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If you need a reliable wireless printer without spending a lot, the right under-$100 model can handle everyday documents, occasional photos, and home office tasks. You want a machine that sets up quickly on your network, produces readable text and acceptable color output, and keeps running without constant fiddling. This guide shortlists seven well-rounded wireless printers under $100 that balance print speed, connection stability, and running costs. We evaluated setup, wireless features, print quality, and day-to-day usability to surface practical options for home and small-office use. Read on to find which type of budget wireless printer best fits your routine and expectations.
Top Picks at a Glance
| Best Overall The best all-around choice for most situations | Epson Expression Home XP-5200 |  |
| Best Quality Built to a higher standard if you want something more solid | Canon PIXMA TR7120 |  |
| Best Value The sweet spot between price and what you get | Brother Work Smart 1360 |  |
| 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 | HP DeskJet 2855e |  |
| Best Seller A high-volume bestseller chosen again and again | TATTMUSE A285M Portable Thermal Printer |  |
Epson Expression Home XP-5200
| Printer Type | Inkjet |
|---|---|
| Printer Connectivity Type | USB, Wi-Fi |
| Duplex | Automatic |
| Maximum print Resolution Color | 4800 x 1200 dots_per_inch |
| Maximum Sheet Capacity | 150 |
The Epson Expression Home XP-5200 is a small, Wi-Fi–enabled all-in-one inkjet aimed at everyday home printing and occasional photo jobs. It handles printing, flatbed scanning and copying, and supports mobile printing through the Epson Smart Panel app plus voice commands. Notable features include automatic two-sided printing to save paper, a 150-sheet tray for light batch jobs, and a 2.4-inch color display for basic navigation. Claria 222 individual cartridges let you replace only the color you need, and PrecisionCore technology gives higher-resolution output useful for borderless 4×6 and small photo prints. Practical limitations are its modest color speed (about 7.5 ppm) and no document feeder, so it is less suited for heavy multi-page scanning or fast color workloads; it also requires genuine Epson cartridges for guaranteed operation. For a balanced home buyer this printer delivers solid photo quality and basic office functions in a compact footprint while keeping operating complexity low.
Best for: Buyers wanting an affordable, no-frills home all-in-one that prints decent photos and everyday documents with simple wireless setup and low operational fuss.
Less Ideal for: Users who need high-volume color printing, fast photo throughput, or multi-page scanning workflows should consider a more robust office-focused model.
- Wireless printing and mobile app support for easy phone/tablet printing
- Automatic duplex printing to reduce paper use
- 150-sheet input tray handles light home office batches
- Individual Claria 222 ink cartridges let you replace only the spent color
- High maximum print resolution (4800 x 1200 dpi) for good photo detail
- Slower color print speed compared with more powerful models
- No automatic document feeder for multi-page scanning or copying
- Requires genuine Epson cartridges for proper operation
Verdict: A compact, budget-friendly wireless all-in-one that balances photo-quality output and basic home office features for everyday use.
Canon PIXMA TR7120
| Printer Type | Inkjet |
|---|---|
| Scanner Type | Flatbed/ADF,CIS |
| Printer Connectivity Type | USB, Wi-Fi |
| Duplex | Automatic |
| Maximum print Resolution Color | 1200 x 1200 dots_per_inch |
The PIXMA TR7120 is a small, feature-packed home inkjet that handles printing, scanning and copying with a focus on convenience. It uses Wi‑Fi and USB connectivity and supports mobile printing through the Canon app, AirPrint and Mopria so you can print from phones and tablets without a PC. The built-in auto document feeder and automatic two-sided printing make it practical for multi-page jobs, and Canon's hybrid 2-cartridge ink system produces crisp text and good color photos for casual photo projects. A 1.42 inch OLED gives simple status and menu control, and the printer's compact footprint fits small desks or workspaces. Expect modest print speeds typical of home inkjets and ongoing ink costs from replaceable cartridges; very high-volume users will find faster, lower-cost laser options more economical. For buyers focused on wireless performance and versatile home features in a budget package, the TR7120 is a capable choice.
Best for: Buyers who want a wireless, compact all-in-one for home or hybrid work—especially those who value easy mobile printing, ADF scanning, and duplexing over maximum speed.
Less Ideal for: Large households or small offices that need high monthly page volumes or the lowest per-page cost should consider higher-capacity laser or business-class printers instead.
