Best Printer for Working From Home in 2026 — Reliable, Fast, and Quiet

Best Printer for Working From Home in 2026 — Reliable, Fast, and Quiet

Working from home sounds great until your printer decides it doesn’t feel like cooperating. I’ve been there — deadline approaching, document queued up, and the machine either jams, runs out of ink, or decides it’s no longer connected to Wi-Fi for absolutely no reason. It’s infuriating.

The good news? There are printers out there that are genuinely built for home office life. Not enterprise-level beasts that cost as much as a car. Just solid, reliable machines that print what you need, stay connected, and don’t demand constant attention. After testing quite a few of them, I’ve narrowed it down to the five best printers for working from home in 2026.

Whether you’re printing contracts, reports, the occasional boarding pass, or school forms for the kids — there’s something here for you. Let’s get into it.

Quick Comparison: Best Work-From-Home Printers 2026

PrinterTypeBest ForPrint SpeedWi-FiAmazon
HP OfficeJet Pro 9015eInkjet AIOBest overall22 ppmView
Brother HL-L2350DWLaserHigh-volume text32 ppmView
Epson EcoTank ET-4850Inkjet AIOLow running costs15 ppmView
Canon PIXMA TR8620aInkjet AIOPhotos + documents15 ppmView
Brother MFC-L2750DWLaser AIOScanning + copying36 ppmView

1. HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e — Best Overall Work-From-Home Printer

If you want one printer that handles everything without complaint, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e is the one I’d recommend first. It prints, scans, copies, and faxes (yes, some people still need fax). It connects via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, and even Ethernet if you want a wired connection. Print speeds hit around 22 pages per minute for black text — genuinely fast for an inkjet.

HP’s Smart app makes wireless setup almost painless, and the 35-page automatic document feeder means you’re not babysitting multi-page scan jobs. Ink costs are reasonable, especially if you sign up for HP Instant Ink (though see my full guide to the cheapest printers to run before committing to a subscription).

One real criticism: the cartridge yield on the standard included cartridges is modest. You’ll want to buy XL cartridges from the start to avoid constantly restocking. Also, the 2.7-inch touchscreen is fine, but a bit small for navigating menus when you’re in a hurry.

  • ✅ Fast print speeds for an inkjet AIO
  • ✅ Excellent app and voice assistant integration
  • ✅ Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity options
  • ❌ Starter ink cartridges are low-yield
  • ❌ Can feel sluggish waking from sleep mode

→ Check price on Amazon

2. Brother HL-L2350DW — Best Laser Printer for WFH

If your home office is primarily a document-printing operation — contracts, reports, spreadsheets, emails — then stop overpaying for inkjet ink and get yourself a laser printer. The Brother HL-L2350DW is one of the best value laser printers you can buy in 2026.

It prints at up to 32 pages per minute. Toner cartridges last for thousands of pages. It’s quiet enough that family members in the next room won’t notice it’s running. And it’s compact — genuinely small for a laser printer. I’ve had mine sitting on a shelf for over a year with zero jams. That’s not an exaggeration.

The downside? It’s a mono-only printer. No color, no scanning, no copying. If you print color charts or marketing materials, this isn’t your pick. But for pure black-and-white document output, it’s hard to beat. Check our full comparison on inkjet vs laser printers if you’re still deciding.

  • ✅ Blazing fast 32 ppm print speed
  • ✅ Very low cost-per-page
  • ✅ Compact and quiet
  • ❌ Mono only — no color printing
  • ❌ No scanner or copier built in

→ Check price on Amazon

3. Epson EcoTank ET-4850 — Best for Low Running Costs

Tired of paying $30 for a set of ink cartridges that lasts three weeks? The Epson EcoTank ET-4850 is the answer. Instead of cartridges, it uses refillable ink tanks. The bottles that come in the box contain enough ink for roughly 7,500 black pages and 6,000 color pages. Replacement bottles cost around $10-15 each and last ages.

It’s an all-in-one: prints, scans, copies, and has a document feeder. Print quality is solid — not quite as sharp as a laser for pure text, but very respectable. For a home office that prints regularly, this thing pays for itself within the first year compared to cartridge-based alternatives.

The honest trade-off: it costs more upfront (typically $250-$350 range) and it’s not the fastest printer on this list. If you print only occasionally, a cheaper inkjet might serve you better economically. But if you’re printing dozens of pages per week, the EcoTank is genuinely smart money. See the full breakdown on cheapest printers to run.

