For small businesses, printers remain a critical tool—whether for invoices, contracts, shipping labels, or marketing materials. But operating costs can add up fast if you’re not careful about the model you choose. The right printer balances affordability, performance, and long-term efficiency. Below are the most cost-effective printers for small business use, including both inkjet and laser options that won’t drain your budget.
Inkjet vs Laser: What’s Better for Your Business?
- Inkjet printers are ideal for businesses that print color documents or images in moderate volume. They’re more affordable upfront and compact, but ink costs can add up.
- Laser printers are best for high-volume black-and-white printing. While they cost more initially, toner lasts longer and offers a lower cost per page.
Evaluate your business’s print volume and whether you need color before choosing.
Top Cost-Effective Printers for Small Businesses
- Brother HL-L2350DW (Monochrome Laser)
- Approx. $120
- Prints up to 32 ppm
- Features wireless printing and duplexing
- Toner cartridges yield 1,200–3,000 pages
- Learn more at Brother USA
- Approx. $120
- HP OfficeJet Pro 9025e (All-in-One Inkjet)
- Approx. $260
- Fast print speeds and scan-to-email function
- Eligible for HP Instant Ink subscription
- Great for businesses that require color printing
- Approx. $260
- Canon imageCLASS MF264dw (Laser All-in-One)
- Approx. $170
- Print, scan, copy, and fax
- Compact and fast with high-yield toner
- Ideal for small spaces
- Approx. $170
- Epson EcoTank ET-3850 (Inkjet All-in-One)
- Approx. $400
- Features refillable ink tanks—no cartridges
- Very low cost per page, best for high-volume color printing
- Eco-conscious and long-lasting ink supply
- Approx. $400
- Lexmark MB2236adw (Compact Laser All-in-One)
- Approx. $200
- Includes mobile printing, scanning, and automatic duplex
- Built for small office groups
- Approx. $200
Features to Prioritize for Business Use
- Automatic duplexing (double-sided printing) to save on paper
- Wi-Fi and mobile printing capabilities for flexible use
- High-yield cartridges or refillable tanks to reduce total cost of ownership
- Warranty and customer support in case of breakdowns or networking issues
How to Save on Ink and Toner
Regardless of the printer you choose, supplies will be your biggest ongoing cost. Consider:
- Enrolling in subscription services like HP Instant Ink or Epson ReadyPrint
- Buying high-yield cartridges from trusted suppliers
- Using cashback platforms to reduce cost on each refill
For example, you can earn cashback with a Staples gift card or get rewards with an Office Depot gift card by purchasing through Fluz before picking up ink or toner. Fluz lets you buy a digital gift card for the exact amount you need and use it instantly online or in-store.
Visit Fluz to explore instant cashback options for printers and supplies.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a printer for your small business isn’t just about the upfront cost—it’s about the long-term expense of keeping it running. Look for models with strong reviews, efficient ink or toner usage, and support features that align with your workflow. With the right printer and smart purchasing strategies, you can keep your business printing efficiently—without overpaying.



