Ranking of the most economical printers for 2022

Office equipment has long and firmly entered our daily lives. It is difficult to imagine an office that does not have a multifunctional device (MFP), or just a printer to display information from a computer screen on paper. The scope of such products is wide - it is used not only in offices, but also in production, in apartments and private houses. Due to the variety of types and types of office equipment, the presence of additional functionality, it is difficult to figure out which device is best to purchase.

In this article, we will learn what to look for in order not to make mistakes when choosing, and also rank the most economical printers based on basic characteristics, as well as reviews from real buyers.

How to choose a printer

Before you make a purchase, you need to decide where the computer equipment will be used - for the office or for the home. In the first case, the device requires a high print speed (measured in the number of pages per minute), as well as economy in the use of consumables (the less often you need to refill the toner or cartridge, the less ink costs), and electricity (which is important for large print volumes). ). It is also worth clarifying what format the documents are planned for - devices that accept sheets of A3 format and more cost an order of magnitude more expensive.

When using the printer at home, the above parameters are not so important, and the cost of the device comes to the fore, since the requirements for the device are minimal (it is necessary that the information be simply printed, speed and quality do not matter much).

After determining the main task, you need to clarify whether it is easy to find and purchase consumables for the selected model in the stores of your city, since they will have to be purchased periodically. If you do not know how to refuel office equipment yourself, you also need to find out how much the toner refilling service will cost.

laser or inkjet

Inkjet technology attracts the attention of buyers with low cost.However, experts do not recommend buying such devices if the device is required to perform a large amount of work, since the cost of consumables for the device can hit the pocket hard, and in some cases even exceed the final purchase price.

The advantages of such printers include high print quality - you can display photos not only on special photo paper, but also on standard one. Replacing the ink fluid is a laborious process and to make it easier some models use a continuous ink supply system, but it is expensive and adds even more to the bottom line cost per printed page. Another drawback of such devices is that if the ink in the toner is left idle for a long time, it may dry out, and you will have to buy a new container. Other features include low printing speed, rapid loss of quality of the printed ink at the slightest contact with water (the ink spreads), ink burnout when exposed to ultraviolet rays for a long time. In modern innovations, many of these shortcomings are leveled, however, due to the high cost, an ordinary consumer cannot afford such devices.

Laser printers are much more expensive than inkjet competitors, but much more economical in terms of refilling. One container can be enough for 2,000 pages of text or more. Among the shortcomings, one can note the fact that black and white models are most often found in stores, and it is not so easy to find a color one in free sale. You can refill the toner of the laser device yourself, without the involvement of specialists. Repair of such a toner will cost an order of magnitude cheaper than that of an inkjet printer.

Ways to save money when using the printer

Economists have noticed that MFP manufacturers have come up with a great way to make money on the sale of their goods - they sell office equipment almost at cost, forcing the buyer to make a purchase, after which they unreasonably overestimate the cost of consumables, thereby receiving excess profit from their sale.

In this section, we will look at ways to save money when printing documents:

• A simple but little known way. Not many people know that the Times new Roman font consumes a large amount of ink compared to its counterparts. So, fonts such as Arial, Garamond require the least paint consumption. Software developers even came up with special economical fonts (which are purchased for a fee) - for example, Ecofont will save more than 50% of the cost of refilling a cartridge.
• Working with black and white ink. At home, most of the users do not think about saving, and print documents in color. Switching to black and white mode will significantly save the family budget.
• When printing information from the Internet, you need to display not the entire page on the device, but go to the "Print" menu, after which only the information that the user needs (without pictures, advertising, sections of the site, etc.) will be sent to the MFP.
• Use only original cartridges. Due to the fact that many users buy cheap Chinese counterparts, which fail after a short period of time, forcing them to make a new purchase, the cost of office equipment is increasing. To avoid additional costs, we recommend purchasing only original components.
• Not many people know that in the printer settings there is such an option as draft printing. It is a viewable version of a text or image, using a minimum of ink, and of satisfactory quality. Such documents can be displayed if subsequent editing is to be done and their appearance does not play a big role.

Rating of the best and economical printers

For black and white printing

In this category, laser devices have no equal, despite the high cost of the device, the price of one processed sheet is the lowest, but we will also consider inkjet analogues.

Xerox Phaser 3020BI

The products of the American brand have long been present on the office equipment market and are included in the TOP of the best, as they have proven themselves well during their work. Since the company began its work at the dawn of the emergence of copiers, it has accumulated a lot of experience in this area, constantly introducing innovations in the development and production of finished products.

