5 Best Printers for Small Business With Affordable Ink in 2025
You’ll want printers like the Brother Work Smart 1360 or Epson EcoTank ET-2800 for affordable ink and strong output.
The Epson’s refillable tanks cut costs by up to 90%, while Brother offers fast, reliable color prints.
For portable label needs, consider the iDPRT Bluetooth printer.
HP’s DeskJet 4227e and 2827e provide eco-friendly, budget-friendly options with wireless ease.
Choosing right means balancing cost, print quality, and workload capacity—explore these factors more to find your best fit.
Key Takeaways
- Epson EcoTank ET-2800 offers cartridge-free, refillable ink tanks that cut printing costs by up to 90%, ideal for affordable ink in small businesses.
- Brother Work Smart 1360 balances fast print speeds with high-yield cartridges for cost-effective and efficient business printing.
- HP DeskJet 4227e includes a 3-month Instant Ink trial, helping small businesses manage ink expenses with wireless all-in-one functionality.
- Choosing printers with high-yield cartridges or refillable tanks maximizes ink affordability and supports high monthly print volumes.
- Prioritize models with wireless connectivity and mobile printing features like AirPrint and Mopria for seamless, cost-efficient business workflows.
Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer (MFC-J1360DW)
- BEST FOR HOME AND HOME OFFICE: Get all your work done with an all-in-one multifunction printer....
- EASY TO USE WITH CLOUD APP CONNECTIONS: Print from and scan to popular Cloud apps(2), including...
The Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer (MFC-J1360DW) offers efficient printing for home offices and small businesses. It delivers fast speeds up to 16 ppm for black and 9 ppm for color, with automatic duplex printing to save paper. The printer also features a 150-sheet tray and sharp color output up to 1,200 x 6,000 dpi.
This all-in-one device supports easy connectivity through Wi-Fi, USB, and mobile apps, including AirPrint® and Mopria®. Its 20-sheet Automatic Document Feeder simplifies multitasking, while the included ink subscription trial helps manage ink costs with automatic delivery. The compact design balances functionality with workspace needs.
Best for: Small business owners and home office users who need a reliable, multifunction wireless printer with convenient mobile access and affordable ink management.
Pros:
- Fast print speeds with automatic duplex printing for efficiency
- Multiple connectivity options including Wi-Fi Direct and cloud compatibility
- Comes with a 2-month free ink subscription trial offering cost savings
- Sharp, high-resolution color printing for professional documents
Cons:
- Automatic Document Feeder supports only single-sided scanning or copying
- Maximum media size limited to 8.5 x 14 inches, which may not fit all projects
- May be less convenient to move frequently due to its weight
iDPRT 4×6 Bluetooth Portable Thermal Shipping Label Printer
- Unmatched Compatibility & Seamless Integration—Meet the ultimate label-printing partner for your...
- Ultra-Portable Design—Cut the cords and print from anywhere! With Bluetooth connectivity for...
The iDPRT 4×6 Bluetooth Portable Thermal Shipping Label Printer is designed for easy mobility and fast printing. It weighs just 0.97 lbs and connects via Bluetooth or USB, working smoothly with iPhone, Android, Windows, and macOS. This ensures compatibility with most devices in a mobile workspace.
It prints up to 72 labels per minute at a clear 203 dpi resolution. Using the HereLabel app or computer driver, setup is straightforward and efficient. The printer is ideal for creating sharp barcodes and text, supporting sellers on platforms like Amazon, eBay, and FedEx.
Best for: Small business owners and online sellers who require a compact, versatile, and efficient shipping label printer for multiple devices.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable for on-the-go use.
- Fast printing speed with high-resolution output.
- Broad compatibility with major operating systems and selling platforms.
- Supports both Bluetooth and USB connections.
Cons:
- Driver installation on computers may require extra effort.
- Limited user reviews could affect confidence in performance.
- Warranty information is not clearly provided upfront.
HP DeskJet 4227e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer (6W7F0A)
- The DeskJet 4227e is perfect for homes printing to-do lists, letters, financial documents and...
