A cheap inkjet printer should save you money, not trap you in a cycle of expensive cartridge replacements. Every budget printer makes a trade-off between its upfront cost and the long-term cost of consumables, and the wrong pick can cost you several times the printer’s price in ink within a single year. This guide isolates the models that deliver genuine value without the hidden cost burden.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent years analyzing aggregated owner feedback and comparing specification sheets across hundreds of printer models to identify the genuine value picks from the ones that merely look cheap at checkout.
After evaluating real-world print speeds, cartridge yields, paper handling, and connectivity reliability, I’ve selected the models that define a truly good cheap inkjet printer for home and light office use.
How To Choose The Best Cheap Inkjet Printer
Not all budget inkjet printers are created equal. The cheapest model at the register can become the most expensive after a few months of use if you overlook ink costs, paper handling, and print quality. Focus on these factors to avoid a costly mistake.
Per-Page Ink Cost Is the Real Price
The printer’s sticker price is a one-time expense, but you will buy ink repeatedly. Standard cartridges in budget printers often yield only 120–200 pages in black before needing replacement. Standard-capacity cartridges cost –, which translates to a per-page cost of – for black and white. High-yield or XL cartridges can cut that per-page cost by half or more. If you print more than 30–50 pages per month, seek a printer that offers high-yield ink options or accepts third-party cartridges without error codes.
Print Speed: ipm vs ppm
Manufacturers advertise print speeds in pages per minute (ppm), but the more accurate metric is images per minute (ipm), which accounts for both printing time and page processing. A printer rated at 13 ppm (black) may deliver closer to 8–9 ipm in real-world use. For occasional home printing, anything above 7 ipm in black is acceptable. For school projects or home office tasks, look for 10 ipm or higher. Color speed is typically half the black speed, so a 7 ipm black printer may only manage 4–5 ipm in color.
Connectivity and Hardware Features
Wireless connectivity is now standard, but some budget printers restrict you to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, which can cause connection drops on modern dual-band routers. Automatic duplex (two-sided) printing saves paper and is worth seeking, but many budget models only offer manual duplex, requiring you to flip pages by hand. A front-facing USB port for direct printing is rare at this price tier but incredibly useful. Paper tray capacity of 60–100 sheets is typical — 150 sheets or more indicates a higher-end design.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon PIXMA TS6520 | Mid-Range | Home users wanting dual-band Wi-Fi | 14 ipm black, 9 ipm color | Amazon |
| Brother MFC-J1360DW | Premium | Home offices with moderate volume | 16 ipm black, 150-sheet tray | Amazon |
| Epson WorkForce WF-2930 | Mid-Range | Small office with fax needs | 10 ipm black, auto document feeder | Amazon |
| Epson WorkForce Pro WF-3823 | Premium | Heavy home printing workloads | 21 ipm black, 250-sheet tray | Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA TS6420a | Mid-Range | Low-volume wireless printing | 13 ipm black, 200-sheet capacity | Amazon |
| HP DeskJet 2855e | Budget | Minimal home printing tasks | 7.5 ipm black, 60-sheet tray | Amazon |
| HP Envy 6555e (Renewed) | Budget | Entry-level all-in-one with AI | 10 ipm black, auto duplex | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer
The Canon PIXMA TS6520 strikes the best balance of print speed, connectivity, and affordable ink in this price bracket. Its 14 ipm black print speed is noticeably faster than most competitors at this tier, and the 9 ipm color speed handles photo prints without frustrating lag. The dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz) is a meaningful upgrade over budget printers that lock you into the slower band, which often causes connection dropouts on modern routers.
The 1.42-inch monochrome OLED display provides clear ink level and status readouts, something many sub- printers replace with blinking LED lights. Automatic duplex printing is standard, and the integrated scanner handles 8.5 x 11-inch documents cleanly at up to 1200 x 1200 dpi. The PG-295 black and CL-286 color cartridges are widely available, and standard-capacity cartridges keep the per-page cost reasonable for light to moderate use.
