Best budget printers 2024: Cheap home printers to buy for your office

As someone who has spent countless hours huddled over various printers in my time, I must say that the market for budget printers is as diverse and fascinating as a box of mixed chocolates. Each model promises something unique, from sustainability to photo printing prowess, and it’s up to us, the consumers, to decipher which one best suits our needs.

As a cinephile scouring for the perfect film to review, you may assume that a limited budget restricts my selection. However, I’ve discovered, despite discarding the pricier options, there remains an abundance of intriguing titles to choose from.

I’ve compiled a handy guide featuring top-notch budget printers and practical advice on locating an economical printer that suits your specific requirements. Enjoy the read!

Initially, it’s beneficial to establish your understanding of what constitutes an affordable printer for you. This definition will largely rely on your financial situation, but remember to factor in the operational costs as well to ensure the printer you choose is not only initially affordable but also economical in the long run.

Printer companies often earn a substantial amount from ink and toner cartridges, so think about how frequently you’ll need to print before making a purchase. If you seldom print documents, perhaps monthly or less, it might be more practical to opt for an item with a lower upfront cost, even if it’s not the most cost-effective choice in terms of cost per page.

From another perspective, if you find yourself printing papers often, be it for school assignments, academic work, newsletters, posters, or pamphlets, you’d prefer a printer that offers the most affordable cost per page within your available budget.

Even though a cheaper printer might seem appealing at first, it could end up costing you more in the long term due to potential issues. It might be wise to consider a pricier model initially if it proves to be a more economical choice in the long run.

Depending on your needs, you might also want to consider a laser printer instead of an inkjet.

In the list that follows, we’ve selected printers that generally fall within the £100 range. While there are some less expensive options and a few pricier ones, we’ve included the higher-priced models because they prove to be cost-efficient over time.

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Jump to:

• Best affordable printers at a glance
• How to choose a good cheap printer
• Best cheap printers to buy in 2024

Best affordable printers at a glance:

• Best budget printer for most homes: HP Envy 6020e, £79.99 £49.99
• Best affordable Epson: Epson Expression Home XP-4200, £74
• Best affordable mono laserjet: HP LaserJet M110w, £109.99 £70.99
• Best budget colour printer: Canon Pixma TS3355, £44.99
• Best all in one wireless budget printer: HP DeskJet 2820e, £59
• Best all-in-one with HP Instant Ink: HP DeskJet 4220e, £69.99 £42.99
• Best budget printer for ease-of-use: Canon Pixma MG3650S, £44.99 £34.99
• Best quality all-in-one budget printer: Canon Pixma TS7450, £99.99 £59.99
• Best budget printer for fast colour jobs: HP OfficeJet Pro 8122e, £109.99 £72.99
• Best high capacity mono laserjet budget printer: Brother HL-L2400DWE, £129.99 £99.99
• Best value all-in-one budget printer: Canon Pixma TR4550/TR4551, £69.99
• Best for printing photos: Epson Expression Photo XP-8700, £135.96
• Best sustainable budget printer: HP ENVY Inspire 7220e, £119.99 £99.97

How to choose a cheap printer

Look at the cost-per-page

Monitoring expenses like ink and toner is crucial when searching for the most affordable printer in 2024, as these ongoing costs play a significant role in your overall budget.

Speaking about the printers offering the most budget-friendly ink costs, HP models stand out due to their competitive pricing for HP 305 black ink and tri-color (cyan, magenta, yellow) cartridges. Each cartridge is priced at around £13.09, providing approximately 120 printouts for the black ink and 100 for the tri-color ones. This translates into a cost-per-page of about 10p for black ink and 13p for colored prints.

You’ll generally find that price range for a page when using an affordable inkjet printer, but keep in mind there are other, less expensive options on the market as well.

For example, a single HP 934 black toner cartridge is priced at £46.49, far more expensive than the HP 305 ink cartridges, but it promises enough toner for around 1,000 printouts – which means that the cost-per-page falls to below 5p.

In our previous discussion, you might recall that choosing a pricier printer initially could result in savings down the line. For instance, among budget printers we’ve reviewed, the Brother HL-L2400DWE is one of the costlier options. However, it has a remarkably low ink expense per page. You can purchase TN-2510XL black toner cartridges for this printer at £82.90, which equates to approximately 3 pence per printed page.

Compared to other options, bottled ink provides a more economical choice in terms of operational expenses. For instance, printers such as the Epson EcoTank ET-2750, though not included due to its higher price point of £349.99 (which exceeds our budget), are cost-effective to use, with the cost-per-page being less than a penny.

Similarly, opting for larger XL ink cartridges may cost more initially, but they tend to offer better value over time due to their higher page yield. Consider the number of pages you typically print each month when making your decision.

