The first page out of a cheap printer is the cheapest one you will ever own. It is the second, the hundredth, and especially the replacement cartridge that reveals the true cost of entry. The sub- printer aisle is littered with machines that sell you a chassis and then lock you into a subscription of overpriced ink that costs more per drop than premium olive oil.
I’m Mo Maruf — the founder and writer behind The Tools Trunk. I spend my time cross-referencing thermal print engine specs, ink yield tests, and duplex mechanisms to separate the genuinely economical printers from the ones designed to drain your wallet over time.
This guide cuts through the marketing noise and focuses on what actually matters when you are shopping for cheap printers: the per-page cost, the print technology, and whether the machine will still work a year from now without forcing you to buy another cartridge before it runs dry.
How To Choose The Best Cheap Printers
In the budget printer market, the purchase price is a decoy. The real math lives in the cost per page, which is driven by whether you choose inkjet or thermal technology, how the printer handles double-sided output, and how much you pay for each replacement cartridge or roll of paper.
Thermal vs. Inkjet: The Fork in the Road
Thermal printers use heat to activate chemicals embedded in special paper, which means you never buy another ink cartridge, toner, or ribbon. The tradeoff is that you are locked into thermal paper (typically roll-fed or fanfold), and prints are monochrome only. Inkjet printers offer color, plain-paper output, and lower upfront cost per page if you choose high-yield cartridges, but the ink will dry up if the machine sits unused for weeks. For light, occasional printing, an inkjet can be cheaper per page. For frequent black-and-white document printing, thermal wins on ink costs alone.
Duplex Printing: The Hidden Paper Saver
Automatic duplexing prints on both sides of the sheet without you flipping the paper manually. Manual duplexing forces you to re-feed the page, which wastes time and often leads to misaligned back sides. If you print multi-page documents regularly, an auto-duplex model saves you roughly half your paper cost over the printer’s life. In the budget category, automatic duplex is rare and is a hallmark of a machine that was designed for real productivity rather than a single low price point.
Connectivity and Setup Reliability
Many budget inkjet printers support only 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, which can cause interference if your home network is crowded. Thermal printers typically use Bluetooth or USB-C, making them immune to Wi-Fi dropouts. Regardless of which technology you choose, look for a printer that does not require a mandatory account registration or a proprietary app just to start a basic print job — forced subscription walls are common in the sub- inkjet market and are a red flag for long-term usability.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iDPRT MT610Pro | Thermal | Ultra-portable inkless documents | 300 DPI, 2000mAh battery | Amazon |
| Phomemo M832 | Thermal | Multi-size on-the-go printing | 300 DPI, 2600mAh battery | Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA TS7720 | Inkjet | Fast home color printing | 15 ppm black, auto duplex | Amazon |
| Epson WorkForce WF-2930 | Inkjet | Home office with fax and ADF | Auto duplex, color display | Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA TS6520 | Inkjet | Compact color all-in-one | Auto duplex, OLED display | Amazon |
| HP DeskJet 2755e | Inkjet | Occasional home color printing | 1200 DPI, Instant Ink trial | Amazon |
| HP DeskJet 2855e | Inkjet | Low-volume home all-in-one | 7.5 ppm black, 2.4 GHz only | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. iDPRT MT610Pro
The iDPRT MT610Pro eliminates the entire ink supply chain. At 300 DPI and a claimed 15 pages per minute, this thermal printer delivers sharp black-and-white documents on US Letter or A4 thermal paper without a single cartridge, toner, or ribbon in the equation. The 2000mAh battery is rated for 360 continuous pages, which is exceptional for a machine that weighs about as much as a paperback.
Setup is straightforward via the HerePrint app for Bluetooth printing from a smartphone, or via a USB-C cable to a laptop for direct driver-based printing. The unit supports Windows 11, iOS, and Android, and the included ten-sheet starter pack of US Letter thermal paper gets you printing immediately. The textured matte finish hides travel scuffs well, and the 10-inch length fits into most work bags alongside a laptop.
