The age of new business requires small businesses to possess printers that are low on price but multi-functional in nature. The optimal cost vs. efficiency must be attained without digging a hole in the wallet but without making maximum performance. Some of the top budget-friendly printers for small businesses, according to their specifications, pros, and cons, are discussed in this article so that you can choose the best one.
1. Brother MFC-J4335DW
Brother MFC-J4335DW is an all-in-one home office and small office multi-functional inkjet printer. It is a business productivity machine with print, scan, copy, and fax functionality.
INKvestment Tank technology prints more pages before refilling and eliminates the nuisance of repeated cartridge refills. The 2.7-inch color touchscreen gives a convenient user experience.
Key Features:
- Print Speed: Black and white printing at 20 pages per minute (ppm)
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and mobile printing via Brother Mobile Connect, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria
- Automatic Document Feeder (ADF): Easy scanning and copying of multi-page documents
- Duplex Printing: Automatic double-sided paper-saving printing
- Ink Efficiency: Up to 1,500 pages from a single black cartridge of high-yield ink cartridges
Benefits:
- Economical printing with high-yield ink cartridges
- Cloud and mobile connectivity for easy printing
- High-quality print and small footprint
Disadvantages:
- Delays may mean text less than ideal at smaller font sizes
- No second paper tray for handling alternative forms of media
2. Canon MAXIFY GX4020
Canon MAXIFY GX4020 is a business ink tank printer that prints large volumes of papers at low costs. Its MegaTank system allows offices to print thousands of pages at lower costs.
Key Features:
- Ink System: Heavy-duty refillable ink tanks
- Paper Handling: Three paper trays for other media
- Wireless and Cloud Printing: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Canon PRINT app connectivity
- Energy Efficient: Professional-grade output at low power consumption
Advantages:
- Very low cost per page
- Print on photo paper, labels, and cardstock
- Large ink and paper capacity = less refilling
Disadvantages:
- Slower fast printing speed compared to some of its models
- No USB Host port or NFC capability
3. Epson EcoTank ET-2800
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a business starter ink tank printer to be cost-effective on the ink cost. It eliminates cartridges, relying on long-life high-capacity ink tanks.
Key Features:
- Ink System: Refillable ink tanks that print thousands
- Print Quality: Black text and vibrant colors for marketing documents
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi Direct, Epson Smart Panel app, and mobile printing
- Borderless Printing: Suitable for flyers and marketing brochures
Benefits:
- Very low cost of running
- Support Various media types
- Small and compact design.
Cons:
- Easy paper tray position.
- No Automatic Document Feeder.
- No possibility of scanning in bulk.
4. HP LaserJet M209d
HP LaserJet M209d is a monochrome laser printer that supports high-speed printing of documents. It is ideal for invoices, contracts, and reports that do not necessarily have to be colored.
Main Features:
- Print Speed: High-speed printing up to 30 ppm for heavy-duty printing
- Energy Efficiency: HP Auto-On/Auto-Off technology conserves energy.
- Duplex Printing: Automatic double-sided printing
- HP Smart App Support: Prints cloud and mobile storage documents
Advantages:
- High-speed printing
- Compact size for home office
- Easy toner system reduces cartridge replacement
Disadvantages:
- Black and white monochrome printing
- Does not have scan and copy feature
5. Pantum P2502W
Pantum P2502W is a cost-effective black-and-white monochrome laser printer that would serve the smallest business use requirement to process elementary-level and non-technical print output.
Key Features:
- Print Speed: 22 ppm at maximum
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi and USB 2.0
- Compact Design: Sleek and lightweight
- Easy Installation: Quick driver installation with little downtime
Benefits:
- Economical printing solution
- Easy wireless connectivity
- Solid build quality
Disadvantages
- No scanning or copying functionality
- No duplex printing as a standard
6. Brother MFC-L8905CDW
The Brother MFC-L8905CDW is a commercial-grade color laser printer with high-speed printing requirements.
Key Features:
- Print Speed: Up to 32 ppm
- Functions: All-in-one printer with scanning, copying, and faxing
- Paper Capacity: Can accommodate up to 250 sheets
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and mobile printing
- Automatic Document Feeder (ADF): Allows multi-page copying and scanning
Advantages:
- Fast printing for heavy loads
- Automatic duplex printing minimizes paper wastage
- Large toner capacity minimizes frequent replacements
- Strong security features
Disadvantages:
- Large size takes up more space
- Higher upfront buying cost than inkjet equivalents
7. HP Smart Tank 5101
HP Smart Tank 5101 is an ink tank printer that offers low-cost, high-volume printing for business users who need to do lots of printing.
Key Features:
- Ink System: Refillable ink tank for lower printing cost
- Print Speed: Black and white printing at 11 ppm, 5 ppm for color
- Wireless Printing: Wi-Fi and mobile printing
- Borderless Printing: Ideal for flyers and brochures
- Paper Capacity: Up to 100 sheets capacity
Benefits:
- Low per-page cost
- High ink capacity implies less frequent refills
- Small size ideal for small office use
Disadvantages:
- Slower print speed compared to laser printers
- No duplex printing capability
8. Xerox B230
The Xerox B230 is a reliable monochrome laser printer offering quick and productive printing for small businesses.
Key Features:
- Print Speed: 36 ppm
- Connectivity: Wireless, Ethernet, and USB compatible
- Compact Design: Ideal for small offices
- Energy-Efficient Operation: Low power consumption
Advantages:
- Fast print speed for high-batch printing
- Lightweight and small size
- Low power consumption
- Mobile print support
Disadvantages
- Not ideal for color printing capability
- Not ideal for copying or scanning
Most Important Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Budget Printer
The most ideal inexpensive printer for your small business has to be considered beyond the price tag. The following are some of the most important things to think about:
1. Print Speed and Volume
If your organization prints a substantial number of pages day by day, choose a printer with an impressive pages-per-minute (ppm) rate. Fast printers are time-efficient and conserve time, thus ideal for high-load businesses.
2. Operating Expenses
The price tag of an initial printer is only a portion of the overall expense. The recurring costs, such as ink or toner replacement, can add up in a hurry. Choose a printer that uses high-capacity cartridges or ink tanks to minimize long-term printing costs. Laser printers also incur lower cost per page than inkjet printers.
3. Connectivity Options
All present-day offices require smooth printing solutions. Wireless printing, mobile compatibility, and cloud printing capability enable you to print from a variety of devices, making workflow more convenient.Ensure the printer is Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Bluetooth capable based on your business needs.
4. Multifunctionality
Smaller companies may require printing other than in its simplest form. Multifunction printers (MFPs) with scanning, copying, and fax capabilities can provide improved productivity and fewer dependency on other office equipment, room, and expenses.
5. Print Quality
For those that print bills, marketing collaterals, or presentations, print quality takes priority. Choose high-resolution printers with clear text and rich color precision, creating professional-quality prints.
By taking them into account, you can arrange to get a cheap printer which will be efficient enough to serve your small business requirements and keep operating costs down.
Final Thoughts
It does not take an extravagance of funds to find the best printer for your business. Whether you require an inkjet for color printing at professional levels or a laser printer for fast document processing, the printers mentioned above provide a good balance between price and output. By getting a printer that meets the needs of your business, you can opt for a cost-effective printer that maximizes output without increasing expenses.