Whether you need to print school assignments, basic documents, or the occasional photo, choosing a budget printer doesn’t mean you have to settle for frustration. With a bit of research, you can avoid hidden costs and find a printer that performs well over time. Inkjet vs. Laser: Know the Difference Inkjet printers: Better for photos and color prints. Initial cost is lower, but ink refills can add up. Laser printers: Faster and better for black-and-white documents. Slightly higher upfront cost but cheaper per page in the long run. If you mostly print text, a budget monochrome laser printer is often more economical over time. Total Cost of Ownership Don’t just look at the sticker price. Consider: Ink or toner costs Page yield (how many pages per cartridge) Availability of third-party or refillable cartridges A cheaper printer with expensive ink can cost more in the long run than a moderately priced one with affordable cartridges. Print Speed and Quality For home use, you don’t need high-end speed. But check for: At least 7–10 pages per minute (ppm) for black-and-white Acceptable resolution: 600x600 dpi is fine for documents; 1200 dpi or higher is better for photos All-in-One Convenience Many budget printers are also scanners and copiers. These features add value: Flatbed scanner for books or forms Auto document feeder (ADF) for multipage scanning (optional) Mobile printing via app or Wi-Fi Connectivity Look for the following to make your setup easier: Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Direct for wireless printing USB connection as a fallback Cloud printing support is a bonus for mobile users Reliable Budget Brands Brother HL or DCP series Canon PIXMA series HP DeskJet or ENVY series Epson EcoTank (entry models) These brands offer reasonable print quality and lower long-term costs with select models. Final Thought Choosing the right budget printer comes down to matching the printer type to your real needs and keeping an eye on ink or toner costs. By prioritizing total value instead of the lowest price, you’ll spend less over time and avoid unnecessary frustration.