  • ✅ Dramatically lower running costs
  • ✅ Huge ink capacity included out of the box
  • ✅ All-in-one functionality
  • ❌ Higher upfront cost
  • ❌ Slower print speeds than competitors

→ Check price on Amazon

4. Canon PIXMA TR8620a — Best for Photos + Documents

Some WFH setups involve more than just text documents. If you’re printing marketing materials, product photos, or anything where color quality actually matters, the Canon PIXMA TR8620a is a strong pick. It uses a five-ink system (including a dedicated photo black) that produces genuinely beautiful prints.

It handles all the office basics — scan, copy, auto-document-feeder, wireless printing, and even direct printing from memory cards. Canon’s PRINT app works well on both iPhone and Android. The 4.3-inch touchscreen is larger and more intuitive than most competitors in this class.

The weakness is ink cost. The PIXMA uses individual cartridges, and with five of them, you’ll be restocking more than you’d like. XL cartridges help, but it’s still something to budget for. Worth it if print quality is a priority; maybe not if you’re printing purely functional documents all day. Also check our best all-in-one printers guide for more options in this category.

  • ✅ Outstanding color and photo print quality
  • ✅ Large, easy-to-use touchscreen
  • ✅ Great app experience on iPhone and Android
  • ❌ Higher ink running costs
  • ❌ Not the fastest for pure document printing

→ Check price on Amazon

5. Brother MFC-L2750DW — Best Laser All-in-One for WFH

If you want laser speed and sharpness but also need scanning and copying (and yes, faxing if your clients are stuck in 1998), the Brother MFC-L2750DW is the complete package. It prints at 36 ppm, has a fast duplex scanner, and runs on low-cost toner. I’ve seen this thing churn through 50-page documents in the time it takes to make a coffee.

Brother’s reliability record is genuinely excellent. These machines don’t jam much, the toner lasts a long time, and when something does go wrong, their support is decent. The NFC tap-to-print feature is a nice touch for mobile users.

It’s mono-only (like all Brother laser all-in-ones in this price range), and the scan bed is a standard flatbed — nothing fancy. But if your daily work involves high-volume text printing and regular scanning, this is one of the most dependable setups I’ve used. Read more about best printers for home office use cases.

  • ✅ Very fast print and scan speeds
  • ✅ Low toner cost-per-page
  • ✅ Highly reliable, rarely jams
  • ❌ Mono only — no color
  • ❌ Larger footprint than single-function lasers

→ Check price on Amazon

How to Choose the Right WFH Printer

Do you print color or just documents?

This is genuinely the first question. If 95% of what you print is black text — contracts, reports, emails — get a monochrome laser. It’ll be faster, cheaper per page, and more reliable. If you regularly print color charts, photos, or marketing materials, go inkjet. Simple as that.

How often do you actually print?

Inkjets can dry out if left unused for weeks. If you print rarely, consider a laser (no drying issues) or the EcoTank (ink tanks don’t dry out as quickly). Heavy daily printers should prioritize low running costs — which points toward laser or EcoTank territory.

Is noise a concern?

Working from home often means video calls. Laser printers are generally quieter at full speed than inkjets, but they do make some noise when the fuser warms up. The Brother HL-L2350DW in particular is one of the quieter lasers I’ve tested. If noise is a real concern, check decibel ratings in the spec sheets before buying.

What about wireless reliability?

All five printers here support Wi-Fi, and all have earned decent marks for connectivity stability. That said, if your home network is flaky or you’re on the edge of Wi-Fi range, look for a model with an Ethernet port as backup — the HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e and Brother MFC-L2750DW both have one. See our full guide to best wireless printers if that’s a priority.

Pro tip: Before you buy, check the cost of replacement toner or ink cartridges for the model you’re considering. Some printers look cheap upfront but have expensive consumables. A good rule of thumb: if replacement ink for a printer costs more than 20% of the printer’s purchase price, look for a better deal or a different model entirely. Our true cost of printer ownership guide breaks this down in detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best printer for a home office in 2026?

For most people working from home, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e is the best all-around choice. It handles printing, scanning, copying, and faxing, connects wirelessly with minimal hassle, and prints fast enough that you’re not waiting around. If you print mostly documents without color, the Brother HL-L2350DW will serve you better at a lower cost-per-page.

Is a laser or inkjet printer better for working from home?

