The 5 Best Cheap Printers - Summer 2021 Reviews

The best cheap printer that we've tested is the Canon PIXMA MG3620. This is a simple all-in-one color inkjet model that doesn't have a display screen and feels rather poorly built and flimsy, but it has a flatbed scanner with a good scan resolution and color depth, and hinges that lift to scan thicker items.

While its overall page yield is disappointing, the cartridges themselves aren't very expensive, so the cost-per-print is great, particularly for color documents and photos. It prints photos at a very good speed, with good quality in the details and passably accurate color reproduction that should be fine for casual prints. You can print via Apple AirPrint and Mopria Print Service, and it also connects to Wi-Fi for networking capability.

Unfortunately, it doesn't have a sheetfed scanner, so processing multi-page documents could take a while. It also prints color documents slowly, and it only has one color cartridge, so you'll need to replace the whole cartridge if just one color of ink runs out. However, high-yield cartridges are available and should last longer, though we haven't tested them. All in all, this is a reasonably good printer if you only need to print occasionally and don't want to pay too much upfront.

The best inexpensive printer for photos that we've tested is the Canon PIXMA TR4520. It's an all-in-one inkjet that produces impressive-looking photos, with clear details and decently accurate, vibrant colors. While its color document page yields are poor, the cost-per-print for photos is satisfactory, so you shouldn't spend too much over time.

It has very good scanning features, with a flatbed scanner with hinges that can lift slightly for scanning thicker items like magazines, an automatic document feeder, and built-in fax. The connectivity options are decent, including Ethernet and a direct connection to your computer, and wireless options like Apple AirPrint and Mopria Print Service.

Unfortunately, it has a terrible black page yield at a poor cost-per-print, and it prints at a disappointingly slow speed overall. Since there's only one color cartridge, you'll need to replace it if you run out of only one color. Also, its automatic document feeder can't duplex scan, so processing double-sided, multi-page documents could be cumbersome. That said, this printer is a good choice if you're looking for a cheap unit that prints great-looking photos.

The best cheap laser printer we've tested is the Brother HL-L2370DW. This simple laser-only unit warms up decently quickly to print out the first page, and prints black text documents exceptionally quick so you won't have to wait. Its black page yield is superb, at a fantastic cost-per-print, meaning you won't have to replace the toner too often.

It feels very well built and easy to use, with easy access to the toner cartridge and potential paper jams. The connectivity options are great, including an Ethernet port and Wi-Fi, and Apple AirPrint and Mopria Print Service. The companion app is incredible, and you can use it to print the most common file types, check the toner level, and order new toner online.

Unfortunately, it doesn't have any kind of scanner, which could be a dealbreaker for some. Also, because it's a monochrome laser printer, it produces black-and-white-only photos with terrible quality. You'll also need to replace the drum unit separately from the toner, which will cost you extra. That said, it's an excellent choice if you need something for black-and-white printing, and it's among the best laser printers we've tested.

The best budget printer we've tested is the Canon PIXMA TR7520. This all-in-one inkjet model is a great option if you're looking for a printer that's versatile enough for a range of uses. It has a flatbed scanner to scan thick or fragile items and an automatic document feeder to process multi-page documents quickly. While this option is difficult to find in stock, you may still find it at some retailers.

It produces detailed-looking photos with colors that are well-defined, deep, and reasonably accurate. Thanks to its relatively cheap cartridge cost, it has a very good cost-per-print, and it's especially excellent for color prints and photos. It offers a wide range of wireless and wired connectivity options, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and support for Apple AirPrint and Mopria Print Service.

Unfortunately, its black page yield is low, so you may need to replace the black cartridge often if you intend on printing many monochrome documents. Also, since it doesn't have a duplex scanning feature, you need to manually flip over any double-sided sheets, which may be tedious if you need to scan them often. Nonetheless, this is a good choice for home use if you're looking for a budget option.