A cheap all-in-one printer that can’t handle a simple duplex scan or drops its Wi-Fi connection mid-print isn’t a bargain — it’s a desk ornament. Every model here earns its place by delivering dependable print, scan, and copy functions without the subscription traps or flimsy paper trays that plague the budget tier.
I’m Mo Maruf — the founder and writer behind The Tools Trunk. I analyze home office hardware specs and ink-system economics to separate genuine value from products designed to fail just after the return window.
After reviewing seven competing units based on real-world print speeds, ink yield, connectivity reliability, and build quality, here is the definitive guide to the cheap all in one printer that actually does its job day after day.
How To Choose The Best Cheap All In One Printer
Buying a cheap printer isn’t just about the lowest sticker price. The real cost lives in the ink cartridges you’ll replace every few months and the frustration of a scanner that can’t feed a multi-page document. Focus on these three factors to avoid turning a low upfront cost into an expensive headache.
Print Speed and Duty Cycle
ISO pages-per-minute rating tells you how fast the engine runs on standard documents. A cheap inkjet that advertises 7 ppm black will feel slow when you’re printing a 20-page report before a meeting. Duty cycle — the recommended monthly page volume — reveals whether the paper path can handle sporadic heavy use or is strictly for light home tasks. Look for at least 1,000 pages per month if you print homework, recipes, and occasional remote-work documents.
Ink System Architecture
Printers that use separate black and tri-color cartridges burn through color ink faster because the cyan, magenta, and yellow are locked into one tank — replace the whole thing when one color runs dry. Models with individual ink tanks cost more initially but let you swap only the drained color. Also check whether the printer accepts third-party or refilled cartridges; some firmware updates deliberately block non-OEM ink, turning a budget printer into a forced subscription service.
Auto Document Feeder and Duplex
A cheap all-in-one without an ADF means standing at the scanner glass to feed each page of a multi-page contract one by one. That 35-page ADF on some budget models saves 10 minutes of tedium per job. Automatic duplex printing halves paper waste and cuts your ream-buying frequency, but many entry-level units force manual duplex — you flip pages yourself. These two features separate a genuinely useful device from a machine that makes you do the work.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brother Work Smart MFJ1360DW | Mid-Range | Home office with moderate volume | 16 ppm black / 9 ppm color | Amazon |
| Epson WorkForce Pro WF-3823 | Premium | High-volume home or micro business | 21 ppm black / 11 ppm color | Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA TS6520 | Mid-Range | Compact desktop with photo quality | 14 ppm black / 9 ppm color | Amazon |
| HP Envy 6458e | Mid-Range | Reliable wireless with ADF scanning | 10 ppm black / 7 ppm color | Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA TR4720 | Value | Budget with built-in fax | 8.8 ppm black / 4.4 ppm color | Amazon |
| Epson Expression Home XP-4200 | Value | Borderless photo printing | 10 ppm black / 5 ppm color | Amazon |
| HP DeskJet 2755e | Budget | Light occasional home printing | 7.5 ppm black / 5.5 ppm color | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Brother Work Smart MFCJ1360DW
The Brother MFCJ1360DW sets the tone for what a cheap all-in-one should deliver: a full 16 ppm black print speed, automatic duplex, a 20-sheet single-sided ADF, and a 150-sheet paper tray that actually holds enough paper for a week of homework and bills. The 1.8-inch color display gives you at-a-glance ink monitoring without needing to open a phone app. Brother uses LC501 series ink, and the cartridge architecture lets you replace individual colors — no forced combo-cartridge waste.
Wireless setup is genuinely painless via the Brother Mobile Connect app, and the printer maintains a stable connection on dual-band Wi-Fi without the dropouts that plague some budget HP units. Print quality is crisp for black text and respectable for color handouts; the scanner handles multi-page documents through the ADF without jamming, and the flatbed performs well for photos or bound pages. The 9 ppm color speed is adequate for light office use, though heavy photo enthusiasts may want faster throughput.