- Auto Document Feeder and automatic duplex printing for efficient multi-page scanning and double-sided output
- Reliable dual-band Wi‑Fi and support for Canon PRINT, AirPrint, and Mopria for easy mobile printing
- Compact design with a simple OLED control panel that fits small home workspaces
- Good print quality for text and photos from the hybrid 2-cartridge ink system
- Ink cartridge costs can add up for heavy printing compared with laser alternatives
- Print speeds are modest compared with office-focused printers
Verdict: A compact, wireless all-in-one that delivers versatile home printing with ADF and duplexing, making it a strong performance-focused choice under $100.
Brother Work Smart 1360
| Printer Type | Inkjet |
|---|---|
| Functions | Print, Copy, Scan |
| Duplex | Automatic |
| Connectivity | USB, Wi-Fi |
| Input Capacity | 150 sheets |
The Brother Work Smart 1360 is a budget-friendly all-in-one inkjet designed for home and small home-office tasks. It connects via Wi-Fi or USB and works with AirPrint and Mopria so you can print from phones, tablets, or laptops; the Brother Mobile Connect app simplifies setup and remote printing. The printer includes a 20-sheet automatic document feeder, a 150-sheet input tray, and automatic two-sided printing, which makes multi-page jobs and duplex reports easy without manual page flipping. Print speeds are reasonable for the price at up to 16 ppm black and 9 ppm color, and the 1.8" color display gives basic control and cloud access for Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. Expect typical inkjet characteristics: vivid color output for documents and occasional photos but higher per-page ink costs unless you opt for high-yield cartridges or Brother's Refresh subscription. The unit is compact and energy-efficient but not built for heavy office volumes or fast photo production, so it is best when you need a capable, space-saving printer for everyday documents and occasional color work.
Best for: Buyers who want an affordable, space-saving all-in-one for everyday document printing, occasional color pages, and simple mobile/cloud printing workflows.
Less Ideal for: Users who need heavy-duty daily volume printing, fastest photo output, or the lowest ongoing ink expense without choosing high-yield cartridges or subscription services.
- Wireless printing with AirPrint and Mopria plus Brother Mobile Connect app for mobile setup and remote printing
- Automatic duplex printing and 20-sheet ADF speed up multi-page jobs
- Compact footprint with 150-sheet tray suitable for home and small office desks
- Decent print speeds for general use: up to 16 ppm black and 9 ppm color
- Uses standard-yield ink by default which can raise per-page costs without high-yield cartridges
- Not optimized for high-volume or professional photo printing
Verdict: A budget-friendly, compact wireless all-in-one that handles everyday duplexed documents and mobile printing well for home and small office users.
HP DeskJet 2955 All-in-One
| Printer Type | HP Thermal Inkjet |
|---|---|
| Maximum Sheet Capacity | 60 |
| Color Pages per Minute | 5.5 pages_per_minute |
| B&W Pages per Minute | 7.5 pages_per_minute |
| Connectivity | Apple AirPrint; USB; Wireless (Wi-Fi); Wireless direct printing; Mopria |
The HP DeskJet 2955 is a compact home-oriented all-in-one that handles color printing, flatbed scanning, and simple copying for everyday documents. It is typically used for printing letters, schoolwork, recipes, and occasional photos from a phone or computer via AirPrint, Mopria, HP Smart app, or USB. Notable features include dual-band Wi‑Fi with wireless direct printing, an icon LCD for basic control, manual duplex via driver support, and a 60-sheet input tray that keeps footprints small. The printer supports HP 68 cartridges and includes a three-month Instant Ink trial to help lower running costs initially, and HP AI formatting aims to reduce wasted pages when printing web content. Expect moderate speeds — about 7.5 ppm black and 5.5 ppm color — and good enough print resolution for documents and casual photos but not for high-end photo work. Trade-offs are limited paper capacity, manual duplexing, and modest photo quality, but for basic home printing needs it is straightforward to set up and inexpensive to operate short term with the Instant Ink trial.
Best for: Buyers on a tight budget who need a simple, space-saving all-in-one for occasional home documents, school projects, and mobile printing that keeps upfront costs low.
Less Ideal for: Users who print large monthly volumes, need fast duplexing, or require pro-level photo quality should consider more robust models designed for heavier use.