The delivery set of this model, in addition to the device itself, includes a power cord, instruction manual, cartridge, and a CD with additional information. The main feature of this model is the ability to connect to a personal computer using Wi-fi at a relatively budget price. In addition, a standard connection via the USB module can be used. According to buyers, the advantages of the manufacturer include the fact that the cable for this connection is included in the package and does not need to be purchased additionally.

The appearance of the device is standard, without eye-catching features. The body is made of white plastic, the cover is also plastic, blue.To avoid damage during transportation, all moving parts are fixed with adhesive tape. There are several indicators on the cover - signaling that the cartridge has run out, setting up the Wi-fi interface, device status (working, error, etc.). Dimensions allow you to place the device even in a small niche, making it suitable not only for a small office, but also for an apartment.

The manufacturer claims that the printer is capable of printing up to 20 pages per minute, which is a good indicator for technology of this level. Toner can be refilled at home on its own, the price of the container itself does not exceed 4,000 rubles, and a compatible analogue - 1,000. The capacity of the ink container is approximately 1,500 sheets. There are several modes for printing - standard (600x600 dpi), and high quality (1200x1200 dpi). Duplex printing is present, but only manual (the user has to turn the pages themselves). Most devices can work over Wi-fi without any complaints, however, there are instances on sale that require additional configuration, tips and tricks for which can be found on specialized forums. The average price of the goods is 6,500 rubles.

• there is a Wi-fi module, which is an important selection criterion for many buyers;
• quality components;
• inexpensive in price and consumables;
• a large number of positive customer reviews.

• among the reviews of some customers there are complaints about the incorrect operation of the Wi-fi module;
• Supports formats up to A4.

Brother MFC-L2720DWR

This device belongs to the category of MFPs - multifunctional devices that can not only print documents, but also scan them, as well as photocopy. The body of the product is made in black, which makes it possible to install it in any interior. This model is suitable for a small office, and will replace several devices at once, such as a printer or scanner, copier. A device with a fax function is suitable for those companies that work by fax.

All the necessary information on working with the device can be read on a small screen, which is located next to the cover. The display is touch and color, which is rare in an MFP of this level. Connection with a computer is carried out using USB, or through a wireless access point via Wi-fi. The device supports connections with mobile gadgets using special applications such as Google Cloud Print, iPrint&Scan, etc.

The delivery set includes a cartridge, a photoconductor, the MFP itself, a user manual, an installation CD, a cable for connecting to a telephone line. Unlike the previous contender, here you will have to buy a USB cable yourself. According to the description on the manufacturer's website, the MFP can use both plain and high-speed paper, as well as recycled sheets. Users note the high speed of printing and scanning, large capacity trays, the presence of a fax and a color LCD display.

• replaces 4 pieces of office equipment;
• there is an automatic sheet feeder for scanning;
• high resolution scanner;
• universal coloring;
• color LCD display;
• it is possible to apply text or a picture not only on standard paper, but also on film, labels, envelopes.

• USB cable not included;
• it is difficult to find a point of sale where you can buy the device right away, it is easier to order it online in an online store;
• some customers note the incorrect operation of the auto feed tray ("paper jams").

HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428dw

The review continues with one of the best representatives of HP's MFP line. The popularity of the models of this manufacturer is due to the high quality and reliability of components, which allows you to buy office equipment once and for a long time. A thermal printer with automatic two-sided printing will cover the needs of even a large office, as it is configured for high-speed printing and scanning. Like the previous representative, this MFP can replace 4 devices at once. According to the manufacturer, the device is suitable for a department consisting of 3-10 people, with an average text output of up to 4,000 pages per month.

The delivery set, in addition to the device itself, includes a network cable, a telephone wire, a USB cable, a cartridge, and an instruction manual. The software is not included in the package, it must be downloaded from the manufacturer's website. A distinctive feature of the device is the ability to use two different cartridges with it - 3,000 pages (included in the package) and 10,000 pages (purchased separately). To protect against the use of non-original cartridges, the manufacturer has provided the ability to configure the MFP, which will allow you to accept only original consumables.

In appearance, the device does not differ from the brand line: at the bottom there is a receiving tray, at the top there is an automatic paper feed compartment, at the very top there is a screen with control buttons. It can rotate in one plane for the convenience of the user.

Buyers note the convenient scanner cover - it can be fixed in various positions. The MFP provides a large number of settings for various parameters, making it possible to work not only in tandem with a computer, but also standalone. It is also possible to work with mobile devices using a Wi-Fi Direct access point. Of the interesting functions, it is possible to note the presence of a function for storing pending tasks - printing of documents may not be carried out immediately, but after a specified period of time. Due to the fact that the output of photos is not a profile function of this MFP, you should not expect high-quality performance from them. Nevertheless, all elements are printed clearly, without obvious defects. Sheet processing speed - up to 38 pieces in mono mode, 31 - in duplex. If necessary, documents can be encrypted with a PIN code to protect them from unauthorized viewing. The average price of a product is 23,000 rubles.

