10 Best Affordable Printers 2025 in the United States

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a solid choice for a basic home printer, especially if you want to save on ink costs. Its cartridge-free system uses high-capacity ink tanks, which significantly reduces the expense and waste associated with traditional ink cartridges. You can expect to print up to 4,500 pages in black and 7,500 in color with the included ink, making it economical for frequent users. The print quality is good for both text and color graphics, thanks to Epson's Micro Piezo Heat Free technology.

Print speeds are on the slower side—10 pages per minute (ppm) for black and 5 ppm for color—which might be a drawback if you need faster print jobs. The printer offers decent connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and USB, and supports mobile printing through AirPrint and the Epson Smart Panel app. The built-in scanner and copier add to its versatility, though it comes with just a single USB port. Paper handling is adequate with a 100-sheet input capacity, which might be limiting for large volume printing tasks.

Another benefit is the reduced environmental impact due to the zero cartridge waste, aligning with eco-friendly preferences. It's crucial to use genuine Epson ink to avoid potential damage not covered by the warranty. This printer is best suited for home users who prioritize low running costs and eco-friendliness over high-speed performance.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2803 is a budget-friendly all-in-one printer designed for home or small office use. It uses Epson’s EcoTank refillable ink system, which helps keep running costs low compared to traditional cartridges. This makes it a smart choice for those who print regularly but want to avoid frequent ink replacements. It prints up to 10 pages per minute in black and 5 in color, a decent speed for everyday documents, though it might feel slow if you need high-volume printing quickly.

The print quality is quite sharp, with a high resolution that handles photos and text nicely, but it is best suited for plain paper rather than specialty media. It connects via USB and Wi-Fi, including support for AirPrint, allowing easy printing from smartphones or tablets without cables. Paper handling is straightforward with a single tray holding up to 100 sheets, though it does not support automatic double-sided printing, so pages must be flipped manually if needed. Scanning and copying features add useful versatility without complicating operation.

The printer is lightweight and compact, fitting well in smaller spaces. The slower color print speed and lack of duplex printing may be limiting for those who print many color documents or want to save paper. While the initial cost is higher than basic inkjets, the refillable ink tanks can save money over time. For an affordable printer that offers low-cost ink, decent print quality, and wireless convenience, the EcoTank ET-2803 is a solid choice for light to moderate use.

The HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e All-in-One Printer is a versatile and reliable choice for small to medium-sized businesses. It excels in print quality and speed, with print speeds up to 22 ppm for black and 18 ppm for color, ensuring efficient handling of various document types including professional-quality color presentations and flyers. The printer features an automatic document feeder, double-sided printing, and a 250-sheet input tray, which helps manage larger print jobs with ease.

The 2.7-inch touchscreen and the HP Smart app make operations straightforward and add convenience by allowing remote printing from smartphones and tablets. Additionally, the printer's wireless, USB, and Ethernet connectivity options ensure seamless integration into various office setups. One of its notable strengths is the inclusion of 3 months of HP's Instant Ink service, which can reduce the cost of consumables significantly. However, after the free period, the user would need to subscribe to continue benefiting from the service, which may add to the ongoing costs.

The printer is designed to work only with original HP cartridges, which could limit options for more affordable third-party consumables. Furthermore, the initial setup and firmware updates are geared to maintain the exclusivity of HP-branded supplies. Despite these limitations, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e offers strong security features with the HP Wolf Pro Security suite and is built with sustainability in mind, using over 40% recycled plastic. This printer is well-suited for those who prioritize print quality, speed, and efficient document handling, making it a solid contender in the affordable printer category for business use.