard.
Possible Annoyances
- Some users report difficult wireless setup or connection failures.
- Plastic build feels less durable than the Brother.
- Ink cartridge insertion is stiff and requires extra force.
Reach for this if: You print a lot of web content and want the AI tool to cut out the junk, and you like the convenience of a touchscreen.
Look elsewhere if: You cannot risk setup headaches — the Brother or Canon are simpler to connect for some users.
4. Canon PIXMA TR4720
The space-saving 4-in-1 that adds a fax machine and an auto document feeder.
The Canon PIXMA TR4720 is a 4-in-1 machine that prints, copies, scans, and faxes, all in a compact footprint. Its defining feature for a cheap computer printer is the auto document feeder (ADF) — a slot that automatically feeds a stack of pages through the scanner. This means you can scan or copy a multi-page document without standing there feeding each page by hand. The 100-sheet input tray is generous for this price tier, matching the HP Envy 6155 but falling short of the Brother 1360’s 150-sheet tray.
Where it slows down is raw speed: it prints black documents at 8.8 ppm and color at 4.4 ppm. That is noticeably slower than the Canon PIXMA TS7720, which prints color at 10 ppm. However, the TR4720 automatically prints on both sides (automatic duplex), saving paper on longer documents. Its power consumption is impressively low: only 7W during printing, dropping to 0.8W on standby, so it won’t add much to your electricity bill.
The built-in fax is a rarity at this price point, making it a practical choice for a home office that still needs to send signed documents or forms via fax. It also works with Alexa for smart reordering of ink — Alexa can even place a reorder on Amazon if you enroll in the service.
Why It Fits a Home Office
- Auto document feeder (ADF) makes multi-page scanning easy.
- Built-in fax capability for document sending.
- Automatic duplex printing saves paper.
- Low power consumption (7W print, 0.8W standby).
The Speed Issue
- Color print speed is 4.4 ppm, versus 10 ppm on the TS7720.
- Black print speed of 8.8 ppm is slower than the Brother 1360.
- Lower 16-bit color depth compared to some rivals.
Ideal for fax users and multi-page scanners: If you need both an ADF and a fax line without spending much, this Canon is your only real choice at this budget.
Pass it up if speed matters: Anyone printing more than a few color pages a day will find the 4.4 ppm pace frustrating.
5. HP DeskJet 2855e
The cheapest entry point that still prints, scans, and copies at a rock-bottom price.
The HP DeskJet 2855e is the quintessential cheap computer printer: a low upfront cost that gets the job done for light household printing. It prints black documents at 7.5 ppm and color at 5.5 ppm — fine for a to-do list or a recipe, but slow if you are printing a 20-page document. The 60-sheet input tray is small compared with the Brother 1360’s 150-sheet tray, so you will refill it often. It also only supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, so if your home network is on the faster 5 GHz band, you may need to adjust your router settings.
On the plus side, it includes HP’s AI feature that formats web pages and emails cleanly before printing, removing clutter so you do not waste paper. The HP Smart app lets you print, scan, and copy from your phone, and the printer comes with a 3-month trial of Instant Ink (after which a monthly fee applies). Manual duplex (two-sided) printing is possible, but you have to flip the pages yourself, unlike the automatic duplex on pricier models.
For someone who prints a few pages a week and wants the absolute lowest purchase price, this is a reasonable choice. Just keep in mind that replacement cartridges (HP 67) are not high-yield, so the cost per page is higher than on a Brother or Canon. It is a classic trade-off: you save now, but you pay more for every page you print down the line.
What You Get for the Price
- Lowest upfront cost of the six printers here.
- HP AI printing cleans up web pages automatically.
- Includes 3-month trial of Instant Ink subscription.
- Works with the HP Smart app for mobile printing.
The Downsides
- Slow 7.5 ppm black speed; 60-sheet tray is tiny.
- Only 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, which can cause network issues.
- Manual duplex means you flip pages by hand.
Good for very light use: This is the cheapest way to get a printer in your home for the occasional document, and the AI feature is a nice bonus.
Avoid it if you print weekly: The high per-page ink cost and small paper tray make it frustrating for regular use.
6. HP DeskJet 2755 (Renewed)
A renewed version of a classic budget workhorse, Wi-Fi ready and Instant Ink compatible.
