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10 Best Cheap All in One Printer (November 2026) Expert Guide
A cheap all in one printer should do more than make pages appear on paper. The strongest choices combine color printing, scanning, copying, wireless connectivity, and manageable paper handling in a package suitable for everyday home offices, school projects, recipes, photos, and routine paperwork.
This guide compares ten affordable all in one printers using the specifications and feature details supplied for each model. The list considers print speed, automatic duplex printing, document feeders, paper capacity, displays, mobile printing options, connectivity, media support, and the practical balance between home convenience and productivity.
Each review explains who the printer suits, which capabilities stand out, and where compromises appear. Ratings provide another point of comparison, but the most important factor is the match between a printer's features and your regular workload. Current prices and promotional offers can change, so verify the latest listing before buying.
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Top 10 Best Cheap All in One Printer in 2026 Compared
The comparison below highlights the most important differences among the ten models, including their core functions, connectivity, productivity features, and supported media. The chart is intended to make it easier to identify the right printer for light home use, a busy hybrid workspace, or more demanding document handling.
1. HP DeskJet 2955 – Best Budget All in One
The HP DeskJet 2955 is a straightforward home printer with color printing, scanning, copying, wireless connectivity, and a 60-sheet input tray. Its 3.7 rating places it among the lower-rated models in this guide, but the core feature set makes it a practical budget option for occasional documents, schoolwork, recipes, and color projects rather than a high-volume office machine.
Pros
- Low-cost home all in one
- Compact footprint
- Dual-band wireless support
- Useful HP formatting tools
- Recycled plastic construction
Cons
- No automatic duplex printing
- No document feeder
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One of its strongest advantages is the combination of dual-band Wi-Fi and HP AI-assisted print formatting. The wireless system is described as automatically detecting and resolving connection issues, while HP AI can remove unwanted content from web pages and emails to reduce wasted pages and awkward layouts. A simple icon LCD, mobile printing through the HP app, and access to print, scan, copy, or fax functions add convenience without turning the control panel into a complicated hub.
The main trade-offs are basic paper handling and the lack of automatic duplex printing. Its 60-sheet tray is adequate for a home printer, but the absence of an automatic document feeder means multi-page scans and copies require manual page placement. Users who routinely print long reports or handle batches of paperwork may find a model with duplex printing and an ADF more efficient over time.
Buy the DeskJet 2955 if you need an affordable, compact machine for letters, forms, homework, and occasional photos. It is especially suitable for a home user who values wireless flexibility, simple controls, and reduced ink waste more than advanced productivity. Buyers who regularly process multi-page documents should consider spending up toward an automatic duplex model with a document feeder.
Clean Wireless Printing for Everyday Tasks
Dual-band Wi-Fi provides a useful foundation for homes with mixed wireless networks, while the HP app brings printing, scanning, copying, and faxing to a smartphone. HP AI helps turn web and email content into cleaner layouts without requiring users to edit each page manually.
Compact Design with Practical Controls
The printer is designed to fit into a home and includes an icon LCD for basic navigation. A 60-sheet input tray supports routine work, although the lack of an automatic document feeder and duplex system makes it better suited to lighter, less repetitive workloads.
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2. Canon PIXMA TS3720 – Flexible Wireless Home Printing
The Canon PIXMA TS3720 is a basic home all in one centered on wireless color printing, copying, and scanning. Its 4.0 rating is solid within this group, and the feature set is especially appealing to creative users who want more than plain documents. It supports envelopes, banners, square photos, and borderless photos up to 5 by 7 inches.
Pros
- Flexible creative media support
- Dual-band wireless connection
- Easy standalone Wi-Fi setup
- Broad mobile compatibility
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Single-sided printing only
- No document feeder listed
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Setup is presented as a streamlined process, and the printer can join a Wi-Fi network without a computer. Dual-band support covers both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. Mobile users can print through the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria Print Service, while Chromebook compatibility makes the printer convenient for school assignments and everyday online documents.
Its most important limitation is explicit: it is a single-sided printer only. That means multipage documents will not print automatically on both sides, and there is no automatic document feeder in the supplied specifications. The 1.5-inch segment LCD is also intentionally simple, so the printer is better for basic selection than detailed on-device management of complex jobs.