• high speed of document processing;
• color LCD display;
• replaces a large number of office equipment;
• large capacity trays;
• there is a preview of the scanned image on the device panel;
• the largest cartridge capacity of the models under consideration.

• high price;
• large overall dimensions;
• some buyers complain about the complex menu when scanning.

Canon i-SENSYS LBP6030B

As stated by the manufacturer, this technique is the best choice for home use. Buyers note an attractive design, as well as a simple and understandable menu, which makes it convenient to work with the device from the first minutes. Since this is a budget device, you should not expect it to perform complex tasks, its main function is to process typical A4 documents.

The package does not include a USB cable, and therefore, experienced users recommend buying it immediately when purchasing a printer. Together with the device in the box, you can find software on an optical disc, a network cable and a cartridge. The cost of refilling a cartridge in the service costs about 350 rubles, after several refills, it may be necessary to replace some elements (imaging drum, shaft).

The device is economical not only in the cost of the product itself, but also when refueling. It uses a standard toner, which even in the original is inexpensive, and if you wish, you can find an analogue for sale at a price of 500 to 1,000 rubles. Experts also note the high maintainability of the device - the resulting breakdowns, as a rule, are minor, and are eliminated at any service center for a small amount of money.

Users note that the printer processes documents faster than stated by the manufacturer and does not make much noise. If the latest version of the operating system is installed on the computer, there may be problems installing drivers for the device. The average price of the goods is 7,500 rubles.

• the lowest price among similar analogues;
• one of the best price-quality ratios on the market;
• simple printing technology that has stood the test of time.

• no additional features that are equipped with more expensive competitors;
• consumes a lot of electricity during operation.

Let's present the main characteristics of black and white models in a comparative table.

Index	Xerox Phaser 3020BI	Brother MFC-L2720DWR	HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428dw	Canon i-SENSYS LBP6030B
Chroma	black and white	black and white	black and white	black and white
Application area	small office	small office	middle office	small office
Accommodation	desktop	desktop	desktop	desktop
Maximum Format	A4	A4	A4	A4
Print speed, ppm	20	30	38	18
Paper feed tray, pcs.	151	251	900	150
Paper output tray, pcs.	100	100	150	100
Overall dimensions, (WxHxD)	331x188x215mm	409x316x398	420x323x390	364x199x249
Weight, kg	4.1	10.9	12.9	5
Supported OS	Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS	Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS	Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android	Windows, Linux, MacOS
Power consumption during operation, W	313	510	510	870
Interfaces	WiFi, USB	Wi-Fi, Ethernet (RJ-45), USB	Wi-Fi, Ethernet (RJ-45), USB, Bluetooth	USB
Screen presence	missing	color LCD	color LCD	missing

For color printing

Canon PIXMA MG2540S

This is one of the most popular MFP models today, which is designed for use at home or in a small office. This is one of the most budget devices with the ability to thermally print photos. Buyers note bright colors, and high-quality photo printing.

When buying, please note that the package does not include a USB cable, which is better to buy in advance. Since the Wi-fi module is also missing, communication with a computer cannot be established without an additional purchase. It is worth noting that the price of such a cable can reach a quarter of the cost of the device itself.In the box with the MFP, you can find two cartridges at once, which is rare at the present time.

Working with the MFP is clear and does not cause difficulties. On the installation disc, along with the driver, there is a program with which you can perform the required actions with the printer. Black-and-white printing does not raise any complaints, and with color printing, users note the following shortcomings: there is no frameless function, one of the margins is larger than the others (left), dark colors turn out to be inexpressive. Scanning runs flawlessly. Since the device is inkjet, the price of consumables is high. To solve the problem, some buy a separate CISS system, but it also costs a lot. Users note that the ink in the cartridges does not dry out with rare use. The average price of a product is 2,500 rubles.

• budget price;
• sold in most electronics and home appliance stores;
• replaces 3 office machines;
• quality components.

• the package does not include a USB cable, without which it is impossible to interact with a computer;
• low speed of document processing;
• high cost of refilling cartridges.

Epson L3100S

The Epson brand model, which is equipped with CISS, continues the rating of high-quality color printers, thanks to which it not only processes documents quickly, but also has protection against drying out, and is also convenient to refill. Even a child can cope with filling the toner. Customers note that compared to other similar devices, the cost of printing one sheet is more economical.

