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7 Best Printers under $50

Choosing a printer can be frustrating; with thousands of options, it becomes a challenge to select a printer that is perfect for your printing needs. Printer prices are as varied as the models they come in; you will find models that cost less than $50 and some that cost more than $1000. 

The question is, why spend more when you can spend less?


If you know what to look for, you can maximize the value for your money by purchasing affordable printers that work just fine. To help you out, we have compiled a list of best printers under $50.

Let’s take a closer look at these pocket-friendly devices:

Best Printers Under $50

Printer NameConnectivityEditor’s ScorePrice
1. Polaroid MintBluetooth9.60/10
2. Canon Pixma MG3620Wireless9.50/10
3. Canon Pixma TS8220Bluetooth, Wireless9.00/10
4. Canon TS202 InkjetHi-Speed USB8.90/10
5. Canon TS302Bluetooth, Wireless7.00/10
6. Polaroid ZIPBluetooth8.00/10
7. Brother MFC-J491DWWi Fi Direct, USB8.50/10
8. Brother HL-L2300DHi-Speed USB8.20/10

It was very very hard to find a printer in this range, but I spent a lot of time doing research and I found a few great models. if you are in a hurry, you can pretty much make your decision based on my comparison table above.

If you want to dig deeper into each model and learn more about these printers, please keep reading. I am going to write an in-depth review of each model from printing speed to how it looks like. Let’s get started!

1. Polaroid Mint

“Best Portable”

Zink Polaroid Mint Pocket Printer W/...
2,938 Reviews
Zink Polaroid Mint Pocket Printer W/...
  • A Smartphone Printer in Your pocket :...
  • Innovative Zero ink technology :...
  • Built in Bluetooth Connectivity: Skip...
  • Download the polaroid app: Free...
  • Fashion forward & travel: Friendly pick...
Pros
  • Exceptional connectivity options
  • High cost-to-print ratio
  • Long battery life.
Cons
  • Expensive ZINK paper
  • Poor standby battery

Polaroid Mint Printer is the newest addition to the Polaroid printer family. It is a pocket-sized printer brim-full of features, including a lightweight and slim design, Bluetooth connectivity, Zero Ink™ printing technology, a quick charge powerful battery that can print up to 50 photos in one charge, full-colored smudge-proof photo prints, and many other exciting features.

Performance

The Mint Pocket Printer produces 2 x 3-inch full-colored glossy photo prints in less than 60 seconds! You simply have to load the ZINK paper along with the blue calibration sheet in the paper tray and press print to get beautiful photos. 

The printer comes with a starter pack of ZINK printing paper, but you can easily purchase more online. The Zero Ink technology is revolutionary for printing; instead of cartridges or toners, this technology uses specialized ZINK paper embedded with reactive molecules that produce colors when heated. 

However, while the technology is extraordinary and eco-friendly, it is even more expensive than ink toners and cartridges. The Paper tray of the Mint Printer can hold 10 sheets of 2 x 3 inch Zink paper at a time, which is comparable with other printers in this category.

Connectivity

One of the most noteworthy features of the printer is its built-in Bluetooth technology that enables fast-speed printing directly from your smart device! Although a micro USB is included as a backup, you don’t need to trouble yourself with the hassle of wires when using this pocket-friendly printer. 

To connect to the printer, simply download the Polaroid Mint app, compatible with iOS and Android, edit your pictures and print away. The startup settings are a piece of cake as well; you just have to run the startup wizard to have the printer setup for printing in less than a minute.

Portability

At 4. 5″ x 3. 0″ x 0. 7″, the Polaroid Mint printer is just a little bit smaller than a deck of playing cards, and it weighs less than half a pound. This printer not only fits easily inside your pocket, clutch bag, or fanny pack, it won’t weigh you down as well. Hiking on a steep cliff or trapesing through lush woods, you can easily carry this small and weightless camera with you everywhere.

Other Consideration

Battery life is one of the most essential features of a portable printer. The Polaroid Mint is equipped with a 900 mAh lithium-polymer battery that can print up to 40 photos in one charge. Other comparable printers have lesser batteries that only last for 20 – 30 photos in one go.

Therefore, you are getting more bang for your buck with the Polaroid Mint. What is more, it only takes less than 2 hours to charge the battery fully. On the other hand, the battery is built-in and non-removable, which means that you cannot keep spares. If you have to take more than 40 prints at a time, you can’t do it without charging the battery first. 

