Note: This article contains affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support our research and content. Read our full affiliate disclosure here.
Finding an inexpensive Printer that still delivers reliable results matters if you print occasionally for schoolwork, receipts, or household paperwork. Under $100 options vary widely in features and operating costs, so picking the right one can save you time and recurring expense. This guide shortlists the top affordable Printers and explains how each was judged on print quality, page cost, connectivity, and ease of use. Read on to see concise pros and tradeoffs for each pick and to find the model that fits your daily printing habits.
Top Picks at a Glance
| Best Overall The best all-around choice for most situations | KODAK Dock Plus PD460 |  |
| 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 | TATTMUSE A285M Portable Thermal Printer |  |
KODAK Dock Plus PD460
| Printer Type | 4PASS Dye Sublimation |
|---|---|
| Maximum Media Size | 4×6 inches |
| Maximum Sheet Capacity | 10 |
| Connectivity | wired, wireless, Bluetooth |
| Control Method | App |
The KODAK Dock Plus is a compact desktop photo printer designed to turn smartphone pictures into durable 4×6 prints using 4PASS dye-sublimation and a laminated finish. It is typically used as a home printing station—dock your iPhone or Android device, pair via Bluetooth, edit in the KODAK Photo Printer app, and print a borderless 4×6 photo in about a minute while the dock charges the phone. Notable features include an integrated smartphone dock for stable connection and charging, app-based control for cropping and simple edits, and a single all-in-one cartridge system that produces color layers plus a protective laminate to resist fingerprints, water, and fading. Practical benefits are easy setup and predictable, photo-quality results that are better protected than basic thermal prints, making it good for albums, framing, and sharing physical photos at events. Important limitations are a slow per-print speed compared with general-purpose printers and a small 10-sheet capacity, so it is best for occasional or deliberate photo printing rather than high-volume tasks.
Best for: Buyers who want an easy-to-use home photo printer that produces protected, print-shop style 4×6 photos from their smartphone and value straightforward setup and app control.
Less Ideal for: People who need fast, high-volume printing or multi-size document printing should look for a more general-purpose or higher-capacity printer.
- Produces durable, laminated 4×6 photos with 4PASS dye-sublimation
- Integrated smartphone dock provides stable connection and charges the phone while printing
- Bluetooth and KODAK app let you edit, crop, and print directly from iOS and Android
- Borderless prints and single all-in-one cartridge simplify media changes
- Slow print speed of roughly one 4×6 print per minute
- Small paper capacity (10 sheets) limits batch printing
Verdict: A compact, smartphone-focused 4×6 printer that delivers durable, app-edited borderless photos for home use.
Brother Work Smart 1360 MFC-J1360DW
| Printer Type | Inkjet |
|---|---|
| Functions | Print, Copy, Scan |
| Duplex | Automatic |
| Maximum Sheet Capacity | 150 |
| Connectivity | USB, Wi‑Fi |
The Brother Work Smart 1360 is a space‑saving color inkjet all‑in‑one aimed at home and small office use, combining print, copy, and scan in a compact chassis. It offers automatic two‑sided printing, a 20‑sheet single‑sided automatic document feeder and a flatbed scanner, so routine multi‑page jobs and occasional scans are simple to run from the 1.8" color display or the Brother Mobile Connect app. Connectivity includes Wi‑Fi (with Wi‑Fi Direct and AirPrint/Mopria support) and USB, letting you print from phones, tablets, or a PC. Print speeds are geared toward productivity with up to 16 ppm black and 9 ppm color and fast first‑page times. The machine accepts Brother LC501 series inks with standard and high‑yield options, and Page Gauge helps monitor ink levels. Tradeoffs are typical for budget inkjets: paper tray and ADF capacities are modest and running costs depend on chosen cartridges, so heavy color photo work will be pricier than laser alternatives. For buyers who prioritize reliable everyday performance in a compact, connected printer, this model delivers solid functionality for the price range.
Best for: Buyers who need a compact, connected all‑in‑one that prioritizes everyday printing speed and reliable duplexing for home or small office productivity.
Less Ideal for: Users who require high monthly page volumes, heavy photo printing, or the lowest long‑term cost per page should consider higher‑capacity or laser alternatives.