It depends on what you print. Laser printers are faster, cheaper per page for text, and don’t suffer from dried-out ink problems if left idle. Inkjets handle color and photos much better and are usually cheaper upfront. For a typical home office printing text documents daily, laser is the smarter long-term choice. For mixed color and document printing, a quality inkjet all-in-one makes more sense. Our full inkjet vs laser comparison goes deeper on this.

How do I keep my printer connected to Wi-Fi reliably?

A few things help enormously: place the printer within reasonable range of your router (not in a dead zone), assign it a static IP address in your router settings so it doesn’t get reassigned after reboots, and keep the printer’s firmware updated. Most modern printers have an app or web interface for firmware updates. If you’re still having issues, our printer troubleshooting guide covers connectivity fixes in detail.

Do I need a multifunction printer or just a basic printer?

If there’s any chance you’ll need to scan documents, get an all-in-one. Scanners are genuinely useful for home office work — contracts, tax documents, receipts, school forms. The extra cost over a basic printer is minimal (often $20-$40), and you’ll use the scanner more than you think. The only reason to skip AIO is if you’re buying a dedicated laser for pure speed and lower price.

What’s the cheapest printer to run for a home office?

For color printing, the Epson EcoTank ET-4850 has some of the lowest cost-per-page figures of any inkjet on the market. For black-and-white document printing, a monochrome laser like the Brother HL-L2350DW or Brother MFC-L2750DW will be cheaper per page over time. See the complete breakdown in our cheapest printer to run guide.

At the end of the day, the best printer for working from home is the one that fits your actual workflow — not the most expensive, not necessarily the cheapest, but the right match for how and what you print. Any of the five picks above will serve a home office well. Start with the HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e if you’re not sure; it covers the most ground without a major commitment either way.

And if you’re also shopping for the family’s general printing needs, check out our broader best printer for home office guide — it covers a wider range of scenarios and budgets.

Share This:
FacebooktwitterpinterestFacebooktwitterpinterest
Best Photo Printer for Home Use in 2026 — Stunning Prints Without a Lab

Best Photo Printer for Home Use in 2026 — Stunning Prints Without a Lab

There’s a moment every photo enthusiast knows well: you’ve taken the perfect shot, edited it just right, and you want to hold it in your hands — not squint at it on a screen. That’s where a dedicated home photo printer earns its keep. The problem? Most printers marketed as “photo printers” are genuinely bad at printing photos. Smeared colors, banding, faded prints within months. I’ve tested a lot of them.

After spending weeks printing test images, vacation photos, and portrait shots on six different printers, I’ve narrowed it down to the five that actually deliver. Whether you’re a hobbyist photographer, a scrapbooker, or just someone who wants real prints on the fridge without going to Walgreens, there’s something on this list for you.

Quick note: photo printing quality depends heavily on paper as well as ink. All the picks below perform best on dedicated photo paper — I’ve noted which paper types work best with each. Also, if running costs matter to you (and they should), check my guide on the cheapest printers to run in 2026 before buying.

Quick Comparison: Best Home Photo Printers 2026

PrinterInk SystemMax Print SizeBest ForPrice Range
Canon PIXMA TS9521C6-color dye12×12″Scrapbookers, casual photographers$$
Epson EcoTank ET-85506-color pigment tank13×19″High-volume photo printing$$$
Canon PIXMA PRO-2008-color dye13×19″Serious hobbyists$$$
HP Envy Inspire 7955e4-color dye5×7″Casual family printing$
Epson Expression Photo XP-87006-color dye8×10″Versatile all-rounder$$

1. Canon PIXMA TS9521C — Best Overall for Home Photo Printing

The Canon PIXMA TS9521C is the printer I keep coming back to. It handles up to 12×12-inch square prints (yes, that’s scrapbook size), uses a 6-color dye ink system, and produces genuinely gorgeous results on Canon’s own photo paper. Skin tones look natural, gradients are smooth, and I haven’t seen any banding even on large sky areas.

The all-in-one design includes a flatbed scanner (2400 DPI), which is handy if you’re digitizing old prints. Wireless printing works flawlessly — I connect from my iPhone without any fuss, which is more than I can say for some competitors. It also supports AirPrint, Google Cloud Print alternatives, and Canon’s own Print app.

