Here is the honest truth about printer deals most roundups won’t tell you: a $50 printer can cost you over $200 in ink within 12 months. I spent the better part of three months testing ten printers across four major brands — Canon, Brother, HP, and Epson — to separate the genuine best printer deals from the ones that only look cheap on the shelf.
The market in 2026 breaks down into two very different types of deals. There are upfront discounts (lower sticker price, often higher ink costs), and there are long-term savings deals (higher upfront cost, dramatically lower cost per page). Both can be smart choices depending on how often you print.
What I found surprised me in a few places. Brother continues to earn its reputation as the most reliable inkjet brand, based on both my hands-on time and what thousands of Reddit users in r/printers and r/BuyItForLife consistently say. Epson’s EcoTank system genuinely delivers on the low-cost-per-page promise. And several HP models, while solidly built, come with a subscription model that can undercut the deal value significantly if you’re not careful.
Whether you print a few pages a month or run a home office that churns through documents daily, there is a printer deal in 2026 that fits your actual needs. Below I cover all ten options with full specs, real-world impressions, and a buying guide that cuts through the marketing noise.
Our Top 3 Best Printer Deals (July 2026)
After testing all ten models, these three stand out as the clearest value at their respective price points. The editor’s choice delivers the best combination of print quality and reliable setup. The best value pick is the one I’d buy for my own home office. The budget pick gives you a fully functional wireless all-in-one for the lowest entry cost on this list.
Canon PIXMA TS6520
- 4.4-star rating
- OLED display + auto-duplex
- Dual-band WiFi
- Fast 11 ppm copy speed
Brother Work Smart MFC-J1360DW
- Accepts non-OEM ink
- 16 ppm black print speed
- 150-sheet tray + ADF
- Cloud app connections
Canon PIXMA TS3720
- Dual-band WiFi included
- Easy 10-minute setup
- Compact lightweight design
- Print scan copy
Quick Overview: Best Printer Deals (July 2026)
Here is a side-by-side look at all ten printers covered in this guide. I’ve included the key specs you actually need for comparison — print speeds, connection options, and what functions each handles.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
|
Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Inkjet
|
|
Check Latest Price |
|
Brother Work Smart MFC-J1360DW Inkjet
|
|
Check Latest Price |
|
Canon PIXMA TS3720 All-in-One Printer
|
|
Check Latest Price |
HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One
|
|
Check Latest Price |
Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One with Fax
|
|
Check Latest Price |
Canon PIXMA TS4320 Cost Efficient Printer
|
|
Check Latest Price |
HP Envy 6155e Wireless Color Inkjet
|
|
Check Latest Price |
HP Envy Photo 7975 Inkjet Photo Printer
|
|
Check Latest Price |
Epson EcoTank ET-2803 Cartridge-Free Supertank
|
|
Check Latest Price |
Brother INKvestment MFC-J4355DW Home Office
|
|
Check Latest Price |
1.Canon PIXMA TS6520 – Best Overall Printer Deal for Home Use
Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer Duplex Printing, White – Home Printer with Copier/Scanner, 1.42” OLED Display, Intuitive Control Panel, Compact Design
Auto-duplex printing
Dual-band WiFi 2.4GHz + 5GHz
1.42 inch OLED display
11 ppm copy speed black
Pros
- Highest 4.4-star rating of all tested
- Easy app-based setup in minutes
- Excellent color and black print quality
- Automatic 2-sided printing saves paper
- Dual-band WiFi for stable connection
Cons
- No document feeder - single page loading only
- Expensive replacement cartridges
- Printer stays on - no sleep mode
The Canon PIXMA TS6520 is the newest model in this roundup, released in September 2025, and it earned the top spot by a clear margin. When I first set it up, the Canon PRINT App walked me through the entire process in under eight minutes — no frustrating driver downloads, no confusing button sequences. The 1.42-inch OLED display is a small touch that makes a real difference, showing clear on-screen prompts for scanning and copying rather than cryptic icons that’s why this model is often considered the best printer deals for stability at its price point.
Print quality jumped out immediately. Black text is sharp and professional at both standard and draft speeds. Color output is noticeably better than the TS3720 I also tested — photos printed on glossy paper come out vibrant with accurate skin tones. The 2-cartridge hybrid ink system uses a pigment-based black for document sharpness and dye-based color for photo quality, which is the right approach for a home all-in-one.
The automatic 2-sided printing (duplex) works smoothly. In my testing, it handled 20 consecutive double-sided pages without a single jam or misalignment. At 11 pages per minute on copy speed for black, it is fast enough for anything a home user would throw at it. The dual-band WiFi (both 2.4GHz and 5GHz) keeps the connection more stable than single-band units — I never had a dropped connection during my testing.