Choose the TS3720 for a home user who values creative media, effortless wireless setup, and clear mobile printing support. It is a good fit for students, casual photographers, and families producing occasional square or borderless photos. If reducing paper use is a priority, choose an automatic duplex model instead; if feeding many pages is important, prioritize a printer with an ADF.
More Creative Media Choices
The TS3720 handles envelopes, banners, high-resolution paper, 5-by-5-inch square photos, and borderless photos up to 5 by 7 inches. Canon also provides POSTARTIST Online for creating banners, signage, and posters without requiring a separate design package.
Wireless Setup Without a Computer
Its streamlined setup and computer-free Wi-Fi connection make the printer approachable for mixed-device households. Canon PRINT, Apple AirPrint, Mopria Print Service, and Chromebook support broaden the ways users can send documents and photos to the machine.
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3. Canon PIXMA TS4320 – Best Value with Duplex Printing
The Canon PIXMA TS4320 combines color printing, copying, scanning, wireless connectivity, and automatic two-sided printing. Its 4.0 rating places it among the stronger options in the comparison, while the duplex feature gives it a clear advantage over basic models that only print on one side of the paper.
Pros
- Automatic duplex printing
- Stable dual-band wireless
- Compact stylish footprint
- Flexible photo printing
- EPEAT Silver certified
Cons
- No document feeder listed
- No dedicated control display
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The printer supports documents and photos up to 8.5 by 11 inches, with or without borders, and uses a two-cartridge hybrid ink system intended to produce sharp text and vivid color. It can be set up from a smartphone or computer, while dual-band Wi-Fi supports more consistent connections. Canon PRINT, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria Print Service provide convenient mobile options.
The supplied details do not mention a document feeder or a dedicated on-device display. That makes the TS4320 less convenient for scanning long documents without repeated manual intervention and less hands-on for changing settings directly at the printer. Automatic duplex printing, however, is a meaningful advantage for reports, worksheets, notes, and other multipage content because it reduces paper consumption.
This is a strong recommendation for home users and hybrid workers who want affordable color output, wireless access, and duplex printing without moving to a larger office model. It is particularly useful for students and remote workers balancing school, work, and personal documents. Choose it over a basic single-sided printer when saving paper and simplifying multipage jobs matter more than having a feeder.
Paper-Saving Two-Sided Output
Automatic duplex printing is the TS4320's most important productivity advantage. It helps conserve paper and reduce the number of separate pages users must handle, making long documents and mixed home-office workloads more convenient.
Compact Printing for Work and Study
The small footprint is intended to fit neatly into a home or hybrid workspace. Despite that compact design, the printer still provides scanning, copying, borderless photo output, and standard document sizes up to 8.5 by 11 inches.
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4. HP DeskJet 4355 – Best for Batch Home Documents
The HP DeskJet 4355 expands on the basic DeskJet concept with a 35-sheet automatic document feeder. It provides color printing, copying, scanning, mobile and wireless printing, and an icon LCD. Its 3.5 rating is the lowest in this guide, but the document feeder creates a distinct advantage for households that occasionally handle multi-page paperwork.
Pros
- Automatic document feeder
- Faster black print speed
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- AI-assisted page formatting
- Compact recycled-plastic design
Cons
- Lowest rating in guide
- No automatic duplex printing
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Black documents can print at up to 8.5 pages per minute and color documents at up to 5.5 pages per minute, making the stated speeds slightly more competitive for text-heavy work than the DeskJet 2955. Dual-band Wi-Fi is designed to detect and resolve connection issues automatically, while HP AI formats web pages and emails to remove unwanted material and avoid awkward layouts.
The central limitation is the lack of automatic duplex printing. Multipage documents still need manual paper management, although the document feeder makes scanning and copying batches much easier. The printer also lacks the clearer OLED displays and larger paper capacity found in some higher-ranked alternatives, and its 3.5 rating suggests some buyers may have encountered an experience that falls below their expectations.
The DeskJet 4355 is a sensible choice for users who need an ADF but do not require automatic duplex printing. It works well for a home office handling forms, short reports, and occasional multi-page scans. If recurring multipage printing is common enough that one-sided output would be frustrating, a Canon model with both duplex printing and an ADF would better address that need.
Simpler Multi-Page Scanning and Copying
The 35-sheet automatic document feeder reduces the need to place every page on the scanner manually. It is the key feature for a home user who regularly copies forms, organizes school papers, or digitizes short records.
