Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. 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.
You hunt for a budget printer, but many cheap models punish you with sky-high ink costs or a headache every time you hit “print.” Some are slow, feel flimsy, or come with cartridges so expensive you wonder if you should have just gone to the library. This guide digs through the options to find the few that actually combine a low price with features you use daily—like automatic double-sided printing (duplex), simple wireless setup, and decent print speeds measured in pages per minute (ppm).
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.
Below are seven printers that genuinely deliver value without hidden costs, helping you pick the best cheap home printer for your money.
Quick Picks
- Brother Work Smart 1360 (MFC-J1360DW) — Best Overall
- Brother Work Smart 1410 (MFC-J1410DW) — Premium Pick
- Canon PIXMA TS7720 — Fastest Color
- HP Envy 6155 — Best for Instant Ink
- Epson Workforce WF-2930 — Compact Value
- Canon PIXMA TR4720 — Budget 4-in-1
- HP Envy 6458e (Renewed) — Cheapest Reliable
How To Choose The Best Cheap Home Printer
Picking the right budget printer means looking past the sticker price. You need to think about what you will actually print, how often, and what each page will cost you in the long run.
Print Speed Matters
A printer’s speed is measured in pages per minute (ppm). A faster black-and-white speed, like 16 ppm, gets you through a multi-page document quickly. Slower models, around 8-10 ppm, work fine for occasional use but feel painfully slow for a stack of homework or work forms.
The Real Cost: Ink
The cheapest printer can become the most expensive one if its ink cartridges are tiny and pricey. Look for models with separate color cartridges (so you only replace the color that runs out) or consider a printer that is part of a subscription service like HP Instant Ink, which can lower the per-page cost significantly for regular users.
Must-Have Features
For a cheap home printer, automatic duplex (2-sided) printing is a huge win—it saves paper and makes your work look more professional. If you scan or copy multi-page documents, an auto document feeder (ADF) is invaluable. A good wireless connection and a simple setup process are also critical to avoid frustration.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Best For | B&W Speed (ppm) | Color Speed (ppm) | Duplex Printing | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brother Work Smart 1360 | Best Overall | 16 ppm | 9 ppm | Automatic | $79.98$109.99Amazon |
| Brother Work Smart 1410 | Premium Pick | 16 ppm | 9 ppm | Automatic | $139.99Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA TS7720 | Fastest Color | 15 ppm | 10 ppm | Automatic | $84.00$161.99Amazon |
| HP Envy 6155 | Best for Instant Ink | 10 ppm | 7 ppm | Automatic | $99.99$159.99Amazon |
| Epson Workforce WF-2930 | Compact Value | 10 ppm | 5 ppm | Automatic | $69.99$119.99Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA TR4720 | Budget 4-in-1 | 8.8 ppm | 4.4 ppm | Automatic | $78.41Amazon |
| HP Envy 6458e (Renewed) | Cheapest Reliable | 10 ppm | 7 ppm | Automatic | $78.95Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Brother Work Smart 1360 (MFC-J1360DW)
You get 16 ppm black-and-white speed, 60% faster than the Epson WF-2930, with affordable ink for the whole family.
If you are tired of waiting for each page to crawl out of a slow printer, the Brother Work Smart 1360 solves that. It prints at 16 pages per minute (ppm) in black and 9 ppm in color—a full 60% faster in black and white than the 10 ppm on the Epson Workforce WF-2930, making it the clear productivity leader here. That pace lets you breeze through a stack of school forms or home-office documents without the usual budget-printer lag.
Buyers report that wireless setup for iPhones and iPads is a breeze through the Brother Mobile Connect app, and the printer reliably auto-connects for quality prints. The 1.8-inch color display and the 20-sheet auto document feeder (ADF, a tray that feeds multiple pages for scanning or copying without lifting the lid each time) make scanning or copying multi-page jobs much less of a chore. One reviewer noted it is excellent for a home office, with the ability to scan and email documents directly from the printer.
Real-world speed: The Brother hits 16 ppm B&W, outpacing the Epson WF-2930’s 10 ppm by a significant margin, which makes it a better fit if you print frequently.
Who it’s for: Any home or home-office user who needs a fast, reliable, and affordable printer for regular use, especially if you rely on a mobile device.
The trade-off: Some buyers found the initial setup software frustrating and the plastic build feels a bit basic for the price. It is built for light-to-moderate use, not a busy office.
2. Brother Work Smart 1410 (MFC-J1410DW)
Match the 1360’s 16 ppm speed but navigate with a bigger, smarter 2.7-inch touchscreen instead of the 1.8-inch display.
If you like the Brother 1360’s speed but want a nicer interface, the Work Smart 1410 steps up with a 2.7-inch color touchscreen display that makes navigating cloud apps like Google Drive or Dropbox feel almost as easy as using your phone. It matches the 1360’s pace at 16 ppm in black and 9 ppm in color, and it also shares the same 20-sheet ADF and 150-sheet paper tray, so you are not losing any productivity features.
