Best Printers Under $100: Top Budget Picks

Quick Answer

Printers under $100 are entry-level home and small-office models with a purchase price below $100. They usually handle basic text, light color printing, scanning, or copying. Sticker price isn't the real question here. Total ownership cost is, especially ink and cartridge replacement.

Related concepts: inkjet printer, all-in-one printer, wireless printing, and cost per page.

I learned that the hard way on a manuscript deadline. The printer looked like a steal at $69. Two months later, replacement cartridges cost $45. That's the ownership trap this guide helps you avoid when you're hunting for the best printers under 100 dollars. For broader context, see our printer reviews hub and home printer reviews.

Best overall: HP DeskJet 4155e for balanced home use, easy setup, and broad availability. Check the Price on Amazon!

Budget: Canon PIXMA TS3520 for the lowest entry price and decent everyday color output. Check the Price on Amazon!

Premium: Brother MFC-J1010DW INKvestment for better page yield and lower hassle if you print often. Check the Price on Amazon!

Value: Epson EcoTank ET-2800 when you can find one near the $100 ceiling and want the lowest running cost. Check the Price on Amazon!

The best sub-$100 printer for most people has acceptable ink cost, wireless support, and the right feature set. A parent printing homework packets and return labels needs a different pick than a student printing a few pages a week. Want the short version first? See which budget printer fits your use case below.

If you want the side-by-side view, the next table breaks down the top picks fast.

Quick Recommendations

Ratings reflect purchase price under $100 (as of July 2026), ink economics, wireless support, and home-use fit. Street prices often land in the $59–$99 range depending on sales. Not every model stays under the ceiling every week, so treat prices as a target range.

Use this table to rule out models that lack scanning or wireless support. Once you have a shortlist, the next section explains why each pick made the cut.

What We Recommend

Best overall, HP DeskJet series

The HP DeskJet line is my default pick for most home buyers. The HP DeskJet 4155e balances price, setup ease, and everyday features. You get wireless printing, mobile app support, and all-in-one options with scanning and copying on many models. That's a lot of utility for a sub-$100 checkout.

Cartridge costs can climb if you print a lot, so this isn't the long-run cost leader. For moderate home use, though, it's the printer I'd hand to a neighbor who just wants something dependable without a research project.

Verdict: Best all-around choice if you want a dependable budget printer without overthinking it.

What We Noticed

Setup is usually straightforward. HP's app ecosystem is familiar enough that most households get printing from phones and laptops without much drama.

Unexpected Pros

Broad retail availability means you can often find a DeskJet-style model on sale. Replacement cartridges are easy to locate, which matters when you're printing school forms on a Tuesday night.

Unexpected Cons

Starter cartridges can be stingy. Some buyers get surprised by how fast the first refill arrives.

Things Nobody Talks About

HP's subscription ink plans can help predictable households, but read the fine print. If your print volume swings, a plan can cost more than buying cartridges outright. See our HP Instant Ink review before you sign up.

Real-World Considerations

A family printing school forms, return labels, and a few color pages each week fits this pattern well. If you print daily, look at the Brother or Epson picks instead.

Want the cheapest entry price instead? The budget pick is next.

Budget, Canon PIXMA TS series

The Canon PIXMA TS line is my budget-first pick when checkout price matters most. The Canon PIXMA TS3520 often lands at the low end of the sub-$100 range. It handles color documents and light photo output better than you'd expect for the money.

Ink can get pricey if you print often, so this is a light-use recommendation. A college student printing a few essays and occasional color handouts makes sense here. A household printing worksheets every day probably doesn't.

Verdict: Best if your main goal is the lowest upfront spend.

What We Noticed

Canon tends to deliver decent color output for the price. Everyday school handouts and charts look fine without chasing a photo printer.

Unexpected Pros

The entry price can beat HP on shelf cost. That matters when you're furnishing a dorm room or a first apartment.

Unexpected Cons

Speed isn't a strong suit on many budget PIXMA models. Fine for casual use, frustrating when you're rushing out the door.

Things Nobody Talks About

Cartridge pricing varies by model number more than buyers expect. Always check the specific cartridge cost before you buy, not just the printer price.

Real-World Considerations

If you print more than a few pages a week, the next pick may save you money over time.

Premium, Brother INKvestment entry models

Brother INKvestment entry models like the Brother MFC-J1010DW sit near the top of the budget range. They're built for buyers who care about cost per page. Higher page yield means fewer cartridge swaps, and automatic duplex printing shows up on some models in this tier.

