5 Best Printers With Cheap Cartridges for Budget-Friendly Printing in 2025

You’ll want printers like the HP OfficeJet Pro 8139e or the HP Smart Tank 5000, which offer high page yields and cost-effective ink systems.

Models such as the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 use refillable tanks to slash ink costs by up to 90%, making them ideal for budget-conscious users.

The HP DeskJet 2827e and 4227e add compact designs with smart ink-saving features.

Explore these options to find one that fits your needs and saves money on cartridges.

HP OfficeJet Pro 8139e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer (40Q51A)

The HP OfficeJet Pro 8139e Wireless All-in-One is designed for efficient home or small office use. It delivers professional-quality color prints at speeds up to 10 ppm and black prints at 20 ppm. This model supports fast scanning, copying, and faxing, with convenient auto duplex printing to save paper.

Its 225-sheet input tray reduces the need for frequent paper refills, while dual-band Wi-Fi ensures stable wireless connectivity. You can easily print or scan from your smartphone using the HP app. Additionally, a 1-year Instant Ink trial offers cost-effective ink management, making it a practical choice for everyday tasks.

Best for: Small business owners or home office users seeking a versatile, efficient all-in-one printer with wireless connectivity and cost-saving ink options.

Pros:

• Fast print speeds with up to 20 ppm in black and 10 ppm in color.
• Reliable dual-band Wi-Fi ensures smooth wireless printing.
• Includes a 1-year Instant Ink trial for affordable and convenient ink management.

Cons:

• Inkjet printers may have higher running costs compared to laser printers over time.
• Input tray capacity of 225 sheets might be limiting for very high-volume printing needs.
• May lack some advanced features found in higher-end office printers, such as larger touchscreen controls or extensive network management options.

HP Smart Tank 5000 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer (5D1B6A)

The HP Smart Tank 5000 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer (5D1B6A) delivers reliable print, scan, copy, and fax functions with sharp text and vibrant colors. Its cartridge-free ink tank system supports high-volume printing quietly and efficiently. Included ink can produce up to 6,000 pages, reducing the need for frequent refills.

This printer connects easily via secure Wi-Fi and the HP app, enabling wireless printing from multiple devices. Its compact design fits comfortably in home offices or small workspaces. Print speeds reach up to 10 ppm in black and 5 ppm in color, balancing quality and performance.

Best for: individuals or small businesses seeking an affordable, multifunction ink tank printer for moderate volume tasks.

Pros:

• Includes 2 years of Original HP Ink for extended printing capacity
• Mess-free, cartridge-free refill system that prevents spills
• Secure wireless connectivity through HP Wolf Essential Security and mobile app support

Cons:

• Print speeds may be moderate for very fast-paced environments
• Some users might find occasional issues with performance
• Warranty and support options could require additional consideration

HP DeskJet 2827e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer (6W7F5A)

The HP DeskJet 2827e Wireless All-in-One Printer delivers reliable printing, scanning, and copying for everyday home use. Its compact design fits well in small spaces, while wireless connectivity keeps your workspace clutter-free. The printer produces clear prints at speeds up to 5.5 ppm in color and 7.5 ppm in black.

The intuitive control panel pairs with the AI-enhanced HP app, making it easy to manage documents and tasks from your device. It supports a 60-sheet input tray and uses HP cartridges exclusively, ensuring consistent quality. This model is also eco-conscious, made with 60% recycled plastics and Energy Star certified.

Best for: Home users who want a compact, eco-friendly all-in-one printer with dependable wireless features for daily printing and scanning needs.

Pros:

• Compact design ideal for limited space.
• AI-enhanced HP app simplifies document management.
• Includes a 3-month Instant Ink trial to lower cartridge expenses.
• Energy Star certified and made with recycled materials.

Cons:

• Print speed might be slower for high-volume tasks.
• Only compatible with HP cartridges, limiting cartridge options.
• Input tray capacity could require frequent refilling.

Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a wireless color all-in-one printer designed for home use. It features cartridge-free, refillable ink tanks that can cut ink costs by up to 90%. This system replaces about 80 cartridges per bottle set, allowing you to print thousands of pages—up to 4,500 in black and white or 7,500 in color.

It delivers sharp prints with a resolution of up to 5760 x 1440 dpi and prints at speeds up to 10 pages per minute. The printer also includes a flatbed scanner and a color display, enhancing ease of use and functionality. Its eco-friendly design and reliable performance make it suitable for budget-conscious users.