- Automatic duplexing for two‑sided print jobs without manual flipping
- Wireless printing with Wi‑Fi, Wi‑Fi Direct, AirPrint and Mopria support
- 20‑sheet ADF plus flatbed scanner for mixed single‑ and multi‑page scanning and copying
- Relatively fast black and color print speeds for a home/office inkjet
- Page Gauge and mobile app support simplify ink monitoring and remote printing
- 150‑sheet tray and 20‑sheet ADF limit capacity for high‑volume jobs
- Ink running costs can add up if you print lots of color or photos
Verdict: Choose the Work Smart 1360 if you want a compact, fast, and connected all‑in‑one that handles everyday duplex printing and scanning reliably under $100.
Epson Expression Home XP-5200
| Printer Type | Inkjet |
|---|---|
| Duplex | Automatic |
| Connectivity | USB, Wi-Fi |
| Max Resolution | 4800 x 1200 dpi |
| Sheet Capacity | 150 |
The Epson Expression Home XP-5200 is a budget-focused all-in-one inkjet aimed at everyday home printing and occasional photo work. It delivers up to 14 ppm black and 7.5 ppm color, supports automatic two-sided printing to save paper, and produces borderless photos at a high optical resolution for its class. Setup and mobile printing are straightforward using Wi-Fi and the Epson Smart Panel app, and the 150-sheet tray handles typical household print runs without constant refills. The XP-5200 uses individual Claria 222 cartridges so you replace only the color that runs out, which helps control ongoing costs. Notable limitations include modest color print speed and modest copy/scan resolution compared with higher-end models, and the unit relies on genuine Epson cartridges for proper operation. For basic document tasks, homework, and occasional photo prints this model balances features, footprint, and operating economy well.
Best for: Buyers looking to get a reliable, low-cost all-in-one for household documents, schoolwork, and occasional photo prints while keeping running costs manageable.
Less Ideal for: Users needing fast color photo throughput, high-resolution scanning or heavy office-level duty cycles should consider higher-end models instead.
- Automatic duplexing saves paper and reduces manual flipping
- 150-sheet input tray reduces how often you refill paper
- Individual ink cartridges let you replace only the depleted color
- Wi-Fi and mobile app support enable easy printing from smartphones
- Color print speed is relatively slow compared with text printing
- Requires genuine Epson Claria 222 cartridges for guaranteed compatibility
Verdict: A compact, practical all-in-one that delivers dependable home printing and borderless photos while keeping operating costs down.
HP DeskJet 2955 All-in-One
| Printer Type | HP Thermal Inkjet |
|---|---|
| Maximum Sheet Capacity | 60 |
| Print Speed B&W | 7.5 pages_per_minute |
| Print Speed Color | 5.5 pages_per_minute |
| Connectivity | AirPrint; USB; Wi‑Fi; Wireless direct; Mopria |
The HP DeskJet 2955 is a budget-focused all-in-one intended for straightforward home tasks like printing recipes, schoolwork, bills, and occasional photo prints. It prints in color and black, scans on a flatbed, and copies up to nine pages per run; the 60-sheet input tray and manual duplex support fit low-volume workflows. Setup and mobile printing are handled through the HP app and support AirPrint and Mopria, while a 3-month trial of HP Instant Ink helps reduce ink hassles for new users. Notable conveniences include dual-band Wi-Fi with connection troubleshooting and an icon LCD for simple control. Expect modest speeds—roughly 7.5 ppm black and 5.5 ppm color—and basic copy/scan resolution, so it is not optimized for heavy office use or high-volume photo jobs. The printer uses HP 68 family cartridges and has a small footprint that suits tight spaces. If you need an inexpensive, easy-to-use printer for occasional home documents and light scanning, the DeskJet 2955 covers those bases with sensible onboard tools and energy-efficient design.
Best for: Buyers seeking the cheapest practical all-in-one for occasional home printing, scanning, and copying who prioritize simplicity and low upfront cost.
Less Ideal for: Users who print large volumes, need fast professional-quality photo output, or require automatic duplexing and heavy-duty paper handling.
- Compact all-in-one design for print, scan, and copy
- Wireless printing with AirPrint, Mopria, and HP App support
- Includes 3-month Instant Ink trial to simplify ink replacement
- 60-sheet input tray keeps a small home workload fed
- Energy-efficient design made with recycled plastics
- Manual duplex only, so double-sided printing requires user flipping
- Modest print speeds and basic copy/scan resolution not suited for heavy use
Verdict: A wallet-friendly, compact all-in-one that delivers basic home printing, scanning, and copying with easy wireless setup and low upfront cost.