- Compact footprint fits small desks or counters
- Wireless printing with AirPrint, Mopria, and HP Smart app for easy mobile printing
- Includes 3-month Instant Ink trial to reduce initial ink costs
- Flatbed scanner and copy functions add basic multifunction capability
- Made with recycled plastics and ENERGY STAR certified for lower environmental impact
- Manual duplexing requires user intervention and driver support
- 60-sheet input tray limits high-volume printing sessions
- Not designed for high-quality photo or heavy office use
Verdict: A compact, budget-friendly wireless all-in-one that covers basic home printing, scanning, and copying while keeping upfront costs low.
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 compact home all-in-one that handles everyday printing, scanning, and copying with reliable wireless connectivity. It uses a two-cartridge hybrid ink system to deliver sharp black text and reasonably vibrant color prints, and the 1.42 inch OLED makes status and ink-level checks quick. Setup is straightforward with Wi-Fi, the Canon PRINT app, AirPrint, and Mopria support, and automatic two-sided printing helps save paper for routine jobs. The flatbed scanner is convenient for occasional scans or copies, though there is no automatic document feeder so multi-page scanning requires manual input. Print speeds are modest for a budget model, and the starter ink tanks limit initial page yield compared with higher-capacity cartridges. For users who want a small, easy-to-use printer for schoolwork, recipes, or occasional photo prints, the TS6520 delivers dependable results without extra complexity.
Best for: Buyers who prioritize a fuss-free, dependable home printer for occasional to moderate use and want straightforward wireless printing and basic scanning without advanced office features.
Less Ideal for: Those who need heavy daily volume, multi-page scanning with an automatic feeder, or the lowest long-term ink costs should consider more robust or business-focused models instead.
- Automatic duplex printing reduces paper use and simplifies double-sided jobs
- Reliable wireless options with dual-band Wi-Fi and mobile printing support
- Compact footprint and intuitive 1.42" OLED for easy status checks
- Two-cartridge hybrid ink system produces sharp text and good color for casual photos
- No automatic document feeder, so multi-page scanning and copying are manual
- Starter ink tanks have limited yield compared with high-capacity cartridges
Verdict: A compact, easy-to-setup wireless all-in-one that delivers dependable everyday printing and duplexing for home users on a budget.
HP DeskJet 2855e
| Printer Type | Inkjet |
|---|---|
| Print Output Type | Color |
| Compatible Cartridge | HP 67 |
| Input Capacity | 60-sheet |
| Printer Connectivity Type | single band wi-fi (2.4ghz only) |
The HP DeskJet 2855e is a budget-friendly all-in-one inkjet aimed at light home printing needs. It prints color and black-and-white documents, scans on a flatbed, and makes copies from a single compact unit with a 60-sheet input tray. Setup is driven through the HP app, which also enables mobile printing and an optional three-month Instant Ink trial with HP+ activation for automatic ink delivery. Print quality supports photo-capable color resolution up to 4800 x 1200 dpi, though real-world text and everyday graphics print at modest speeds (about 5.5 ppm color, 7.5 ppm mono) and the printer uses single-band 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only. Duplex printing is manual, and there is a single USB 2.0 port if you need a wired connection. For casual users who print lists, recipes, schoolwork, and occasional photos, it balances footprint and features well, but it is not designed for high-volume or fast office workloads and depends on HP cartridge ecosystem for supplies.
Best for: Buyers seeking an inexpensive, easy-to-set-up all-in-one for occasional home printing, scanning, and copying who value compact size and simple mobile workflow.
Less Ideal for: Users who need fast, high-volume printing, automatic duplexing, or multi-band/enterprise Wi‑Fi support should consider higher-end models instead.
- All-in-one: print, scan and copy in a compact footprint
- Accepts mobile printing via the HP app for easy smartphone control
- Includes 60-sheet input tray suitable for routine home use
- High maximum color resolution for better-looking photos and graphics
- Three-month Instant Ink trial available with HP+ activation
- Print speeds are modest, not suited for large jobs
- Only single-band 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi supported, no automatic duplexing
Verdict: A compact, app-driven all-in-one that delivers solid basic home printing and scanning under $100 with easy mobile setup and optional Instant Ink.