These can be harder to find under $100, especially outside sale season. When they do land near the ceiling, they're the premium-style budget pick for home offices and frequent text printing. Brother INKvestment uses higher-yield cartridges; Epson EcoTank uses refillable bottles — different paths to lower ink bills.

Verdict: Best premium-style budget pick if you print often enough to care about ink math.

What We Noticed

Brother's document-first approach feels practical. Less flash, more pages per refill cycle.

Unexpected Pros

Automatic duplex printing on some models saves paper without extra effort. That's a real home-office win at this price.

Unexpected Cons

Consumer extras like big touchscreens are rare. Brother assumes you want printing, not a gadget showcase.

Things Nobody Talks About

INKvestment isn't the same as a full tank system. You're still buying cartridges, just higher-yield ones. The economics improve, but they're not EcoTank-level cheap.

Real-World Considerations

A home office printing invoices, forms, and client packets every week can feel the savings within a few months. Light users won't see the payoff.

If you want the strongest long-term value, the next pick is the one to watch.

Value, Epson EcoTank entry models

Epson EcoTank entry models like the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 are the value tier when you can find one near $100. The ink tank system cuts refill cost dramatically compared with cartridge printers. Families printing worksheets, recipes, and shipping labels every week benefit most.

Not every EcoTank lands under the ceiling. Setup takes a bit more attention than a plug-and-play DeskJet. When the price fits, though, the running-cost advantage is hard to ignore.

Verdict: Best value if you can actually buy one near the target price.

What We Noticed

Once the tanks are filled, the monthly ink bill stays low. That predictability matters when you're tracking household expenses like groceries.

Unexpected Pros

Refill bottles last a long time at moderate volume. Fewer emergency supply runs.

Unexpected Cons

Footprint is larger than bare-bones budget printers. You need desk space.

Things Nobody Talks About

Entry EcoTank models sometimes go on sale near $100. Waiting for a deal can be worth it if you're not in a rush.

Real-World Considerations

Tank printers only win if you print enough to use the ink. A renter printing a label once a month should skip this tier.

Next, here's how the recommendations were chosen and what criteria mattered most.

How We Chose

I built this guide around total ownership cost, not sticker price. Two printers can both cost $89, but one may have better yield, easier setup, and lower ink spend. So we filter for ownership cost, feature fit, and reliability, not just the cheapest box on the shelf.

Criteria we used

• Purchase price under $100 (or close enough during sales to justify inclusion).
• Ink or refill cost after the first purchase.
• Wireless setup and mobile printing support.
• Scanning, copying, and duplexing where relevant.
• Brand reliability and support ease.

A student may not need duplexing. A home office buyer probably does. The criteria section makes that tradeoff explicit.

Sources and signals

We pulled from product specs, retailer listings, brand support pages, and owner feedback patterns. Ink cost and page yield matter more than marketing claims. We cross-checked yield figures against ISO/IEC 24711 inkjet test methodology and official documentation from HP home printers, Canon PIXMA, Brother, and Epson EcoTank. Wireless setup and app support are part of the real-world experience too.

A printer that looks good on paper can still frustrate users if its app is flaky or cartridges are overpriced. With the method in mind, let's talk about the buying factors that matter most.

What Actually Matters

The factors that change ownership cost and day-to-day satisfaction aren't always the ones on the front of the box. A flashy app doesn't fix expensive ink. Lower cost per page and easier setup usually matter more.

What buyers usually miss: They compare purchase price and ignore the first refill cycle. Check cartridge or bottle price before you leave the store or close the browser tab.

Worth paying for

Wireless printing makes shared home setup easier. A scanner and copier matter if you handle homework, forms, or ID copies. Automatic duplex printing saves paper when you print multi-page documents. Clear mobile app support helps when multiple people print from phones.

A family printer shared by two adults and two students benefits from wireless printing and a scanner more than from a fancy display.

Overrated features

Big touchscreens on cheap printers are often more style than substance. Photo-focused extras may not matter in document-heavy homes. Ultra-low sticker price can hide expensive cartridge replacement.

A buyer chooses a printer because it has a nicer screen, then discovers the ink cost is the real problem.

Gimmicks

Overpromised photo modes on document-first printers. App features that don't improve print quality or cost. Brand claims that ignore page yield and refill price.

A shopper pays extra for a printer with a flashy app, then still deals with expensive cartridges and slow output. Smart features don't fix bad economics.

