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10 Best Budget Printers
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Buying Guide for the Best Budget Printers
When picking a printer, it's important to focus on what you'll be using it for. Are you mainly printing documents or do you need good photo quality? Do you print a lot, or just occasionally? With so many options out there, it can be easy to get overwhelmed, but if you think about your main needs, you can narrow down your choices pretty quickly. Look for features that will genuinely make your life easier, and try not to get distracted by extras you might never use.Print TechnologyPrint technology refers to the method the printer uses to put ink or toner on paper, the most common being inkjet and laser. Inkjet printers are generally better for color images and photos, while laser printers are faster and produce sharper text, making them ideal for lots of document printing. To decide, think about the main type of printing you need: if it’s mostly text, laser is likely the best; for photos and mixed content, an inkjet might suit you more.
Print SpeedPrint speed tells you how fast the printer can produce pages, usually measured in pages per minute (ppm). Lower speeds, around 5-10 ppm, are common for entry-level models and are fine for occasional use. Speeds between 10-20 ppm are suitable for moderate homes and small offices. Faster printers above 20 ppm work best if you often print large documents. You should match the speed to your patience and volume—slow printers are okay for rare jobs, but heavier users benefit from higher speeds.
Print Quality (Resolution)Print quality is measured in dots per inch (dpi), indicating how sharp and detailed your prints will be. Basic printers offer around 600 x 600 dpi, which is enough for text and basic graphics. For photo or detailed image work, higher resolutions, like 1200 x 2400 dpi or more, are better. Think about what you print: lots of images might need higher resolution, while text documents can get by with lower.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options define how your printer connects to devices. USB connections are standard and reliable for direct use. Many modern printers offer Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, letting you print wirelessly from phones, tablets, or laptops. Some even have cloud printing or app support. If you print from multiple devices or want freedom from cables, wireless is best. For a single computer setup, USB is often enough.
All-in-One FunctionalityAll-in-one or multifunction printers can also scan, copy, and sometimes fax documents in addition to printing. If you occasionally need to make copies, scan paperwork, or send faxes, an all-in-one platform is useful. If you care only about printing, a simple single-function printer might be more compact and cheaper to run.
Running Costs (Ink or Toner)Running costs refer to how much you spend on ink or toner over time, which can add up quickly. Some printers use high-yield or refillable cartridges that last longer, making them cheaper per page. Traditional cartridges can be more expensive in the long run. Think about your print frequency—a high initial price might be worth it if ink is cheaper. Checking reviews or looking for cost-per-page estimates helps avoid surprises.
Paper HandlingPaper handling means the types and sizes of paper the printer accepts, plus how many sheets it can hold. Small home printers often hold 50-100 sheets and support basic sizes like A4 or letter. Larger or more flexible models handle more paper and may accept envelopes or photo paper. Think about your usual paper types and whether you mind refilling the tray often. If you print a lot or need specialty paper, pay close attention to these details.