Do you need to print documents for school or work, but your wallet is feeling a little light? Buying a printer can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to find a good one without spending too much money. It’s tough to know which printer will actually get the job done well and not break down after a few uses. You want clear prints, easy setup, and a price that makes sense.
Finding an inkjet printer for under $100 might seem tricky, but it’s totally possible! Many people worry about getting a cheap printer that prints blurry photos or runs out of ink too fast. This post is here to help you avoid those headaches. We’ve done the research so you don’t have to.
By reading on, you’ll discover the best inkjet printers that give you great value for your money. We’ll break down what to look for and highlight some top picks that are perfect for everyday printing needs. Get ready to find a reliable printer that fits your budget!
Top Inkjet Printer Under $100 Recommendations
- Affordable Versatility - A budget-friendly all-in-one printer perfect for both home users and hybrid workers, offering exceptional value
- Crisp, Vibrant Prints - Experience impressive print quality for both documents and photos, thanks to its 2-cartridge hybrid ink system that delivers sharp text and vivid colors
- Effortless Setup & Use - Get started quickly with easy setup for your smartphone or computer, so you can print, scan, and copy without delay
- Reliable Wireless Connectivity - Enjoy stable and consistent connections with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz), ensuring smooth printing from anywhere in your home or office
- Scan & Copy Handling - Utilize the device’s integrated scanner for efficient scanning and copying operations
- Perfect for basic printing needs – Print everyday color documents like to-do lists, letters, financial documents and recipes
- KEY FEATURES – Color print, copy, scan, and a 60-sheet input tray, plus mobile and wireless printing
- OPTIMIZE PRINT FORMATTING 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
- ICON LCD – Print your basic documents with ease from the intuitive control panel
- PRINT SPEED – Up to 7.5 ppm black, 5.5 ppm color
- Affordable Versatility - A budget-friendly all-in-one printer perfect for both home users and hybrid workers, offering exceptional value
- Crisp, Vibrant Prints - Experience impressive print quality for both documents and photos, thanks to its 2-cartridge hybrid ink system that delivers sharp text and vivid colors
- Effortless Setup & Use - Get started quickly with easy setup for your smartphone or computer, so you can print, scan, and copy without delay
- Reliable Wireless Connectivity - Enjoy stable and consistent connections with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz), ensuring smooth printing from anywhere in your home or office
- Scan & Copy Handling - Utilize the device’s integrated scanner for efficient scanning and copying operations
- PERFECT FOR BASIC PRINTING NEEDS – Print everyday color documents like to-do lists, letters, financial documents and recipes
- KEY FEATURES – Color print, copy, scan, a 35-sheet auto document feeder and a 60-sheet input tray, plus mobile and wireless printing
- OPTIMIZE PRINT FORMATTING 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
- ICON LCD – Print your basic documents with ease from the intuitive control panel
- PRINT SPEED – Up to 8.5 ppm black, 5.5 ppm color
- Wireless 4-in-1 (print | copy | scan | fax)..Power Consumption: 7W (0.8W Standby / 0.3W Off)
- Print speed up to: 4" x 6" Borderless Photo (PP-201): Approx. 65.0 Seconds / Black Document (Letter/Simplex): Approx. 8.8 ipm / Color Document (Letter/Simplex): Approx. 4.4 ipm
- 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".
- BEST FOR HOME AND HOME OFFICE: Get all your work done with an all-in-one multifunction printer. Print, copy, and scan on one compact printer for home use and home offices. Brother inkjet printers produce beautiful prints for results that stand out.
- EASY TO USE WITH CLOUD APP CONNECTIONS: Print from and scan to popular Cloud apps(2), including Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, and more from the simple-to-use 1.8” color display on your printer.
- PRODUCTIVITY-FOCUSED PRINTING FEATURES: This printer includes automatic duplex (2-sided) printing, a 20-sheet single-sided Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)(3), and a 150-sheet paper tray(3). Engineered to print at fast speeds of up to 16 pages per minute (ppm) in black and up to 9 ppm in color(4).
- MULTIPLE CONNECTION OPTIONS: Connect your way. Interface with your printer on your wireless network or via USB.
- THE BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP: Go mobile with the Brother Mobile Connect app(5) that delivers easy onscreen menu navigation for printing, copying, scanning, and device management from your mobile device. Monitor your ink usage with Page Gauge to help ensure you don’t run out(6) .
