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4 Best Budget Printers of 2026, Tested by Our Experts

These inexpensive inkjet and laser printers from Brother, Canon, and Epson won’t break the bank

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Printer illustration on blue background
To save on a printer in the long-term, consider both the initial cost of the machine and the ongoing costs of buying replacement ink or toner.
Illustration: Getty Images

Buying a new printer can be fraught with tough decisions, like whether you should get an inkjet or a laser printer and how much you should spend. The nearly 160 models in our ratings, available to CR members, range from $45 for a basic inkjet to nearly $800 for a color laser option.

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You’re probably thinking—give me the $45 printer. We get it. No one wants to spend big on one of the least-loved pieces of electronics. But before you opt for the biggest up-front bargain, consider that you could save money over the long run if you pay a bit more for a printer with low ink or toner costs rather than basing your decision solely on the purchase price of the machine.

For example, that $45 inkjet printer could cost a whopping $97 per year in ink to operate, according to our estimates, while a $230 tank printer, which uses inexpensive ink bottles instead of cartridges, could cost just $4 per year.

A few years in, and the printer that looked so inexpensive at first glance could end up costing you much more. So weigh your options and consider how much you plan to print each year.

Here are some handpicked options below that will save you money up front—and over time.

Become a member to read the full article and get access to digital ratings.

We investigate, research, and test so you can choose with confidence.

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Allen St. John, Consumer Reports Senior Home & Tech Writer.

Allen St. John

Allen St. John has been a senior product editor at CR since 2016, focusing on digital privacy, audio devices, printers, and home products. He was a senior editor at Condé Nast and a contributing editor at publications including Road & Track and The Village Voice. A New York Times bestselling author, he's also written for The New York Times Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and Rolling Stone. He lives in Montclair, N.J., with his wife, their two children, and their dog, Rugby.

Courtney Lindwall

Courtney Lindwall

Courtney Lindwall is a writer at Consumer Reports. Since joining CR in 2023, she’s covered the latest on cell phones, smartwatches, and fitness trackers as part of the tech team. Previously, Courtney reported on environmental and climate issues for the Natural Resources Defense Council. She lives in Brooklyn, N.Y.

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