One significant limitation: this is a single-function printer. There is no scanner, no copier, and no color capability. Additionally, the thermal paper is proprietary in the sense that standard paper will not work — you must buy thermal roll or fanfold paper. A small number of users reported a false “out of paper” error after a few uses, though the majority of reviews highlight reliable performance and crisp text output. For anyone whose primary need is portable, inkless document printing, this is the most cost-efficient path forward.
What works
- Zero ongoing ink cost — thermal printing only requires paper.
- 300 DPI resolution produces crisp, readable text on legal documents.
- 360-page battery life covers heavy travel or field use without recharging.
- Works with both Bluetooth (phone) and USB-C (PC) connections.
What doesn’t
- No scanning or copying functions — print-only machine.
- Requires thermal paper, which is more expensive per sheet than plain paper.
- A small batch of units produced a recurring paper jam error.
- Cannot print in color under any circumstance.
2. Canon PIXMA TS7720
The PIXMA TS7720 is a fast, color-capable all-in-one that punches above its price class. With print speeds rated at 15 pages per minute for black and 10 for color, it is one of the quicker inkjets in the budget segment. The 2.7-inch LCD touchscreen provides intuitive navigation for copying, scanning, and printer settings without needing to touch a phone or laptop.
Automatic duplexing is included, which is rare at this price level. The two-cartridge system (PG-285 black, CL-286 color) keeps replacement straightforward, and the printer supports standard 8.5 x 11 paper as well as smaller photo sizes. The wireless setup works with iOS and Android devices, though some users reported that the initial iPhone connection required extra steps compared to a direct USB cable setup.
The tradeoffs are noticeable. The scanner lacks an automatic document feeder, so multi-page scan jobs require manual page-by-page feeding. A handful of users experienced persistent “printer not available” errors after a few weeks, and the default power-off timer is set to four hours, which can be annoying if the printer goes to sleep mid-workflow. The color output from the starter cartridges was described by some as less vivid than expected, though full-yield replacement cartridges improved saturation noticeably.
What works
- Fast print speeds — 15 ppm black, 10 ppm color for quick document runs.
- Automatic duplex printing cuts paper usage in half.
- Large 2.7-inch touchscreen makes standalone copying and scanning easy.
- Compact footprint fits on a small desk or shelf.
What doesn’t
- No automatic document feeder for multi-page scanning.
- Starter cartridges deliver lower-than-standard color yield.
- Wireless setup can be finicky with some iOS devices.
- Auto power-off timer may interrupt extended work sessions.
3. Phomemo M832
The Phomemo M832 stands out because it supports five different paper sizes — 8.5 x 11 US Letter, A4, 2.08-inch, 3.15-inch, and 4.33-inch widths — using thermal roll, folded, or single-sheet thermal paper.
The print engine delivers 300 DPI resolution, producing crisp text and solid black-and-white imagery. Setup is app-based via Bluetooth for phones or USB-C for laptops. The unit is lightweight at 1.5 pounds and includes a carrying case in the box. The built-in roll paper bin holds the paper supply inside the printer body, so you do not need to carry separate paper rolls.
The biggest compromises come from the thermal medium itself. The paper sheets emerge with a natural curl from the roll, which can be annoying for stacking. The cut edge on some rolls was reported as uneven, leading to cosmetic issues at the top of each page. Like all thermal printers, output is monochrome only, and the machine is print-only — no scanning or copying. The proprietary paper requirement means you cannot use standard copier paper, and the cost of thermal paper adds up over high-volume runs.
What works
- Five paper-size options in one device, from 2-inch labels to full letter sheets.
- 300 DPI provides sharp, legible text for most document types.
- Built-in paper bin simplifies carrying supplies while traveling.
- Included carrying case protects the printer during transport.
What doesn’t
- Paper retains curl from the roll, making stacking difficult.
- Uneven paper cut edges reported by multiple users.
- Proprietary thermal paper required — standard paper is incompatible.
- Print-only design lacks scanning and copying functions.