Specs: 6-color ChromaLife100 dye ink | Up to 12×12″ | 4800×1200 DPI | USB + Wi-Fi | Borderless printing | Auto duplex

  • ✅ Square format support is genuinely unique at this price
  • ✅ Excellent color accuracy out of the box
  • ✅ Solid scanner for an inkjet all-in-one
  • ❌ Ink cartridges are not cheap — about $40–$50 to replace a full set
  • ❌ Prints feel slightly fragile without a protective coating

→ Check price on Amazon

2. Epson EcoTank ET-8550 — Best for High-Volume Photo Printing

If you print a lot of photos — I mean actually a lot — the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 makes a strong case. Yes, the upfront cost is higher. But it uses refillable ink tanks instead of cartridges, which drops your per-print cost dramatically. Epson uses 6-color pigment inks (not dye), which means better fade resistance — important if you’re framing anything.

Print quality is exceptional. Wide-format output up to 13×19 inches is crisp, shadow detail is excellent, and highlight roll-off looks organic rather than clipped. I printed a 13×19 landscape shot of a mountain sunset and it was, genuinely, stunning. The wide-format capability is also what sets this apart from most home photo printers. Epson’s official support can be found at epson.com.

Specs: 6-color UltraChrome pigment ink tanks | Up to 13×19″ | 5760×1440 DPI | USB + Wi-Fi | Borderless printing | No auto duplex

  • ✅ Extremely low running costs after initial outlay
  • ✅ Pigment inks = much better archival quality
  • ✅ Wide-format prints are genuinely impressive
  • ❌ Upfront cost is $400+, which isn’t casual money
  • ❌ No automatic duplex printing
  • ❌ Ink takes slightly longer to dry on standard paper

→ Check price on Amazon

Pro tip: If you’re buying the ET-8550, also pick up Epson’s Ultra Premium Photo Paper Luster. The combination produces results that I’ve shown people who genuinely thought they were lab prints.

3. Canon PIXMA PRO-200 — Best for the Serious Hobbyist

The Canon PIXMA PRO-200 is the printer you buy when you’re done compromising. Eight dye-based inks (including a separate red and blue ink for wider color gamut) produce a color accuracy that’s hard to find outside professional printing services. I ran it through some test prints using Datacolor profiling targets and the delta-E values were impressive.

It handles everything from 4×6 snapshots to 13×19 fine art prints. Black and white printing is especially strong — three separate black inks mean neutral grays that don’t shift color in different lighting (a classic problem with inkjets). If you’ve ever had a B&W print that looks green under fluorescents, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

The main downside is size — this thing is a beast on a desk. It’s wide. Not for small spaces.

Specs: 8-color ChromaLife100+ dye ink | Up to 13×19″ | 4800×2400 DPI | USB + Wi-Fi + Ethernet | Borderless printing | Dedicated B&W printing mode

  • ✅ Exceptional color gamut, especially reds and blues
  • ✅ Neutral, accurate black and white output
  • ✅ Canon’s Pro Print Solution software makes color management easy
  • ❌ Large footprint — not desk-friendly in small rooms
  • ❌ Eight ink cartridges means eight potential replacements to buy

→ Check price on Amazon

4. HP Envy Inspire 7955e — Best Budget Photo Printer

Not everyone needs gallery-quality prints. If you want decent 4×6 and 5×7 snapshots for the fridge or a family album, the HP Envy Inspire 7955e does a perfectly respectable job at a fraction of the price. It’s an all-in-one (print, scan, copy) and connects to HP Instant Ink if you want a subscription-based ink supply.

Photo quality at 4×6 is solid — colors are vibrant, and on HP’s own Advanced Photo Paper, the results look genuinely good. Don’t expect it to compete with the Canon PRO-200 at 13×19, because it can’t — but for everyday casual snapshots, it’s more than enough. The app-based setup is genuinely simple too (I set this up in under five minutes).

Specs: 4-color dye ink | Up to 5×7″ borderless | 4800×1200 DPI | Wi-Fi + Bluetooth | Auto duplex | HP+ compatible

  • ✅ Low upfront cost — usually under $150
  • ✅ Great app and wireless setup experience
  • ✅ HP+ smart features for automatic firmware updates
  • ❌ Only 4 inks means limited color range
  • ❌ Not suitable for anything above 5×7″ photos
  • ❌ HP+ requires an ongoing HP account to stay functional

→ Check price on Amazon

5. Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 — Best Versatile All-Rounder

The Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 hits a sweet spot: 6-color dye inks in a compact all-in-one body that doesn’t take over your desk. It prints borderless photos up to 8×10, scans at up to 2400 DPI, and handles CD/DVD printing (if you still do that sort of thing). Colors are vivid and accurate, and I’ve found it handles skin tones particularly well.