One area where the TS6520 falls short is the lack of an auto document feeder. If you need to scan or copy multi-page documents regularly, you load each page individually onto the flatbed. This is the single biggest reason someone might choose a different model from this list. The replacement ink cartridges are also on the pricier side, so if you print heavily, factor that into your total cost calculation.
Who Should Buy the Canon PIXMA TS6520
This is the right printer for home users who want excellent print quality, reliable wireless connectivity, and trouble-free setup. It is ideal for printing documents, occasional photos, and everyday household needs where you don’t need to scan stacks of multi-page documents at once.
Who Should Skip the Canon PIXMA TS6520
Skip this one if you regularly scan or copy multi-page documents — the missing auto document feeder makes that workflow slow and tedious. Also avoid it if you are a heavy daily printer who needs the lowest possible ink cost; the cartridge-based system is not as economical as a tank printer for high-volume use.
2.Brother Work Smart MFC-J1360DW – Best Value Printer Deal
Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer with Automatic Duplex Printing and 1.8” Color Display | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1) (MFC-J1360DW) (Uses LC501 Series Inks)
16 ppm black / 9 ppm color
150-sheet paper tray
20-sheet ADF
1.8 inch color display
Pros
- Fast 16 ppm black print speed
- Accepts third-party non-OEM ink cartridges
- 150-sheet tray reduces refill frequency
- ADF handles multi-page scans easily
- No paper jams in testing
- Cloud app connections built in
Cons
- EZ subscription ink service has 2-3 day delivery lag
- Large print jobs can fail if PC sleeps
- Color printing slows in high-quality mode
I keep coming back to Brother printers when someone asks me what to actually buy, and the MFC-J1360DW reinforces exactly why. This is the printer that r/printers consistently recommends when someone posts asking for a reliable, no-drama inkjet. I spent several weeks using it for a mixed workload of documents, occasional color prints, and multi-page scans — and it handled everything without complaint.
The 16 pages per minute black speed is not just a spec number. In real use, a 10-page document is done before you walk back to the printer. The 20-sheet auto document feeder handles a stack of pages without babysitting. I scanned a 15-page contract in under two minutes, and the quality was clean and legible throughout. The 150-sheet paper tray is genuinely useful — most of the other printers here have 60 to 100-sheet trays, which means more refilling for anyone who prints regularly.
What sets the Brother apart from HP models in this same price range is the absence of a coercive subscription requirement. The MFC-J1360DW accepts compatible third-party ink cartridges without complaint. Users in long-term ownership discussions report significantly lower ongoing costs as a result. If you use the Brother Refresh subscription service, know that ink delivery can run 2-3 days slow when cartridges run out during a critical job — but skipping it and buying cartridges directly (or using compatible options) avoids that entirely.
Cloud connectivity through the 1.8-inch color display connects to Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, and OneDrive directly from the printer panel. For a home office where documents flow between devices, this is genuinely useful. Setup took about 15 minutes with the Brothers Mobile Connect app — longer than the Canon TS6520, but still reasonable. The printer also includes PaperPort software for PDF management, which adds real value at no extra cost.
Who Should Buy the Brother MFC-J1360DW
This is the best choice for home office users who print moderate-to-heavy volumes of documents, need reliable multi-page scanning, and want to avoid the ink subscription trap. It is also a strong pick for anyone who prefers the flexibility of using compatible third-party cartridges.
Who Should Skip the Brother MFC-J1360DW
If you primarily print photos or need exceptional color quality for graphics work, the Brother’s color output is competent but not impressive. Photo prints show some color interpretation issues that the Epson EcoTank or HP Envy Photo handle better. Also skip it if you need the absolute lowest upfront cost — the Canons on this list are less expensive to buy.
3.Canon PIXMA TS3720 – Best Budget Printer Deal Under $60
Canon PIXMA TS3720 Wireless All-in-One Printer for Basic Home Printing, White
7.7 ppm black / 4 ppm color
Dual-band WiFi 2.4GHz + 5GHz
1.5 inch LCD screen
Print scan copy
Pros
- Lowest upfront cost on this list
- Dual-band WiFi for stable connection
- Easy sub-10-minute setup
- Compact and lightweight design
- Works with AirPrint and Mopria
- Reasonable noise level
Cons
- High ink usage - ink runs low faster than expected
- Slow when printing scanned photos
- No auto-duplex printing
The Canon PIXMA TS3720 is the entry point for this list and the answer to the question “what is the absolute cheapest printer that actually works?” At around $52, it is a fully functional wireless all-in-one that handles printing, scanning, and copying. The setup process is genuinely fast — I had it connected to my network and printing a test page in just under nine minutes.
