A budget all-in-one printer should be a workhorse for your home or home office, but the market is filled with machines that drain your wallet on ink, jam at the worst moment, or fight you during setup. The real challenge is finding a model that delivers crisp text, reliable scanning, and affordable consumables without demanding a premium for the privilege.
I’m Rikta — the co-founder and writer behind FitlyFast. I’ve spent dozens of hours analyzing print speed specs, ink system designs, and user reliability reports across the most popular budget all-in-one printers to separate the true long-term value buys from the disposable traps.
After comparing print quality, connectivity, and long-run ink costs, this guide cuts through the marketing to reveal the best budget all in one printer for your actual daily needs.
How To Choose The Best Budget All In One Printer
A budget printer is a long-term investment in your sanity. You need to weigh the upfront hardware cost against the ongoing expense of ink, look for features like automatic duplex printing that save resources, and understand the connection options that will work with your devices. Pay attention to page yield numbers and whether the printer uses individual color cartridges or a combined tri-color unit.
Look for Automatic Duplex Printing
Automatic 2-sided printing is the single feature that separates a modern capable printer from an outdated cost trap. It halves your paper consumption for reports and documents instantly, and the convenience of not flipping pages manually means you’ll actually use it. All printers on this list include this feature, but double-check any off-list model—skipping it is a red flag.
Understand Ink System Architecture
Budget printers typically use either individual ink cartridges per color or a single tri-color cartridge. Individual cartridges let you replace only the depleted color, saving money over time. The Canon PIXMA TS7720 uses a two-cartridge setup (black + tri-color), which is simple but forces you to replace all three colors at once when only one runs out. The Epson and Brother models with four separate cartridges offer better long-term economy.
Evaluate Connectivity and Mobile App Quality
Wireless setup should be a simple process, not a frustrating puzzle. Look for dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) for stable connections, and check that the companion mobile app is well-rated on both iOS and Android. Auto-resolving Wi-Fi, as found on the HP Envy and OfficeJet Pro, saves headaches when your router resets or changes channels.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epson Workforce WF-2930 | Inkjet All-in-One | Home Office Value | 10 ppm B&W / 5 ppm Color | Amazon |
| Brother 1360DW | Inkjet All-in-One | Productivity Focus | 16 ppm B&W / 9 ppm Color | Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA TS7720 | Inkjet All-in-One | Compact Home Use | 15 ppm B&W / 10 ppm Color | Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA TR7120 | Inkjet All-in-One | Versatile Hybrid Work | 14 ppm B&W / 9 ppm Color | Amazon |
| HP Envy 6155 | Inkjet All-in-One | AI-Assisted Printing | 10 ppm B&W / 7 ppm Color | Amazon |
| Brother 1410DW | Inkjet All-in-One | Small Office Efficiency | 16 ppm B&W / 9 ppm Color | Amazon |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 | Inkjet All-in-One | Professional Output | 20 ppm B&W / 10 ppm Color | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Epson Workforce WF-2930
The Epson Workforce WF-2930 strikes the best balance of features and price among budget all-in-one printers. Its heat-free technology means the permanent printhead is designed to last the life of the printer, which is a rare durability guarantee at this tier. The automatic 2-sided printing works seamlessly, and individual ink cartridges let you replace only the color that runs out, saving money over the long run.
Setup is straightforward through the Epson Smart Panel app, and the 1.4-inch color display provides clear navigation without a steep learning curve. It supports voice-activated printing via Alexa and Siri, a surprising convenience for a printer in this price range. Print speeds of 10 ppm black and 5 ppm color are adequate for home offices and moderate-volume use.
The main caution is about firmware updates. Some users have reported that updating can block third-party ink cartridges, forcing the use of Epson genuine cartridges. If you stick with Epson-brand ink, the printer runs reliably and delivers sharp text and vibrant color graphics that hold up to professional standards.
Why it’s great
- Permanent printhead designed for the printer’s lifetime
- Individual ink cartridges save money on replacements
- Voice-activated printing with Alexa and Siri
Good to know
- Firmware updates may block third-party ink
- Moderate print speeds at 10 ppm B&W
2. Brother Work Smart 1360DW
Brother’s reputation for reliability is well-earned with the 1360DW. It prints at a faster 16 ppm black and 9 ppm color, outpacing several competitors in its price bracket. The 20-sheet ADF makes multi-page scanning and copying much more efficient, and the 150-sheet paper tray reduces the frequency of refills during a busy work day.
The 1.8-inch color display is bright and responsive, and the Brother Mobile Connect app provides a clean interface for managing print jobs and checking ink levels from your phone. Cloud app support includes Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive, so you can scan directly to your preferred storage without touching a computer.
Setup can occasionally require downloading the full driver package if the EasySetup software fails to enable the Print & Scan app, but most users report it working without major issues. The build is lightweight plastic, so it feels less solid than more expensive models, but for the price, the performance and feature set are hard to beat.
Why it’s great
- Fast 16 ppm B&W print speed
- Reasonable ink costs, with third-party options available
- Cloud app scanning via Google Drive and Dropbox
Good to know
- Setup may require manual driver download
- Plastic build feels less premium
3. Canon PIXMA TS7720
The Canon PIXMA TS7720 is the ideal pick if your desk space is at a premium. Its compact footprint fits easily into tight spots, and the 2.7-inch LCD touchscreen makes it a pleasure to navigate menus without fiddling with tiny buttons. The two-cartridge ink system (black pigment and a single tri-color cartridge) simplifies maintenance, though it means you replace all three colors at once.
Print speeds of 15 ppm black and 10 ppm color are competitive, and the automatic duplex printing works reliably without jams. Text output is crisp, and photos come out decent for occasional borderless 4×6 prints. The Canon PRINT app on iOS and Android handles wireless printing and scanning smoothly once you connect to your home network.