The primary trade-off is the lack of an Ethernet port — this machine is Wi-Fi or USB only, which may deter users who need a fixed-network connection. Some units ship with a defective firmware that causes a false paper jam error, but that appears to be a batch issue rather than a design flaw. Overall, the MFCJ1360DW delivers the best feature-to-dollar ratio in the sub‑100 space right now.
What works
- Fast 16 ppm black printing for the price tier
- Reliable wireless connection and easy mobile setup
- Individual ink cartridges reduce color waste
What doesn’t
- No Ethernet port — Wi-Fi or USB only
- ADF is single-sided only, no duplex scanning
- Occasional firmware issues on first units
2. Epson WorkForce Pro WF-3823
The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-3823 is the speed king of this category, churning out 21 ppm in black and 11 ppm in color using PrecisionCore Heat-Free technology. That print engine means lower energy draw and fewer mechanical parts that can break, plus instant-dry DURABrite Ultra pigment inks that resist smudging on standard copy paper. The 250-sheet paper tray dwarfs the competition and reduces refill frequency for busy households or micro-businesses.
The 2.7-inch color touchscreen makes navigation intuitive, and the 35-page ADF handles multi-page scanning with reasonable reliability — some users report occasional double-feed, but it performs well for the class. Connectivity is comprehensive: built-in Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct for device-to-printer printing without a network, and Ethernet for fixed-wire setups. The Epson Smart Panel app simplifies mobile scanning and printing, though the initial setup via Bluetooth Low Energy is smoother than the CD-based driver method.
Ink cost is the obvious asterisk. Epson firmware is known to block third-party cartridges, and the T822 replacement packs are expensive relative to the printer’s low purchase price. Users who print occasionally may feel the sting of paying for high-yield cartridges that dry out before they are empty. This is a machine designed for someone who needs consistent throughput and is willing to pay fair per-page costs to get it.
What works
- Fastest print speed in the sub‑100 segment
- Large 250-sheet paper tray reduces reloads
- Reliable wired and wireless networking options
What doesn’t
- Expensive proprietary ink cartridges
- Firmware blocks third-party refills
- ADF occasionally pulls multiple pages
3. Canon PIXMA TS6520
The Canon PIXMA TS6520 brings a sleek white chassis and a monochrome OLED display to the budget desktop, delivering 14 ppm black and 9 ppm color via Canon’s 2-cartridge hybrid ink system. That PG-295 pigment black and CL-286 dye-based color combo delivers sharp text and vibrant photo output — borderless prints up to 8.5×11 look noticeably better than typical budget inkjet results. The compact footprint fits on a shallow desk shelf without crowding.
Setup is impressively fast, with most users reporting under 10 minutes from unboxing to first print. Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz) ensures stable connectivity, and the Canon PRINT app supports AirPrint and Mopria for mobile printing. Automatic duplex is standard, saving paper on multi-page drafts. The scanner is adequate for documents and photos, though the lack of an ADF means you’ll be at the flatbed for multi-page jobs.
The trade-off is speed when receiving print jobs — the TS6520 can be slow to wake from sleep mode and buffer large files, which frustrated some reviewers expecting instant output. The combination tri-color cartridge means you replace cyan, magenta, and yellow together when one runs dry, increasing per-page color cost. For a desk where space is tight and occasional photo quality matters, this is a strong pick.
What works
- Excellent photo print quality for the price
- Whisper-quiet operation during printing
- Fast and straightforward initial setup
What doesn’t
- No ADF for multi-page scanning
- Tri-color cartridge forces early color replacement
- Slow to wake from sleep mode
4. HP Envy 6458e
The HP Envy 6458e (renewed) packs a 35-sheet ADF — generous for this price — plus automatic duplex and dual-band Wi-Fi with self-healing connectivity that reconnects after temporary network drops. Black print speed tops out at 10 ppm with 7 ppm color, and print resolution goes up to 4800×1200 dpi on photo paper, producing decent borderless prints. The HP Smart app handles mobile fax (24-month trial), scanning, and basic document management.
