Best Printers Under $300 in 2026: 15 Picks Compared on Specs
The best printers under $300 balance print quality, running costs, and features such as duplexing and wireless. For most home offices, the HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e stands out with fax, duplex, and all-in-one functions. A selection of 15 models from a pool of 51 based on published specifications, without testing, is presented here to help compare on the specs that matter.
12 picks from 51 printers that match this guide with a price we can quote today, made by 18 makers. The prices below are current and each carries its read time.
Quick picks
The best fit for you
- For a home office needing fax and duplex: You print a mix of documents and occasionally send faxes. A model like the HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e covers fax, duplex, and wireless in one unit. See pick 1
- For high-volume, low-cost printing: You print hundreds of pages monthly and want to minimize ink costs. An ink tank model such as the Epson EcoTank ET-2985 offers refillable tanks and duplex printing. See pick 10
- For a small office needing color laser output: You need crisp black text and occasional color graphics. The Lexmark CS331dw is a print-only color laser with duplex, ideal for sharp, fast output. See pick 5
- For instant photo prints: You want physical photos from your phone without a computer. The Fujifilm Instax Link Wide is a dedicated instant photo printer that creates wallet-sized prints. See pick 6
Our 12 picks
1 Best overall
HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
- Type
- Inkjet
- Color
- Color
- Prints, scans and copies
- Yes
- Wireless
- Yes
- Two-sided printing
- Yes
- Fax
- Yes
$239.89 price as of 2026-10-05 20:57 UTC (Details)
This all-in-one inkjet covers the essentials for most home offices: color printing, fax, duplex, wireless, and scan/copy. Its specifications list more functions than any other pick, making it a versatile single purchase.
Pros
- Includes fax, duplex, wireless, and all-in-one in one unit
- Color inkjet output for documents and photos
- Mobile-friendly with Mopria and AirPrint support (per standard)
- Automatic two-sided printing saves paper
Cons
- Cartridge-based ink may be more costly over time
- No stated wide-format capability
- Lacks an automatic document feeder in the listed specs
Good fit if
- Home office users who need print, scan, copy, and fax
- Those who want a single device for occasional color printing
Skip if
- You need very high-volume printing and lower ink cost
- You require wide-format (11x17) printing
Verdict: The HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e is the most feature-complete printer in this list, ideal for a typical home office.
2 Best all-in-one ink tank
Canon Megatank G4270 All-in-One Wireless Supertank Printer |Print
- Type
- Ink tank
- Prints, scans and copies
- Yes
- Wireless
- Yes
- Fax
- Yes
$262.07 price as of 2026-10-05 20:56 UTC (Details)
The Canon MegaTank G4270 offers refillable ink tanks for lower per-page costs and adds fax capability, which is rare for ink tank under this budget. It is a solid choice for offices that print heavily but also need a built-in fax.
Pros
- Refillable ink tanks reduce replacement cartridge costs
- Fax, scan, copy, and print in one device
- Wireless and mobile printing via Mopria and AirPrint
- High-yield ink bottles included in the box (per seller)
Cons
- No stated automatic duplex printing
- No color specification listed by seller
- Lacks a wide-format option
Good fit if
- Users with a high monthly print volume who want lower ink prices
- Home offices that need fax but prefer an ink tank system
Skip if
- You need automatic two-sided printing
- You primarily print on legal or larger paper
Verdict: The Canon MegaTank G4270 is a cost-conscious all-in-one ink tank with fax, but verify your duplex needs before buying.
3 Best basic monochrome laser
Xerox B235DNI Wireless Black and White Laser All-in-One Printer
- Type
- Laser
- Color
- Monochrome
- Prints, scans and copies
- Yes
- Wireless
- Yes
$229.99 price as of 2026-10-05 20:57 UTC (Details)
For straightforward black-and-white printing, the Xerox B235DNI is a no-frills laser all-in-one. It keeps the essentials: print, scan, copy, and wireless, without the complexity of fax or color.
Pros
- Laser printing for fast, crisp black text
- All-in-one: print, scan, copy
- Wireless connectivity for mobile devices
- Compact desktop size suitable for small spaces
Cons
- No fax function included
- No automatic duplex printing listed
- Single function for color is absent
Good fit if
- Students or professionals printing mostly text documents
- Users who want a simple, dependable mono laser without extra features
Skip if
- You need color printing or fax
- You require automatic two-sided printing
Verdict: The Xerox B235DNI is a straightforward mono laser all-in-one, ideal if you only print black-and-white.
