We are going to walk you through the most economical printer for home use in this comprehensive buying guide. Start by breaking down the types of printers available in the market, their pros and cons, and offer our recommended picks.
The end goal is to give you the information needed for your decision-making process.
Here are the most economical printers for home use you can buy in 2024:
- Easy To Set Up (Laser Printer): Brother HL-L2300D
- Compact Design (Laser Printer): Pantum P2502W V8V77B
- Ultra-Fast Print Speed (Laser Printer): Brother Compact Monochrome HLL2395DW
- Energy-Efficient (Inkjet Printer): HP DeskJet 2755e 26K67A
- Lightweight (Inkjet Printer): Canon MG Series PIXMA MG2525
- Easy To Install (Inkjet Printer): Epson Expression Home XP-4100
| 6 Most Economical Printers For Home Use | ||
|---|---|---|
Easy To Set Up | Brother HL-L2300D
| |
Compact Design | Pantum P2502W V8V77B
| |
Ultra-Fast Print Speed | Brother Compact Monochrome HLL2395DW
| |
Energy-Efficient | HP DeskJet 2755e 26K67A
| |
Lightweight | Canon MG Series PIXMA MG2525
| |
Easy To Install | Epson Expression Home XP-4100
| |
Easy To Set Up: Brother HL-L2300D
- Easy to set up – Including the CD/DVD for installation & simple structure
- Sharp and professional output – a 2400 x 600dpi printing resolution
- Consistent performance – an extra-large paper handling
- Wish it came with a USB cable
- No Wi-Fi connectivity
If your need is an affordable, easy-to-set-up laser printer that does excellently its primary jobs, then the Brother HL-L2300D is for you.
It has no Wi-Fi connectivity, colored print option, or Bluetooth setting as found in the higher-end models.
However, it prints black and white papers so professionally and sharply - at up to 2400 x 600dpi resolution - that hardly any low-end laser printers could do. The simple structure allows you to set it up with minimal time and laboring. It's a good start for new users, we believe.
The unit prints fast at any setting. Besides, the extra-large paper handling can hold up to 250 sheets at a time, which is a big plus if you and/or your office frequently use the printer.
| Brother HL-L2300D Specifications | |
|---|---|
Functions | |
Compatible Devices | PC, Laptops |
Print Speed (Up To) | up To 27 ppm |
Input/output Capacity | 250/250 Sheets |
Highlight Features | Including the CD/DVD for installation & simple structure a 2400 x 600dpi printing resolution an extra-large paper handling |
Of all the laser printers we have tested, the Brother HL-L2300D is the easiest to set up
Compact Design: Pantum P2502W V8V77B
- Versatile - Compatibility with smartphones and tablets using Android or iOS system
- Space-saving - the measurement of 13.27'' x 8.66'' x 7.01''
- Very affordable
- Small capacity of the paper holder
- Unable to pair with Chrome system
With the measurement of 13.27'' x 8.66'' x 7.01'', the Pantum P2502W V8V77B is the most compact yet functional laser print, making it ideal for small desk and office.
This is also the most inexpensive in its class, backed by a 1-year standard warranty, and includes a 700-page starter cartridge.
Compared to the Brother HL-L2300D, it can connect with more media to work, including smartphones and tablets using Android or iOS system, thanks to the added Wi-Fi connectivity.
But take note that this laser printer is probably suitable for light-duty use due to the smaller paper holder. Besides, it can't pair with the Chrome system. The print speeds aren't as fast as other counterparts, either.
| Pantum P2502W V8V77B Specifications | |
|---|---|
Functions | |
Compatible Devices | Smartphones, PC, Tablets, Laptops |
Print Speed (Up To) | 23ppm (Letter) 22ppm (A4) |
Input/output Capacity | 100/200 sheets |
Highlight Features | Compatibility with smartphones and tablets using Android or iOS system the measurement of 13.27'' x 8.66'' x 7.01'' |
With a very compact size, the Pantum P2502W V8V77B is easy to fit any small desk size.
Ultra-Fast Print Speed: Brother Compact Monochrome HLL2395DW
- High efficiency - Fast speeds, up to 36 ppm
- Superior convenience – wireless printing capability, Cloud-based print and scan, & NFC
- Able to print different paper sizes
- More expensive than the two laser printers above
If your budget is a bit looser and you want a more functional laser printer, the Brother Compact Monochrome HLL2395DW is a great value for the price.