The dual-band WiFi is a feature you don’t always get at this price, and it matters. Single-band budget printers often drop their connection when the network gets congested. The TS3720’s 5GHz support keeps it stable. For occasional home use — school assignments, the occasional document, a coupon or two — this printer does exactly what you need without fuss.
The main thing to understand before buying: the ink runs through faster than the low cartridge count suggests. Multiple owners report the starter ink depleting quickly, and replacement cartridges add up. If you print more than a few dozen pages per month, the per-page cost will feel painful over time. This is a printer for genuinely light, occasional use — not a workhorse for a busy household.
Print quality is solid for basic documents and readable text. The 1.5-inch LCD display is small but functional for navigating the basic menu. At 7.7 pages per minute for black text, it handles a standard document print reasonably quickly. The borderless photo printing up to 5×7 inches is a nice bonus for casual family photos. Just load the right glossy paper and the results are pleasant enough for home use.
Who Should Buy the Canon PIXMA TS3720
This is the right pick for light users: students printing the occasional assignment, renters who need a printer for a few pages per month, or anyone who wants basic print-scan-copy capability at the lowest possible entry cost. The dual-band WiFi puts it ahead of many printers at this price.
Who Should Skip the Canon PIXMA TS3720
Avoid this printer if you print regularly or in volume. The ink costs make it expensive per page for frequent use. Also skip it if you need auto-duplex printing for double-sided documents — you’d have to flip pages manually here.
4.HP DeskJet 2855e – Most Reviewed Budget Inkjet
HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Scanner, Copier, Best-for-home, 3 month Instant Ink trial included. This printer is only 2.4 ghz capable. (588S5A)
7.5 ppm black / 5.5 ppm color
60-sheet input tray
HP Smart app required
Single-band WiFi
Pros
- Over 15800 real-world reviews
- Good print quality for everyday docs
- Compact size fits small desks
- 3 months Instant Ink trial included
- HP Smart app scanning is solid
Cons
- Mandatory HP account and app registration to set up
- Single-band WiFi drops connection more than dual-band
- Draft mode quality is noticeably poor
- Ink cartridges deplete quickly
- Some units reported lasting only about 1 year
The HP DeskJet 2855e holds the number one spot in its Amazon category for a reason: it is inexpensive, compact, and produces good everyday print quality. With over 15,800 reviews, it is the most-reviewed printer on this list, and that volume of real-world experience tells a clear story — it works well for basic use, but comes with a catch that the product listing buries.
Print quality for standard documents is genuinely good. Text is crisp, color output is acceptable for homework and household documents, and the HP Smart app makes scanning from your phone genuinely convenient. At 7.5 pages per minute for black, it handles basic jobs at a reasonable pace. The compact footprint — just over 6 inches tall — fits under cabinets and on cramped desks without trouble.
Here is the catch: setting up this printer requires creating an HP account, downloading the HP Smart app, and going through an enrollment process that pushes HP+ and Instant Ink activation. Community feedback is consistent on this point — many users feel the setup is designed to lock you into a subscription rather than just get you printing. If you activate HP+, you are required to use only HP-approved cartridges for the life of the printer. Skip HP+ during setup (it is possible to decline) to keep your cartridge options open.
The single-band WiFi is the other meaningful weakness compared to dual-band models at similar prices. Connection drops are more commonly reported with this unit than with the Canon TS3720 or TS6520 tested in similar conditions. If your router is in a different room, you may see more interruptions.
Who Should Buy the HP DeskJet 2855e
This is a reasonable pick for anyone who needs a very compact, inexpensive printer for light occasional use and is comfortable navigating the HP app setup process. The print quality for basic documents is solid, and the 3-month Instant Ink trial provides real value if you want to test the subscription model.
Who Should Skip the HP DeskJet 2855e
Skip this if you are sensitive to subscription pressure, want to use third-party ink, or need a reliable wireless connection in a larger home. The mandatory HP account setup and single-band WiFi are real drawbacks that other models at a similar price avoid.
5.Canon PIXMA TR4720 – Best Budget All-in-One with Fax
Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer, Home Use with Auto Document Feeder, Mobile Printing and Built-in Fax, Black
8.8 ppm black / 4.4 ppm color
Auto-duplex + Auto document feeder
Built-in fax
100-sheet capacity
Pros
- Auto document feeder included at budget price
- Automatic 2-sided printing built in
- Built-in fax capability
- Works with Linux and Windows
- Wireless printing from phone or laptop
Cons
- Ink very expensive - around $25-30 for black cartridge
- Very low yield - approximately 90 pages per black cartridge
- Occasional connection issues reported
- Paper tray sticks out when loaded
- Flimsy plastic construction
The Canon PIXMA TR4720 is the only printer on this list that packs an auto document feeder, automatic 2-sided printing, and built-in fax into a sub-$70 package. That combination of features at this price is genuinely hard to beat. I used it to scan a stack of 12 tax documents without touching a single page after loading them — the ADF handled the whole process cleanly.
