Printers are one of those things that seem cheap until you actually start using them. Sure, they’re packed with all the right features—wireless printing, mobile compatibility, sleek designs that barely take up space—but the real cost sneaks up on you in the form of ink. One minute, your printer is a budget-friendly steal. The next, you're staring at cartridge prices that make you question your life choices.
A printer isn’t truly "cheap" unless it’s designed to go easy on ink. Some models are absolute ink guzzlers, draining cartridges faster than you can reorder them. Others are built to stretch every drop, saving you from a never-ending cycle of refills. The key isn’t just finding a printer with a low price tag—it’s finding one that won’t turn ink replacement into a second rent payment.
Which printer is most economical with ink?
Ink is where things get tricky. If you already own a printer, you probably know the routine—buy the printer at a great price, then slowly realize the ink costs more than your daily coffee habit. It’s one of those hidden expenses people don’t always consider upfront, but trust me, it adds up fast.
If the idea of sifting through printer models and ink cost breakdowns makes your head hurt, don’t worry. I’ve done the legwork for you. Below, you’ll find a list of printers that won’t bleed you dry on ink, along with what makes each one worth considering. Some are designed for occasional home use, others can handle heavy workloads, but they all have one thing in common: they won’t turn every ink refill into an unexpected financial crisis.
1. HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless Color Inkjet Printer
Setting up the HP DeskJet 2855e took less effort than brewing a cup of coffee. A few taps in the HP Smart app, a quick Wi-Fi connection, and boom—it was ready to print from my laptop and phone before I even had time to second-guess the process. It’s small, lightweight, and unassuming, which is great if your desk is already a battleground of clutter.
Print quality? Surprisingly decent. Black text is crisp, colors pop well enough for casual prints, and unless you’re expecting gallery-quality photos, you won’t find much to complain about. It’s an inkjet, though, so don’t expect laser-sharp speed—it prints at a reasonable pace, but if you’re churning out stacks of pages, you might get impatient.
The wireless printing is where it shines. No more scrambling for cables or awkwardly positioning your laptop near the printer—just send a job from your phone or tablet and move on with your life. HP also nudges you toward their Instant Ink subscription, which automatically ships ink before you run out. It’s convenient if you print regularly, but if not, you might just end up stockpiling cartridges like a doomsday prepper.
Not everything is perfect, of course. The ink doesn’t last long—especially if you print in color—and replacements aren’t exactly pocket change. There’s also no touchscreen, so you’ll have to rely on the HP Smart app or tiny buttons to tweak settings. It’s not a dealbreaker, but if you love the ease of touchscreens, it might feel like a step back.
Bottom line? The HP DeskJet 2855e won’t revolutionize printing, but for an affordable, compact, hassle-free, and great home office printer that handles everyday tasks like a champ, it’s a solid pick. Just don’t expect it to keep up if you’re running a high-volume print empire.
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2. Epson Ecotank ET-4760
- Epson strongly recommends the use of Genuine Epson inks for a...
- Epson EcoTank is the Selling Supertank Printer
- You can save up to 90 percent with replacement ink bottles vs....
- You get up to 2 years of ink — in the box and with each...
- Less waste with Cartridge-Free Printing — one set of...
The Epson EcoTank ET-4760 is what happens when a printer company finally decides to cut people a break on ink costs. Instead of the usual cartridge system that feels like a subscription to financial misery, this one comes with refillable ink tanks that can last up to two years before you even have to think about a replacement. That alone makes it a game-changer for anyone tired of printers that practically drink ink for fun.
Physically, it’s sturdy—solid plastic that doesn’t feel flimsy, with trays that don’t threaten to snap off when you so much as look at them. It handles paper jams well (which, let’s be honest, is a make-or-break feature for anyone who's wrestled with a printer mid-meltdown). Setup is a breeze with on-screen instructions, and the 2.3-inch LCD touchscreen is a nice touch, even if it’s a little on the small side.
Speed-wise, it’s solid—16 pages per minute for black-and-white documents, 7 for color. Photos take a bit longer (about 89 seconds per print), but if you’re not running a professional photography business, that’s probably not a dealbreaker. The automatic duplex printing helps with efficiency, though the lack of duplex scanning is a bummer. Still, the low cost per print makes up for it, and for home or office use, it’s a smart investment.