4. Epson WorkForce WF-2930
The Epson WorkForce WF-2930 is the only printer in this roundup with an automatic document feeder (ADF) and fax capability, making it the most complete home-office machine in the budget bracket. The 10 ppm black and 5 ppm color print speeds are slower than the Canon TS7720, but the ADF allows multi-page scanning, copying, and faxing without manual page feeding. The 1.4-inch color display provides menu navigation for standalone operation.
The print quality is typical of Epson’s heat-free Micro Piezo technology — sharp text and decent color graphics, though the starter cartridges included in the box are only partially full, which is a common frustration. Individual ink cartridges (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) mean you replace only the color that runs out, which reduces waste. Auto duplex printing is included, and the Epson Smart Panel app handles setup on both Android and iOS devices.
The durability concerns are real. Multiple reviewers noted that the printer chassis feels slightly flimsy for its price tier, and the ink replacement costs are high if you stick with genuine Epson cartridges — a full set of replacements approaches the cost of the printer itself. Third-party ink is actively discouraged by Epson’s firmware and warranty policy. The unboxing experience was also criticized for requiring removal of over 20 pieces of packing tape, which wastes time during setup.
What works
- Automatic document feeder enables hands-free multi-page scanning and copying.
- Built-in fax machine for paper-based document transmission.
- Individual ink cartridges minimize wasted color when one tank empties.
- Auto duplex printing saves paper on double-sided jobs.
What doesn’t
- Starter cartridges come partially filled, requiring early replacement.
- Genuine replacement ink costs nearly as much as the printer itself.
- Firmware blocks third-party cartridges, eliminating budget ink options.
- Build quality feels lightweight and less durable than competitors.
5. Canon PIXMA TS6520
The PIXMA TS6520 packs automatic duplex printing, a 1.42-inch monochrome OLED display, and dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz) into a chassis that takes up less desk space than a sheet of legal paper. Rated at 14 ppm for black and 9 ppm for color, it is slightly slower than the TS7720 but still competitive for light home use. The small OLED screen shows ink levels and printer status at a glance, and the intuitive control panel allows standalone copying without a phone or computer.
Print quality from the two-cartridge hybrid system (PG-295 pigment black, CL-286 dye color) is genuinely impressive for the price — text is crisp and dark, and color photos on glossy paper show good saturation without visible banding. The wireless connectivity was stable in testing, with no dropped connections reported by the majority of users. Canon’s PRINT App supports Apple AirPrint and Mopria for direct mobile printing.
The primary drawback is that the starter ink cartridges included in the box contain very little ink, so you will need replacement cartridges within the first 30 to 50 pages. The scanner is a flatbed only — no ADF is available. Some users noted that the printer can be slow to receive print jobs from certain devices, although output speed once printing starts is fine. Long-term durability is an open question, but early reviews are overwhelmingly positive for basic home and hybrid work use.
What works
- Dual-band Wi-Fi support avoids congestion on crowded 2.4 GHz networks.
- OLED display provides clear ink-level and status information.
- Auto duplex printing reduces paper consumption on multi-page documents.
- Sharp text and vivid color output from the two-cartridge system.
What doesn’t
- Starter cartridges run out quickly, forcing early ink purchases.
- Flatbed scanner only — no automatic document feeder.
- Slower job-reception time when sending prints wirelessly.
- Long-term reliability not yet proven across a wide user base.
6. HP DeskJet 2755e
The HP DeskJet 2755e is a standard-issue entry-level all-in-one that does the basics — print, scan, copy — at 7.5 ppm black and 5.5 ppm color. The 1200 DPI print resolution produces documents that look fine for home use, and the 60-sheet input tray handles envelopes, labels, and card stock in addition to plain paper. A six-month trial of HP Instant Ink is included, which can reduce ink costs if you remember to cancel before the subscription kicks in.
The HP Smart app is required for basic setup, and this is where the experience diverges. Tech-savvy users reported setting up the printer in under ten minutes via the app on iOS or Android. Others reported a 40-minute ordeal involving repeated app failures, print head alignment cycles, and firmware updates that bricked the printer temporarily. The recurring theme is that the printer hardware itself is fine, but HP’s software stack creates friction that a budget printer buyer may not have the patience for.