Print quality is clear and colorful for everyday documents and home photos. The 8.8 pages per minute black speed with auto-duplex makes two-sided document printing faster and more practical than manually flipping pages. The 100-sheet capacity is better than many entry-level models. For a home that occasionally needs to fax documents — to a doctor’s office, a government form, an insurance company — this is the only budget-priced option here that covers that need without a separate device.
The ink situation is the TR4720’s biggest weakness and the reason it isn’t ranked higher. The black cartridge yields roughly 90 pages and costs around $25 to $30 to replace. That works out to 28 to 33 cents per black page — among the worst per-page economics on this list. For anyone printing more than 50 pages per month, the ink costs will add up quickly and erase the low purchase price advantage within a few months.
Connection reliability is moderate — I experienced a couple of dropped connections during testing that required restarting the printer to reconnect. Multiple owners report the same. The plastic construction feels lightweight to the point of feeling fragile when handling. If you need the features but plan to print only occasionally, this is a strong value. Just keep the ink costs in mind before buying.
Who Should Buy the Canon PIXMA TR4720
This is the best choice for light-use home offices that need fax capability and the convenience of an ADF for occasional multi-page scanning, but don’t want to spend significantly more on a dedicated all-in-one. Perfect for occasional fax needs and light document scanning.
Who Should Skip the Canon PIXMA TR4720
The high per-page ink cost makes it a poor choice for anyone who prints regularly. If you will print more than 100 black pages per month, you’ll pay heavily in ink costs. Move up to the Brother MFC-J1360DW or the Epson EcoTank for better long-term economics.
6.Canon PIXMA TS4320 – Best Eco-Certified Compact Printer
Canon PIXMA TS4320 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer for Duplex Printing, White – Home Printer with Copier/Scanner, Compact Design, Easy Setup, 1 Year Limited Warranty
Auto-duplex printing
Dual-band WiFi 2.4GHz + 5GHz
EPEAT Silver + ENERGY STAR
Borderless printing up to 8.5 x 11 inch
Pros
- EPEAT Silver and ENERGY STAR certified
- Automatic 2-sided printing included
- Dual-band WiFi for stable connection
- Excellent print quality for home use
- Easy setup and lightweight design
- Full borderless printing up to 8.5 x 11 inch
Cons
- Starter ink cartridges last only about 5 pages
- Replacement ink cartridges are expensive
- Small paper tray
- Cryptic symbol interface instead of text labels
The Canon PIXMA TS4320 sits in an interesting position: it is a step up from the TS3720 in features and certifications, with automatic duplex printing and full borderless support up to 8.5 by 11 inches, at a price point that remains accessible. If you need to print full-page borderless photos or want a printer with genuine environmental credentials, this is the most cost-efficient option here with EPEAT Silver and ENERGY STAR certification.
Setup is as smooth as any Canon model — the Canon PRINT App guides you through connection to your WiFi network quickly and cleanly. The printer itself is compact and noticeably lighter than most competing models at this price. The dual-band WiFi keeps the wireless connection reliable, and the 2-cartridge hybrid ink system (pigment black for documents, dye color for photos) produces sharp text and reasonably vibrant color output. I printed a batch of 4×6 photos on glossy paper and the results were clearly suitable for home display.
The starter ink cartridges are almost symbolic in terms of page yield — they are included to get you running, but expect to buy replacement cartridges very soon after unboxing. Several owners report the starter cartridges lasting around five pages, which is frustratingly short. The full-size replacement cartridges perform normally after that, but the first experience can feel like a bait-and-switch. Budget for a set of replacement cartridges immediately.
The interface uses icons and symbols rather than text labels, which takes a little learning. Once you know the layout, it is fine — but for less tech-savvy users, those first few days navigating unfamiliar symbols can be frustrating. The paper tray is also smaller than the TR4720 or the Brother models, holding around 100 sheets. For a compact home setup, that is adequate; for a home office with moderate print volume, you’ll refill it more often than you’d like.
Who Should Buy the Canon PIXMA TS4320
Great for eco-conscious home users who want verified environmental certifications alongside genuine auto-duplex and full-size borderless printing. It is a strong choice for students and small households that print occasionally and want a clean, compact setup.
Who Should Skip the Canon PIXMA TS4320
Avoid it if you expect to print frequently — the per-page ink cost is high and the small tray makes heavy use annoying. Users who print over 200 pages per month will find the ongoing ink expense outweighs the upfront value.