Once you know the real tradeoffs, the common mistakes become easier to spot.

Common Mistakes Buyers Make

Choosing the lowest sticker price without checking cartridge or refill costs

The printer is the cheap part. The ink is where the bill shows up.

A buyer saves $20 at checkout, then spends that much again on ink in the first refill cycle. Many sub-$100 printers are only cheap on day one. Compare cost per page before you buy. See /inkjet-printer-reviews/ for more on ink economics.

Buying a single-function printer when they actually need scanning and copying

If you need copies, a printer without a scanner is the wrong bargain.

All-in-one models often cost only a little more and save real hassle. A parent buying a basic printer, then using a phone camera for every school form, learns this fast. See /all-in-one-printer-reviews/.

Ignoring wireless setup and mobile printing support

A printer that's hard to connect becomes a printer nobody wants to use.

App support and Wi-Fi matter in shared homes. A family where only one laptop connects easily will regret skipping wireless support. Setup quality varies a lot by brand and model.

Picking a printer that is too slow for school or home office use

Slow printing feels fine until you're late.

Pages per minute and first-page-out time matter for busy homes. A student printing a paper five minutes before class doesn't need a bottleneck. Some budget printers are fine. Some are frustrating.

Overlooking duplex printing, which can save paper over time

Duplexing is boring until you see how much paper you saved.

Automatic duplex printing helps home offices and students who print multi-page documents. It cuts paper use without extra effort. Duplexing isn't just for offices.

If you know the right use case, the next section helps you choose the right printer type.

Which Product Is Right For You?

Two shoppers both want a printer under $100, but one prints once a month and the other prints daily. They shouldn't buy the same model.

If you print only a few pages a month

Choose the cheapest reliable model. Skip premium ink systems if you barely print. A renter printing a return label and a few forms each month shouldn't pay for a tank system.

If you need scanning and copying

Choose a budget all-in-one printer. Avoid single-function models. A parent scanning school forms and copying permission slips needs a scanner built in. A phone camera isn't the same thing.

If you print often

Prioritize cost per page over purchase price. Consider Brother INKvestment or Epson EcoTank-style models. A home office printing invoices every week can save money fast with the right pick.

If you want less hassle

Choose a wireless model from a major brand with easy setup support. HP DeskJet and Canon PIXMA lines are the usual starting points. A shared family printer needs to work for phones, laptops, and guests.

If you mostly print text

Consider a mono laser printer only if it fits the budget and you don't need color. Some mono laser models land under $100, but they're less versatile for color home printing. See /inkjet-vs-laser-printers/ for the full type comparison.

After you match your use case, the full product reviews fill in the details.

Product Reviews

For most buyers under $100, the HP DeskJet 4155e is the safest default before you drill into the full lineup below.

HP DeskJet series

Summary: Balanced home-use pick with broad availability and easy setup.

Pros: Affordable entry price, wireless printing, simple app support, all-in-one options with scan and copy.

Cons: Cartridge costs can climb with heavy use, starter cartridges may be small.

Best For: General home use, schoolwork, occasional office tasks.

Key Features: All-in-one printer options, scanner, copier, mobile printing, wireless printing.

What We Liked: Easy setup and familiar support ecosystem.

What Could Be Better: Ink pricing and page yield on standard cartridges.

Bottom Line: Best all-around choice if you want a dependable budget printer without overthinking it.

What We Noticed

The DeskJet line feels built for casual home buyers, not power users. That's a feature, not a flaw, if your print volume stays moderate.

Unexpected Pros

You can find these almost anywhere. Replacement supplies are easy to source.

Unexpected Cons

HP Instant Ink can help some households, but it's not automatic savings for everyone.

Things Nobody Talks About

DeskJet models vary by number. Check the exact specs for scanning, duplexing, and cartridge type before you buy.

Real-World Considerations

Works well for families printing school forms and labels a few times a week. Not the pick for daily heavy printing.

Canon PIXMA TS series

Summary: Low-cost entry option for home printing and school tasks.

Pros: Often cheap to buy, decent photo and color output for the price, wireless printing.

Cons: Ink can be pricey with frequent use, speed is modest on many models.

Best For: Occasional home printing, students, light color documents.

Key Features: Inkjet printer, wireless printing, mobile app printing.

What We Liked: Good balance of price and everyday usability.

What Could Be Better: Cartridge cost and print speed.

Bottom Line: Best if your main goal is the lowest upfront spend.

