Ever stared at a blank document and realized your printer is, well, *gone*? Or maybe your old one sounds like a robot choking on a paperclip? Finding a new printer can feel like navigating a maze, especially when you’re trying to keep your wallet happy. It’s tough to know which one will actually *work* and not just be a fancy paperweight.
That’s where we come in! We know the frustration of wanting to print a school project or a fun recipe and being stuck. You want a printer that’s reliable, easy to use, and doesn’t cost a fortune. It’s a common problem, and we’ve tackled it head-on.
By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident about choosing a fantastic printer that costs less than a hundred dollars. We’ll guide you through the best options, what to look for, and how to avoid common mistakes. Get ready to print without the panic!
Top Printer For Under 100 Recommendations
No. 1
HP DeskJet 2755e Wireless Color inkjet-printer, Print, scan, copy, Easy setup, Mobile printing, Best-for home, 6 month Instant Ink trial included, white (packaging may vary)
- Sold as 1 Each.
- Ideal for everyday printing needs, this all-in-one inkjet printer is perfect for printing basic color documents like recipes, forms, and travel documents in 1200 DPI resolution. With a 60-sheet paper input capacity and support for various media types such as labels, envelopes, cards, photo paper, and plain paper, this printer is versatile enough for a range of printing tasks. Enjoy advanced mobile printing, security, and automatic updates.
- Experience convenient wireless printing with USB and wireless connectivity options, allowing you to print from anywhere in your home or office.. Equipped with a 64MB RAM for smooth operation, ensuring high quality and efficient printing performance.. Rely on worry-free wireless connections using dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset for a better range and reliability.. Safety Data Sheet.
- Compact dimensions of 6.06"H x 16.7"W x 11.97"D make this printer perfect for smaller spaces while maintaining uncompromised functionality.. Maximum monthly duty cycle of 1,000 pages to handle your everyday printing needs.. The LCD display ensures easy navigation and control of your printer settings and functions..
- Easy setup with the HP Smart app guides you step by step, ensuring seamless integration into your printing needs. This printer is designed to work exclusively with original HP chips or circuitry for optimal performance, with periodic firmware updates to maintain effectiveness..
No. 2
HP Smart Tank 5103 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer, Scanner,2 Years of Ink, 100 Sheets of Photo Paper Included, Cartridge-Free, Refillable, AI-Enabled (5D1B2A)
- SET IT UP ONCE AND PRINT WITH CONFIDENCE. No complicated maintenance. Just easy, reliable printing you can count on.
- INK FOR YEARS. NOT MONTHS. Up to 2 years of ink included. Get thousands of pages of cartridge-free printing. More pages, less hassle
- KEEPS PRINTING WELL AFTER COMPETITORS HAVE QUIT. No complex maintenance. Sharper text, richer colors.[2] Only with HP Smart Tank
- PREMIUM SUPPORT - Strong technical expertise to solve issues faster
- THE LAST PRINTER YOU'LL EVER NEED. Enjoy years of refillable, cartridge-free printing.
No. 3
Liene M100 4x6'' Photo Printer, Phone Printer 100 Sheets & 3 Cartridges, Full-Color Photo, Portable Instant Photo Printer for iPhone Android, Thermal Dye Sublimation, Wi-Fi Picture Printer 100 Papers
- User-Friendly Portable Photo Printer for iPhone, Android & PC - Get beautiful and colourful memories with Liene 4x6 photo printer! After opening the entire package, you can find one cartridge + 20 sheets of photo paper (placed inside the machine packaging), as well as an additional box containing 80 sheets of photo paper (which includes two cartridges + 80 sheets of photo paper). Full package includes smartphone photo printer, Liene 4x6 photo printer papers (100 sheets), 3 colour cartridges, and fully sealed cassette to prevent dust. Minimalist and magnetic design for compact storage.
- Superior Quality 4x6 Photo Printer - Print photos like no other thanks to the thermal-dye sublimation tech adopted by the picture printer for iphone. The dyes deeply penetrate the paper for vibrant photo printing, and the laminated surface is resistant to water, scratches, fingerprints and fading. Clean the print head promptly if smudges are observed on printed photos during operation. Get Liene photo printers now for yourself and your loved ones, print your happy moments together and keep your love forever!