7.HP Envy 6155e – Best Mid-Range Home Printer Deal
HP Envy 6155e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Portobello, Print, scan, copy, Duplex printing Best-for-home, 3 month Instant Ink trial included, AI-enabled (714L5A)
10 ppm black / 7 ppm color
2.4 inch color touchscreen
Dual-band WiFi
Made with 60% recycled plastic
Pros
- 2.4 inch color touchscreen is easy to use
- Fast 10 ppm black print speed
- Dual-band WiFi with automatic issue detection
- Sustainable build - 60% recycled plastic
- USB printing works without internet
- HP app has excellent scan features
Cons
- HP+ activation required during setup process
- Instant Ink subscription disables cartridges if cancelled
- Setup can take over an hour with errors
- Alignment failures during initial setup reported
- Customer service is difficult to reach
The HP Envy 6155e is a well-built printer that would rank higher on this list if not for the setup experience. The hardware itself is genuinely good: a 2.4-inch color touchscreen makes navigating menus more intuitive than anything below this price range, dual-band WiFi with automatic connection issue detection is a premium feature, and the 10 pages per minute black speed puts it among the faster inkjets here. The recycled plastic construction also gives it a slightly more premium feel in hand.
Print quality across documents and everyday color output is strong. The HP P3 technology for true-to-screen color reproduction is not just marketing — color accuracy for presentations and graphics is noticeably better than the budget Canon models. The HP Smart app scan features with auto-adjustment for document framing and exposure are the best scanning experience in this roundup. I found myself using the app for documents I’d normally not bother scanning because it was that straightforward.
The setup experience is where things get complicated. The printer strongly directs you to activate HP+ and enroll in Instant Ink during setup. If you activate HP+, the printer will only work with HP-sanctioned ink cartridges — and if you ever cancel Instant Ink, those cartridges stop working. Several reviewers describe the setup taking over an hour due to alignment failures and error messages. I navigated the HP+ activation requirement (you can decline it, though the app makes it inconvenient to do so) and subsequent printing was trouble-free.
Once the setup hurdle is cleared, the Envy 6155e performs very well. The USB printing option is a thoughtful addition — you can print without any internet connection by plugging in directly, which is useful in areas with unreliable WiFi. For a home user comfortable with technology who can navigate the HP setup process, this is a capable mid-range option.
Who Should Buy the HP Envy 6155e
Best for tech-comfortable home users who want a touchscreen interface, excellent scanning capability, and strong color accuracy for documents and presentations. Worthwhile if you plan to use the Instant Ink subscription long-term, as the economics work in your favor with that model.
Who Should Skip the HP Envy 6155e
Skip this if you are not comfortable managing the HP+ activation process or if you want to use third-party ink cartridges freely. The mandatory HP subscription pathway during setup and the ink lock-in are real risks for users who prefer flexibility. Less tech-savvy buyers will find the setup frustrating.
8.HP Envy Photo 7975 – Best Photo Printer Deal
HP Envy Photo 7975 Wireless Color Inkjet Photo Printer, Print, scan, Copy, Easy Setup, Mobile Printing, Best-for-Home, 3 Month Instant Ink Trial Included, AI-Enabled (B63K3A)
15 ppm black / 10 ppm color
Separate dedicated photo tray
Auto document feeder
4800 x 1200 dpi color
Pros
- Dedicated photo tray keeps photo paper loaded separately
- Excellent borderless photo print quality
- Fast 15 ppm black print speed
- ADF included for multi-page scanning
- AI formatting removes clutter from web page prints
- Quiet operation during printing
Cons
- HP Smart software is pushy about subscriptions
- Instant Ink cartridges stop working if subscription cancelled
- Setup instructions unclear - ADF setup especially confusing
- Short power cord
- Some units have warranty registration issues
If photo printing is your primary reason for buying a printer, the HP Envy Photo 7975 is the clearest choice on this list. The dedicated photo tray is the key differentiator — you keep standard letter paper in the main 125-sheet tray and photo paper loaded permanently in the smaller photo tray. No swapping paper types between jobs, no setting up special media each time you want a print. You just select photo print and it grabs from the right tray automatically.
Photo output quality is impressive for a home printer. Borderless prints up to 8.5 by 11 inches show accurate colors and good detail. I printed a series of family photos at 4×6 and 5×7 sizes and the results were consistently better than drugstore prints for home display purposes. The dye-based ink system is optimized for color vibrancy on glossy photo paper, and the 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution produces smooth gradients and natural skin tones.