Canon PIXMA TS6520
| Printer Type | Inkjet |
|---|---|
| Duplex | Automatic |
| Printer Connectivity Type | USB, Wi-Fi |
| Display Type | OLED |
| Color Pages per Minute | 9 pages_per_minute |
The Canon PIXMA TS6520 is a small, user-friendly all-in-one that handles everyday home printing, photo tasks, scanning, and copying without fuss. It uses a two-cartridge hybrid ink system to produce sharp text and vivid color prints, and supports mobile printing via the Canon app, AirPrint, and Mopria so you can print from phones or tablets. The 1.42" OLED display and simple control panel make setup and status checks straightforward, while built-in Wi‑Fi (including dual-band support) keeps connections stable. Automatic two-sided printing and borderless photo capability help reduce paper use and expand creative options, though the single-sheet tray and modest sheet capacity mean it is best for light to moderate volume rather than heavy batch jobs. The PIXMA TS6520 does not include an automatic document feeder, so multi-page scanning or copying requires manual page flipping. For buyers who want reliable everyday performance, compact footprint, and decent photo quality on a budget, it is a practical choice with few unnecessary extras.
Best for: Buyers who prioritize dependable day-to-day printing and scanning in a compact, easy-to-use machine and who print intermittently rather than in large batches.
Less Ideal for: Workgroups or users who need high monthly volumes, large paper capacity, or unattended multi-page scanning functionality.
- Automatic two-sided printing saves paper and speeds common print tasks
- Wi‑Fi with dual-band support and mobile printing (Canon app, AirPrint, Mopria) for flexible connectivity
- Compact design with an easy-to-read 1.42" OLED display for simple setup and status
- Hybrid 2-cartridge ink system produces sharp text and vibrant color photos
- Single-sheet tray and low sheet capacity limit suitability for high-volume printing
- No automatic document feeder, making multi-page scanning or copying manual
Verdict: A compact, reliable all-in-one that delivers good everyday print and photo quality with convenient wireless features for budget-conscious home users.
Canon PIXMA TR4720
| Printer Type | Inkjet |
|---|---|
| Print Resolution | 4800 x 1200 |
| Print Speed B&W | 8.8 pages_per_minute |
| Print Speed Color | 4.4 pages_per_minute |
| Connectivity | USB, Wi-Fi |
The Canon PIXMA TR4720 is a compact 4-in-1 inkjet that targets everyday home and small office tasks. It prints, scans, copies, and sends faxes while offering wireless printing from phones via the Canon Print app and USB connectivity for a direct link. Practical features include an auto document feeder for multi-page scanning, automatic two-sided (duplex) printing to save paper, and a 100-sheet front paper tray that keeps the unit compact on a desk. Print quality is solid for documents and casual photos thanks to Canon's hybrid ink system and up to 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution, although color photo speeds are modest. Black text prints faster than color, and the unit is frugal on power at about 7 watts. Limitations for buyers on a budget include modest page-per-minute speeds and potentially higher ongoing ink costs compared with laser printers or models that use refillable tanks, and the starter ink included will not last as long as full cartridges. For users focused on occasional home printing, the TR4720 balances size, features, and ease of use well.
Best for: Buyers who want an affordable, space-saving all-in-one that handles basic home or small-office tasks reliably and who value wireless mobile printing and simple setup.
Less Ideal for: Users who need fast, high-volume color printing or the lowest long-term ink cost should consider higher-capacity laser printers or tank-style ink models instead.
- Includes auto document feeder for multi-page scanning and copying.
- Automatic duplex printing reduces paper use for two-sided documents.
- Wireless mobile printing and Canon Print app support make phone-to-printer workflows simple.
- Compact footprint with a 100-sheet front tray fits small home or office spaces.
- High nominal print resolution (4800 x 1200 dpi) for sharp text and decent photo prints.
- Color print speed is relatively slow compared with higher-end models.
- Uses standard cartridges rather than refillable tanks, which may increase long-term ink costs.
Verdict: A compact, easy-to-use wireless 4-in-1 that delivers reliable home-office printing and useful features for buyers prioritizing size and basic functionality under $100.
TATTMUSE A285M Portable Thermal Printer
| Printer Type | Thermal |
|---|---|
| Maximum Media Size | 8.5 x 11 inch |
| Printer Connectivity Type | Bluetooth, USB |
| Maximum Print Resolution Black and White | 203 dots_per_inch |
| B&W Pages per Minute | 7 |
The TATTMUSE A285M is a small, battery-powered thermal printer built for on-the-go black-and-white printing. It uses thermal paper instead of ink or toner, so you can print receipts, invoices, forms, boarding passes, and single-sheet documents without replacing cartridges. Setup for mobile devices is handled over Bluetooth with a companion app, while laptops and desktops print over USB-C after installing the driver. The unit supports multiple thermal paper widths including US Letter and A4 and holds paper in a built-in bin for roll or single-sheet feed. Print quality and resolution are appropriate for text and simple graphics at about 203 dpi with up to 7 ppm speed, which is adequate for occasional mobile use but not for high-volume office jobs. The rechargeable battery and lightweight housing make it easy to carry for travel, field work, or classroom use, though it only prints monochrome thermal output and requires special thermal paper, so ongoing paper cost and media availability are the main constraints to consider.