- Wi-Fi Photo Printer for Smartphone - The built-in hotspot of the photo printer makes it easy to print pictures from your phone, avoiding outside interference with a fast and stable connection. No other networks required! Simply connect your device to the independent instant photo printer 4x6 hotspot.
- Multiple Device Compatibility - Liene phone printer provides instant photo printing for up to 5 simultaneous connections. Share with family and friends or print from your different devices. No additional cables or Bluetooth required when printing photos with this picture printer. Note: Ensure the ink cartridge clicks into place before printing.
- Customize your Printing with the Liene App - Customize your photos with our specialized App! You can add a Square border, insert filters, enhance the contrast and brightness, check printing status, and more. You can even print your ID and Visa photos from home with this photo printer for iphone 4x6 prints.
No. 4
HP LaserJet MFP M234sdw Wireless Printer, Print, scan, Copy, Fast speeds, Easy Setup, Mobile Printing, Best-for-Small Teams
- HP LaserJet MFP M234sdw Wireless Printer, Print, scan, copy, Fast speeds, Easy setup, Mobile printing, Best-for-small teams, Instant Ink eligible
- Perfect for small teams printing professional-quality black & white documents and reports. Copy and scan hands-free using the auto document feeder. Perfect for 1-5 people
- FASTEST TWO-SIDED PRINTING IN ITS CLASS – Up to 30 black-and-white pages per minute single-sided, up to 19 black-and-white images per minute two-sided printing
- DUAL-BAND WI-FI WITH SELF-RESET – Automatically detects and resolves connectivity issues
- STRONG SECURITY – Built-in security features help protect your printer from potential attacks
No. 5
HP LaserJet MFP M234dw Wireless Printer, Print, scan, Copy, Fast speeds, Easy Setup, Mobile Printing, Best-for-Small Teams, Instant Ink Eligible
- The HP LaserJet MFP M234dw offers high-speed two-sided precision laser printing and scan/copy functionality, plus smart setup and reliable connectivity. Strong security gives you peace of mind, and the HP Smart app lets you work more efficiently with helpful, time-saving features.
- Perfect for small teams printing, scanning and copying professional-quality black & white documents and reports. Perfect for 1-5 people.
- FASTEST TWO-SIDED PRINTING IN ITS CLASS – Up to 30 black-and-white pages per minute single-sided, up to 19 black-and-white images per minute two-sided printing
- DUAL-BAND WI-FI WITH SELF-RESET – Automatically detects and resolves connectivity issues
- STRONG SECURITY – Built-in security features help protect your printer from potential attacks
No. 6
HP OfficeJet 100 Portable Printer with Bluetooth & Mobile Printing (CN551A)
- Main functions of this HP color inkjet portable printer: Bluetooth wireless printing, portability, and more
- Mobile printing: print at your convenience while on the go, using built-in Bluetooth wireless technology
- High-quality documents from a compact printer; take advantage of convenient mobile printing
- Mobile professionals who need a compact, reliable printer with impressive features to print high-quality documents on the go
- Use Original HP 98 & HP 99 Ink cartridges for great results print after print. Original HP ink prints up to 2x the pages as refilled cartridges
No. 7
Phomemo G100 Ultra Fast Portable Printers Wireless for Travel, 100mm/s, 499g, 300DPI, 1300mAh, Thermal Inkless Bluetooth Printer Compatible with iOS/Android/PC, US Letter/A4, with Case & 20 Sheets
- 7 Seconds Fast Printing: Phomemo G100 portable printer can print at a maximum speed of 100mm/s and 60~70mm/s in standard mode, so you don't have to wait. Whether you prioritize speed or quality, you can choose freely according to your needs, making printing a pleasure
- Portable & Lightweight, Easy to Carry: The small body design combined with the use of lightweight materials makes this travel wireless printer both easy to place and easy to carry. Whether it's on your desk at home or carried around to a café or conference room, it won't be a burden. It is an indispensable good helper for users who often need to work on the move