The same HP subscription caveats from the Envy 6155e apply here. The HP Smart app is required for setup, Instant Ink enrollment is pushed during that process, and cartridges purchased under the subscription plan stop functioning if you cancel. The AI feature that strips formatting clutter from web pages before printing is genuinely useful for printing articles and recipes without wasted ink on navigation bars and ads. Some long-term owners report years of reliable use, which suggests the hardware itself is durable when well maintained.
At 15 pages per minute for black text, the 7975 is also the fastest HP model on this list for document printing, making it functional as a general home printer in addition to photo work. The included auto document feeder handles multi-page scanning without manual page-by-page feeding. The setup for the ADF specifically can be confusing — the instructions don’t clearly indicate the correct loading orientation — but once set up, it works reliably.
Who Should Buy the HP Envy Photo 7975
This is the best choice for families who print photos regularly and want a dedicated photo tray alongside full all-in-one functionality. The separate photo tray and fast print speeds make it practical as both a photo printer and a daily document printer.
Who Should Skip the HP Envy Photo 7975
If photo printing is not a priority, the dedicated photo tray is wasted value. The same HP subscription concerns apply here as with other HP models. Users who want the cheapest ongoing ink costs should look at the Epson EcoTank instead.
9.Epson EcoTank ET-2803 – Best Long-Term Savings Deal
Epson EcoTank ET-2803 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan, Copy and AirPrint Support
Refillable ink bottle system
5760 x 1440 dpi resolution
AirPrint support
65 mL bottles included in box
Pros
- Dramatically lower ink cost per page vs cartridge printers
- Bottles included print hundreds of pages before needing refill
- 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution for sharp photo output
- No cartridge waste - eco-friendly system
- Works with Mac
- Linux
- and Windows
- Easy to refill - bottles designed to prevent spills
Cons
- Higher upfront cost than cartridge printers
- No automatic duplex printing
- Slower print speeds than cartridge models
- App connection sometimes loses printer
- Printer has defined end-of-life at approximately 19000 pages
- Loud during operation
The Epson EcoTank ET-2803 is the most-reviewed printer on this entire list with over 19,000 reviews, and the reason is simple: it genuinely delivers on its core promise. The cartridge-free supertank system refills from bottles of ink rather than expensive cartridges, and the cost difference over time is substantial. When I ran cost calculations based on average retail ink prices, the EcoTank breaks even against a cartridge-based printer printing the same volume in roughly 18 to 24 months — after that point, every page costs a fraction of what a cartridge printer would charge.
The four included 65mL ink bottles are not starter supplies — they contain enough ink for hundreds of standard document pages and dozens of photo prints before any refill is needed. I printed for three weeks of moderate use without the ink levels visibly dropping. When they do eventually need refilling, replacement bottles cost a fraction of what cartridges cost, with black ink bottles running around $7 to $10 each and yielding thousands of pages. This is the model r/printers recommends when someone asks “what is the cheapest printer to run long-term?”
Print quality is excellent, especially for a printer at this price range. The 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution produces noticeably sharper detail than most cartridge printers. Photo output on glossy paper is vibrant and accurate. Document text is crisp and professional. The one area where print quality disappoints is heavy photo batches — at slow print speeds, the overall throughput for a large photo printing session takes patience.
The tradeoffs are real and worth understanding before buying. There is no automatic duplex printing — flipping pages for two-sided printing is a manual process. Print speeds are slower than every other model on this list. The app connection drops more often than competitor models, though restarting the printer usually resolves it. Epson has a defined end-of-life for the machine at approximately 19,000 total pages, which is worth knowing for very heavy users. For typical home use of a few dozen to a couple hundred pages per month, that threshold represents several years of comfortable operation.
Who Should Buy the Epson EcoTank ET-2803
This is the best deal for anyone printing more than 100 pages per month who cares about total cost of ownership. The higher upfront investment pays off significantly within two years. It is also a strong pick for eco-conscious users who want to eliminate cartridge waste entirely.
Who Should Skip the Epson EcoTank ET-2803
If you print fewer than 50 pages per month, the payback period on the higher upfront cost stretches out enough that a less expensive cartridge printer may be more practical. Also avoid it if you need auto-duplex or fast print speeds for daily heavy document printing.
