As technology has become an important part of our lives, we can’t ignore the importance of printers for daily businesses or other workplaces. Documents are quite common, and we need them in hard copies, and of course, in large volumes. A great printer can make it possible to save our time, as they are multi-functional for other paper works.
However, finding the right printer for any purpose and also at affordable rates is not a piece of cake. But the good news is that since they have become so common, we can easily find the best printer under 50. We have done all the research for you to ensure that these are worth the purchase maintaining quality and functionality. We tested the specifications, including speed, capacity, compatibility, etc. Besides, we also checked customers’ feedback for better understanding. Finally, we considered the installation and operation to ensure that the user can easily work with it.
Above all these products, we recommend the Canon TS202 Inkjet Printer for various reasons. Firstly, it has the name value and also is a multi-functional one with easy use. It offers various useful features like brilliant color, easy refill, large paper capacity, etc.
Our Favorite Best Printer Under 50
Best Printer Under 50- Buyer’s Guide
1. Canon Inkjet Photo Printer
Let’s introduce the Canon PIXMA Inkjet Printer, which is not only a printing solution but also one of the best printer under 50. It has a rear paper tray for a maximum capacity of 60 sheets and an excellent hybrid ink system for the best quality printing possible. Besides, even with its compact size, it supports larger cartridges for a high ink capacity that needs a lesser refill. Moreover, it is compatible with various operating systems and offers USB connectivity. Be sure to get vibrant and detailed documents for each print. Place it on any corner and get your job done in no time. Undoubtedly, here you have one of the best cheap inkjet printers in the market.
Key Features
Paper Capacity
Since it has a rear tray, paper handling gets easier, allowing with a quick refill. The rear tray can support 60 sheets of regular paper and around 20 sheets of photo paper.
Ink Quality
It can support larger cartridges, so the ink quality becomes very high to provide sharp and clear images. It doesn’t need frequent replacement, but when you do need it, ink refill is simple.
Connectivity
This printer can connect to external devices easily using a USB cable. So, we can print directly from our phones, laptops, tablets, etc.
Design and Size
You will get a stylish black printer that is quite compact with a heavy build. The materials make it durable yet lightweight to place it anywhere.
Functionality
This printer allows both color and black output using high-quality ink. So, we can print different documents and images that will come in detail.
Pros:
- High-quality output for both color and monochrome
- Lightweight and compact
- Compatible with various devices
- Offers connectivity with other devices
- Works fine with extra-large cartridges
Cons:
- Printing may cause some disturbing noise
2. Buyounger Portable Pocket Inkless Thermal Label Printer
If you want a printer under 50, then Buyounger Portable Printer should be on the list. Although it is a label printer, meaning works for different images; you can easily print pages with written words as well. So, be it monochrome or color images for scrapbooks, photos, memos, labels, and many others. Use the wireless connection for using files from your devices to print directly. It is also a very compact and portable printer to carry anywhere and print instantly. Even with the size, it doesn’t compromise with quality and provides good capacity.
Key Features
Paper Capacity
There is no mention of the exact paper limit, which means it works for quite some time endlessly. But it only handles different photo papers for various tasks.
Ink Quality
This printer is inkless, which is why it can run for longer than any others. Besides, this saves ink costs even with countless photo printing with vibrant colors.
Connectivity
We get both Bluetooth and USB connections with this printer. So, for printing any files from our devices, simply connect them within a second and get started.
Design and Size
This is a mini printer to stand on the palms of our hands. The outer surface has a great texture in white color. It is portable and lightweight to carry around.
Functionality
We can use it for various photo printing or making labels. So, use it for creative projects using the best papers to get good results.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- Offers wireless connectivity quite fast
- Wide application range for different images
- High-quality photo printing
- Works with high power for a great volume
Cons:
- Not suitable for official documents
3. Phomemo M02 Mini Pocket Portable Sticker Printer
Phonemo Mini Printer is another multifunctional and stylish wireless printer under 50 for daily use. Even as a pocket-size printer, you can easily print small documents and photos, labels, records, QR codes, texts, and so on. It has an app to operate different functions by using which we can insert various templates and graphics for printing. Not only this, you can connect your phones with this device using a wireless connection for direct printing or any customization. It has thermal technology to reduce ink costs by not using any ink toners at all. Be sure to get fast output in color or black with sharpness and details. The built-in battery allows it to run for 6 hours, including the standby option, easily make it portable.
Key Features
Paper Capacity
No ink means no limitation to paper capacity. We can print up to 14 thermal paper rolls with a full charge. It only works with glossy or matte photo paper.
Ink Quality
You don’t need ink tanks or ribbons to run this printer, only thermal technology. It allows both black and white and color papers with clarity and crispness, drying the ink instantly.