TATTMUSE A285M Portable Thermal Printer
| Printer Type | Thermal |
|---|---|
| Maximum Media Size | 8.5 x 11 inch |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, USB |
| Maximum Print Resolution Black and White | 203 dots_per_inch |
| B&W Pages per Minute | 7 |
The TATTMUSE A285M is a pocket-friendly thermal printer built for on-the-go printing of receipts, invoices, boarding passes and single-sheet documents. It pairs with phones and tablets over Bluetooth and uses a USB-C connection with a driver for laptop or PC printing, so it works well as a mobile office backup. Because it is thermal, there is no ink, toner or ribbon to replace and it accepts rolls or single-sheet thermal media in sizes from 2.08" up to US Letter/A4, which is uncommon for a device this small. Print quality is monochrome only at about 203 dpi and roughly 7 pages per minute, so it handles text and simple graphics reliably but is not suitable for high-resolution photos. The rechargeable battery and lightweight design make it easy to carry, while manual duplexing and reliance on thermal paper are practical limits to keep in mind. For buyers who need quick, low-cost black-and-white prints away from a full office setup, it is a sensible choice under $100.
Best for: Buyers who prioritize low ongoing cost and portability and want a simple, reliable device for printing receipts, invoices and short documents while traveling or working offsite.
Less Ideal for: Users who need color printing, photo-quality output, or heavy office throughput should look at standard inkjet or laser models instead.
- Inkless thermal printing eliminates ink and toner replacement
- Bluetooth support for phone/tablet printing and USB-C for PC connection
- Supports a wide range of thermal media sizes including US Letter and A4
- Lightweight, rechargeable design suitable for travel and mobile use
- Black-and-white thermal output only with modest 203 dpi resolution
- Laptop/PC printing requires downloading and installing a driver
Verdict: If you want an inexpensive, truly portable inkless printer for quick black-and-white documents away from the office, the A285M delivers practical, low-cost printing in a travel-ready package.
Choosing the Right Wireless Printer: Key Factors to Consider
Wireless Connectivity and Network Features
A wireless printer under $100 still needs robust Wi‑Fi behavior because unstable connections cause the most frustration. Look for printers that support common home security standards and offer both 2.4 GHz and basic 5 GHz support if available.
Reliable connectivity reduces failed jobs, repeated reprints, and the need to reconnect devices. Also consider whether the printer supports direct mobile printing protocols or a simple app for phone-to-printer workflows. If you share the device across several household computers, features like automatic reconnection and a clear network indicator matter.
Print Speed and Duty Cycle
Budget printers vary widely in how fast they produce pages. Speed specifications are often given in pages per minute for black-and-white and color, but real-world throughput depends on document complexity and wireless overhead.
Match expected monthly page volume to a printer's recommended duty cycle to avoid overworking a machine. For light home use, a lower-duty-cycle printer can be fine, but heavier tasks require faster hardware to keep waits reasonable. Consider warm‑up time and single-page latency as well; some cheap printers are slower to start each job even if their raw ppm looks decent.
Text and Photo Print Quality
Most buyers prioritize crisp, legible black text for documents, with color/photo quality a secondary concern. Even in the budget tier, look for printers that render fine lines and small fonts cleanly without excessive banding.
If you occasionally print photos or graphics, verify sample output or laboviews to ensure the color balance and saturation meet your needs. Expect tradeoffs: inkjet models tend to produce better color on plain paper, while monochrome laser-style options deliver sharper text but no color.
Ink or Toner Costs and Availability
Low upfront price often hides higher operating costs. Consumable price per page is a critical long-term factor, especially if you print regularly. Evaluate estimated yield and the availability of cartridges or compatible refill options.
Consider whether the printer supports high-yield cartridges or continuous-ink systems, which can lower running costs. Also factor in whether cartridges are easy to replace and whether the manufacturer uses page-yield measurements you can verify. For infrequent printing, ink drying and head-clogging risks may affect maintenance needs and total cost of ownership.
Physical Size and Paper Handling
Under-$100 wireless printers are typically compact, but dimensions still matter for cramped home offices. Check the footprint and whether the paper tray is front-loading or top-loading, as access style affects where you can place the device.
Paper capacity is important if you print multipage documents; small trays increase the need for refills. Also consider output stacking and whether the machine supports common media sizes. A model that supports straight-through paths or has a rear feed can make handling heavier paper or envelopes easier.
Which Type Suits Your Home: Inkjet Vs Monochrome
Budget wireless printers are typically either color inkjets or monochrome single-function devices that prioritize text. Inkjets offer flexible color printing and often better photo reproduction on plain paper, making them suitable for mixed household use. Monochrome-focused devices excel at sharp text and tend to have lower per-page costs for black printing and faster black-page throughput.
- Choose inkjet if you need occasional color prints or photos.
