10 Best Budget Printers 2025 in the United States

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly all-in-one printer, particularly in a home setting. One of its standout features is the innovative cartridge-free printing system. Its high-capacity ink tanks provide a significant cost-saving advantage, allowing you to print up to 4,500 black and 7,500 color pages with just the ink included in the box. This equates to an estimated 90 traditional ink cartridges, making it a great option for users who print frequently without the hassle of constant cartridge changes. The print quality is impressive, thanks to Epson's Micro Piezo technology, delivering sharp text and vibrant images on various paper types, which is essential for those who value quality prints, such as students or home office workers.

The ET-2800 also features a built-in scanner and copier, making it a multifunctional device that can meet various needs, from document handling to photo printing. With a maximum print speed of 10 pages per minute for monochrome and 5 for color, it may not be the fastest option available, but it’s adequate for personal and family use. Its connectivity options include both wired and wireless capabilities, allowing for flexible printing from laptops or mobile devices.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. While the initial ink savings are substantial, the manual duplex feature means you'll need to flip pages yourself for double-sided printing, which can be inconvenient. The print speed might feel slow if you're used to high-volume printing, and the 100-sheet input capacity may not suffice for more extensive needs without frequent reloading. In light of these aspects, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is particularly well-suited for budget-conscious users seeking reliability and lower long-term costs in ink and maintenance. It seamlessly combines essential printing, scanning, and copying functionality, standing out as a practical choice for home use.

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a compact monochrome multi-function laser printer that’s well-suited for small businesses or home offices. It stands out for its impressive print speed of up to 36 pages per minute, which is a real time-saver for those who need to print large documents quickly. Additionally, it features a 50-page automatic document feeder, enhancing efficiency when scanning or copying multi-page documents.

One of its key strengths is versatility in connectivity. The printer supports dual-band wireless connections, Ethernet, and USB, making it easy to integrate into various office setups. The Brother Mobile Connect app further enhances usability, allowing users to print and manage tasks directly from their mobile devices, which is a big plus for those who value convenience.

In terms of print quality, it delivers sharp black-and-white documents with a maximum resolution of 1200 x 1200 DPI, suitable for everyday printing tasks. The printer is energy-efficient and comes with the option for automatic duplex printing, helping to save on paper costs, an important consideration for budget-conscious users. However, it only prints in monochrome, which may not meet the needs of those who occasionally require color prints. The initial investment can be a bit higher compared to entry-level inkjet printers, but the lower ink and toner costs over time can offset that for users who print frequently. Additionally, while it accommodates various paper sizes, the maximum media size is limited to 8.5 x 14 inches, which might restrict options for larger print jobs.

The weight of 25 pounds might make it less portable than some other models, which could be a consideration for those with limited space or who need to move their printer frequently. The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a solid choice for users looking for a reliable, fast, and cost-effective monochrome printer with additional scanning and copying capabilities.

The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 is an all-in-one budget printer that offers several impressive features suitable for home office use. It stands out for its cartridge-free design, which allows you to refill ink tanks with low-cost ink bottles instead of buying expensive cartridges. This can lead to significant savings, as one set of replacement ink bottles can print up to 4,500 pages in black and 7,500 pages in color, potentially lasting up to two years depending on usage. This also reduces cartridge waste, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Print quality is notable, with Epson's Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology delivering sharp text and vibrant color prints on a variety of paper types.

The built-in scanner and copier, along with an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), add to the printer's multifunctionality, making tasks like copying and scanning documents easier. Connectivity options are modern and versatile, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and voice-activated printing. The Epson Smart Panel App adds convenience by allowing you to print from your smart devices. However, there are some trade-offs. The print speed is on the slower side, with a maximum of 10 pages per minute (ppm) for monochrome and 5 ppm for color prints. This might not be ideal if you need to print large volumes quickly.

Additionally, the paper handling capacity is relatively modest, with a 100-sheet input tray, which may require frequent refilling for heavy users. The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 is a cost-effective and versatile printer that excels in ink efficiency and multifunction capabilities, best suited for home offices with moderate printing needs and an emphasis on cost savings and environmental benefits.