One reviewer who replaced a different brand called this the fastest color printer they have owned, noting it is quiet and has been reliable for over six months. That same reviewer and others caution that network setup can have minor hiccups, though the overall value is considered great. A senior couple reported that setup was not complicated for them, which speaks to the improved user experience the touchscreen provides.
Why spend more
- Bigger 2.7-inch color touchscreen for easier navigation
- Fast print speeds: 16 ppm black / 9 ppm color
- Automatic duplex printing and ADF included
- Inexpensive LC501 ink cartridges
What to know
- Some users report setup and firmware update challenges
- Can be a bit loud when printing
- Not immune to paper jams according to a few reviews
Best for small offices: This is the pick if you value a modern touchscreen interface and cloud connectivity, and you are willing to pay a bit more for a smoother daily experience over the 1360.
skip it if: You need a completely silent printer or you prefer a simpler, less expensive model with a smaller screen.
3. Canon PIXMA TS7720
You get 10 ppm color speed, beating the Canon TR4720’s 4.4 ppm—so your photo projects and school assignments finish faster.
Do you print more photos and colorful projects than plain text? The Canon PIXMA TS7720 stands out with a color print speed of 10 ppm, outpacing both Brother models at 9 ppm and easily beating the 5 ppm and 4.4 ppm of the Epson and Canon TR4720. Even its black-and-white speed of 15 ppm is right behind the Brother leaders, so you are not sacrificing document jobs for photo quality.
Setup is streamlined, and reviewers consistently mention that the print quality for both documents and photos is great for the price point. The 2.7-inch LCD touchscreen makes navigation intuitive. Buyers do note, however, that the printer defaults to auto power-off after four hours, which can be annoying if you need to manually turn it back on. One user who wanted it for garden images found the colors muted, but a separate long-term owner says they have bought one more than once for its reliability.
Color speed leader: At 10 ppm in color, the TS7720 is meaningfully faster than the Canon TR4720 (4.4 ppm) and the Epson WF-2930 (5 ppm), making it the better choice if you print color frequently.
Who it fits: Home users who want the quickest color output and a nice touchscreen without stepping up to a high-end photo printer.
The catch: The starter ink cartridges may run out very quickly, and the default power-saving setting can be a hassle. No auto document feeder is included.
4. HP Envy 6155
Print low-maintenance with a 3-month Instant Ink trial that sends new cartridges before you run out, paired with 10 ppm black speed.
The HP Envy 6155 is a solid all-around performer, but its real trick is the included 3-month trial of HP Instant Ink. This subscription service automatically monitors your ink levels and sends new cartridges before you run dry. For moderate-to-heavy home printing, this can save you a significant amount over buying individual cartridges at the store. It prints at 10 ppm in black and 7 ppm in color—a typical pace for this class.
Owners mention the print quality is reliable for both documents and photos, and the dual-band Wi-Fi does a good job of staying connected. One reviewer found the setup easy and the price great for low-volume needs, while another confirmed the Instant Ink service is worth the money. The 2.4-inch color touchscreen is another nice touch for navigation, though the plastic chassis feels a bit flimsy to some.
What stands out
- 3-month Instant Ink trial included for lower per-page costs
- Automatic 2-sided printing saves paper
- Dual-band Wi-Fi for reliable wireless connection
- 2.4-inch color touchscreen is easy to use
The downsides
- Slow speeds: 10 ppm B&W / 7 ppm color
- Initial ink cartridges are small and may not last long
- Some users report difficult Wi-Fi setup
Ideal for moderate users: This is the pick if you print regularly enough that an ink subscription makes sense, saving you from last-minute trips to the store.
Look elsewhere if: You print only a few pages a month (the subscription cost may not be worth it) or you want faster print speeds.
5. Epson Workforce WF-2930
A space-saving 10 ppm all-in-one that fits on a short desk, but it is 60% slower in B&W than the Brother 1360’s 16 ppm.
The Epson Workforce WF-2930 is a compact all-in-one that covers all the bases—print, copy, scan, and fax—with an automatic document feeder and automatic 2-sided printing. Its speed of 10 ppm in black and white and 5 ppm in color is certainly not the fastest, but it is perfectly adequate for light home office or student use. Buyers appreciate that it fits well on a short desk, with one reviewer stating they “love my Epson printer. Fits well on my short desk. Very little room is needed for this printer.”
A key selling point is the individual ink cartridges, which let you replace only the color you use up. The Epson Smart Panel app and voice-activated printing via Alexa and Siri are also convenient touches. However, a significant number of reviews warn about Epson’s firmware updates that can block third-party cartridges, effectively forcing you to buy expensive Epson-brand ink. One very unhappy reviewer called it a dishonest practice.
Compact and capable: While not as fast as the Brother 1360 (which has a 60% faster B&W speed), the WF-2930 is a space-efficient choice for someone who prints occasionally and values voice control.
