At first glance, a $49 printer feels like a great deal. It prints, scans, copies — and costs less than a dinner out.
But many first-time buyers are surprised when the “cheap” printer ends up costing much more over time.
The truth is: the upfront price is only part of the story.
In this post, you’ll learn the most common hidden costs of cheap printers so you can avoid surprises and make smarter decisions.
Printers you can find Under $100 in 2026
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
| Printer Model | Type | Best For | Wireless | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon PIXMA MG3620 | Inkjet (All-in-One) | Light home use & students | Yes | View on Amazon |
| HP DeskJet 2755e | Inkjet (All-in-One) | Occasional color printing | Yes | View on Amazon |
| Brother HL-L2325DW | Monochrome Laser | High-volume black & white printing | Yes | View on Amazon |
| Pantum P2502W | Monochrome Laser | Budget-friendly text printing | Yes | View on Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA TS3322 | Inkjet (All-in-One) | Basic home & casual photo printing | Yes | View on Amazon |
1) Starter Cartridges Are Usually Half-Filled
One of the biggest surprises for new printer owners is how quickly the first ink runs out.
Many budget printers come with “starter” cartridges, which are usually not full-capacity. They’re designed to:
- Help you complete setup
- Print a few test pages
- Get you started quickly
Starter cartridges can run out much sooner than expected, which means you may need to buy replacements almost immediately. And often, replacement ink costs nearly as much as the printer itself.
2) Replacement Ink Can Cost More Than the Printer
Cheap printers are often sold at very low profit margins. Manufacturers commonly earn more from ink and toner refills over time.
This is sometimes called the “razor-and-blade” model:
- The printer (razor) is cheap upfront
- The ink (blades) is expensive and bought repeatedly
If you print regularly, the cost of ink can easily exceed the price of the printer multiple times.
3) Firmware Updates Can Block Third-Party Ink
To save money, many people try using third-party or refilled ink cartridges.
However, some manufacturers release firmware updates that may:
- Detect non-original cartridges
- Show cartridge error messages
- Prevent the printer from printing until you replace the cartridge
Even if third-party ink works today, a future update can change that. This can push you back to using higher-priced original cartridges.
Tip: Be careful with automatic updates
Many printers update automatically through Wi-Fi. If you rely on third-party cartridges, automatic firmware updates can be a hidden risk.
4) Ink Gets Wasted During Print Head Cleaning
Inkjet printers perform automatic cleaning cycles to prevent clogged nozzles and keep print quality consistent.
These maintenance cycles:
- Use small amounts of ink each time
- Can run automatically in the background
- May run more often if the printer sits unused
That means your ink level can drop even if you printed only a few pages.
5) Ink Can Dry Out If You Don’t Print Often
Cheap inkjet printers are especially prone to ink drying out if you don’t use them regularly.
If ink dries in the print head, you might notice:
- Faded or streaky prints
- Missing colors
- Repeated cleaning cycles (which wastes more ink)
In some cases, clogs can become so severe that fixing them is difficult — and replacing the printer becomes the cheaper option.
Beginner-friendly tip
If you own an inkjet printer, printing one small page every week or two can help prevent dried ink and reduce cleaning waste.
6) Paper Compatibility Can Lead to Waste
Budget printers often have limitations with certain paper types. This can lead to poor results or frequent jams, especially with:
- Thicker paper or cardstock
- Glossy photo paper
- Labels and sticker sheets
- Lower-quality paper that curls or sheds dust
If your printer struggles with the paper you use, you can end up wasting sheets, ink, and time.
7) Low Duty Cycle Can Mean a Shorter Lifespan
Many cheap printers are built for light usage and may have a lower recommended monthly print volume (often called a duty cycle).
If you print heavily on a budget printer, common problems include:
- Rollers wearing out faster
- More paper jams
- Print head failures
- Repairs costing more than replacement
This is why two printers can look similar on the outside but have very different long-term reliability.
8) Connectivity and Software Issues Can Cost Time (and Sanity)
Not all “costs” are money. Cheap printers sometimes come with basic Wi-Fi hardware or simplified apps, which can cause:
- Wi-Fi disconnections
- Slow printing from phones/laptops
- Driver or compatibility issues
- Extra time spent troubleshooting
If you print often, small problems can turn into repeated frustration — and wasted time is a cost too.
So, Are Cheap Printers a Bad Idea?
Not always. Cheap printers can be fine for:
- Very light home use
- Students with occasional printing needs
- Temporary or backup printing
The key is understanding that the sticker price isn’t the full story. The total cost of ownership includes ink, maintenance, paper compatibility, and lifespan.
Final Thoughts
A printer that’s cheap upfront isn’t truly “cheap” if:
- You replace ink constantly
- Maintenance cycles use a lot of ink
- Firmware blocks cheaper cartridge options
- It wears out quickly under normal use
Before buying any printer, it helps to ask:
- How often will I print?
- How expensive are replacement cartridges?
- Will I be okay using original ink only?
- Will it handle the paper types I use?
Being informed is always cheaper than being surprised.
Want more beginner printer tips? Check out my other posts on printer basics, ink vs toner, and how to reduce printing costs without sacrificing quality.