The decision to buy a budget home printer rarely ends with the purchase price. It begins there. The real cost, and the real frustration, comes later — when cartridges run dry after a few dozen pages, when the Wi-Fi connection drops mid-print, or when the software demands you create an account just to scan a single document. Choosing the right machine means looking past the sticker price and understanding the long-term running costs, the reliability of the print engine, and whether the manufacturer is helping you or locking you into their ecosystem.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent years comparing home-office hardware specifications, studying print-engine durability data, and analyzing aggregated owner feedback to separate genuinely capable machines from those that frustrate you before you ever refill the paper tray.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know to make a confident purchase, featuring hands-on analysis of the top models. Whether you prioritize fast document printing, low ink costs, or a simple setup process, the information below will help you find the best budget home printer for your exact needs without wasting money on consumables.
How To Choose The Best Budget Home Printer
Selecting a budget home printer involves more than just browsing price tags. The following criteria will help you evaluate the true long-term value of any model.
Understanding True Running Costs
The most common trap in this category is the low upfront price paired with high-yield proprietary ink cartridges. Manufacturers often include starter cartridges that contain significantly less ink than retail replacements. Before buying, check the page yield of the included starter cartridges and the standard cartridges. Models with separate black and color tanks (like the Canon PIXMA series) can be more economical over time than those using a single tri-color cartridge that forces you to replace cyan, magenta, and yellow together.
Print Speed and Duplex Capability
Black-and-white print speeds are listed in pages per minute (ppm), but budget printers often slow down for color or photo jobs. Automatic duplex (two-sided printing) is a valuable feature that cuts paper usage in half and reduces waste. Manual duplex requires you to flip pages yourself and often results in misaligned back-to-back prints. For home users printing school worksheets, recipes, or double-sided reports, automatic duplex is a significant time saver.
Connectivity and Software Reliability
The weakest link in many budget home printers is the software and Wi-Fi implementation. Some models only support 2.4 GHz networks, which can cause issues with modern dual-band routers that broadcast 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz on the same SSID. Look for printers with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 / 5 GHz) or at least reliable 2.4 GHz coexistence. The HP Smart app and Canon PRINT app both offer mobile printing, but user reviews frequently cite software bugs and forced account registration as pain points. A printer that works over USB as a fallback can save you from a bad Wi-Fi day.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon PIXMA TS7720 | Premium | Fast daily home printing | 15 ppm black / 10 ppm color | Amazon |
| Brother MFC-J1360DW | Premium | Home office with scanning | 16 ppm black / 9 ppm color | Amazon |
| HP DeskJet 4255e | Mid-Range | AI-assisted web page printing | 8.5 ppm black / 5.5 ppm color | Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA TS6520 | Mid-Range | Vibrant photo and document quality | 14 ppm black / 9 ppm color | Amazon |
| HP DeskJet 2755e | Mid-Range | Compact dual-band Wi-Fi printing | 7.5 ppm black / 5.5 ppm color | Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA TR4720 | Budget/Value | Home with fax and multiple paper trays | 8.8 ppm black / 4.4 ppm color | Amazon |
| HP DeskJet 2855e | Budget/Value | Entry-level low-volume printing | 7.5 ppm black / 5.5 ppm color | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Canon PIXMA TS7720 Wireless All-in-One
The Canon PIXMA TS7720 delivers a compelling blend of speed, versatility, and ease of use that makes it the standout choice for most households. With a printed speed of 15 pages per minute in black and 10 in color, it is significantly faster than many competitors in this price bracket. The 2.7-inch LCD touchscreen simplifies navigation and eliminates the need for a phone to start a copy or scan job, and the automatic duplex printing cuts paper usage without manual flipping.
Print quality is consistent across documents and photos. The two-cartridge system (PG-285 black / CL-286 color) keeps replacement costs manageable compared to tri-color cartridges, and Canon’s mobile app integrates smoothly with iOS and Android. The flatbed scanner handles documents well, though the lack of an automatic document feeder (ADF) means multi-page scanning requires manual page swapping.
Some users noted that the default auto power-off setting can be aggravating, but it can be disabled through the menu. The bottom paper tray requires a manual pull to extend, which is a minor ergonomic quibble. Overall, the TS7720 offers the best balance of print speed, features, and long-term value for a budget home printer.
What works
- Fastest print speeds in its class at 15/10 ppm
- Automatic duplex printing saves paper
- Large 2.7-inch color LCD touchscreen for standalone operations
- Separate black and color ink cartridges reduce waste
What doesn’t
- No automatic document feeder for multi-page scanning
- Bottom paper tray must be manually pulled out
- Wireless setup can occasionally be finicky with certain routers
2. Brother Work Smart MFC-J1360DW
The Brother MFC-J1360DW is engineered for the home office user who needs more than just basic printing. It includes a 20-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF) for multi-page copying and scanning, a 150-sheet paper tray that reduces refill frequency, and automatic duplex printing on both sides. With print speeds of 16 ppm black and 9 ppm color, it competes with the fastest models in this guide.