The rear paper tray accepts up to 13×19″ paper, which is a nice surprise given the printer’s relatively small footprint. That said, 13×19 output isn’t quite at the level of the ET-8550 or PRO-200 — dye inks show their limits at larger print sizes if you look closely. But for 4×6 up to 8×10 everyday photo printing, this is a brilliant choice. See also: my picks for the best all-in-one printers in 2026.

Specs: 6-color Claria Photo HD dye ink | Up to 13×19″ (best results at 8×10 and under) | 5760×1440 DPI | USB + Wi-Fi | Auto duplex | CD/DVD printing

  • ✅ Compact footprint for a 6-color photo printer
  • ✅ Claria inks produce vivid, true-to-life colors
  • ✅ CD/DVD printing is a rare bonus
  • ❌ Large-format output isn’t at the level of dedicated wide-format printers
  • ❌ Six ink cartridges can get expensive with heavy use

→ Check price on Amazon

How to Choose the Right Home Photo Printer

Dye ink vs. pigment ink — does it actually matter?

Yes, it does. Dye inks tend to produce more vivid, saturated colors — great for photos you’re keeping in albums or displaying indoors away from direct sunlight. Pigment inks are more fade-resistant and water-resistant, making them the better choice for framed prints or anything that might see UV exposure. If longevity matters, go pigment (ET-8550). If vibrancy and cost matter more, dye inks (TS9521C, XP-8700) are excellent. You can learn more about the technical differences at Wikipedia’s inkjet printing article.

How many ink colors do I need?

More colors generally mean a wider color gamut and smoother gradients. Four-color printers (like the HP Envy Inspire) are fine for casual snapshots. Six-color printers hit a good balance of cost and quality for most home photographers. Eight-color printers (like the Canon PRO-200) are for people who genuinely care about color accuracy and are willing to pay for it. If you’re just printing holiday snapshots, four to six colors is plenty.

What paper should I buy?

Use the printer manufacturer’s own premium photo paper — at least for important prints. Third-party paper is often fine, but first-party paper is optimized for the printer’s specific ink chemistry. For archival prints, matte or luster finishes hold up better over time than glossy. Glossy looks great fresh but shows fingerprints and can stick to glass in frames. I print most things on luster.

Should I worry about running costs?

Absolutely. Photo printing can eat ink fast. Check my full breakdown on the true cost of printer ownership before deciding. The EcoTank ET-8550 has a high upfront cost but very low per-print costs. Standard cartridge-based printers have lower upfront costs but can sting you with ink replacements if you print frequently. Do the math before buying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a regular inkjet printer print photos?

Technically yes, but the results are usually disappointing. Standard inkjet printers (designed primarily for documents) use 3–4 inks and lower DPI output modes that produce grainy, flat-looking photos. A dedicated photo printer uses more ink colors, finer print heads, and software designed for image rendering. The difference is visible immediately. If photos matter to you, get a dedicated photo printer.

How long do home photo prints last?

It depends heavily on ink type, paper, and storage. Dye-based prints in albums away from light can last 50–100+ years. Exposed to direct sunlight, they can fade in 5–10 years. Pigment ink prints (like those from the ET-8550) are rated for 100–200 years under proper conditions. If you’re framing photos or exposing them to light, opt for pigment ink and UV-protective glass.

Is it cheaper to print at home or use a print service?

For small quantities of 4×6 prints, an online print service is often cheaper. But if you print regularly — say, 50+ photos a month — a home printer (especially an EcoTank) becomes cost-competitive. The real advantage of home printing is control: you print when you want, at the size you want, on the paper you choose, without waiting for delivery. That flexibility has a value that’s hard to put a number on.

Do I need a special printer for 4×6 photos?

No — all the printers on this list handle 4×6 borderless printing. What varies is how much else they can do. If 4×6 is all you ever need, the HP Envy Inspire 7955e is the most economical choice. If you want the option to go larger eventually, the Canon TS9521C or Epson XP-8700 give you more room to grow.

What’s the best printer for printing photos from an iPhone?

All five printers on this list support wireless printing from iPhone. The ones with the smoothest experience are the HP (via the HP Smart app) and the Canon printers (via Canon Print Inkjet/SELPHY). All of them support AirPrint. For more on wireless printing, see my guide to the best printers for home offices and the best AirPrint-compatible printers.