Research which ink subscriptions are the cheapest

When evaluating printer costs, remember to factor in both the price and yield of the cartridges. Many modern printers now offer subscription plans that could potentially reduce your expenses, as well as sparing you the trouble of needing to purchase cartridges on your own.

These services, such as HP’s Instant Ink and Epson’s ReadyPrint, are usually available only for internet-connected printers. They work by the printer automatically detecting its ink levels and notifying the manufacturer when it’s running low on ink. Then, new cartridges are sent to you via post before you run out of ink. It’s a convenient feature to keep in mind while making your purchase decision.

The HP Instant Ink and Epson ReadyPrint subscription prices are based on how many pages of paper you print in a month. Here’s a breakdown of the current pricing:

HP Instant Ink subscription prices

Epson ReadyPrint subscription prices

Check out the upfront printer price

When budget isn’t a primary concern, selecting a printer becomes somewhat simpler as you’ll primarily focus on the initial purchase price. However, it’s also beneficial to think about how you intend to use the printer, ensuring that its features align with your needs.

If your need is solely for printing documents, consider purchasing a black-and-white (monochrome) printer. This type of printer will print exclusively in shades of gray and black, which means you’ll save on color ink costs since you won’t need it. While mono printers may not be as budget-friendly as their color counterparts, the savings on ink over time can make them a smart choice for your specific needs.

In the same vein, if your need is to occasionally produce color photos or documents, purchasing a black-and-white (mono) printer wouldn’t be beneficial, regardless of its lower retail price, since it doesn’t support color printing.

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Best affordable printers to buy in 2024

Our round-up of the best budget printers to buy this year:

HP Envy 6020e

Best budget printer for most homes

Pros:

• Three months’ worth of ink is included when you sign up for HP Instant Ink
• Can print from mobile app

Cons:

• Smaller tray capacity

The 6020e model is both budget-friendly and versatile, catering to most home needs by generating documents, color images, copying, scanning, and even double-sided printing. Its straightforward setup makes it an excellent option for those preferring a hassle-free experience, as you won’t need to worry about adjusting settings often. Plus, when you subscribe to the automatic monthly ink service, you’ll receive three months of HP Instant Ink at no cost!

As a discerning moviegoer, I’d say the 6020e is a nimble, lightweight marvel, ideal for nestling in tight spots like a cozy home office or a hidden nook in your abode. Its modest 100-page capacity might require occasional refills, but if you’re amenable to that, it’s a cost-effective, family-friendly printer that delivers quality prints for all to appreciate.

• Amazon | £79.99 £47.99 (save £32 or 40%)
• Ryman | £79.99 £47.99 (save £32 or 40%)
• HP | £79.99 £47.99 (save £32 or 40%)
• Very | £79.99 £49.99 (save £30 or 38%)

Epson Expression Home XP-4200

Best affordable Epson

Pros:

• Helpful LCD screen
• Fast and lightweight

Cons:

• Delicate

For roughly £75, the Epson Expression Home XP-4200 is an excellent budget pick if you prefer Epson printers and are looking to save money. This model boasts a sleek design and offers printing, scanning, and copying capabilities in both black/white and color ink. One of its standout features is the front-mounted LCD screen, which simplifies navigation once connected to your smartphone, tablet, or computer, allowing you easy access to its settings.

Among the options we’ve compiled, this model stands out for being exceptionally lightweight, tipping the scales at slightly more than a kilogram, making it effortless to transport wherever you need. Moreover, its space-saving, streamlined design ensures it won’t occupy too much valuable room in your workspace. The cost of replacing the ink is quite reasonable, and you have the flexibility to purchase colors individually, so you only need to replace each color when it runs out.

• Amazon | £74
• Very | £74.99
• Epson | £89.99

HP LaserJet M110w

Best affordable mono laserjet

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Quick at printing

Cons:

• Expensive toner and ink

This printer boasts a sleek black-and-white design, making it an ideal fit for home offices. Compact yet powerful, it’s engineered for swift and substantial print jobs, capable of churning out 20 pages in just one minute. It seamlessly connects with computers, smartphones, and tablets.

As a movie buff reviewing printers, I must say that this model is a high-speed, dependable powerhouse in the world of printing. Unlike its inkjet counterparts, it employs toner cartridges, which make it a more costly option. However, fear not, for this particular printer arrives equipped with enough toner to churn out up to 300 pages.

• Amazon | £109.99 £70.99 (save £39 or 40%)
• HP | £79.99 

Canon Pixma TS3355

Best budget colour printer

Pros:

• Very cheap to buy and run
• Good overall print quality
• Easy to set up and use

Cons:

• Slow printing speeds
• Ink smudges easily
• No Wi-Fi or mobile app support

The Canon Pixma TS3355 is an affordable and lively color inkjet printer, typically priced around £35. This model offers essential features such as printing, scanning, and copying without unnecessary add-ons.

