Finding a printer that balances cost and quality can be challenging. Many assume that affordability means sacrificing performance, but that’s not always the case. As a dedicated content creator for amazingprint.net and a seasoned expert in print technology, I’ve rigorously tested countless models to identify the top performers that won’t break the bank. This guide focuses on helping you discover the Best Bargain Printer for your needs, proving that you can achieve excellent print functionality and quality without overspending.
Drawing from extensive hands-on experience testing a wide spectrum of printing solutions, from high-end professional models to budget-friendly options, this article pinpoints the top ten best bargain printers currently available. These printers stand out by offering exceptional value, combining low purchase prices with commendable performance. This selection includes both the best bargain inkjet printers and best bargain laser printers, with a strong emphasis on maximizing your money’s worth.
While the most affordable printers often come with concerns about ink cartridge costs, this guide addresses that directly. We’ve considered long-term expenses and even included an ink tank model in our recommendations. Although supertank printers typically have a higher initial cost, their remarkably affordable bottled ink can make them the most economical choice over time, especially for users with regular printing needs. Ultimately, our goal is to guide you to the best bargain printer, ensuring you get the most value for your investment in 2024.
Top Bargain Printer Deals of 2024
1. HP Deskjet 2755e Wireless Color Printer – $84.99 at Amazon – Bargain with Bonus Ink: Amazon’s top-selling inkjet printer, the Deskjet 2755e, offers exceptional value, especially with its included Instant Ink, providing enough ink for up to 4200 pages. Its compact design, integrated scanner, and enhanced dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity make it a feature-rich bargain printer.
Canon Pixma MG3620 wireless color printer – at Amazon
2. Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless Color Printer – $69 at Amazon – Duplex Bargain: The Canon Pixma MG3620, available in multiple colors, is a standout bargain printer in its price range. Its duplex printing capability is a rare find at this price point, making it ideal for creating booklets and leaflets efficiently.
The Best Bargain Printers of 2024: Detailed Reviews
Why Trust Our Recommendations?
At amazingprint.net, our reviews are built on rigorous testing and in-depth analysis. We dedicate extensive hours to evaluating each product to ensure you receive dependable and accurate buying advice. Our commitment is to help you confidently select the best bargain printer that meets your specific needs and budget. Learn more about our testing process.
Best Bargain Printer Overall
1. HP LaserJet Pro M15w – The Compact Bargain Laser Printer
(Image credit: HP)
Key Features for a Bargain:
- Category: Mono Laser Printer
- Print Speed: 19ppm
- Paper Capacity: 100 sheets
- Paper Size: Up to A4
Why It’s a Bargain:
- Affordable Price: Laser quality at an inkjet price point.
- Space-Saving Design: World’s smallest laser printer, ideal for limited desk space.
- Fast and Efficient: Prints quickly and consistently at 19ppm.
- User-Friendly: Simple to set up and operate.
- Mobile Printing: Strong app support for printing on the go.
Considerations:
- No Duplex Printing: Manual double-sided printing only.
- Basic Resolution: Print resolution is adequate but not exceptional.
- Limited Display: Lacks an LCD screen for advanced settings.
- No Customization: Settings adjustments are minimal.
The HP LaserJet Pro M15w redefines what a bargain printer can be. In our tests, it consistently impressed as the smallest laser printer available, maintaining a remarkably compact footprint, barely larger than an A4 sheet of paper. Its diminutive size doesn’t compromise performance, delivering the speed, efficiency, and reliability typically associated with laser printing, all while being as affordable as many inkjet models.
For users seeking a bargain printer that doesn’t skimp on performance, the LaserJet Pro M15w is an exceptional choice. It handles large print volumes with ease, reliably producing thousands of documents on a single toner cartridge. Despite its small size, it accommodates 100 sheets of paper and maintains a print speed of 19 pages per minute. While lacking features like duplex printing and a display, these omissions are understandable given its incredibly competitive price, making it a true bargain printer for those prioritizing laser performance on a budget.
Read our full HP LaserJet Pro M15w review.
Best Bargain Ink Tank Printer
2. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 / 2850 (US/UK) – The Low Running Cost Bargain
(Image credit: Epson)
Key Features for a Bargain:
- Category: Color A4 Ink Tank Inkjet AOI (All-in-One)
- Print Speed: 10ppm (mono)
- Paper Capacity: 100 sheets
- Paper Size: Up to A4
Why It’s a Bargain:
- Large Ink Tanks: Significantly reduces ink replacement frequency.
- Generous Ink Supply: Comes with ample ink in the box.