Connectivity is limited to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, which is standard for this price tier but can cause issues if your home router is set to a combined 2.4/5 GHz network. The manual duplex printing requires flipping pages by hand, and the printer is noticeably loud during operation. A non-trivial proportion of users reported connectivity failures that required router resets or full reinstallation. For occasional color printing where the price is the primary concern, the 2755e works — but it demands more patience than the best options on this list.
What works
- Very low upfront cost for a color all-in-one with scan and copy functions.
- Instant Ink trial reduces consumable cost during the first six months.
- Accepts envelopes, labels, and card stock in addition to plain paper.
- Compact dimensions fit into small home office spaces.
What doesn’t
- Setup process is unreliable and can take 30 minutes or more.
- 2.4 GHz-only Wi-Fi may conflict with modern dual-band routers.
- Printer is loud and slow compared to similarly priced alternatives.
- Instant Ink subscription auto-renews, creating unexpected charges.
7. HP DeskJet 2855e
The HP DeskJet 2855e is the most basic all-in-one on this list, printing at 7.5 ppm black and 5.5 ppm color with a 60-sheet input tray. It offers print, copy, and scan functions with a simple control panel and an included three-month trial of HP Instant Ink. The HP AI feature claims to reformat web pages and emails to eliminate wasted pages, though in practice this requires the HP Smart app to be running.
Setup via the HP Smart app was described as quick by some users — under ten minutes — and as a multi-hour nightmare by others. The most common failure pattern involves the app detecting the printer but then being unable to complete the connection, often due to the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi requirement conflicting with a dual-band router configuration. Once running, the printer produces clear text and acceptable color for basic documents, and the scanner works reliably for home use.
The ink situation is the biggest long-term risk. HP uses a DRM system that detects third-party cartridges and may refuse to print with them, forcing you to buy OEM HP 67 cartridges. The starter cartridges yield very few pages before needing replacement. Manual duplex printing is supported but requires you to flip and re-feed each page. For the absolute lowest entry price into a color inkjet all-in-one, the 2855e works if you are comfortable with HP’s software and cartridge ecosystem — but the Canon PIXMA TS6520 offers a smoother experience for slightly more.
What works
- Extremely low entry price for a full-featured all-in-one.
- Three-month Instant Ink trial reduces early ink costs.
- HP AI reformats web print jobs to remove unnecessary pages.
- Compact size fits small desks and shelves.
What doesn’t
- Setup reliability is inconsistent and can fail repeatedly.
- DRM lock prevents use of third-party ink cartridges.
- 2.4 GHz-only Wi-Fi creates connection headaches with modern routers.
- Starter cartridges run out quickly, and replacements are expensive.
Hardware & Specs Guide
Thermal Print Engine vs. Inkjet
A thermal print head applies heat to chemically treated paper, producing monochrome text and graphics without ink, toner, or ribbons. The resolution is measured in DPI (dots per inch), with 300 DPI being the standard for portable thermal printers. Inkjet printers use piezoelectric or thermal bubble jets to spray liquid ink onto plain paper. The advantage of inkjet is color and lower paper cost; the tradeoff is recurring ink expense that, over a printer’s lifetime, can exceed the purchase price by a factor of five or more.
Duplex: Manual vs. Automatic
Manual duplexing requires you to remove the printed pages, flip them, and reinsert them into the paper tray so the printer can print the other side. The process is slow and often results in upside-down or misaligned backsides. Automatic duplexing uses a mechanical reversing mechanism inside the printer to flip the paper internally, doubling output speed on double-sided jobs and cutting paper costs in half without user intervention. In the budget inkjet market, automatic duplex is a clear signal that the printer was designed for more than occasional use.
FAQ
Can a thermal printer replace my regular inkjet?
How many pages can I print before replacing ink in a budget printer?
What does the DPI rating mean for a cheap printer?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the cheap printers winner is the iDPRT MT610Pro because it completely sidesteps the ink cost trap that defines the budget printer category. If you need full color output and automatic duplexing for a home office, grab the Canon PIXMA TS7720. And for a portable thermal printer that can handle multiple paper sizes and comes with a carrying case, nothing beats the Phomemo M832.