Users consistently praise the straightforward setup and reliable wireless performance. The paper tray is more compact than you’d expect given the 100-sheet cassette capacity, and the lack of an automatic document feeder (ADF) means multi-page scanning requires manual page feeding. The printer is not designed for high-volume office use but excels as a dedicated home unit.
What works
- Fast 14 ipm black print speed at this price level
- Dual-band Wi-Fi prevents connectivity issues
- Auto duplex saves paper without manual flipping
- Simple setup with Canon PRINT app and AirPrint
What doesn’t
- No automatic document feeder for multi-page jobs
- Standard ink cartridges run out quickly with frequent color printing
- Paper tray capacity is 100 sheets rather than the 150+ found on premium models
2. Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer (MFC-J1360DW)
The Brother MFC-J1360DW is a genuine contender for home office buyers who print documents regularly but don’t want to overpay for a laser printer. Its 16 ppm black print speed is among the fastest in this price range, and the 9 ppm color speed keeps mixed-document jobs moving. The 20-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF) enables multi-page copying and scanning without standing at the machine, a feature conspicuously absent from the Canon TS6520 and HP DeskJet 2855e.
The 1.8-inch color display makes menu navigation straightforward, and the built-in support for cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox allows direct scan-to-cloud workflows. The 150-sheet paper tray reduces refill frequency compared to the 60–100-sheet trays on budget models. The LC501 series ink cartridges are reasonably priced, and owner feedback confirms that third-party cartridges work without triggering software lockouts.
Owners consistently highlight the crisp color output and ease of mobile printing via the Brother Mobile Connect app. The initial Wi-Fi setup only works on 2.4 GHz networks, which is a mild inconvenience for users with mesh routers that broadcast a single SSID. The fold-out output tab feels somewhat fragile, but overall build quality is solid for the price.
What works
- Fast 16 ppm black print speed for documents
- 20-sheet ADF streamlines multi-page scanning
- 150-sheet paper tray holds more paper than most at this price
- Cloud app support and mobile app are intuitive
What doesn’t
- Initial setup requires a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection
- Output tab feels less sturdy than the rest of the chassis
- Starter ink cartridges are low-yield; plan for immediate replacements
3. Epson WorkForce WF-2930 Wireless All-in-One Printer
The Epson WorkForce WF-2930 brings professional-grade features to a mid-range price point. The integrated automatic document feeder (ADF) supports multi-page copying and scanning, and the built-in fax capability is rare at this tier. Print speeds of 10 ppm black and 5 ppm color are modest but adequate for home office tasks, and the PrecisionCore printhead technology delivers sharp text and acceptable color graphics for internal documents.
The 1.4-inch color display provides clear navigation, and the Epson Smart Panel app simplifies mobile setup and management. Heat-free technology means the printer uses less energy during operation and eliminates warm-up time. Individual ink cartridges (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) let you replace only the color that runs out, which can save money compared to tri-color cartridges that force you to discard remaining ink of other colors.
User feedback highlights easy setup and reliable operation, but there are two significant caveats. The starter ink cartridges included in the box are only partially filled, and genuine Epson replacements are expensive, with a full set costing roughly the same as the printer itself after a few replacements. The printer also voids its warranty if non-genuine ink is used, limiting your cost-saving options.
What works
- ADF and fax expand office functionality
- Individual ink cartridges reduce wasted color ink
- Heat-free technology improves energy efficiency
- Smart Panel app offers smooth mobile management
What doesn’t
- Starter cartridges are half-filled, requiring early replacements
- Genuine Epson ink is expensive, and warranty discourages third-party use
- Build quality feels less robust than the Brother or Canon alternatives
4. Epson WorkForce Pro WF-3823 Wireless All-in-One Printer
The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-3823 is the highest-performing printer in this roundup, designed for users who print enough volume that speed and paper capacity become critical. Its 21 ppm black print speed and 11 ppm color speed are roughly double what budget inkjets offer, and the 250-sheet paper tray handles a full ream of paper without refilling. The 35-page automatic document feeder (ADF) makes scanning or copying multi-page stacks efficient.