- Ultra-Low Running Costs: Bottled ink is dramatically cheaper than cartridges.
- Simple and Efficient: Easy to use and maintain.
Considerations:
- Rear Paper Tray: No enclosed front paper tray.
- Small LCD Screen: Basic, non-touchscreen interface.
- Limited Advanced Features: Fewer extra features compared to higher-end models.
- Photo Print Quality: Good for general use, but not optimized for professional photo printing.
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 / 2850 is a standout bargain printer for those prioritizing long-term savings on ink. Designed as an affordable ink tank all-in-one, it’s perfect for home offices or small businesses seeking to minimize printing expenses. Epson’s EcoTank system uses bottled ink, which costs approximately 90% less than traditional ink cartridges, making it one of the most cost-effective printers to operate over time and a true bargain printer in terms of running costs.
To maintain its competitive price as a bargain printer, Epson has streamlined some features. It features a rear paper tray instead of a front-loading one and a basic LCD screen, omitting a touchscreen and NFC. However, it retains essential functionalities such as automatic duplex printing, high-resolution scanning, and Wi-Fi with AirPrint compatibility. It supports various paper types up to A4 size. While its print quality is suitable for general business use, it might not match the photographic fidelity of more specialized models due to a simpler Micro Piezo nozzle array. Nonetheless, the included ink supply is exceptionally generous, with the bundled bottles capable of printing up to 20,000 pages before requiring refills, solidifying its position as a best bargain printer for high-volume, low-cost printing.
Read our full Epson EcoTank ET-2800 / 2850 review.
Best Bargain Printer for Basic Needs
3. Canon PIXMA TS302 (TS305 in the UK) – The Essential Bargain Printer
Canon PIXMA TS302 compact and simple design
(Image credit: Canon)
Key Features for a Bargain:
- Category: Portable Inkjet Printer
- Print Speed: 7ppm
- Paper Capacity: 60 sheets
- Paper Size: Up to A4
Why It’s a Bargain:
- Affordable Inkjet Quality: Provides decent print quality for everyday tasks.
- Practical and Portable: Compact design suitable for small spaces.
- Smartphone Scanning: Innovative scanning using a smartphone app.
Considerations:
- Basic Feature Set: Limited features beyond essential printing.
- Combined Color Cartridge: Less efficient color ink usage.
The Canon PIXMA TS302 (TS305 in the UK) is a bargain printer that strips away unnecessary features to deliver a functional and affordable printing solution. Canon has focused on essential functionality, resulting in a portable printer that performs surprisingly well for basic needs. It forgoes an Ethernet port and scanner bed, but its flat, gridded top surface cleverly facilitates document scanning using a smartphone and Canon’s user-friendly iOS/Android app, making it an innovative bargain printer for modern, mobile-centric users.
Wireless connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth and AirPrint, simplifying connections and eliminating the need for a built-in touchscreen. This bargain printer handles both glossy photo paper and plain paper, with a 60-sheet capacity in its main tray. It includes two inkjet cartridges—one black and one combined color—suitable for small, infrequent print jobs. While it lacks auto-duplex printing, its quiet mode is a valuable addition for home office environments, making it a practical and unobtrusive best bargain printer for essential printing tasks.
Best Bargain All-in-One Printer
4. HP Deskjet 2755 (2710 in UK) – The Office Bargain All-Rounder
HP Deskjet 2755 sleek and compact all-in-one design
(Image credit: HP)
Key Features for a Bargain:
- Category: 3-in-1 Color Inkjet Printer
- Print Speed: 7ppm (mono)
- Paper Capacity: 60 sheets
- Paper Size: A4
Why It’s a Bargain:
- Affordable All-in-One Functionality: Prints, copies, and scans at a low price.
- Reliable Wireless: Features self-healing Wi-Fi for stable connectivity.
- Stylish Design: Appealing aesthetics for a budget printer.
Considerations:
- No Auto-Duplex: Manual double-sided printing required.
- Slow Print Speed: Printing can be slower compared to other models.
- Photo Quality: Photo prints are not its strongest point.
The HP Deskjet 2755 (known as the 2710 in the UK) is a visually appealing and budget-friendly all-in-one printer, representing a strong bargain printer option for home and office use. It offers a comprehensive set of functions, including color printing, copying, and scanning, accommodating media sizes from envelopes up to A4. While it does not support automatic duplex printing, it compensates with self-healing Wi-Fi, ensuring a stable and reliable wireless connection, and compatibility with AirPrint and Google Cloud Print, enhancing its appeal as a convenient bargain printer.
