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Finding a printer for under $100 that actually prints fast enough, doesn’t eat through expensive ink, and connects without a fight is harder than you’d think. This guide breaks down seven real options, comparing their published speeds, features, and the honest feedback from buyers who have used them daily.
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 need a printer that prints fast, handles multi-page jobs, and keeps ink costs low without breaking your budget. The computer printer under $100 that does all that best is the Brother MFC-J1360DW, thanks to its 16 ppm (pages per minute) black speed and an ADF (automatic document feeder) for scanning stacks of pages.
Quick Picks
- Brother MFC-J1360DW — Best Overall
- Canon PIXMA TS4320 — Top Performer
- HP Envy 6458e — Scan & Copy
- HP Envy 6155 — Touchscreen
- HP DeskJet 2755 — Budget Entry
- Epson Workforce WF-2930 — Fax & ADF
- Canon PIXMA TR4720 — Compact Fax
How To Choose The Best Computer Printer Under $100
Under $100, you’re mostly looking at entry-level inkjet all-in-ones. The key trade-off is usually between upfront cost and long-term ink expenses. Print speed, paper handling, and duplex printing are the specs that separate a daily workhorse from a backup printer.
Print Speed: Black & White vs. Color
Manufacturers list ISO pages per minute (ppm) for black and color. The gap between these two numbers tells you whether the printer is built for mixed document loads or just occasional color. A printer with 14 ppm black but 9 ppm color handles text-heavy jobs much better than one where both speeds are low.
Ink System and Cartridge Costs
Every printer in this range uses starter cartridges that are partially filled. Your real cost per page kicks in when you buy replacements. Some brands offer subscription plans like Instant Ink, which auto-ships ink but can lock you into the brand’s cartridges. Others, like Epson, have firmware that can reject third-party ink entirely.
Paper Handling and Duplex
Automatic duplex printing (printing on both sides of the page without flipping it manually) saves paper but adds cost. Some printers only offer manual duplex, which means you flip the stack yourself. The input tray capacity matters too: a 60-sheet tray means more frequent refills than a 150-sheet tray.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Best For | B&W Speed | Color Speed | Duplex | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brother MFC-J1360DW | Speed & Value | 16 ppm | 9 ppm | Automatic | Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA TS4320 | Print Quality | 14 ppm | 9 ppm | Automatic | Amazon |
| HP Envy 6458e | Scanning & ADF | 10 ppm | 7 ppm | Automatic | Amazon |
| HP Envy 6155 | Touchscreen Ease | 10 ppm | 7 ppm | Automatic | Amazon |
| HP DeskJet 2755 | Budget Entry | 12 ppm | 12 ppm | Manual | Amazon |
| Epson WF-2930 | Fax & ADF | 10 ppm | 5 ppm | Automatic | Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA TR4720 | Compact Fax | 8.8 ppm | 4.4 ppm | Automatic | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Brother MFC-J1360DW
The fastest black-and-white text printer in this under-$100 lineup.
At 16 ppm in black and 9 ppm in color, this Brother inkjet is one of the fastest models here for speed, while the Epson WF-2930 is rated at 10 ppm black and 5 ppm color. It also keeps paper flowing with a 150-sheet tray and a 20-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF) for multi-page scanning or copying without standing over it.
Buyers report the mobile setup via the Brother Mobile Connect app was smooth, and one reviewer noted the scanner can email documents directly, which is a time saver in a home office. The 1.8-inch color display makes navigating cloud apps like Google Drive and Dropbox straightforward right from the printer. The catch is that replacement LC501-series ink is expensive, and some buyers warn the plastic build feels fragile for heavy use.
On the plus side, the automatic duplex (2-sided) printing is a built-in feature, not an add-on, saving you paper without flipping stacks by hand. For a home office that prints mixed documents daily, this is the speed king of the bunch.