Best for: Home users who want to reduce printing costs significantly while maintaining high-quality color and black-and-white prints with convenient wireless all-in-one features.

Pros:

• Cartridge-free refillable ink tanks reduce ink costs by up to 90% and offer up to 2 years of ink supply.
• High-resolution printing (up to 5760 x 1440 dpi) for sharp, detailed output.
• Includes a flatbed scanner and color display for versatile use and easy operation.

Cons:

• Print speed may be slower than some laser printers, especially for large volumes.
• Initial setup and ink refilling might be challenging or messy for some users.
• Warranty and support could be limited for heavy or commercial use.

HP DeskJet 4227e Wireless All-in-One Printer (6W7F0A)

The HP DeskJet 4227e Wireless All-in-One Printer offers reliable printing for everyday tasks. It delivers clear black-and-white prints at 8.5 ppm and color prints at 5.5 ppm. Its wireless connectivity and HP app support make printing, scanning, and faxing from mobile devices easy and convenient.

Designed with sustainability in mind, this printer uses at least 60% recycled plastic and is ENERGY STAR certified. It also comes with a three-month Instant Ink subscription to help avoid running out of ink unexpectedly. The compact design fits well in home offices or small workspaces.

Best for: individuals or families looking for an affordable, user-friendly all-in-one printer for routine home printing needs with seamless wireless and mobile app integration.

Pros:

• Includes 3 months of Instant Ink subscription, reducing the risk of ink shortages.
• Wireless connectivity with HP app support for mobile device printing and scanning.
• Eco-friendly design made from recycled materials and ENERGY STAR certified.

Cons:

• Only compatible with HP cartridges; firmware updates block non-HP cartridges.
• Print speeds may be moderate for users with heavy printing demands.
• Auto document feeder capacity might be limited for large batch scanning or copying.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Printer for Cheap Cartridges

When choosing a printer for cheap cartridges, you need to check if the cartridges are compatible and easy to find. Consider how much ink costs and whether the printer’s technology affects print quality. These factors will help you save money without sacrificing performance.

Cartridge Compatibility

Because cartridge compatibility varies widely, you’ll want to choose a printer that works with affordable ink options without sacrificing quality or convenience. Many printers only accept specific branded cartridges, limiting cheaper alternatives. Look for models supporting third-party cartridges to save money, but be mindful of potential compatibility issues.

Printers with refillable ink tanks or cartridge-free systems give you the freedom to buy bulk ink, cutting costs considerably. Some brands offer subscription services for lower-cost ink delivery, but these usually lock you into proprietary cartridges, which might reduce your long-term savings. Also, don’t just pick the cheapest cartridge upfront—compare ink yield to avoid higher costs per page.

Balancing compatibility and cost guarantees you get a budget-friendly printer without unexpected expenses or hassles.

Ink Cost Efficiency

Although upfront printer prices might seem appealing, you’ll want to focus on ink cost efficiency to truly save money over time. Opt for printers with high-capacity ink tanks or refillable systems—they can print thousands of pages at a fraction of the cost per page compared to traditional cartridges. Some refillable systems provide enough ink for up to 6,000 pages, dramatically cutting your ink expenses.

Cartridge Availability

Saving on ink costs doesn’t stop at choosing efficient printers—you’ll also want to contemplate cartridge availability to keep expenses low over time. Always check if replacement cartridges are readily available and not discontinued, as scarcity can hike long-term costs. Opt for printers that support high-yield or bulk cartridges to lower your cost per page substantially.

It’s smart to verify compatibility with third-party or generic cartridges since these often come at a fraction of the price of brand-name versions. Also, consider printers with refillable cartridges or ink tank systems—they reduce how often you need replacements, saving you money. Finally, evaluate the cartridge’s total page yield to guarantee it matches your printing volume without frequent costly refills.

Prioritizing cartridge availability helps you maintain budget-friendly printing long-term.

Print Quality Impact

When choosing a printer for cheap cartridges, you need to take into account how print quality will be affected by the ink type and printer technology. Pigment-based inks usually deliver sharper text and longer-lasting prints compared to dye-based inks, so consider which suits your needs. Higher print resolutions improve detail but use more ink, potentially raising costs despite cheaper cartridges.

