Best Home Printers Under $100

Tired of running to the library or relying on expensive printing services? A home printer can be a lifesaver, especially for students, families, or anyone working from home. The good news is you don't need to break the bank to get a reliable one. This guide dives into the best home printers under $100, helping first-time buyers navigate the often-confusing world of inkjets and laser printers.

Why a Home Printer Matters

In today's digital age, it might seem counterintuitive to own a printer. However, having a printer at home offers unmatched convenience. From printing important documents to creating hard copies of cherished photos, a home printer puts you in control.

Think about last-minute school projects, urgent tax forms, or simply wanting a physical copy of a recipe. For many, a printer is an essential tool.

Top 5 Home Printers Under $100: A Comparison

Here's a quick comparison of some of the top contenders in the under $100 printer category.

Model	Price (USD)	Technology	Print Speed (B&W)	Connectivity	Warranty
HP DeskJet 2755e	$79	Inkjet	7.5 ppm	Wi-Fi, USB	1-year limited
Canon PIXMA MG3620	$69	Inkjet	9.9 ppm	Wi-Fi, USB	1-year limited
Epson Expression Home XP-4200	$89	Inkjet	10 ppm	Wi-Fi, USB, SD Card	1-year limited
Brother HL-L2300D	$99	Laser (B&W)	30 ppm	USB	1-year limited
Canon PIXMA TS302	$59	Inkjet	7.7 ppm	Wi-Fi, USB	1-year limited

Detailed Reviews: Unpacking the Best Options

HP DeskJet 2755e: The Everyday All-Rounder

The HP DeskJet 2755e is a popular choice for its simplicity and affordability. It's an all-in-one printer, meaning it can print, scan, and copy. Setup is easy, thanks to the HP Smart app.

Print quality is decent for everyday documents and photos. The biggest drawback can be the cost of ink cartridges. Consider subscribing to HP Instant Ink to save money if you print frequently.

Canon PIXMA MG3620: A Budget-Friendly Option

The Canon PIXMA MG3620 offers a good balance of features and price. It boasts wireless connectivity and mobile printing capabilities. Print speeds are reasonable for a budget inkjet printer.

Photo printing quality is surprisingly good for its price point. Like the HP DeskJet, ink costs can add up, so explore cartridge options carefully.

Epson Expression Home XP-4200: Feature-Packed on a Budget

The Epson Expression Home XP-4200 stands out with its user-friendly interface and SD card slot. This allows you to print photos directly from your camera. Print quality is generally good, and it supports various paper sizes.

The individual ink cartridges can be cost-effective if you only print certain colors frequently. However, it's generally a slower printer compared to others.

Brother HL-L2300D: The Black and White Workhorse

If you primarily need to print black and white documents, the Brother HL-L2300D is an excellent choice. This laser printer delivers crisp text at impressive speeds. Its automatic duplex printing saves paper.

While it doesn't offer color printing or Wi-Fi connectivity, its toner cartridges last much longer than inkjet cartridges. This makes it a cost-effective option for high-volume black and white printing.

Canon PIXMA TS302: The Minimalist Choice

The Canon PIXMA TS302 is a compact and affordable printer. It's ideal for small spaces and users who only need basic printing functionality. It supports wireless connectivity and smartphone printing.

Print quality is acceptable for everyday documents, but it's not the best choice for photo printing. Ink cartridges may need frequent replacement if used regularly.

Used vs. New: Weighing the Options

Buying a used printer can save you money upfront. However, there are risks involved. Used printers may have worn-out parts, clogged printheads, or compatibility issues with newer operating systems.

Pros of Buying Used: Lower initial cost. Cons of Buying Used: Potential reliability issues, limited or no warranty.

Buying a new printer guarantees you're getting a fully functional device with a warranty. It also ensures compatibility and access to the latest features. Pros of Buying New: Reliability, warranty, latest technology. Cons of Buying New: Higher initial cost.

Reliability Ratings by Brand

Printer reliability can vary by brand and model. Generally, Brother printers are known for their durability and reliability, particularly their laser printers. HP and Canon are generally reliable, but can have issues with ink cartridge recognition. Epson is known for its print quality, but some models may require more maintenance.

It's always wise to read online reviews and check customer feedback before making a purchase. Look for specific mentions of reliability and common issues.

Checklist: 5 Must-Check Features Before Buying

Print Quality: Assess if the print quality meets your needs for both text and images.
Connectivity: Ensure the printer supports your preferred connection method (Wi-Fi, USB).
Ink Costs: Research the cost of ink cartridges and consider subscription options like HP Instant Ink.
Print Speed: Consider the print speed (pages per minute - ppm) if you print frequently.
Warranty: Check the warranty coverage and understand the terms and conditions.

Key Takeaways

Choosing the best home printer under $100 depends on your specific needs and budget. Inkjet printers are generally better for color printing and photos, while laser printers excel at black and white text documents. Consider the long-term cost of ink or toner when making your decision.

Don't forget to factor in features like wireless connectivity, print speed, and warranty coverage. Weigh the pros and cons of buying used versus new.

Make an Informed Decision

With so many options available, it's crucial to do your research and consider all the factors discussed in this guide. Read reviews, compare specifications, and think about how you'll primarily use the printer.

Ready to take the next step? Check out online retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart to compare prices and find the perfect printer for your needs. Happy printing!