Fast & Capable
- Fastest B&W print speed at 16 ppm and color at 9 ppm among picks
- 150-sheet tray and 20-sheet ADF handle larger jobs
- Automatic duplex printing for paper savings
Cost to Run
- High cost of replacement LC501 ink cartridges
- Plastic build feels less durable for heavy daily use
- Setup software can be finicky; full driver package required
Who it fits: Home office users who print text-heavy documents daily and want the fastest speed and reliable cloud connectivity.
Who should look elsewhere: Budget-conscious buyers who plan to print fewer than 50 pages a month — the high ink cost per page may outweigh the speed advantage.
2. Canon PIXMA TS4320
A budget-friendly all-in-one that prints fast and sharp while staying affordable.
With 14 ppm in black and 9 ppm in color, the TS4320 is one of the speedier options here, compared with the Epson WF-2930’s 10 ppm black speed. It also includes automatic duplex printing, so you don’t have to manually flip pages to print on both sides. The 2-cartridge hybrid ink system (PG-295 black and CL-296 color) produces crisp text and vibrant colors on documents and photos up to 8.5 x 11 inches.
Buyers highlight the easy setup via the Canon PRINT app and Apple AirPrint. One reviewer called it a “valuable upgrade from MG2520” and praised the quiet operation. Another mentioned their first Canon lasted 2.5 years with light use, which suggests dependable longevity for occasional printing. Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) helps maintain a stable connection even in busier wireless environments.
The trade-off is that Canon starter ink cartridges don’t last long, and replacement cartridges are expensive relative to the printer’s low upfront cost. This machine is best suited for light to moderate home use where print quality matters more than rock-bottom ink prices.
Sharp & Speedy
- Fast 14 ppm black and 9 ppm color print speeds
- Automatic duplex printing saves paper
- Dual-band Wi-Fi for reliable wireless connection
Hidden Costs
- Starter ink cartridges run out quickly
- Replacement cartridges are expensive per page
- Some owners mention a short lifespan (around 2.5 years with light use)
Reach for this if: You want fast, high-quality prints for home use and value automatic duplex printing over a lower ink cost.
Look elsewhere if: You plan to print hundreds of pages per month — the high ink cost per page will eat your budget quickly.
3. HP Envy 6458e
A renewed workhorse with a 35-page document feeder for hands-free scanning.
The HP Envy 6458e prints up to 10 ppm in black and 7 ppm in color with a maximum color resolution of 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi for glossy photo prints. Its standout feature is the 35-page automatic document feeder (ADF), which lets you scan, copy, or fax multi-page documents without feeding each page individually — a convenience missing from most sub-$100 printers. It also includes dual-band Wi-Fi with self-healing capability and automatic duplex printing.
Buyers generally appreciate the simple setup and the ability to print from a smartphone via the HP Smart app. One reviewer called it “great” as a summer campground printer and said they like it better than their home Office Jet. Another noted that after an initial connection issue, HP Support helped resolve it, and the printer now works great. Note that this is a renewed unit, so it carries some refurbished risk.
The main drawbacks are the HP ecosystem: you’ll need an HP account and the HP Smart app to set it up, and the starter cartridges run out quickly. Some customers note Wi-Fi disconnect issues, and the printer can struggle to operate without a network connection for basic scan tasks.
Feature-Packed
- 35-page ADF for efficient multi-page scanning
- Automatic duplex printing and dual-band Wi-Fi
- Renewed model offers good value for the features
HP Ecosystem
- Setup requires HP account and software
- Some reviewers point out Wi-Fi disconnect issues
- Renewed unit may have unpredictable reliability
Ideal for: Anyone who regularly scans multi-page documents and wants a feature-rich printer without paying more than $100.
Consider alternatives if: You want a brand-new unit with a full warranty, or you want to avoid the HP ecosystem and software requirements.
4. HP Envy 6155
The most intuitive printer to navigate thanks to its color touchscreen and AI-powered print formatting.