Best for small desks: This printer’s slim footprint and voice-activated features make it a great choice for a home office where space is at a premium.
Warning: Be prepared for the potential of being locked into expensive Epson ink due to firmware updates, a point of major frustration for many users.
6. Canon PIXMA TR4720
Get a full 4-in-1 (print, copy, scan, fax) with an ADF and duplex for the lowest price, though its 4.4 ppm color is 2.0x slower than the Brother 1360’s 9 ppm.
The Canon PIXMA TR4720 is a true 4-in-1 printer (print, copy, scan, fax) that offers an auto document feeder and automatic duplex printing at a very low entry price. It is the slowest option here, printing at only 8.8 ppm in black and 4.4 ppm in color, which is 2.0x slower in color than the Brother 1360’s 9 ppm. But if you only print a few pages a week, that’s a non-issue.
The front-loading paper tray is convenient, and many users find the setup to be straightforward. One buyer stated the printer was “great value for the money, is easy to use and to setup. The print quality is great.” The dimensions of 11.7 inches deep by 17.2 inches wide by 7.5 inches tall also make it a decent fit for a desk corner. The main limitations are its speed and a few reports of receiving pre-opened or defective units, which suggests quality control at this price point can be inconsistent.
What you get
- Full 4-in-1 functionality (print, copy, scan, fax)
- Auto document feeder and automatic duplex
- 100-sheet front paper tray
- Very low initial cost
The compromises
- Slowest print speeds in this guide (8.8 B&W / 4.4 color ppm)
- Inconsistent quality control according to some reviews
- No touchscreen interface
For the absolute lowest spend: This is a good choice if your needs are minimal—a few pages a week, a fax machine, and the absolute lowest upfront cost.
Walk away if: Speed matters to you, or you cannot risk dealing with a potentially defective unit; consider spending a bit more on a Canon TS7720 or a Brother model.
7. HP Envy 6458e (Renewed)
A renewed printer with a 35-sheet ADF and 10 ppm speed, but you take the risk of Wi-Fi issues and no full warranty.
The HP Envy 6458e is a renewed (refurbished) printer, which means you get a lot of features for a very low price. Print speeds are a solid 10 ppm in black and 7 ppm in color, and the print resolution can hit up to 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi (dots per inch, a measure of sharpness), which is excellent for a budget printer.
One buyer who uses it at a summer campground said, “This printer is great. It’s simple to use. Does all I need. It’s my summer campground printer and I like it better than my fancy home Office Jet.” That real-world praise speaks to its ease of use and reliability. However, being a renewed product, you also inherit the risks of refurbished electronics. Many reviews mention significant Wi-Fi connection issues, and HP’s customer service is often described as poor in these situations.
Value gamble: The HP Envy 6458e offers a feature set (including a generous 35-sheet ADF) that punches well above its price point, but the renewed status means there is a higher chance of a lemon that requires difficult returns.
Reach for this if: You are on the tightest budget, need a big ADF for scanning, and are comfortable with the risk and potential hassle of a refurbished product.
Better to skip if: You want the confidence of a new printer with a manufacturer’s warranty and low-maintenance setup. The Wi-Fi issues reported are a real gamble.
Understanding the Specs
Print Speed: Pages Per Minute (ppm)
This is the most important number for gauging how fast the printer works. It tells you how many pages the printer can churn out in one minute. A higher ppm means less waiting, especially for multi-page documents. For home use, a black-and-white speed of 10-16 ppm is comfortable; anything under 10 ppm can feel slow for a stack of homework or work forms.
Auto Document Feeder (ADF)
The ADF is a small tray on top of the scanner that automatically feeds in a stack of pages for you to copy, scan, or fax. Without one, you have to lift the scanner lid and place each page down one at a time—tedious for any document more than two pages long. A 20-sheet to 35-sheet ADF is typical for home printers and makes a massive difference in convenience.
FAQ
Is a cheap home printer worth buying if I print a lot?
What is the difference between an All-in-One and a 4-in-1 printer?
Do I really need automatic duplex (2-sided) printing?
What does an auto document feeder (ADF) do for me?
Why are printer ink cartridges so expensive?
Can I use third-party ink cartridges in my cheap printer?
How do I connect a printer to my Wi-Fi for the first time?
What is a “renewed” or refurbished printer?
My printer says 4800 DPI. Is that good?
How long does a cheap home printer usually last?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
Across the board, the best cheap home printer winner is the Brother Work Smart 1360 because it offers the best balance of speed, features, and affordable ink for the price. If you want a nicer touchscreen and cloud connectivity, grab the Brother Work Smart 1410. And for the fastest color output and a great touchscreen experience, the Canon PIXMA TS7720 at 10 ppm color is the clear pick.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement, and we did not hands-on test every unit. Instead, we match each pick to a real buyer and use-case by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications against the patterns in verified customer reviews — so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing copy.
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.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.