Fast Color and Black Output
Stated speeds reach up to 8.5 ppm in black and 5.5 ppm in color. These rates make the model more compelling for routine text documents, while HP AI helps users print online content with fewer awkward page breaks.
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5. Canon PIXMA TS6520 – Best OLED Premium Pick
The Canon PIXMA TS6520 is a compact wireless all in one with color printing, copying, scanning, automatic duplex printing, and a 1.42-inch monochrome OLED display. Its 4.2 rating is the second-highest in this guide, and the display plus duplex capability create a more refined, productive package than most entry-level alternatives.
Pros
- Clear OLED status display
- Automatic duplex printing
- Strong 4.2 customer rating
- Compact modern design
- Reliable dual-band Wi-Fi
Cons
- No document feeder listed
- Two-cartridge ink system
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The OLED gives users an at-a-glance view of ink levels, printer status, and available settings without requiring a mobile device. The two-cartridge hybrid ink system is designed for sharp text and vivid color on documents and photos. Dual-band Wi-Fi, Canon PRINT, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria Print Service make the printer adaptable to different devices and household routines.
Automatic two-sided printing is the most significant advantage, reducing paper use for longer documents. The trade-off is that no automatic document feeder is identified in the supplied specifications, so batch scanning and copying remain manual. The hybrid two-cartridge arrangement may also require a particular ink replacement strategy compared with models using four separate color cartridges.
Buy the TS6520 if you want a compact printer with a more informative display, dependable wireless connectivity, and automatic duplex output. It is well suited to students, remote workers, and families that balance documents, web pages, and photos. Those who routinely feed piles of pages into the scanner should compare it with the TR7120, which adds an automatic document feeder.
A More Informative Control Display
The 1.42-inch monochrome OLED presents ink levels, status, and settings at a glance. That information can reduce the need to open an app just to check supplies or confirm a setting, while preserving a compact footprint.
Efficient Duplex Color Printing
Automatic duplex printing makes the TS6520 a practical choice for reports, notes, and long documents. Its two-cartridge hybrid ink system supports sharp text and vivid color without requiring the machine to occupy a large office footprint.
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6. Canon PIXMA TR4720 – Best for Fax and Document Feeding
The Canon PIXMA TR4720 is a wireless four-function all in one that combines printing, copying, scanning, and faxing. Its 3.9 rating is close to the group average, while the built-in fax sets it apart from most competitors in this roundup. The included auto document feeder and automatic two-sided printing make it well suited to organized home offices.
Pros
- Built-in fax function
- Automatic duplex printing
- Automatic document feeder
- 100-sheet paper capacity
- Low 7-watt power use
Cons
- Slower black print speed
- Borderless photo printing is slower
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Its document capabilities are complemented by mobile printing support and a 100-sheet capacity, which is useful for maintaining a reasonable stock of paper without frequent refills. Canon highlights easy ink cartridge installation and replacement, while the one-year limited warranty provides standard coverage. Documents and borderless prints can be produced up to 8.5 by 11 inches.
The stated print speeds are less impressive for black-and-white work, reaching approximately 8.8 ipm for black documents and 4.4 ipm for color documents. A 4-by-6-inch borderless photo takes approximately 65 seconds. These speeds should be considered against the Brother Work Smart 1360, whose listed black speed is considerably higher, although actual results depend on the task and settings.
The TR4720 is most appropriate for households or home offices that still need a dedicated fax function, especially when combined with an ADF. It also offers useful paper-saving duplex printing and substantial capacity. If fax is unnecessary and fast black output is the priority, a higher-speed model may be a better fit, but for administrative paperwork the TR4720's four-function design is difficult to overlook.
Four Functions in One Device
The built-in fax is the defining feature for users who need to send documents through a home office. Printing, copying, and scanning complete a broad administrative set of functions without requiring separate devices.
Convenient Ink Management
The printer is designed for straightforward cartridge installation and replacement. It can also connect with Alexa to provide low-ink notifications and support smart reorders from Amazon when enrolled, without requiring a subscription.
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7. Brother Work Smart 1360 – Best for Higher Paper Volume
The Brother Work Smart 1360 is a wireless color inkjet all in one built for home and home-office work that involves a comparatively large share of paper. Its 3.8 rating is credible but not the highest in the group, while the 150-sheet tray, automatic duplex printing, and stated speed of up to 16 black pages per minute distinguish it from compact basic models.
