The “cheap” all-in-one printer can be a lifesaver for your home office budget or a bottomless pit for your wallet, depending entirely on which one you choose. The real trick is not just finding a low upfront cost, but avoiding the models that burn through expensive ink faster than you can say “toner cartridge.”
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I spend my time analyzing market data, comparing specifications across hundreds of models, and aggregating owner feedback to find the real-world value in every category I cover.
To help you cut through the marketing hype, I’ve identified the models that offer genuine reliability and low running costs, making it easier to find the best cheap all in one printer for your specific needs without the hidden fees.
How To Choose The Best Cheap All In One Printer
Selecting a budget-friendly all-in-one printer isn’t just about the sticker price. You need to look at the total cost of ownership, which includes ink or toner replacement. Let’s break down the key factors that separate a good deal from a money pit.
Ink vs. Laser Technology
This is the single most important decision. Inkjet printers are cheaper to buy upfront and can produce high-quality color photos. However, their ink cartridges are small and expensive, leading to high cost-per-page. Laser printers, while usually more expensive to purchase, use toner cartridges that last much longer, making them far cheaper per page for black-and-white text. If you print mostly documents, a monochrome laser is the most affordable choice in the long run.
Essential Features vs. Nice-to-Haves
Automatic duplex (two-sided) printing is a must-have—it instantly cuts your paper costs in half. An Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) is critical if you frequently scan or copy multi-page documents. A good mobile app for wireless printing is also essential. Skip flashy features like voice control or large touchscreens if they drive up the price without serving your daily workflow.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brother MFC-L2820DW | Monochrome Laser | High-volume B&W document printing | 34 ppm B&W, 250-sheet tray | Amazon |
| Brother MFC-J1360DW | Color Inkjet | Home office color printing on a budget | 16/9 ppm B&W/Color, 150-sheet tray | Amazon |
| Epson WorkForce WF-2930 | Color Inkjet | Reliable color printing with a small ADF | 10/5 ppm B&W/Color, 1.4″ color display | Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA TS6520 | Color Inkjet | Basic home printing and scanning | 14/9 ppm B&W/Color, OLED display | Amazon |
| HP Envy 6458e (Renewed) | Refurbished Inkjet | Value seekers wanting duplex and ADF | 10/7 ppm B&W/Color, 35-sheet ADF | Amazon |
| HP Envy 6555e (Renewed) | Refurbished Inkjet | Simple, low-cost duplex printing | 10/7 ppm B&W/Color, touchscreen | Amazon |
| Canon TS5320a | Color Inkjet | Dual paper tray versatility | 13/6.8 ppm B&W/Color, dual paper trays | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Brother MFC-L2820DW Wireless Monochrome Laser All-in-One
The Brother MFC-L2820DW is the ultimate budget play for anyone who prints primarily black-and-white documents. With a blazing 34 pages-per-minute duplex print speed and a 250-sheet paper capacity, this is a machine built for volume. The 50-sheet Automatic Document Feeder and 2.7-inch touchscreen make multi-page scanning and copying feel effortless.
Its 8.5-second first-page-out time means you’re not waiting around. The integrated dual-band Wi-Fi and Ethernet allow it to plug seamlessly into any home or small office network. More importantly, the running costs are dramatically lower than any inkjet in this class—you get a professional-grade output without the per-page penalty.
Setup can be slightly finicky, but once running, this is a set-it-and-forget-it device. You are getting laser reliability, speed, and low-cost toner in a compact footprint, which makes it a standout for those tired of replacing expensive ink cartridges.
What works
- Extremely fast print speeds for its class
- Very low cost per page with high-yield toner
- Intuitive 2.7-inch touchscreen interface
What doesn’t
- Setup instructions can be vague and confusing
- Monochrome only; no color printing capability
2. Brother Work Smart MFC-J1360DW
The Brother MFC-J1360DW is a rare breed in the budget color printer space: it delivers solid, vibrant color prints without forcing you into a subscription trap. With print speeds up to 16 ppm in black and 9 ppm in color, it’s fast enough for a busy home office. The 1.8-inch color display and 20-sheet ADF make routine tasks intuitive and quick.
Wireless setup via the Brother Mobile Connect app is generally smooth, and the printer supports printing from popular cloud apps like Google Drive and Dropbox. The 150-sheet paper tray is decent for a personal printer, and its compact dimensions don’t hog precious desk space. Users report that affordable ink options, including third-party cartridges, help keep costs low.
On the downside, the fold-out output tray feels a bit flimsy, and the printer’s reliance on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi for initial setup can cause headaches. Ink bulk prices are also not industry-leading, but they remain reasonable compared to other inkjet competitors.
What works
- Vibrant color and crisp black text output
- Affordable third-party ink options available
- Supports convenient cloud app printing
What doesn’t
- Fold-out paper output tab is fragile
- Setup can be tricky on 5 GHz-only networks
3. Epson WorkForce WF-2930 Wireless All-in-One
The Epson WorkForce WF-2930 packs professional-grade features into an entry-level price point. Its heat-free PrecisionCore technology promises long-term reliability with a permanent printhead designed to last the life of the printer. For a busy home office, the 20-sheet ADF and automatic duplex printing make multi-page jobs less tedious.
The 1.4-inch color display provides clear navigation, and the Epson Smart Panel app streamlines mobile setup. Voice-activated printing via Alexa and Siri adds a layer of hands-free convenience that’s rare at this price. Individual ink cartridges mean you only swap out the color that’s empty, theoretically reducing waste.
The main catch is the initial ink cost—the printer ships with starter cartridges that are barely half full, forcing a nearly immediate purchase of replacements. Non-genuine ink voids the warranty, and genuine Epson cartridges are expensive. The build quality also feels light and a bit plasticky, matching its budget positioning.
