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A budget all-in-one printer can be a real headache — you are usually torn between a cheap upfront cost and the fear that the ink will drain your wallet dry in three months. The real trick is finding a machine that gives you solid print and scan quality while keeping the long-term running costs in check, so you don’t feel tricked after the first few pages.
I’m Min — the founder and writer behind Gadgets Feed. 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.
After poring over the specs and real owner experiences, this guide has narrowed down the field to the seven models worth your consideration for the best budget all-in-one printer you can buy right now.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Budget All-In-One Printer
Choosing a budget all-in-one printer means balancing the initial purchase price with the ongoing cost of ink and the features you actually need. If you mostly print documents for school or the home office, a model with fast black-and-white speeds and an automatic document feeder will save you time. If you print photos, look for models with borderless printing and higher color resolution. Always check what type of ink the printer uses and whether it accepts third-party cartridges, as some brands lock you into expensive proprietary ink.
Print Speed: Pages Per Minute (ppm)
This number tells you how fast the printer can churn out pages. For a budget all-in-one, a black-and-white speed of 10 ppm or higher is comfortable for a busy household. Color speed is usually slower — anywhere from 4 ppm to 9 ppm — so be patient if you are printing a lot of color handouts. If you print frequently, a faster model is worth the extra few dollars.
Ink Costs and Cartridge Yield
The biggest trap in budget printers is cheap hardware paired with expensive, fast-draining ink. Look at the page yield of the standard and XL cartridges. Some reviewers report burning through two XL ink sets in under 300 pages, which makes the printer expensive to run. If possible, choose a model that works with third-party ink or offers a subscription service like Instant Ink to cap your costs.
Connectivity and Ease of Use
You want a printer that connects to your home Wi-Fi easily and works with your phone. Dual-band Wi-Fi and support for Apple AirPrint or Mopria make printing from a smartphone painless. Also check whether the printer has an automatic document feeder (ADF) — that small tray on top that feeds multiple pages through the scanner for you, saving you from standing there feeding one sheet at a time.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | B&W Speed (ppm) | Color Speed (ppm) | ADF | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon PIXMA TR4720★ Best Overall | Entry-Level Home Use | 8.8 | 4.4 | Yes (not specified) | Amazon |
| Brother MFC-J1170DWTop Performer | Speed & Value Balance | 17 | 16.5 | No | Amazon |
| Brother Work Smart 1410 | Home Office Versatility | 16 | 9 | Yes (20-sheet) | $139.98Amazon |
| Epson Expression Home XP-4200 | Photo Printing | 10 | 5 | No | Amazon |
| HP Envy 6155 | Reliable Smart Printing | 10 | 7 | No | $99.99$159.99Amazon |
| Canon TS5320a | Photo & Document Balance | 13 | 6.8 | No | Amazon |
| HP Envy 6458e (Renewed) | Document Scanning on a Budget | 10 | 7 | Yes (35-sheet) | $78.95Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer, Home Use with Auto Document Feeder
A compact 4-in-1 with an auto document feeder and Alexa support at the lowest entry price.
The Canon PIXMA TR4720 is about as cheap as a functional all-in-one gets. It prints, scans, copies, and faxes — making it a true 4-in-1 — and includes an auto document feeder, which is rare at this price. It also supports auto 2-sided printing and can produce borderless prints up to 8.5 x 11 inches. The wireless setup works with Alexa, so you can reorder ink with your voice when you are running low.
The trade-off is speed. It prints at just 8.8 ppm black and 4.4 ppm color — the slowest in this lineup. One shopper added that the unit “broke after ~50 pages (feeder snapped).” Another called it a “waste of your money” because the ink cartridges do not last and the printer became unusable after 16 months. On the positive side, several buyers found it easy to set up and reliable for light household use. The 100-sheet paper tray and the 1-year limited warranty are standard for this class.
This printer is best for someone who prints very rarely — a few pages a week — and needs the absolute lowest upfront cost. If you print more often, the speed and ink costs will frustrate you.
Entry-Level Perks
- Includes an auto document feeder (rare at this price)
- Alexa-compatible for voice ink reordering
- Auto 2-sided printing and borderless up to 8.5×11
Real Limitations
- Very slow — 4.4 ppm color is the slowest here
- Feeder snapped after ~50 pages per one reviewer
- Ink drains fast; printer became unusable after 16 months per some reports
For the occasional printer: If you print a report every few weeks and want the cheapest possible entry point with ADF and fax, the TR4720 gets the job done.
