Printers nowadays are generally inexpensive. However, the cost of your printer increases as you buy ink, since you need ink to print anything. This is why finding cheap ink printers is so important.
For the best all-around cost, you have to find a printer that best suits your printing needs while using cheap ink. There is obviously a balancing act here, as you don’t want to sacrifice quality for cost.
In this article, we’ll be detailing several of the best printers with cheap ink. You can feel confident choosing one of these brands and models below!
The Best Printers with Cheap Ink
Let’s take a look at some of the best affordable printers offered by Canon, HP, and Epson, including their standout features and worst qualities.
Canon Pixma MX922
This all-in-one printer is one of Canon’s most popular. It costs about $265 new on Amazon and offers excellent wireless capabilities. Some of its standout features include…
- Wireless LAN connectivity, which allows for wireless direct printing and mobile printing through apps like Google Cloud Print and Apple AirPrint
- Easy and quick copying, scanning, and faxing
- Auto duplex printing for printing on both sides of papers
- A 35-sheet auto duplex document feeder
- A print speed of 15 ppm (pages per minute) for black and 10 ppm for color
- A 3-inch LCD display on which you can edit photos before printing
- 5 individual ink system
- 6m long cords
- The ability to print onto discs
- Overall high output quality
The only downside to the Canon Pixma MX922 is the design of its control panel, which some users have complained is overly complicated.
Otherwise, it’s one of the best printers with cheap ink available, though one of the most expensive on our list. Learn about how to change ink in Canon printers in our blog.
Canon Pixma iX6820
If you’re seeking a printer for business needs that can efficiently print lots of documents back to back and uses cheap ink, the Pixma iX6820 printer is your best option. It’s an above-average inkjet printer that will fit right in with your home office. Here are some of the iX6820’s best features…
- 5 individual ink systems that allows for high-performance printing
- A print resolution of up to 9600 x 2400 dpi (dots per inch) for extra crisp output quality
- Supports paper sizes up to 13 x 19 inches
- WiFi and Ethernet connectivity
- Wireless printing through Google Cloud Print, Apple AirPrint, and Pixma Printing Solution
- Includes My Image Garden software
- Print speed of 14.5 ipm for black and 10.4 ipm for color.
- Affordable
Some of the less admirable qualities of this Canon printer are its single, 150-sheet paper tray and its lack of any duplexer. All in all, however, the iX6820 is an affordable printer with a lot of useful features.
Canon MG7720
The MG7720 is a wireless all-in-one printer capable of performing a wide variety of printing tasks. It’s a bit pricey at $250 new, but the Canon MG7720 might be the best all-in-one printer for home use with cheap ink. Here are some of the features that make this printer so efficient…
- NFC wireless connectivity for mobile printing
- Ethernet port
- Duplexer
- CD/DVD printing
- 3.5-inch touchscreen display
- Print speed of 15 ppm for black and 10 ppm for color
Overall, this printer is reliable and rich with features. However, its price will turn away many potential customers. If you can find the MG7720 on sale or used in good condition, it’s definitely worth picking up for your home office.
HP Envy 4520
HP’s Envy 4520 offers great flexibility to users. Using popular printing apps, you can print photos and documents from practically anywhere thanks to the 4520’s effective wireless functionality. But that’s not all. Here are some of this printer’s other great features…
- Automatic two-sided printing
- Scan resolution up to 1200 ppi
- Print speed of 9.5 ppm for black and 6.8 ppm for color
- 2.2-inch high-resolution mono touchscreen LCD display
- The ability to scan and send files to your email
- Wifi & Wifi Direct
- Wireless mobile printing
- Compact size
- Includes HP’s Instant Ink Ready service
- Automatic duplexer
- High-quality photo printing
- Affordable printer with cheap ink
Some of the features missing from the HP Envy 4520 include the ability to fax documents, the lack of a memory card reader and Ethernet port.
It’s not the most ink efficient printer either, but the 4520 is very affordable. You get what you pay for when it comes to cheap ink printers. Learn more about how to change ink in HP printer in our blog.