Although photo print quality is not exceptional, and both color fidelity and page yield are modest, the Deskjet 2755 remains a compelling bargain printer due to its low initial cost and all-in-one capabilities. Like other budget inkjet printers, cartridge costs can be a concern, but this model is compatible with HP Instant Ink, a subscription service that can significantly reduce consumable expenses by approximately 70%. HP Instant Ink also proactively sends replacement cartridges before you run out, adding to the convenience and value of this best bargain printer.
Find the best deals on HP printers with our HP discount codes.
Best Bargain Printer for Speed
5. Pantum P2200W – The Speedy Laser Bargain
Pantum P2200W simple and fast laser printer design
(Image credit: Pantum)
Key Features for a Bargain:
- Category: Mono Laser Printer
- Print Speed: 22ppm
- Paper Capacity: 150 sheets
- Paper Size: A4
Why It’s a Bargain:
- Fast Laser Printing: Quick print speeds for efficient document output.
- Affordable Laser Printer: Laser technology at a budget price.
- Low Per-Page Cost: Economical printing with standard toner cartridges.
Considerations:
- No Auto-Duplex: Manual double-sided printing only.
- Basic Display: Lacks a display screen for settings and status.
The Pantum P2200W proves that laser printers can be incredibly affordable, making it a standout bargain printer for speed and cost-effectiveness. This basic black-and-white printer is priced competitively with inkjet models but delivers significantly faster printing at 22 pages per minute. The included starter toner cartridge yields 700 pages, and standard cartridges offer 1,600 pages at a lower per-page cost than inkjet cartridges, making it an economical bargain printer for text-heavy printing tasks.
While it lacks automatic duplex printing, it includes built-in Wi-Fi with Wi-Fi Direct for easy wireless connectivity. Its compact size makes it suitable for desktop use, yet it holds 150 sheets in the input tray and 100 in the output tray, balancing convenience and capacity. For users seeking a best bargain printer that prioritizes speed and laser print quality without a high price tag, the Pantum P2200W is an excellent choice.
Best Bargain Printer for Low Running Costs
6. Canon Pixma TS702 (TS705 in the UK) – The Economical Inkjet Bargain
Canon PIXMA TS702 compact inkjet printer design
(Image credit: Canon)
Key Features for a Bargain:
- Category: Color Inkjet Printer
- Print Speed: 37ppm (Draft Speed)
- Paper Capacity: 350 sheets (250 front, 100 rear)
- Paper Size: A4
Why It’s a Bargain:
- High Paper Capacity: Large paper trays reduce refill frequency.
- Versatile Media Support: Prints on various media types, including CDs and stickers.
- Auto-Duplex Printing: Automatic double-sided printing saves paper.
- Economical Ink Cartridges: Supports high-yield XXL cartridges for lower running costs.
Considerations:
- No Flatbed Scanner: Relies on smartphone scanning for all-in-one features.
- Small Display: Basic 2-line display screen.
The Canon Pixma TS702 (TS705 in the UK) is a capable and cost-effective inkjet printer, positioning itself as a strong bargain printer in the market. It offers color printing, scanning, and copying capabilities, cleverly utilizing your smartphone for scanning to reduce the printer’s cost and footprint. This design choice allows for a larger paper capacity, accommodating 250 sheets in the main tray and an additional 100 in the rear, making it a practical bargain printer for users with moderate to high print volumes.
It stands out as a versatile bargain printer, supporting a wide range of media, including printable CDs and even nail stickers. Automatic duplex printing and enhanced print quality, thanks to five individual ink cartridges, are significant advantages. The Pixma TS705 also supports Canon’s XXL ink cartridges, which, while more expensive upfront, reduce the frequency of replacements and lower the overall running costs, making it a smart best bargain printer for economical long-term use.
Best Bargain Laser Printer
7. Brother HL-1112 – The Basic Laser Bargain
Brother HL-1112 compact and affordable laser printer
(Image credit: Brother)
Key Features for a Bargain:
- Category: Mono Laser Printer
- Print Speed: 20ppm
- Paper Capacity: 150 sheets
- Paper Size: A4
Why It’s a Bargain:
- Rapid Laser Printing: Fast 20ppm print speed for quick document output.
- Budget-Friendly Laser: Laser printing at an inkjet price.
- Compact and Lightweight: Easy to place and move around.
Considerations:
- No Auto-Duplex: Manual double-sided printing required.
- No Wi-Fi: USB connectivity only.
- Open Paper Tray: Paper tray is not covered.
