Finding a printer that doesn’t bleed you dry on ink refills is the real challenge in the budget market. The upfront price tag on a “bargain” machine often hides a brutal long-term cost that catches casual buyers off guard. A truly affordable printer balances a low entry fee with reasonable, accessible supplies.
I’m Rikta — the co-founder and writer behind FitlyFast. I analyze the long-term cost of ownership, page yield data, and real-world reliability reports to separate genuinely cheap printers from marketing traps.
After comparing print speeds, duplexing features, and ink cartridge costs, I have identified the top options worth your money if you are searching for the best bargain printer that won’t punish you later with expensive refills.
How To Choose The Best Bargain Printer
A bargain printer should be evaluated on its long-term cost, not just the sticker shock. The real metric is the cost-per-page, which combines the price of a cartridge set divided by its page yield. A printer with cheap starter cartridges that run dry in 200 pages is far more expensive over a year than one with a higher upfront cost but a 600-page yield per cartridge.
Automatic Duplex Printing
An automatic duplexer lets you print on both sides of the paper without manually flipping sheets. This feature cuts paper consumption by nearly half and is a hallmark of a well-designed budget model. Manual duplex printing, where the software prompts you to reinsert the page, is slower and error-prone.
Ink Technology and Cartridge Types
Pigment-based black ink produces sharp, water-resistant text, ideal for documents. Dye-based color ink offers vibrant photos but can fade over time. Some printers use a single tri-color cartridge, forcing you to replace the entire unit when one color runs out. Individual cartridges waste less ink and lower your per-page cost.
Connectivity Options
Wi-Fi connectivity adds convenience for mobile printing from phones and tablets. Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) provides more stable connections in busy homes. If your network is finicky, a printer with a USB port or Ethernet jack offers a wired fallback that never drops signal.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brother Work Smart 1410 | All-In-One | Home Office Productivity | 16 ppm B&W / 9 ppm Color | Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA TS7720 | All-In-One | Home & Photo Printing | Auto Duplex, 2.7″ Touchscreen | Amazon |
| Epson WF-3823 | All-In-One | High-Volume Work | 21 ppm B&W, 250-Sheet Tray | Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA TS6520 | All-In-One | Compact Home Use | 14 ppm B&W, OLED Display | Amazon |
| Epson WF-2930 | All-In-One | Fax & Document Handling | Auto Duplex, ADF, Color Display | Amazon |
| HP LaserJet M209d | Laser Mono | Fast B&W Document Printing | 30 ppm, USB-Only Connection | Amazon |
| HP DeskJet 2755e | All-In-One | Occasional Basic Tasks | 7.5 ppm B&W, Manual Duplex | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Brother Work Smart 1410
The Brother Work Smart 1410 hits the sweet spot between upfront affordability and long-term ink economics. It prints at 16 pages per minute in black and 9 in color, with an automatic duplexer and a 20-sheet ADF for scanning multi-page documents. The 2.7-inch color touchscreen and cloud app connectivity make navigation simple, and Brother’s LC501 ink cartridges are reasonably priced with good page yields.
Setup through the Brother Mobile Connect app is straightforward, and the printer supports both wireless and USB connections. Users report cartridges lasting over six months under normal home office use, which is a strong indicator of low per-page running costs. The compact footprint fits easily on a small desk without sacrificing paper capacity.
The automatic duplex printing is a productivity booster, and the fast first-page-out times mean less waiting. Brother’s reputation for reliability is well earned here, with minimal jams and consistent print quality across both text and color graphics. It is a well-rounded machine that justifies its position as our top pick.
Why it’s great
- Low per-page ink cost with high-yield cartridges
- Fast print speeds and automatic duplexing
- Cloud app integration for remote printing
Good to know
- Setup can take some time for less tech-savvy users
- Printer is a bit loud during operation
2. Canon PIXMA TS7720
The Canon PIXMA TS7720 is a strong contender for users who want decent photo quality without stepping into a dedicated photo printer. It delivers 15 pages per minute in black and 10 in color, with a 2.7-inch LCD touchscreen that makes navigating settings feel modern. The two-cartridge system (PG-285 black, CL-286 color) keeps replacement simple, though the starter cartridges have limited yield.
Automatic duplex printing is included, saving paper on multi-page documents. The wireless setup via the Canon PRINT app works reliably with iOS and Android devices. Users praise its crisp text output and vibrant color prints for family photos, though the color gamut is less rich than Canon’s five-ink models. The compact white design blends into most home offices.
Some users note that the bottom paper tray must be pulled out manually and that the default auto power-off setting can be annoying if you forget to enable Auto Power On in the settings. Despite these small quirks, the TS7720 offers a compelling feature set for a mid-range price. It is a dependable all-in-one that handles most home printing needs with ease.
Why it’s great
- Large, intuitive 2.7-inch touchscreen interface
- Fast print speeds for a home inkjet
- Automatic duplex printing included
Good to know
- Starter ink cartridges run out quickly
- WiFi connection can be finicky on some networks
3. Epson Workforce Pro WF-3823
It features PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology, which allows for fast 21 pages per minute in black and 11 in color, with a duty cycle that can handle heavy workloads. The 250-sheet paper tray and 35-page ADF make it ideal for small offices or busy home offices.
The DURABrite Ultra instant-dry pigment inks produce professional-quality prints that resist smudging and water. The 2.7-inch color touchscreen is responsive, and the printer supports wireless, Wi-Fi Direct, and Ethernet connections. Setup via the Epson Smart Panel app is smooth, though some users found the initial instructions unclear and had to search online for guidance.