Best for: Buyers who want a low-maintenance, portable printer for occasional field or travel use and value avoiding ink cartridges and a compact footprint.
Less Ideal for: People who need color printing, photo-quality output, fast high-volume office printing, or who prefer standard copy paper without buying thermal media.
- Inkless thermal printing removes need for ink or toner
- Bluetooth support for phones and tablets and USB-C for computers
- Supports multiple thermal paper sizes including US Letter and A4
- Lightweight, rechargeable and designed for portable use
- Prints only in monochrome on thermal paper which limits finishing and archival lifespan
- Requires installing a driver for computer use and relies on the vendor app for mobile features
Verdict: A285M is a budget-friendly, inkless portable thermal printer best for travelers and field workers who need simple, reliable monochrome prints without cartridges.
Choosing the Right Printer: Key Factors to Consider
Print Quality
Print quality determines whether documents look professional and graphics are legible. For budget Printers, text clarity and consistent black density are more important than high-resolution photo detail. Poor text rendering makes forms and legal documents harder to read and can lead to wasted reprints.
Look for devices that deliver crisp black text and acceptable color charts for occasional color pages. If you frequently print charts or client-facing materials, prioritize models with better measured DPI and reliable ink coverage even within the under-$100 constraint.
Operating Cost
The purchase price is only part of ownership. Operating cost includes ink or toner consumption and how many pages a cartridge yields. Low upfront cost can be offset by high per-page expense if cartridges have low capacity or proprietary pricing.
Estimate monthly page volume and compare yield figures to calculate cost per page. Also consider whether the printer accepts high-yield cartridges or refillable tanks, which can significantly lower long-term costs despite similar initial prices.
Connectivity and Compatibility
How the Printer connects affects everyday convenience. Common options include USB, Wi-Fi, and mobile printing protocols. A model with straightforward wireless setup lets multiple devices send jobs without physical connection, which is useful in homes with smartphones and tablets.
Ensure the Printer supports the operating systems and mobile platforms you use. Look for easy app-based or built-in wireless setup and stable network performance to avoid frequent troubleshooting.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
A budget Printer should be easy to set up, load with paper, and perform basic maintenance. User-friendly control panels, clear status lights, and simple cartridge access reduce frustration. Maintenance tasks like cleaning print heads or clearing jams should not require complicated disassembly.
Consider how often you will need to run maintenance and whether common tasks are well documented. Simpler devices often mean faster recovery from common issues and less downtime for occasional users.
Build Reliability and Duty Cycle
Even inexpensive Printers have rated duty cycles that indicate suitable monthly volume. Buying a model with a duty cycle well above your expected usage helps avoid premature wear. Reliability reports, user feedback, and manufacturer-specified page capacities all help predict longevity.
If you plan occasional printing, a lower duty cycle may be acceptable. For frequent use, prioritize models with sturdier trays, more robust paper handling, and fewer reported mechanical issues to reduce interruptions.
Consumables Availability
Accessible and affordable replacement cartridges or refill systems matter in the long run. Some budget Printers use widely available standard cartridges; others rely on less common or single-source supplies. Availability affects both price and the hassle of sourcing parts.
Check that cartridges, refill bottles, or compatible third-party supplies are sold through common channels and have clear yield information. Easy-to-find consumables reduce downtime and unexpected costs.
Who Should Buy a Sub-$100 Printer
A Printer under $100 suits users with light to moderate printing needs: homework, invoices, receipts, and occasional photos sized for family albums. These models are especially good for households, students, and home offices that do not require heavy daily output.
If you print a few dozen pages per month and prioritize low initial cost with acceptable print quality, these budget options are appropriate. They are less suitable for high-volume businesses or photo professionals who need advanced color accuracy and speed.
- Best for low- to moderate-volume home use
- Useful for students, casual photo prints, and simple office tasks
- Not ideal for heavy daily production or professional photo work
Managing Running Costs on a Budget Printer
To keep operating costs down, track how many pages you print monthly and choose higher-yield cartridges or refillable ink systems when available. Printing drafts in economy mode and using black-and-white for text-heavy documents significantly reduces ink consumption.
