10 Best Cheapest Printer To Run 2026 in the United States

The Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Laser Printer is a solid choice for small businesses looking for a cost-effective printing solution. This printer uses laser toner, which generally has a lower cost per page compared to inkjet printers, making it cheaper to run in the long term. The high print yield of Brother Genuine TN830 or TN830XL toner means fewer replacements and savings on supply costs. The duplex printing feature helps reduce paper usage, contributing to lower operational costs and environmental benefits. Additionally, the printer is Energy Star and EPEAT qualified, indicating good energy efficiency which can help keep electricity costs down.

However, it's worth noting that while the upfront cost of genuine Brother toner can be high, subscribing to the Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service can provide savings and convenience with automatic toner replenishment. Maintenance costs are generally low for laser printers, and the Brother DCP-L2640DW is no exception, with reliable performance reducing the need for frequent repairs. Connectivity is versatile with options including Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet, which makes it adaptable to various office setups and easy to integrate. The Brother Mobile Connect app adds convenience for managing printing tasks remotely.

On the downside, being a monochrome printer, it only prints in black and white, which might not be suitable for businesses needing color prints. Additionally, the printer's weight (25 pounds) and size may be a consideration if space is limited. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Brother DCP-L2640DW is a cost-effective and efficient printer for small businesses.

The Canon PIXMA TS6420a is a compact and user-friendly all-in-one inkjet printer designed mainly for home office use. It supports wireless Wi-Fi and USB connections, making it easy to print from laptops and mobile devices. One of its notable features is automatic duplex printing, which helps save paper by printing on both sides without manual flipping. The print speeds are moderate—up to 13 pages per minute in black and around 7 ppm in color—suitable for everyday documents but not for heavy or fast-paced printing needs.

It uses standard Canon ink cartridges with a print resolution up to 4800 x 1200 dpi, delivering good color quality for photos and documents. Its running costs can be somewhat higher compared to laser printers or refillable ink systems because inkjet cartridges tend to use more ink over time. The printer includes a 64 MB memory and an OLED display for easy control, with scanning and copying functions adding versatility. It weighs about 14 pounds and can handle various paper types, including glossy photo paper and envelopes.

While energy efficiency details aren’t specified, Canon printers typically have moderate power consumption. Given its features and price point, this printer is well suited for light to moderate home use where convenience and print quality matter more than ultra-low running costs.

The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is a versatile and cost-efficient all-in-one printer designed for users who prioritize low running costs. One of its most significant advantages is the cartridge-free printing system, which uses high-capacity ink tanks. This innovative approach can lead to substantial savings, with ink bottle sets that can print up to 7,500 black and 6,000 color pages. This makes it an excellent option for users who do a lot of printing and want to minimize the cost per page. Additionally, it comes with up to 2 years of ink in the box, reducing the frequency and frustration of running out of ink.

The printer also supports auto-duplex printing, which helps save paper and offers hands-free, voice-activated printing for added convenience. For connectivity, it includes Wi-Fi Direct and Ethernet options, allowing easy printing from various devices without needing a network. The color touchscreen interface further enhances user experience. On the downside, the print speeds—17 ppm for monochrome and 9 ppm for color—might not be the fastest for high-volume offices. The printer is also quite large and heavy, which could be a drawback if space is a concern.

Despite these points, the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 remains a strong contender for anyone needing a reliable and economical printer, particularly well-suited for home offices or small business environments.