The unit can print, scan, and copy at noticeably faster speeds - up to 36ppm - whether they are A4 papers, letters, or any legal sized paper.
It can connect to your smartphone, tablet, laptop, PCs, and even popular Cloud services like OneNote, Evernote, Google Drive, and Dropbox to print or scan.
Moreover, it features NFC (Near Field Communication), which allows for data transferring between devices a few inches apart – something that other siblings of Brother Printers don’t have.
The visual and intuitive 2.7" color touchscreen is a big bonus.
| Brother Compact Monochrome HLL2395DW Specifications | |
|---|---|
Functions | Print / Copy / Scan |
Compatible Devices | laptop, smartphone, desktop, and tablets |
Print Speed (Up To) | 36 ppm |
Input/output Capacity | 250/250 pages |
Highlight Features | Fast speeds, up to 36 ppm wireless printing capability, Cloud-based print and scan, & NFC Printing different paper sizes |
Printing at up to 36 ppm, the HP DeskJet 2755e 26K67A is ultra-fast and professional for busy home workers.
Energy-Efficient: HP DeskJet 2755e 26K67A
- Multifunctional – capable of printing, copying, and scanning in color
- Better connections than its competitors - self-reset & ultra-wide wireless connection range
- Energy-efficient - Energy Star labeled
- It uses only Original HP Ink
- Require an HP account
Heavy printer users - who need a hardcore machine to print out documents, forms, or recipes on a regular basis - might want to consider the HP DeskJet 2755e 26K67A.
This beast can print, copy, and scan in color from any of your devices due to the Cloud Print, Network-Ready, and Bluetooth setting function. The max speed it can reach is 7.5 ppm at black print mode and 5.5 ppm at color print mode, and the output capacity is 25 sheets.
Compared to other counterparts in its field, the HP DeskJet 2755e 26K67A's connections are better in range and more dependable. It also features self-reset and HP smart app connectivity for optimal control.
But the best part is you have no fears of increasing energy bills when using this inkjet printer because it's Energy Star labeled, which saves you 10% to 50% of the energy required.
| HP DeskJet 2755e 26K67A Specifications | |
|---|---|
Functions | Print, copy, and scan in color |
Compatible Devices | Smartphones, PC, Laptops |
Print Speed (Up To) | 5.5 ppm color 7.5 ppm black |
Input/output Capacity | 60 sheets/25 sheets |
Highlight Features | capable of printing, copying, and scanning in color self-reset & ultra-wide wireless connection range Energy Star labeled |
The HP DeskJet 2755e 26K67A can meet your heavy-duty printing needs without insanely increasing your energy bills because it’s very energy-efficient
Lightweight: Canon MG Series PIXMA MG2525
- Easy to maneuver or transport – the measurement of 16.8 x 12.1 x 5.8 inches & the weight of only 7.6 pounds
- Perfect for envelope printing – 8 ppm (Black) & 4 ppm (Color)
- Unable to scan
Measuring 16.8 x 12.1 x 5.8 inches and weighing only 7.6 pounds, the Pixma MG2525 is an excellent pick for travelers, those usually on a business trip, or people who want something easy to maneuver.
It can professionally print a wide range of small paper sizes at faster speeds than more expensive models, making it also suitable for people who want to print envelopes only without breaking the bank.
The unit, besides, doesn't require Internet or Wi-Fi connections to work.
Unlike other inkjet printers which are only compatible with Windows 10 or higher, this model pairs well with older Windows versions as well as older Mac versions.
| Canon MG Series PIXMA MG2525 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Functions | Print/copy |
Compatible Devices | PC, Laptops |
Print Speed (Up To) | 4ppm (Color) 8ppm (Black) |
Highlight Features | the measurement of 16.8 x 12.1 x 5.8 inches & the weight of only 7.6 pounds 8 ppm (Black) & 4 ppm (Color) no Internet or Wi-Fi connection required |
Do you need something economical, easy to maneuver, and quality? Then, our favorite pick is the Canon MG Series PIXMA MG2525
Easy To Install: Epson Expression Home XP-4100
- Easy to install – including everything required for installation such as a software install disc and ink
- Hands-free capability – voice command
- Less paper reloading - extra-large paper feed tray
- Use Epson cartridges only
The Epson Expression Home XP-4100 allows you to print from your PC or laptop after hooking it up through a plug-and-play USB cable.
