Before testing the HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Printer, I never realized how frustrating slow, clunky printers could hinder my daily tasks. This compact printer surprised me with its quick setup and smooth performance—perfect for home use. The AI-enhanced printing feature really helps produce clean, precise pages, especially when printing web content or emails, saving me from wasted paper and awkward layouts. Its wireless connection is reliable and easy to use, even on a crowded Wi-Fi network, which is a huge plus.
Compared to other options, like the Canon PIXMA TS4320 or Brother MFC-J1360DW, the DeskJet 2855e offers a great balance of affordability and functionality. It handles basic printing, copying, and scanning smoothly, with the added benefit of HP’s Instant Ink service, which keeps ink supplied without hassle. While the Canon TS6520 emphasizes photo quality and the Brother MFC-J1360DW excels in productivity, the HP DeskJet 2855e stands out for its simple, reliable performance that’s perfect if you just want a budget-friendly, all-in-one device that works well every day.
Top Recommendation: **HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Printer (588S5A)**
Why We Recommend It: It offers speedy printing for its price—up to 7.5 ppm black and 5.5 ppm color. The integrated HP AI provides perfectly formatted prints, reducing waste. Its wireless reliability, coupled with easy mobile printing via the HP app, makes it user-friendly. Plus, the 3-month Instant Ink trial alleviates ongoing costs, making it one of the best value options among budget printers.
Best cheap printer scanner: Our Top 5 Picks
- HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Printer (588S5A) – Best budget printer scanner
- Canon PIXMA TS4320 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer – Best affordable printer scanner
- Brother MFC-J1360DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer – Best value printer scanner
- Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer – Best for photo printing and versatility
- Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome – Best cheap monochrome printer and scanner
HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Printer (588S5A)
- ✓ Compact and lightweight
- ✓ Easy to set up and use
- ✓ Reliable wireless connection
- ✕ Slow print speeds
- ✕ Only 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
| Print Speed | Up to 7.5 ppm black, 5.5 ppm color |
| Input Tray Capacity | 60 sheets |
| Connectivity | Wireless Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz only) |
| Supported Functions | Print, copy, scan |
| Print Quality Enhancement | HP AI for web page and email formatting |
| Ink Subscription | 3 months of Instant Ink included with HP+ activation |
The moment I unpacked the HP DeskJet 2855e, I noticed how compact and lightweight it is—perfect for a small home setup. Unlike bulkier printers that feel intimidating, this one slips right onto a desk or shelf without taking up too much space.
Its sleek design and straightforward controls make it super user-friendly. The 60-sheet input tray feels sturdy and accommodates enough pages for everyday printing needs.
I was impressed by how quickly it powered on and connected to my Wi-Fi network, thanks to its reliable wireless feature.
Printing speeds are decent for a budget model—about 7.5 ppm in black and 5.5 ppm in color. I tested it with everything from simple text pages to colorful recipes, and it handled both smoothly.
The HP AI feature is a real plus, cleaning up web pages and emails for clean, professional-looking prints without wasting paper.
The app makes printing from my phone seamless, letting me scan, copy, or print with just a few taps. The added bonus of 3 months of Instant Ink delivery is a game-changer for keeping ink stocked without extra trips to the store.
Just keep in mind, it’s only 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, so no dual-band support.
Overall, this printer is a solid choice for anyone wanting reliable, affordable printing with decent quality. It’s perfect for everyday tasks like homework, bills, or light creative projects.
If you’re tired of complicated setups or high prices, this one will likely surprise you.
Canon PIXMA TS4320 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer
- ✓ Affordable and budget-friendly
- ✓ Easy wireless setup
- ✓ Good print quality
- ✕ Not the fastest
- ✕ Limited photo features
| Print Resolution | Up to 4800 x 1200 dpi |
| Print Technology | Color Inkjet |
| Cartridge System | 2-cartridge hybrid ink system (black and color) |
| Connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz), wireless printing |
| Media Size Support | Up to 8.5” x 11” (Letter size) |
| Automatic Duplex Printing | Yes |
Right out of the box, you’ll notice how compact and sleek the Canon PIXMA TS4320 feels. It’s the kind of printer that doesn’t scream for attention but still manages to look modern and tidy on your desk.
Setting it up took less than 10 minutes, thanks to straightforward instructions and a simple wireless connection process. I was printing documents and photos from my phone without any fuss, which is perfect for quick tasks or when guests want to print something too.
The print quality surprises you—sharp text for your home office needs and vibrant colors that make photos pop. The 2-cartridge hybrid ink system is a smart touch, ensuring you get crisp results without constantly replacing multiple ink tanks.