The 2.7-inch color touchscreen is noticeably larger and more responsive than the small displays on the WF-2930 and Canon TS6520. PrecisionCore heat-free technology delivers reliable print quality with instant-dry DURABrite Ultra pigment inks, which resist smudging on standard office paper. The printer supports Ethernet, Wi-Fi Direct, and Bluetooth Low Energy for flexible networking, and the Epson Smart Panel app streamlines mobile workflow.
Owner feedback is generally positive, with praise for the print speed and paper handling. However, there are notable downsides. The T822 series ink cartridges are expensive, and color matching can be inconsistent, requiring profile adjustments for photo-quality output. Some users report Wi-Fi connectivity drops that require a power cycle to restore. The ADF occasionally pulls multiple sheets, which can be frustrating during critical jobs.
What works
- 21 ppm black speed is the fastest in this price range
- 250-sheet paper tray needs fewer refills
- 35-page ADF is ideal for multi-page document scanning
- Pigment inks produce smudge-resistant prints
What doesn’t
- Ink cost is high, and genuine cartridges are required for warranty
- Wi-Fi connectivity can be unreliable, requiring power resets
- ADF jam frequency is higher than the Brother MFC-J1360DW
5. Canon PIXMA TS6420a All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer
The Canon PIXMA TS6420a is a solid all-around home printer that combines low upfront cost with useful features at a mid-range price. Its 13 ppm black speed pairs with a 200-sheet total paper capacity, split between a 100-sheet cassette and a 100-sheet rear feed, giving you more paper holding than most competitors. Auto duplex printing is included, and the 1.44-inch OLED display provides basic status information without needing a smartphone app check.
The printer uses standard PG-260 (black) and CL-261 (color) cartridges, which are widely available and supported by third-party alternatives. For users who print sporadically, the per-page cost is manageable. The Alexa integration allows voice-activated printing from compatible smart speakers, a novelty that some users find genuinely convenient. The compact footprint fits shelves as small as 9 inches deep when both feed trays are closed.
Owner feedback is positive for light workloads, with praise for easy Wi-Fi setup and clear text quality at standard settings. The printer’s chassis feels less sturdy than the Brother MFC-J1360DW — the plastic is thinner, and the rear feed tray doesn’t lock as securely. Scanning noise is notably louder than competitors, and the OLED display is too small for older users to read comfortably. For volumes exceeding 25–30 pages per month, the ink cost becomes noticeable.
What works
- 200-sheet total capacity reduces paper refill frequency
- Auto duplex printing included at this price point
- Widely available cartridges with third-party support
- Compact footprint fits small shelves
What doesn’t
- Plastic chassis feels thin compared to premium competitors
- OLED display is too small for easy status checks
- Ink cost becomes uneconomical above 30 pages per month
6. HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
The HP DeskJet 2855e is the entry-level option that makes sense only for the lightest of printing needs. Its print speed of 7.5 ppm black and 5.5 ppm color is the slowest in this roundup — fine for an occasional page but frustrating for any job exceeding 3–4 pages. The 60-sheet input tray is the smallest here, requiring frequent refilling even for moderate use. Manual duplex (you flip the page yourself) is the only two-sided option.
The printer’s key differentiator is HP’s AI-powered print formatting, which removes unwanted content from web pages before printing — a genuinely useful feature for printing recipes, articles, or emails without wasted pages. The HP Smart App enables scanning, copying, and printing from mobile devices, and the 3-month Instant Ink trial offers free replacements during the trial period. The 2.4 GHz-only Wi-Fi is a notable limitation on modern dual-band routers.