Not for regular use: The slow speed, reported feeder failure, and fast ink depletion make it a poor investment for anyone who prints weekly or more.
2. Brother MFC-J1170DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer (Renewed Premium)
The speed demon that leaves the competition in the dust on both black and color pages.
If you are tired of waiting for a page to print, this Brother model is your best friend. It cranks out black-and-white documents at 17 ppm and color pages at 16.5 ppm — at 16.5 ppm color versus the Canon PIXMA TR4720 at 4.4 ppm. You get full wireless printing, NFC for tap-to-print from your phone, and the ability to scan to cloud services. It also has automatic duplex (two-sided) printing to save paper.
Buyers report that the first unit they received was defective with paper jams, but the replacement worked well. The print quality on photos is not great — one reviewer noted white dots in black areas and occasional black lines — but for a fast document printer at this price, the trade-off is worth it. It also works with generic ink, which keeps running costs low.
This is a renewed (refurbished) unit, so it comes with less warranty than a new one, but the performance-to-dollar ratio is class-leading for anyone who prints a lot of pages.
Speed King
- Fastest B&W (17 ppm) and color (16.5 ppm) in this lineup
- Works with generic ink cartridges
- NFC tap-to-print and cloud scanning
Known Quirks
- Photo quality is poor — white dots and black lines reported
- Renewed unit may arrive with missing accessories
- No automatic document feeder (ADF)
Perfect for heavy doc printers: If you need a fast, affordable workhorse for black-and-white and color documents and you don’t mind the occasional refurbished gamble, this is your pick.
Photo buffs look elsewhere: The poor photo output and lack of ADF make it less ideal for scanning multi-page documents or printing quality photos.
3. Brother Work Smart 1410 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer (MFC-J1410DW)
The complete home office package with a touchscreen and a real automatic document feeder.
Brother has packed just about everything you need into this compact all-in-one. It prints at 16 ppm black and 9 ppm color, which is still very fast compared to many entry-level models. The 2.7-inch color touchscreen lets you navigate cloud apps like Google Drive and Dropbox, so you can scan directly to them without a computer. It also includes a 20-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF), so you can scan or copy a stack of papers without standing there feeding each one.
Owners mention that the ink goes out quickly, but the printer itself is reliable, quiet, and has a 150-sheet paper tray — a real step up from the 100-sheet trays on cheaper models. One buyer called it the fastest color printer they have owned and reported ink lasting six months or more with moderate use. Setup via USB can be tricky, but Wi-Fi is smooth once you get through the initial steps.
This is the best overall pick because it balances speed, features (ADF, touchscreen), and a reasonable price for a home office setup.
Home Office Champ
- 20-sheet ADF for easy multi-page scanning
- Large 2.7″ color touchscreen with cloud app integration
- Fast print speeds (16 ppm B&W / 9 ppm color)
Things to Watch
- Ink consumption is high, according to several reviews
- USB setup can be difficult and may require multiple reinstalls
- Initial page print time of 9.6 seconds for color is a bit slow
Ideal for the small office: If you scan, copy, and print often and want a clean, fast interface, this Brother model is the most well-rounded pick for you.
Watch the ink budget: Customers note the ink drains faster than expected, so factor in the cost of replacement cartridges when planning your monthly spend.
4. Epson Expression Home XP-4200 Wireless Color All-in-One Printer
A reliable workhorse that makes vibrant borderless photos while staying affordable.
Epson designed this model for families who print a mix of school projects and photo memories. It uses individual ink cartridges (black, cyan, magenta, yellow) so you only replace the color that runs out, which saves money compared to combo cartridges. The print quality is where it shines — Epson’s Micro Piezo Heat Free technology delivers crisp documents and vibrant borderless photos. It runs at 10 ppm black and 5 ppm color, which is average but acceptable for home use.
The 2.4-inch color display and the Epson Smart Panel app make setup and navigation straightforward. One reviewer in her 70s noted that inserting the ink cartridges was a bit tedious, but once it was set up, it worked perfectly. However, some reviewers point out that firmware updates can force you to use only expensive Epson genuine ink — one buyer mentioned that third-party ink rendered the printer unusable after an update. Stick to Epson ink if you buy this model.