4 Best for small business
Epson Workforce Pro WF-4833 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
- Type
- Inkjet
- Color
- Color
- Prints, scans and copies
- Yes
- Wireless
- Yes
- Two-sided printing
- Yes
- Fax
- Yes
$214.99 price as of 2026-10-05 20:56 UTC (Details)
The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4833 matches the HP 8135e in many features but adds a large 4.3-inch LCD and higher print speeds as claimed by the seller. It is well suited for a small office that handles both documents and occasional color.
Pros
- Includes fax, duplex, wireless, and all-in-one functions
- Color inkjet with a 4.3-inch LCD panel (per seller)
- Rated up to 25 pages per minute (per seller)
- Supports mobile printing via Mopria and AirPrint
Cons
- Cartridge-based ink system may cost more per page
- No wide-format option
- Heavier and larger than many competitors
Good fit if
- Small offices that need fax and high-speed printing
- Teams that print a mix of color and monochrome documents
Skip if
- You have very limited desk space
- You prefer a tank-based ink system for lower long-term costs
Verdict: The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4833 is a capable small-business workhorse with fax, duplex, and fast speeds.
5 Best color laser
Lexmark CS331dw Color Laser Printer with Ethernet
- Type
- Laser
- Color
- Color
- Wireless
- Yes
- Two-sided printing
- Yes
$289.99 price as of 2026-10-05 20:57 UTC (Details)
The Lexmark CS331dw is the only color laser printer among these picks. It produces sharp text and vivid graphics with the durability of laser technology, and it includes duplex printing.
Pros
- Color laser output for sharp text and graphics
- Automatic duplex printing
- Wireless and Ethernet connectivity
- Print-only design is simple and reliable
Cons
- No scanner or copier (single function)
- No fax capability
- Color laser toner replacement can be expensive
Good fit if
- Users who need high-quality color prints without ink smudging
- Offices that already have a separate scanner or copier
Skip if
- You need an all-in-one device
- You print mostly photos requiring glossy output (laser is not optimal)
Verdict: The Lexmark CS331dw is the best color laser here, ideal for crisp graphics and letters, but it is print-only.
6 Best instant photo printer
Fujifilm Instax Link Wide Printer Ash White + Twin Pack Film + Cloth
- Type
- Photo
$219.99 price as of 2026-10-05 20:56 UTC (Details)
The Fujifilm Instax Link Wide is a portable photo printer that uses Instax Wide film for instant, credit-card-sized prints. It is designed for fun, on-the-spot photo sharing rather than document printing.
Pros
- Prints instantly on Instax Wide film
- Compact and battery-powered, perfect for travel
- Connects via Bluetooth to a smartphone app
- Includes a starter pack with film and a protective cloth (per bundle)
Cons
- Limited to small photo formats, not suitable for documents
- Requires Instax film, which has a per-print cost
- No wireless printing from a computer; phone only
Good fit if
- People who want tangible photo keepsakes from events
- Those who enjoy creative and social printing on the go
Skip if
- You need everyday document printing
- You want larger or high-resolution photo prints
Verdict: The Fujifilm Instax Link Wide is a fun, portable instant camera printer, but it will not replace a regular office printer.
7 Best cartridge all-in-one with duplex
Brother INKvestment 5010 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer
- Type
- Inkjet
- Color
- Color
- Prints, scans and copies
- Yes
- Wireless
- Yes
- Two-sided printing
- Yes
$279.99 price as of 2026-10-05 20:55 UTC (Details)
The Brother INKvestment 5010 provides a balance of affordability and features. It has duplex, wireless, and an all-in-one design with color printing, making it a solid all-rounder without the tank refill system.
Pros
- Automatic duplex printing included
- Wireless and mobile printing support
- Color inkjet with all-in-one (print, scan, copy)
- INKvestment cartridges offer high-yield options (per seller)
Cons
- No fax function listed
- No wide-format support
- Cartridge-based replacement costs add up over time
Good fit if
- Home offices that need duplex and wireless without fax
- Users who prefer traditional ink cartridges over tank filling
Skip if
- You need fax capability
- You have very high monthly volume, consider a tank model
Verdict: The Brother INKvestment 5010 is a practical all-in-one with duplex and wireless, ideal for balanced home office use.
8 Best for low-maintenance ink tank
HP Smart Tank 6003 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer
- Type
- Ink tank
- Prints, scans and copies
- Yes
- Wireless
- Yes
$239.99 price as of 2026-10-05 20:57 UTC (Details)
The HP Smart Tank 6003 uses refillable ink tanks and includes up to three years of ink in the box, according to the seller. This reduces the frequency of cartridge purchases, making it a low-touch option for moderate printing.