- PERFECTLY FORMATTED PRINTS WITH HP AI – Print web pages and emails with precision—no wasted...
The HP DeskJet 4227e Wireless All-in-One Printer offers a compact design ideal for everyday printing, scanning, and copying needs. It delivers sharp prints at speeds of up to 8.5 ppm in black and 5.5 ppm in color. The printer uses HP’s AI technology to ensure clean, well-formatted documents every time.
This all-in-one device features a 60-sheet automatic document feeder and seamless Wi-Fi connectivity for easy wireless printing. The HP app lets you print or scan directly from any smartphone or tablet. Built with recycled plastics, it is ENERGY STAR and EPEAT certified, supporting eco-friendly use.
The printer includes a 3-month Instant Ink trial to help manage ink costs, though a subscription fee applies afterward. It only supports HP cartridges, which may affect ink choice flexibility.
Best for: Small business owners and home users needing a reliable, compact all-in-one printer for daily office tasks.
Pros:
- Fast printing speeds with AI-enhanced quality.
- Multi-functionality with scanning, copying, and a 60-sheet feeder.
- Easy wireless setup and mobile printing via the HP app.
- Eco-friendly design with recycled materials and energy certifications.
Cons:
- Ink options limited to HP cartridges only.
- Subscription fees apply after the Instant Ink trial.
- Print speeds may be slower than higher-end models.
HP DeskJet 2827e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer (6W7F5A)
- The DeskJet 2827e is perfect for homes printing to-do lists, letters, financial documents and...
- PERFECTLY FORMATTED PRINTS WITH HP AI – Print web pages and emails with precision—no wasted...
The HP DeskJet 2827e Wireless All-in-One is a compact printer designed for everyday use. It supports printing, scanning, and copying with ease. Print speeds reach up to 7.5 ppm in black and 5.5 ppm in color, suitable for routine tasks.
Its 60-sheet input tray and wireless connectivity help keep your workflow smooth. You can print or scan directly from your mobile device using the HP app. The printer also features eco-friendly construction with 60% recycled plastic.
Enhanced with AI tools, it helps organize your documents efficiently. This all-in-one device is ideal for small spaces and offers reliable performance for home or office needs.
Best for: Small business owners and home users needing a versatile, compact all-in-one printer for daily tasks.
Pros:
- Compact design fits well in small offices or homes
- Wireless connectivity with mobile app support
- Eco-friendly build with recycled materials
- AI features improve document organization
Cons:
- Print speeds may be moderate for heavy printing
- Compatible only with HP cartridges
- Input tray capacity might require frequent refills for large jobs
Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer
- Keep your office running smoothly with the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 All-in-One Supertank Color Printer....
- Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing . No more tiny, expensive ink cartridges; each ink bottle set is...
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a wireless color all-in-one printer designed for hassle-free printing with its cartridge-free, refillable ink tanks. It delivers sharp, vibrant prints at a resolution of up to 5760 x 1440 dpi and prints at speeds up to 10 pages per minute. Its compact design fits easily into any workspace, offering convenient wireless connectivity for seamless operation.
This printer is ideal for users who require frequent color printing without the ongoing cost and waste of cartridges. It reduces ink expenses by up to 90% and includes two years’ worth of ink, making it an eco-friendly option. The refillable tanks also help minimize environmental impact while maintaining high-quality output.
Best for: Small businesses and home offices needing reliable, cost-effective color printing with an eco-conscious design.
Pros:
- Cartridge-free refillable ink tanks lower printing costs significantly.
- High-resolution output ensures clear and vibrant prints.
- Wireless connectivity allows flexible placement and easy use.
- Compact size fits well in limited workspace environments.
Cons:
- Print speed may be slower than some laser printers for large volumes.
- Initial setup and refilling might require extra care to avoid mess.