Reviewers also mention that ink cartridges deplete quickly (3-4 documents per cartridge), so this is not a high-volume printer. For light to moderate use and great photo output, it is a solid pick.
Photo Lover’s Budget Friend
- Individual ink cartridges — replace only the color you need
- Vibrant borderless photo printing with Micro Piezo Technology
- Large 2.4″ color display for easy navigation
The Fine Print
- Ink runs out fast — some report only 3-4 documents per cartridge
- Firmware updates may block third-party ink
- Slow and noisy compared to competitors
Great for photo printing families: If you print photos a few times a week and don’t mind the cost of Epson genuine ink, the XP-4200 rewards you with beautiful, vivid prints.
Not for heavy usage: The fast ink depletion and slower speeds make it a poor fit for a busy home office printing dozens of pages daily.
5. HP Envy 6155 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
HP’s reliable smart printer with a 3-month Instant Ink trial and an intuitive touchscreen.
HP’s Envy line has been a household favorite for years, and the 6155 continues that tradition. It prints at 10 ppm black and 7 ppm color, which is standard for this price range. The real highlight is the 2.4-inch color touchscreen and HP’s most intuitive interface — it makes navigating settings and print jobs much easier than button-heavy models. It also has dual-band Wi-Fi that automatically detects and fixes connection issues, which is a lifesaver for homes with spotty networks.
The unit comes with a 3-month trial of HP’s Instant Ink service, which delivers ink to your door before you run out and HP claims Instant Ink can save up to 50% on ink costs.. The printer also uses HP’s P3 color technology for prints that look true to what you see on your screen. Shoppers say that the plastic build feels a little flimsy, but one owner reported their previous similar HP Envy lasted over 10 years, so the build quality is not a dealbreaker. A few customers had trouble connecting to their computer or phone, but most found the setup easy.
This is a great choice if you want a modern, app-driven printing experience and are willing to try the Instant Ink subscription to keep costs predictable.
Modern & Easy
- Intuitive 2.4″ color touchscreen — easiest navigation in this list
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with self-healing connection
- 3-month Instant Ink trial included to cap ink costs
Downsides
- Plastic build feels flimsy to some users
- Power button is on the back, hard to reach
- Ink cartridge insertion can be difficult
Perfect for app-and-subscription fans: If you like managing your printer from your phone and want predictable ink costs through Instant Ink, the Envy 6155 is a sleek and capable choice.
Connection issues reported: A few reviewers struggled to connect initially — if you are not tech-savvy, you might want a model with a simpler setup.
6. Canon TS5320a All in One Wireless Printer, Scanner, Copier with AirPrint
A versatile Canon with two paper trays and fast 13 ppm black-and-white printing for under.
The Canon TS5320a stands out because it has two paper input sources — a front cassette for 100 sheets of plain paper and a rear tray for photo paper (up to 20 sheets of 4×6). That means you can load both plain paper and photo paper at the same time and switch between them without swapping trays. It prints at 13 ppm black and 6.8 ppm color — at 13 ppm black versus the Canon PIXMA TR4720 at 8.8 ppm. The print resolution goes up to 4800 x 1200 dpi for crisp details and vivid colors.
The 1.44-inch OLED screen is small but functional, and the printer supports AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. However, buyers report a major downside: extremely high ink consumption. One customer observed they went through two XL ink sets in under 300 pages, calling the ink cost insane. Another said a new Canon cartridge showed low ink after just 22 pages. Make sure you factor in the cost of replacement cartridges when considering this printer.
It also lacks an automatic document feeder, so scanning multi-page documents requires manual page-by-page feeding.
Two Trays, Big Convenience
- Dual paper trays — front cassette and rear photo paper tray
- Fast 13 ppm B&W speed beats many budget rivals
- High 4800 x 1200 dpi print resolution for sharp photos
Ink Alert
- Very high ink consumption — 2 XL sets used in under 300 pages
- Some cartridges report low ink after just 22 pages
- No ADF for multi-page scanning
For dual-media households: If you regularly switch between plain paper and photo paper and want fast black printing, the TS5320a’s two-tray design is a rare and useful feature.
Skip if you print often: The excessive ink consumption makes it a poor choice for anyone who prints more than a few pages a week — you will spend more on ink than the printer cost within months.
