Have you ever desperately needed to print a document, only to find your old printer jammed or out of ink again? It is a frustrating experience that many of us know all too well. Whether you are a student finishing a last-minute essay or a parent printing school forms, a reliable printer is a must-have tool for any home office.
Finding a quality machine on a budget can feel like an impossible mission. The market is flooded with endless brands, confusing technical specs, and hidden costs like expensive ink cartridges. Many shoppers worry that choosing a cheap model means sacrificing speed, print quality, or wireless features. You do not want to waste your hard-earned money on a device that breaks down after just a few months of light use.
The good news is that you do not need to empty your savings account to get a great machine. In this guide, we have done the heavy lifting for you. We have tested and researched the best printers under $100 that actually get the job done right. You will learn which models offer the crispest text, the easiest setup, and the most affordable ink refills available today.
Stop stressing over complicated reviews and endless comparison charts. Read on to discover the top-rated printers that balance performance and price perfectly, helping you pick the right machine for your desk today.
Top Printer Under 100 Recommendations
- The Envy 6155e is perfect for homes printing everyday quality color documents like homework and borderless photos. Print speeds up to 7 ppm color, 10 ppm black.
- PERFECTLY FORMATTED PRINTS WITH HP AI – Print web pages and emails with precision—no wasted pages or awkward layouts; HP AI easily removes unwanted content, so your prints are just the way you want
- KEY FEATURES – Color print, copy and scan, plus auto 2-sided printing and a 100-sheet input tray
- HP'S MOST INTUITIVE COLOR TOUCHSCREEN – Smoothly navigate your printer with the easy-to-use 2.4" touchscreen
- 3 MONTHS OF INSTANT INK WITH HP+ ACTIVATION – Subscribe to Instant Ink delivery service to get ink delivered directly to your door before you run out. After 3 months, monthly fee applies unless cancelled.
- Wireless 4-in-1 (print | copy | scan | fax)..Power Consumption: 7W (0.8W Standby / 0.3W Off)
- 8.8 / 4.4 ipm print speed.
- Designed for easy ink cartridge installation and replacement.
- Auto 2-sided printing and auto document feeder.
- Produce quality documents, photos and boarderless prints up to 8.5" x 11".
- The DeskJet 2855e is perfect for homes printing to-do lists, letters, financial documents and recipes. Print speeds up to 5.5 ppm color, 7.5 ppm black
- PERFECTLY FORMATTED PRINTS WITH HP AI – Print web pages and emails with precision—no wasted pages or awkward layouts; HP AI easily removes unwanted content, so your prints are just the way you want
- KEY FEATURES – Color printing, copy, scan, and a 60-sheet input tray
- WIRELESS PRINTING – Stay connected with our most reliable Wii-Fi, which automatically detects and resolves connection issues.This printer is only 2.4 ghz capable.
- 3 MONTHS OF INSTANT INK WITH HP+ ACTIVATION – Subscribe to Instant Ink delivery service to get ink delivered directly to your door before you run out. After 3 months, monthly fee applies unless cancelled
- The DeskJet 2827e is perfect for homes printing to-do lists, letters, financial documents and recipes. Print speeds up to 5.5 ppm color, 7.5 ppm black
- PERFECTLY FORMATTED PRINTS WITH HP AI – Print web pages and emails with precision—no wasted pages or awkward layouts; HP AI easily removes unwanted content, so your prints are just the way you want
- KEY FEATURES – Color printing, copy, scan, and a 60-sheet input tray
- WIRELESS PRINTING – Stay connected with our most reliable Wi-Fi, which automatically detects and resolves connection issues
- HP APP – Print, scan, copy, or fax right from your smartphone, PC, or tablet with the easiest-to-use print app
- The DeskJet 4255e is perfect for homes printing to-do lists, letters, financial documents and recipes. Print speeds up to 5.5 ppm color, 8.5 ppm black
- PERFECTLY FORMATTED PRINTS WITH HP AI – Print web pages and emails with precision—no wasted pages or awkward layouts; HP AI easily removes unwanted content, so your prints are just the way you want
- KEY FEATURES – Color printing, copy, scan, auto document feeder, and a 60-sheet input trays
- WIRELESS PRINTING – Stay connected with our most reliable Wi-Fi, which automatically detects and resolves connection issues. This printer is only 2.4 ghz capable.
- 3 MONTHS OF INSTANT INK WITH HP+ ACTIVATION – Subscribe to Instant Ink delivery service to get ink delivered directly to your door before you run out. After 3 months, monthly fee applies unless cancelled
- ALL-IN-ONE: Print, Copy, Scan features for full control at your fingertips. Single-sided printing only.
- FAST PRINT SPEEDS: Print approximately 7.7 (black) / 4 (color) images per minute.