- Best suited for small-scale use rather than large commercial printing.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Printer for Small Business With Cheap Ink
When choosing a printer with cheap ink for your small business, focus on ink cost efficiency and how many pages you can print per cartridge. You’ll also want to compare cartridge yields, check the printer’s connectivity options, and make certain it meets your print quality standards. These factors help you get the best value without sacrificing performance.
Ink Cost Efficiency
Choosing a printer that slashes ink costs by up to 90% can make a huge difference in your business’s bottom line. Look for models with high-capacity ink tanks, allowing you to print thousands of pages from one set of bottles, cutting down on frequent replacements. Consider printers that offer refillable ink systems, which often cost less than traditional cartridges.
Subscription services delivering ink automatically at discounted rates help you avoid unexpected shortages and maintain smooth operations. Be cautious with printers that use proprietary cartridges; they might lock you into expensive replacements. Always calculate the total cost of ownership by factoring in the printer’s initial price, ink cost per page, and cartridge yield.
This guarantees you pick a printer that keeps your ink expenses manageable over time.
Print Volume Capacity
Although ink cost efficiency is essential, you also need to take into account print volume capacity to guarantee your printer meets your business demands. Start by checking the printer’s maximum monthly duty cycle to confirm it can handle your expected workload without damage. Opt for models with high-yield cartridges or refillable ink tanks to lower per-page costs when printing large volumes.
Don’t overlook paper handling features—input tray capacity and support for various media sizes matter for uninterrupted printing. Fast print speeds, measured in pages per minute (ppm), help maintain efficiency during busy periods. Additionally, automatic document feeders (ADF) boost productivity by enabling multi-page scanning and copying simultaneously, which is invaluable for managing larger print jobs in your small business.
Cartridge Yield Comparison
Since ink costs can quickly add up, understanding cartridge yield plays an essential role in selecting a printer that fits your small business budget. Cartridge yield measures how many pages you can print before needing a replacement, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand pages. Opting for high-yield cartridges often saves you money, as they hold more ink for just a bit more cost than standard ones.
Alternatively, printers with refillable ink tanks offer a cost-effective option, allowing thousands of prints at a fraction of traditional ink expenses. When choosing, factor in both initial printer price and ongoing ink costs. Prioritizing printers with higher cartridge yields and lower cost per page keeps your printing affordable, especially if your business prints large volumes regularly.
Printer Connectivity Options
You’ll want a printer that offers multiple connectivity options like wireless network, USB, Wi-Fi Direct, and mobile printing to keep your small business flexible and efficient.
Look for models compatible with mobile printing technologies such as AirPrint and Mopria, enabling seamless printing from smartphones and tablets. Confirm your printer supports various cloud services, so you can print documents and photos directly from cloud storage without hassle.
Prioritize ease of setup and management through intuitive mobile apps that let you handle printing, scanning, and device settings on the go. Choosing a printer with automatic connectivity troubleshooting helps minimize downtime, keeping your workflow smooth.
These features collectively enhance productivity and convenience, making your small business operations more streamlined and adaptable.
Print Quality Standards
Choosing the right printer for your small business means paying close attention to print quality standards, especially when working with affordable ink. Look for printers with higher resolution, typically between 600 x 600 dpi and 2400 x 1200 dpi, to guarantee sharp, detailed prints.
Consistent color reproduction matters if you want your branding materials to look professional—printers with wide color gamuts and accurate profiling help achieve this. Consider whether an inkjet or laser printer suits your needs: inkjets excel in vibrant photos, while lasers offer crisp text and faster output.
Also, check if the printer handles various media types like glossy paper or cardstock, which boosts versatility. By prioritizing these factors, you’ll get quality results without overspending on ink.
Maintenance and Durability
Though affordable ink can save you money upfront, maintaining your printer properly is essential to prevent costly breakdowns and assure it lasts. Regularly clean print heads and replace worn parts to avoid repairs. Check the printer’s maximum monthly duty cycle to confirm it can handle your business’s printing volume without premature wear.
Opt for models built with high-quality materials—they endure daily use better. A solid warranty gives you peace of mind, covering repairs and part replacements when needed. Also, choose a printer designed for easy access to internal components.
