The 3 Best Cheap And Budget Printers - Fall 2024

The best budget printer we've tested is the Brother MFC-J1205W, also sold as the Brother MFC-J1215W at Walmart. This color all-in-one inkjet model produces sharp documents and detailed photos, and its recurring costs are low, as it uses inexpensive ink cartridges with a high page yield. Its compact size is perfect for tight spaces, and the printer feels impressively well-built. It offers USB and Wi-Fi connectivity and is also compatible with the Brother Mobile Connect app, which you can use to perform maintenance tasks and order supplies from your mobile devices.

While it produces good quality scans, and its scanner's lid hinges extend slightly to accommodate thicker items like textbooks, there are some tradeoffs. First, the lack of an ADF means you'll have to scan each page manually, which can be time-consuming. Another tradeoff for its budget-friendly price is its slow printing of nine black or six color pages per minute. Finally, while this is a versatile and budget-friendly printer, it isn't the best choice if you print infrequently; like all inkjets, the printheads risk clogging if unused for long periods. So, if you only print occasionally, consider our next pick for the best budget laser printer, the Brother HL-L2460DW.

If you only need to print black-and-white documents or simply need a printer to use for return labels every once in a while, we recommend the Brother HL-L2460DW or one of its variants. The choice depends on your needs and budget, as they have slightly different features; depending on the model, you can get Wi-Fi and USB connectivity, as well as support for Apple AirPrint and Mopria Print Service. Consistent across the board is this printer's (and its variants) impressive build quality and convenient features like a detachable power cord, making it easy to replace if damaged. Another positive feature is its small footprint, resulting in these printers being a great option for anyone with space constraints. 

Replacement cartridges are cheap, and they have a good page yield of around 1,300 pages, so you won't have to change them frequently. However, you'll have to replace the drum on this model separately; this is an infrequent maintenance task but an added expense. And unlike inkjet printers, you don't risk printheads clogging, contributing to low maintenance requirements. There are a couple of downsides, though. First, the out-of-the-box print quality is mediocre. Thankfully, the print quality issue can be fixed by changing the printer's settings (see our review for more). Second, this is a print-only model with no scanner, so you must be sure you won't need to scan anything before purchasing it.

For those trying to spend as little as possible, check out the Canon PIXMA MG3620, the best cheap printer we've tested. It's a simple all-in-one inkjet printer designed for people who only print occasionally. We say 'occasionally' because this model has a black and tri-color cartridge, which runs out of ink quickly, so you'll have to replace them often. Also, you'll have to replace the tri-color cartridge even if only a single color runs out, wasting ink. Cost isn't the problem because the cartridges are fairly cheap; it's just a lot of maintenance, and you may end up with many faded or incomplete prints.

On the upside, it still produces high-quality black and color prints. The scanner also produces detailed scans; just don't expect features like an ADF or duplex scanning, as it's a cheap model. But you get many connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, USB, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria Print Service support. Overall, if you only print once in a blue moon, this model can get it done. However, if you print more than that, you'll be better off with a printer with a higher page yield, like our top pick, the Brother MFC-J1205W.