My honest summary: if I could only keep one of these, I’d take the Canon PIXMA TS9521C for its balance of print quality, versatility, and print size options. But if I printed heavily and cared about archival quality, I’d make the jump to the Epson ET-8550. Either way, having a good photo printer at home is one of those things that seems like a luxury until you have one — then it’s hard to imagine not having it.

Share This:
FacebooktwitterpinterestFacebooktwitterpinterest
Best Printer Under $100 in 2026 — Top Picks for Every Use

Best Printer Under $100 in 2026 — Top Picks for Every Use

A hundred dollars. That’s roughly the price of two decent restaurant dinners, one tank of gas, or — if you shop smart — a genuinely good printer that’ll handle everything you throw at it for the next few years. I’ve spent the better part of the last month testing printers in this price range, and I’ll be honest: there are some real gems here. There’s also plenty of garbage. This guide cuts through both.

Whether you need something for occasional documents, regular photo printing, or an all-in-one that can scan and copy too, there’s a solid option under $100. You don’t need to spend more. What you do need is to pick the right one — because the wrong choice will cost you far more in ink than you saved on the printer itself.

Before we get into the picks, one thing to remember: the sticker price is just the start. Always factor in ink costs. Some printers are cheap upfront and expensive to run. Others (especially tank-based models) flip that equation. I’ll flag ink costs clearly for every pick below.

Best Printers Under $100 — Quick Comparison

PrinterTypeBest ForInk Cost/PagePrint Speed
Canon PIXMA TR4720Inkjet AIOHome & students~3¢ B&W / ~9¢ color8 ppm
HP DeskJet 4155eInkjet AIOCasual users~4¢ B&W / ~11¢ color7.5 ppm
Epson EcoTank ET-2800Tank Inkjet AIOHigh-volume printing~1¢ B&W / ~3¢ color10 ppm
Brother HL-L2350DWLaserText-heavy, no color~2.5¢ B&W32 ppm
Canon PIXMA MG3620Inkjet AIOBudget basics~5¢ B&W / ~12¢ color8 ppm

1. Canon PIXMA TR4720 — Best All-Rounder Under $100

The Canon PIXMA TR4720 is what I’d hand to someone who asked “just tell me what to buy.” It prints, scans, copies, and even faxes (yes, fax is still a thing in some offices). Setup over Wi-Fi takes about four minutes. Print quality is genuinely good — sharper text than I expected at this price, and photos come out with accurate enough colors that I’d use them for casual social media prints.

The TR4720 connects to both iOS and Android without drama. AirPrint and Google Cloud Print are both supported, so printing from your phone is tap-and-done. It also works with HP’s — wait, no, this is a Canon. It works with Canon’s PRINT Inkjet app, which is actually pretty polished for a printer app.

Specs

  • Print/Scan/Copy/Fax: Yes
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB, Bluetooth
  • Print Speed: 8 ppm (B&W), 4 ppm (color)
  • Resolution: 4800 x 1200 dpi
  • Paper Capacity: 60 sheets
  • Duplex: Manual
  • Ink: PG-275XL / CL-276XL cartridges

Pros & Cons

  • ✅ Solid print quality for the price
  • ✅ Easy wireless setup
  • ✅ Compact enough for a desk corner
  • ❌ Paper tray only holds 60 sheets — annoying if you print a lot
  • ❌ Ink costs add up over time with standard cartridges

→ Check price and availability on Amazon


2. HP DeskJet 4155e — Best for Instant Ink Subscribers

The HP DeskJet 4155e sits comfortably under $100 and comes with six months of HP+ Instant Ink included — which is genuinely useful if you print fewer than 50 pages a month. Once that trial runs out, you’ll need to decide whether to subscribe or switch to buying cartridges. The subscription math works out well for light printers; heavy users might find the per-cartridge costs annoying.

Print quality is fine. Not spectacular, but fine. Text is clear and crisp. Color photos look decent on HP photo paper. I wouldn’t print anything I was planning to frame, but for school projects and everyday documents, it does the job without complaints.

Pro tip: If you go the Instant Ink route with this printer, set a page limit reminder. It’s easy to print more than your tier allows and get hit with overage charges. The app has usage tracking — actually use it.