Connectivity
It offers a Bluetooth connection along with a USB port to connect with other devices. We can customize and print directly by using our phones, tablets, or laptops.
Design and Size
This is a pocket-friendly printer to carry anywhere and instantly get a nice photo output. It works powerfully for battery life and runs smoothly even with the size.
Functionality
Apart from various types of photos, templates, and other colorful items, you can easily print some micro documents, texts, labels, messages, etc.
Pros:
- Compact and portable
- High battery power
- No ink tanks with thermal technology
- Wireless connectivity
- Excellent quality output with the best images
Cons:
- Not very user-friendly
4. Vetbuosa Mini Bluetooth Portable Printer
If you want a multipurpose printer for less than 50, Vetbuosa Mini Printer can be a great choice. Other than keeping it inside your pocket, print various files like notes, texts, journals, and photos, or use it for DIY crafts. Even as a mini printer, it has a powerful battery to run long enough to carry it anywhere and use it instantly. Besides, it comes with a thermal printing option to eliminate ink use and remove the hassle of toner replacement. Connect it within a short time with your phones and other devices to print directly any files. In addition, it has an adjustable paper holder for smooth printing. Regardless of the purpose, be sure to have an amazing printing experience with this small and unique device.
Key Features
Paper Capacity
Print continuously till the battery lasts without any jamming issues or ink running out. Thermal technology eliminates ink use yet provides great quality photos and texts.
Ink Quality
Thermal printing is a cost-effective printing option for various photos and other media files. The ink dries instantly, and the output is sharp and detailed.
Connectivity
For connecting your phones or other smart devices, use a Bluetooth connection with this printer. It connects in no time and allows direct printing smoothly.
Design and Size
This is a very stylish-looking printer to carry around anywhere. The compact size and long-lasting battery make it travel-friendly for various uses.
Functionality
Even though it doesn’t get documents printed, we can use photos, labels, messages, notes, or small texts to print with details and sharpness.
Pros:
- Mini printer for portability
- Thermal printing to remove ink costs
- Allows various printing options
- Wireless connection with other devices
- Smooth and high-quality printing
Cons:
- Not made of durable materials
5. Pooolitech Portable Thermal Sticker Printer
Pooolitech Portable Printer can be a fun and handy item similar to its name. It is one of the best sticker printers you can get to make stickers from any image. Use your PC, laptop, or smartphones to connect with this printer and get the images or other templates to print instantly. The most notable part is the unique design and the iconic power button to function it easily. Even as a mini printer, it performs with efficiency for professional use as well as print labels, texts, notes, and many others. Get the Poooli App for more features and operate the printer properly. It works with thermal paper and without any ink tanks and photo papers. Overall, an impressive printer is worth the price within your reach.
Key Features
Paper Capacity
There is no limit to the paper number, but it will only run till the battery remains. Use either matte or glossy photo papers to get detailed and crisp output.
Ink Quality
Photo printers use thermal printing, and this is no different. This helps reduce ink issues and allows for smoother and more clear printing.
Connectivity
We can use Bluetooth connection to print from our smartphones, laptops, PCs, tablets, etc. This also allows functioning with the app for other features, templates, and customization.
Design and Size
As mentioned, this is a very fun printer with an even more fun design to attract our eyes. It looks so beautiful as such a functional device, and we can easily carry it around with a full battery.
Functionality
Although the focus is mainly on sticker printing, it also allows other photos, labels, texts, notes, and other types of documents and files. Even with the monochrome output, it will offer sharp images.
Pros:
- Easy to function with a great app
- Portable with a powerful battery
- Wireless connection for direct printing
- Unique design with strong materials
- Smooth texture output for any image
Cons:
- Dense texts may come out grainy
6. PokeLabel Portable Mini Sticker Printer
PokeLabel Sticker Printer is another affordable and gorgeous-looking device for various projects. As it works with photo papers, we can use any templates, icons, logos, memos, photos, and even some documents in different formats. The best part about it is allowing document and also web-page printing, so such a small device becomes multi-functional. It uses OCR scanning to read and print texts. In addition, we can design any image using the app to print directly. Use the wireless connection to pair with smartphones, tablets, or laptops. We can even select the pixels we want and get the same high-quality output for any file. Since it is wireless, it becomes portable for use anywhere without any limitations on the number of pages. So, this is one of the best things you can get for your professional uses.
Key Features
Paper Capacity
This printer allows bulk printing with the same quality for each output. Due to the powerful battery, it can remain charged for long and allow printing.
Ink Quality
We can use 203dpi pixels for printing with no ink tanks, including four different densities. We can get better results with thermal papers where the prints will be clear and sharp.
