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You bought the printer for a steal. Then you bought ink once. And once more. That is the trap most budget printers set for you. The Canon PIXMA TS4320 gets you 14 pages per minute (ppm, the number of pages it can print in one minute) in black and 9 ppm in color — plus automatic double-sided (duplex) printing — at a low entry cost, and it works with generic cartridges to keep refills affordable. Every pick here balances a low upfront price with genuinely inexpensive ink cartridges that do not force you into a subscription spiral or a second mortgage.
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.
After looking at the specs and thousands of owner experiences, I’ve sorted the real contenders from the marketing smoke to help you find the best cheap printer with cheap ink that fits how you print day to day without draining your wallet.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Cheap Printer With Cheap Ink
The cheapest printer in the store is only a bargain if the cartridges do not cost you four times the printer’s price over a year. You need to look past the sticker price and ask one question: how much does it cost to feed this thing? The right model keeps both numbers low. Here is what to weigh before you click buy.
Cartridge Cost and Page Yield
Standard cartridges in many budget printers hold very little ink. That means you replace them more often. Look for the page yield — the number of pages a cartridge prints before it runs dry. A higher yield (like 300+ pages) drives the cost per page much lower even if the cartridge itself costs a few dollars more. Some brands offer “XL” or high-yield cartridges that double or triple the pages for a modest price increase.
Generic or Third-Party Ink Compatibility
Some printers lock you into the manufacturer’s own cartridges by blocking third-party alternatives through firmware updates (the software that runs the printer). Other models print perfectly fine with generic cartridges that cost a fraction of the brand-name price. If cheap ongoing ink is your goal, a printer that accepts generic or refilled cartridges without complaining is a huge advantage.
Automatic Duplex (Two-Sided) Printing
Automatic double-sided printing cuts your paper use roughly in half. Over a year, that adds up to a real saving — fewer reams of paper to buy and less waste. Manual duplex means you flip the paper yourself, which you will probably skip after the first week. Automatic duplex is a small upfront spec that pays you back on every single document.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | B&W Speed | Color Speed | Duplex | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon PIXMA TS4320★ Best Overall | Home users wanting speed and value | 14 ppm | 9 ppm | Automatic | Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA TR4720Versatile Workhorse | All-in-one with auto document feeder | 8.8 ppm | 4.4 ppm | Automatic | Amazon |
| Brother Work Smart 1410 | Office speed with easy setup | 16 ppm | 9 ppm | Automatic | Amazon |
| HP DeskJet 4255e | Entry-level home printing with HP app | 8.5 ppm | 5.5 ppm | Manual | Amazon |
| HP Envy 6155 | Home photos and documents | 10 ppm | 7 ppm | Automatic | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Canon PIXMA TS4320 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer
The Canon PIXMA TS4320 prints at 14 ppm black and 9 ppm color — about 65% faster than the HP DeskJet 4255e — and still keeps ink costs reasonable with generic cartridge support.
Canon wins here by giving you speed that punches well above the price tag. You get 14 pages per minute in black and 9 pages per minute in color — that is noticeably faster than the HP DeskJet 4255e, which manages 8.5 ppm black and 5.5 ppm color. For a home office printing a mix of text docs and the occasional photo, that speed difference saves real time. The automatic duplex printing (two-sided) cuts your paper waste in half without you lifting a finger.
Setup is straightforward, even for those who describe themselves as “limited technical knowledge.” The dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) gives a stable connection, and mobile printing via AirPrint (Apple’s wireless print feature) or the Canon PRINT App works from anywhere in the house. Buyers report print quality is crisp and vivid — buyers describe it as “print shop quality in your home.” The trade-off is that high-yield XL cartridges cost a set, so long-term ink cost is not invisible. But the printer itself is a bargain at the entry price, and many owners find the standard cartridges sufficient for light to moderate use.
What Owners Love
- Speedy output: 14 ppm black and 9 ppm color is excellent for this tier
- Automatic duplex printing saves paper without any manual effort
- Easy wireless setup with dual-band Wi-Fi and multiple mobile apps
The Trade-Off
- XL cartridge sets cost a set, so heavy printing adds up
- Some owners mention reliability issues after a couple of years of steady use
Your best bet if: You print a moderate volume of documents at home and want the fastest output for the lowest upfront cost, paired with automatic duplex to keep paper waste down.
Think twice if: You print several hundred pages a month — the high-yield cartridge cost will make you feel the squeeze over time.
2. Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer
The Canon PIXMA TR4720 adds a 20-sheet auto document feeder (ADF — a tray that feeds multiple pages into the scanner automatically) and fax to the budget formula, but its color speed drops to 4.4 ppm.