- EASY SETUP: Get running in just a few minutes thanks to a streamlined and easy setup process out of the box.
- EASY TO INSTALL INK: Print full color with only 2 (no mess) easy-to-replace ink cartridges.
- 1.5” LCD SCREEN: Get the job done with an intuitive and easy to use 1.5” segment LCD screen.
![Canon PIXMA TS6420a All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer [Print, Copy, Scan], Works with Alexa](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21-0hP0b2eL._SL160_.jpg)
- Wireless 3-in-1 (Print | Copy | Scan) 13 / 6.8 ipm Print Speed 200 Sheet Capacity (100 Cassette, 100 Rear Feed) Auto 2-Sided Printing Save up to 70% on the cost of printing* with PIXMA Print Plan Energy Star, EPEAT Silver 1 Year Warranty
- 13 / 6.8 ipm Print Speed
- 200 Sheet Capacity (100 Cassette, 100 Rear Feed)
- Auto 2-Sided Printing
- Save up to 70% on the cost of printing* with PIXMA Print Plan
- The OfficeJet Pro 8125e is perfect for home offices printing professional-quality color documents like business documents, reports, presentations and flyers. Print speeds up to 10 ppm color, 20 ppm black
- PERFECTLY FORMATTED PRINTS WITH HP AI – Print web pages and emails with precision—no wasted pages or awkward layouts; HP AI easily removes unwanted content, so your prints are just the way you want
- UPGRADED FEATURES – Fast color printing, scan, copy, auto 2-sided printing, auto document feeder, and a 225-sheet input tra
- WIRELESS PRINTING – Stay connected with our most reliable dual-band Wi-Fi, which automatically detects and resolves connection issues
- 3 MONTHS OF INSTANT INK WITH HP+ ACTIVATION – Subscribe to Instant Ink delivery service to get ink delivered directly to your door before you run out. After 3 months, monthly fee applies unless cancelled.
The Ultimate Guide to Finding a Great Printer Under $100
Finding a reliable printer on a budget is easier than you think. You do not need to spend hundreds of dollars for high-quality home printing. Whether you are a student, a parent, or someone working from home, you can find a machine that fits your needs. Use this guide to make the best choice for your wallet.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a budget printer, focus on these three features:
- Connectivity: Modern printers should have Wi-Fi. This allows you to print from your phone, tablet, or laptop without messy cables.
- Print Speed: Look for the pages per minute (PPM) rating. A faster printer saves you time on big projects.
- Compact Design: Many budget models are small. Ensure the printer fits on your desk or shelf before you buy it.
Important Materials and Build
Most printers under $100 are made of lightweight, durable plastic. While they feel less sturdy than expensive office machines, they are built for light home use. Check the paper tray quality. A good tray keeps paper aligned to prevent jams. The internal rollers should also be easy to reach in case you need to clear a paper jam.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things affect your print quality:
- Ink Cartridges: Using original ink from the manufacturer usually produces the sharpest text and colors. Generic ink is cheaper but might clog the print head.
- Paper Type: Plain printer paper works for documents. Use glossy photo paper if you want to print pictures.
- Maintenance: Dust can ruin print quality. Keep your printer covered when you are not using it. Run the “clean print head” function if your pages look streaky.
User Experience and Use Cases
These printers are perfect for light tasks. They are ideal for printing homework, shipping labels, or occasional boarding passes. Many models include a scanner and copier, making them “all-in-one” devices. If you need to print hundreds of pages every week, a budget printer might cost more in ink over time. However, for the average household, these printers provide great value.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are printers under $100 good for photos?
A: They can print decent photos on glossy paper, but they are designed mostly for text documents.
Q: Do these printers come with ink?
A: Most come with “starter” cartridges. These have less ink than full-sized ones, so buy a spare set soon.
Q: Can I print from my smartphone?
A: Yes. Most budget printers have apps that let you print directly from your phone.
Q: Is the ink expensive?
A: Ink costs vary. Check the price of replacement cartridges before you choose a printer model.
Q: How long do these printers last?
A: With proper care, a home printer can easily last 3 to 5 years.
Q: Do I need a USB cable?
A: Most people use Wi-Fi now, but some printers include a USB cable just in case.
Q: Can they print on both sides of the paper?
A: Some models offer manual duplexing, which means you flip the paper yourself. Automatic duplexing is rare at this price point.
Q: Are they easy to set up?
A: Most brands have simple mobile apps that guide you through the setup process in minutes.
Q: Do I need a computer to use the scanner?
A: Often, you can scan documents directly to your smartphone using the printer’s app.
Q: What is the biggest downside?
A: The main downside is the cost of ink. Budget printers are cheap to buy but can be expensive to run if you print a lot.