Maintaining your printer by regularly cleaning print heads helps keep print quality consistent and extends cartridge life, saving money in the long run. Also, use cartridges compatible with your printer to avoid poor results—non-genuine options might save money upfront but could compromise output. Features like automatic print head alignment can further enhance print quality by ensuring ink spreads evenly across your pages.

Printer Technology Type

Choosing the right printer technology plays a crucial role in minimizing your cartridge expenses. Inkjet printers use individual cartridges, which can be economical if you print occasionally. However, if you often need high-quality color prints, the cost per page can add up quickly.

Laser printers have a higher upfront cost but tend to be more cost-effective for heavy printing since their toner cartridges last longer and lower the cost per page. Refillable ink tank printers offer a budget-friendly alternative by using ink bottles to refill tanks, drastically cutting ink costs compared to traditional cartridges.

Cartridge-free printers with integrated ink tanks also save money by allowing high page yields before refills. Consider your printing volume and color needs to choose the technology that best fits your budget and usage.

Ink Refill Options

Because ink refill options can cut your printing costs dramatically, they’re a key factor to contemplate when picking a printer. Refillable ink tank printers come with large tanks that hold enough ink for thousands of pages, so you won’t need to refill often. Many models include a generous amount of ink upfront—sometimes enough for two years of printing—making your initial investment more budget-friendly.

The refill process is usually mess-free, thanks to easy-access ports designed to prevent spills and simplify upkeep. Compared to traditional cartridges, these systems can slash your cost per page by up to 90%, letting you print thousands of pages at a fraction of the usual cost. Choosing a printer with refillable ink tanks is a smart move for long-term savings.

Warranty and Support

Although finding a printer with cheap cartridges is essential, you should also consider the warranty and support offered. A solid warranty protects you against defects and unexpected repair costs, giving you peace of mind. Check the warranty duration—longer coverage usually signals a reliable product.

Some manufacturers offer extended warranties for an extra fee, which is worth it if you print a lot. Support matters too: having access to phone, email, or online chat can save you time when dealing with cartridge compatibility or usage issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should I Clean My Printer to Maintain Cartridge Efficiency?

You should clean your printer every one to three months, depending on how often you use it. Regular cleaning prevents ink buildup and clogs, helping your cartridges last longer and maintain print quality.

If you print frequently, clean it monthly; if rarely, every three months is fine. Also, run the printer’s built-in cleaning cycle when you notice streaks or faded prints to keep the cartridges working efficiently.

Can I Use Third-Party Ink Cartridges Without Voiding the Warranty?

Yes, you can usually use third-party ink cartridges without voiding your printer’s warranty, but it depends on the manufacturer. Some brands explicitly state their warranty won’t be affected if you use compatible cartridges, while others might be stricter. It’s a good idea to check your printer’s warranty terms or contact customer support before switching.

Using third-party cartridges can save you money, but be sure they’re high-quality to avoid damage.

What Is the Average Lifespan of Cheap Ink Cartridges?

Cheap ink cartridges typically last for about 150 to 300 pages before needing a replacement. Curiously, some budget cartridges can print up to 20% fewer pages than their original counterparts.

You’ll want to keep an eye on your print quality and cartridge levels, as cheaper options might dry out faster or clog more easily. Still, if you print occasionally, they can be a cost-effective choice without frequent replacements.

How Do Printer Settings Affect Ink Consumption and Cost?

Your printer settings have a big impact on ink use and costs. If you choose draft or economy mode, your printer uses less ink, saving money. Higher-quality or photo modes use more ink, increasing expenses.

Adjusting color settings or printing in grayscale can also reduce ink consumption. By customizing these settings based on your needs, you can stretch your cartridges further and lower your overall printing costs effectively.

Are There Eco-Friendly Options for Cheap Printer Cartridges?

Did you know remanufactured cartridges reduce landfill waste by up to 70%? Yes, there are eco-friendly options for cheap printer cartridges. You can choose remanufactured or compatible cartridges made from recycled materials, which save money and help the environment.

Plus, many brands offer refill kits, letting you reuse your cartridges multiple times. By opting for these alternatives, you cut costs and shrink your environmental footprint.

Conclusion

Choosing the right printer with cheap cartridges is like finding a trusty companion who saves you money without compromising quality. Whether you pick an HP OfficeJet or an Epson EcoTank, you’ll enjoy budget-friendly printing that fits your needs.

Keep an eye on cartridge costs, print volume, and wireless features to make the best choice. With the right printer, you’ll breeze through your printing tasks without breaking the bank or stressing over supplies.