The battery’s standby time is not great either; if you are using the printer infrequently, you may have to charge the battery even though you did not consume it fully on last use. If we talk about ease-of-use, Polaroid Mint comes out on top; it has a straightforward setup, the paper is easy to load, and you rarely get a paper jam. 

Bottom Line

All in all, the Polaroid Mint pocket printer is a small-sized printer that packs a big punch. It is one of the best wallet-sized printers that I have come across; with its small size, light weight, fast printing, and excellent image quality, the Polaroid Mint rates high in my books.

It is great value product for travelers, scrapbooking enthusiasts, bloggers, and any other person who wants to print good-quality and affordable pictures of their adventures. The sticky-back Zink paper provides extra fun! 

Specs Recap

  • Editor’s Score: 9/10
  • Printing Speed: 1 ppm
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth Printing
  • Weight: 7.2 ounces
  • Sheet Capacity: 10 sheets of Zink Paper
  • LED Screen: No

2. Canon Pixma MG3620

Best for Students

Sale
Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless All-In-One...
17,949 Reviews
Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless All-In-One...
  • Mobile device printing: Easily print...
  • Quick and easy wireless setup
  • Powerful printing options: Airprint,...
  • Compact and space-saving design
  • Print on both sides of the page with...
Pros
  • Easy to move around
  • Decent Printing quality
  • Moderate connectivity options
Cons
  • High running cost
  • No ethernet support

The Canon Pixma MG3620 is an all-in-one colored inkjet printer that offers high-resolution prints, fast printing speed, wireless connectivity, mobile printing, and a 1-year limited warranty at an extremely affordable price.

Performance

Despite its low price, Canon Pixma MG3620 is a fast and efficient machine. It takes the printer approximately 44 seconds to print a borderless 4 x 6-inch photo. In addition, it can print black and white prints at 9.9 ppm and colored prints at 5.7 ppm. 

The copying speed of the AIO is great too; it can copy a colored document in less than 22 seconds. Although not the fastest by far, this speed is at par with many printers far expensive than this one. I appreciate this above average speed, especially considering the low price of the printer. 

MG3620 has only one input tray, which can hold 100 sheets of plain paper or 20 sheets of photo paper (size: 4 x 6). Although the capacity is sufficient for a printer of this size, not having a separate tray for photo papers is cumbersome. The output tray of the printer also has the same paper capacity. 

Technology and Ink Consumption

The printer uses dye-based colored ink and pigment-based black ink. It requires one combined cartridge for the colored inks and one cartridge for the black ink. Combined with the 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution of the printer, these inks offer sharp-colored, detailed images and text prints. 

The photo quality of the printer is excellent as well; the prints are accurate, and there is little to no spattering. Although the photo quality is great, I will suggest that you only print photographs for personal use. Don’t expect professional quality from this printer!

There is no denying that the cost of inkjet printer’s ink cartridges is on the steep end; however, you can reduce cost per page by purchasing XL or XXL cartridges by Canon. If you are using a standard cartridge, a colored print on the MG2620 will cost you 24 cents, whereas a black and white print will cost you 10.6 cents. 

Portability

Canon Pixma MG3620 is a compact and lightweight printer at 12 x 17.7 inches and 11.9 pounds. You don’t need to purchase a separate table for the printer; it can easily fit on to your work desk or any other available surface. It is easy to move and easy to use. 

Display & Connectivity

The MG3620 does not have a display screen, it only has an old-school control panel. It is straightforward and easy to use. The printer allows wireless printing through a wireless LAN connection, the Mopria App, AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and other mobile printing options. 

To connect the printer to your WiFi, setup the printer through the recommended Canon app or the enclosed CD-ROM. Once the startup is complete, hold down the WiFi button located on the printer’s control panel until the On light flashes green. Release the WiFi button when the light flashes, press the colored button on the control panel and then press the WiFi button again and you are ready to print!  

Other Considerations

The Pixma MG3620 also supports automatic duplex printing; the printer can automatically print on both sides of the paper to save you time and energy. However, it lacks an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF). 

The printer is manufactured by Canon, which has excellent after-sales support and customer service. In case of any problem, you can browse the official brand website to download manuals, read FAQs, and other information to troubleshoot your device. In case your printer is malfunctioning or broken, you can claim a 1-year limited warranty as well. 

Bottom Line

The Canon Pixma MG3620 is a budget-friendly AIO printer that offers much more than it costs. It is perfect for students, homes, and small offices because it is budget-friendly, it produces high-quality prints, supports wireless connectivity, is easy to use, and has a compact design. Although the printing speed is on the slow end of the spectrum, it is appropriate for the infrequent printing. 