User reviews are sharply divided. Those who only print a few pages per week report easy setup, good text quality, and reliable operation. Those with higher expectations describe the HP software as bloated and buggy, with connectivity drops and lengthy installation processes. The printer itself is functional, but the software experience can overshadow the hardware. This model is best suited for users who print less than 20 pages per month and have patience with app-based workflows.
What works
- Very low upfront cost for entry-level buyers
- AI formatting removes web page clutter during printing
- HP Smart App provides mobile functionality
- 3-month Instant Ink trial included
What doesn’t
- 2.4 GHz-only Wi-Fi causes connectivity issues on modern routers
- 60-sheet tray requires constant refilling
- HP software installation is cumbersome and buggy
- Manual duplex only; no automatic two-sided printing
7. HP Envy 6555e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer (Renewed)
The HP Envy 6555e, purchased as a factory-refurbished unit, offers an interesting value proposition for budget-conscious buyers willing to accept a renewed product. Its original retail price typically sits above the rest of this list, but the renewed price aligns it with the budget tier. Print speeds of 10 ppm black and 7 ppm color are respectable, and automatic duplex printing is included — a feature often reserved for more expensive models.
The 2.7-inch color touchscreen display provides intuitive navigation without needing the HP Smart App for basic functions. The printer supports scanning to email and cloud services directly from the touch panel. The HP 68 series ink cartridges are the same as those used in higher-end Envy models, and the starter set is included with the renewed unit. The HP+ and Instant Ink integration means you can sign up for automated ink deliveries after the trial expires.
User feedback on the renewed units is positive, with many reporting that they function as new. Setup generally takes longer than the Canon alternatives, primarily due to HP’s software requirements and mandatory account registration. The scanner detail is excellent for document capture, and photo prints on glossy paper are surprisingly good for a budget inkjet. The printer feels more substantial than the HP DeskJet 2855e, though the touchscreen can be slightly laggy.
What works
- Auto duplex printing at a renewed price is rare
- Color touchscreen simplifies menu navigation
- Good print quality for both documents and photos
- Scan-to-cloud features are well-implemented
What doesn’t
- Renewed status means no original factory warranty
- HP software setup requires account creation and is slow
- Touchscreen can be unresponsive compared to Brother’s display
- Ink cost remains high unless using Instant Ink subscription
Hardware & Specs Guide
Print Speed: ipm vs ppm
Print speeds are reported in pages per minute (ppm) in marketing materials, but the more accurate measure is images per minute (ipm), which accounts for the time to process each page. Budget inkjet printers typically deliver 7–16 ipm in black and 5–11 ipm in color. Real-world speed can drop further when printing complex graphics or photos. If you print multi-page documents regularly, prioritize models with 10+ ipm in black.
Cartridge Types and Ink Costs
Budget inkjet printers use either individual cartridges (separate for each color and black) or tri-color cartridges (all three colors in one cartridge). Individual cartridges let you replace only the empty color, reducing waste. XL or high-yield cartridges hold 2–3 times more ink than standard cartridges, lowering per-page cost significantly. Some printers include a “starter” cartridge that is partially filled and must be replaced sooner than a full retail cartridge.
FAQ
What does “starter cartridge” mean and how much ink does it really contain?
Can I use third-party ink cartridges in a cheap inkjet printer?
Why does my printer only work on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and not 5 GHz?
What is the difference between manual duplex and automatic duplex?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most home users, the best cheap inkjet printer winner is the Canon PIXMA TS6520 because it combines dual-band Wi-Fi, automatic duplex printing, and fast 14 ipm speeds at an accessible mid-range price without locking you into expensive proprietary ink. If you need a faster print speed with an automatic document feeder for multi-page jobs, grab the Brother MFC-J1360DW. And for high-volume home office use where speed and paper capacity are paramount, nothing beats the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-3823 with its 250-sheet tray and 21 ppm throughput.