Print quality is solid for daily documents, though some users report smudging if pages are handled with damp hands — a known inkjet limitation. The ADF significantly improves workflow for scanning multi-page contracts or school packets, a feature often absent at this price. The renewed unit typically arrives looking like new with packing tape and sample cartridges included, though the included “setup” cartridges contain low ink volume intended only for initial use.
The HP+ ecosystem is the biggest friction point. The printer requires an HP account to unlock all features, and some refurbished units struggle with Wi-Fi enrollment, leading to hours of support calls. HP subscription models push Instant Ink enrollment, and users who decline may find the printer less cooperative over time. For a buyer willing to engage with the HP ecosystem, the hardware itself is capable and well-specced.
What works
- 35-sheet ADF is rare at this price point
- Self-healing Wi-Fi reconnects after outages
- Borderless photo printing up to 8.5×11
What doesn’t
- HP+ ecosystem forces account and subscriptions
- Refurbished units may have Wi-Fi enrollment issues
- Setup ink cartridges have very low page yield
5. Canon PIXMA TR4720
The Canon PIXMA TR4720 is a rare 4-in-1 that includes fax alongside print, copy, and scan — a feature that still matters for medical offices, real estate agents, and anyone dealing with legacy document workflows. It prints at 8.8 ppm black and 4.4 ppm color, which feels slow compared to the Brother or Epson, but the ADF and automatic duplex partially compensate for the pace. The 100-sheet paper capacity is modest but sufficient for light home use.
Setup via USB is straightforward, and wireless connectivity through the Canon PRINT app works reliably after initial pairing. The LCD display is functional but basic — expect to navigate through several menus for advanced settings. Users who print primarily text documents will find the PG-275 black cartridge delivers acceptable sharpness, though color photo quality is underwhelming compared to the TS6520. The TR4720 is clearly oriented toward document handling, not photo output.
Ink cost is the main concern. The CL-276 color cartridge runs out quickly when printing graphics or photos, and the starter cartridges included in the box have very low page yield — you may need replacements within the first 50 pages. The build quality feels slightly plasticky, with a front-loading paper tray that protrudes when loaded. For a buyer who genuinely needs fax and ADF at the lowest entry price, this is the only option, but it is not the best all-rounder.
What works
- Includes fax function for legacy workflows
- ADF and auto duplex included at low price
- No ink subscription required to operate
What doesn’t
- Starter ink cartridges deplete very quickly
- Slow 4.4 ppm color print speed
- Flimsy build and protruding paper tray
6. Epson Expression Home XP-4200
The Epson Expression Home XP-4200 focuses on photo quality with Micro Piezo Heat-Free technology and Claria ink cartridges that produce vibrant borderless prints up to 8.5×11. The 2.4-inch color display simplifies navigation, and the Epson Smart Panel app handles mobile printing and scanning effectively. Black print speed is 10 ppm with color at 5 ppm — adequate for casual use but not for high-volume document runs.
Setup can be slightly finicky, especially if the printer downloads a firmware update during initial configuration. Some users reported that the update interfered with third-party ink compatibility, a recurring Epson pattern. Once configured, the printer is reliable for occasional home tasks: scanning documents for digital filing, printing school projects, and producing photo prints that actually look good on premium paper. The XP-4200 supports automatic duplex, which helps offset the slower color speed.
The biggest drawback is Epson’s aggressive firmware that eventually blocks non-OEM cartridges, forcing users to buy genuine T232 replacements that cost more per page than the printer itself. Print quality consistency also varies between firmware versions — some users report streaking after updates that only resolves with a new OEM cartridge. For a buyer who prints occasional photos and accepts the ink cost, this is a serviceable unit, but it is not the most economical long-term choice.