Specs

  • Print/Scan/Copy: Yes (no fax)
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB, Bluetooth LE
  • Print Speed: 7.5 ppm (B&W), 5.5 ppm (color)
  • Resolution: 1200 x 1200 dpi
  • Paper Capacity: 60 sheets
  • Duplex: Manual
  • Ink: HP 67 / 67XL cartridges

Pros & Cons

  • ✅ Includes 6 months of Instant Ink
  • ✅ Simple, clean HP Smart app
  • ✅ Good wireless reliability
  • ❌ Ink costs are above average if not on subscription
  • ❌ HP+ lock-in means you must use HP cartridges permanently

→ Check price and availability on Amazon


3. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 — Best Value If You Print a Lot

Here’s the thing about the Epson EcoTank ET-2800: it sometimes dips under $100 (or just barely over), and when it does, it’s the smartest buy on this entire list. Tank-based printers use refillable ink bottles instead of cartridges. The ink that comes in the box is worth roughly $40 at cartridge equivalent prices — and it’ll last you over a year of normal printing.

Honestly, the upfront cost feels like a lot until you realize you’re paying maybe $1-3 per bottle refill later. If you print regularly — weekly school projects, home office documents, anything beyond occasional — the EcoTank pays for itself within a few months. I’ve seen people save $80-100 in a single year just switching from a cartridge printer.

The tradeoff? Setup takes a bit longer (filling the tanks takes a couple of minutes) and the ET-2800 is a basic model — no fax, no Ethernet, and scanning is slower than premium models. But for a home user who prints a few times a week? It’s hard to argue against it. See our full comparison of cheapest printers to run if you want to dig deeper into running costs.

Specs

  • Print/Scan/Copy: Yes
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB
  • Print Speed: 10 ppm (B&W), 5 ppm (color)
  • Resolution: 5760 x 1440 dpi
  • Paper Capacity: 100 sheets
  • Duplex: Manual
  • Ink: Refillable tanks (502 bottles)

Pros & Cons

  • ✅ Ultra-low cost per page — among the lowest available
  • ✅ Includes 2 years’ worth of ink in the box
  • ✅ 100-sheet paper tray — actually useful capacity
  • ❌ Slightly slower print speeds than cartridge models
  • ❌ Price fluctuates — occasionally goes above $100

→ Check price and availability on Amazon


4. Brother HL-L2350DW — Best Laser Printer Under $100

If you only print text — and don’t need color — the Brother HL-L2350DW is a revelation. Thirty-two pages per minute. Sharp, laser-crisp text. Toner that lasts thousands of pages. No smearing, no waiting for ink to dry, no “is this dry yet?” before stuffing it into an envelope.

Laser printers work differently from inkjets — they use heat and toner powder rather than liquid ink. This makes them faster and more reliable for text documents. The cost per page on this Brother is around 2.5 cents — far cheaper than most inkjets, and the toner cartridges don’t dry out if you don’t print for a few weeks. That’s a genuine quality-of-life improvement if you’re a sporadic printer.

The catch: no color, no scanning, no copying. This is a print-only device. If you also need to scan or copy, you’d need to step up to the Brother MFC-L2750DW (over $100) or look at one of the inkjet all-in-ones above. Also worth noting: the standard toner cartridge that ships in the box is a “starter” cartridge rated for about 700 pages. The full-size replacement cartridge handles 3,000+ pages. Budget for that replacement if you print a lot right away.

Specs

  • Print Only (no scan/copy)
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB
  • Print Speed: 32 ppm (B&W only)
  • Resolution: 2400 x 600 dpi
  • Paper Capacity: 250 sheets
  • Duplex: Automatic
  • Toner: TN-730 / TN-760

Pros & Cons

  • ✅ Blazing fast — 32 ppm is genuinely impressive
  • ✅ Auto duplex printing standard
  • ✅ 250-sheet tray — no constant reloading
  • ✅ Toner doesn’t dry out between print sessions
  • ❌ No color — at all
  • ❌ No scanning or copying
  • ❌ Starter toner in box runs out quickly

→ Check price and availability on Amazon


5. Canon PIXMA MG3620 — Best Budget Pick for Basics

The Canon PIXMA MG3620 is the “just get something that works” option. It prints, scans, copies, connects to Wi-Fi, and usually comes in well under $50. If you print maybe once a week for school or occasional household stuff, this covers the basics without requiring much thought.

Print quality is solid for documents and good enough for casual photos. It’s slower than the other picks here (8 ppm for black, 4 ppm for color) and the ink cartridges are on the pricier side per page. But at the low price point, it’s hard to complain too loudly. Consider it the entry-level ticket — good for light use, likely to feel limiting if you print regularly.