HP Envy 7640
Another wireless printing option from HP is the 7640. It’s more expensive and harder to find than the 4520, but the 7640 is a solid choice for home printing. Of the best printers with cheap ink on our list, this one ranks near the bottom. But, it’s not without quality features…
- Simple design that makes copying, scanning, and printing quick and easy
- 2.2 mono touchscreen display
- Printing speed of 9.5 ppm for black and 6.8 ppm for color
- 2 USB ports and SD card slots
- Twin paper trays
- Automatic 25-page document feeder
- Two-sided printing
- Automatic duplexer
- Wireless NFC connection
Performance is a bit slow across the board, so the 7640 is not ideal for business use. If, however, you want a printer that’s easy to set up and use, this is an affordable option.
HP OfficeJet Pro 6968
One of the more expensive printers on our list, the OfficeJet Pro 6968, is also one of the best printers able to use cheap ink (you get what you pay for). Below are some of the reasons why…
- HP instant ink, a function that reduces ink usage by 50% while preserving quality, making the 6968 one of the most ink-efficient affordable printers on the market
- Print volume of 800 pages
- Compact size
- Print speed of 18 ppm for black and 10 ppm for color
- 2.65-inch touchscreen display
- Supports most types and sizes of paper
- Has a variety of connectivity options
The most glaring issue with this cheap ink printer is the lack of wireless NFC connectivity, but the rest of what you get more than makes up for it, so long as you don’t mind printing from your desktop only.
Epson Expression ET-2750 EcoTank
The ET-2750 is an all-in-one printer with super-sized ink tanks that make it ideal for printing lots of documents in a short period of time. Let’s take a look at some of this printer’s other standout features…
- Quick and easy printing, copying, scanning, and faxing
- 100-sheet paper tray
- Easy setup
- 1.44-inch touchscreen display
- Two-sided printing
- Wireless connectivity and mobile printing support
- Ethernet port
- 10.5 ISO ppm for black and 5 ISO ppm for color
- Individual ink cartridges
- Laser-quality outputs
- Resolution up to 5760 x 1440 dpi for color
It’s only missing a couple of ideal features: Automatic document feeder and small paper capacity. Beyond that, the ET-2750 is great for just about any printing needs. Plus, it’s super easy to change ink in Epson printers.
What Separates the Best Cheap Ink Printers From the Rest?
There you have – all the best printers with cheap ink. But how can you tell you’re getting the best quality for the money? After all, price is just oneof many factors. Here are some of the things you should keep in mind when choosing a cheap ink printer.
Ink Efficiency and Cartridge Yield
The foremost aspect to look at is the ink efficiency of the printer. This refers to the number of pages a printer can produce per cartridge.
Look for models with a high page yield, which means they can print more pages before the cartridge needs replacing. Printers that support high-yield or XL cartridges offer more prints per cartridge, leading to lower long-term costs.
Cost Per Page
Understanding the cost per page is vital. This is calculated by dividing the cost of an ink cartridge by the page yield. Printers with a lower cost per page are more economical over time.
Some manufacturers provide this information directly, but you can also find it in third-party reviews and consumer reports.
Ink Subscription Services
Consider printers compatible with ink subscription services like HP’s Instant Ink, which can further reduce the cost of ink.
These programs automatically send you ink before you run out, and they often offer a flat rate that can save you money if you’re a frequent printer.
Tank vs Cartridge Systems
Ink tank printers are becoming increasingly popular due to their low running costs. Unlike traditional cartridges, ink tanks can be refilled with bottles of ink, which are often cheaper and yield more pages.
Printers like the Epson EcoTank series have large refillable tanks that can save you significant money in the long run.
Print Quality
Cheap ink should not mean poor quality. The best printers with cheap ink still offer crisp, clear prints with vibrant colors.
Look for printers with a high dpi (dots per inch) rating for sharp text and images. Also, check for reviews that mention the printer’s photo printing capabilities if that’s important to you.
Multifunctionality
A printer that can scan, copy, and fax in addition to printing – often referred to as an all-in-one printer – can provide added value.
These multifunctional devices save space and often come with cost-saving features like automatic duplex printing, which reduces paper usage.
