Best Cheap Printers for Occasional Use
In today’s fast-paced digital world, owning a printer is still essential. Even if you only print occasionally, having a reliable, affordable printer on hand can make life a lot easier. The challenge, though, is finding a cheap printer that doesn’t compromise on quality. Whether it’s for printing the occasional report, photos, or forms, finding the right printer at the right price is important. This guide will walk you through the top five cheap printers for occasional use, making sure you get the most bang for your buck.
1. HP Smart Tank 5000
Price: $199.99
Rating: 4.5/5
Description
- The HP Smart Tank 5000 is a high-volume printer that uses an ink tank system, meaning you won’t need to buy expensive cartridges every few months.
- It’s perfect for home offices or small business environments where printing isn’t done daily, but large print jobs are sometimes necessary.
- Mobile printing is a breeze with this printer, thanks to its wireless connectivity and compatibility with the HP Smart app, which allows you to print directly from your smartphone or tablet.
- It supports voice-activated printing, making it convenient for tech-savvy users who enjoy smart home integration.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Low running cost with refillable ink tanks | Bigger and bulkier compared to cartridge-based printers |
| Mobile and wireless printing capabilities | Not the fastest printer for high-volume jobs |
| Long-lasting ink supply included | No automatic document feeder |
Verdict
The HP Smart Tank 5000 is an excellent option for those who need to print large amounts of documents occasionally without constantly buying new ink cartridges. The low running costs, combined with its wireless and voice-activated features, make it a practical and efficient choice for home or small business use. However, it might not be suitable if you’re looking for a compact device, as it’s slightly bulkier than other models.
2. Canon G7020
Price: $229.00
Rating: 4.4/5
Description
- The Canon G7020 is a reliable all-in-one printer that offers print, scan, copy, and fax capabilities, making it suitable for occasional use where versatility is key.
- It features an ink tank system that can print up to 6,000 black-and-white pages or 7,700 color pages on a full tank, making it extremely cost-efficient.
- This printer is Wi-Fi enabled, so you can print wirelessly from various devices, and it supports duplex printing, which is great for saving paper.
- It’s energy-efficient, using less power compared to older models, which adds to the savings in the long run.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| High page yield from ink tanks | More expensive than cartridge-based printers |
| Duplex printing saves paper | Color printing is relatively slow |
| Great for multi-function tasks | Initial setup can be complicated |
Verdict
Canon G7020 is a versatile and reliable printer, especially for households or small offices that need all-in-one functionality. While it requires a bit of an investment upfront, its efficiency with ink and ability to handle multiple functions make it a worthy choice for those who print occasionally but want to get the most out of their printer.
3. Epson EcoTank ET-2400
Price: $179.99
Rating: 4.3/5
Description
- The Epson EcoTank ET-2400 is known for its cartridge-free printing, thanks to its refillable ink tank system, which significantly lowers the cost of printing per page.
- It’s compact and easy to fit into small spaces, making it an ideal option for home use or dorm rooms where space is limited.
- The color output is excellent, and it handles photos well, producing vibrant and clear prints for occasional photo printing needs.
- It comes with enough ink to print thousands of pages, so you won’t have to worry about refills anytime soon.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Cost-effective ink refills | No automatic document feeder |
| Compact and fits easily in small spaces | Print speed is not the fastest |
| Vibrant color prints | Lacks high-end features like touchscreen |
Verdict
The Epson EcoTank ET-2400 is a great budget printer for occasional use. Its compact design and low cost of printing make it a solid choice for users who need reliable color prints now and then. However, the lack of more advanced features like an automatic document feeder might be a dealbreaker for some.
4. Canon Megatank GX1020
Price: $249.99
Rating: 4.6/5
Description
- The Canon Megatank GX1020 is a high-volume supertank printer designed for users who need more than just occasional document printing.
- It comes with a large touchscreen interface that makes it easy to navigate through the different print settings.
- This printer is perfect for users who want to print borderless photos, as it delivers high-quality images with deep colors.
- It’s wireless and supports mobile printing, so you can easily print from your smartphone or tablet without the hassle of cables.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Fast and efficient printing | More expensive than other models |
| Supports borderless photo printing | Not ideal for small spaces |
| Wireless and mobile printing capabilities | Lacks some advanced photo editing options |
Verdict
The Canon Megatank GX1020 is an excellent choice for users who print occasionally but require high-quality prints, especially for photos. While the price is higher compared to others on this list, the additional features like the touchscreen interface and fast print speeds make it worth the investment.
5. Canon Pixma TR7020a
Price: $159.99
Rating: 4.2/5
Description
- The Canon Pixma TR7020a is a compact, wireless all-in-one printer designed for occasional use, perfect for home offices or students.
- It supports double-sided printing, making it eco-friendly and cost-effective for occasional document printing.
- The printer is compatible with various mobile devices, allowing for easy printing via smartphone or tablet.
- Its straightforward setup makes it ideal for users who want something easy to use without too many complicated features.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable price | Noisy during operation |
| Supports duplex printing | Average print quality for photos |
| Easy to set up | Not ideal for large print jobs |
Verdict
If you’re looking for an affordable printer for occasional home or school use, the Canon Pixma TR7020a is a great option. While it doesn’t have the best photo printing quality, it’s more than adequate for everyday document printing needs. Its compact size and affordable price make it one of the most user-friendly printers on the list.
Which is the Best Option?
Each of these printers offers something unique, making it challenging to pick a clear winner. However, if you’re looking for a printer that balances quality, affordability, and ease of use, the HP Smart Tank 5000 is a top contender. Its refillable ink tanks and wireless functionality make it perfect for occasional users who want to avoid the high cost of ink cartridges. For those who need a versatile, all-in-one solution, the Canon G7020 is another excellent option, providing great value with its multifunction capabilities. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific printing needs, but any of these models should serve occasional users well.