The HP Envy 6155 prints up to 10 ppm in black and 7 ppm in color, but its real draw is the 2.4-inch color touchscreen — the most intuitive control panel in this price range. You can browse menus, check ink levels, and start copies without needing a phone or computer. It also includes HP’s AI feature that automatically removes unwanted content from web pages and emails before printing, saving paper and frustration.
Shoppers say the wireless setup via the HP Smart app and dual-band Wi-Fi works well with laptops and iPhones. One buyer mentioned it’s “great for low-volume printing” and called it good value under $100. The printer comes with a 3-month trial of Instant Ink, which auto-ships cartridges before you run out. However, after the trial, a monthly fee applies, and the starter cartridges have a low page yield (approx. 120 black, 75 color).
The catch is that this printer is designed to block non-HP ink cartridges, so you’re locked into HP’s supply chain. Some buyers report connection difficulties with the HP Smart app, and the plastic build feels flimsy despite being reportedly durable. For light home use with occasional color printing, this is a solid choice, but heavy printers will feel the cost.
Easy & Smart
- Intuitive 2.4-inch color touchscreen for easy navigation
- AI-powered print formatting removes web clutter
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with self-healing connection
Locked In
- Blocks non-HP ink cartridges
- Starter cartridges have very low page yield
- Instant Ink subscription becomes a monthly cost after 3 months
Best for: Families who want a simple, smartphone-friendly printer with the convenience of auto-refill ink and a touchscreen control panel.
skip it if: You hate subscription models and prefer to buy standard cartridges from any brand at the best price.
5. HP DeskJet 2755
The lowest-cost entry point into wireless printing, but be ready for manual duplex.
At the bottom of the price range, the HP DeskJet 2755 offers print, copy, and scan in a compact white/grey chassis. It prints up to 12 ppm in both black and color — the same speed for both, which is unusual and suggests decent color output for basic documents. It supports Wi-Fi, Apple AirPrint, and the HP Smart app for mobile printing, plus a 60-sheet input tray.
Buyers who got a good unit are happy. One owner reported, “I purchased this printer 6 months back and it has never given me any issues!” Another called it “great quality for the price” and noted the 20-minute setup was easy. However, the duplex is manual only — you have to flip pages yourself to print on both sides. The printer also requires an HP account and the HP Smart app to function over Wi-Fi, which some buyers find frustrating.
Multiple reviewers warn that the printer can become locked if you don’t pay for the Instant Ink subscription, even with unused starter ink inside. This is a solid, cheap option for very light use, but if you print more than 25 pages per day or need automatic duplex, you’ll outgrow it fast.
Cheapest Way In
- Lowest upfront cost for a wireless all-in-one
- Equal 12 ppm speed for black and color printing
- Small footprint fits on a desk easily
Frustrations
- Manual duplex only — must flip pages by hand
- Requires HP account and app for wireless use
- Printer can lock up if Instant Ink subscription lapses
Bottom line: Buy this if you need the cheapest possible wireless printer for occasional homework or recipe printing and don’t mind manual duplex.
Not for you if: You print even 25 pages a day, need automatic duplex, or refuse to create an HP account.
6. Epson Workforce WF-2930
A fax-capable all-in-one with an automatic document feeder, but color speed is the slowest here.
The Epson Workforce WF-2930 is a 4-in-1 (print, copy, scan, fax) with a 1.4-inch color display, automatic duplex printing, and an automatic document feeder. It prints up to 10 ppm in black and just 5 ppm in color — that’s a significant slowdown for color documents. The permanent printhead is designed to last the life of the printer, which Epson markets as a reliability benefit.
Buyers who are Epson fans appreciate the dependability. One customer observed, “They are dependable and just run. Couldn’t ask for better at this price point.” Another mentioned the ink and paper replacement program is “sweet.” However, a critical warning from multiple reviewers: an Epson firmware update caused the printer to reject third-party cartridges, forcing buyers to use expensive Epson-brand ink. One buyer called it “a dishonest and pathetic company” and advised never to update the firmware or buy Epson at all.