Connectivity Options
A printer with multiple connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and Ethernet, can offer convenience and flexibility. Wireless printing from mobile devices and cloud support can save you time and hassle.
Look for printers that are compatible with mobile printing apps like Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, or the manufacturer’s proprietary app.
Reliability and Brand Reputation
A cheap ink printer that constantly breaks down or has issues can end up costing more in repairs or replacements.
Research the reliability of the printer model and the reputation of the manufacturer. User reviews, warranty length, and customer service quality are good indicators of a product’s reliability.
Eco-Friendliness
Eco-friendly printers not only help the environment but can also be more economical as they are designed to use less ink and power.
Features such as automatic power-off, Energy Star certification, and duplex printing contribute to a printer’s eco-friendliness.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
The best printers with cheap ink should also be user-friendly. Look for models with intuitive interfaces, easy-to-navigate menus, and straightforward maintenance procedures.
A printer that is easy to use and maintain will save you time and potential headaches.
Paper Handling
A printer that can handle a variety of paper sizes and types is more versatile and can be more cost-effective.
Check the printer’s specifications for its maximum paper size, types of paper it can handle, and the capacity of its paper tray. A higher capacity tray or the option to add additional trays can be beneficial for heavy users.
More Tips on Saving Money While Printing
Printing can be a significant expense, especially for those who print frequently. However, there are several practical strategies you can employ to reduce printing costs without sacrificing quality. Here are some tips to help you save money while printing:
- Print in Draft Mode: Whenever high quality is not essential, use the draft or economy mode on your printer. This mode uses less ink and is perfect for internal documents or personal use where the highest quality is not necessary.
- Use Black and White Printing: Color cartridges are more expensive than black ink. If color is not required for your document, switch to grayscale or black-and-white printing to save on color ink.
- Leverage Duplex Printing: Double-sided printing can cut your paper usage in half. If your printer has this feature, make sure to enable it for multi-page documents. This not only saves paper but also reduces storage space for printed materials.
- Avoid Unnecessary Graphics: Images and graphics use more ink than text. If you’re printing an article or a webpage, try to print only the text or select ‘text-only’ options in your browser or printer settings.
- Optimize Page Layout: Before printing, adjust the margins and font size to fit more content onto each page. This can significantly reduce the number of pages you print, saving both ink and paper.
- Regularly Maintain Your Printer: A well-maintained printer operates more efficiently. Clean the print heads periodically to prevent clogging and ensure the best print quality without wasting ink.
- Choose the Right Paper: Using the correct type of paper for your printer can prevent ink wastage due to smearing and absorption. Some printers perform better with specific brands or types of paper, so check your printer’s manual for recommendations.
- Preview Before Printing: Always preview your document before printing. This allows you to catch formatting errors, unnecessary pages, or other issues that could waste ink and paper.
- Use Reliable Third-Party Ink: The type of ink you use influences your cost per print. While it’s important to use good quality ink, that doesn’t mean you have to buy the most expensive, brand-name options. Reliable third-party inks can provide comparable quality at a fraction of the cost. However, ensure they are compatible with your printer to avoid any damage.
You can learn more about where to buy ink to save money in our blog. We also talk about how much ink cartridges cost, how to make printer ink last longer, and whether you should go with printer toner vs ink from a cost standpoint.
But at this point, it’s time we left you with a few final thoughts as we wrap up our guide to the best cheap ink printers…
Closing Thoughts on the Best Printers With Cheap Ink
With the cost of ink being so high today, it pays to have a reliable cheap ink printer that works efficiently. Hopefully, this article has given you some ideas for your next printer purchase. You don’t always have to buy the latest and greatest printers to get the most out of your ink.
Learn more about the world of printing in our blog. We have resources on topics like what is printer ink made of, how to fix dry ink cartridge, how to put ink in printer, how to tell if an ink cartridge is empty by looking at it, how long does printer ink last, and what to do with unused ink cartridges.
Speaking of unused ink cartridges, if you’d like to make a little money now, you can sell printer ink here to us for cash. You can spend that money on a new printer with cheap ink that will save you even more money in the near future.