Connectivity is versatile: wireless networking (though it requires 2.4 GHz for initial setup), USB, and integration with cloud apps like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive via the 1.8-inch color display. The Brother Mobile Connect app offers easy on-screen navigation for scanning and device management. Users praised the ability to scan documents directly to email, a feature that saves time in a home office environment.
The main drawback is the ink cost. Brother’s LC501 series cartridges are not the cheapest on the market, and the starter cartridges included are low-yield. Some users found the fold-out paper tab to be fragile. Despite these concerns, the robust feature set and reliable print engine make it a top-tier choice for those who need scanning and copying capabilities alongside printing.
What works
- 20-sheet ADF for efficient multi-page scanning
- Fast 16/9 ppm print speeds
- Large 150-sheet paper tray
- Cloud app integration and direct email scanning
What doesn’t
- Replacement LC501 ink cartridges are expensive
- Wi-Fi requires 2.4 GHz for initial setup
- Fold-out paper support tab feels somewhat fragile
3. HP DeskJet 4255e
The HP DeskJet 4255e stands out for its AI-assisted web page printing feature, which automatically removes unwanted content and awkward layouts from printed web pages and emails. This addresses a common frustration when trying to print recipes, articles, or forms from the browser. It also includes an auto document feeder, making it easier to scan or copy multi-page documents without manual page placement.
Print speeds top out at 8.5 ppm black and 5.5 ppm color, which is adequate for infrequent home printing but slower than the PIXMA TS7720. The 60-sheet input tray is typical for budget printers, and the LED display provides basic status info without a full screen. The HP Smart app enables mobile printing and scanning, though it requires an account and internet connection for full functionality.
The printer uses the HP 67 cartridge platform, and users have reported that the Instant Ink subscription model can be beneficial for high-volume users but feels restrictive for light use. Some owners experienced connectivity drops and firmware update frustrations. However, the combination of AI print formatting and the ADF makes the 4255e a strong choice for homes that frequently print web content.
What works
- AI web page formatting removes clutter from prints
- Auto document feeder for scanning and copying
- Compact design with 60% recycled plastic
- Good build quality for the price
What doesn’t
- Slow print speeds compared to top-tier models
- No automatic duplex; manual flipping required
- HP software can be buggy and requires account creation
- Only 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi support
4. Canon PIXMA TS6520
The Canon PIXMA TS6520 is a refreshingly straightforward printer that focuses on reliable printing, scanning, and copying without unnecessary bloat. It features a 1.42-inch monochrome OLED display for checking ink levels and settings, and a 2-cartridge hybrid ink system (PG-295 black, CL-286 color) that delivers sharp text and vivid colors. Print speeds of 14 ppm black and 9 ppm color are solid for daily use.
One standout feature is dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), which eliminates the connectivity headaches common to 2.4 GHz-only models. The printer also supports mobile printing via Apple AirPrint, Mopria, and the Canon PRINT app. Users consistently praised the quick 10-minute setup process and the stable wireless connection once established.
The TS6520 lacks an automatic document feeder and does not support faxing, but for many homes that is not a dealbreaker. The paper tray holds a decent stack, and the compact white design fits well on a small desk. The only notable disappointment is that a USB cable is not included, which may be required for initial setup on some computers.
What works
- Dual-band Wi-Fi for reliable connectivity
- Fast print speeds and sharp output quality
- Quick and intuitive setup process
- Compact and stylish design
What doesn’t
- No automatic document feeder for multi-page jobs
- No fax functionality
- USB cable not included in the box
5. HP DeskJet 2755e
The HP DeskJet 2755e is a well-rounded budget printer that provides a good mix of features at a competitive price point. It supports dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) with a self-reset feature that helps maintain a stable connection. The HP Smart app guides you through setup and enables mobile printing from anywhere in the house. Print speeds are modest at 7.5 ppm black and 5.5 ppm color, but the real-world quality is solid for documents and basic photos.
The printer accepts a variety of media types including labels, envelopes, photo paper, and plain paper up to 1200 DPI resolution. The 60-sheet input tray is adequate for light use. The LCD display provides navigation, though it is basic compared to the touchscreen on the Canon PIXMA TS7720. HP’s Instant Ink trial is included, but after the trial ends, the subscription service may not be cost-effective for everyone.
Connectivity issues are the most common complaint. Some users reported that the initial setup took over 30 minutes due to HP app failures and that the printer can occasionally become unresponsive after firmware updates. Manual duplex printing is less convenient than automatic. Still, for those who value dual-band Wi-Fi stability and are comfortable with app-based setup, the 2755e delivers good value.
