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10 Best Cheap Laser Printers
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Buying Guide for the Best Cheap Laser Printers
When looking for a cheap laser printer, your focus should be on balancing essential features with affordability. Consider what you intend to print most often, whether it's simple text documents, colored flyers, or occasional photos. Think about how much space you have, how often you plan to print, and how easy you want maintenance to be. Keeping your main use cases in mind will help you avoid paying for features you don't need while still getting a printer that fits your day-to-day requirements.Print Speed (PPM)Print speed, measured in Pages Per Minute (PPM), tells you how quickly the printer can produce documents. This is important if you often print long documents or multiple copies at a time. Typical segments for print speed are: low (up to 20 PPM), moderate (20-30 PPM), and high (30+ PPM). For most home or small office users, a moderate print speed is usually perfectly adequate, but if you need to print frequently or in larger volumes, consider looking for higher print speeds.
Print Quality (DPI)Print quality is measured in Dots Per Inch (DPI), which reflects how detailed and sharp your printouts will be. Higher DPI numbers mean better print resolution, which is important for images or small text, while lower DPI is usually fine for basic text documents. Basic printers often have around 600 x 600 DPI, while mid-range models can go up to 1200 x 1200 DPI. If sharpness and clarity of text or graphics matter in your documents, aim for a higher DPI, otherwise, a standard DPI will do for everyday usage.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you send data to the printer. Common choices include USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and mobile printing features. USB is the most basic—it connects directly to a computer, ideal for single-user situations. Wi-Fi and mobile printing provide wireless convenience if you want to print from several devices or even smartphones, making it better for families or shared workspace. Assess how you plan to use the printer to decide which connections matter most for convenience and ease of use.
Monthly Duty CycleMonthly duty cycle refers to the maximum number of pages a printer can safely handle in a month. It's an indicator of durability and suitability for your usage habits. Printers have duty cycles ranging from a few hundred to tens of thousands of pages. If you only print occasionally, a low duty cycle is fine, but if you plan on printing regularly or in higher volumes, look for a printer with a higher monthly duty cycle to ensure longevity.
Paper HandlingPaper handling includes the size and capacity of paper trays, as well as supported paper types (like envelopes or labels). Printers may offer a single tray that holds 100-150 sheets, while higher-capacity options can hold more. Consider how often you're willing to refill the tray and if you need to print on different sizes or types of paper. For basic home use, standard paper handling works well, but for frequent or specialized printing, look for versatile and higher-capacity trays.
Operating Costs (Toner Efficiency)Operating cost primarily depends on the price and lifespan of toner cartridges. Some printers have low upfront costs but expensive toner, while others are more efficient and cost-effective long-term. Pay attention to page yield—the number of pages each cartridge can print. If you print often, choosing a printer with high-yield, affordable toner can save you money over time.
Size and FootprintSize and footprint matter if you have limited desk or storage space. Some laser printers are compact and ideal for home offices, while others are bulkier. Measure the space where you plan to place the printer and look for one that fits comfortably. If portability and saving space are important, opt for a smaller, lighter model.