Connectivity
The setup is very easy to connect with Bluetooth to other devices. This printer is compatible with both iOS and androids, or even iPads, tablets, or laptops for editing and printing.
Design and Size
A simple box- shape with a nice color will attract the users, apart from the amazing functionality. It is lightweight to carry inside a backpack or even the pockets to print anywhere instantly.
Functionality
Unlike other sticker or photo printers, this one supports document and web-page printing. This means that the printing technology can handle dense texts to print with good quality.
Pros:
- Prints both documents and photos
- Convenient shape for placing anywhere
- High-power battery to last around 5 days
- Allows different pixels or changes to images
- Wireless compatibility with various devices
Cons:
- Working capacity isn’t very good
7. TEROW USB Thermal Receipt Printer
For a unique thermal photo printer, check out TEROW Receipt Printer. This one is quite different from a printer with various features. It can take ESC/POS commands and also handle different graphics printing. Besides, for each printing, the speed is at 90mm/s, which is suitable for busy workplaces. The built-in data buffer allows users to get their receipts printed with high-quality output. So, this is a great item for shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, retail shops, and similar other places. Even with its high functionality, it is economical to save ink costs using thermal technology. In addition, it is lightweight and easy to handle for changing papers and operating in any corner. However, it doesn’t allow wireless printing or connectivity with external devices. But considering its overall features, we can use it for both office and household purposes, not to mention the affordable cost.
Key Features
Paper Capacity
Since there is no chance of ink running out, this printer can run quite a large number of papers for continuous printing. Besides, we can change the type of paper easily when needed.
Ink Quality
Due to thermal printing, there is no problem with ink running out. It saves the hassle of ink replacement or jamming smudges. Each label or receipt will come out very sharp and detailed.
Connectivity
This one only works with some of the Windows devices. There is no wireless printing option, and it doesn’t support Mac or iOS.
Design and Size
Even though it looks heavy due to the black and bulky design, the product is lightweight and portable. The size is also convenient for placing it anywhere, saving space.
Functionality
Apart from speedy printing, it supports ESC/POS printing commands and also bitmap to allow graphics printing. So, we can use it to print receipts for various places that need it.
Pros:
- High-speed printing for large volumes
- Heavy-built yet lightweight and compact
- Offers various texts and graphics printing
- Compactible with different Windows devices
- Eco-friendly and easy to use
Cons:
- It doesn’t allow wireless printing
Buying Guide
After you have checked the list of the best printer under 50, you will need to consider some other factors before finalizing the decision. These factors will help you understand which printer will suit your needs.
Design and Size
For workplaces, people usually select a large one that is an all-purpose printer. Such printers take up a large amount of space. If the space isn’t an issue, then you can get a big one to place it on one corner. Otherwise, there are other smaller ones that are lightweight and portable yet packed with all the functions. Nowadays, we get photo printers that are travel-friendly as well.
Functionality
Depending on the purpose, select a good printer. Usually, for bulk printing and official or business work, we need a high-functioning and all-in-one printer. Sometimes these are also needed for home uses. But if you use it occasionally, then get a regular printer. A photo printer also offers various functions for crafts and projects.
Paper Capacity
Nowadays, you will find printers that can regularly afford a good volume of printing. Even then, you can select one that will suit your workload. For busy places, select one that handles a large paper capacity. But this can become expensive since you will need frequent toner replacements. So, if used occasionally, then select a smaller capacity. Even then, you will find your work done perfectly.
Speed
Along with high paper capacity, you also need a good printing speed. So, check that the speed will work with the heavy load. Otherwise, regular printers or photo printers also allow good printing speed. Depending on the purpose, select the printing speed.
Ink Quality
Another very important factor is the ink quality as well as the capacity. To ensure that you get the highest quality output, you need the best ink source. Whether it is a laser or inkjet printer, or a thermal printer, ensure that the ink will provide files that will come out crisp, sharp, and detailed.
Connectivity
While most printers offer wireless printing or cable connection with other devices, there might be some that don’t have this feature. Regardless of the use, you need connectivity options to increase the flexibility of the printer and increase production.
How to Activate the Printer?
Now that you have your all-in-one printer under 50 get ready to connect it to your PC. The printer needs to be activated using the best methods to pair it with the device and use it whenever needed. Check that the printer works with the version of your Windows, or you can also update it later. Printer installation nowadays is quite a painless and fast activity.
Connection
Use the USB cable or wireless connectivity to add the printer to the computer. You can go to the next step after your PC finds the printer and successfully pairs with it.
Settings Menu
Click on the settings app that is found on the Start menu. This will have all the features to add the new printer and complete the installation process.
Adding Printer
Now find the devices option and click on it. You can find another option to add a printer or scanner. Select the printer option. The operating system will try to detect the printer that is connected. So, you can also find the name given on-screen. Click on the printer’s name and follow further instructions.