Pros
- Refillable ink tanks lower per-page costs
- Includes up to 3 years of ink in the box (per seller)
- All-in-one: print, scan, copy
- Wireless connectivity for mobile devices
Cons
- No automatic duplex printing listed
- No fax function
- Not suited for very high-volume or photo-heavy work
Good fit if
- Households that print periodically and want to skip cartridge changes
- Users who prefer a simple, low-maintenance ink system
Skip if
- You need duplex printing
- You require fax or wide-format
Verdict: The HP Smart Tank 6003 is a convenient ink tank model for light to medium printing, but check if you need duplex.
9 Best ink tank with duplex
Canon MegaTank MAXIFY GX2020 All-in-One Wireless Color Printer
- Type
- Ink tank
- Color
- Color
- Prints, scans and copies
- Yes
- Wireless
- Yes
- Two-sided printing
- Yes
$288.14 price as of 2026-10-05 20:56 UTC (Details)
The Canon MegaTank MAXIFY GX2020 combines refillable ink tanks with automatic duplex printing, a rare combo under $300. It also offers all-in-one functionality, making it attractive for busy home offices.
Pros
- Refillable ink tanks for low cost per page
- Automatic duplex printing included
- All-in-one: print, scan, copy
- Color output with large ink bottles
Cons
- No fax capability
- No wide-format option
- Initial setup may involve priming the ink system (per typical tank models)
Good fit if
- Users who print both sides frequently and want low ink costs
- Small offices that need color and duplex without fax
Skip if
- You need fax function
- You prefer cartridge-based simplicity
Verdict: The Canon MegaTank MAXIFY GX2020 is a strong choice for duplex-heavy, cost-conscious offices.
10 Best ink tank for home office
Epson EcoTank ET-2985 Wireless All-in-One Color Supertank Printer
- Type
- Ink tank
- Color
- Color
- Prints, scans and copies
- Yes
- Wireless
- Yes
- Two-sided printing
- Yes
$299.99 price as of 2026-10-05 20:56 UTC (Details)
The Epson EcoTank ET-2985 is a supertank printer with duplex, wireless, and all-in-one functions. It is tailored for home offices that want the low cost of tank printing without sacrificing duplex.
Pros
- Supertank design with refillable bottles
- Automatic duplex printing
- Wireless and mobile printing (AirPrint, Mopria)
- Color output with a small footprint
Cons
- No fax function listed
- No wide-format support
- Print speed not specified in seller data
Good fit if
- Home offices that print a lot and want low ink cost
- Users who need duplex but not fax
Skip if
- You need fax or wide-format
- You print mostly black text and prefer a laser
Verdict: The Epson EcoTank ET-2985 is an excellent ink tank all-in-one for a home office, combining duplex and low running costs.
11 Best wide-format
HP OfficeJet Pro 9720 Wide-Format Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet
- Type
- Inkjet
- Color
- Color
- Prints, scans and copies
- Yes
- Wireless
- Yes
- Two-sided printing
- Yes
- Fax
- Yes
- Wide format
- Yes
$269.99 price as of 2026-10-05 20:57 UTC (Details)
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9720 is the only pick that supports printing on 11x17-inch paper, with fax, duplex, and all-in-one features. It is designed for users who occasionally need larger layouts.
Pros
- Wide-format printing up to 11x17 inches
- Includes fax, duplex, wireless, and all-in-one
- Automatic document feeder for scanning (per seller description)
- Color inkjet for graphics
Cons
- Larger footprint than standard printers
- Cartridge-based ink may be costly for heavy use
- No ink tank option
Good fit if
- Architects, engineers, or designers printing 11x17 plans
- Office users who need fax, scan, and wide output in one
Skip if
- You rarely print larger than letter size
- You want the lowest cost per page and can forgo wide format
Verdict: The HP OfficeJet Pro 9720 is the best choice for wide-format printing under $300, with fax and duplex included.
12 Best mono laser with fax
Canon imageCLASS MF275dw
- Type
- Laser
- Color
- Monochrome
- Prints, scans and copies
- Yes
- Wireless
- Yes
- Two-sided printing
- Yes
- Fax
- Yes
$229.99 price as of 2026-10-05 20:55 UTC (Details)
The Canon imageCLASS MF275dw combines monochrome laser reliability with a fax machine, automatic duplex, and wireless. It is a practical pick for offices that need fast, low-cost black-and-white printing plus fax.
Pros
- Monochrome laser for sharp, smudge-free text
- Includes fax, scanner, copier, and duplex
- Automatic document feeder for multi-page faxing
- Wireless and mobile printing support
Cons
- No color printing
- Toner replacement adds to long-term cost
- Heavier than inkjet counterparts
Good fit if
- Offices that rely on fax and print mostly letters
- Users who want a durable mono laser without ink smudging
Skip if
- You need color printing
- You print mostly photos or graphics
Verdict: The Canon imageCLASS MF275dw is a capable mono laser with fax and duplex, ideal for text-centric offices.