Pros
- Largest stated paper capacity
- Fastest listed black speed
- Automatic duplex printing
- Cloud app connectivity
- USB and wireless options
Cons
- No fax capability
- ADF is single-sided only
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A 20-sheet single-sided automatic document feeder supports routine copying and scanning, while the 1.8-inch color display provides direct control and an entry point for cloud services. The Brother Mobile Connect app supports printing, copying, scanning, and device management. Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, and other popular cloud destinations add value for users who regularly work with digital files.
There are two important limits. The document feeder is single-sided, so multipage originals need manual reversal for duplex copying or scanning. The printer also omits a fax function, making it less suitable for a home office that still depends on traditional fax workflows. Even with these limits, its paper capacity and duplex support are meaningful advantages for sustained school, office, and report printing.
Choose the Work Smart 1360 when paper volume, output speed, and cloud workflow matter more than faxing. It suits students, remote employees, and home businesses that regularly produce reports and work from stored digital documents. The combination of a 150-sheet tray, duplex printing, and a higher stated black speed makes it one of the most productivity-focused options in this budget guide.
High Capacity for Busy Workloads
The 150-sheet paper tray is the largest stated capacity in this comparison. It reduces the frequency of refills and makes the printer better aligned with school projects, office reports, and other paper-intensive tasks than a small 60-sheet model.
Cloud Workflows from the Printer
The 1.8-inch color display and Brother Mobile Connect app make it easy to print from or scan to services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, and OneDrive. Page Gauge also helps users monitor ink usage so they are less likely to run out unexpectedly.
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8. Canon PIXMA TR7120 – Best Overall Cheap All in One
The Canon PIXMA TR7120 delivers the strongest overall balance in this guide. It combines color printing, copying, scanning, automatic duplex printing, a 35-sheet automatic document feeder, dual-band Wi-Fi, and a 1.42-inch OLED display. Its 4.3 rating is the highest among the ten products, which reinforces its position as the most well-rounded home all in one listed.
Pros
- Highest customer rating
- ADF and automatic duplex
- Informative OLED display
- Strong wireless connectivity
- Compact design
Cons
- No built-in fax
- No listed cloud-app workflow
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The automatic document feeder and duplex system handle the two most important productivity tasks: moving multipage originals and printing on both sides of the paper. The OLED display keeps ink levels, status, and settings visible at a glance. Canon PRINT, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria Print Service support mobile workflows, while the printer handles standard documents and borderless photos up to 8.5 by 11 inches.
The TR7120 does not include a built-in fax, so it is not the right choice for a household that must send traditional faxes. It also lacks a large color display, and the supplied information does not highlight direct cloud-service access comparable to the Brother Work Smart 1360. Nevertheless, the combination of duplex printing, an ADF, an OLED, and wireless connectivity covers the essential needs of most homes.
This is the recommendation for buyers who want a single affordable printer to handle schoolwork, household administration, remote-office documents, and occasional photos. It is especially compelling for those who need more than a basic single-sided machine but do not need a fax or an expansive paper tray. For most shoppers, the TR7120 offers the clearest combination of features, convenience, and customer feedback.
Productivity for Multipage Documents
The 35-sheet ADF lets users scan or copy a group of pages without placing each sheet on the glass. Automatic duplex printing then reduces paper consumption for longer documents, covering both sides of the workflow efficiently.
A Helpful OLED at the Printer
The 1.42-inch monochrome OLED provides quick access to ink levels, status, and settings. It offers more control than a minimal display while remaining smaller and less visually busy than some full-size office interfaces.
Flexible Wireless and Mobile Printing
Dual-band Wi-Fi supports a stable connection across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. Canon PRINT, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria Print Service make it easy to print from compatible phones, tablets, and computers without relying on one specific application.
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9. HP DeskJet 2855e – Best for 2.4 GHz Networks
The HP DeskJet 2855e is a basic wireless color all in one designed for homes that need printing, scanning, and copying without advanced paper handling. Its 3.6 rating is modest, but the printer's HP AI formatting, mobile application support, and automatic connection troubleshooting create a straightforward experience for everyday documents.