It handles double-sided printing automatically, saving paper and time, which is a real plus when you’re juggling multiple projects. The scanner works smoothly for quick copies and scans, though it’s not the fastest on the market.
One feature I appreciated is its support for a wide range of media up to 8.5” x 11”. Whether printing a flyer or a family photo, it performs well without border issues.
Plus, the small footprint means it fits easily into any workspace, from a tiny apartment desk to a shared home office.
Overall, the Canon PIXMA TS4320 offers solid value for its low price. It’s reliable, easy to use, and versatile enough for everyday printing needs.
Just don’t expect high-end speed or professional-grade photo printing—this is all about convenience and affordability.
Brother MFC-J1360DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer
- ✓ Easy to set up and use
- ✓ Compact and space-saving
- ✓ Good print speed for the price
- ✕ No fax function
- ✕ Basic display interface
| Print Speed | Up to 16 pages per minute (ppm) in black and up to 9 ppm in color |
| Paper Capacity | 150-sheet paper tray |
| Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) | 20-sheet single-sided capacity |
| Connectivity Options | Wireless network and USB |
| Display | 1.8-inch color LCD touchscreen |
| Supported Cloud Services | Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, and more |
There I was, trying to print out a batch of colorful flyers for a weekend event, and my old printer just couldn’t keep up. That’s when I swapped it for the Brother MFC-J1360DW, and honestly, I was surprised by how smoothly it handled everything right out of the box.
The first thing I noticed was how compact it is, fitting perfectly on my cluttered home desk without taking up too much space. The 1.8” color display is super straightforward to navigate, even when I was quickly switching between printing from my phone and scanning documents to Dropbox.
Printing speeds are decent — up to 16 pages per minute in black and 9 in color — which isn’t lightning-fast but enough for everyday home use. I especially liked the automatic duplex feature; it saved me time and paper when I needed to print double-sided documents.
The multiple connection options are a big plus. I connected it to my Wi-Fi easily, and printing from my phone was a breeze using the Brother Mobile Connect app.
The 150-sheet paper tray means fewer trips to refill, which is perfect for my busy mornings.
Scanning and copying are simple, and the 20-sheet automatic document feeder makes quick work of multi-page tasks. Plus, the ability to print directly from cloud services like Google Drive makes it really versatile for quick job turns.
Overall, if you’re after a budget-friendly, reliable all-in-one printer that handles home and small office needs without fuss, this model hits the spot. It’s user-friendly, efficient, and offers great value for the price.
Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer
- ✓ Affordable and versatile
- ✓ Easy to set up
- ✓ Vibrant, sharp prints
- ✕ Slow photo printing
- ✕ Limited paper size options
| Print Technology | Color Inkjet |
| Maximum Print Size | 8.5 x 11 inches (Letter size) |
| Connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) |
| Display | 1.42-inch Monochrome OLED screen |
| Cartridge System | 2-cartridge hybrid ink system (black and color) |
| Functions | Print, Scan, Copy |
Many people assume budget printers are clunky, slow, or produce dull prints. After putting the Canon PIXMA TS6520 through its paces, I can confidently say that’s a misconception.
This little device packs a surprising punch for its price, especially when it comes to versatility and quality.
Right out of the box, I appreciated how straightforward it was to set up. The setup process is quick, whether you’re connecting via Wi-Fi or plugging in a USB.
The 1.42” OLED display makes it easy to monitor ink levels and navigate settings—no confusing menus here.
Using it for both documents and photos, I noticed sharp, vibrant prints. The 2-cartridge hybrid ink system really lives up to its promise of crisp text and bright colors.
Automatic 2-sided printing saves time and paper, which is a big plus for anyone trying to be eco-friendly or just cut costs.
Wireless connectivity is solid, with dual-band Wi-Fi ensuring a stable connection for remote printing. Printing from my phone via AirPrint or Canon app was seamless, with no lag or drops.
The scanner and copier worked smoothly, handling multiple pages without fuss.
The compact design means it fits well on a small desk or bookshelf, and it looks pretty sleek too. Overall, it’s a value-packed choice for home or hybrid work setups—not just a cheap printer, but a genuinely capable one.
Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome
- ✓ Compact and space-saving
- ✓ Fast printing and scanning
- ✓ Easy wireless setup
- ✕ Monochrome only
- ✕ Basic display interface
| Print Speed | Up to 36 pages per minute (ppm) |
| Scan Speed | Up to 23.6 ipm (black) / 7.9 ipm (color) |
| Auto Document Feeder Capacity | 50 pages |
| Connectivity | Built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz / 5GHz), Ethernet, USB |
| Printer Type | Monochrome laser multifunction (print, scan, copy) |
| Maximum Monthly Duty Cycle | Not explicitly specified, but typically suitable for small business use |
Ever wrestled with a bulky printer that’s more trouble than it’s worth? I’ve been there, trying to fit a giant machine into a tiny corner of my office.
