Most budget wireless inkjet all-in-ones sell for $60–$100 in the US, while cheap wireless laser printers usually run $130–$180 and refillable ink-tank models start around $200.
A wireless printer looks identical in the box whether it costs $70 or $280, and the difference rarely shows up on the spec sheet — it shows up in what you pay every year after. The current US market splits into four clean price bands, and the one that fits your printing volume matters far more than the model number. Here’s what each band actually buys, what the cheap price tags hide, and the two traps that catch most first-time buyers.
What Wireless Printers Actually Cost By Category
Four price bands cover nearly every wireless printer sold in the US right now, each tied to a different print technology and running cost. Entry-level inkjets sit low because the money gets made back on cartridge refills, while tank printers cost more upfront and less per page.
- Under about $100 — entry-level wireless inkjet all-in-ones and compact models. Real US listings land here: the HP DeskJet 2855e at $89.99 and the Brother MFC-J1360DW at $89.98. These handle documents and light photo printing.
- About $130–$180 — cheaper wireless monochrome laser printers, including the Brother HL-L2460DW and HL-L2405W. Faster text output, no ink to dry out.
- Above about $200 — refillable ink-tank territory, where the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 and HP Smart Tank 5003 live. Higher sticker price, dramatically lower cost per page.
Those mid-band examples come from current retail listings rather than manufacturer price sheets, so treat them as market snapshots, not fixed prices. US sellers adjust constantly, and HP’s own store currently runs printer promotions advertising up to 45% off select models — which is exactly why you check the live price before buying anything.
| Price Band | Typical Printer Type | Real Example |
|---|---|---|
| Under about $100 | Entry-level wireless inkjet all-in-one | HP DeskJet 2855e at $89.99 |
| Under about $100 | Compact wireless inkjet all-in-one | Brother MFC-J1360DW at $89.98 |
| About $130–$180 | Budget wireless monochrome laser | Brother HL-L2460DW |
| About $130–$180 | Compact wireless monochrome laser | Brother HL-L2405W |
| Above about $200 | Refillable ink-tank printer | Epson EcoTank ET-4800 |
| Above about $200 | Refillable ink-tank all-in-one | HP Smart Tank 5003 |
| Above about $200 | Wireless all-in-one, plan-tied | HP OfficeJet Pro 8139e |
How The HP All-In Plan Changes The Math
HP’s All-In Plan is a monthly subscription starting at $7.99 that bundles the printer, ink, and support into one payment — it is not a retail purchase price, and HP states pricing will vary, is available from HP.com only, and can change without notice.
That structure is worth understanding before you compare it against a $90 inkjet. Over a year, $7.99 a month works out to roughly $96, and you never own the hardware the way you would after a retail sale. HP also ties eligibility and terms to which model you pick, so the monthly figure shifts with the printer. If you print a lot and hate buying cartridges, the plan can make sense. If you print occasionally, the retail route usually costs less over three years.
The Two Mistakes That Cost Buyers The Most
The biggest budget mistake on wireless printers is reading a monthly plan price as if it were a sale price — the two numbers look similar and behave nothing alike. The second is assuming any wireless printer connects to any network band.
If your home network runs a band your printer doesn’t support, the printer simply won’t appear during setup, and no amount of resetting fixes it. More broadly, HP’s guidance routes wireless setup through HP Smart and mobile printing, and notes that internet access is required for plan-based offerings — so a subscription model depends on connectivity the retail printer doesn’t.
Before you commit, verify one thing: whether the model requires HP+, Instant Ink, or another subscription to deliver its advertised value. HP’s plan page ties pricing and service terms directly to plan selection and model, so a printer that looks cheap can carry a recurring cost the listing doesn’t headline. Our tested budget wireless printer roundup for buyers checks each model against that exact question.
One more habit saves real money: never trust a cached review price. US retail examples move by seller and by week, so confirm the current figure on the manufacturer or retailer page the day you buy. RTINGS’ wireless printer reviews and rankings are a solid starting point for narrowing models before you price-check.
FAQs
Is $60 enough for a decent wireless printer?
Yes, for light home use. Entry-level wireless inkjet all-in-ones commonly sit under about $100, and models such as the HP DeskJet 2855e land in that range. Expect slower printing, a smaller paper tray, and cartridge costs that add up if you print often.
Do budget lasers really cost less to run than inkjets?
They usually cost less per page for text, which is why a $130–$180 monochrome laser like the Brother HL-L2460DW often beats a $90 inkjet over a few years of document printing. They can’t print color, so the savings only apply if your work is black and white.
Are ink-tank printers worth the higher price?
For heavy printers, often yes. Refillable tank models start above about $200, like the Epson EcoTank ET-4800, but the bottles last far longer than standard cartridges, so the cost per page drops sharply. Light users rarely recoup the upfront gap.
References & Sources
- RTINGS. “The Best Wireless Printers.” Used for current wireless printer model comparisons and buying criteria.
- HP. “HP Printers.” Source of current US printer promotions, model listings, and pricing terms.
- Gadgets 360. “Laser Printer Price List and Comparison Guide.” Used for budget laser pricing bands and category comparisons.