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3. Brother MFC-J4335DW INKvestmentTank Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer
- Up to 1 year of ink in box: Using the MFCJ995DW cartridges...
- Inkvestment tank system: Reengineered ink cartridges hold more...
- Eliminate ink replacement guesswork: Brother intelligent Page...
- Mobile device printing: Desktop and mobile device wireless...
- For use with brother genuine inks: LC3033: LC3033BK, LC3033C,...
If you want a printer that doesn’t feel like an ink scam, the Brother MFC-J4335DW should be on your radar. It uses Brother’s INKvestment Tank system, which combines ink tanks with cartridges to stretch out page yields. Translation: you’ll spend way less time buying ink and way more time actually printing stuff.
It’s got an automatic document feeder, which is great for scanning stacks of papers without manually flipping each page, and the flatbed scanner delivers crisp, high-resolution scans. It’s fast too—cranking out reports and essays in under a minute, so no more staring at the printer, willing it to move faster. Connectivity options are solid: Wi-Fi Direct, Apple AirPrint, Mopria—you name it, it probably supports it.
One downside? No third-party ink compatibility. You’ll have to stick with Brother’s cartridges, but at least the XL versions last longer. Also, while it prints documents beautifully, photos are just okay. If you print a lot of pictures, you might want a dedicated photo printer instead. But for everyday home and office printing, this one is a steal.
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4. Canon Pixma MegaTank G7020 All-In-One Printer
- Conveniently view and refill ink using ink bottles with...
- With a high page yield print up to 6,000 Black/ 7,700 color pages...
- With a 350 sheet plain paper capacity The PIXMA G7020 is ready to...
- With AirPrint it’s easy to print right from your iPhone iPad...
- Print beautiful borderless photos from 3 5” x 3 5” square to...
The Canon Pixma G7020 is one of those rare printers that offers rock-bottom printing costs without sacrificing quality. It’s built for home or small office use, and it delivers crisp text, vibrant colors, and speedy performance.
The real highlight here is the MegaTank ink system, which holds a ridiculous amount of ink. To put it in perspective, a single set of bottles can print up to 6,000 black-and-white pages or 7,700 color pages. That’s a ton of mileage before you even have to think about refilling.
It’s a true all-in-one—printer, copier, scanner, and even fax (for the three people who still use fax machines). The connectivity lineup is impressive, too: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, AirPrint, Mopria—it’s all there. The only real drawback? No touchscreen. Instead, you get a small two-line dot matrix display with physical buttons, which is functional but not the most modern setup. Still, at this price and ink efficiency, it’s a solid trade-off.
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5. Brother MFC-J995DW INKvestmentTank Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer
- Up to 1 year of ink in box: Using the MFCJ995DW cartridges...
- Inkvestment tank system: Reengineered ink cartridges hold more...
- Eliminate ink replacement guesswork: Brother intelligent Page...
- Mobile device printing: Desktop and mobile device wireless...
- For use with brother genuine inks: LC3033: LC3033BK, LC3033C,...
The Brother MFC-J995DW is built to last—both in physical durability and ink efficiency. The body is tough plastic that feels like it can handle years of use, and it’s got a 2.6-inch LCD touchscreen that, while on the smaller side, is at least responsive.
This one also uses Brother’s INKvestment Tank system, stretching ink life way beyond the usual cartridge lifespan. It’s excellent for text documents, and while it can print photos, it’s not going to replace a dedicated photo printer anytime soon.
Scanning is solid, with a max resolution of 1200 DPI. It’s got an automatic document feeder, though it doesn’t support duplex scanning. On the plus side, duplex printing is included, which helps save paper. Connectivity is on point: Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, cloud printing, and even direct printing from an SD card or USB drive.
If you need a reliable, cost-efficient all-in-one for work, school, or everyday home printing, this one checks all the boxes.
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When is an All-in-One Printer a Good Choice?
All-in-one printers, or AIOs, are like the Swiss Army knives of the printing world. Instead of juggling multiple machines, you get a single device that prints, scans, and copies—sometimes even faxes if you’re feeling retro. Most models pack in extra features, like emailing scanned documents or pulling photos straight from a memory card, making them handy for small businesses and home offices that need versatility without a tangle of cables and clutter.