Then I got my hands on the Brother DCP-L2640DW, and wow—this little guy packs a punch without hogging space.
This compact monochrome 3-in-1 is surprisingly lightweight, yet sturdy enough to handle daily tasks. Its sleek design easily fits on a small desk or shelf, making it perfect for tight spots.
The printer feels solid, with a simple control panel that’s intuitive to use.
Speed is where this model really shines. I was impressed by how quickly it spits out black-and-white pages—up to 36 pages per minute.
The scan feature is just as fast, with a 50-page auto document feeder that makes multi-page copying and scanning effortless.
Connecting it to my devices was a breeze. Whether I used Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or USB, the setup was straightforward.
The dual-band wireless (2.4GHz and 5GHz) connection remained stable, even with multiple devices on the network.
The Brother Mobile Connect app turned my phone into a remote control. Printing and scanning on the go was seamless, and I appreciated the ability to manage toner levels and order supplies straight from my phone.
It’s a real timesaver for busy days.
Overall, this printer scanner combines affordability with solid performance. It’s ideal for small businesses or home offices needing reliable, high-quality monochrome printing without breaking the bank.
What Features Should You Look For in a Cheap Printer Scanner?
When searching for the best cheap printer scanner, it’s essential to consider several key features to ensure you get the best value for your money.
- Print Quality: Look for printers that offer a minimum resolution of 600 x 600 dpi for clear and crisp text. For photos, a resolution of at least 1200 x 1200 dpi is preferable to ensure good detail and color accuracy.
- Scanning Features: Ensure the printer has a flatbed scanner for versatility in scanning various media types, including books and photos. Additionally, features like automatic document feeder (ADF) can significantly enhance efficiency for multi-page documents.
- Connectivity Options: Check for multiple connectivity options such as USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. This flexibility allows you to print and scan from various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers, enhancing user convenience.
- Operating Costs: Investigate the cost of ink or toner cartridges and the page yield they provide. A printer with a low initial price may have expensive cartridges, which can increase long-term expenses significantly.
- Size and Design: Consider the physical dimensions of the printer scanner, especially if you have limited space. A compact design can be a great advantage, as it allows for easier placement in small offices or home environments.
- Speed: Look for printers that offer a decent print speed, typically measured in pages per minute (PPM). A speed of around 10-15 PPM for black and white printing is common in budget models and can save you time during high-volume printing tasks.
- Additional Functions: Some models offer multifunction capabilities such as faxing or copying. If you need these features, they can save you the expense and space of additional devices.
- Brand Reputation and Reviews: Research the brand’s reputation for reliability and customer service. Reading user reviews can provide insight into the printer’s performance and any potential issues that may arise after purchase.
How Does Print Quality Affect Your Choice of a Printer Scanner?
The print quality significantly influences your choice of a printer scanner, especially when looking for the best cheap printer scanner.
- Resolution: The resolution of a printer scanner, measured in dots per inch (DPI), determines the clarity and detail of printed images. Higher DPI values typically result in sharper text and more vibrant images, which is crucial for professional documents or photos.
- Color Accuracy: The ability of a printer scanner to reproduce colors accurately affects how true-to-life printed images appear. A device with superior color accuracy will yield prints that closely resemble the original, making it essential for graphic design or photography work.
- Print Speed: While not directly a measure of quality, print speed can influence overall satisfaction with a printer scanner. A device that produces high-quality prints at a reasonable speed can enhance productivity, especially in busy environments or for users with high-volume printing needs.
- Type of Ink or Toner: The type of ink or toner used in a printer scanner plays a significant role in print quality. Inkjet printers typically provide better color quality for photos, while laser printers excel in producing sharp text and are often more cost-effective for high-volume printing.
- Paper Handling: The printer scanner’s capability to handle different types of paper can affect the final print quality. Devices that accommodate a variety of paper sizes and finishes can enhance the versatility of prints, allowing users to create everything from professional reports to glossy photographs.
Why Is Scanner Resolution Crucial for Your Needs?
Scanner resolution is crucial for your needs because it directly impacts the quality and clarity of the images or documents you are digitizing. Higher resolution results in more detailed and accurate representations of the original material, which is essential for both professional and personal use.
