Our readers keep the lights on and the coffee maker working hard! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
Finding a reliable printer without spending a fortune is a real challenge. The best computer printer under 100 isn’t just about the lowest price tag — it’s about the cost of ink, the ease of wireless setup, and whether it can handle double-sided printing. This guide cuts through the specs and buyer feedback to find the models that actually deliver for your home or small office.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. 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.
This guide focuses on all-in-one printers under that keep ink costs low.
Our Picks at a Glance


How To Choose The Best Computer Printer Under 100
In this price range, you’ll trade speed or features for affordability. Expect to sacrifice speed or features, but never basic reliability.
Watch for the Ink Trap
Budget printers often ship with small starter cartridges that deplete quickly. Check whether the printer accepts third-party cartridges or locks you into brand-name ink. You might pay more for the machine to save on ink in the long run.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Print Speed (Black) | Paper Capacity | Duplex Printing | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon PIXMA TR4720★ Best Overall | Feature-packed value | 8.8 ppm | 100 sheets | Automatic | Amazon |
| Epson Workforce Pro WF-3823Fastest Pick | High-volume home office | 21 ppm | 250 sheets | Automatic | Amazon |
| Brother MFC-J1360DW | Balanced home office | 16 ppm | 150 sheets | Automatic | Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA TR7120 | Crisp photo-like prints | 14 ppm | — | Automatic | Amazon |
| Canon TS5320 | Apple device households | 13 ppm | — | Print/Copy/Scan | Amazon |
| HP DeskJet 4355 | Simple, app-driven printing | 8 ppm | 60 sheets | Manual | Amazon |
| HP DeskJet 2923 | Light, occasional printing | 7.5 ppm | 60 sheets | Manual | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Canon PIXMA TR4720
A wireless 4-in-1 that packs printing, copying, scanning, and faxing into one budget-friendly machine.
This Canon packs the most features for the price—it’s a 4-in-1 (print, copy, scan, fax) with an auto document feeder and automatic double-sided printing. You get up to 8.8 pages per minute in black and 4.4 in color, slower than the speedier picks here but fine for light home use. It prints borderless up to 8.5″ x 11″ and holds 100 sheets, so you won’t refill often.
Setup is generally praised as easy, especially through the Canon PIXMA app, and it works with both iPhone and Android devices. Owners appreciate that it accepts cheap generic ink, bringing running costs down significantly. Some report printing about 900 pages on a set of budget cartridges. It’s also Alexa-compatible, meaning you can connect it to your smart assistant and get notified when ink is running low.
The customer feedback is distinctly mixed, though. The most-discussed complaint is connectivity, with many reporting it won’t connect via Wi-Fi. As shoppers say, one unit “broke after ~50 pages, one day past return window; feeder snapped” — a fragility concern. The built quality feels flimsy to several owners, and the print speed is a noted drawback for those with heavier workloads.
High Points
- 4-in-1 functionality including fax
- Accepts affordable generic ink cartridges
- Easy setup via the Canon app
Low Points
- Wi-Fi connectivity is problematic for many
- Flimsy plastic build in some areas
- Slow print speeds for larger jobs
Consider this if: you need fax capability and want to keep ink costs low with generic cartridges.
Pass on it if: you print high volumes and need durable, fast hardware.
2. Epson Workforce Pro WF-3823
The speed demon that keeps up with a busy home office, churning out documents at 21 pages per minute in black.
If printing speed is your top priority, this Epson is in a league of its own here. It hits 21 pages per minute in black and 11 in color — that’s a 2.6x gap over the HP DeskJet 4355’s 8 ppm black speed. The print head uses PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology, which means it doesn’t need to heat up to print, so the first page comes out fast and high-volume jobs don’t slow down.
The large 250-sheet paper capacity means you won’t be reloading the tray constantly, which is a 2.5x jump over the Canon PIXMA TR4720’s 100-sheet tray. It uses DURABrite Ultra instant-dry pigment inks, so prints resist smudging and water. Setup is wireless via your smartphone with Bluetooth Low Energy, and it also includes Wi-Fi Direct and Ethernet for a more stable connection.
The trade-off here is that it’s locked to Epson Genuine Cartridges; using non-genuine ink could void the warranty. Buyers report that a misaligned print head can be a stubborn issue that support doesn’t always resolve. While the print quality is generally praised, some owners mention mixed results, so it’s worth being prepared for potential troubleshooting.
Where It Wins
- Fastest print speeds in this roundup
- No monthly ink subscription required
- 2.7″ color touchscreen for easy navigation
Keep In Mind
- Only works with Epson Genuine Cartridges
- Some customers note print head alignment issues
- Setup can be involved, not plug-and-play
Reach for it if: your print volume is high enough that speed and a big paper tray will save you real time.
Look elsewhere if: you want the freedom to use discounted third-party ink cartridges.