This makes routine maintenance quicker and reduces downtime, keeping your small business running smoothly without unexpected interruptions or extra expenses. Prioritize maintenance and durability to make your printer a reliable long-term investment.
Device Speed Performance
When your small business relies on quick document turnaround, device speed performance becomes a key factor in selecting the right printer. You’ll want a model with a print speed that matches your workload—inkjets typically print 5.5 ppm in color and up to 16 ppm in black and white. Fast initial page print times, like 6 seconds for black and 9 seconds for color, help cut down waiting.
Don’t overlook printers with efficient automatic document feeders (ADFs), as they speed up copying and scanning by handling multiple pages at once. Balancing speed with affordable ink is essential; a printer that’s fast but costly to run won’t save you money. Choose a device that fits your volume needs and offers low ink costs to keep productivity and expenses in check.
Subscription Ink Services
Balancing print speed with affordable ink is just one part of controlling your small business printing costs. Subscription ink services can help you save up to 50% compared to buying cartridges traditionally. These plans often include high-yield cartridges or bulk ink, lowering your expenses considerably.
Plus, automatic delivery guarantees you never run out of ink unexpectedly, keeping your workflow smooth. Many services offer a trial period, so you can test the savings and convenience before committing. Managing your ink supply is easy too, thanks to mobile apps that track usage and handle your subscription.
Choosing a printer compatible with these services lets you combine cost savings and convenience, making subscription ink a smart choice for affordable, worry-free printing in your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Printer Ink Subscription Services Work for Small Businesses?
Printer ink subscription services automatically send you ink before you run out, based on your usage. You’ll save time by avoiding last-minute trips and often get discounts compared to buying cartridges individually.
These services monitor your printer remotely, so you don’t have to track ink levels. For your small business, it means consistent printing without interruptions and predictable costs.
This helps you focus on work instead of ink supplies.
Can I Use Third-Party Ink Cartridges Without Voiding the Warranty?
You can often use third-party ink cartridges without voiding your printer’s warranty, but it depends on the manufacturer’s policy. While some brands explicitly allow it, others warn that using non-original ink might cause issues they won’t cover. It’s a good idea to check your printer’s warranty terms carefully.
Ultimately, using third-party cartridges can save money, but if a problem arises, you might face challenges getting support or repairs.
What Are the Environmental Impacts of Different Printer Types?
You’ll find that inkjet printers generally use less energy but produce more waste due to frequent cartridge replacements. Laser printers consume more power while printing but have longer-lasting toner cartridges, reducing waste. Both types impact the environment through plastic waste and chemical use, but choosing refillable or remanufactured cartridges can help.
Also, recycling programs reduce landfill contributions. Being mindful of your printing needs and disposal methods makes a big difference.
How Often Should I Perform Printer Maintenance to Avoid Issues?
You should perform printer maintenance at least once a month to avoid issues. Regularly clean the print heads, rollers, and interior to prevent jams and ink clogs.
If you use your printer heavily, consider more frequent checks. Also, update the firmware and drivers to guarantee smooth operation. Taking these steps helps extend your printer’s life, keeps print quality high, and reduces costly repairs or downtime.
Are There Printers With Built-In Security Features for Sensitive Documents?
Yes, many modern printers come with built-in security features to protect sensitive documents. You’ll find options like secure printing, user authentication, and data encryption that prevent unauthorized access. Some models even offer PIN codes or badge readers to release print jobs securely.
When choosing a printer, look for these features to keep your business information safe and guarantee confidential documents don’t fall into the wrong hands.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect printer for your small business means prioritizing productivity, price, and practicality. With affordable ink options, you’ll save considerably while staying efficient. Whether you want wireless wonders or compact convenience, these five fantastic printers fit your needs.
Remember, balancing budget and brilliance brings business benefits. So, pick a printer that powers your progress with precision and pocket-friendly performance—because smart spending sparks successful small business solutions!
