The best cheap printer is the one that keeps your total printing bill low—not necessarily the one with the lowest sticker price. Cartridge ink can quickly outweigh the purchase price, while monochrome lasers suit occasional documents and refillable ink tanks suit regular color printing. This 2025 ranking is based on TechRadar’s March 6, 2025 roundup, with manufacturer-status and specification corrections for buyers checking the models now.
Cheap to buy is not the same as cheap to own. Cartridge ink can cost more than the printer over its lifetime, while a monochrome laser is usually the better fit for occasional black-and-white documents and a refillable ink-tank printer is usually the better fit for regular color printing. Inkjet printers can also clog when left unused for long periods, according to RTINGS’ inkjet-versus-laser guidance.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This is the corrected, finance-focused version of TechRadar’s 2025 cheap-printer roundup, which was last updated on March 6, 2025. The ranking combines purchase price, print quality, speed, features, dimensions, and consumable costs. Several models are now discontinued in the U.S., so treat the list as a 2025 buying guide and verify stock, regional model numbers, and prices before paying.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Quick verdict
- Best overall for occasional documents: HP LaserJet Pro M15w, provided you can find legitimate remaining stock.
- Best long-term value for regular color printing: Epson EcoTank ET-2800 in the U.S. or ET-2850 in the UK.
- Best for photos: Canon PIXMA MG3650S/MG3620, though the U.S. MG3620 is discontinued.
- Best for speed on a budget: Pantum P2200W.
- Best current comparison outside the original ten: Canon MegaTank Pixma G3290, a separate 2025 ink-tank alternative reviewed by Tom’s Guide.
The 10 best cheap printers of 2025
| Printer | Best for | Technology | Main cost warning | Availability note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP LaserJet Pro M15w | Overall | Black-and-white laser | Higher upfront cost than basic inkjets | Discontinued in the U.S. |
| Epson EcoTank ET-2800/ET-2850 | Low-cost color | Refillable ink tank | Higher purchase price; slower output | Model number varies by country |
| Canon PIXMA TS302/TS305 | Basic printing | Cartridge inkjet | Limited features and cartridge costs | U.S. TS302 discontinued |
| HP DeskJet 2755e/2755/2710 | Cheap all-in-one | Cartridge inkjet | Replacement cartridges and HP+ restrictions | U.S. 2755e discontinued |
| Pantum P2200W | Speed | Monochrome laser | No automatic duplex | Check local supply availability |
| Canon PIXMA TS702/TS705 | Low running costs among cartridge models | Five-ink cartridge inkjet | Not a conventional scanner all-in-one | TS702a is the current U.S. family reference |
| Brother HL-1112 | Cheap laser printing | Monochrome laser | No Wi-Fi or automatic duplex | Region-specific |
| Canon PIXMA MG3650S/MG3620 | Photos | Cartridge inkjet | Ink consumption can erase the low purchase price | U.S. MG3620 discontinued |
| Epson Expression Home XP-2100 | Home office basics | Cartridge inkjet | Individual cartridges are not the same as an ink tank | Regional availability varies |
| Brother DCP-J1800DW/MFC-J1800DW | Paper cutting | Cartridge inkjet all-in-one | Cartridge costs; cutter is specialized | U.S. version is MFC-J1800DW |
1. HP LaserJet Pro M15w — best cheap printer overall
The HP LaserJet Pro M15w is the canonical 2025 overall pick because it is tiny, quick, wireless, and inexpensive to operate for straightforward documents. The important correction is that it is a print-only black-and-white laser, not a color laser. HP’s U.S. page lists speeds of up to 19 pages per minute, a 150-sheet input tray, Wi-Fi Direct, and AirPrint. It also now marks the printer discontinued; check HP’s official page before considering remaining stock.
#1 Best Overall
- INNOVATIVE CARTRIDGE-FREE PRINTING — No more dealing with lots of tiny ink cartridges; With this wireless document and photo printer each ink bottle set is equivalent to about 90 individual cartridges²
- LESS FREQUENT INK REPLACEMENT — Replacement ink bottles don't have to be changed nearly as often as ink cartridges¹; When you choose this combination printer, scanner and copier you can print up to 4,500 pages black/7,500 color³
- COLOR PRINTING — Up to 2 years of ink in the box4 (and with every replacement ink set) for fewer out-of-ink frustrations
- ZERO CARTRIDGE WASTE — By using an Epson EcoTank printer you can help reduce the amount of cartridge waste ending up in landfills
- HOME PRINTER DESIGNED FOR RELIABILITY — The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 All-in-One Supertank Color Printer creates vivid, detailed prints and documents thanks to Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology; Fire off 10 ISO pages per minute1 to easily finish large jobs
HP lists an introductory toner yield of roughly 500 pages and approximately 1,000 pages for the HP 48A replacement cartridge. Those figures are useful for comparing supply longevity, but the starter cartridge, standard replacement, and real-world yield should not be treated as identical.