Regularly update drivers and firmware to ensure accurate ink-usage reporting and avoid wasteful head-clean cycles. Store unused cartridges as recommended to extend usable life and avoid premature drying.
- Use draft mode for internal documents
- Prefer grayscale for text-heavy jobs
- Consider third-party or high-yield options only if compatible and reliably available
Connectivity Tips for Smooth Setup
Wireless Printers simplify printing from multiple devices but require a stable home network. During setup, place the Printer close to the router for initial configuration. Use the manufacturer app or web interface for guided setup and firmware updates.
If network printing proves unreliable, fallback to USB connectivity for mission-critical documents. Ensure any mobile printing features you plan to use are supported by your devices and that drivers are available for your operating system version.
- Start setup with the Printer near your router
- Keep firmware updated to fix connectivity issues
- Use USB as a reliable fallback option
Paper Handling and Media Types
Budget Printers differ in accepted paper sizes and media types. If you need to print envelopes, labels, or heavier paper, verify the input tray specifications and maximum supported weight. Simple multipurpose trays are more versatile than single-sheet feeds.
Also check duplexing capabilities. Automatic double-sided printing reduces paper use but is less common in low-cost units. Manual duplexing is a workable alternative for occasional two-sided needs.
- Confirm supported paper sizes and weights
- Automatic duplexing is rare on budget models
- Check tray capacity to avoid frequent refills
Common Maintenance Tasks
Routine maintenance for a budget Printer includes replacing cartridges, occasionally cleaning print heads, and clearing paper jams. Familiarize yourself with how to perform these tasks quickly to minimize downtime. Keep spare cartridges or at least one replacement on hand if you print regularly.
Avoid letting ink sit unused for long periods; print a test page every few weeks to keep nozzles clear. Follow the manufacturer cleaning procedures to prevent unnecessary wear.
- Keep spare cartridges if you print regularly
- Run a test print periodically to prevent clogged nozzles
- Follow documented cleaning steps to avoid damage
How We Chose the Best Printer
We focused on Printers that are genuinely available for under $100 and that serve everyday home and small-office needs. Evaluation emphasized four to six concrete criteria that matter to low-cost buyers: print quality for text and simple graphics, ongoing operating cost per page, connectivity and setup simplicity, build reliability for occasional to moderate use, and ease of replacing consumables like ink or paper. We prioritized devices with clear documentation and widely available supplies. Exclusions included specialty photo printers, large-format or commercial machines, and models that require proprietary or unusually expensive consumables that undermine the low-price premise. Our process filtered out units with consistently poor reliability reports or that lacked basic connectivity (USB or common wireless options). The final selection reflects a balance between initial affordability and realistic running costs and usability.
Our full evaluation process is outlined in our review methodology.
FAQ
Can a Printer under $100 handle occasional photo printing?
Often, yes. Budget Printers can produce acceptable small photo prints for casual use, but they usually lack the color accuracy and resolution of higher-end photo printers. For occasional family snapshots they are adequate, but expect limited color depth and longevity compared with dedicated photo equipment.
How much should I expect to spend on ink for a budget Printer?
It depends on your monthly page volume and whether the model uses standard or high-yield cartridges. Budget units may have cheaper cartridges but lower yields, so calculating cost per page using manufacturer yields gives a clearer comparison. Consider refillable options if you print frequently.
Is wireless connectivity reliable on low-cost Printers?
Wireless performance varies. Many under-$100 models offer Wi-Fi that works well for basic home use, but stability can depend on your router and network congestion. If you need guaranteed reliability, a USB connection remains the most dependable choice.
Do inexpensive Printers come with duplex printing?
Some do, but automatic duplexing is uncommon at the lowest price points. Manual duplexing, where you flip pages yourself, is a common workaround and is serviceable for occasional two-sided jobs.
How long do budget Printers typically last?
Lifespan varies with usage and maintenance. For light to moderate home use, an affordable Printer can last several years if well cared for. Heavy use shortens service life, so match the device's duty cycle to your expected monthly output for better longevity.
Final Verdict
When choosing a Printer under $100, weigh initial cost against ongoing expenses and real-world needs. Prioritize print quality for the types of documents you produce most, and calculate operating cost per page to avoid surprise spending. Connectivity and ease of maintenance are practical considerations that determine day-to-day satisfaction. For light to moderate home use, favor models with clear setup paths, accessible consumables, and acceptable duty cycles. These tradeoffs will help you choose a budget Printer that stays useful and economical over time.