For the same price ballpark as the TS4320, the TR4720 adds a full set of extra tools: print, copy, scan, and fax — plus a 20-sheet ADF that handles multi-page scan jobs on its own. Speed is more modest than the TS4320, running at 8.8 ppm black and 4.4 ppm color. That is 4.4 ppm color versus the TS4320’s 9 ppm color, so color-heavy jobs take noticeably longer. But if your workflow leans toward scanning stacks of receipts or faxing forms, this is the more versatile machine.
Owners consistently praise the easy wireless setup and the automatic duplex (two-sided) printing. The 100-sheet paper tray handles average home-office loads without constant refills. The recurring theme in owner feedback is the low entry price and the convenience of having all four functions in one box. However, some customers note mechanical issues early on — one described a failure after “~50 pages” — and the photo quality draws mixed reviews, with some describing colors as washed out. The starter ink cartridges that ship with the unit are fairly sparse, so budget for a fresh set soon after unboxing.
The standout feature: The auto document feeder lets you scan, copy, or fax a multi-page document without standing there feeding each sheet — a rare convenience at this price.
The honest catch: Print speeds are slower than the TS4320, especially in color, and the mechanical reliability is less consistent than Canon’s track record suggests.
Reach for this if: You need an all-in-one that can handle scanning, faxing, and light printing without spending over a hundred dollars.
Skip if color speed matters: Slower than the TS4320 at 4.4 ppm color and photo quality can look washed out — you’d be better served by the TS4320 for regular color printing.
3. Brother Work Smart 1410 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One
The Brother Work Smart 1410 hits 16 ppm in black — the fastest here, beating the TS4320’s 14 ppm — and works with generic ink cartridges so you can refill cheap.
Brother steps in with the highest black-and-white speed in this lineup — 16 pages per minute — which handily beats the Canon TS4320’s 14 ppm. Color keeps up at 9 ppm, tied with the TS4320. The automatic duplex (two-sided) printing is standard, and the 20-sheet auto document feeder makes multi-page scans a one-button affair. The 150-sheet paper tray holds a generous stack. A clear 2.7-inch color touchscreen makes navigation feel modern compared to the button-heavy panels on many budget printers.
The biggest cost-saving edge here is that owners confirm the printer works with generic third-party ink cartridges. That alone can slash your per-page ink expense considerably compared to locked-in brand-name cartridges. Print quality draws the most praise among owners — 30 separate mentions single it out. Setup is straightforward, and the Brother Mobile Connect app gives you full control from your phone. The trade-offs are modest but real: some owners find the ease-of-use menu less intuitive than they would like, and the starter ink cartridges included in the box are reported to deplete quickly, forcing an early purchase of replacements.
Its defining advantage: The combination of 16 ppm black speed and generic cartridge compatibility means you print fast and refill cheaply — a rare pairing that the HP Envy 6155 cannot match because it blocks third-party ink.
The note of caution: Starter cartridges are stingy, so factor in the cost of a fresh set right after that first week of printing.
This is the pick for: A home office or small office that prints a steady volume of black documents and wants to avoid brand-name ink pricing.
Pass if: You need the absolute lowest upfront price — the Brother costs more than the Canon options at the register.
4. HP DeskJet 4255e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
The HP DeskJet 4255e lures you with a 3-month Instant Ink trial, but delivers only 8.5 ppm black, manual duplex (you flip the paper yourself), and 2.4 GHz-only Wi-Fi.
HP’s entry-level offering comes with a 3-month Instant Ink trial (a service that sends you cartridges before you run out, then charges a monthly fee). The print speeds sit at 8.5 ppm black and 5.5 ppm color — markedly slower than the Canon TS4320’s 14 ppm black and 9 ppm color, so there is a 65% speed gap in black pages. The 60-sheet input tray is the smallest here, and the duplex printing is manual only, meaning you flip the paper yourself for two-sided jobs.
The HP Smart app is genuinely convenient for mobile printing, scanning, and even faxing from your phone. Some owners find the Wi-Fi setup simple on Windows, describing the print and scan quality as “excellent.” The AI-powered web page cropping is a thoughtful touch for printing emails without wasted paper. The more common story, however, is a polarizing setup experience — reviewers point out the printer demands agreement to buy HP ink exclusively, and some describe constant Wi-Fi dropouts. The printer operates only on 2.4 GHz networks, not the faster 5 GHz band, which can be a limitation in modern dual-band homes. At its best it is a functional home companion; at its worst it is a return bin candidate.
What works: The Instant Ink trial takes the sting out of buying cartridges for the first three months, and the HP app is genuinely useful for mobile workflows.
The real friction: The forced commitment to HP ink, manual duplex, and a limited 2.4 GHz-only radio are compromises that some owners find deal-breaking.