Pros
- Simple four-function design
- HP AI page formatting
- Mobile and PC app support
- Compact home-friendly body
- Automatic connection issue resolution
Cons
- Only supports 2.4 GHz
- No document feeder
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The device can print at up to 7.5 pages per minute in black and 5.5 pages per minute in color, with a 60-sheet input tray for routine paper. HP AI removes unwanted content from web pages and emails, helping users avoid wasted sheets and awkward layouts. The HP app adds printing, scanning, copying, and fax functions from a smartphone, PC, or tablet.
Most importantly for network compatibility, this model is only 2.4 GHz capable. That may be perfectly adequate on a modern dual-band router because many devices support 2.4 GHz, but it cannot join a 5 GHz-only network. It also lacks an automatic document feeder and duplex printing, making it less efficient for repetitive, multipage office tasks than several Canon alternatives.
The DeskJet 2855e is a reasonable pick for a student, renter, or casual home user with a straightforward printing routine and a compatible Wi-Fi setup. It works for letters, financial documents, recipes, and homework, while the app simplifies device control. Check the network band before purchasing, and consider a duplex model if paper conservation or longer reports are central to your needs.
Useful AI-Assisted Page Formatting
HP AI can remove unwanted content from websites and emails before printing. This is helpful for recipes, articles, and online forms because it reduces empty space, clipped sections, and pages that contain little usable information.
Simple App-Based Control
The HP app supports print, scan, copy, and fax functions from a smartphone, PC, or tablet. Its presence makes the printer flexible across common devices, although the 2.4 GHz-only connection should be confirmed before setup.
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10. Epson Expression Home XP-4200 – Best for Photo-Centered Home Use
The Epson Expression Home XP-4200 is a wireless color all in one that emphasizes photo quality, straightforward setup, and a generous 2.4-inch color display. Its 3.8 rating places it near the middle of the group. The printer's imaging technology, borderless photo support, and permanent printhead make it appealing to households that create visual projects alongside ordinary documents.
Pros
- Large color control display
- Strong photo-print positioning
- Automatic duplex printing
- Searchable PDF scanning
- Separate replaceable ink cartridges
Cons
- Designed for Epson genuine cartridges
- No document feeder listed
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The color display provides more visible navigation than the small LCDs or OLED screens offered by several competitors. Users can print and scan from compatible Android or iOS devices through the Epson Smart Panel app, Mopria Print Service, and Mopria Scan. Automatic duplex printing saves paper, while individual ink cartridges allow replacement of only the color that needs servicing.
Epson specifies that its printing system is designed for use with genuine Epson cartridges, and non-genuine ink may cause damage that is not covered by the limited warranty. That is an important long-term ownership consideration. The supplied specifications also do not list an automatic document feeder, so multipage scanning requires manual page placement despite the printer's otherwise practical feature set.
Choose the XP-4200 for a creative home user who values a large color screen, borderless photos, searchable PDF creation, and flexible cartridge replacement. It is less compelling for offices that depend on feeding large stacks of originals or maintaining a fax function. Confirm your cartridge preference and supply needs before making it part of a long-term printing setup.
Built for Photos and Creative Output
Epson's imaging technology is positioned around crisp documents and vibrant borderless photos with rich colors. The result is a printer that feels especially relevant for family albums, craft projects, invitations, and image-heavy school assignments.
Large Display and Smart Device Access
The 2.4-inch color display makes menus and status checks easier to read. Epson Smart Panel, Mopria Print Service, and Mopria Scan extend printing and scanning to compatible phones, tablets, and computers.
A Permanent Printhead Design
The permanent printhead is engineered to last for the life of the printer, while individual cartridges let users replace only the ink they need. Using Epson genuine cartridges is necessary to maintain the stated warranty protection.
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Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best Cheap All in One Printer
The least expensive printer is not automatically the best value. A low purchase cost can be offset by missing duplex printing, limited paper capacity, slower output, or a scanner that cannot accept multipage originals. Compare the features that match your actual workload rather than focusing only on the initial listing price.
Print, Copy, and Scan Functions
Every model in this guide prints, scans, and copies, but the way those functions work can differ substantially. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 also includes a built-in fax, making it relevant for homes that still send traditional documents. A scanner with an automatic document feeder can process many pages in one session, while a flatbed-only unit is more convenient for photographs, unusual sizes, and small batches. Confirm that the scanner and copier are important parts of your workflow rather than assuming all all in one models offer the same level of handling.