The main drawback is the lack of an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF). You can only scan or copy one page at a time using the flatbed. Also, the default auto power-off timer can be annoying if you don’t want to wait for the printer to wake up each time. Changing this setting in the menu solves the issue, but it’s an extra step out of the box.
Why it’s great
- Sleek, compact design saves desk space
- Large 2.7-inch touchscreen for intuitive control
- Fast 15 ppm black print speed
Good to know
- No ADF for multi-page scanning
- Tri-color cartridge means you replace all colors together
4. Canon PIXMA TR7120
The Canon PIXMA TR7120 brings an ADF to the budget-friendly table, something many compact printers skip. That 20-sheet auto document feeder transforms scanning multi-page contracts or receipts from a tedious chore into a simple batch operation. It also retains automatic duplex printing, giving you a full productivity set in a white, compact package.
The hybrid ink system uses four separate cartridges (black, cyan, magenta, yellow), which means you only replace the color that runs out. The 1.42-inch monochrome OLED display is small but legible, showing ink levels and printer status at a glance. Dual-band Wi-Fi ensures a stable connection whether your router broadcasts on 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz.
The starter ink cartridges included in the box are low-yield, so expect to replace them sooner than standard cartridges. Some users note that the cost of Canon-brand replacement ink is somewhat high relative to the printer’s hardware price, making it a better fit for light to moderate printing volumes rather than daily heavy use.
Why it’s great
- ADF for efficient multi-page scanning
- Four individual ink cartridges minimize waste
- Dual-band Wi-Fi for stable connectivity
Good to know
- Starter ink cartridges run out quickly
- Replacement ink cost is relatively high
5. HP Envy 6155
HP’s Envy 6155 leans hard on software intelligence to set itself apart. The AI-capable print engine automatically strips unwanted content from web pages and emails, saving you from printing extra blank pages or awkward formatting. The 2.4-inch color touchscreen is HP’s most intuitive interface, and dual-band Wi-Fi with auto-resolution keeps the printer connected even when your network changes.
True-to-screen technology (P3 color) makes borderless photos look faithful to what you see on your monitor, and the 100-sheet input tray is sufficient for most home users. The Instant Ink trial gives you three months of ink delivery before a subscription kicks in, which can be a good deal if you print regularly but hate running out unexpectedly.
The low print speeds of 10 ppm black and 7 ppm color are noticeable if you’re printing multi-page documents in a hurry. HP also blocks non-HP cartridges through firmware, so you are locked into their supply chain. The starter cartridges have very low page yields, so factor in buying full-yield replacements soon after purchase.
Why it’s great
- AI-powered formatting saves paper when printing web pages
- Three-month trial of Instant Ink included
- True-to-screen P3 color accuracy for photos
Good to know
- Slow print speeds of only 10 ppm black
- Locked to HP ink cartridges via firmware checks
6. Brother Work Smart 1410DW
The Brother 1410DW shares the same core engine as the 1360DW but upgrades the control panel to a generous 2.7-inch color touchscreen. That larger display makes navigating cloud apps, network settings, and print jobs feel like using a modern smartphone rather than a dated office machine. Print speeds stay at a fast 16 ppm black and 9 ppm color.
It retains the 20-sheet ADF and 150-sheet paper tray, making it suited for small office environments where multiple users may be sending print jobs. The LC501 series ink cartridges from Brother are reasonably priced, and some users report that original cartridges lasted over six months with moderate use. The printer also runs quietly compared to many competitors.
Firmware updates can be cumbersome, and a small number of users have encountered mechanical failures with paper jams shortly after purchase. While Brother’s reliability is generally strong, the return process for defective units can be slow. It’s a great printer when it works, which is most of the time, but have a backup plan if you land a lemon.
Why it’s great
- Large 2.7-inch color touchscreen
- Inexpensive LC501 ink cartridges with good yield
- Quiet operation suitable for shared workspaces
Good to know
- Firmware updates can be tricky
- Occasional reports of early mechanical failures
7. HP OfficeJet Pro 8125
For those who need professional-quality output and higher volume, the HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 is the premium end of the budget spectrum. It prints at 20 ppm black and 10 ppm color, making it the fastest model here. The 225-sheet input tray and 30-sheet ADF mean you can load a full report and walk away while it prints and scans automatically.
The 2.7-inch color touchscreen with a phone-like interface makes navigation easy, and dual-band Wi-Fi with auto-resolution keeps the connection solid. HP Wolf Essential Security adds a layer of network protection for small offices that handle sensitive documents. The AI-powered formatting from HP also applies here, trimming web pages down to what you actually need.
The build is lighter and feels less tank-like than previous OfficeJet Pro generations, and initial setup of the HP Smart app on a PC can sometimes require multiple attempts. The printer is locked to HP cartridges, but the included HP 923 setup cartridges have decent yields (around 255 pages black). The subscription prompts for Instant Ink are easy to ignore if you prefer to buy cartridges outright.
Why it’s great
- Fast 20 ppm black print speed
- 225-sheet input tray with 30-sheet ADF
- HP Wolf security for data protection
Good to know
- Setup may require multiple attempts with HP Smart app
- Lighter build than previous OfficeJet Pro models
FAQ
Do budget all-in-one printers support automatic duplex printing?
What is the difference between starter ink cartridges and standard yield cartridges?
Can I use third-party ink cartridges in budget printers?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the budget all in one printer winner is the Epson Workforce WF-2930 because it combines automatic duplex, individual ink cartridges, voice-activated printing, and a permanent printhead at a price that doesn’t punish you later. If you want faster print speeds and a proven reliability track record, grab the Brother 1360DW. And for professional-grade speed, a large paper tray, and security features for a small office, nothing beats the HP OfficeJet Pro 8125.