Brother has simplified the HL-1112 laser printer to make it incredibly affordable, positioning it as a top bargain printer for budget-conscious buyers. Priced similarly to average inkjet printers, it offers the speed and efficiency of laser printing. While it omits features like auto-duplex, Wi-Fi, and a covered paper tray, the Brother HL-1112 remains a highly efficient bargain printer. It boasts a print speed of 20 pages per minute and accommodates 150 sheets in its paper tray, making it suitable for personal and light office use.
Compatible with both Windows and macOS, and lightweight enough for easy relocation, this bargain printer is user-friendly and practical. It includes enough toner for 700 pages, with standard replacement cartridges yielding 1,000 pages. For straightforward, fast, and cheap monochrome laser printing without unnecessary frills, the Brother HL-1112 is an excellent best bargain printer.
Best Bargain Printer for Photos
8. Canon Pixma MG3650S – The Photo Printing Bargain
Canon Pixma MG3650S compact color photo printer
(Image credit: Canon)
Key Features for a Bargain:
- Category: Wireless Inkjet Printer
- Print Speed: ISO 9.9ppm (Mono), 5.7ppm (Color)
- Paper Capacity: 100 sheets
- Paper Size: Up to A4, various photo sizes
Why It’s a Bargain:
- Excellent Photo Quality: Produces vibrant and detailed color photos.
- High Resolution Printing: 4800 x 1200dpi for sharp images.
- Versatile Functions: Prints, copies, and scans.
- Wireless Connectivity: Supports wireless printing for convenience.
Considerations:
- Ink Costs: Black ink cartridges can be expensive.
- No LCD Screen or Memory Card Slot: Limited direct photo printing options.
The Canon Pixma MG3650S upholds Canon’s reputation for excellent photo printing within the Pixma range, delivering impressive performance at a bargain printer price. This budget-friendly model excels in producing high-quality photos and images without requiring a significant investment. Its wireless capability adds to its convenience, eliminating cable clutter. With a print resolution of 4800 x 1200dpi and a color print speed of nearly 10 pages per minute, it offers surprising speed and quality for a bargain printer. It also includes scanning and copying functions, enhancing its versatility as a bargain all-in-one printer.
While the cost of Canon’s black ink cartridges is relatively high, making it less ideal for primarily text-based printing, the Pixma MG3650S is an excellent best bargain printer for those who prioritize color photo printing and seek high image quality on a budget.
To save money on Canon products, check out our Canon coupon codes.
Best Bargain Printer for Home Offices
9. Epson Expression Home XP-2100 – The Compact Home Office Bargain
Epson Expression Home XP-2100 stylish and compact design
(Image credit: Epson)
Key Features for a Bargain:
- Category: Color Inkjet 3-in-1 Printer
- Print Speed: 8ppm
- Paper Capacity: 100 sheets
- Paper Size: A4
Why It’s a Bargain:
- Very Affordable Price: Budget-friendly and accessible.
- Compact and Stylish: Small footprint with an attractive design.
- Individual Ink Cartridges: Efficient ink usage with separate color cartridges.
Considerations:
- No Auto-Duplex: Manual double-sided printing only.
- Slower Print Speed: Print speeds are moderate.
- Setup Complexity: Initial setup can be less straightforward.
Epson’s Expression Home XP-2100 is an entry-level all-in-one printer that offers a compelling bargain printer option for home offices. It maintains the stylish and simple design of the Expression Home series and includes essential features such as color printing using individual ink cartridges, high-resolution A4 scanning, and photocopying. The use of individual ink cartridges is notably efficient, offering 50% better usage compared to combined color cartridges, making it a more economical bargain printer in the long run. Built-in Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct provide versatile connectivity options for network or direct smartphone printing.
It accommodates various media types, including envelopes and glossy photo paper, and holds 100 sheets of A4 paper. While it lacks auto-duplex printing and setup can be a bit time-consuming, the Epson Expression Home XP-2100 remains a valuable best bargain printer due to its low price and comprehensive functionality for home office environments.
Best Bargain Printer with Guillotine
10. Brother DCP-J1800DW – The Innovative Cutting-Edge Bargain
(Image credit: Brother)
Key Features for a Bargain:
- Category: 3-in-1 Color A4 Inkjet Printer
- Print Speed: 17ipm (mono)
- Paper Capacity: 150 sheets
- Paper Size: A4
Why It’s a Bargain:
- Unique Paper Cutter: Integrated guillotine to cut A4 to A5.
- Automatic Document Feeder: Includes a 20-sheet ADF for multi-page documents.
- Compact Design: Space-saving footprint for small offices.