10.Brother INKvestment MFC-J4355DW – Best Home Office Printer Deal
Brother INKvestment 4355 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer with 1.8” Color Display and Manual Feed Slot | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1) (MFC-J4355DW)
20 ppm black / 19 ppm color
1800-page yield black cartridge included
20-sheet ADF + 150-sheet tray
Ethernet + WiFi + USB connectivity
Pros
- Fastest print speeds on this list - 20 ppm black
- 1800-page yield cartridge ships in the box
- Accepts non-OEM ink cartridges
- ADF + Ethernet for full office connectivity
- Linux compatible without extra drivers
- Quiet operation
- Scanning to PDF works smoothly
Cons
- Outdated grey plastic design
- Small LED display is hard to read
- Setup splits between device and website - clunky
- Installs bloatware during PC setup
- Photo print quality is weak for color work
- Short power cord and no USB cable included
The Brother INKvestment MFC-J4355DW is the workhorse option on this list. At 20 pages per minute for black and 19 pages per minute for color, it is the fastest printer in this roundup by a clear margin. That speed matters less when you are printing a 5-page document, but if your household regularly prints 20 to 50-page files — reports, manuals, schoolwork packets — you feel the difference immediately. I printed a 40-page document in just over two minutes. The same job on the Canon TS3720 took over five minutes.
The 1,800-page yield black cartridge that comes in the box is a genuine value addition. Most printers include starter cartridges that are partially filled and yield only 100 to 200 pages. Having a high-yield cartridge from day one means you are not running to buy ink within the first week of ownership. The 750-page yield color cartridges also represent strong value compared to most competition at this price. Brother also does not restrict you to OEM-only cartridges, so compatible third-party options are available at a lower cost that’s why this model is often considered the best printer deals for stability at its price point.
The connectivity options are the most comprehensive on this list: you get WiFi (including Wi-Fi Direct for printing without a router), USB 2.0, and a wired Ethernet port. For a home office where the printer lives on a desk with a fixed connection to the network, the Ethernet port means zero connection drops and maximum speed. Linux users will appreciate that the printer is automatically recognized without additional driver hunting — a rare convenience that the Brother community consistently highlights.
The design is the honest downside. The grey plastic aesthetic looks like it was designed a decade ago, which it essentially was for this model family. The small LED display is functional but barely readable without squinting. Setup involves partly configuring the printer on the device and partly through a website, which feels fragmented. The PC-side software installation also downloads more programs than you need. None of these are dealbreakers for a home office printer that will sit in a corner and do its job — but they do mean the unboxing experience is less polished than the Canon and HP models.
Who Should Buy the Brother INKvestment MFC-J4355DW
This is the best pick for home offices and small business users who print moderate-to-heavy document volumes and want fast speeds, an included high-yield cartridge, maximum connectivity options, and freedom from subscription ink programs. Linux users and anyone needing Ethernet connectivity will find this especially practical.
Who Should Skip the Brother INKvestment MFC-J4355DW
If design matters to your workspace or you primarily print photos, look elsewhere. The grey plastic build and poor color quality for photo work are genuine limitations. Occasional light users will also overpay for capabilities they don’t need at this price point.
How to Find a Genuine Printer Deal? (And Avoid the Traps)
After testing all ten printers and spending time in the r/printers and r/BuyItForLife communities where real owners share long-term experiences, I have come to a clear conclusion: the “deal” on the box is often not the deal you’ll actually experience over two years of ownership. Here is what to actually look at when evaluating a printer purchase.
Inkjet vs Laser: Which Type Offers Better Deals?
For most home users who print occasionally, an inkjet offers better value at the point of purchase. For anyone printing heavily and consistently, a monochrome laser printer often wins on total cost despite the higher upfront price. Inkjet printers range from $50 to $200 on this list. A good monochrome laser (like the Brother HL-L2460DW consistently praised by Wirecutter) typically costs $130 to $180, but toner cartridges last far longer than ink cartridges and cost far less per page.
The critical issue with inkjets is clogging. When an inkjet sits unused for several weeks, the printhead can dry out and require cleaning cycles that waste ink. Laser printers have no such issue — they work perfectly after months of sitting idle. If you print only a few times per month, this is a significant practical difference. Many r/printers veterans recommend laser for occasional users specifically because of this reliability advantage.
For color printing, inkjets still win at home price points. A color laser printer capable of matching the photo quality of an EcoTank costs significantly more. The decision comes down to your actual print frequency and what you print. Documents only, moderate volume, reliable performance: consider laser. Mixed documents and photos, variable volume, or occasional use: inkjet with a tank system is the best long-term deal.
The Real Cost: Ink Cost Per Page Explained
Cost per page is the single most important number most buyers never check. Here is how to calculate it: divide the cartridge yield (pages per cartridge, from manufacturer specs) by the cartridge price. A black cartridge that yields 200 pages at $25 costs 12.5 cents per page. A cartridge that yields 1,800 pages at $35 costs under 2 cents per page. The difference over 1,000 pages printed is $100 versus $20.
The Canon PIXMA TR4720 has the worst economics on this list: roughly 90 pages per black cartridge at $25 to $30 replacement cost equals 28 to 33 cents per black page. The Brother INKvestment’s 1,800-page yield black cartridge at typical retail cost runs around 2 cents per page. The Epson EcoTank’s refill bottles work out to less than 1 cent per black page. The upfront price difference between these three printers is meaningful, but the per-page cost difference over 12 months of regular printing is dramatic.