If you need a fax machine and an ADF in a single unit and can accept the slow color speed, this printer works. But the ink lock-in and the risk of blocked third-party cartridges make it a tough recommendation for budget-conscious users who want to shop around for ink.
Home Office Ready
- Automatic duplex and ADF for multi-page jobs
- Built-in fax for home office needs
- Permanent printhead designed for long life
Ink Trap
- Only 5 ppm color speed — very slow for color documents
- Firmware update can block third-party ink cartridges
- Forces use of expensive Epson Genuine cartridges
Reach for this if: You absolutely need a fax machine and can live with slow color printing while accepting the cost of Epson-brand ink.
Avoid this if: You print color documents regularly or want the flexibility to use affordable third-party ink cartridges.
7. Canon PIXMA TR4720
A compact 4-in-1 with an auto document feeder and the slowest color speed in the lineup.
The Canon PIXMA TR4720 prints, copies, scans, and faxes, with an automatic document feeder and automatic duplex printing. It prints up to 8.8 ppm in black and 4.4 ppm in color — the lowest color speed among all seven picks. For comparison, the HP DeskJet 2755 is listed at 12 ppm color. It has a 100-sheet input tray and a 1-year limited warranty.
Buyers generally appreciate the value for the price. One user highlighted it’s “great features for price, easy USB setup, compact size, good text speed, slow scanning, not for photos, high ink cost for photos.” Another noted it broke after around 50 pages. The starter ink cartridges (PG-275/CL-276) deplete quickly, and replacement cost is high. The print quality is decent for text, but color photos come out looking faded or pastel according to some buyers.
If you need a fax machine and want a compact unit, the TR4720 is a passable choice for light text-only use. But the slow color speed, high ink cost, and fragile build make it a poor fit for anyone who prints more than occasional black-and-white documents. The Canon PIXMA TS4320 is a much stronger option for similar money if you don’t need fax.
Small & Packed
- 4-in-1 with fax and ADF in a compact body
- Automatic duplex printing saves paper
- Good text speed and quality for the price
Slow & Costly
- Slowest color speed at 4.4 ppm
- Low starter ink cartridge yield
- High ink cost per page for color prints
Only choose this if: Your #1 need is a compact fax machine with an ADF and you mainly print black-and-white documents.
pass on it if: You want any color printing at a decent speed or need to print photos — the Canon PIXMA TS4320 or Brother MFC-J1360DW are far better choices.
Understanding the Specs
Pages Per Minute (ppm)
This is the ISO-rated speed for printing black-and-white or color pages. Real-world speed is often slower, especially for the first page or when using higher-quality settings. A big gap between black and color ppm (like 14 vs. 4.4) means color printing will feel much slower, so if you print many color documents, look for a smaller gap.
Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)
An ADF is a slot on top of the scanner that pulls in multiple pages one by one for scanning or copying. Without an ADF, you have to lift the scanner lid and place each page down individually. For any multi-page job, this feature saves a lot of time.
FAQ
Will a printer under $100 work with my smartphone?
What is Instant Ink and do I need it?
Why is my printer’s color speed so much slower than black and white?
Can I use third-party ink cartridges to save money?
What does automatic duplex printing mean?
How many pages can a printer under $100 handle per month?
What is the difference between a renewed and a new printer?
Which printer is best for scanning multi-page documents?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most people, the computer printer under $100 winner is the Brother MFC-J1360DW because it combines the fastest print speed in the group (16 ppm black, 9 ppm color), a generous 150-sheet paper tray, and an ADF for multi-page scanning. If you want high-quality prints for home use with automatic duplex, grab the Canon PIXMA TS4320. And for a compact fax with an ADF at the lowest price, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 fits the bill despite its slow color speed.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement, and we did not hands-on test every unit. Instead, we match each pick to a real buyer and use-case by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications against the patterns in verified customer reviews — so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing copy.
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.