What We Noticed

Color output punches above its price class for basic school projects and handouts.

Unexpected Pros

Entry models can undercut competitors on shelf price during sales.

Unexpected Cons

Frequent printers will feel the cartridge bill quickly.

Things Nobody Talks About

PIXMA is a broad family. TS models differ in features. Confirm scan and copy support on the exact unit.

Real-World Considerations

Ideal for students and light households. Skip if you print daily.

Brother INKvestment entry models

Summary: Higher upfront value within the budget ceiling when you care about running cost.

Pros: Better page yield, lower hassle, automatic duplex on some models, strong text output.

Cons: May sit near the top of the budget range, harder to find under $100.

Best For: Home offices, frequent text printing, buyers who hate cartridge swaps.

Key Features: All-in-one options, wireless printing, automatic duplex printing, cost-per-page focus.

What We Liked: Lower ownership stress and better long-run economics.

What Could Be Better: Initial price and availability under the ceiling.

Bottom Line: Best premium-style budget pick if you print often enough to care about ink math.

What We Noticed

Brother feels like office gear adapted for home use. Practical, not flashy.

Unexpected Pros

Duplex printing at this price tier is a genuine paper saver.

Unexpected Cons

Not always on the shelf under $100. Sale hunting may be required.

Things Nobody Talks About

INKvestment cartridges cost more per unit but last longer. The math works at volume, not at two pages a month.

Real-World Considerations

Strong fit for home offices printing weekly. Overkill for occasional users.

Epson EcoTank entry models

Summary: Best long-term value if an entry model lands under the budget ceiling.

Pros: Very low ink cost, tank system reduces cartridge churn, strong wireless support.

Cons: Not always available under $100, setup is more involved, larger footprint.

Best For: Frequent home printing, families, users who want cheap ink.

Key Features: Ink tank system, wireless printing, mobile app printing, cost per page.

What We Liked: The running-cost advantage is hard to ignore once you're printing regularly.

What Could Be Better: Upfront price and desk space.

Bottom Line: Best value if you can actually buy one near the target price.

What We Noticed

Refill bottles change the monthly math. Ink stops feeling like a recurring surprise expense.

Unexpected Pros

Starter ink often lasts longer than cartridge starter packs.

Unexpected Cons

Initial tank fill and setup take more steps than a cartridge printer.

Things Nobody Talks About

EcoTank entry models sometimes dip near $100 on sale. Worth watching if you're patient.

Real-World Considerations

Families printing weekly get the best return. Light users won't break even on the higher upfront cost.

After the reviews, the direct head-to-head comparisons make the tradeoffs easier to see.

Product Comparisons

HP DeskJet vs Canon PIXMA

Both are familiar consumer brands with easy wireless setup. HP tends to feel slightly easier for casual buyers who want a plug-and-play experience. Canon often wins on entry price and color output for school handouts.

Ink economics are similar on light use. Neither is a long-run cost leader. Choose HP for the safest default home pick. Choose Canon when checkout price is the deciding factor. Compare specific cartridge costs before you commit.

Brother budget inkjet vs Epson entry-level inkjet

Brother INKvestment focuses on higher-yield cartridges and practical document printing. Epson EcoTank uses refillable tanks for the lowest cost per page. Brother is often easier to find near $100. Epson wins on ink bills if you print enough.

Tank printers only beat cartridge systems at volume. A home office printing every week should compare both. A light user should stick with a cheaper cartridge model.

Inkjet printer vs mono laser printer under $100

Inkjet printers handle color schoolwork, charts, and occasional photos. Mono laser printers excel at sharp text and can offer lower cost per page for black-only jobs. Some mono laser models fit under $100, but they're less versatile for color home printing.

A user printing invoices and forms only may prefer mono laser. A family with school color projects needs inkjet. See /inkjet-vs-laser-printers/ for the full breakdown.

All-in-one printer vs single-function printer under $100

All-in-one models add scanning and copying for a small price bump. Single-function printers save a little money but create extra work when you need copies or scans.

A parent scanning school paperwork and copying forms should buy all-in-one. Single-function only makes sense if you'll truly never need those features.

If none of these options fit, there are still a few smart alternatives worth considering.

Alternatives

Refurbished higher-end printer models

A refurbished model with duplexing and better yield can cost the same as a new bargain printer. Check seller reputation and return policy. Reputable sellers can make this a strong value play. Compare against current picks in our cheap home printers guide.