Ideal for budget-conscious buyers seeking a color printer under £50 for occasional use, the TS3355 is recommended as it’s one of the most affordable color printers available. It boasts a straightforward setup process and operation, making it perfect for printing homework, letters, boarding passes, and similar documents.

Surprisingly high-quality prints, including those on glossy photo paper, are possible with the budget-friendly Canon Pixma TS3355. Its print quality exceeds what one would usually anticipate from an inexpensive printer.

• Currys | £44.99

HP DeskJet 2820e

Best all-in-one wireless budget printer

Pros:

• Cheap and easy to use
• Good all-rounder

Cons:

• No two-sided printing
• Small capacity

For simple home printing needs, the HP DeskJet 2820e is an ideal choice as it can efficiently handle various tasks, such as both black and white or color documents. Plus, being a wireless model means fewer wire-related hassles when connecting to your main device, whether that’s a laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

With an HP Instant Ink subscription, you’ll receive three months free and the added benefit of automatic ink detection, ensuring that you never run out of ink. You’ll also enjoy print, scan, and copy functions, although it should be noted that its paper capacity is slightly smaller compared to other printers on our list, holding only 60 sheets at a time.

• Amazon | £59
• HP | £59

HP DeskJet 4220e

Best value all-in-one printer with HP Instant Ink

Pros:

• Good at printing graphics and photos
• Lightweight
• Easy to install

Cons:

• Text quality is middling
• Alignment issues
• Not cheap to run without Instant Ink

The HP DeskJet 4220e is an ideal choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking a multifunction color printer. It can print on both glossy and standard A4 paper, supports wireless (Wi-Fi) and USB connections, and offers impressive quality for its price point under £100.

Text quality on the default setting is admittedly pretty average, but move things up to higher quality settings, and you get higher quality results. The HP DeskJet 4220e uses the HP 305 Black (£13) and HP 305 Tri-Colour (£13) cartridges, which promise 120 and 100 pages’ worth of ink, which comes to a cost-per-page of around 10p and 13p each.

The HP DeskJet 4220e isn’t the quickest printer you can find, which might be acceptable considering its price point. However, one advantage is that it’s lightweight and doesn’t take up much space, making it a great fit for compact home offices.

• Amazon | £69.99 £42.99 (save £27 or 39%)

Canon Pixma MG3650S

Best budget printer for ease-of-use

Pros:

• Very cheap

Cons:

• Slow print speed

The Canon Pixma MG3650S, priced approximately at £35, is an excellent choice if you’re working with a budget. It shares the lowest price among our recommendations, yet it doesn’t compromise on performance. This multifunction printer can handle both document and photo printing ranging from 4×6 inches to A4 size.

This printer works with both PC and Mac systems and includes a scanner and copier as well. It allows for dual-sided printing and can hold up to 100 sheets of paper, which is impressive given its low price. The one drawback is its speed – averaging 10 pages per minute. So if you have high-volume printing needs, this might not be the best option. But for smaller scale printing tasks, it performs well.

• Canon | £44.99 £34.99 (save £10 or 22%)
• Amazon| £64.50

Canon Pixma TS7450/1

Best quality all-in-one budget printer

Pros:

• Excellent overall print quality
• Fast printing and scanning speeds
• Reasonably cheap to run

Cons:

• Photos need to be printed on glossy paper
• Double-page printing is slow
• Only economical with XL cartridges

The Canon Pixma TS7450 is a versatile, budget-friendly multi-function printer, scanner, and copier that typically retails for approximately £130.

The Pixma TS7450 isn’t particularly fast, but it delivers exceptional quality in its printing. What makes this device versatile is its ability to print on a variety of surfaces, including regular paper, glossy photo sheets, and even both sides of an A4 sheet. This versatility allows for the production of letters, essays, homework assignments, as well as high-quality photographs from your holidays.

The Canon Pixma TS7450 can be connected either through Wi-Fi or USB. You can manage it using iOS and Android apps, as well as computers running Windows and macOS. This printer also supports Apple AirPrint, making setup on a Mac OS device incredibly swift.

The cost per page for running the Canon printer is relatively standard. Specifically, the Canon PG-560 and CL-561 cartridges, priced at £18.80 each, provide approximately 180 pages of ink. This equates to a cost of roughly 9p per page for both.

Moderately priced, neither expensive nor inexpensive, and although the larger XL cartridges cost around 6p and 7p respectively, there’s no subscriptions available which makes it less cost-effective for heavy usage. This might not be a concern if you rarely print or can find discounted cartridge bundles elsewhere.

The Pixma TS7451 is the same model but in the colour white.

Read our full Canon Pixma TS7450 review.