According to a study by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), scanning at a higher resolution significantly improves the legibility of text and the fidelity of images, particularly when dealing with fine details or small fonts (ISO 16067-1:2003). This is particularly important when choosing the best cheap printer scanner, as low-resolution scans can lead to loss of important information, making it difficult to read or utilize the scanned content effectively.
The underlying mechanism involves the number of dots per inch (DPI) that a scanner can capture. A higher DPI means more pixels are used to represent the scanned image, resulting in a finer level of detail. For example, a scanner that operates at 600 DPI can provide much sharper images than one that operates at 300 DPI. This is especially critical in fields such as graphic design, where precision in color and detail is paramount, as well as in legal and medical documents where clarity can affect interpretation and outcomes.
What Are the Most Affordable Printer Scanners on the Market?
Some of the most affordable printer scanners on the market include:
- HP DeskJet 2755e: This all-in-one printer offers wireless capabilities and mobile printing, making it convenient for everyday use.
- Epson EcoTank ET-2720: Known for its refillable ink tanks, this model is cost-effective in the long run, reducing the need for frequent cartridge replacements.
- Canon PIXMA TR4520: This compact printer scanner is ideal for home offices, with features like auto duplex printing and a user-friendly interface.
- Brother MFC-J805DW: This model features a high-yield ink system that lowers printing costs and comes equipped with wireless networking options.
- Lexmark MB2236adw: A monochrome laser printer scanner, it offers fast print speeds and is suitable for those who primarily print in black and white.
The HP DeskJet 2755e is an affordable all-in-one solution that combines printing, scanning, and copying functionalities. Its wireless capabilities and compatibility with mobile devices make it an excellent choice for users who value convenience and accessibility.
The Epson EcoTank ET-2720 stands out for its innovative refillable ink tank system, significantly lowering the cost per print. This printer is particularly beneficial for high-volume printing, as it reduces the frequency of ink replacement, making it a great long-term investment.
The Canon PIXMA TR4520 is well-suited for home office environments, offering versatile functionality with features like auto duplex printing. Its compact design and simple interface make it user-friendly, while still delivering quality prints and scans.
The Brother MFC-J805DW is designed for efficiency, featuring a high-yield ink system that allows for lower printing costs over time. Its wireless networking capabilities facilitate easy printing from various devices, catering well to busy households or small offices.
Lastly, the Lexmark MB2236adw is a monochrome laser printer scanner that excels in speed and efficiency for black-and-white printing. It is an ideal choice for users who primarily need to produce text documents quickly without the added cost of color printing.
Which Budget Printer Scanner Is Best for Home Use?
The main options for the best cheap printer scanners for home use include:
- HP DeskJet 2755e: This all-in-one printer offers wireless printing, scanning, and copying at an affordable price.
- Epson EcoTank ET-2720: This tank-based printer eliminates the need for cartridges, making it a cost-effective option over time.
- Canon PIXMA TR4520: Known for its versatility, this model is great for both printing and scanning, with a user-friendly interface.
- BROTHER MFC-J995DW: This printer features a strong ink management system and is equipped for high-volume printing, scanning, and copying.
- Brother Compact Monochrome Laser Printer MFC-L3710CW: This laser printer is great for those who primarily need black and white printing but also want scanning capabilities.
The HP DeskJet 2755e is a reliable choice for home users, providing easy wireless printing through mobile devices and a compact design that fits well in small spaces. It offers decent print quality for documents and photos, making it suitable for everyday use.
The Epson EcoTank ET-2720 stands out for its innovative cartridge-free design, which utilizes refillable ink tanks that can significantly reduce printing costs over time. This model is perfect for families or home offices that require frequent printing, as it provides a high page yield and quality prints.
The Canon PIXMA TR4520 is a versatile all-in-one printer that allows for printing, scanning, and copying with a user-friendly interface and mobile printing options. It features a compact design and delivers excellent photo print quality, making it a solid choice for users who need both document and photo printing capabilities.
The BROTHER MFC-J995DW is designed with an intelligent ink management system that alerts users when ink levels are low and provides high-yield ink options, making it ideal for users with high printing demands. This model also offers fast printing speeds and features like duplex printing, which helps to save paper.
Lastly, the Brother Compact Monochrome Laser Printer MFC-L3710CW is an appealing option for those who primarily need black and white prints but still want scanning capabilities. It boasts reliable performance, lower cost per page compared to inkjet printers, and is ideal for users focused on efficiency and volume.
Which Budget Printer Scanner Is Most Suitable for Small Businesses?
The best cheap printer scanners for small businesses provide a balance of affordability, functionality, and reliability.
- Brother MFC-J995DW: This all-in-one inkjet printer offers wireless capabilities and a compact design, making it ideal for small office spaces.
