Do you need to print documents, photos, or school projects but don’t want to spend a lot of money? Finding a good inkjet printer for under $100 can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Many printers in this price range might seem cheap, but they can also be frustrating to use, have expensive ink, or not print very well. It’s easy to get confused by all the different features and brands.
But don’t worry! This guide is here to help you. We understand the struggle and have done the hard work for you. By reading on, you’ll discover the best inkjet printers that offer great value without breaking the bank. We’ll show you what to look for and highlight some top picks that will meet your printing needs.
Get ready to find a printer that’s perfect for your home or small office. Let’s dive in and explore the world of affordable, reliable inkjet printers!
Top Inkjet Printer Under $100 Recommendations
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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) .
- 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".
- FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – The Envy 6155 is perfect for homes printing everyday high-quality color documents like homework and borderless photos. Print speeds up to 10 ppm black, 7 ppm color.
- 3 MONTH TRIAL OF INSTANT INK – Subscribe to the Instant Ink delivery service to get ink delivered directly to your door before you run out, and you save up to 50% on ink. After 3 months, a monthly fee applies unless cancelled.
- 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
- WIRELESS PRINTING – Stay connected with our most reliable dual-band Wi-Fi, which automatically detects and resolves connection issues
- AFFORDABLE COLOR PRINTING – 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
Finding Your Perfect Printer: Inkjet Under $100
Looking for a printer that won’t break the bank? An inkjet printer under $100 can be a fantastic option for home use, school projects, or everyday printing needs. But with so many choices, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you find the best printer for your budget.
Key Features to Look For
1. Print Speed
Print speed tells you how fast the printer can print pages. Look for printers that print at least 5-10 pages per minute (ppm) for black and white. Color printing is usually a bit slower.
2. Connectivity Options
How will you connect to the printer?
- USB: This is the most common way to connect a printer directly to a computer.
- Wi-Fi: Many printers let you print wirelessly from your computer, tablet, or phone. This is super convenient!
- Cloud Printing: Some printers work with services like Google Cloud Print, so you can print from anywhere.
3. All-in-One Capabilities
Many budget inkjet printers are “all-in-one.” This means they can also copy and scan. This saves you money and space by having one device do multiple jobs.
4. Ink Cartridge Type and Cost
Ink can be expensive.
- Separate Cartridges: Some printers have separate tanks for black and color ink. If one color runs out, you only need to replace that cartridge.
- Tri-color Cartridges: Other printers use one cartridge for all colors. If just one color runs out, you have to replace the whole cartridge. This can cost more over time.
Always check the price of replacement ink cartridges before you buy the printer. This is a big factor in how much you’ll spend long-term.
Important Materials and Quality Factors
Build Quality
Printers under $100 are usually made of plastic. While they might not feel super heavy-duty, they should feel sturdy enough for regular use. A wobbly or flimsy printer might not last as long.
Print Quality
For everyday printing, most inkjet printers under $100 do a good job.
- Text: Sharp and clear text is important for documents.
- Photos: If you plan to print photos, look for printers that can handle photo paper and produce good color. However, don’t expect professional photo lab quality at this price point.
Factors that improve print quality include good ink and a well-maintained print head. Using the right paper also makes a difference.
Factors that Reduce Quality
- Clogged Print Heads: If you don’t use your printer often, the ink can dry up and clog the print heads. This can lead to streaky or missing colors.
- Low-Quality Ink: Using off-brand or very cheap ink might not produce the best results.
- Incorrect Settings: Printing a document in the wrong mode (like draft mode for a final report) will reduce quality.
User Experience and Use Cases
Ease of Setup
Most printers come with easy-to-follow instructions. Setting up a printer usually involves plugging it in, installing ink cartridges, and installing software on your computer. Wireless setup can sometimes be a little trickier, but online guides usually help.
Everyday Home Use
These printers are perfect for printing homework, recipes, coupons, and emails. They are simple to operate and don’t take up much space.
School Projects
For printing reports, presentations, and school artwork, an inkjet under $100 is a great choice. You can print in color for projects without spending a fortune.
Occasional Photo Printing
If you want to print a few photos now and then, many budget inkjets can do the job. For serious photo printing, you might need to spend a bit more.
Choosing an inkjet printer under $100 involves balancing features, cost, and your printing needs. By considering these points, you can find a reliable printer that fits your budget and gets the job done.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main benefit of an all-in-one printer?
A: The main benefit is saving money and space because it can print, copy, and scan.
Q: How often should I use my inkjet printer to prevent clogs?
A: It’s good to print at least once a week to keep the ink flowing.
Q: Can I print photos on a printer under $100?
A: Yes, you can print photos, but the quality might not be as good as a more expensive photo printer.
Q: Is Wi-Fi printing worth it on a budget printer?
A: Yes, Wi-Fi printing is very convenient for printing from different devices without cables.
Q: How do I know if replacement ink will be expensive?
A: Check the price of replacement ink cartridges online or in stores before you buy the printer.
Q: What does “print speed” mean?
A: Print speed is how many pages the printer can print in one minute.
Q: What happens if I run out of one color ink in a tri-color cartridge?
A: You have to replace the whole cartridge, even if the other colors still have ink.
Q: Are printers under $100 good for printing lots of pages?
A: They are good for average use, but if you print hundreds of pages a month, you might need a sturdier, more expensive model.
Q: Can I use non-brand ink cartridges?
A: Some printers allow it, but it might affect print quality or void the warranty.
Q: What’s the most important thing to check before buying?
A: Check the cost of replacement ink cartridges to understand the long-term expense.