• Canon | £99.99 £59.99 (save £40 or 40%)
• Amazon | £99.99 £59.99 (save £40 or 40%)

HP OfficeJet Pro 8122e

Best budget printer for fast colour jobs

Pros:

• Cloud connectivity

Cons:

• Slow print speed for price

The HP OfficeJet Pro 8122e boasts several impressive qualities, making it an ideal choice for enhancing your home’s printing capabilities. Equipped with cloud connectivity, this printer ensures it always runs on the most recent software versions. Moreover, it comes with built-in WiFi, allowing you to print documents directly from your computer or mobile device without the need for additional cables.

With a three-month subscription to HP’s Instant Ink service, you’ll always have ink supplies ready before you run out. It boasts a print speed that’s fast for its price range, churning out 20 black/white pages and 10 color pages per minute.

• Amazon | £109.99 £72.99 (save £37 or 34%)
• John Lewis | £77.99
• HP |£85.49 £79.98 (save £5.51 or 6%)

Brother HL-L2400DWE

Best high-capacity mono laserjet budget printer

Pros:

• High page capacity
• Quick print speed

Cons:

• Bit more pricey

Approximately priced near £130, the Brother HL-L2400DWE stands out as one of the costlier printers in this review, yet it’s a smart investment if convenience is your top priority.

This printer boasts a substantial tray able to hold 250 A4 sheets, making it a space-saver for those who require larger prints. Capable of churning out 30 pages per minute at an affordable price range, its speed is remarkable. Ideal for home office users who frequently print multiple-page documents, the Brother HL-L2400DWE’s quick printing speeds and high capacity may help reduce frequent paper reloading.

It’s a powerful, and cheap-to-run unit that does one thing – print text documents – very well.

• Amazon | £130.80 £89.99 (save £40.81 or 31%)
• Ryman | £129.99 £89.99 (save £40 or 31%)
• Currys | £129.99 £99.99 (save £30 or 23%)

Canon Pixma TR4550/TR4551

Best value all-in-one budget printer

Pros:

• Low upfront cost
• Versatile all-in-one device
• Lighter than the Canon Pixma TS7450

Cons:

• Neither cheap nor expensive to run
• Not covered by ink subscription
• Bigger than the Canon Pixma TS7450

The economical Pixma TR4550 is a multi-function color inkjet printer that shares many features with the highly capable Canon Pixma TS7450. It can be purchased in two distinct styles: the black version, known as the Pixma TR4550, and the white one, referred to as the Canon Pixma TR4551.

As a film enthusiast, I’d highly recommend a versatile device that offers color printing, scanning, and copying capabilities all in one package. This gem boasts an impressive print speed of 8.8 pages per minute for black text documents and 4.4 pages per minute for stunning color images on A4 paper, not to mention it can produce 4×6-inch color photos in approximately 65 seconds!

For typical low-cost inkjet printers like Canon Pixma, the operating costs are usually around 11 pence per page. However, by choosing larger ink cartridges offered by Canon, you can reduce the cost-per-page to as low as 6p and 8p.

• Canon | £69.99

Epson Expression Photo XP-8700

Best for printing photos

Pros:

• Great for printing photos
• Touchscreen
• Fast printing speed

Cons:

• On the more expensive side

The Photo XP-8700 by Expression is ideal if you’re seeking an A4 printer that handles both daily documents and high-quality photo prints. Its design focuses on simplicity for common tasks and offers direct mobile and tablet printing capabilities. Additionally, it boasts a user-friendly large touchscreen interface, simplifying the process of printing, scanning, and copying.

This printer tends to be pricier than our usual budget choices, yet it’s an excellent selection for those who wish to print high-quality photos. When used with Claria Photo HD Inks, Epson guarantees that the printed photos can endure up to 300 years in an album, giving them a true professional touch.

• Amazon | £135.96
• John Lewis | £135.96

HP ENVY Inspire 7220e

Best sustainable budget printer

Pros:

• Decent tray capacity
• Sustainably made
• 3-months free ink

Cons:

• Not the fastest printing speed

The HP ENVY Inspire 7220e is a fantastic, eco-friendly option that delivers impressive printing capabilities along with environmental responsibility. This printer boasts a composition of 45% recycled materials, and HP guarantees print operations with no deforestation and closed-loop recycling for its cartridges.

This printer, priced around £100, might seem costly for those on a tight budget, but consider this: it comes with three months of free ink via HP’s Instant Ink subscription, making it potentially worth the investment if you have heavy printing needs. It boasts a spacious 125-page tray and excels in photo printing thanks to its integrated photo tray. However, keep in mind that its printing speed for black text is relatively slow at 15 pages per minute.

• John Lewis | £119.99 £99.97 (save £20.02 or 17%)

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2024-11-21 14:39