One of the biggest perks is the ability to scan a document and either save it on your computer or print it instantly like a copier. Some models let you fax straight from the machine, skipping the hassle of sending files through a separate device. Since everything is built into one unit, you free up space and avoid the chaos of managing multiple connections.
What are the Advantages of Purchasing All-in-One Printers
AIOs bring a lot to the table, especially if you’re looking for a practical, cost-effective setup. Buying one is usually cheaper than purchasing a separate printer, scanner, and copier. Instead of cramming multiple machines onto your desk, you get everything in one spot, which is a lifesaver in smaller workspaces.
Another plus is the convenience factor. You don’t have to shuffle between different devices just to get simple tasks done. Since you’re only dealing with one machine, maintenance becomes much easier. Instead of worrying about multiple devices breaking down, you just have to keep an eye on a single unit.
On top of that, an AIO uses less power than running several separate machines, which can cut down on electricity costs. And because all the functions are built into one system, you won’t have to wrestle with a mess of cables and connections. Everything just works together seamlessly.
What are the Disadvantages of an AIO Printer
Of course, nothing is perfect, and all-in-one printers have their fair share of downsides. The biggest issue is that if one function fails, the whole machine can become useless until it’s fixed. If the scanner breaks, you might not be able to print or copy while you wait for repairs.
Another trade-off is that AIOs often deliver “good enough” quality rather than top-tier performance. A dedicated photo printer will usually produce better images, and a standalone scanner may give you higher resolution scans.
Some budget models can also be frustrating when it comes to networking. Many lower-end AIOs only connect to a single computer via USB. If you need to share the printer across multiple devices, make sure it fully supports network printing. And even then, some models only allow printing over a network, meaning you might not be able to scan or fax unless you’re physically plugged in.
Who Should Opt for an All-In-One Printer
Deciding whether an AIO is right for you comes down to how you plan to use it.
a). How Often Do You Need to Print
If you’re printing a few hundred pages per month, an inkjet AIO will do the job. For lower print volumes, you might get by with a basic monochrome printer and a good scanning app. If you’re printing all day, every day, a business-grade model is worth considering.
b). How Frequently do you print in color
If your printing needs involve color photos or high-quality graphics, a black-and-white laser printer won’t cut it. In that case, you’ll want an inkjet AIO that handles vibrant colors well.
c). How Often Do you Scan
If you scan documents regularly—especially double-sided pages—an AIO with a solid scanner makes sense. But if scanning is just an occasional task, you might be better off with a simple print-only machine and a separate scanning app.
Factors to Consider the Best All in One Printer Cheap Ink
Hunting for an all-in-one printer with cheap ink? Smart move. But if you think saving money on ink is the only thing that matters, think again. Some printers lure you in with bargain ink costs but slow print speeds, clunky designs, or mediocre print quality that make you question every life choice. If you want something that won’t drive you up the wall, here’s what you need to consider.
1. Automatic Document Feeder
Feeding paper into a printer one sheet at a time is the modern equivalent of watching paint dry. An automatic document feeder (ADF) saves you from that misery by letting the printer handle multiple pages at once. But here’s the catch—not all ADFs are created equal. Some struggle with thick paper, others jam if you look at them the wrong way. If you scan or copy a lot, make sure yours isn’t a glorified paperweight.
2. Fast Printing Speed
Nobody wants to stand around waiting for a printer that drags its feet. If you’re just printing the occasional grocery list, fine, speed isn’t a deal-breaker. But if you’re churning out pages like a mini print shop, you’ll want at least 12 pages per minute for black-and-white and 8 for color. Anything slower, and you might as well write it out by hand.
3. Photo Printing Quality
Some printers claim they print in color, but what they really mean is, "We’ll give you some vaguely colorful smudges that might resemble your original image if you squint hard enough." If you need decent color printing—whether for family photos or reports that don’t look like they were made on a typewriter—check that the printer has solid color accuracy and doesn’t bleed ink all over the page.
4. High-Quality Text Documents
Even if you never print a photo in your life, your text documents should still look sharp. Cheap ink shouldn’t mean blurry, smudgy letters that make you wonder if your printer is conspiring against you. A good all-in-one printer should produce crisp, professional-looking text that doesn’t smear if you accidentally touch it too soon.
5. Duplex Printing and Duplex Scanning
Double-sided printing and scanning are game-changers if you hate wasting paper. Some printers force you to manually flip each page, which is a special kind of tedious. Others handle it automatically, which is how it should be. If you print or scan more than a handful of pages at a time, a true duplex printer is the way to go.
6. Functionality
All-in-one should mean all in one. Scanning, copying, and even faxing (yes, some people still fax) should be smooth and easy. High-end models can even scan film negatives or print lab-quality photos straight from memory cards. If your printer can’t at least email a scanned document without making you jump through hoops, it’s barely earning its keep.
7. Connectivity
Most printers claim to have Wi-Fi, but some make connecting a nightmare. If you’re planning to print from your phone, tablet, or laptop, make sure your printer supports wireless printing services like Google Cloud Print, Apple AirPrint, or Mopria. And if you’re still rocking a wired setup, double-check that your printer actually has a USB or Ethernet port—because some newer models have ditched them entirely.
8. Cost to Print Ratio
The biggest trap with budget printers? They get you with low upfront costs, then bleed you dry on ink refills. Some brands offer subscription-based ink services that send you replacements before you even realize you’re running low—potentially saving you money. But if your printer guzzles ink like a dehydrated camel, even a subscription won’t help. Black-and-white pages should cost just a few cents, and color prints shouldn’t make you feel like you’re paying per drop.
9. Inkjet or Laser Printer
Inkjet printers are cheaper upfront and great for color printing, but their ink dries out if you don’t use them regularly. Laser printers cost more but print faster, last longer, and don’t dry up like a neglected plant. If you mostly print text, go laser. If you need rich, colorful prints, inkjet is the way to go—just be ready to replace cartridges more often.
10. Print Controls
Tiny, outdated screens and clunky buttons can make even the best printer feel like a relic. The best models have intuitive touchscreen controls or, at the very least, a well-designed mobile app that lets you check ink levels and adjust settings easily. If changing a setting requires reading a manual the size of a novel, you’re in for a frustrating experience.
At the end of the day, a good all-in-one printer with cheap ink should be fast, reliable, and actually save you money without sacrificing quality. If it makes you want to throw it out a window, it wasn’t the deal you thought it was.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best All in One Printer Cheap Ink Cartridges
1. Do laser printers use ink or toner?
Laser printers don’t mess around with ink. Instead, they use toner, a fine powder that gets zapped onto the paper with heat and static electricity. Unlike ink, which gets sprayed in tiny droplets and takes a second to dry (or smudge if you’re unlucky), toner bonds instantly, creating sharp, durable prints. Plus, since it’s powder, there’s no risk of drying out if your printer sits untouched for weeks. If you’re after speed and reliability, laser printers are hard to beat.
2. Are there benefits of using laser printers and toner cartridges to inkjet printers?
Absolutely. Here’s why some people swear by laser printers:
- Print quality that means business – Toner-based prints are sharp, precise, and never blotchy.
- No more dried-up cartridges – Inkjet users know the pain of clogged nozzles. Toner never dries out.
- Fast, efficient printing – If you print in bulk, a laser printer will get the job done way faster than an inkjet.
- Smudge-proof pages – Inkjet prints can smear if you touch them too soon. Toner? Locked in instantly.
That said, if you’re printing high-quality photos or vibrant color graphics, an inkjet printer still has the upper hand.
3. What is the best printer using the cheapest ink cartridge?
It depends on how much and how often you print. Some ink cartridges seem cheap until you realize they run out in no time, while others cost more upfront but last way longer. To get the best deal, think about:
Your printing habits – A few pages a week? Hundreds a month? Your needs will dictate the right printer.
Page yield – Some cartridges stretch for hundreds of pages, while others barely make it past 50.
Cost per page – Don’t just look at cartridge prices. Figure out how much each printed page is actually costing you.
Subscription ink plans – Some brands offer auto-refills that can save money in the long run.
The cheapest ink isn’t always about the lowest price tag—it’s about how far that ink can take you before you’re back at the store buying more.