- Touchscreen Interface: User-friendly touchscreen controls.
Considerations:
- Duplex Print Speed: Slower duplex printing.
- Limited Cutter Size: Cuts A4 to A5, but not A5 to A6.
- Small Ink Cartridges: Ink cartridges are relatively small.
The Brother DCP-J1800DW is a unique and innovative bargain printer that stands out with its built-in guillotine for cutting paper. Initially appearing as a standard budget all-in-one inkjet, this printer is designed for home workers with moderate printing needs and offers a distinctive feature. Its compact size is suitable for shelves, and it includes a 20-sheet automatic document feeder, USB and Ethernet ports with organized cable management. The integrated guillotine is a first-of-its-kind feature in a printer at this price, allowing users to cut A4 paper down to A5, potentially reducing paper consumption and document size, making it an eco-conscious bargain printer.
Even without considering the paper cutter, the DCP-J1800DW is a solid bargain printer. While it uses cartridge-based ink, which can lead to higher running costs with frequent use, the print quality is consistently crisp for both documents and photos. For users looking for a reliable inkjet with an innovative edge and paper-saving potential, the Brother DCP-J1800DW is a highly recommended best bargain printer.
Read our full Brother DCP-J1800DW review.
Finding the Best Bargain Printer Ink
Securing affordable ink is crucial to maintaining the “bargain” aspect of your printer over time. Numerous online retailers offer competitive prices on replacement ink cartridges, toners, and bottled ink for all printer types.
Best Bargain Printer Ink Retailers in the US
[Links to US ink retailers]
Best Bargain Printer Ink Retailers in the UK
[Links to UK ink retailers]
Best Bargain Printers: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I choose the best bargain printer for my needs?
Selecting the best bargain printer involves several key considerations to ensure it meets your specific requirements without exceeding your budget.
Printer Category: The primary printer types are inkjet, laser, and ink tank. Inkjet printers are generally the cheapest to buy initially but can incur higher long-term ink costs. They are excellent for photo printing and general document tasks. Laser printers, while pricier upfront, offer lower toner costs and are ideal for crisp, high-volume text documents favored in business environments. Ink tank printers, a type of inkjet, utilize refillable ink tanks instead of cartridges, significantly reducing running costs and making them a cost-effective bargain printer choice for sustained use. To explore further, see our reviews of the best inkjet printers, best laser printers, and best ink tank printers.
Features and Functionality: A bargain printer doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing features. Many affordable models include useful functionalities like automatic document feeders (ADF) and auto-duplex printing (double-sided printing). Some budget printers also offer all-in-one capabilities (print, scan, copy, fax), though quality may vary at the lower end of the price spectrum. For more on versatile options, review our guide to the best all-in-one printers.
Connectivity – Wired vs. Wireless: Standard printers connect via USB to computers, but for convenient printing from mobile devices or to avoid cable clutter, opt for a bargain printer with wireless capabilities such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. For more wireless options, check out our recommendations for the best wireless printers.
Price and Running Costs: Find a bargain printer that balances initial cost with ongoing expenses. Higher initial prices may correlate with faster print speeds, better resolution, and additional features. Critically, assess the long-term costs of ink refills, cartridges, or toner, as this will significantly impact the overall cost of ownership. Keep an eye out for deals, especially during sales events like Prime Day printer deals and Black Friday printer deals, to maximize your savings on a bargain printer.
Considering specific brands? We have reviewed the [best Epson Printers](https://www.techradar.com/best/best-epson-printers), [best Canon printers](https://www.techradar.com/best/canon-printers), [best Brother printers](https://www.techradar.com/best/brother-printers), and the [best HP printers](https://www.techradar.com/best/best-hp-printers).
Our Testing Methodology for Bargain Printers
Our expert review team at amazingprint.net rigorously tests a wide array of printers, from best printers for Mac to best wireless printers and best large format printers. Regardless of budget, our testing process is consistent, ensuring fair and thorough evaluations from best portable printers to best A3 printers, enabling us to identify each printer’s strengths and weaknesses and recommend the best bargain printer for your needs.
To evaluate bargain printers, we meticulously assess both the initial purchase price and the ongoing costs of ink and toner. A low printer price paired with expensive consumables can negate its “bargain” status over time. We analyze print quality by running standardized text and color documents across all printers, evaluating sharpness, vibrancy, and color fidelity. Build quality, design, and dimensions are also considered, ensuring our recommendations include both compact and more robust models to suit various user needs, ultimately guiding you to the best bargain printer available.
Learn more about how we test printers at TechRadar Pro.
