Introduction
Choosing the right printer for home use is essential for balancing print quality, functionality, and cost-effectiveness. Whether you need a reliable device for schoolwork, personal projects, or home office tasks, finding the best printer for home use with cheap ink can significantly reduce ongoing expenses. In this post, we’ll review the top 10 home printers designed to provide quality prints while keeping ink costs low.
What to Look for in a Home Printer with Cheap Ink?
When searching for the best printer for home use with cheap ink, there are several factors to consider:
- Ink Cartridge Cost: Some printers offer inexpensive ink cartridges, while others use high-capacity refillable tanks like those in the EcoTank series.
- Page Yield: Consider how many pages the printer can produce with one ink cartridge or refill.
- Printer Type: Inkjet printers tend to be cheaper upfront, but laser printers can save more on ink over time, especially for high-volume printing.
- Features: Consider whether you need multifunctionality (printing, scanning, copying), wireless connectivity, or duplex printing.
The Benefits of Using a Cheap-Ink Printer for Home Use
One of the biggest advantages of using a printer that offers cheap ink options is the potential for long-term savings. A printer with high ink efficiency can drastically reduce printing costs, especially if you print frequently. Additionally, printers with reusable or refillable ink tanks (like the EcoTank series) create less waste, benefiting the environment. These printers are ideal for everyday tasks like printing documents, family photos, or even creative projects.
Top 10 Best Printers for Home Use with Cheap Ink
We’ve selected 10 of the most efficient printers that offer the best combination of low ink costs and high print quality.
1. Brother MFC-J4335DW
The Brother MFC-J4335DW is known for its INKvestment tank technology, which offers one of the lowest per-page costs. This printer is perfect for home use due to its robust features like duplex printing, wireless connectivity, and excellent ink efficiency.
- Cost: Moderate
- Print Quality: Excellent for both text and color prints
- Ink Efficiency: Very high, with INKvestment technology
- Pros: High page yield, low running costs, versatile functions
- Cons: Initial cost might be higher than some competitors
- INKvest in a printer you won’t want to replace with up to 1-year of...
- Revolutionary INKvestment Tank Technology. The INKvestment Tank’s...
- Brother INKvestment Tank front-loading ink cartridges. The...
- Put the power of printing at your fingertips. The simple to use free...
- Large page yields means less frequent ink replacement. When you do...
2. Canon PIXMA G6020
A standout in Canon’s MegaTank series, the PIXMA G6020 uses refillable ink tanks that provide thousands of pages per fill. It’s ideal for those who print frequently but want to minimize their ink expenditure.
- Cost: Affordable
- Print Quality: High-quality color and document prints
- Ink Efficiency: Exceptional, with refillable tanks
- Pros: Refillable ink tanks, excellent print quality
- Cons: Bulky design
- Wireless Print/Copy/Scan (2)
- Up to 2 years of ink included (3)
- Print up to 6,000 black & white / 7,700 color pages using a single set...
- Save up to $1,000 on ink (1)
- 2-line LCD display
3. Epson EcoTank ET-2800
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a fantastic choice for those looking to save on ink costs. It uses large, refillable tanks that hold enough ink for up to 7,500 pages (black) and 6,000 pages (color).
- Cost: Higher upfront cost, but very low ink costs
- Print Quality: Crisp, clear prints
- Ink Efficiency: Extremely high
- Pros: Refillable tanks, low cost-per-page
- Cons: Print speed is slower than other models.
- Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing ― No more tiny, expensive ink...
- Dramatic Savings on Replacement Ink ― Save up to 90% with...
- Stress-Free Printing — Up to 2 years of ink in the box (4) – and...
- High-Capacity Ink Tanks — Epson’s exclusive EcoFit ink bottles...
- Zero Cartridge Waste — By using an EcoTank printer, you can help...
4. HP OfficeJet Pro 9120
This sleek all-in-one printer offers a variety of modern features like voice-activated printing and HP’s Instant Ink subscription service, which ensures you never run out of ink while keeping costs low.
- Cost: Moderate
- Print Quality: Sharp text and vibrant color
- Ink Efficiency: High, especially with the Instant Ink service
- Pros: Affordable subscription for ink, versatile features
- Cons: Instant Ink service may not appeal to all users
- Wireless; Automatic document feeder; Two-sided printing; Two-sided...
