10 Best Cheapest Color Printer 2026 in the United States

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a solid choice for a budget-friendly color printer, especially for home use. One of its standout features is the innovative cartridge-free printing system, which utilizes high-capacity ink tanks. This design not only means that you won't have to deal with the hassle of replacing small, expensive cartridges but can also save you up to 90% on replacement ink costs over time. With enough ink included to print approximately 4,500 black and 7,500 color pages, it significantly reduces the frequency of ink purchases, making it a great option for light to moderate printing needs.

In terms of print quality, the ET-2800 performs well, producing sharp text and vibrant images thanks to Epson’s Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology. It’s versatile enough to handle various paper types, which is a bonus if you plan to print different projects. The built-in scanner and copier add functionality, making it an all-in-one solution for basic document needs, and the color display helps with navigation. Connectivity options are also flexible with both wired and wireless capabilities, allowing you to print from various devices, including smartphones.

However, there are some limitations to consider. The print speed is relatively slow, with a maximum of 10 pages per minute for black and only 5 pages per minute for color prints. If you have a high volume of printing, this might be a drawback. Additionally, while the size is manageable, it might still take up more space than some compact printers, particularly if you have a smaller workspace. Lastly, while the warranty provides peace of mind, some users may prefer traditional cartridges for convenience and speed of replacement. The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is particularly appealing for users looking to save on ink costs while enjoying decent print quality and multifunction capabilities, but it may not meet the needs of those requiring high-speed printing.

The Brother MFC-L8900CDW is a feature-rich color laser printer suitable for users who need fast and high-quality printing. It can print and copy at a rapid speed of up to 33 pages per minute, which is quite impressive. The 5-inch color touchscreen makes it easy to navigate menus and create up to 48 custom shortcuts, enhancing usability. Connectivity is robust with options for wired, wireless, and NFC, making it convenient to print from various devices, including mobile phones.

The 70-page auto document feeder adds efficiency, especially for double-sided scanning with a speed of up to 56 images per minute. However, weighing over 63 pounds, it's quite heavy and may be challenging to move. Also, the initial cost of a laser printer and its high-yield toner cartridges can be more expensive compared to inkjet alternatives, which might not be ideal for users looking for the absolute cheapest printing option.

The printer's multifunction features, including scanning and copying, make it versatile for an office environment. Its solid build quality and advanced features are great for business use but may be overkill for home users with basic printing needs.

The HP Color Laserjet Pro MFP 3301sdw is a multifunctional color laser printer designed primarily for office use, making it an appealing choice for small teams needing reliable and quality color printing, scanning, and copying. One of its standout features is the print speed, which reaches up to 26 pages per minute in both black and color, ensuring efficiency during busy workdays. The inclusion of dual-band Wi-Fi allows for seamless wireless printing, while the HP app facilitates easy mobile management.

The print quality is enhanced by the next-generation TerraJet toner, providing vivid colors and professional results, which is beneficial for businesses producing colorful documents. The printer also includes practical features like automatic two-sided printing and a 250-sheet input tray, minimizing the frequency of paper refills and enhancing productivity.

On the downside, the printer's weight of 37.7 pounds may make it less portable, and some users might find the upfront costs associated with purchasing toner cartridges a bit high, especially if printing in high volume. The toner cartridges (HP 218A and 218X) can be expensive over time, impacting cost-effectiveness compared to inkjet alternatives. While the printer is designed with sustainability in mind, users should also consider the environmental impact of using toner and the necessity for proper recycling options. The HP Color Laserjet Pro MFP 3301sdw stands out for its reliability and performance, making it a solid option for small offices looking for a dependable color printer. Its built-in security features also provide peace of mind against cyber threats.