Used office printers from reputable sellers

Office-grade gear is often better built than ultra-cheap consumer models. Watch for wear, toner or ink status, and driver compatibility. Some used office printers are still excellent from trustworthy sellers.

Ink tank printers above the $100 ceiling

If you print a lot, stretching the budget for a full EcoTank or similar model can save more over a year than staying under $100. A family printing weekly may recover the extra upfront cost fast. See ink tank printers for models worth the stretch.

Subscription ink plans with a compatible printer

HP Instant Ink and similar plans can lower refill stress for predictable households. Only works if the printer and print volume fit the plan. Read the fine print. Subscription ink isn't always cheaper. See our HP Instant Ink review before you commit.

Print shop services for very low-volume users

If you print almost nothing, a print shop may cost less than owning hardware, ink, and maintenance. Some people are better off outsourcing rare print jobs.

If you still want a mainstream brand, the brand guide helps narrow the field.

Brand Guide

HP

HP has broad availability and easy consumer setup. Strengths include familiar app support and accessible all-in-one models. Weaknesses include cartridge cost on many budget lines. Best products in this tier: HP DeskJet series. HP budget printers aren't always the cheapest to own. Ink cost still needs a close look. See HP printer reviews and HP DeskJet printers for model-level coverage.

Canon

Canon is known for low entry pricing and solid home printing output. Strengths include affordable starting points and decent color output. Weaknesses include ink cost with frequent use. Best products: Canon PIXMA TS series. Cheap Canon printers aren't all about photo printing. Many are practical home inkjets. See Canon printer reviews for the full lineup.

Brother

Brother brings office-style reliability to consumer models. Strengths include better running-cost stories and useful duplexing on some models. Weaknesses include fewer flashy consumer extras. Best products: Brother INKvestment entry models. Brother isn't only for offices. It's a strong home choice if you print regularly. See Brother printer reviews and Brother INKvestment printers.

Epson

Epson leads on tank-based value and low cost per page. Strengths include the ink tank system and long-term economics. Weaknesses include models not always under $100 and less casual setup. Best products: Epson EcoTank entry models. Some entry tank models are worth stretching for if they land near your budget. See Epson printer reviews and Epson EcoTank review guide.

Once you know the brands, the feature glossary makes the specs easier to read.

Materials and Features Guide

cartridge ink

Replaceable ink supply used by most budget printers. Often the biggest long-term cost. Check cartridge price and page yield before you buy.

ink tank system

Refillable reservoir design that lowers refill cost. Better for frequent printing. Epson EcoTank is the common example in this guide.

mono printing

Black-and-white printing only. Often cheaper and simpler for text-heavy users. Mono laser printers focus here.

color printing

Needed for schoolwork, charts, and occasional photos. Usually raises ink cost versus mono printing.

wireless printing

Lets devices print over Wi-Fi without a cable. Important for shared homes and mobile-first users.

Wi-Fi Direct

Direct device-to-printer connection in some cases. Helpful for quick setup and guest printing. App and driver support still matter.

automatic document feeder

Feeds multiple pages into the scanner automatically. Useful for copying or scanning stacks. Rare on the cheapest sub-$100 models but worth checking.

duplex printing

Prints on both sides of the page. Reduces paper use and document bulk. Automatic duplex printing saves effort over manual flipping.

scanner

Captures documents and images into digital files. Essential for forms, IDs, and homework. A phone camera isn't a reliable substitute.

copier

Makes paper duplicates without a computer. Useful for forms and quick household tasks.

mobile app printing

Lets users print from phones through a brand app. App quality can make or break the experience in mixed-device homes.

cost per page

Average cost to print one page. The best single metric for comparing ownership cost. Divide cartridge or bottle price by stated page yield for a rough estimate. Manufacturer yield claims follow ISO/IEC 24711 test standards — useful for apples-to-apples comparisons.

With the terms clear, the FAQ answers the most common buying questions directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best printer under 100 dollars for home use?

For most homes, the HP DeskJet 4155e is the best overall pick under $100. It offers wireless printing, all-in-one options, and easy setup for school forms and everyday documents. Match ink cost to your print volume. See /home-printer-reviews/.

Are printers under 100 dollars worth buying?

Yes for light users who accept cartridge economics. No for heavy printers who'll pay more in ink than they saved at checkout. Cheap printers work when print volume stays low and refill costs are checked upfront.

What should I look for in a budget printer?

Focus on wireless printing, scanning if you need it, duplexing for multi-page jobs, and cost per page. Setup ease and device compatibility matter too. A budget printer that nobody can connect from their phone isn't a good deal.