3. Brother Work Smart MFC-J1360DW
The all-rounder that gives you fast printing, a document feeder, and excellent quality while staying affordable.
The thing everyone raves about with this Brother is the print quality — sharp text and brilliant colors that make everyday documents look professional. It prints at up to 16 pages per minute in black and 9 in color, which is a solid pace for a home office. The initial print time is snappy too, at about 6.2 seconds for black and 9.6 seconds for color.
It packs full-size features into a compact design: automatic 2-sided printing, a 20-sheet automatic document feeder for multi-page scans, and a 150-sheet paper tray. You can print from popular cloud apps like Google Drive and Dropbox directly from the 1.8″ color display, and the Brother Mobile Connect app lets you manage printing from your phone. Crucially, it works with Brother and third-party cartridges, which keeps running costs down.
The most common hurdle is connectivity; many owners describe the setup process as difficult to get through, though guided menus help once you’re in. One user found a loose-fitting power cord but praised the printer’s performance and value. It’s a strong pick if you can spare some patience for the initial Wi-Fi setup.
What Owners Applaud
- Excellent print quality for documents and photos
- Works with affordable third-party ink
- Automatic document feeder for multi-page jobs
The Main Hurdle
- Wireless setup can be tricky for some owners
- MacBook connection was a problem for one user
- Power cord fit can feel loose on some units
Choose this if: you want a dependable workhorse with low ink costs and strong print quality.
skip it if: you want a completely painless, plug-and-play setup right from the start.
4. Canon PIXMA TR7120
A compact, stylish all-in-one that handles everything from crisp documents to photo-quality prints.
This Canon is the favorite among the crowd — a 4.3-star average across 400+ owners — and the praise centers on its print quality and functionality. One happy user printed about 500 pages with zero jams, while another ran flawlessly for 4 months on the original cartridge. It uses a 2-cartridge hybrid ink system to deliver sharp text and vivid colors.
For a budget-friendly machine, it comes well-equipped. It has an auto document feeder for quick multi-page scanning and copying, automatic 2-sided printing to save paper, and a 1.42″ monochrome OLED display for checking ink levels. Setup is straightforward with your smartphone or computer, and dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz) keeps the connection stable. It also handles 220gsm cardstock well, per one owner, so creative projects are in scope.
The wireless connectivity is the split decision — most connect easily, but a few find it impossible to set up. The starter ink cartridges are famously small and deplete quickly, so budget for replacements sooner than you’d like. Its paper tray is small, around 50-100 sheets, so you’ll reload it often for big jobs.
Its Strengths
- Impressive print quality in B&W and color
- Auto document feeder for scanning and copying
- Compact footprint that fits any workspace
Its Weaknesses
- Starter ink runs out quickly
- Wi-Fi setup fails for a few owners
- Small paper tray needs frequent refills
Pick this for: a mix of document and photo printing in a space-saving design with strong owner satisfaction.
Think twice if: you regularly print long reports and want to avoid constant paper tray refills.
5. Canon TS5320
The compact all-in-one that prints beautifully from iPhones and Macs without needing extra apps.
If you live in the Apple ecosystem, this Canon is built for you. AirPrint lets you print directly from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac without installing any additional drivers or software. It prints at 13 pages per minute in black and 6.8 in color, and the 4800×1200 dpi resolution delivers sharp, vibrant prints for documents and photos alike.
The design is a standout — it’s compact and comes in four distinct colors: black, white, green, and pink. It has a 1.44″ OLED display with an LED status bar that shows your printer’s status from across the room. It only needs 2 fine cartridges to operate, and the hybrid ink system is designed for easy replacement.
You get sharp, vibrant prints here—owners call the quality “excellent” and “great-looking.” But reliability is a real concern: multiple reviewers point out the printer stopping after about 6 months, and paper jams are a known annoyance. One owner had a “nightmare” with a non-US model that lacked manufacturer support, so verify your seller before buying. It pairs well with Apple devices at first, though some report slow processing and connectivity issues later.
What Shines
- Excellent print quality with sharp, vibrant colors
- AirPrint for easy Apple device printing
- Compact design available in multiple colors
Be Aware
- Some units stop working after about 6 months
- Paper jams are a recurring complaint
- Ink costs can add up for heavy printing
Ideal for: Apple device owners who want quality prints with minimal setup hassle.
Not ideal for: high-volume printing, as the ongoing ink cost is significant.
6. HP DeskJet 4355
A user-friendly all-in-one with HP’s reliable dual-band Wi-Fi and a free trial of its ink delivery service.
HP targets simplicity with this model, and it shows. The setup process gets consistent praise for being straightforward, and the icon-based LCD control panel makes basic operations intuitive. It prints up to 8.5 pages per minute in black and 5.5 in color, which is modest but sufficient for everyday documents like letters and lists.
