10 Best Cheap Laser Printers 2026 in the United States

The Epson EcoTank ET-2803 is a budget-friendly color printer that offers several advantages for those looking to save on printing costs. One of its standout features is the innovative cartridge-free printing system, which uses high-capacity ink tanks instead of traditional cartridges. This can lead to significant savings on replacement ink, potentially lowering your long-term printing expenses by up to 90%. Additionally, it comes with up to 2 years' worth of ink in the box, providing a stress-free printing experience without frequent replacements. The printer is also eco-friendly by reducing cartridge waste, making it a good option for environmentally conscious users.

In terms of print quality, the ET-2803 uses Micro Piezo Heat Free technology to deliver sharp text and impressive color photos and graphics. It also includes a built-in scanner and copier, adding to its versatility and functionality. However, it's worth noting that the print speeds are on the slower side, with a maximum of 10 ppm for black and white and 5 ppm for color. This might not be ideal if you have high-volume printing needs. The connectivity options are modern, featuring Wi-Fi and USB, and it supports wireless printing from smart devices using AirPrint or the Epson Smart Panel app.

On the downside, the printer lacks dual-sided printing, which could be a drawback for users who frequently need to print on both sides of the paper. Additionally, while it has a 100-sheet input capacity, it may fall short for more demanding office environments. The initial page print time is about 10 seconds, which is standard but not particularly fast. The printer is relatively lightweight at 8.8 pounds and compact, making it suitable for small office spaces or home use. In summary, the Epson EcoTank ET-2803 is a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice for users with moderate printing needs, but it may not be the best fit for those requiring high-speed or dual-sided printing capabilities.

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a compact monochrome laser printer that shines for small businesses and home offices. With its print speed of up to 36 pages per minute, it delivers efficiency, making it perfect for users who need to produce documents quickly. The print quality is also commendable, with a maximum resolution of 1200 x 1200 DPI, providing sharp and clear text. Additionally, the built-in automatic duplex printing feature helps save paper, which is a significant advantage for eco-conscious users.

This printer is versatile with multi-function capabilities, allowing users to print, scan, and copy all from one device. The convenience of a 50-page automatic document feeder enhances productivity by facilitating quick multi-page scans and copies.

Connectivity options are robust, including dual-band wireless, Ethernet, and USB, catering to various network environments. The Brother Mobile Connect App is a great added feature, allowing remote management of printing tasks directly from smartphones, which is handy for on-the-go printing and monitoring toner levels. While the Brother DCP-L2640DW excels in black-and-white printing, it lacks color printing capabilities, which may not suit users needing vibrant color documents. Additionally, the initial cost of toner replacements can be high if users opt not to use the recommended Brother Genuine Toner. Although the Refresh subscription service is a great way to save on toner costs, some may prefer a printer with more economical toner options.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a great option for those looking for an affordable home printer that offers more than just basic printing. Its standout feature is the innovative cartridge-free printing system, which uses high-capacity ink tanks instead of traditional cartridges. This not only saves users up to 90% on replacement ink costs but also minimizes waste, making it environmentally friendly. With a capability to print up to 4,500 black and 7,500 color pages on a single set of ink bottles, it’s perfect for families or anyone with moderate printing needs.

In terms of print quality, the ET-2800 delivers impressive output thanks to its Micro Piezo technology, producing sharp text and vibrant color graphics. The built-in scanner and copier add to its functionality, making it a versatile all-in-one solution for home use.

However, there are some drawbacks. The print speed is on the slower side, with a maximum of 10 pages per minute for monochrome and 5 pages for color, which may not meet the demands of a busy office environment. Additionally, while it has both wired and wireless connectivity options, its manual duplex printing can be less convenient for users who regularly print double-sided documents. The printer's design is compact and user-friendly, featuring a clear display for easy navigation. Yet, it might be heavier compared to really portable options, weighing in at 8.8 pounds. Another consideration is that it does not support dual-sided printing automatically, which can be a drawback for those looking for efficiency in paper use.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is well-suited for home users seeking a cost-effective printer with excellent print quality and functionality. However, if speed and automatic duplex printing are your top priorities, you might want to explore other options.