- Inkless Thermal, Green & Energy efficient: We use advanced thermal technology to ensure that the portable thermal printer requires no ink, so you can enjoy high-quality printing while contributing to the planet. It's an ideal printing solution for users pursuing a sustainable lifestyle, and with advanced energy-saving technology, power consumption is extremely low in standby mode, effectively reducing energy consumption
- High Definition Printing with all the Details: Imagine being able to render your pictures, documents or designs in ultra-high definition resolution at 300 DPI, with every detail coming to life. Whether it's A4 or Letter size, this inkless printer handles it with ease and lets your creativity jump off the page
- Wide Range of Compatible Printers: Whether you're on the go connecting your phone via Bluetooth or at home connecting directly to your computer with a USB Type-C cable, this compact mobile printer makes the switch seamless. Support for multiple Bluetooth versions from Bluetooth 3.0 to 5.2 ensures you can print efficiently anytime, anywhere
No. 8
ENTINA TINA2PLUS 3D Printer,250 mm/s Fast Printing,Fully Assembled,Auto Leveling,245℃ Quick-Detach Nozzle,Dual-Sided PEI Coating Plate,Mini 3D Printer with Wi-Fi & App Control-from Beginners to Makers
- Fully Pre-Assembled, Ready to Print Right Out of the Box : The TINA2 PLUS comes fully pre assembled and pre-calibrated. Just unbox, plug in, load filament, and start creating in minutes. The included starter kit (TF card with pre-sliced models, user guide, and slicing software) makes it a great beginner friendly 3d printer. Whether you're a student, hobbyist, or educator, enjoy a smooth first print experience
- High-Speed Printing with Precision Detail : This 3d printer delivers print speeds up to 250 mm/s, dramatically reducing overall print time. With a printing accuracy of ±0.1 mm and a 0.4 mm nozzle, this impresora 3d produces sharp edges and smooth surfaces. The high-efficiency cooling fan helps ensure stable heat dissipation, so even complex models come out clean. Great for fast iteration and quality prototyping
- One-Touch Auto Leveling for Consistent First Layers : The TINA2 PLUS features a 9-point one-touch auto leveling system that helps align your build plate accurately every time. Combined with a dual Z-axis structure, this 3d printers reduces wobbling and improves stability during printing. Whether you're new to 3D printing or an experienced maker, you can expect good adhesion and less warping from the very first layer
- Ultra-Quiet Printing Under 45dB : This 3 d printer is equipped with an upgraded silent motherboard and adjustable cooling fan, keeping operating noise below 45 decibels. No more annoying buzzing or whirring. It's a solid choice of small 3d printer for bedrooms, libraries, or open-plan classrooms. Enjoy peaceful creation without disturbing those around you
- Flexible Connectivity & Filament Compatibility : The TINA2 Plus supports multiple connection methods: TF card, USB, and Wi-Fi. With a 245°C nozzle and 80°C heated bed, this mini 3d printer works with PLA, TPU, WOOD, PETG, PLA+, and more. The built-in filament runout detection automatically pauses printing when filament runs out, saving your progress and letting you quickly swap materials. Explore a wide range of creative possibilities with ease
Your Guide to Finding a Great Printer Under $100
Finding a good printer that doesn’t break the bank is totally possible! You can get a reliable printer for less than $100 if you know what to look for. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs.
What to Look For in a Printer Under $100
When you’re shopping for a budget printer, a few key features really matter.
Key Features to Consider
- Type of Printer: Most printers under $100 are inkjet printers. These use liquid ink to print. Some might be basic laser printers, which use toner powder. Inkjets are usually cheaper upfront, but toner can be cheaper in the long run for lots of printing.
- Print Quality: Look at the “dots per inch” (DPI). Higher DPI means sharper text and clearer pictures. For everyday printing, 600 DPI is usually good enough. For photos, you’ll want more.
- Print Speed: This is how fast the printer prints. It’s measured in pages per minute (PPM). Don’t expect super-fast speeds with budget printers, but a decent PPM will save you waiting time.
