Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Est. Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP DeskJet 4155e | Best Overall | ~$85-110 | 4.7/5 |
| Canon PIXMA TR4720 | Best Budget | ~$60-80 | 4.6/5 |
| Epson EcoTank ET-2800 | Best Premium | ~$200-260 | 4.7/5 |
| Brother HL-L2350DW | Best for Mono Laser | ~$130-170 | 4.5/5 |
| HP Envy 6055e | Best Compact AIO | ~$100-140 | 4.6/5 |
The word “economy” can mean two very different things on a printer box. Cheap upfront often hides expensive ink. Pricier ink tanks can pay back in months. I’ve owned every kind over the years and these are the five I’d actually recommend if you care about long-term cost.
1. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-In-One Printer
Refillable ink tanks, two years of ink in the box, and consistently the cheapest cost per page. Check it on Amazon
2. Brother HL-L2350DW Monochrome Compact Laser Printer
The bulletproof laser. Toner lasts forever, prints sharp, and the duplex saves paper. Check it on Amazon
3. Canon PIXMA G3270 MegaTank Color All-In-One Printer
Canon’s answer to the EcoTank. Big bottles, decent print quality, and reliable wireless. Check it on Amazon
4. HP DeskJet 4155e Wireless Color Inkjet Printer
The lowest upfront price that still actually works. Comes with HP+ trial - skip the auto-renew. Check it on Amazon
5. Brother MFC-J1205W Color All-In-One Inkjet With INKvestment Tank
Cartridge-based but the cartridges hold a year of ink. A nice middle ground. Check it on Amazon
What Matters Most
For me, “economy” means three things: cost per page after two years (not week one), reliability without paid subscription nonsense, and how the printer handles being unused for a month. Inkjets that dry up if you skip a few weeks are not economy printers.
My Setup
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 lives in my home office. I keep a single black ink bottle as a spare and that has lasted me 18 months without a refill. My partner uses the Brother HL-L2350DW laser at her remote-work desk for contracts.
Common Mistakes
Buyers chase the lowest sticker price without checking ink cost - HP and Canon both sell starter cartridges that empty in about 50 pages. Always check the page yield (ISO) on the box, not just the price.
Final Recommendation
If you print color and want the cheapest long-run cost, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is the obvious winner. If you only print text and want zero-stress reliability, the Brother HL-L2350DW laser is the printer that will outlive your laptop.
Frequently asked questions
Are ink tank printers actually cheaper?+
Yes - dramatically. After two years my ink tank printer has cost me about a third of what a cartridge printer would have, even with the higher upfront price.
Is laser cheaper than inkjet for low volume?+
For text-only and low monthly volume, monochrome laser is often cheaper per page. For mixed color and infrequent use, ink tank wins.