Buy it if: you mostly print forms, shipping labels, statements, or school and work documents and do not need color, scanning, copying, or automatic duplexing. Skip it if: you need a currently supported U.S. model or routinely print photos.
2. Epson EcoTank ET-2800/ET-2850 — best cheap ink-tank printer
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 in the U.S. and ET-2850 in the UK are the strongest long-run cost-saving choices in this group for regular color printing. They replace disposable cartridges with refillable EcoFit bottles and include wireless printing, a flatbed scanner, and a copier. The official ET-2800 specification lists replacement yields of up to 4,500 black pages and 7,500 color pages, and Epson says replacement bottles can save up to 90% versus cartridges.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteThat does not mean every household will achieve those numbers. Epson qualifies the estimates: yields vary with the content printed, quality settings, temperature, humidity, printing frequency, setup, and maintenance. Some ink is consumed during installation and print-head cleaning. The ET-2800 also trades economy for relatively modest speed and less ambitious photo performance than a photo-focused cartridge printer.
Buy it if: you print color documents regularly and can justify a higher initial purchase price. Skip it if: you print only a few pages every several months, because an inkjet may sit idle long enough to develop clogging or maintenance problems.
3. Canon PIXMA TS302/TS305 — best cheap printer for basics
The Canon PIXMA TS302 in the U.S. and TS305 in the UK is a deliberately stripped-back printer for simple jobs. Canon’s U.S. specifications describe a wireless, single-function printer with a 60-sheet rear tray, smartphone copy functionality, approximately 7.7 black and 4.0 color images per minute, and single-sided printing. “Smartphone copy” means using the phone and Canon’s app; it does not provide the flatbed scanner found on a conventional all-in-one.
Canon now marks the U.S. TS302 discontinued, so this is best treated as a historical 2025 pick or a remaining-stock option. Check Canon’s retired-product listings and the retailer’s exact model number before buying.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Buy it if: you want the lowest-complexity device for occasional pages and do not need copying, scanning, duplexing, or high speed. Skip it if: you print often enough for replacement cartridges to matter.
4. HP DeskJet 2755e/2755/2710 — best cheap all-in-one
The HP DeskJet 2755e in the U.S., 2755 in some markets, and 2710 in the UK combines color printing, copying, scanning, and wireless/mobile printing at a low entry price. It is suited to recipes, forms, travel documents, and other basic household jobs rather than heavy workloads.
The financial catch is the cartridge system. TechRadar’s 2025 coverage referred to a three-month Instant Ink promotion, but promotional periods, subscription prices, and eligibility are date- and region-specific. HP’s current product page marks the 2755e discontinued and states that HP+ requires an HP account, internet access, and original HP ink for the life of the printer. HP also says the printer uses dynamic security measures that may block cartridges using modified or non-HP circuitry.
Buy it if: you need scan-and-copy functions and print lightly enough that cartridge replacement is not a major budget item. Skip it if: you want unrestricted third-party ink, print frequently, or prefer a printer that can remain offline.
5. Pantum P2200W — best cheap printer for speed
The Pantum P2200W is a compact wireless monochrome laser aimed at users who value quick text output. TechRadar lists up to 22 pages per minute, but there is no automatic duplexing, so two-sided documents require manual handling. The starter cartridge is commonly described as approximately 700 pages.
For replacement supplies, Pantum’s official consumables pages list the compatible P-210 series cartridge at a capacity of about 1,600 pages. That is a replacement-cartridge figure, not a guarantee that the starter cartridge will produce the same output. See Pantum’s P-210 consumables information.
Buy it if: you need fast, inexpensive black text over Wi-Fi. Skip it if: you need color, duplexing, scanning, or copying.
Rank #2
- Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing ― High-capacity ink tanks mean no more tiny, expensive ink cartridges; Epson’s exclusive EcoFit ink bottles make filling easy and worry-free
- Impressive Print Quality ― Unique Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology produces sharp text – plus impressive color photos and graphics – on virtually any paper type
- Zero Cartridge Waste – By using an EcoTank printer, you can help reduce the amount of cartridge waste ending up in landfills
- Built-in Scanner & Copier ― High-resolution flatbed scanner and a color display for easy document copying and navigation
6. Canon PIXMA TS702/TS705 — best cheap printer for low running costs
The Canon PIXMA TS702 in the U.S. and TS705 in the UK is a print-focused model with features that reduce paper and ink waste relative to simpler cartridge printers. Canon lists automatic duplex printing, five individual inks, Wi-Fi and Ethernet, approximately 15 black and 10 color images per minute, a 250-sheet front cassette, and a 100-sheet rear tray.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
One important specification correction matters to buyers: TechRadar’s prose described this model as an all-in-one with smartphone scanning and copying, but Canon’s official specification identifies it as a printer-focused device. It should not be presented as a conventional flatbed-scanner all-in-one. Canon currently markets the PIXMA TS702a, which retains the 350-sheet total capacity and supports XL and XXL ink options.
