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10 Best Cheapest Color Printer
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Color Printers
Buying Guide for the Best Cheapest Color Printer
Choosing a color printer involves more than just looking at the price tag. It's important to consider how you’ll use the printer and what features matter most for your needs. Think about what you’ll be printing, how often you’ll print, and whether you need additional functions like scanning or copying. Understanding the key features will help you find a printer that not only fits your budget, but also works well for your specific tasks.Print TechnologyPrint technology refers to the method a printer uses to put color on paper, with the main types being inkjet and laser. Inkjet printers use liquid ink and are usually smaller and better for photo printing, while laser printers use toner powder and are generally faster with sharper text, making them better for high-volume and document printing. If you mainly need to print colorful photos or occasional color documents, an inkjet printer may suit you. If you often print many pages and mostly need documents with some color graphics, a color laser printer could be more efficient.
Print SpeedPrint speed tells you how many pages a printer can produce per minute and is often shown as pages per minute (ppm). Lower speeds, under 10 ppm, work fine for occasional home use. Mid-level speeds, between 10-20 ppm, are good for people who print a few times a week or share a printer with a small group. Faster speeds, over 20 ppm, suit those who print large batches regularly. If you print occasionally, speed may not matter much, but if you print large jobs or share the printer, a higher speed can save time.
Print ResolutionPrint resolution is measured in dots per inch (dpi) and shows how detailed your prints will look. A lower resolution, such as 600x600 dpi, is fine for basic color documents, while 1200x1200 dpi or higher is better for sharp images and photos. If you mostly print text with a bit of color, lower resolution is enough, but if you want to print photos or graphics that look vibrant, aim for a higher resolution.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options indicate how you can connect the printer to your devices, such as through USB, Wi-Fi, or even mobile apps. USB is simplest for direct, single-computer use. Wi-Fi lets you print from multiple devices, including phones, tablets, or laptops, without cables. Some printers offer wireless printing through mobile apps or cloud services, making it easier to print from anywhere in your home or office. If you need to print from several devices, wireless options are helpful, but if you only have one main computer, USB might be enough.
Ink or Toner Cost and TypeThe cost and type of ink or toner can greatly affect the long-term expense of using your printer. Inkjet printers use liquid ink, which can be expensive to replace and may dry out if not used regularly. Laser printers use toner, which usually lasts longer but can have higher upfront costs for refills. Some printers use special high-yield cartridges or refillable tanks to lower the frequency and cost of replacements. If you print a lot, look for printers with lower-cost cartridges or refillable tanks; if you print rarely, consider how long the cartridges will last and whether ink drying out might be an issue.
All-in-One FeaturesAll-in-one printers offer extra functions like scanning, copying, or faxing, beyond just printing. If you only need to print, a single-function printer may be simpler. If you’d like to scan, make copies, or fax documents from time to time, an all-in-one printer can be highly convenient, especially for students, small businesses, or home offices. Consider your daily or occasional tasks to decide whether you’d benefit from these extra features.
Paper HandlingPaper handling covers the size and type of paper a printer can use, as well as the capacity of its input tray. Basic printers often handle standard sizes like A4 or letter and have a small tray to hold 50-100 sheets. More advanced printers might offer larger trays or the ability to print on envelopes or photo paper. If you print often or need to print on special paper, look for a printer with a larger or adjustable tray; if you print occasionally, a smaller tray should be enough.