It’s also available as a wireless option, allowing for printing through mobile devices running on Android, iOS, and Fire™ OS. In this way, you need to either run the software via a special disk - which is included in the box - or go on the web and download the installer.
They all are easy to install.
The printer provides many practical functions that we really like, such as the Cloud Auto-scan, voice command, 2.4" color LCD display, and extra-large paper feed tray. The price is so good!
| Epson Expression Home XP-4100 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Functions | Print/scan/copy |
Compatible Devices | Smartphones, PC, Laptops |
Print Speed (Up To) | Color: 4.5 ISO ppm Black: 10.0 ISO ppm |
Input/output Capacity | 100 sheets |
Highlight Features | including everything required for installation such as a software install disc and ink voice command extra-large paper feed tray |
If this is your very first inkjet printer, then you might prefer an easy-to-install option like the Epson Expression Home XP-4100
How To Choose The Most Economical Printer For Home Use?
Types Of Printer
In the market, there are two types of printers:
- Laser printers
- Inkjet printers
The difference between them is laser printers utilize a laser beam to draw documents while the other utilizes ink to print documents.
Now, do you want to save on the initial cost or the operation cost?
Inkjet printers are cheaper in the upfront cost but will require a periodical fee in the ink refilling. Meanwhile, laser printers are on the expensive side in the upfront cost but don’t require extra-fee on the ink during use.
But when considering the right printer for your needs, there are many other factors to consider, aside from budget, such as: color quality, tonal variety, printing speeds, etc.
Here are the pros and cons of each printer type:
Pros | Cons | Best for | |
Laser printers | No inkjet cartridges required Lower cost per printed page Fast printing speeds No input limitation Greater output More precise printing quality | Expensive in the initial cost | People who frequently print a huge quantity of pages at a time |
Inkjet printers | Available in numerous color tones High-quality colors Affordable prices Able to print on | Slow printing speeds High cost per printed page Limited paper handling Requirement of inkjet cartridges Lesser output | People who just print a few pages at a time People who don’t print frequently |
Cost Per Page
If you’re forced to choose an inkjet printer, doing cost-per-page calculation is a trick to help you find the most economical option.
Here is how:
- Determine the type of inkjet cartridge that your printer requires
- Determine the price of the cartridge and its page yield (which is commonly found among the stats of the product)
- Divide the cartridge’s price by its page yield
In general, large-sized ink cartridges tend to be costlier upfront, but cheaper in cost per page.
Which Brands Make The Most Economical Printer For Home Use?
HP
Aside from the low cost of ink, HP printers produce high-quality printouts with precise letterforms and well-saturated colors, as well as natural-looking color when printing glossy photographs.
Canon
In terms of photo printing, Canon has been one of the most dependable brands out there. Their inkjet printers set new standards to the industry: superior photo printing quality and ultra-high color page yield – which makes the cost per page a lot lower.
Epson
Seiko Epson Corporation, or Epson, is leading as the worst printer brand thanks to its combination of impressively low ink costs, generous feature-set, and solid performance. They are also one of the world's largest manufacturers of imaging and information related equipment, and computer printers.
FAQs
Which type of printer gives the best quality printout?
Laser printers are considered to give the best quality printout compared to the inkjet printers.
What is cheaper in the long run: laser or inkjet?
In the long run, laser printers are cheaper than inkjet ones because they don’t require replacing ink cartridges periodically.
Are cheap printers worth it?
A cheap printer will be worthy if it meets your budget and needs. From that point, it will not be suitable for those who have a medium to heavy print load.
What is the disadvantage of a laser printer?
The disadvantage of a laser printer is poor performance on special paper types, like thin papers or low-quality papers.
Are laser printers better for infrequent use?
Laser printers are better for infrequent use than inkjet models if they are for busy offices that require the machine to handle text-based documents and large print volumes.
Conclusion
With so many selections in the market to choose from, our team understands that there can be a lot to determine when picking a new printer. Our comprehensive and strict testing procedure goes past the nitty-gritty details of how they work in reality. Hopefully, the review list of most economical printers for home use is helpful to you.
Eugene WilliamsHi, my name is Eugene, the ultimate home enthusiast! I write buying guides and ideas on how to create a warm and welcoming home. Join me on my journey to make everyday in your house a staycation in the comfort of your own space!