Buy it if: you print enough to benefit from individual inks, auto-duplexing, and a large paper supply but do not need a scanner. Skip it if: you need one machine for copying and scanning.
7. Brother HL-1112 — best cheap laser printer
The Brother HL-1112 is a compact, stripped-back monochrome laser with up to 20 pages per minute and a 150-sheet input supply. Its limitations are clear: no Wi-Fi and no automatic duplexing. That makes it more suitable for a desk with a direct computer connection than for a shared household or office network.
The HL-1112 is region-specific, and exact toner compatibility and availability depend on the market. Check the model name on Brother’s local website and confirm the replacement cartridge before ordering. Buy it if: you want a basic, durable black-text laser at a low purchase price. Skip it if: wireless printing is essential.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →8. Canon PIXMA MG3650S/MG3620 — best cheap printer for photos
The Canon PIXMA MG3650S and its commonly referenced U.S. equivalent, the MG3620, combine wireless printing, copying, and scanning with photo-oriented output up to 4,800 by 1,200 dpi. The model is rated at roughly 10 pages per minute for color and supports automatic two-sided printing, a useful feature for documents and leaflets as well as photo projects.
Its weakness is the cost of cartridge ink. A low purchase price can be quickly offset if you print many photos or color pages. Canon now marks the U.S. MG3620 discontinued, so the photo rationale remains useful but current U.S. stock should not be assumed.
Buy it if: you want a cheap occasional photo printer that also scans and copies. Skip it if: you print high volumes of color or want the lowest long-term cost.
9. Epson Expression Home XP-2100 — best cheap printer for home offices
The Epson Expression Home XP-2100 is a low-priced color three-in-one with wireless and Wi-Fi Direct, printing, scanning, copying, individual cartridges, and a 100-sheet tray. Individual cartridges mean you can replace a depleted color separately instead of discarding a combined color cartridge, which can reduce waste.
Recommended Free Tools
That is still a cartridge printer, not an ink-tank printer. The distinction is important: individual cartridges may improve consumable efficiency, but they do not provide the very low replacement-ink cost associated with refillable bottles. The XP-2100 also lacks automatic duplexing. Availability and exact equivalents vary by region.
Buy it if: you need inexpensive home-office scanning and copying with occasional color printing. Skip it if: you print often enough to justify a tank printer or need automatic two-sided output.
10. Brother DCP-J1800DW/MFC-J1800DW — best cheap printer with a paper cutter
The Brother model’s name depends on the market. TechRadar’s list uses DCP-J1800DW, while Brother’s U.S. product is the MFC-J1800DW. The U.S. version adds fax to print, copy, scan, duplex, and wireless functions. It has a 20-sheet automatic document feeder and an internal blade that can automatically cut A4 or Letter sheets down to A5 or half-letter size. Brother lists black printing speeds of up to 17 pages per minute.
The cutter can reduce paper consumption when a document is designed to use two smaller pages on one sheet. It is not a universal money saver: you still pay for cartridge ink, and the feature is useful only for suitable layouts and sizes. Brother’s specifications confirm the 20-page ADF and paper-cutting capability.
Rank #3
- INNOVATIVE CARTRIDGE-FREE PRINTING — No more dealing with tiny, expensive ink cartridges; With this wireless printer each ink bottle set is equivalent to about 80 individual cartridges²
- LESS FREQUENT INK REPLACEMENT — Replacement ink bottles don't have to be changed nearly as often as ink cartridges¹; Color printer lets you print up to 4,500 black and white pages and 7,200 color³
- PRINT FOR LONGER — Up to 2 years of ink in the box⁴ (and with every replacement ink set) for fewer out-of-ink frustrations; This home printer keeps printing longer
- HIGH CAPACITY INK TANKS – Printer, scanner and copier utilizes Epson’s exclusive EcoFit ink bottles, making the refill process easy and worry-free
- ZERO CARTRIDGE WASTE — By using an Epson EcoTank printer you can help reduce the amount of cartridge waste ending up in landfills; Cartridge-free printer utilizes ink bottles for more convenience and less waste
Buy it if: you regularly print half-letter notes, flyers, worksheets, or other documents that benefit from automatic cutting. Skip it if: you want the cheapest possible high-volume printing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to choose the cheapest printer to own
1. Start with your print pattern
| Your pattern | Usually the sensible technology | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A few black-and-white pages every month | Monochrome laser | Toner stores well and does not dry out like liquid ink. |
| Regular color documents | Refillable ink tank | Bottled ink usually produces much lower replacement costs. |
| Occasional photos | Cartridge inkjet | Inkjet models generally offer better glossy-photo compatibility. |
| Frequent copying or scanning | All-in-one with a physical scanner | A phone-copy feature is not a substitute for a scanner glass or ADF. |
| High page counts | Laser or ink tank | Cartridge replacement costs become more important as volume rises. |
2. Calculate ownership cost, not just shelf price
Use this simple comparison before buying:
Estimated ownership cost = printer price + replacement supplies + paper + subscription fees + likely maintenance
For a fair comparison, estimate the number of pages you expect to print over the printer’s useful life, then compare the price of cartridges, toner, or bottles against their stated yields. Manufacturer page yields are standardized estimates rather than promises for every household. Large photos, dense graphics, color coverage, print quality settings, setup, and cleaning can all reduce real output.