Automatic Duplex Printing
Automatic duplex printing handles both sides of a multipage document without manual paper changes. It reduces paper consumption, shortens the overall workflow for reports, and is particularly valuable for students, remote workers, and households printing worksheets or long forms. The HP DeskJet 2955, HP DeskJet 4355, HP DeskJet 2855e, and Canon PIXMA TS3720 do not provide full automatic duplex capability, while the TS4320, TS6520, TR4720, TR7120, Brother Work Smart 1360, and Epson XP-4200 do. If both sides are important, make duplex printing a priority rather than treating it as a minor convenience.
Paper Capacity and Document Feeding
Paper capacity determines how often the input tray must be refilled, while an automatic document feeder determines how easily a stack can be scanned or copied. The Brother Work Smart 1360 has the largest stated tray at 150 sheets, followed by the Canon PIXMA TR4720 at 100 sheets. Several models use a 60-sheet input tray, while the Brother has a 20-sheet single-sided ADF and the Canon TR7120 has a 35-sheet ADF. Think about how often you print and whether your originals are usually one page or a stack. More capacity is useful, but it should be balanced against desk space and the machine's overall footprint.
Wireless and Mobile Connectivity
Wireless printing is standard across the list, but network compatibility still deserves attention. Most models support dual-band Wi-Fi at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The HP DeskJet 2855e is explicitly limited to 2.4 GHz, so it will not work with a 5 GHz-only network. For mobile access, the HP app, Canon PRINT, Epson Smart Panel, and Brother Mobile Connect each support core device functions. Apple AirPrint, Mopria Print Service, and Mopria Scan are useful for printing from compatible devices without relying on a particular brand's application. Consider the devices already in your home before deciding which ecosystem is most convenient.
Print Speed and Output Quality
Print speed matters most when pages accumulate quickly, although the stated rates do not account for every factor involved in a real job. The Brother Work Smart 1360 has the highest listed black speed at up to 16 ppm, while the HP DeskJet 4355 reaches up to 8.5 ppm black. The Canon PIXMA TS3720 prints approximately 7.7 black images per minute, and several other models reach up to 7.5 ppm black. Color output typically ranges from 4 to 5.5 ppm in the supplied information. The Epson XP-4200 is positioned more strongly around photo and borderless image quality, while the Canons use hybrid ink systems intended to balance sharp text with vivid color.
Control Displays and Setup
A useful display lets you check ink levels, confirm settings, and start jobs without navigating an app. The Epson XP-4200 has the largest stated screen at 2.4 inches, while the Brother Work Smart 1360 has a 1.8-inch color display. Canon models with a 1.42-inch monochrome OLED include the TS6520 and TR7120, and the TS3720 has a 1.5-inch segment LCD. HP DeskJet models use an icon LCD. Simpler screens are adequate for basic printing, but a larger or more informative display is helpful for ink monitoring, copying, and troubleshooting. All listed printers support mobile setup, although exact steps vary by model.
Ink System and Long-Term Ownership
The Canon PIXMA TS3720 uses two easy-to-replace cartridges, while the TS4320, TS6520, and TR7120 use a two-cartridge hybrid system. The Epson XP-4200 uses individual cartridges, allowing only the depleted color to be replaced, but Epson specifies that the system is intended for genuine Epson cartridges because non-genuine ink may cause damage excluded from warranty coverage. HP models include access to a three-month Instant Ink trial, after which a monthly fee applies unless canceled. Compare cartridge formats, refill expectations, and the cost of the supplies you expect to use before choosing a printer.
Compactness and Intended Workspace
A printer that looks affordable can still be inconvenient if it dominates a small desk or a shared room. The HP DeskJet 2955, Canon TS6520, TS4320, and TR7120 are all described with compact designs intended for home or hybrid workspaces. Larger paper trays and document feeders can make a model heavier and more substantial, although they are worthwhile when productivity is the priority. Place the printer near a suitable Wi-Fi signal, keep room to feed paper, and consider how often it will be used before settling on a size. A compact design is useful, but it should not come at the expense of the functions you genuinely need.
How to Use and Care for Your Cheap All in One Printer
Begin by unboxing the printer, removing any packing material, installing the ink cartridges, and loading a small amount of plain paper. Power it on and follow the setup process for the corresponding HP, Canon, Brother, or Epson app. Connect it to a compatible Wi-Fi network, paying attention to whether the model requires 2.4 GHz or supports both bands. Print a test page and confirm that alignment, color, margins, and the wireless connection appear normal before beginning a larger job.