The HP DeskJet 2755 is essentially the same machine as the 2855e but sold as a “renewed” (refurbished) unit, often at a slightly lower price. It prints at 7.5 ppm in black and 5.5 ppm in color — identical to its sibling — and comes with a 60-sheet input tray and a 25-sheet output tray. This is a printer for someone who wants a simple all-in-one for occasional jobs and does not mind a pre-owned device that has been tested and repackaged.
Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, USB, and Apple AirPrint, plus Mopria certification for Android mobile printing straight from your phone without a third-party app. It uses HP 67 ink cartridges, including high-yield versions, so you have a choice between cheaper upfront refills or slightly better value on high-yield tanks. The color depth (how many shades of color each pixel can display) is 24 bits per pixel (bpp), which is on par with the DeskJet 2855e and sufficient for everyday graphics and text.
Buyers who grab a renewed unit usually save a few dollars compared to the brand-new model, but the trade-off is a shorter or no warranty in some cases, and the possibility of cosmetic wear. Print speeds and paper handling are the same as the 2855e, so the same caveats apply: stick to light duty, and do not expect high-volume or fast office performance.
Why the Renewed Route
- Lower price than brand-new for the same performance.
- Supports AirPrint, Mopria, and USB for flexible connection.
- HP 67 ink offers standard and high-yield options.
- 24 bpp color depth for decent document and photo quality.
Potential Risks
- Renewed unit may have shorter warranty or cosmetic wear.
- Same slow 7.5 ppm black speed and tiny 60-sheet tray.
- Manual duplex printing only.
Perfect for the thrifty buyer: If you want the cheapest possible printing with basic wireless features and are happy with a factory-tested unit, this is it.
Not for heavy users: The same speed and tray limitations apply — anyone printing a lot should look at the Brother 1360 instead.
Understanding the Specs
Print Speed (Pages Per Minute — ppm)
Print speed is listed in pages per minute (ppm) for both black-and-white and color documents. This is the number of standard letter-size pages the printer can output in one minute. A speed of 8 ppm is fine for the occasional page, while 15-16 ppm is noticeably faster if you print multi-page documents regularly. Always check the black ppm, as that is what you will use most often for text — color ppm tends to be slower across the board.
Input Tray Capacity
The input tray is where you load blank paper before printing. For a cheap computer printer, capacities range from 60 sheets (which you will refill every few days with light use) to 150 sheets, which can last a week or more. If you print even a few pages a day, a 100-sheet or larger tray saves you the hassle of constant refills. The output tray (where finished pages land) is smaller, typically 25-50 sheets.
Duplex (Two-Sided) Printing
Duplex printing means the printer can automatically flip the paper and print on the other side. This cuts your paper usage in half, which is both cheaper and more environmentally friendly. Look for “automatic duplex” — manual duplex means you have to flip the pages yourself, which is easy to forget.
Ink System and Page Yield
Ink is the hidden cost behind every budget printer. Cartridges come with a “page yield” — an estimate of how many pages a single cartridge can print (usually based on 5% coverage of a letter page). Lower-yield cartridges (like the HP 67) run out fast, while higher-yield or subscription services (like HP Instant Ink or Brother Refresh) can lower your cost per page. Always consider the long-term ink cost when comparing cheap printers.
FAQ
Why does a cheap printer often cost more to run than an expensive one?
Can I use third-party or remanufactured ink cartridges to save money?
What is the difference between ppm and ipm print speeds?
Will a cheap computer printer work with my phone or tablet?
How often do I need to replace the ink on a cheap printer?
What does “Auto Document Feeder” (ADF) mean?
Is a printer with a subscription (like HP Instant Ink) worth it?
Can I print borderless photos on a cheap printer?
What is the best way to connect a printer without a USB cable?
How many watts of power does a cheap printer use?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
If you want one dependable pick, the best cheap computer printer is the Brother Work Smart 1360 (MFC-J1360DW) because it delivers the fastest print speeds (16 ppm black, 9 ppm color) and a large 150-sheet paper tray at a price that keeps running costs low. If you want a fast touchscreen experience and mainly print documents, grab the Canon PIXMA TS7720. And for a budget-friendly option that includes a fax and an auto document feeder, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 offers remarkable versatility at a low price.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, WellFizz earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.
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.