3. Check duplexing and paper handling
Automatic duplexing can cut paper use for routine documents, but it is not universal among budget printers. In this list, Canon’s TS702/TS702a and the Canon MG3650S/MG3620 support automatic two-sided printing. The HP M15w, Canon TS302, HP DeskJet 2755e, Pantum P2200W, Brother HL-1112, and Epson XP-2100 are described in the 2025 roundup as lacking automatic duplexing. Verify the exact regional variant because similarly named models can differ.
4. Confirm whether “copy” means a real scanner
The Epson ET-2800, HP DeskJet 2755e, Canon MG3650S/MG3620, Epson XP-2100, and Brother MFC-J1800DW provide conventional print/copy/scan functions. The Canon TS302 uses smartphone copy, and the Canon TS702 is officially a printer-focused model. If you need to scan multi-page documents, look for both a scanner glass and an automatic document feeder; the Brother MFC-J1800DW has a 20-sheet ADF.
A current alternative: Canon MegaTank Pixma G3290
The Canon MegaTank Pixma G3290 was not part of TechRadar’s original ten and should not be silently substituted into a historical ranking. It is worth considering separately if you are buying now and want an ink-tank all-in-one. Tom’s Guide’s 2025 review describes it as a budget-oriented model with low ink costs, duplex printing, scanning, and copying. Its measured speed was about 9.2 pages per minute for simplex black text and 7.2 pages per minute for duplex black text. It has a 100-sheet paper tray and no automatic document feeder.
Buying checklist
- Confirm the exact country model number: TS302 versus TS305, TS702 versus TS705, MG3620 versus MG3650S, and DCP-J1800DW versus MFC-J1800DW.
- Check whether the manufacturer lists the model as current or discontinued.
- Price a full replacement set of cartridges, toner, or ink bottles before buying the printer.
- Check the stated yield and remember that real output varies with page coverage and maintenance.
- Decide whether you need color, a physical scanner, copying, an ADF, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or automatic duplexing.
- For an inkjet that may sit unused, plan to print regularly enough to reduce the risk of clogged nozzles.
- Treat free Instant Ink months, sale prices, and retailer bundles as temporary offers rather than permanent savings.
- Do not rely on historical Amazon prices from the 2025 article; stock and pricing change by date, seller, and country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a laser or inkjet printer cheaper in the long run?
For occasional black-and-white documents, choose a monochrome laser because toner stores well and the printer does not face the same liquid-ink drying and clogging risk as an inkjet. For regular color printing, a refillable ink tank usually offers lower replacement costs.
What is the cheapest color printer to run?
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is the clearest choice in this roundup for regular color printing. Its replacement bottles are rated for up to 4,500 black pages and 7,500 color pages, although actual yields vary with content, settings, maintenance, and environment.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteAre these cheap printers still available?
Not necessarily. The HP LaserJet Pro M15w, Canon PIXMA TS302, HP DeskJet 2755e, and Canon PIXMA MG3620 are all marked discontinued in the U.S. by their manufacturers. Remaining stock may exist, but verify the seller, warranty, supplies, and exact model before purchasing.
Which budget printers can scan and copy?
No. The Canon PIXMA TS702 is primarily a printer with mobile-printing features, not a conventional flatbed-scanner all-in-one. The Canon TS302 uses smartphone copy. If you need physical scanning and copying, choose a model such as the Epson ET-2800, HP DeskJet 2755e, or Brother MFC-J1800DW.
The Bottom Line
For occasional black-and-white printing, a monochrome laser such as the HP LaserJet Pro M15w is usually the soundest cost-cutting choice, although that model is discontinued in the U.S. For regular color printing, spend more upfront on an Epson EcoTank ET-2800/ET-2850 or compare it with a current MegaTank model. Choose a cheap cartridge printer mainly when you need low initial cost, occasional photos, or a specific all-in-one feature—and price the replacement ink first.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