7. HP Envy 6458e All-in-One Wireless Color Inkjet Printer (Renewed)
The budget-friendly way to get a 35-sheet ADF for easy multi-page scanning and copying.
If you scan or copy multi-page documents often, the HP Envy 6458e offers a huge advantage: a 35-sheet automatic document feeder. This allows you to drop a stack of up to 35 pages into the feeder and walk away while the printer scans them all at 1200 dpi — something most budget models cannot do. It prints at 10 ppm black and 7 ppm color, which is average but sufficient for most households. The printer also includes a 100-sheet input tray and a 25-sheet output tray.
The major catch is that this is a renewed (refurbished) unit. Several reviewers report that the Wi-Fi connection drops frequently, and one user highlighted that when the Wi-Fi fails, the printer disables all functions — you cannot even scan or copy manually. Another reviewer called it a “scam” because the refurbished unit failed after the return window. On the other hand, some buyers found it easy to set up and liked it better than their more expensive home office printers.
The printer also supports HP+ for exclusive benefits and self-healing Wi-Fi (which, ironically, some users say does not work). For the price, if you get a unit that works, the 35-sheet ADF is a killer feature. But you are taking a gamble on reliability.
ADF Hero
- 35-sheet ADF — best in this list for scanning/copying stacks
- Dual-band Wi-Fi (802.11ac) for reliable connection
- Auto 2-sided printing saves paper
Refurbished Risk
- Wi-Fi drops reported — disables all functions when offline
- Refurbished unit may fail after return window
- Mandatory HP+ subscription pushes ongoing costs
For heavy scanners on a budget: If you absolutely need a 35-sheet ADF and are willing to accept the risks of a refurbished unit, this is the cheapest way to get that feature.
Not for the risk-averse: The Wi-Fi connectivity issues and refurbished gamble mean you should have a backup plan or a generous return policy.
Understanding the Specs
Pages Per Minute (ppm)
This is the speed rating that tells you how many pages the printer can churn out in one minute. A higher number means less waiting. Most budget all-in-one printers advertise separate speeds for black-and-white and color printing, because color printing is slower. If you mainly print text documents (homework, reports), focus on the black ppm number. If you print flyers, handouts, or photos, the color ppm matters more.
Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)
An ADF is a small tray on top of the scanner that automatically feeds multiple pages through the scanner for you. Without an ADF, you have to lift the scanner lid and place each page down one at a time. If you scan or copy multi-page documents even semi-regularly, an ADF is a huge time-saver. Some budget printers include a 20-sheet or 35-sheet ADF, while others skip it entirely.
Print Resolution (DPI)
Dots per inch (dpi) measures how many tiny ink dots the printer puts down per inch of paper. A higher dpi means sharper text and more detailed photos. For everyday documents, 600 x 600 dpi is fine. For photos, look for 4800 x 1200 dpi or higher. Some printers advertise a “best” resolution that only works with specific photo paper, so check the fine print.
Ink Cartridge System
Printers use either a single combo cartridge (black and color in one unit) or individual cartridges (separate black, cyan, magenta, yellow). Individual cartridges are generally more economical because you only replace the color that runs out. Some printers also offer high-yield (XL) cartridges that print more pages per cartridge, reducing the cost per page. Always check if the printer accepts third-party ink — some brands block non-OEM cartridges with firmware updates.
FAQ
What does pages per minute (ppm) mean and is a higher number always better?
Do I need an automatic document feeder (ADF) on my budget printer?
Will third-party ink cartridges work in my budget printer?
How do I know if a printer has high ink costs?
Can I print photos on a budget all-in-one printer?
What is the difference between a combo ink cartridge and individual cartridges?
How does HP’s Instant Ink subscription work?
Is a refurbished (renewed) printer a good idea for a budget?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For the majority of shoppers, the budget all-in-one printer winner is the Brother Work Smart 1410 (MFC-J1410DW) because it packs a 20-sheet ADF (automatic document feeder that scans multi-page stacks hands-free), a large touchscreen, fast speeds, and cloud app support into a reliable home office package. If you want the fastest document printing at the lowest running cost, grab the Brother MFC-J1170DW. And for vibrant photo prints and a family-friendly experience, the Epson Expression Home XP-4200 stands out for its color quality.
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 July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, Gadgets Feed earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.
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