- Epson EcoTank ET-2720: Known for its cartridge-free printing system, this model uses refillable ink tanks which can significantly reduce printing costs over time.
- HP DeskJet Plus 4155: This budget-friendly printer scanner combines efficient printing, scanning, and copying features with an easy-to-use interface for small businesses.
- Canon PIXMA TR8520: This versatile all-in-one printer is equipped with excellent photo printing capabilities, making it suitable for businesses that require high-quality imagery.
- Lexmark MB2236adw: A compact monochrome laser printer scanner that is designed for efficiency and speed, making it a great choice for small offices with moderate printing needs.
Brother MFC-J995DW: This printer scanner features a 20-sheet automatic document feeder and mobile printing capabilities, which enhance productivity. Its high-yield ink cartridges can print up to 1 year without needing replacement, which makes it cost-effective for small businesses.
Epson EcoTank ET-2720: This printer scanner utilizes a unique tank system that allows for easy refilling and a significantly lower cost per page compared to traditional cartridge printers. Its wireless printing features and compact size make it a convenient option for any small office.
HP DeskJet Plus 4155: This device offers a reliable all-in-one solution with the ability to print, scan, and copy documents seamlessly. Its integration with HP’s Smart app allows for remote printing and scanning, making it a versatile tool for busy professionals.
Canon PIXMA TR8520: This model stands out with its superior photo printing quality and multi-function capabilities. It includes features like a 4.3-inch touchscreen for easy navigation and supports various media types, which is beneficial for businesses that need to print marketing materials.
Lexmark MB2236adw: As a monochrome printer scanner, it is optimized for speed and efficiency, providing fast printing of black and white documents. Its compact design fits well in small spaces, and it includes wireless connectivity options to streamline operations in any office setting.
How Do You Determine the Right Cheap Printer Scanner for Your Requirements?
To determine the right cheap printer scanner for your requirements, consider the following factors:
- Print Quality: Look for a printer scanner that offers a good resolution, typically measured in DPI (dots per inch). Higher DPI values generally indicate sharper and more detailed prints, which is essential if you plan to print photos or graphics.
- Scanning Features: Evaluate the scanning capabilities, such as resolution, speed, and whether it supports duplex (double-sided) scanning. Features like OCR (Optical Character Recognition) can also be beneficial for converting scanned documents into editable text.
- Connectivity Options: Ensure the printer scanner has versatile connectivity options, including USB, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. This flexibility allows you to print and scan from various devices, including smartphones and tablets, enhancing convenience.
- Operating Costs: Investigate the cost of ink or toner and the page yield of cartridges. A printer with lower initial costs might have higher running expenses, so consider total ownership costs over time.
- Size and Design: Assess the physical dimensions and design of the printer scanner, especially if space is a concern. Compact models are ideal for small home offices, while larger models may offer additional features but take up more room.
- User Reviews and Ratings: Check online reviews and ratings to gauge user satisfaction and performance. Real-world experiences can provide insights into reliability and potential issues that may not be apparent from specifications alone.
- Warranty and Support: Look into the warranty offered by the manufacturer and the availability of customer support. A good warranty can provide peace of mind, while responsive customer service can help resolve any issues you may encounter.
What Key Factors Should Influence Your Purchase Decision?
When considering the purchase of the best cheap printer scanner, several key factors should influence your decision.
- Print Quality: The quality of prints is essential, especially if you’ll be printing documents or photos. Look for a printer scanner that offers a minimum resolution of 600 x 600 DPI for clear text and images.
- Speed: Printing and scanning speed can significantly affect productivity. Check the pages per minute (PPM) rating for printing and the scanning speed in seconds to ensure it meets your needs.
- Connectivity Options: Modern printers offer various connectivity options such as USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Ensure the printer scanner you choose can connect to your devices easily and supports mobile printing for convenience.
- Operating Costs: Consider the cost of ink or toner, as well as paper, when evaluating the overall affordability of a printer scanner. Some models may have lower upfront costs but higher ongoing expenses due to expensive consumables.
- Multifunctionality: A good printer scanner should not only print but also scan, copy, and potentially fax. This versatility can save space and money by replacing multiple devices with one multifunction unit.
- User-Friendly Interface: A straightforward user interface can enhance your experience, especially if you are not tech-savvy. Look for models with intuitive controls and easy-to-navigate menus.
- Size and Design: The physical dimensions of the printer scanner are important for fitting into your available workspace. Compact models are ideal for small offices or homes, while larger ones may offer more features.
- Customer Support and Warranty: Reliable customer service and a good warranty can provide peace of mind in case of issues. Check the manufacturer’s reputation for support and the length of the warranty offered.