What works
- Heat-free printhead technology for longevity
- Voice-activated printing with Alexa and Siri
- Compact design with automatic duplex
What doesn’t
- Ships with low-capacity starter ink cartridges
- Expensive genuine ink replacement cost
4. Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Inkjet
The Canon PIXMA TS6520 is a user-friendly inkjet that prioritizes ease of use and compact design above all else. Its 1.42-inch monochrome OLED display is small but functional, clearly showing ink levels and printer status at a glance. Setup is remarkably fast—most users report being up and running in under 10 minutes from opening the box.
Print quality is a strong point, with the hybrid 2-cartridge system (PG-295 and CL-286) delivering sharp, vivid documents and decent photos for a budget model. The dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz) ensures stable wireless connections, and automatic duplex printing helps conserve paper without extra effort. The compact footprint fits nicely on any desk.
The biggest drawback is the small paper tray, which limits capacity and requires frequent refills. Additionally, replacement ink cartridges are not cheap—a single XL black cartridge runs close to . This is a solid printer for occasional home use, but not for high-volume office work.
What works
- Extremely easy and fast setup process
- Stable dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity
- Compact and stylish desk footprint
What doesn’t
- Small paper tray capacity requires frequent refills
- Relatively expensive replacement ink cartridges
5. HP Envy 6458e Wireless All-in-One (Renewed)
The HP Envy 6458e, as a renewed unit, offers an impressive set of features at a fraction of its original retail price. With a 35-sheet automatic document feeder and automatic duplex printing, it is well-equipped for moderate home office scanning and copying. The self-healing Wi-Fi technology aims to keep your connection stable without manual intervention.
Print resolution hits 4800 x 1200 dpi for color, and the included HP Smart app enables mobile printing and faxing from virtually anywhere. Users praise its quiet operation and lightweight design, making it a good fit for smaller workspaces. The borderless printing capability up to 8.5×11 inches is a nice bonus for photo enthusiasts.
The major risk is the reliance on the HP+ subscription model. While the 2-month trial seems generous, users who resist activation report forced ink purchases and poor customer support. Some renewed units have also come with Wi-Fi connectivity issues that require days to resolve. This is a high-value pick only if you are comfortable with the HP ecosystem.
What works
- Includes a generous 35-sheet ADF at low cost
- Quiet operation and lightweight design
- High-resolution color printing capability
What doesn’t
- Aggressive push toward HP+ subscription model
- Wi-Fi connectivity issues reported by some users
6. HP Envy 6555e Wireless All-in-One (Renewed)
The HP Envy 6555e is a classic entry-level all-in-one that, as a refurbished product, delivers surprising value. The touchscreen interface makes navigating menus and managing settings a breeze, and automatic duplex printing is standard. Setup is reported as super simple by most users, with the HP app guiding you through the Wi-Fi connection process.
Print quality is good for its class, producing sharp black text and acceptable color graphics for everyday documents. The compact white design blends into most home setups without sticking out. For users who snagged a renewed unit, the performance tends to be indistinguishable from a new machine, making the discount feel like a genuine win.
However, the user experience depends heavily on engaging with the HP ecosystem. Customer support can be AI-driven and unhelpful, and the printer is designed to push the 3-month Instant Ink trial. Without the subscription, standard ink costs can climb. The refurbished status also means you are taking a slight gamble on unit condition.
What works
- Simple and fast setup process
- Intuitive touchscreen control panel
- Refurbished price offers great value for core features
What doesn’t
- Strong focus on getting you on Instant Ink plan
- Reliability can vary with refurbished condition
7. Canon PIXMA TS5320a All in One Wireless Printer
The Canon TS5320a tries to solve one of the biggest budget printer pains—paper handling—by offering two input trays. A front cassette and a rear tray can together hold up to 200 sheets of plain paper or 20 sheets of photo paper, giving you more flexibility than most competitors. The 1.44-inch OLED screen is clear and responsive for a device in this tier.
Print quality is solid, with a 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution that produces crisp text and vibrant colors. Voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant is a neat convenience, and the automatic duplex printing works without issue. Users coming from subscription-locked HP models appreciate Canon’s more traditional, no-subscription approach.
The glaring problem is ink consumption. Multiple user reports indicate the cartridges drain at an alarming rate—some reporting a brand-new cartridge showing low after just 22 pages. The XL cartridges are also expensive, making the cost-per-page unexpectedly high for a budget printer. The plastic build also feels cheap, and the power-on cycle can be frustratingly slow.
What works
- Dual paper trays offer great media handling
- Voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant
- No forced subscription model
What doesn’t
- Extremely high ink consumption per page
- Slow power-on and cycling times
Hardware & Specs Guide
Print Speed (Pages Per Minute)
PPM tells you how fast the printer can churn out documents. For a budget home printer, 10-16 ppm in black is standard. Laser printers like the Brother MFC-L2820DW can hit 34 ppm, making them far more efficient for high-volume tasks.
Cost Per Page (CPP)
CPP is the true measure of printer affordability. Inkjets often have a low buy-in but a CPP of 5-15 cents per black page. A monochrome laser can drop that to 1-3 cents per page, making it the clear winner for long-term budget printing.
FAQ
What is the cheapest type of printer to run for black and white documents?
Why do some cheap printers have expensive ink cartridges?
Does automatic duplex printing save a lot of paper?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most home users, the best cheap all in one printer is the Brother MFC-J1360DW because it offers vibrant color printing, an ADF, low-cost ink options, and a straightforward setup without forcing a subscription. If you need high-volume black-and-white printing and the lowest possible running costs, the Brother MFC-L2820DW is the undeniable champion. And for those on the tightest budget who still want a functional color inkjet, the Canon PIXMA TS6520 delivers reliable basics without hidden fees.