What Is the Best Cheap Printer for Home Use? Top Picks and Buying Guide
Quick Answer
The best cheap printer for most homes is the one with the lowest total cost over two or three years, not the lowest sticker price. For light document printing, a compact mono laser usually wins because toner lasts and never dries out. For occasional colour, a basic inkjet with separate cartridges works, and for heavier colour use an ink tank costs more upfront but far less to run. Mini thermal printers are the cheapest of all, but they only print small, black-only labels and notes.
Key Takeaways
- A cheap printer can cost more over time if its ink is expensive.
- Mono lasers are the cheapest way to print documents.
- Ink tanks cost more upfront but slash running costs for colour.
- Starter cartridges in the box often hold less ink than replacements.
- Mini thermal printers need no ink, but they print small and in black only.
Why the Cheapest Printer Isn't Always Cheapest
Many budget printers are sold at a low price because the maker expects to earn more from ink. A cheap printer with small, pricey cartridges can cost more within a year than a pricier model with high-yield toner or refillable tanks. Starter cartridges supplied in the box often run out quickly, so check the price and page yield of replacements before you buy. Also check whether a cheap printer uses separate colour cartridges or one combined cartridge, since combined cartridges must be replaced when any single colour runs out.
Total Cost by Printer Type
| Type | Upfront cost | Running cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic cartridge inkjet | Very low | High | A few pages a month, some colour |
| Ink tank inkjet | Medium | Very low | Regular colour printing |
| Compact mono laser | Low to medium | Low | Documents and occasional use |
| Mini thermal printer | Very low | Paper rolls only | Labels, notes and stickers |
For regular printing, a cheap printer with refillable tanks or high-yield toner often works out cheaper than a bargain cartridge model within a year or two.
Which Cheap Printer Suits You?
Match the cheap printer to what you actually print.
| What you print | Best budget choice |
|---|---|
| Tickets, forms and letters | Compact mono laser |
| Homework with occasional colour | Basic inkjet with separate cartridges |
| Lots of colour pages | Ink tank inkjet |
| Shipping labels and storage labels | Thermal label printer |
| To-do lists, notes and stickers | Bluetooth mini thermal printer |
How to Buy a Cheap Printer Wisely
- Estimate how many pages you print each month, and how many in colour.
- Look up the price and page yield of replacement cartridges or bottles.
- Divide price by yield to compare the cost per page between models.
- Check whether the printer accepts compatible inks and read any subscription terms.
- Make sure it has the connections you need, such as Wi-Fi or USB.
- Read the warranty, since budget models sometimes offer shorter cover.
Ways to Cut Printing Costs
- Use draft or economy mode for everyday pages.
- Print double-sided to halve paper use.
- Choose high-yield cartridges, which usually cost less per page.
- Print in greyscale unless colour really matters.
- Use print preview to avoid wasted pages.
- Print something every week or so if you own an inkjet, so nozzles don't dry out.
These habits help any cheap printer stay cheap. If you rarely print and hate dried-up cartridges, our guide to the best laser printers explains why toner suits occasional use.
Safety and Care
Keep ink, toner and thermal paper rolls away from young children and pets, and unplug any printer before clearing jams. Place it on a stable surface with space around the vents, and avoid cheap unbranded power adapters for portable models; use the one supplied or a properly rated replacement.
What to Expect at Each Price
- Under $35: Bluetooth mini thermal printers and label makers.
- $50 to $100: basic cartridge inkjets and some compact mono lasers.
- $100 to $250: mono laser all-in-ones, ink tank models and wireless all-in-ones.
- Over $250: colour lasers and photo printers, which are rarely budget buys.
Prices vary by region and retailer. A cheap printer only stays cheap if its ink, toner or paper is affordable too.
More Printer Guides
For colour printing, read our colour printer guide, and for cable-free setups see our roundup of the best wireless printers.
The Bottom Line
Judge a cheap printer on its cost over two or three years, not the price on the box. Pick a mono laser for documents, an ink tank for regular colour or a basic inkjet for light mixed use, and choose a mini thermal printer only for labels and notes.
Budget Printers at Global Swanky
We don't stock budget full-size inkjets or lasers at the moment. These are our lowest-cost printers, mostly thermal models that need no ink but print in black only, plus our wireless all-in-one for full-page printing.
1. Bluetooth Mini Photo Printer
The Mini Portable Bluetooth Thermal Photo Printer for On-the-Go Printing is $21.50, our cheapest printer for stickers, lists and journal notes.
2. Student Mini Printer
The Mini Bluetooth Thermal Printer for Students and On-the-Go Use is $28.29, for students printing revision notes and corrections.
3. Kids' Label Maker
The Thermal Printer Portable Bluetooth Label Maker for Kids and Home Use is $30.98, for labelling school supplies and storage boxes.
4. Home Office Label Printer
The Portable Bluetooth Thermal Label Printer for Home Office and On-the-Go Labeling is $34.01, for small sellers and organised home offices.
5. Wireless All-in-One Printer
The Remote Wireless All-in-One Printer with Scan, Copy, and High-Resolution Output is $219.84, our most affordable full-size option for printing, scanning and copying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cheap printer for home use?
For documents, a compact mono laser. For occasional colour, a basic inkjet with separate cartridges, or an ink tank if you print a lot.
Why is printer ink so expensive?
Many makers sell printers at low prices and earn more from ink. Comparing cost per page before you buy avoids surprises.
Are compatible ink cartridges safe to use?
Many work well, but some printers reject them after updates. Check the printer's terms and reviews before switching.
Do thermal printers need ink?
No. They print with heat on special paper, so you only buy paper rolls, but output is black only.
Is a laser printer cheaper than an inkjet?
For black-and-white documents, usually yes, because toner lasts longer and costs less per page.
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