- 250-page input tray, 35-sheet ADF, up to 22 Black or 18 Color pages...
- Quickly navigate your printer with a 2.7” large color touchscreen...
- Rely on our most reliable Wi-Fi - dual-band, self-healing - and work...
- Scan/print/copy from your cloud storages like Google Drive or OneDrive...
5. Brother HL-L2461DW
For monochrome printing, the Brother HL-L2461DW is an affordable and efficient option. While it doesn’t print in color, it’s perfect for everyday document printing, offering fast speeds and low toner costs.
- Cost: Very affordable
- Print Quality: High for black-and-white documents
- Ink Efficiency: Low toner usage
- Pros: Fast, reliable, low running costs
- Cons: No color printing
- Fast print speed: Print speeds up to 34ppm with fast warm-up and first...
- Flexible paper handling: 250 sheets capacity paper tray plus a single...
- Double the print, half the paper: Automatic duplex printing uses up to...
- Quiet as a whispher: Reduce noise and energy consumption with Quiet...
- Mobility & flexibility: Print wirelessly from your desktop, laptop,...
6. Canon PIXMA TS3340
Compact and stylish, the Canon PIXMA TS3340 is perfect for home use, especially for users focused on printing photos. Its dual-cartridge system is efficient, though not as cost-effective as tank-based systems.
- Cost: Affordable
- Print Quality: Excellent for photos and color documents
- Ink Efficiency: Moderate
- Pros: Great for photos, compact design
- Cons: Higher ink costs compared to refillable models
- Convenient quality FINE cartridges with XL options
- Effortless connectivity Canon PRINT app, AirPrint (iOS) and Mopria...
- Straight forward loading Rear paper feed
7. Epson Expression ET-3850 EcoTank
Another great option from Epson’s EcoTank series, the ET-3850 offers affordable color printing and refillable ink tanks for high-volume users.
- Cost: Higher upfront, very low ink cost
- Print Quality: Consistent and clear
- Ink Efficiency: Extremely high
- Pros: Low cost-per-page, refillable tanks
- Cons: Slower printing speed
- Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing ― No more tiny, expensive ink...
- Dramatic Savings on Replacement Ink ― Save up to 90% with...
- Stress-Free Printing — Up to 2 years of ink in the box (4) – and...
- High-Capacity Ink Tanks – Epson’s exclusive EcoFit ink bottles...
- Zero Cartridge Waste – By using an EcoTank printer, you can help...
8. HP DeskJet Ink Advantage Ultra 4927
This compact all-in-one printer is great for users who want basic functionality at a low cost. The HP DeskJet 3755 offers affordable ink options, especially with the HP Instant Ink service.
- Cost: Very affordable
- Print Quality: Good for casual use
- Ink Efficiency: High with Instant Ink
- Pros: Compact, low-cost ink plans
- Cons: Slower printing speeds
![HP DeskJet Ink Advantage Ultra 4927 Wireless, Print, Scan, Copy, All-in-One Printer, Up to 2,600 black or 1,400 color pages- [6W7G3B]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/319XjuAPwKL.jpg)
- Get set up with the easiest-to-use print app and our best Wi-Fi with...
- Easily handle simple tasks and get a lot from this all-in-one printer...
- Connect with our best and most reliable self-healing Wi-Fi that...
- 7.5 black ppm/5.5 color ppm. 60-sheet input tray.
- The ultra-low-cost, extra-high-yield Original HP inks deliver up to...
9. Brother MFC-J4535DW
The Brother MFC-J4535DW combines affordability and efficiency with INKvestment technology, offering a lower cost-per-page for both color and monochrome prints.
- Cost: Moderate
- Print Quality: Excellent
- Ink Efficiency: Very high
- Pros: Low running costs, versatile features
- Cons: Bulky design
- NO INK REPLACEMENT FOR UP TO 1-YEAR: Experience truly uninterrupted...
- PUT THE POWER OF PRINTING AT YOUR FINGERTIPS: The simple to use free...
- THE BROTHER REVOLUTIONARY INKVESTMENT TANK SYSTEM: Brother INKvestment...
- ELIMINATE INK REPLACEMENT GUESSWORK: Print with confidence using the...