What works
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset for stable connections
- Versatile media support including labels and envelopes
- HP Smart app makes mobile printing easy
- Compact and attractive white design
What doesn’t
- Manual duplex only; no automatic two-sided printing
- Setup can be slow and error-prone via HP app
- Occasional firmware update issues
6. Canon PIXMA TR4720
The Canon PIXMA TR4720 is a true 4-in-1 printer that adds a built-in fax to the standard print, copy, and scan functions. It also includes an automatic document feeder, making it one of the few budget printers that can handle multi-page faxing or scanning without manual page placement. The front paper tray holds 100 sheets, a notable upgrade over the 60-sheet trays found on most HP DeskJet models.
Print speeds are moderate at 8.8 ppm black and 4.4 ppm color, and the setup is straightforward via the Canon PRINT app. The printer supports automatic duplex printing, which helps reduce paper consumption. Users who need a fax line for occasional use will appreciate this feature, as it is becoming rare in the budget segment.
However, performance is noticeably slower than the PIXMA TS7720, especially for color documents. Some owners reported receiving pre-opened units or units with connectivity issues straight out of the box, suggesting that quality control can be inconsistent. The build quality also feels less substantial than the Brother MFC-J1360DW. For homes that need fax and a larger paper tray, the TR4720 offers excellent value, but there are compromises in speed and polish.
What works
- Built-in fax for legacy communication needs
- 100-sheet front paper tray reduces refills
- Auto document feeder for easy multi-page scanning
- Automatic duplex printing saves paper
What doesn’t
- Slow print speeds, especially in color
- Build quality feels less premium than competitors
- Some units arrive pre-opened or defective
7. HP DeskJet 2855e
The HP DeskJet 2855e is the entry-level workhorse of the HP lineup, offering basic color printing, scanning, and copying at a very accessible price. It prints at 7.5 ppm black and 5.5 ppm color, which is adequate for light home use such as to-do lists, recipes, and school assignments. The 60-sheet input tray is sufficient for infrequent jobs, and the HP Smart app enables straightforward printing from a smartphone once the initial setup is complete.
The printer supports manual duplex printing, which means you can flip pages yourself to print on both sides, but it is not automatic. The LCD display is basic and only shows status icons, not full menus. For users willing to sign up for HP+, the 3-month Instant Ink trial can provide free ink for a limited period, though the subscription may not be economical for low-volume users afterward.
Software reliability is the recurring issue here. Many users experienced slow printing, unreliable Wi-Fi reconnection, and forced account registration through the HP Smart app. The printer only supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, which can be problematic with some modern dual-band routers. For the absolute lowest upfront cost, the 2855e works, but most users will appreciate spending slightly more for a model with better software and faster speeds.
What works
- Very low upfront cost for basic functionality
- Compact size works well in tight spaces
- HP AI formatting improves web page prints
- 3-month Instant Ink trial included
What doesn’t
- Terrible software reliability and connectivity issues
- Only 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi supported
- Slow print speeds for both black and color
- Forced account registration and frequent interruptions
Hardware & Specs Guide
Print Engine Technology
All the printers in this guide use thermal inkjet technology, which heats ink to create vapor bubbles that push droplets onto paper. The print head is either integrated into the cartridge (HP DeskJet models) or part of the printer body (Canon PIXMA/TR series). Cartridge-integrated heads are cheaper to replace when they clog but result in higher per-page costs. Printer-integrated heads last longer but can be expensive to repair if they fail.
Wi-Fi Compatibility
Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) is a major advantage because it provides better compatibility with modern home mesh systems and dual-band routers that broadcast both frequencies under the same SSID. Single-band 2.4 GHz-only printers (HP DeskJet 2855e, 4255e) may fail to connect if the router doesn’t separate the bands. The Canon PIXMA TS6520 and Brother MFC-J1360DW offer dual-band support, reducing setup headaches.
Duplex (Two-Sided) Printing
Automatic duplex printing (Canon TS7720, Brother J1360DW, Canon TR4720) flips the page internally for back-to-back prints without user intervention. Manual duplex (HP 2855e, 4255e, 2755e) requires the user to physically flip the paper stack and reinsert it, which is tedious and prone to misalignment. If you print multiple double-sided documents per week, automatic duplex is a worthwhile upgrade.
Starter Cartridge Yields
Almost every budget printer ships with starter cartridges that contain significantly less ink than standard retail replacements. The HP 67 starter cartridges in the 2855e and 4255e yield only about 120 black pages and 100 color pages, compared to 1200/600 pages for high-yield retail versions. Canon’s starter cartridges for the TS7720 and TS6520 have similarly reduced yields. Always check the page yield of the cartridges included in the box versus what you buy later to avoid early-running-out surprises.
FAQ
What does 2.4 GHz only mean for my home printer?
How do I know if a printer uses expensive ink?
Is automatic duplex printing worth it?
Can I print photos on a budget home printer?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most households, the budget home printer winner is the Canon PIXMA TS7720 because it combines the fastest print speeds in the category with automatic duplex, a large touchscreen, and manageable ink costs. If you need scanning with an automatic document feeder and robust cloud connectivity for a home office, grab the Brother MFC-J1360DW. And for the absolute lowest upfront cost with AI-assisted web page printing, nothing beats the HP DeskJet 4255e.