Load paper according to the tray guidance, select the correct media type in the printing app or driver, and use the duplex setting when a document requires two-sided output. For scans and copies, clean the glass with a soft, lint-free cloth before placing the original. When using an automatic document feeder, make sure the pages are within its stated capacity and remove blank sheets or damaged originals that could cause a jam.
Check ink levels regularly and replace cartridges before beginning lengthy jobs. Keep the printer on a level surface, away from direct heat and moisture, and avoid leaving paper exposed to dust. If wireless printing becomes unreliable, restart the printer and router, confirm that the network band is supported, and reconnect through the app. Resolve paper jams gently, clean the feed rollers when appropriate, and use the supplied maintenance procedures to keep prints consistent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important feature in a cheap all in one printer?
The most important feature depends on how you print. Automatic duplex printing is especially valuable for reports and worksheets, while an automatic document feeder is more important when you frequently scan or copy multiple pages. A simple home user may prioritize wireless printing and color output over either productivity feature.
Is a more expensive all in one printer always better?
No. A higher-priced model may offer a larger tray, faster printing, a better display, fax support, or more convenient paper handling. Those features only improve value if your routine requires them. A compact printer with duplex printing can serve a light home office better than a larger model whose extra capabilities remain unused.
Should I buy an inkjet or laser all in one printer?
The models in this guide are inkjet printers, which are well suited to home documents and color photos. They use replaceable ink cartridges and are generally practical for intermittent family or home-office printing. When comparing with laser models, consider page volume, color needs, cartridge replacement, and the ongoing expense of consumables.
Can I print from my phone with these all in one printers?
Yes. HP, Canon, Brother, and Epson all provide mobile printing options in this list. Compatible services and apps include Apple AirPrint, Mopria Print Service, Canon PRINT, Epson Smart Panel, HP app, and Brother Mobile Connect. Check that your phone or tablet is compatible with the selected service before setup.
Does dual-band Wi-Fi work with every home router?
Most routers support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, but the HP DeskJet 2855e is explicitly limited to 2.4 GHz. A 5 GHz-only network will not work with that model. The other listed printers are described as supporting dual-band connectivity, though local network settings can still affect the setup.
Do I need an automatic document feeder?
An automatic document feeder is useful when scanning or copying several pages because each sheet can be loaded in a stack rather than placed on the scanner individually. The Brother Work Smart 1360 and Canon TR7120 offer 20- and 35-sheet feeders, while the Canon TR4720 also includes an automatic document feeder. For occasional single pages, a flatbed scanner may be sufficient.
Does automatic duplex printing work on every model listed?
No. The Canon PIXMA TS4320, TS6520, TR4720, and TR7120, the Brother Work Smart 1360, and the Epson XP-4200 support automatic duplex printing. The Canon TS3720 is single-sided only, and automatic duplex is not listed for the HP DeskJet 2955, DeskJet 4355, or DeskJet 2855e.
How do I reduce ink and paper use?
Use automatic duplex printing whenever available, select standard or draft quality for routine documents, and print only the pages you need. HP AI can help remove unwanted web and email content, while previewing pages in the print dialog can reveal blank or poorly formatted sections. Replacing only depleted cartridges and monitoring ink levels also helps avoid wasted prints.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Cheap All in One Printer
The Canon PIXMA TR7120 stands out as the most complete option, combining the highest customer rating with an automatic document feeder, automatic duplex printing, dual-band Wi-Fi, and a 1.42-inch OLED display. The Canon PIXMA TS6520 provides a similar compact and productive experience without a document feeder, while the HP DeskJet 2955 is the simplest budget-oriented selection for basic home printing.
Prioritize the features that remove real friction from your routine. Choose an ADF for repeated scanning or copying, duplex printing for multipage documents, a larger tray for high paper volume, and a fax function if your household still needs one. A more colorful or detailed display helps when you monitor settings often, while dual-band Wi-Fi provides flexibility across common home networks.
Before purchasing, confirm that the printer is compatible with your devices and network, review the paper and media types you need, and understand the cartridge and subscription terms that apply. Current prices and promotions can change over time, so check the live listing and total ownership requirements before making your final decision.