Finding an affordable black and white inkjet printer can simplify daily tasks like printing documents, grocery lists, and homework without breaking the bank. This guide highlights five budget-friendly inkjet options that deliver solid text quality and easy setups for home users. While many “cheap” models lean toward color printing, the selections below emphasize affordability, straightforward operation, and reliable black-and-white output when needed. Each model includes key features to help you compare value, speed, and versatility for light to moderate printing workloads.
| Product | Brand | Key Features | Amazon Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP DeskJet 2827e Wireless All-in-One | HP | Print, scan, copy with AI-assisted layouts; color printing; 60-sheet input tray; instant ink trial | View |
| Canon PIXMA TS3720 Wireless All-in-One | Canon | Print, copy, scan; easy setup; compact design | View |
| Canon PIXMA TS4320 Wireless Color Printer | Canon | Duplex printing; 2-cartridge ink system; easy setup; compact | View |
| Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Printer | Canon | Duplex printing; OLED display; compact design; easy use | View |
| Canon PIXMA TS202 Inkjet Photo Printer | Canon | Hybrid ink system for documents and photos; compact; rear paper tray | View |
Below are five printer choices that balance cost with the capability to handle everyday black-and-white printing tasks, while offering options for color prints if you need them occasionally. The list includes models from HP and Canon, both known for reliable entry-level inkjet performance and straightforward setup for home users.
HP DeskJet 2827e Wireless All-in-One
The HP DeskJet 2827e is a budget-friendly all-in-one option suitable for home use. It handles everyday documents and simple color printing with a 60-sheet input tray and USB/wireless connectivity. Its AI-assisted formatting helps reduce wasted pages, providing cleaner prints for correspondence and notes. While primarily an affordable color inkjet, it remains a practical entry point for users who want a compact device for light document tasks and occasional colored prints, all supported by an introductory 3-month Instant Ink trial.
Canon PIXMA TS3720 Wireless All-in-One
The Canon TS3720 provides essential all-in-one capabilities with straightforward setup for basic home printing. It offers single-sided printing and quick start features, making it suitable for tasks like homework and routine documents. Its compact footprint fits smaller workspaces, and its compatibility with mobile printing options supports convenient on-the-go use. Best for households prioritizing simplicity and affordability in a basic inkjet setup.
Canon PIXMA TS4320 Wireless Color Printer
The PIXMA TS4320 offers a compact, affordable color inkjet with a capable two-cartridge system that delivers crisp text and vibrant colors. It’s well-suited for households that print a mix of documents and photos. Setup is straightforward for smartphone or computer printing, and its all-in-one features make it a versatile choice for casual users who want reliable daily performance without a high price tag.
Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Printer
The TS6520 is a feature-rich, compact color inkjet printer with a user-friendly control panel and a small OLED display. It focuses on delivering high-quality text and vibrant color prints with a hybrid ink system. Setup is designed to be quick for mobile and desktop users, which helps households and small offices improve productivity without investing in a larger, more expensive device.
Canon PIXMA TS202 Inkjet Photo Printer
The TS202 is a compact photo-focused inkjet with a fine hybrid ink system designed to deliver detailed documents and photos. It includes a rear paper tray and a setup CD-ROM in some bundles, making it a practical option for users who want to print photos and basic documents from a small footprint printer that fits in tight spaces.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
When selecting a cheap black-and-white inkjet printer, consider these factors to maximize value and performance:
- Print speed and duty cycle: For home use, aim for 5–10 ppm for text and higher if you print photos or graphics frequently. A higher monthly duty cycle helps ensure longevity with light to moderate workloads.
- Running costs: Ink usage varies by model. Look for printers with high-yield black ink cartridges or cost-efficient color cartridges if you occasionally print in color.
- Ease of setup: USB, Wi-Fi, and mobile printing support help simplify first use. Devices with automatic wireless setup save time.
- All-in-one capabilities: If you need scanning and copying, ensure the device provides reliable OCR, flatbed vs. ADF, and duplex printing options if relevant to your workload.
- Size and footprint: Compact designs are ideal for small desks and apartments. Verify the printer’s dimensions fit your space.
- Paper handling: Look for adequate input capacity and media handling options (plain paper, envelopes, photo paper) relevant to your needs.
- Warranty and support: A reasonable warranty and accessible customer support help mitigate potential issues in the early years.
- Compatibility: Ensure it works well with your computer and mobile devices, including iOS/Android printing apps.
- AI features and smart printing: Some models offer AI-assisted formatting or print optimization to reduce waste and improve layouts.
These considerations help balance upfront cost with long-term value, especially for households that print frequently for school, work, or personal projects. The chosen models provide a spectrum of affordable inkjet options that can meet basic black-and-white needs while offering color printing as a supplementary capability when required.