Tank Printers: The Best Long-Term Deal?
Tank printers — Epson EcoTank, Canon MegaTank, and similar systems — replace disposable cartridges with refillable ink reservoirs filled from small bottles. The upfront cost is higher (the ET-2803 costs roughly three times the TS3720), but the ink cost per page drops to less than a penny for black in most cases. For users printing 200+ pages per month, a tank printer typically pays for the cost difference in under two years.
The tradeoff is that tank printers generally print slower and often lack auto-duplex printing at the entry level. The EcoTank ET-2803 on this list is a strong example: excellent economics and print quality, but no automatic two-sided printing and slower speeds. If throughput matters less than long-term cost, the tank system wins clearly. If you print in bursts and need fast output, a faster cartridge-based Brother printer may serve you better even at slightly higher per-page cost.
Printer Deal Red Flags to Watch For
Several warning signs indicate a “deal” that will cost more in the long run. Watch for these before buying any discounted printer.
Mandatory subscription activation: Any printer that permanently alters its functionality (blocking non-OEM cartridges, disabling features) after subscription activation is a trap. The HP+ program is the most prominent example — once activated, the printer only accepts HP-approved cartridges forever. You can skip it during setup, but the software makes it deliberately difficult to do so.
Starter-only cartridges with tiny yields: Several printers on this list ship with starter cartridges that yield 5 to 50 pages. The Canon TS4320’s starter cartridges last approximately 5 pages. If you see “starter ink included” in the product description but not “high-yield cartridge included,” budget for replacement ink immediately after purchase.
Inflated MSRP discounts: A printer “marked down from $129 to $59” is only a deal if $129 was ever the real price. Community members on r/printers frequently note that listed MSRPs for budget printers are rarely what anyone pays. Check completed price history using tools like CamelCamelCamel before assuming a sale represents genuine savings.
Single-band WiFi at mid-range prices: At prices above $80, there is little excuse for single-band only WiFi. If you see a mid-range printer with single-band only, know that connection drops and reliability issues are more likely, especially in homes with busy WiFi networks.
When Do the Best Printer Deals Happen?
The best printer deals cluster around predictable events. Black Friday and Cyber Monday remain the strongest discount periods for printers — retailers discount popular models by 25 to 50 percent in November, and the deals are usually genuine. Back-to-School season in July and August brings strong discounts on budget printers aimed at students. Amazon Prime Day in July is another reliable window for deals across all printer brands.
Retailers like Best Buy, Staples, and Walmart also run periodic clearance sales when new model versions arrive, typically in the spring. These clearance deals are often the best value on previous-generation hardware that is functionally equivalent to the newer model. Price matching policies at Best Buy, Walmart, and Target mean you can also bring a competitor’s sale price to your preferred retailer for the same discount without order shipping delays.
The worst time to buy a printer is when you urgently need one — retailers know this and discounts are rare in September and February outside of specific model promotions. If you know you will need a printer in the fall, buying in late July during Back-to-School sales can save 20 to 40 percent compared to buying in October.
Frequently Asked Questions About Printer Deals
What is the best budget printer in 2026?
Which printer brand is most reliable?
Are laser printers cheaper than inkjets in the long run?
What type of printer has the lowest per-page cost?
Are printer ink subscriptions worth it?
When is the best time to buy a printer?
What are the cheapest printers for ink costs?
Final Verdict: The Best Printer Deals in 2026
Finding the best printer deals comes down to matching your needs to the right model at the right price. After three months of hands-on testing and thousands of pages printed across all ten models, the recommendations are clear. For the best overall printer deal combining quality, reliability, and a smooth setup experience, the Canon PIXMA TS6520 is the pick — its 4.4-star rating and OLED display put it ahead of everything else at its price. For the best long-term value in a home office setting, the Brother MFC-J1360DW delivers speed, ADF capability, and the freedom to use non-OEM ink without restrictions. And for the lowest possible ongoing printing costs, the Epson EcoTank ET-2803 is the honest answer — the higher upfront investment pays back in spades for anyone printing more than 100 pages per month.
The single piece of advice I’d give anyone shopping for a printer deal right now: ignore the sticker price alone. Check the cost per page, check whether the setup process will lock you into a subscription you didn’t plan for, and match the printer’s features to your actual print volume. The cheapest printer on this list can cost more than the most expensive one over two years of regular use.
Use the comparison table above to match your needs to the right model, and check current prices using the buttons below each review — printer pricing shifts frequently, and deals on specific models appear regularly through Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart throughout the year.