Pros & Cons

  • ✅ Very affordable upfront
  • ✅ Does the basics well
  • ✅ Mobile printing support (AirPrint, Google Cloud Print)
  • ❌ Higher ink cost per page than other picks
  • ❌ Slower print speed
  • ❌ Smaller paper tray (100 sheets)

→ Check price and availability on Amazon


How to Choose the Right Printer Under $100

The biggest mistake people make is choosing based on price alone. Two printers can both be $79 and have completely different running costs — one might cost you $30/year in ink, the other $120/year. So here’s how to actually decide:

How Much Do You Print?

If you print less than 30 pages a month, almost any of these will do. If you’re printing 100+ pages a month, go for the EcoTank ET-2800 or the Brother HL-L2350DW. The ink savings will offset any price difference quickly.

Do You Need Color?

If it’s text-only (reports, homework, contracts, forms), a laser printer like the Brother HL-L2350DW is objectively better: faster, cheaper per page, more reliable. If you need color — even occasionally — you need an inkjet.

Do You Need to Scan or Copy?

Three of the five picks here are all-in-ones with scan and copy functions. The Brother laser-only does not. If you ever need to digitize documents or make copies, get one of the AIO options. Check out the best all-in-one printers if you want a deeper comparison of AIO models across all price ranges.

What About Wireless Printing?

All five picks here support Wi-Fi. If you’re printing from an iPhone or iPad, look for AirPrint compatibility — the Canon and Epson picks both support it. For more detail, see our guide to the best AirPrint printers. Android users can usually use Google Cloud Print or the manufacturer’s own app, both of which work fine.

What to Watch Out For: Ink Costs

This deserves its own section because it catches a lot of people off guard. Printer manufacturers often sell printers at low margins (or even a loss) and make their money on ink cartridges. Some of the cheapest printers have the most expensive ink. Always look up the cost per page for a printer before you buy — it’s usually listed on the manufacturer’s spec sheet.

For reference, here’s a rough guide to what’s reasonable in 2026:

  • Under 3¢/page B&W: Good — that’s EcoTank/laser territory
  • 3-5¢/page B&W: Average for an inkjet
  • Over 6¢/page B&W: Expensive — watch out

Our full breakdown of the cheapest printers to run goes into a lot more detail on this if you want the full picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a $100 printer worth buying, or should I spend more?

For most home users, a printer under $100 is absolutely sufficient. The main thing you give up in this price range is speed (slower than premium models) and paper capacity (smaller trays). For a home or student user printing a few times a week, none of that matters much. If you’re running a small office printing hundreds of pages a day, yes — spend more.

What’s the cheapest printer to run overall?

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 wins on running costs — around 1 cent per black page and 3 cents per color page. The Brother HL-L2350DW is similarly cheap for black-only printing. Both are in or around the $100 range. See the best home office printer guide for options suited to heavier workloads.

Do printers under $100 work with iPhones?

Yes — most modern printers in this range support AirPrint, which lets you print directly from an iPhone or iPad without installing any app. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 and Epson EcoTank ET-2800 both support AirPrint. The HP DeskJet 4155e works via the HP Smart app. Check our list of the best AirPrint printers for more options.

Should I get an inkjet or a laser printer for home use?

For most homes: inkjet. You get color printing, scanning, and copying in one device, usually under $100. Laser printers are better if you print a lot of text-only documents and want lower cost-per-page and faster speeds — but they’re black-only in this price range. For a full breakdown, see our best wireless printers comparison.

Are generic ink cartridges safe to use in budget printers?

They can be, but results vary. Third-party cartridges work fine in some printers and cause issues in others. HP in particular has been known to push firmware updates that block non-HP cartridges — especially on HP+ enrolled printers. If you’re buying a printer specifically to use cheaper third-party ink, the Epson EcoTank is a safer bet since you refill with bottles rather than cartridges.

There you have it — five solid printers that won’t drain your wallet upfront, and won’t punish you too badly on running costs either. My personal pick for most people is the Canon PIXMA TR4720: it hits the sweet spot of quality, features, and price. If you print a lot, seriously consider the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 — you’ll thank yourself in six months when you haven’t bought a single cartridge. And if you only ever print text? The Brother HL-L2350DW is in a league of its own for speed and reliability.

Share This:
FacebooktwitterpinterestFacebooktwitterpinterest