One recurring concern from users is that the printer requires genuine Epson cartridges, and some units have had issues recognizing cartridges after firmware updates. Additionally, the ADF can sometimes pull multiple sheets, and the WiFi connection may drop occasionally, requiring a power cycle. Despite these issues, its speed and paper capacity make it a compelling value for high-volume users.
Why it’s great
- Fast print speeds with heat-free technology
- Large 250-sheet paper tray for fewer refills
- Instant-dry pigment inks for smudge-free prints
Good to know
- Strictly requires genuine Epson cartridges
- ADF can jam with multiple sheets
4. Canon PIXMA TS6520
The Canon PIXMA TS6520 is a sleek, compact all-in-one that excels in small spaces. It offers 14 pages per minute in black and 9 in color, with automatic duplex printing and a 1.42-inch monochrome OLED display for checking ink levels and printer status. The dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) ensures a stable wireless connection in crowded network environments.
Setup is fast — most users are up and running within ten minutes. The hybrid ink system uses PG-295 pigment-based black for sharp text and CL-286 dye-based color for vivid photos. Mobile printing via the Canon PRINT App, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria is seamless. The printer supports diverse media types up to 8.5×11 inches, with or without borders.
Some users note that the printer can be slow to receive print jobs, though actual printing speed is good once started. The monochrome OLED is basic but functional, and the lack of a touchscreen may be a drawback for those used to more interactive displays. Overall, it is a reliable, budget-friendly option for home users who prioritize a small footprint and stable wireless performance.
Why it’s great
- Dual-band Wi-Fi for reliable connectivity
- Compact and stylish design
- Automatic duplex printing included
Good to know
- Slow to receive print jobs initially
- Monochrome OLED display is basic
5. Epson Workforce WF-2930
The Epson Workforce WF-2930 is a versatile all-in-one that adds fax functionality to the standard print, copy, and scan features. It prints at 10 pages per minute in black and 5 in color, with automatic duplex printing and a 1.4-inch color display for navigation. The ADF supports multi-page document scanning, and the printer works with Alexa and Siri for voice-activated printing.
Setup via the Epson Smart Panel app is smooth, and the individual ink cartridges (T232 series) allow you to replace only the color that runs out. Users appreciate the reliable print quality for documents, though color graphics can appear slightly dull compared to higher-end models. The heat-free technology ensures consistent output and a long-lasting permanent printhead.
A significant downside is that the printer ships with starter cartridges that are less than half full, forcing you to buy expensive genuine Epson ink almost immediately. Non-genuine ink voids the warranty, which limits your options. Some users also report the printer body feels flimsy for its size. If you need fax and ADF at a low entry cost, this is a functional choice with some caveats.
Why it’s great
- Built-in fax and ADF for document handling
- Voice-activated printing with Alexa and Siri
- Individual ink cartridges reduce waste
Good to know
- Starter ink cartridges are nearly empty
- Non-genuine ink voids the warranty
6. HP LaserJet M209d
The HP LaserJet M209d is a monochrome laser printer that prioritizes speed and simplicity. It delivers 30 pages per minute with automatic duplex printing, making it the fastest option in this list for black-and-white document printing. The USB-only connection means no Wi-Fi headaches, and an actual USB cable is included in the box. The compact design and smart-guided buttons make it easy to use.
Users highly praise its reliability — plug it in, and it works instantly without any network configuration. Print quality is sharp and professional, ideal for text-heavy documents and reports. The 150-sheet input tray is sufficient for individual or small team use. It also supports off-brand toner cartridges, which can significantly lower per-page cost.
However, this printer is not compatible with Mac OS 12.x or later, a major limitation for Apple users. It is strictly a printer — no scanning or copying functionality. The lack of wireless connectivity may be a dealbreaker for those who need mobile printing. If you work in a Windows environment and only need black-and-white prints, this is a rock-solid, no-fuss workhorse.
Why it’s great
- Fastest print speed at 30 ppm
- Reliable USB connection with included cable
- Compatible with affordable off-brand toner
Good to know
- Not compatible with recent Mac OS versions
- No scanning, copying, or wireless features
7. HP DeskJet 2755e
The HP DeskJet 2755e is the quintessential entry-level inkjet for light, occasional use. It prints at 7.5 pages per minute in black and 5.5 in color, with manual duplex printing. The HP Smart app guides you through setup, and the printer supports wireless connectivity with dual-band Wi-Fi for better range. It includes a six-month Instant Ink trial, which can lower running costs if you remember to cancel before it auto-renews.
Print quality for basic documents and photos is acceptable for home tasks like recipes, forms, and school projects. The compact dimensions (6.06 x 16.7 x 11.97 inches) fit in tight spaces. Users who are comfortable with app-based setup and occasional troubleshooting find it a decent value for the price. The LCD display is basic but functional.
On the downside, many users report a tedious setup process that can take 40 minutes or longer due to HP Smart app failures. Print quality has been described as smeary or blurry by some after only a few pages. The printer also requires original HP cartridges and periodic firmware updates that can cause connectivity issues. It is best suited for someone willing to invest time in setup for the lowest possible upfront cost.
Why it’s great
- Very low upfront cost for occasional printing
- Compact design fits small spaces
- Includes six-month Instant Ink trial
Good to know
- Setup can be long and frustrating
- Print quality inconsistent after initial use
- Dual-sided printing is manual only
FAQ
What does automatic duplex printing mean for a bargain printer?
How do I calculate the real cost per page of a cheap printer?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best bargain printer winner is the Brother Work Smart 1410 because it combines low ink costs, automatic duplexing, and reliable performance in a compact package. If you want a printer with a large touchscreen and strong photo output, grab the Canon PIXMA TS7720. And for high-volume black-and-white document printing, nothing beats the speed of the HP LaserJet M209d.