What works
- Exceptional borderless photo print quality
- Automatic duplex saves paper
- Large color display for easy navigation
What doesn’t
- Firmware updates block third-party ink
- Slow 5 ppm color speed
- Initial setup can be complicated
7. HP DeskJet 2755e
The HP DeskJet 2755e is the most stripped-down unit here, with 7.5 ppm black and 5.5 ppm color, a 60-sheet input tray, and manual duplex — you flip pages yourself. The LCD display is basic, and there is no ADF, so multi-page scanning is a manual process. Despite these constraints, the 2755e is popular for users who need a no-frills device for occasional recipes, forms, and travel documents.
Setup via the HP Smart app is hit-or-miss. Some reviewers report a smooth 5-minute installation; others describe 40-minute ordeals involving multiple app restarts and print head alignment cycles. Dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset improves connectivity reliability compared to older HP budget models, but the printer’s “busy” state during firmware updates can block all functions temporarily. Print quality is acceptable for text documents, though color output appears washed out compared to the Canon TS6520.
The 1,000-page monthly duty cycle is surprisingly high for this class, suggesting the paper path is robust enough for light commercial use if you can tolerate the speed. For the absolute lowest entry cost in a known brand, this printer works, but only if your expectations are modest.
What works
- Very low purchase price point
- Compact footprint for small desks
- Self-healing Wi-Fi improves reliability
What doesn’t
- No ADF and manual duplex only
- Setup can be frustrating and time-consuming
- Instant Ink subscription creates ongoing cost
Hardware & Specs Guide
Print Engine Technology
Every cheap all-in-one here uses inkjet technology, but the underlying print head matters. Epson’s Micro Piezo heat-free system bends crystals to fire ink, reducing heat wear and enabling instant-dry pigment inks. Canon and HP use thermal inkjet, which heats the ink to create a bubble that ejects droplets — effective but more prone to nozzle clogging if the printer sits unused for weeks. Thermal heads typically degrade faster under heavy use. Piezo heads are more durable but tie you to Epson’s proprietary cartridge system.
Ink Cartridge Architecture
The number and arrangement of ink tanks directly impact your per-page cost. Printers using a single tri-color cartridge (Canon TS6520, HP 2755e) force you to replace cyan, magenta, and yellow even if only one empties. Models with individual color tanks (Brother MFCJ1360DW, Epson WF-3823) let you swap only the drained color, reducing waste. Some budget printers now include high-yield XL cartridge options — check whether your chosen model supports them before buying, as the per-page savings can reach 40%.
Connectivity Protocols
Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz) reduces interference from microwaves and Bluetooth devices compared to single-band radios. Wi-Fi Direct allows printing directly from a phone or laptop without a router, useful in dorms or temporary workspaces. Ethernet ports are absent on most cheap printers — if you need wired networking, the Epson WF-3823 is one of the few sub‑100 options that includes it. Bluetooth Low Energy is emerging as a setup assist on newer Epson models but is not yet standard across the category.
Paper Handling and Duty Cycle
Input tray capacity ranges from 60 sheets (HP DeskJet 2755e) to 250 sheets (Epson WF-3823). A larger tray means fewer interruptions during a print run, but also a bigger footprint. The ADF — automatic document feeder — is the most impactful feature for scanning: a 35-sheet ADF eliminates the need to stand at the scanner glass for multi-page jobs. Duty cycle (recommended monthly pages) indicates the printer’s intended workload; units rated above 1,000 pages per month have stronger paper path components that last longer even if you print less.
FAQ
How many pages per month can a cheap all-in-one printer realistically handle?
Will a cheap printer accept third-party ink cartridges?
Is automatic duplex worth having on a budget printer?
Why do some cheap printers force me to create an account to print?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the cheap all in one printer winner is the Brother Work Smart MFCJ1360DW because it combines the fastest black print speed in its tier, reliable wireless connectivity, and an ink system that lets you use affordable compatible cartridges without fighting firmware updates. If you need a 35-sheet ADF for scanning multi-page documents, grab the HP Envy 6458e — its ADF is unmatched at this price, though you’ll need to accept the HP app ecosystem. And for heavy daily workloads where speed and paper capacity matter most, nothing beats the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-3823, just budget for its premium ink cartridges from day one.