Specifications side by side
How the picks were chosen
A pool of 51 printers under $300 was reviewed. From that pool, 15 models were selected to cover the main categories: inkjet, laser, ink tank, photo, and wide-format. Selection criteria prioritized clear specifications for key features like duplex, fax, wireless, and all-in-one functionality. Prices shown are live from the store listing and may change. Selection is based on manufacturer-published specifications and catalog data; no physical testing was conducted.
Picking the right one for you
Print technology: inkjet vs laser vs ink tank
Inkjet printers are versatile and affordable, but replacement cartridges can add up. Laser printers use toner and excel at fast, crisp monochrome text, though color lasers are pricier. Ink tank models (like supertank or megatank) use refillable bottles, dramatically lowering cost per page, but they have a higher upfront price and may be slower. Under $300, you'll find all three types. Choose based on your volume, whether you need color, and your tolerance for maintenance.
Connectivity and mobile printing
Almost every modern printer offers Wi-Fi, but check if it supports AirPrint (Apple) or Mopria (Android, Windows). These standards allow printing from phones and tablets without installing vendor apps. The Printer Working Group's IPP Everywhere standard is built into most Wi-Fi printers, ensuring compatibility with Chrome OS, macOS, and Windows without extra drivers. If you print from multiple devices, prioritize a model that supports both AirPrint and Mopria, as noted in the source specifications.
Duplex and paper handling
Automatic duplex printing (two-sided) saves paper and is a common feature in this price range, but some budget models omit it. If you print multi-page reports, look for a printer with duplex to cut costs. Also consider the paper tray capacity: a 250-sheet tray is standard, but some models offer less. For occasional thick paper, check the media types supported. For scanning, an automatic document feeder (ADF) is helpful for multi-page originals, but ADFs are not universal at this price.
Running costs: ink and toner
The upfront price is only part of the equation. Cartridge-based printers may cost more per page. Ink tank models deliver the lowest cost per page, often with thousands of pages per bottle set. Laser toners generally last longer than ink cartridges, making mono lasers a good choice for high-volume black text. Check the maker's published page yields before committing. Energy Star certified models use less power in sleep mode, which can shave a few dollars off your electricity bill over time (see the ENERGY STAR criteria).
Special features: fax, card slots, and wide-format
Fax is still required in many medical and legal offices. If you need it, ensure the model has a built-in fax and ideally a telephone handset connector. Photo printers may offer memory card slots or direct USB, but most rely on Wi-Fi. Wide-format printers print up to 11x17 inches, but they take up more space. Instant photo printers, like those using Instax or SELPHY, are separate devices designed only for small photos. Assess which tasks you'll perform most often and choose accordingly.
Questions
What is the difference between inkjet and ink tank printers?
Inkjet printers use replaceable cartridges that are easy to swap but can be costly over time. Ink tank printers use refillable bottles that you pour into built-in tanks, significantly lowering the cost per page. For example, Epson EcoTank and Canon MegaTank models are ink tank systems. If you print hundreds of pages monthly, an ink tank model may save you money despite a higher initial price.
Do all printers under $300 support mobile printing?
Most modern printers offer wireless connectivity and support AirPrint or Mopria. However, always check the specifications. AirPrint works with iPhone and iPad, while Mopria is an Android and Windows standard. Printers that support both are the most versatile. Some budget models may only have USB, but the majority in this range include Wi-Fi.
Is a laser printer better than an inkjet for a home office?
Laser printers use toner, which is dry powder that fuses to paper, providing smudge-proof, sharp text. They are typically faster and have lower cost per page for black-and-white printing. Inkjets are better for color photos and glossy prints. For a home office that prints mostly documents, a mono laser like the Canon imageCLASS MF275dw is a solid choice. If you need color graphics, an inkjet or color laser is necessary.
How much do ink tank printers save over cartridge printers?
Ink tank printers use refillable bottles that typically yield thousands of pages before needing a replacement. For example, a set of bottles may print 6,000 to 8,000 pages for color, whereas a cartridge may only last 200 to 400 pages. This can reduce printing cost per page by as much as 90%. The exact savings depend on your print volume and the specific models you compare.
What does Energy Star certified mean for printers?
Energy Star certified imaging equipment meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These printers use less power in sleep mode and have automatic duplex requirements, which can cut electricity use and paper waste. Look for the Energy Star label when shopping to save energy and money over the printer's lifetime.
Revision notes
- : First published.