- Connectivity: How will you connect your computer or devices? Most budget printers use a USB cable. Some might offer Wi-Fi, which lets you print wirelessly from your phone or laptop. This is a super handy feature!
- All-in-One vs. Single Function: Do you just need to print? Or do you also need to scan and copy? All-in-one printers (also called multifunction printers or MFPs) can do all three. They offer more for your money.
Important Materials and What They Mean
The main “materials” in a printer are the ink or toner cartridges.
- Ink Cartridges: These hold liquid ink. They come in black and colors. The cost of replacement cartridges is a big deal. Some printers use separate cartridges for each color, which is good because you only replace the color you run out of. Others have one black and one color cartridge.
- Toner Cartridges: These hold powder. They are common in laser printers. Toner is often more expensive to buy but can print more pages than ink.
Factors That Affect Printer Quality
Several things can make your printer work better or worse.
- Ink/Toner Quality: The brand and type of ink or toner you use can affect how your prints look. Using the printer’s recommended brand usually gives the best results.
- Paper Type: The paper you use matters too! Plain copy paper is fine for documents. For photos, special photo paper makes a big difference.
- Printer Drivers: These are small software programs that help your computer talk to your printer. Keeping them updated can improve performance and fix problems.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use the printer.
- For Home and School: If you print homework, occasional documents, or simple color pages, a basic inkjet all-in-one is perfect. Wireless printing is a big plus here.
- For Occasional Photos: If you want to print a few photos now and then, look for an inkjet printer that mentions photo printing. You’ll need good photo paper to get the best results.
- For Light Office Work: If you print a lot of text documents, a very basic monochrome (black and white) laser printer might be an option, though these can sometimes go slightly over $100. For mixed use, a reliable inkjet all-in-one is usually the way to go.
Printer Under $100: Your Top Questions Answered
Here are some common questions people have when buying a printer for under $100.
Q: What’s the difference between inkjet and laser printers?
A: Inkjet printers spray tiny drops of liquid ink onto paper. Laser printers use a heated drum and toner powder to create images. Inkjets are usually cheaper to buy, and laser printers can be cheaper to run if you print a lot of black and white text.
Q: Can I print photos on a printer under $100?
A: Yes, many inkjet printers under $100 can print photos. However, the quality might not be as good as a dedicated photo printer. Using good quality photo paper will help a lot.
Q: Is Wi-Fi printing worth it on a cheap printer?
A: Wi-Fi printing is very convenient! It lets you print from your phone, tablet, or laptop without cables. Many printers under $100 now offer this feature.
Q: How much do ink or toner cartridges cost for budget printers?
A: This is a very important question! Replacement cartridges can sometimes cost almost as much as the printer itself. Always check the price of replacement ink or toner before you buy the printer. Some printers use cheaper, high-yield cartridges.
Q: Should I get an all-in-one printer?
A: An all-in-one printer can scan and copy as well as print. If you need these extra functions, it’s a good way to save money compared to buying separate machines.
Q: What does “print speed” (PPM) mean?
A: PPM stands for pages per minute. It tells you how many pages the printer can print in one minute. Don’t expect super-fast speeds on budget printers, but a higher PPM means less waiting time.
Q: Do I need special software to use my printer?
A: Most printers come with the necessary software, called drivers, on a CD or you can download them from the manufacturer’s website. These drivers help your computer communicate with the printer.
Q: What is DPI, and why does it matter?
A: DPI means “dots per inch.” It’s a measure of print resolution. A higher DPI means the printer can put more tiny dots of ink or toner on the paper, which makes text and images look sharper and more detailed.
Q: Are there any hidden costs with cheap printers?
A: The main hidden cost is often the replacement ink or toner. Some manufacturers also have “proprietary” ink that only works with their printers, and it can be more expensive. Always do your research on ongoing costs.
Q: What’s the best way to maintain my budget printer?
A: Keep your printer clean and make sure it has paper. If it’s an inkjet, turn it on and print something every few weeks to prevent the print heads from drying out. Always use the recommended ink or toner.