- PERFECT FOR BASIC PRINTING NEEDS – Print everyday color documents like to-do lists, letters, financial documents and recipes
- KEY FEATURES – Color print, copy, scan, and a 60-sheet input tray, plus mobile and wireless printing
- OPTIMIZE PRINT FORMATTING 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
- ICON LCD – Print your basic documents with ease from the intuitive control panel
- PRINT SPEED – Up to 7.5 ppm black, 5.5 ppm color
- 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.
Your Wallet-Friendly Guide to Inkjet Printers Under $100
Finding a good inkjet printer that won’t break the bank is totally possible! If you need a printer for simple home tasks like printing homework, recipes, or occasional photos, you can find a great option for under $100. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs.
What to Look For in an Inkjet Printer Under $100
When you’re shopping for a budget inkjet printer, focus on these important things:
Key Features to Consider
- Print Speed: This tells you how many pages the printer can print per minute. For most home users, a speed of 8-10 pages per minute for black and white is good enough. Color printing is usually a bit slower.
- Print Resolution: This is measured in dots per inch (dpi). Higher dpi means sharper and more detailed prints, especially for photos. Look for at least 600 x 600 dpi for documents and 4800 x 1200 dpi for photos.
- Connectivity: Most printers connect to your computer with a USB cable. Some also offer Wi-Fi, which lets you print wirelessly from your laptop, tablet, or phone. This is a really handy feature.
- All-in-One Capabilities: Many printers under $100 are “all-in-one” or “multifunction” devices. This means they can also scan and copy documents. This saves you money and space.
- Ink Cartridge Type: Printers use either pigment-based or dye-based ink. Pigment ink is better for black text because it’s sharper and doesn’t smudge easily. Dye ink is good for vibrant colors in photos. Some printers use separate cartridges for each color, which can be more cost-effective because you only replace the color that runs out. Others use a single black and a single color cartridge.
Important Materials and Build Quality
While you won’t find premium metal construction in this price range, look for a printer that feels sturdy. The plastic parts should seem durable and not flimsy. A well-built printer will last longer.
Factors That Affect Print Quality
- Ink Quality: The ink itself makes a big difference. Using the manufacturer’s recommended ink will give you the best results.
- Paper Type: Printing on the right paper is also important. Regular copy paper is fine for documents, but for photos, you’ll need special photo paper to get vibrant colors and a smooth finish.
- Printer Settings: Your printer’s software has settings for print quality. For everyday printing, “draft” or “normal” is fine. For important documents or photos, choose “best” or “high quality.”
User Experience and Use Cases
These printers are perfect for:
- Students: Printing assignments, research papers, and study guides.
- Home Offices: Making copies of important documents, printing letters, and creating simple flyers.
- Everyday Tasks: Printing recipes, coupons, or directions.
- Occasional Photo Printing: If you print photos just a few times a year, a budget printer can do a decent job.
Setting up these printers is usually straightforward. You’ll typically install software on your computer, connect the printer, and follow the on-screen steps. Wireless setup can sometimes be a little trickier, but manufacturers provide instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Inkjet Printers Under $100
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for?
A: Look for good print speed (around 8-10 ppm for black), decent print resolution (600 dpi for documents, 4800 dpi for photos), Wi-Fi connectivity if you want to print wirelessly, and all-in-one scanning and copying if you need those features.
Q: How important is the ink cartridge type?
A: It’s pretty important. Separate color cartridges are often cheaper to run because you only replace the color you need. Pigment ink is best for sharp black text, while dye ink makes colors pop in photos.
Q: Can I print photos with these printers?
A: Yes, you can! They are good for occasional photo printing. For the best results, use photo paper and select the highest print quality setting.
Q: Will these printers be slow?
A: Print speed varies. For basic documents, they are usually fast enough. Color printing and high-quality settings will take longer.
Q: What does “all-in-one” mean?
A: It means the printer can do more than just print. It can also scan documents and make copies, like a mini office machine.
Q: How do I get the best print quality?
A: Use good quality ink and the right kind of paper. Also, make sure you select the “best” or “high quality” print setting in your printer’s software for important prints.
Q: Are these printers easy to set up?
A: Most are! You usually install software on your computer and follow simple instructions. Wireless setup might take a little more time.
Q: What kind of ink do I need to buy?
A: You’ll need to buy ink cartridges that are made specifically for your printer model. Check the printer’s box or manual for the correct cartridge numbers.
Q: Can I print from my phone or tablet?
A: If the printer has Wi-Fi, then yes! You can usually download an app from the printer manufacturer to print wirelessly from your mobile devices.
Q: How long will a printer under $100 last?
A: With good care and using the right supplies, a budget printer can last several years for typical home use. Avoid letting ink dry out by printing something every few weeks.