Specs Recap

  • Editor’s Score: 8/10
  • Printing Speed:: 19 pages/minute
  • Connectivity: USB Port, Wifi
  • Weight: 11.9 pounds
  • Sheet Capacity: 100 Sheets Of Plain Paper Or 20 Photo Paper

3. Canon Pixma TS8220

“Excellent for low printing”

Canon TS8220 Wireless All in One Photo...
998 Reviews
Canon TS8220 Wireless All in One Photo...
  • Quickly print detailed documents with...
  • Print documents and photos using...
  • The PIXMA TS8220 wireless printer is the...
  • FOR NUMBERS LISTED IN PRODUCT...
Pros
  • Great Printing Speed
  • Compact Device
  • Good Text Print Quality
Cons
  • Lacks Ethernet
  • Lacks ADF
  • High cost of printing

The Canon Pixma TS8220 is a multifunctional printer that offers high-end printing in a sleek design. The printer has many excellent features such as high-resolution printing, versatile paper support, multiple connectivity options, effortless interface, and fast printing speed. The only drawback is the high cost of printing, which plagues the entire TS series. 

Performance

Canon’ Pixma TS8220 is a fast-speed printer that allows you to print 10 colored and 15 black and white prints in one minute. Additionally, it churns out photos in less than 17 seconds each. It is comparable to other printers in the TS range as well as printers from other brands in this price range. In most cases, TS8220 is faster than its peers. 

Technology & Ink Compatibility

The TS8220 is a six-ink printer as opposed to the traditional 4-ink printers. Simply, it means that the printer requires six individual cartridges instead of 4. There are two additional black and blue photopigments in this printer. 

This means that the print quality is excellent as images and photos contain more details and color accuracy. It also means that the cost of printing is higher than the average 4-cartridge printers. One of the most impressive features of this printer is its high-resolution printing; you can print at up to 4800 x 1200 dpi. 

Display & Connectivity

Like other printers in the TS range, the control panel of 8220 comprises of a 4.3 inch LCD touch screen and a power button. Apart from switching the printer on and off, all other functions are accesseable through the touchscreen. Many users have found the LCD to be perfectly functional; it is easy to use, and perform functions as expected.

Let’s talk about connectivity, the TS8220 has some obvious advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, the printer provides versatile connectivity through wireless LAN, wireless PictBridge, USB 2.0, Bluetooth, and a memory card slot for photos. 

Additionally, this printer is compatible with mobile printing through dedicated and third-party apps, including AirPrint, Mopria, and Google Cloud Print. On the downside, the printer does not support Ethernet connectivity.

Portability

At 14.7 x 12.8 inches and 14.7 pounds weight, the Canon Pixma TS8220 is a compact but slightly heavy machine. Unlike its other printers, the design of this device is a bit dated with a clunky exterior. Despite the boxy design, the printer is easy to move and takes little space

Other Considerations

The Canon Pixma TS8220 provides high-resolution copying and scanning along with printing. It is also pretty fast for a home printer; you can make a colored copy in just under 19 seconds! You also get auto scan and wireless scanning features along with the ability to send your scanned documents through email or mobile. 

Versatile paper support is another impressive feature; you can use plain, glossy, matte, and other types of paper in multiple sizes as per your printing needs. With this printer, you can easily print photos, ID cards, business cards, greeting cards, and envelopes along with the standard paper prints. You can also print on CDs, DVDs, and T-shirts. 

The printer is easy to set up and use; its accessibility is further enhanced by useful features like auto duplex printing, a scanner flatbed, and an EasyPrint photo editor software. Canon offers a 1-year limited warranty on the printer. It also offers extensive after-sales support and 24/7 customer service. 

Bottom Line

An overwhelming number of users confirms our analysis that the Canon Pixma TS8220 is an excellent value-for-money printer that has some great features but also has some drawbacks.

 It is an excellent purchase for personal and home use for users who want high-quality but infrequent printing needs. It’s the perfect choice for crafters, home offices, and even amateur photographers. 

Specs Recap

  • Editor’s Score: 8.5/10
  • Printing Speed: Black: 15 ppm Colored: 10.0 ppm
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth
  • Sheet Capacity: 100 Sheets Plain Paper OR 20 Photo Paper
  • Weight: 14.5 pounds
  • LCD: 4.3 LCD Touchscreen

4. