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If you rely on iPhone or iPad printing and need to keep costs low, choosing the right AirPrint Printer matters. Under $100 options vary widely in print speed, wireless reliability, and long-term running costs, so the best-looking model on paper may not serve daily needs. This guide shortlists the top affordable AirPrint printers and explains how each pick meets the needs of mobile-first households, students, and home offices. We evaluated print quality, connectivity, and ongoing maintenance so you can quickly identify models that balance out-of-the-box ease with economical operation. Read on for concise buying guidance and our selection criteria.
Top Picks at a Glance
| Best Overall The best all-around choice for most situations | Visioneer Rabbit PC30dwn |  |
| Best Quality Built to a higher standard if you want something more solid | Brother Work Smart 1360 MFC-J1360DW |  |
| Best Value The sweet spot between price and what you get | Epson Expression Home XP-5200 |  |
| Best Budget The cheapest option that still gets the job done reliably | HP DeskJet 2955 All-in-One |  |
| Top Rated A top-rated pick with lots of positive feedback | Canon PIXMA TS6520 |  |
| Most Popular A crowd favorite that many people choose with confidence | Canon PIXMA TR4720 |  |
| Best Seller A high-volume bestseller chosen again and again | HP DeskJet 2855e All-in-One |  |
Visioneer Rabbit PC30dwn
| Printer Type | Laser |
|---|---|
| Print speed | 30 pages_per_minute |
| Resolution | 600 x 600 |
| Paper capacity | 250 sheet input tray |
| Connectivity | Wi‑Fi/Ethernet/USB for PC |
The Visioneer Rabbit PC30dwn is a small-footprint monochrome laser printer with a built-in copier and sheetfed scanner function aimed at home and small office tasks. It prints up to 30 pages per minute at 600 dpi and supports automatic duplex so you can produce two-sided documents without manual flipping. Paper handling is practical for higher-volume runs with a 250-sheet input tray plus a manual feed for specialty media, and the included toner and drum let you start right away. Connectivity is flexible: USB, gigabit Ethernet, and Wi‑Fi are supported and Mac users can print via AirPrint, which matches the article goal of affordable AirPrint-capable printers. Control is handled through a simple touch interface. Expect solid black-and-white output for text and basic graphics, but no color printing and limited advanced features compared with full office MFPs. The unit is best where fast, reliable monochrome output and a compact copier are priorities rather than photo-quality or color jobs.
Best for: Buyers who want a compact, no-nonsense monochrome printer/copier that prints quickly and shares easily over Wi‑Fi or Ethernet for home or small office document workflows.
Less Ideal for: Those who need color printing, high-resolution photo output, or advanced multifunction features should look at higher-end color MFPs instead.
- Fast monochrome printing up to 30 ppm for quick document runs
- Automatic duplex printing saves time and paper on two-sided jobs
- 250-sheet input tray reduces frequent refilling for medium-volume use
- Multiple connectivity options including Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, and USB with AirPrint support for easy sharing
- Includes starter toner and drum so it is ready to use out of the box
- Monochrome-only output limits it to text and grayscale graphics
- Resolution capped at 600 dpi, so fine photo detail is not optimal
- No advanced color or multifunction features like fax or wide-format scanning
Verdict: If you need a fast, compact AirPrint-capable monochrome printer with duplex and a large input tray under $100, the Visioneer Rabbit PC30dwn is a practical choice.
Brother Work Smart 1360 MFC-J1360DW
| Printer Type | Inkjet |
|---|---|
| Functions | Print, Copy, Scan |
| Duplex | Automatic |
| Maximum Sheet Capacity | 150 |
| Printer Connectivity Type | USB, Wi-Fi |
The Brother Work Smart 1360 is a compact wireless color inkjet all-in-one built for home and small home-office use where fast, two-sided printing matters. It prints from USB or Wi-Fi and supports AirPrint and Mopria so mobile printing is straightforward, and the Brother Mobile Connect app guides setup and remote printing. Practical features include a 20-sheet automatic document feeder for batch scanning or copying, a 150-sheet input tray to reduce refills, and automatic duplex to save paper. Print quality is aimed at everyday documents and color flyers rather than high-end photo work, with rated speeds up to 16 ppm black and 9 ppm color and quick first-page times. The machine uses Brother LC501 ink cartridges with standard and high-yield options and includes Page Gauge to monitor ink levels. Expect a dependable, space-saving footprint but modest photo/color fidelity and occasional cartridge costs compared with laser alternatives; the 1.8-inch color display is functional but not as smooth as larger touchscreens. For buyers prioritizing reliable, two-sided throughput with easy mobile printing, this is a strong value-packed choice under $100.
Best for: Buyers who want a compact, performance-focused all-in-one that delivers reliable two-sided printing and easy mobile/airprint workflow for home or small office productivity.
Less Ideal for: People who need professional-grade photo or high-fidelity color printing or who prefer large touchscreen controls for frequent on-device jobs.
- Automatic duplexing for two-sided printing saves paper and time
- Wi-Fi, AirPrint, Mopria and Brother Mobile Connect app enable easy mobile and cloud printing
- 20-sheet ADF plus flatbed scanner handles multi-page copying and scanning
- 150-sheet tray reduces the need for frequent paper refills
- Fast first-page times and up to 16 ppm black for responsive everyday printing
- Color and photo print quality is aimed at general documents rather than professional photo output
- Small 1.8-inch display limits on-device navigation and previewing
Verdict: Choose this Brother if you want a budget-friendly, AirPrint-capable all-in-one that prioritizes fast two-sided printing and convenient mobile workflows.
Epson Expression Home XP-5200
| Printer Type | Inkjet |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | USB, Wi‑Fi |
| Duplex | Automatic |
| Maximum print Resolution Color | 4800 x 1200 dpi |
| Maximum Sheet Capacity | 150 |
The Epson Expression Home XP-5200 is a small-format all-in-one inkjet aimed at everyday home printing and basic photo tasks. It handles print, copy, and flatbed scanning and connects via Wi-Fi or USB with mobile printing supported through the Epson Smart Panel app and voice assistants. Notable features include automatic two-sided printing, a 150-sheet input tray, borderless photo printing and a high maximum print resolution for sharp color output. Its PrecisionCore heat-free print engine and a permanent printhead are designed for reliable operation, and individual Claria 222 cartridges let you replace only the color you need. Expect decent black text speed for home use and reasonable color photo quality, though photo throughput is slower than plain text and prints depend on using genuine Epson cartridges. The XP-5200 is compact and easy to set up, but it lacks advanced paper handling and is best suited to moderate personal or family workloads rather than heavy-duty office use.
Best for: Buyers who want a compact, no-fuss all-in-one for routine home printing, occasional photos, and easy mobile setup while prioritizing reliable print quality and simple maintenance.
Less Ideal for: Users who need fast color throughput, high monthly page volume, or advanced paper feeding options should consider more robust office-focused models instead.
- Automatic two-sided printing reduces paper use for everyday documents
- 150-sheet paper tray handles moderate home print volumes without constant refills
- High maximum print resolution for detailed color and borderless photo prints
- Wireless and mobile printing via Wi-Fi and Epson Smart Panel app with voice control support
- Relies on genuine Epson Claria 222 cartridges which increases ongoing ink cost
- Not intended for high-volume office workloads or advanced paper handling needs
Verdict: A compact, easy-to-set-up all-in-one that delivers reliable everyday printing and good photo quality for budget-conscious home users.
HP DeskJet 2955 All-in-One
| Printer Type | HP Thermal Inkjet |
|---|---|
| Printer Connectivity Type | Apple AirPrint; USB; Wireless (Wi-Fi); Wireless direct printing; Mopria |
| Maximum Sheet Capacity | 60 |
| Color | Cement noir with cement accents |
| Compatible Cartridge | HP 68 Black; HP 68 Tri-Color; HP 68e EvoMore Black |
The HP DeskJet 2955 is a budget-friendly all-in-one that handles everyday home tasks like printing color documents, scanning with the flatbed, and making copies. Setup and mobile printing are straightforward thanks to the HP App, AirPrint, Mopria and wireless direct printing, and the small 60-sheet tray plus manual duplexing keep the footprint minimal. Print speeds are modest — up to about 7.5 ppm black and 5.5 ppm color — and photo or high-volume jobs are not its strength, but the printer delivers acceptable text and basic color output for household use. Included items and an initial 3-month Instant Ink trial make getting started easy, and the unit is designed with recycled plastics and low power consumption. Limitations to expect are basic copy resolution, manual two-sided printing, and reliance on HP 68 cartridges which affect running costs over time. For tight budgets this model gives a functional, compact AirPrint-capable printer for light duty at home.
Best for: Buyers looking for an inexpensive, space-saving home printer that prioritizes easy mobile and AirPrint connectivity for sporadic documents, scans, and copies.
Less Ideal for: Users who need fast, high-volume printing, professional-quality photo output, or automatic two-sided printing should consider a more capable model.
- Wireless printing with AirPrint, Mopria, wireless direct and HP App for easy mobile use
- Compact all-in-one design with flatbed scanner and 60-sheet input tray fits small home spaces
- Includes a 3-month Instant Ink trial and ships with starter cartridges for quick setup
- Energy efficient design using recycled plastics and low power consumption
- Slow print speeds and modest copy/scan resolution compared with higher-end models
- Manual duplexing only, so two-sided jobs require user intervention
- Uses HP 68 cartridges which can be costly for frequent color printing
Verdict: A compact, wallet-friendly all-in-one that gives reliable AirPrint and mobile printing for light home use.
Canon PIXMA TS6520
| Printer Type | Inkjet |
|---|---|
| Duplex | Automatic |
| Printer Connectivity Type | USB, Wi-Fi |
| Display Type | OLED |
| Compatible Cartridge | PG-295 & CL-286 |
The Canon PIXMA TS6520 is a home-focused all-in-one inkjet that handles everyday documents and occasional photos with dependable results. It uses a two-cartridge hybrid ink system to deliver sharp black text and reasonably vibrant color prints, and the flatbed scanner covers basic scan and copy tasks. Setup and mobile printing are straightforward thanks to dual-band Wi‑Fi and support for the Canon PRINT app, AirPrint, and Mopria, while the 1.42" OLED makes status and ink monitoring easy. Automatic two-sided printing saves paper and is useful for homework, reports, and longer documents. The machine is compact and fits neatly on a desk, but it lacks an automatic document feeder and the single input capacity means heavy users will refill paper often. Print speeds are modest for casual home use, and photo quality is good but not on par with dedicated photo printers. For someone who values a reliable, space-saving printer for mixed home tasks, the TS6520 hits the essentials without unnecessary complexity.
Best for: Buyers who prioritize a reliable, simple home printer that fits a small workspace and prints from phones or laptops with minimal setup.
Less Ideal for: Users who need high-volume daily printing, multi-page batch scanning, or professional-grade photo printing should look at larger multifunction or photo-focused models.
- Compact all-in-one design fits small home workspaces
- Dual-band Wi‑Fi with AirPrint and Canon PRINT app for easy mobile printing
- Automatic two-sided (duplex) printing to save paper
- 1.42" OLED display for simple status and ink monitoring
- Hybrid two-cartridge ink system that balances sharp text and color prints
- No automatic document feeder for multi-page scanning or copying
- Very small paper capacity so frequent refilling for heavy jobs
Verdict: A compact, easy-to-use AirPrint-capable all-in-one that reliably covers home printing, scanning, and copying without frills.
Canon PIXMA TR4720
| Printer Type | Inkjet |
|---|---|
| Printer Connectivity Type | USB, Wi‑Fi |
| Maximum print Resolution Color | 4800 x 1200 dpi |
| Maximum Sheet Capacity | 100 |
| Duplex | Automatic |
The PIXMA TR4720 is a compact home/office inkjet that covers basic document and photo tasks without taking much space. It connects via Wi‑Fi or USB and supports mobile printing through Canon's app, making it easy to print from phones and tablets; it also works with voice assistants for reorder notifications. Key conveniences include a 100‑sheet front tray, automatic two‑sided printing to save paper, and a small auto document feeder for multi‑page scanning and faxing. Print quality is good for everyday documents and borderless photos up to letter size thanks to Canon's hybrid ink system, though color photo speeds and throughput are modest. Expect slower color prints and photo output compared with faster desktop models, and ink costs can add up if you print heavily. Setup and cartridge replacement are straightforward, and the 2‑line LCD keeps basic controls simple. For buyers focused on compactness, app connectivity, and occasional photo printing, the TR4720 is a practical, no‑frills choice; power users or high‑volume shops will want a faster, more economical machine.
Best for: Buyers who want a compact, easy‑to‑use all‑in‑one for occasional home or small office printing with reliable wireless and mobile printing features and straightforward setup.
Less Ideal for: Users who need fast color/photo throughput or a low cost‑per‑page solution for heavy daily printing should consider more robust or business‑oriented printers.
- All‑in‑one functionality with print, scan, copy and fax in a compact footprint
- Wi‑Fi and mobile app printing for easy phone/tablet workflows
- Automatic duplex printing and a 100‑sheet front tray reduce paper handling
- Auto document feeder speeds multi‑page scans and faxes
- Hybrid ink system delivers sharp black text and decent borderless photos up to letter size
- Modest color print speed and photo throughput compared with higher‑end models
- Ink consumption can be relatively high for heavy color or photo use
Verdict: A compact, app‑friendly all‑in‑one that delivers reliable everyday document and photo printing in a small footprint.
HP DeskJet 2855e All-in-One
| Printer Type | Inkjet |
|---|---|
| Print Resolution (Color) | 4800 x 1200 dpi |
| Paper Capacity | 60-sheet input tray |
| Connectivity | single band wi-fi (2.4ghz only), USB 2.0 |
| Compatible Cartridge | HP 67 |
The HP DeskJet 2855e is an entry-level all-in-one aimed at home users who need occasional color prints, scans, and copies. It connects over single-band 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi or USB and is controlled from the HP app, which also lets you print and scan from a smartphone. Print quality tops out at 4800 x 1200 dpi for color and 600 dpi for black and white, suitable for sharp text, basic graphics, and casual photo prints. The 60-sheet input tray and flatbed scanner make copying and light batch jobs straightforward, while manual duplex requires flipping pages by hand. Setup includes a three-month Instant Ink trial with HP+ activation for hands-off ink delivery if you opt in. Expect modest speeds around 5.5 ppm color and 7.5 ppm black for simple home documents. The DeskJet is compact and energy efficient but not designed for heavy duty or fast office workflows, and it only supports 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi which can limit network choices. For low-volume, dependable home printing where ease of use matters, it performs well.
Best for: Buyers who prioritize a simple, reliable home printer with easy mobile printing and low ongoing fuss will appreciate this model.
Less Ideal for: Those who need fast output, heavy monthly page volumes, automatic two-sided printing, or 5 GHz Wi‑Fi compatibility should look elsewhere.
- All-in-one functionality with flatbed scanner for copying and scanning
- Simple wireless setup and control via the HP app for phone printing
- Compact footprint with a 60-sheet input tray suitable for home use
- High color resolution (4800 x 1200 dpi) for sharper text and basic photo prints
- Includes 3-month Instant Ink trial to simplify ink replacement with HP+ activation
- Only supports single-band 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi, no 5 GHz network support
- Manual duplex printing requires flipping pages by hand
- Not designed for high-volume or fast office workloads
Verdict: A compact, user-friendly home all‑in‑one that delivers reliable mobile printing and high color resolution for low-volume use.
Choosing the Right AirPrint Printer: Key Factors to Consider
AirPrint Setup and Ongoing Connectivity
Native AirPrint support is the baseline, but setup experience and connection stability vary. A printer that pairs quickly with iOS devices and stays reliably connected over typical home Wi-Fi saves time and frustration.
Look for printers with clear setup prompts, minimal companion app requirements, and stable behavior when networks change or devices sleep. If a model supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, that can improve performance in congested environments. Also consider whether the printer offers a simple way to reconnect after router resets or firmware updates because that affects long-term convenience.
Print Quality for Documents and Occasional Photos
Under $100 printers often trade off higher-resolution photo output for lower running costs and faster text printing. For most home users, crisp, dark text and acceptable color for casual photos or graphics are the priorities.
Evaluate sample print output where possible, focusing on text legibility at typical document sizes and color consistency for charts or simple images. Avoid models that produce muddy black text or inconsistent color blocks, since those issues are hard to correct later without switching printing habits or consumables.
Running Cost and Consumable Availability
A low purchase price can be offset by expensive ink or toner. Check estimated page yields and whether the manufacturer or third-party compatible cartridges are readily available at reasonable cost.
Consider whether the printer accepts high-yield cartridges or refillable tanks, which can lower per-page cost. Factor in how often you print: occasional users may accept higher per-page costs for lower upfront expense, while frequent users should prioritize low running cost and easy cartridge sourcing.
Physical Footprint and Placement Flexibility
Under-desk space and shelf dimensions matter for home users and students. Choose a compact design that fits where you plan to place it, keeping in mind paper trays and access to cartridges.
Also consider weight and whether the unit is easy to move between rooms. Printers that need constant access to paper trays or front-loading cartridges are better for tight spaces, while rear-feed designs may require more clearance behind the unit.
Print Speed and Everyday Performance
Print speed affects how quickly you can get through homework, boarding passes, or handouts. At this price point, speeds vary enough to impact perceived usability for frequent printing.
Look for advertised pages-per-minute for black-and-white and color output, but treat these numbers as a rough guide. Real-world factors like duplexing, image complexity, and warm-up time influence throughput. If you print bursts of multiple pages regularly, prioritize a faster model within the budget.
Mobile Features and Extra Functionality
Additional features like two-sided auto-duplex, a basic LCD for status messages, or app-enabled scanning can increase daily convenience even on budget printers. These extras can reduce the need to transfer files to a computer for simple tasks.
Decide which features are worth paying a little more for based on your workflow. For example, auto-duplex is useful for saving paper on multi-page documents, while a straightforward control panel can simplify error recovery and ink replacement.
How AirPrint Works and Why Native Support Matters
AirPrint is a wireless printing standard built into Apple devices that lets you print without installing drivers. Native support means the printer announces itself on the local network and accepts jobs directly from iPhones and iPads, reducing setup friction.
Printers that only offer cloud-based or app-dependent printing can introduce extra steps, such as uploading documents to a service or keeping a companion app open. For reliable everyday use, favor models that implement AirPrint directly in firmware and present a consistent network presence.
- Native AirPrint avoids driver installation and often works across iOS versions without extra apps
- Direct AirPrint is usually faster and more reliable than workarounds that require cloud upload
- Firmware updates can affect AirPrint behavior, so check update notes and support channels
Tips to Reduce Running Costs
To keep operating expenses low, print in draft mode for internal documents, use grayscale when color is unnecessary, and enable duplex printing to save paper. Also evaluate whether refillable tanks or high-yield cartridges are supported by the model you choose.
Buying compatible cartridges from reputable third-party suppliers can lower costs, but be mindful of potential tradeoffs in print quality and warranty implications. Track your monthly page count to estimate ongoing expenses and compare that to your budget.
- Use draft mode for noncritical text to reduce ink usage
- Switch to grayscale for text-heavy documents
- Enable duplexing to halve paper use when possible
Placement and Network Tips for Reliable Wireless Printing
Position the printer within clear line of sight of your router when possible, especially if it only supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. Avoid placing it inside metal cabinets or behind large appliances that can block signals.
If you experience intermittent connectivity, restarting the router and printer in sequence can help. Assigning a static IP address or reserving the printer in your router's DHCP table often reduces reconnection issues and makes AirPrint discovery more consistent.
- Keep the printer on the main floor of the home for best coverage
- Reserve a DHCP lease in the router to stabilize the printer IP
- Avoid heavy Wi-Fi interference from nearby electronics
Scenarios: Which Features Matter Most for Different Users
Students and dorm users usually benefit most from compact size, low initial cost, and straightforward AirPrint pairing. Occasional color printing and minimal footprint are common priorities for this group.
Home offices and frequent printers should weigh running cost and speed more heavily, while photo enthusiasts who print rarely might prioritize color quality and support for higher-resolution images. Match the feature emphasis to how often and what kinds of pages you print.
- Student: compact design, easy setup, acceptable text quality
- Home office: low running cost, faster black-and-white speed
- Casual photo printing: best possible color at this price tier
Maintaining Performance Over Time
Regular use prevents print head clogging on inkjet models, so schedule a short print job weekly if you print infrequently. Keep firmware updated but read release notes in case an update changes wireless behavior.
Store spare cartridges properly and avoid letting ink sit in cartridges for long periods. Clean the paper path occasionally and use recommended paper weights to reduce jams and maintain consistent output.
- Print at least once a week to keep ink flowing
- Use manufacturer-recommended paper to minimize jams
- Keep spare consumables on hand if you rely on the printer
How We Chose the Best AirPrint Printer
We prioritized features that matter for iOS-based wireless printing at a strict under-$100 price point. Key evaluation criteria included AirPrint setup and connection stability, print quality for text and photos, ink or toner running cost and yield, and physical footprint for small desks or dorm rooms. We also weighed print speed for everyday documents and the reliability of the manufacturer software or firmware for ongoing wireless compatibility. Filters: we excluded printers that lack native AirPrint support, models that require recurring proprietary subscription services to print, and large-format office machines that exceed the target price or footprint. We focused on units with verified AirPrint functionality, clear maintenance paths, and documented consumable availability. What mattered most: ease of AirPrint pairing and reconnection, consistent Wi-Fi performance in typical home networks, readable output for both text and photos at this price tier, and sensible long-term operating costs. These factors guided our shortlisting and informed the scoring metrics used across each product entry.
Our full evaluation process is outlined in our review methodology.
FAQ
Will any printer labeled AirPrint work with my iPhone or iPad?
If a printer lists native AirPrint support, it should work directly with iOS devices. Performance depends on your local Wi-Fi network and whether the printer firmware correctly implements the AirPrint protocol.
How do I reduce the cost per page on a budget AirPrint printer?
Use draft mode for casual documents, enable duplexing, and consider high-yield or refillable ink options if supported. Tracking monthly page counts helps identify whether a low upfront price is economical over time.
Is Wi-Fi stability a common problem with cheap AirPrint printers?
Some budget models have less robust Wi-Fi hardware or firmware, which can cause intermittent disconnects. Placing the printer closer to the router and reserving its IP in the router can improve reliability.
Do I need a computer to use AirPrint?
No. AirPrint is designed to work directly from iPhones and iPads without a computer intermediary, as long as the printer and device are on the same local network and the printer supports AirPrint natively.
How often should I update the printer firmware?
Update firmware when an update addresses security or connectivity fixes, but review the release notes first. If your printer is stable and updates add no relevant improvements, you can defer updates until necessary.
Final Verdict
Focus on AirPrint reliability, running costs, and footprint when choosing a budget printer. Prioritize models that pair smoothly with iOS devices and offer reasonable cartridge yields if you print regularly. Be prepared to trade off premium photo fidelity for lower operating costs and faster text output. Decide which factors matter most for your use case—compact size and low purchase price for occasional printing, or lower per-page costs and faster throughput for heavier use. With those priorities clear, you can select an AirPrint printer under $100 that meets your daily needs without unnecessary compromises.