The standout feature is the dual-band Wi-Fi, which HP claims automatically detects and resolves connection issues. It comes with a 35-sheet auto document feeder and a 60-sheet input tray. The HP app allows you to print, scan, copy, or fax right from your smartphone, and HP AI tune printing from web pages and emails to avoid awkward layouts. It’s made with at least 70% recycled plastics and is ENERGY STAR certified.
The 3-month trial of Instant Ink included is a double-edged sword — the service delivers ink before you run out, but a monthly fee applies after the trial unless you cancel. One owner reports a catastrophic failure: “after 2-hour power outage, Wi-Fi connection permanently failed; USB also didn’t work.” Print quality receives mixed feedback, with some calling it “awful” while others find it wonderful for resumes. It’s a decent option if you value easy setup and app integration over raw speed.
Where It Delivers
- Easy, well-guided setup process
- Reliable dual-band Wi-Fi design
- Ink and paper usage tracking
The Catch
- Print quality has mixed reviews
- Instant Ink trial requires cancellation to avoid fees
- One unit suffered permanent Wi-Fi failure after an outage
Go for this if: you want a simple, app-connected printer for basic color documents.
Be cautious if: you need bulletproof reliability, as a rare power outage can permanently kill the Wi-Fi.
7. HP DeskJet 2923
The entry-level workhorse for light, occasional printing that keeps the costs down everywhere it can.
This is the printer for someone who doesn’t print much but wants a reliable machine when they do. It prints up to 7.5 pages per minute in black and 5.5 in color — the slowest in this roundup, so large jobs will test your patience. The 60-sheet input tray is small, and owners note you’ll be reloading frequently for anything over a few pages.
Setup is a bright spot; owners find it easy to configure with an intuitive app and quick Wi-Fi pairing. The print quality for everyday documents is good, and colors come out bright and clear. It’s built with at least 70% recycled plastics and is ENERGY STAR and EPEAT certified. The white, compact design fits well in small spaces. HP’s AI feature helps you print clean web pages and emails without wasted pages.
The six-month Instant Ink trial included is the big allure, but one owner warns against it, calling the membership expensive with monthly print limits — and difficult to cancel, taking three calls to overseas reps. Another owner reports the printer falsely detecting no ink after 2-3 weeks, even with new cartridges. Third-party ink is incompatible, so you’re locked into HP cartridges. For very light use, though, this meets the need at a budget-friendly price.
What Works
- Very easy setup with an intuitive app
- Good print quality for basic documents
- Compact design with recycled materials
What Doesn’t
- Slow and has a small paper tray
- Locked to expensive HP ink cartridges
- Instant Ink trial can be hard to cancel
Best fit for: students or light users who print a few pages a week and want the lowest possible upfront cost.
Not for: anyone printing regularly, as the slow speed and ink costs will frustrate.
Understanding the Specs
Print Speed (Pages Per Minute)
This measures how many pages a printer can produce in one minute, usually listed separately for black and color. A higher number means less waiting, but for home use, 8-10 pages per minute is plenty. The Epson’s 21 ppm is a professional-level pace, while the HP’s 7.5 ppm is fine for occasional jobs.
Pages Per Minute vs. First Page Out
Pages per minute measures sustained speed, but “first page out” time is how long you wait for that first page. A machine can be fast at both, or it can have a fast first page but slow sustained speed. The Brother prints its first black page in about 6.2 seconds, one of the quicker starts here.
Automatic vs. Manual Duplex
Automatic duplex printing flips pages for you, making double-sided prints easy. Manual duplex means you flip the pages yourself, which is tedious. Most of the picks here have automatic duplex, but the HP DeskJet models require manual flipping — a key difference for paper saving.
Paper Capacity
This is how many sheets the input tray holds. A larger capacity, like the Epson’s 250 sheets, means less reloading. A smaller 60-sheet tray, like the HP models, requires frequent refills for longer jobs. It’s a simple spec that heavily impacts how convenient the printer feels.
FAQ
Is it cheaper to use third-party ink in these budget printers?
Will these printers work with my iPhone or Android phone?
How long does a budget printer typically last?
What is the real cost of printing with these printers?
Are these printers good for printing photos?
Why is my printer not connecting to Wi-Fi?
What is the difference between an inkjet and a laser printer?
Is it worth getting a printer with an automatic document feeder?
Can I print without a computer from these printers?
Are the Instant Ink trials on HP printers worth it?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
Across the board, the computer printer under 100 winner is the Epson Workforce Pro WF-3823 because it delivers a 2.6x speed advantage and a large 250-sheet tray for high-volume home office work. If you want a more balanced machine with excellent print quality and low ink costs, grab the Brother MFC-J1360DW. And for a compact, design-forward option that handles photos beautifully, the Canon PIXMA TR7120 is the one to reach for.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of August 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, Gardening Beyond earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.