Installation
Your PC will instruct you to click on the right options to start and complete the installation. However, sometimes there might be problems with detecting the printer, so you need a troubleshooting guide to search the printer or download drivers. You can also check the manual for further help.
For adding a wireless printer solely, you need some other steps as well.
- Firstly, set up the wireless connectivity by navigating from the LCD. Then select the Wireless LAN Settings.
- Connect to Wi-Fi to allow the printer to detect the network.
- Enter the password and connect Wi-Fi to the printer; if this doesn’t happen automatically, then select device from settings.
- This can also work with an Ethernet cable to complete the installation.
How to Maintain a Printer?
Even cheap wifi printers need good care to last long. After you have got your favorite and useful printer of any brand, make a plan to maintain it regularly. Otherwise, the best features and strength of materials can’t make your printer last long as it should do. Besides, proper care will make the printer run smoothly without any issues or help you to identify any problem to recover instantly. The best part is that printer maintenance is quite simple without any special tools.
Keep the Printer Dust and Dirt Free
One of the most common techniques to keep printers in good shape is to keep them clean. Simply dust it, or use some cleaning agents and a washcloth for weekly cleaning. Place the printer in good corners that would keep it free from dust. Bad weather can also cause problems, so ensure it is away from windows. Besides, dirt or any debris inside the tray will cause jamming or streaking from the printer. You can use a vacuum cleaner to remove debris from the most difficult areas.
Clean or Change the Cartridges
Take out the cartridges to check the condition for a particular cleaning day and clean it. The tip may get jammed with ink streaks from continuous printing. It can also have dust buildup. So, you might need a different cleaning agent for the cartridges. You can also use water and a cotton swab to clean the tip gently. But be very careful with the process.
Check and Solve Any Mechanical Error
Other than cleaning properly, you also need to monitor the condition of your printer to see if anything is causing problems. You can try opening the parts gently to see for any internal damage or run some test papers to see the printing quality. In addition, ensure that the ink tanks are placed properly. After you have identified any issue, check the manual for a solution or visit a technician to resolve the problem. But a better practice would be to do regular maintenance either at home with a kit or by taking it to the technicians.
Don’t Leave your Printer Unused
Even if you don’t need to use it every day, ensure that it runs frequently. If it remains unused for days, then the dust will accumulate and damage parts. Besides, you won’t understand the conditions inside and whether the printer is having any issues. Any machine that is not used regularly loose its power and functionality over time.
Keep Updated With the Latest Software and Drivers
A good practice would be to install a new software update whenever you are notified about a new software update. This will keep the printer updated with the new software, which will increase its functionality. Besides, a new driver also boosts the performance.
FAQ:
- What Type of Printer Is Best for Home Use?
Whether for occasional use or official purposes, laser printers are the best choice for home use. It comes in both monochrome and color and also at affordable rates. Besides, laser printers offer the best quality output for documents and even images. The top suggested brands would be Canon, HP, or Brother.
- Which Lasts Longer Laser or Inkjet?
Even at lower costs, inkjet printers have better ink quality than laser printers. Besides, inkjet ones work faster, economizing the ink for printing in large volumes. So, the ink lasts longer in these printers and makes them more durable than laser printers for better toner.
- Is Inkjet Cheaper Than Laser?
Even though inkjet printers are cheaper than laser ones, the operating cost may be higher with frequent toner replacement. This is because it runs solely with more ink than needed for a laser printer. The density of ink allows the high-quality output with sharp colors.
- Is Ink Cheaper Than Toner?
Toners are more affordable than ink refills. In addition, toners reduce ink costs by economizing on ink use with no compromise over print quality. These are also efficient with minimum ink waste and no issues of smudges.
- What Kind of Printers Use Toner?
Typically, laser printers use a toner and a metal drum to provide thick and consistent ink for our files. Even though this is expensive for replacement after a while, nowadays printers are developed such that the replacement becomes less frequent.
- Does Toner Last Longer Than Ink?
Toners last longer than ink cartridges, even with large volumes of printing regularly. So, while printers that use ink only need a refill, toners are less expensive in the long run since they last longer and work without any issues.
Conclusion
Now that you know about the best printer under 50, you can choose the right one that is both suitable and affordable. Although people either use a laser or inkjet printer, photo printers are becoming popular due to their new technology and use. These allow various interesting tasks, as well as any official work. Even as a small device, you can get done a lot and also carry it around. But for heavy-duty uses, a laser or inkjet printer will serve your needs better. Most of the ones mentioned here and some popular brands are all great printers to increase productivity and efficiency at workplaces. Depending on the use and workload, select the one right away.