- USES BROTHER GENUINE INKVESTMENT TANK INK: Intelligently engineered to...
10. Canon MAXIFY MB2720
The Canon MAXIFY MB2720 is designed for heavy-duty printing, with large ink tanks and robust features that make it a solid option for those who need to print frequently at home.
- Cost: Moderate to high
- Print Quality: Excellent
- Ink Efficiency: High with large ink tanks
- Pros: Large ink capacity, high-quality prints
- Cons: Large footprint
- Two paper cassettes provide a combined capacity of 500 sheets - or a...
- The Canon PRINT app has great features so you can scan, copy and print...
- Print laser-sharp text that is highlighter and smudge resistant with...
- With a 20,000 page Duty Cycle, the MAXIFY MB2720 is built to last for...
- All MAXIFY printers feature 100% US-based Service & Support.Copy Speed...
How to Maximize Savings on Ink Costs?
- Third-Party Ink: Consider using compatible third-party ink cartridges, which are often cheaper.
- Subscription Services: Many companies, such as HP, offer ink subscription services that can further reduce costs.
- Print Settings: Use draft mode for less important documents, and reduce color usage where possible to extend ink life.
Comparison Table: Best printer for Home Use with Cheap Ink
| Printer Model | Ink Cost Efficiency | Print Quality | Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brother MFC-J4335DW | High | Excellent | Duplex Printing, Wireless | Low per-page cost, versatile | Higher initial cost |
| Canon PIXMA G6020 | Very High | High | Refillable Ink Tanks, Wireless | Refillable ink tanks, low-cost | Bulky design |
| Epson EcoTank ET-2800 | Extremely High | Crisp & Clear | Refillable Ink Tanks, Wireless | Very low cost-per-page | Slower print speed |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 9120 | High | Sharp & Vibrant | Voice Activated, Wireless | Affordable ink subscription | Subscription may not appeal to all |
| Brother HL-L2461DW | Moderate | High for B/W | Fast, Reliable, Monochrome | Fast, low running costs | No color printing |
| Canon PIXMA TS3340 | Moderate | Excellent for Photos | Photo Printing, Wireless | Great for photos, compact | Higher ink costs |
| Epson ET-3850 EcoTank | Extremely High | Consistent | Refillable Ink Tanks, Wireless | Low cost-per-page, refillable | Slower printing |
| HP DeskJet 4927 Ultra | High | Good | Compact, Wireless | Compact, low-cost ink | Slow print speed |
| Brother MFC-J4535DW | Very High | Excellent | Low Cost per Page, Wireless | Low running costs, versatile | Bulky design |
| Canon MAXIFY MB2720 | High | Excellent | Heavy-Duty, Wireless | High-quality prints, large capacity | Large footprint |
Cheap and Best printer for Home Use (Reviewed)
![HP Smart Tank 580 Wireless All In One Printer, Print, Scan, Copy, Print up to 18000 black or 6000 color pages - White [1F3Y2A]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31GJ9uRNYfL.jpg)
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the best printer for home use with cheap ink depends on your specific needs—whether you prioritize color printing, functionality, or pure affordability. All of the printers reviewed above provide great value in terms of ink efficiency and print quality. Based on your requirements, you can choose a printer that fits your budget and daily printing needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best printer for home use with cheap ink?
The Brother MFC-J4535DW is often regarded as one of the best printers for home use with cheap ink due to its INKvestment tank technology, which offers a low cost-per-page and high page yield.
How can I save on ink costs with my home printer?
To save on ink costs, consider using printers with refillable ink tanks like the Canon PIXMA G6020 or Epson EcoTank ET-2800 .
Which printer is best for high-volume color printing?
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 and Canon PIXMA G6020 are great options for high-volume color printing. They use refillable ink tanks, which significantly reduce printing costs.
Is it worth getting a monochrome printer for home use?
Yes, if your printing needs are mostly black-and-white documents, a monochrome printer like the Brother HL-L2461DW is highly efficient and offers low running costs.
Can I use third-party ink cartridges with my printer?
Many printers support third-party ink cartridges, but it’s important to check compatibility. Some brands like HP and Brother may discourage third-party use through software updates, but refillable ink tank printers are more flexible with compatible inks.