The delivery set includes the device itself, operating instructions, a disk with an installation program, paint for the first filling (four jars of 65 ml each), a power cord.The USB cable must be purchased separately. Due to the fact that there is also no network interface, it is impossible to work with the device without this cable. The manufacturer recommends using the printer in a small office or at home, as the document processing speed is low. The product is made in black color, has a non-standard shape with a ledge on the right side. Finishing material is not easily soiled, fingerprints do not remain.

Users note that, despite the fact that this is an inkjet-type MFP, it is almost as fast as a laser in terms of document processing speed. Separately, it is worth mentioning the cost of ink - their price is an order of magnitude lower than that of other competitors, due to which the cost of servicing the device is not much different from the laser counterpart. Among the shortcomings, one can single out the peculiarity of photocopying - after the tenth page, the speed decreases to 1 sheet in a few minutes. The average price of the goods is 12,600 rubles.

• inexpensive ink;
• there is a CISS system;
• convenient refueling.

• USB cable not included;
• high price;
• slow photocopying (with volumes of 10 sheets or more).

HP Color Laser MFP 178nw

This model is popular in many offices - due to its versatility, as well as the speed and quality of the tasks. Despite the fact that the HP brand is marked on the body of the device, in fact it is an improved Samsung 3305 model with the corresponding advantages and disadvantages. The device has a Wi-fi module, thanks to which it can be installed at a distance from the computer. There is also an LPT port. Supports FireWire technology.

The device is a multifunctional device, and combines the characteristics of a printer (piezoelectric system), scanner and copier. Buyers note the unusually budget price of the product, which is offset by the cost of consumables - four original toners will cost the same amount as was spent on the purchase of an MFP. Of the unusual features, we can note the LED backlight of the display, which automatically turns on if the room becomes dark.

Due to the fact that chips for this product have not yet been released, refilling toners is not easy. If it is not possible to find a service center that will cope with this task, the user will have to buy an expensive set of new cartridges, since there are no analogues to the original yet. The average price of a product is 17,000 rubles.

• copes with the assigned tasks without any complaints;
• low cost compared to competitors;
• small dimensions.

• on the network you can find a large number of customer complaints that the device cannot be refilled due to the fact that the chips for it have not yet been released, and there is no replacement for the original cartridges.

Xerox Phaser 6510N

This model is designed for a large amount of work and is purchased mainly for offices. This machine is designed for intensive use, and therefore has an increased capacity of cartridges and document processing speed, as well as the capacity of the trays. The device uses LED technology, thanks to which the permissible load on the device is 50,000 pages per month or more.

The paper feed trays can hold up to 850 sheets, with the option to install an additional bin to increase capacity by another 550 pages.Buyers note the convenience in managing the device, after unpacking and connecting to a computer, you can immediately use it. All necessary cables are included with the device. There is a Wi-fi module and an infrared port, so that interaction with the printer is possible from any compatible device. The sublimation technology declared by the manufacturer, an improved color cartridge contribute to high quality printing. Due to the high capacity of the cartridges and the use of modern technologies, the device is much more economical than its direct competitors. The average price of the goods is 23,500 rubles.

• high speed of document processing;
• capacious paper trays;
• high resource of cartridges;
• small dimensions for such a device;
• a large number of positive customer reviews.

• high price.

Let's make a comparative table of color MFPs:

Index	Canon PIXMA MG2540S	Epson L3100	HP Color Laser MFP 178nw	Xerox Phaser 6510N
Chroma	colored	colored	colored	colored
Application area	small office	small office	small office	middle office
Accommodation	desktop	desktop	desktop	desktop
MFP	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Maximum Format	A4	A4	A4	A4
Number of colors, pcs	4	4	4	4
Print speed, ppm	8 (black and white), 5 (color)	33 (black and white), 15 (color)	18 (black and white), 4 (color)	28 (black and white and color)
Paper feed tray, pcs.	60	100	150	850
Paper output tray, pcs.	60	30	50	150
Overall dimensions, (WxHxD)	426x145x306	375x179x347	406x289x423	420x347x483
Weight, kg	3.5	3.9	12.94	23.8
Supported OS	Windows, MacOS	Windows, MacOS	Windows, iOS, Android	Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS
Power consumption during operation, W	9	12	300	350
Interfaces	USB	USB	Wi-Fi, Ethernet (RJ-45), USB	Ethernet (RJ-45), USB
Screen presence	missing	missing	there is	there is

Conclusion

When choosing a printer from which company it is better to buy, it is important not to make a mistake, since this product does not belong to the category of daily consumption, and is bought once and for a long time. We recommend that you decide what functions the device should perform before you go to the store.

In order to find a balance between print quality and the cost of a printer and consumables, when choosing, you should rely not only on the opinion of the manager in the store, but also study profile forums, as well as customer reviews. We hope that our review will help you make the right choice!