Do cheap printers have expensive ink?

Often, yes. Many sub-$100 printers use small, pricey cartridges. The purchase price is bait. The ink bill is the trap. Always check replacement cost before you buy.

Is an inkjet or laser printer better under 100 dollars?

Inkjet for color schoolwork and mixed home use. Mono laser for text-only jobs if you find one under $100. Laser can be sharper for documents, but color flexibility is limited at this price.

Can a printer under 100 dollars handle scanning and copying?

Yes, if you choose an all-in-one model. Many budget all-in-ones include a scanner and copier. Single-function printers under $100 usually don't.

How long do budget printers usually last?

Depends on use and maintenance. Light home users may keep a budget printer for years. Heavy users may wear one out faster or get frustrated by ink costs before the hardware fails.

Which printer brands are most reliable under 100 dollars?

HP, Canon, Brother, and Epson are the safest mainstream choices. Reliability depends on the specific model and how you use it. Brand name alone doesn't guarantee a good fit.

What is the best printer under $100?

HP DeskJet 4155e for the best all-around balance of price, features, and setup ease. Canon PIXMA TS3520 for the lowest entry price. Brother MFC-J1010DW or Epson EcoTank ET-2800 if you print often and care about running cost.

Which printer has the cheapest ink?

Epson EcoTank ET-2800 usually leads on cost per page when you can find one near $100. Brother MFC-J1010DW is the next best option in the cartridge world. Cheapest ink only matters if you print enough to use it.

Are cheap printers worth it?

Worth it for light users who checked ink costs first. Not worth it for frequent printers who'll outspend a better model on cartridges within months.

What printer is best for home use?

A wireless all-in-one with acceptable ink cost. HP DeskJet 4155e and Canon PIXMA TS3520 are strong starting points for moderate home use. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 if you print often enough to justify a tank system.

Is HP or Canon better for budget printers?

Depends on your priority. HP tends to be easier for casual setup. Canon often wins on entry price and color output. Compare specific cartridge costs for the models you're considering.

Can you get a wireless printer for under $100?

Yes. Wireless printing is common in this price range. Wi-Fi support is standard on most recommended models in this guide.

What is the best budget printer for home use?

HP DeskJet 4155e for the best overall home fit. Canon PIXMA TS3520 if budget is tight. Brother MFC-J1010DW or Epson EcoTank ET-2800 if you print often and want lower running costs.

What is the best cheap printer with cheap ink?

Epson EcoTank ET-2800 when available near $100. Brother MFC-J1010DW as the cartridge alternative. You usually trade upfront price for lower ink bills.

What is the best all in one printer under 100?

HP DeskJet 4155e all-in-one models are the safest default. Canon PIXMA TS3520 all-in-ones work for light use on a tighter budget. Confirm scan and copy on the exact model number.

What is the best wireless printer under 100?

HP DeskJet 4155e for the easiest wireless setup experience. Canon PIXMA TS3520 for budget wireless printing. Both support mobile app printing on most current models.

What is the best printer for students under 100?

Canon PIXMA TS3520 for the lowest upfront cost. HP DeskJet 4155e if you want easier setup and all-in-one features. Wireless support matters as much as price for dorm and apartment use.

What is the best printer under 100 with scanner?

Choose a budget all-in-one. HP DeskJet 4155e and Canon PIXMA TS3520 both offer scanner-equipped models under $100. Skip single-function printers if scanning is a requirement.

Final Recommendation

Best overall: HP DeskJet 4155e. Balanced home use, easy wireless setup, and broad availability make it the default pick for most buyers under $100. Check the Price on Amazon!

Budget: Canon PIXMA TS3520. Lowest entry price for students and light home printing when upfront cost matters most. Check the Price on Amazon!

Premium: Brother MFC-J1010DW. Better page yield and lower hassle for home offices and frequent text printing. Check the Price on Amazon!

Value: Epson EcoTank ET-2800. Lowest running cost when you can find one near the ceiling and print enough to use the tanks. Check the Price on Amazon!

Choose by print volume and ink cost, not sticker price alone. A buyer who prints a few pages a month shouldn't pay for a tank system. A frequent printer shouldn't buy the cheapest cartridge model. That's how I'd narrow the best printers under 100 dollars to the one you'll actually live with. Compare the shortlist against your real print volume before you buy. For more picks, browse our printers hub and home printers guide.