- Choose monochrome if you print mainly documents and want lower running costs and faster B/W prints.
Setting Up a Wireless Printer Quickly
Preparation saves time: connect the printer to the same Wi‑Fi network your devices use, or enable a simple direct-print mode if the router supports it. Many budget printers offer a mobile app or a web setup wizard; follow on-screen prompts and allow the printer to update firmware when prompted to improve stability.
If you have multiple devices, test printing from both a phone and a laptop during setup to confirm mobile printing features work as expected.
- Place the printer within good Wi‑Fi range of your router to avoid intermittent drops.
- Use the printer's app or built-in display for network configuration rather than manual IP entry when possible.
Maintenance Practices to Extend Life
Regular maintenance keeps inexpensive printers running longer. For inkjets, run occasional head-cleaning cycles and print a color page now and then to prevent nozzle clogging if you do mainly black text. For monochrome printers, keep vents clear and remove paper dust from trays to avoid jams.
Store spare cartridges properly and don't leave empty cartridges installed for extended idle periods. Follow manufacturer guidelines for cleaning rollers and aligning heads when print quality deteriorates.
- Run a test print monthly if the device sits idle to keep ink flowing.
- Keep a small toolkit: lint-free cloths and compressed air for tray and roller cleaning.
Managing Consumables and Supplies
Track cartridge or toner levels and order replacements before they run out to reduce downtime. For frequent printing, consider models with high-yield cartridges or refillable options; for rare usage, prioritize printers that minimize clogging and that allow partial cartridge use.
Keep a record of cartridge part numbers and recommended storage to make replenishment straightforward.
- Buy at least one spare black cartridge if you have steady printing needs.
- Consider generic or compatible supplies only if you are comfortable troubleshooting potential warranty or reliability tradeoffs.
How We Chose the Best Wireless Printer
We screened budget wireless printers with a focus on real-world usability rather than raw specs. Primary filters included reliable wireless connectivity, straightforward setup, and consistent text output because these factors determine everyday satisfaction for most home users. We also required acceptable color or photo output for models that claim general-purpose use, and checked that devices had practical paper handling for home tasks. Evaluation dimensions were connectivity stability, print speed for typical documents, consumable efficiency and ink cost per page, ease of setup and ongoing maintenance, and physical footprint for home desks or small workspaces. We excluded devices intended only for commercial, lab, or industrial use and printers that lack basic wireless features like WPA2-capable Wi‑Fi or simple mobile printing support. The shortlist favors printers that minimize friction: fast and reliable Wi‑Fi setup, predictable ink or toner consumption, and maintenance steps that most home users can handle without professional service. Models with serious reliability concerns or that rely on hard-to-find consumables were removed from consideration.
Our full evaluation process is outlined in our review methodology.
FAQ
Can a wireless printer work with both phones and laptops?
Yes, most modern wireless printers support printing from smartphones and laptops. They use standard protocols like Wi‑Fi or mobile printing apps to accept jobs from multiple devices on the same network.
How often should I run maintenance on an inkjet printer I use occasionally?
Run a test or a short color print at least once every two weeks to keep ink flowing and reduce nozzle clogging. If you print only rarely, expect occasional cleaning cycles and longer warm‑up times.
Are cheaper wireless printers under $100 reliable for home office use?
Many budget models reliably handle light to moderate home office tasks such as letters, invoices, and schoolwork. For heavy daily workloads, consider machines rated for higher duty cycles to avoid frequent jams or accelerated wear.
What network security should I look for in a budget wireless printer?
At minimum, choose a printer that supports WPA2 or equivalent encryption and allows you to set secure admin credentials. Avoid models that require leaving default passwords in place or that lack firmware update options.
How do I reduce ink costs with an inexpensive wireless printer?
Reduce costs by printing in draft or economy modes for noncritical documents, using duplex printing when available, and choosing high-yield cartridges if supported. Monitoring actual yield and switching to compatible refill options can also lower per-page cost but may require extra diligence.
Final Verdict
Focus on the factors that will affect your daily experience: wireless reliability, text quality, and ongoing consumable costs. In this price range you should expect tradeoffs between upfront cost and running expenses, and between color capability and B/W efficiency. Select a model that matches your primary tasks. If you print mostly documents, prioritize robust wireless performance and low-cost black cartridges. If you need color occasionally, pick an inkjet with reasonable color output and measures to limit ink waste. That approach will give you dependable printing without overspending.