Choose this if: You want the lowest upfront price possible and are comfortable with the Instant Ink subscription model and manual paper flipping.
Avoid if: You value fast print speeds, dual-band Wi-Fi, or the freedom to use generic ink cartridges.
5. HP Envy 6155 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
The HP Envy 6155 uses P3 color technology (a wide color range standard) for vibrant photos, and its 2.4-inch touchscreen and dual-band Wi-Fi beat the DeskJet 4255e — but it still blocks generic ink.
HP’s home photo printer lifts the offering with automatic duplex printing, a 2.4-inch color touchscreen for onboard control, and P3 color technology that makes prints more closely match what you see on your screen. Print speeds are a respectable 10 ppm black and 7 ppm color — quicker than the DeskJet 4255e but still behind the Canon TS4320’s pace. The 100-sheet input tray and dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) are meaningful upgrades over the entry-level DeskJet, giving you better range and fewer connection drops.
Setup is the aspect owners praise most — 28 separate mentions highlight how straightforward it is, even for elderly users. Print quality follows closely as a strong point, with 23 mentions. The three-month Instant Ink trial is included, though the starter cartridges are stingy (the color tricolor yields only about 75 pages). The catch is the same HP lock-in: the printer blocks third-party cartridges, and the software connectivity can be flaky — some shoppers say losing contact with the printer and needing to reconnect via the app. It prints quickly when it cooperates, but the software overhead adds friction.
What Stands Out
- P3 color technology delivers vibrant, screen-matched photos and documents
- Automatic duplex and dual-band Wi-Fi are meaningful upgrades over HP’s budget models
- Setup is reportedly the easiest among the HP options here
The Frustration
- Blocks third-party cartridges, keeping refill costs firmly in HP’s control
- Software connectivity drops are a recurring complaint among owners
Best suited for: A home that prints a mix of documents and color photos and wants a touchscreen interface with modern wireless features.
Not for: Anyone who wants to use cheap generic ink — HP locks you into its own cartridges, and the software can be temperamental.
Understanding the Specs
Pages Per Minute (PPM)
This is the speed measure — how many pages the printer can produce in one minute. A higher black ppm, like the Brother’s 16 ppm, means a ten-page document is done in under 40 seconds. A lower number, like the HP DeskJet’s 8.5 ppm, stretches that same job past a minute. For occasional home printing the gap is barely noticeable, but if you regularly print multi-page documents, a faster ppm is a real time saver.
Duplex (Automatic vs Manual)
Automatic duplex means the printer flips the paper for you to print on both sides. Manual duplex means you have to take the paper out, turn it around, and feed it back in. Automatic duplex reliably cuts your paper bill in half on every two-sided job — useful for school handouts, contracts, or multi-page lists. It is a small spec with a big long-term payoff.
Cartridge Compatibility and Lock-In
Some printers (like the HP models here) actively block generic or third-party cartridges through firmware checks (software inside the printer that rejects incompatible chips). Others, like the Brother Work Smart 1410, work with generic replacements without complaint. If your goal is cheap ink over the printer’s life, a model that accepts generics is the smarter long-term buy. The “starter” cartridges that come in the box usually hold half the ink of a standard set, so plan for a fresh purchase soon after unboxing.
Auto Document Feeder (ADF)
An ADF is a tray on top that takes a stack of pages and feeds them one by one into the scanner. Without it, you must lift the scanner lid, place each page, press scan, and replace it. For any multi-page document, an ADF turns a three-minute chore into a three-second button press. It is among the most underrated productivity features in a budget printer.
FAQ
Can I use generic ink in the Canon PIXMA TS4320 or TR4720?
Does the Brother Work Smart 1410 work with third-party ink cartridges?
Will the HP DeskJet 4255e or Envy 6155 work with non-HP ink cartridges?
How many pages do the starter ink cartridges typically print?
How long do cheap inkjet printers usually last?
What is the difference between automatic and manual duplex printing?
Do I need a separate fax line for the Canon PIXMA TR4720?
Will the HP Envy 6155 work on a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network?
Is an Instant Ink subscription worth it for light printing?
Can I print photos with these budget inkjet printers?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
If you want one dependable pick, the winner of this cheap printer with cheap ink category is the Canon PIXMA TS4320 because it delivers the best speed-to-value balance — 14 ppm black and automatic duplex at the lowest entry price, with generic ink compatibility to keep running costs honest. If you want the fastest text output and the freedom to use any ink cartridges, grab the Brother Work Smart 1410. And for a four-in-one that includes an auto document feeder and fax without crossing the hundred-dollar threshold, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 is the practical choice.
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.
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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.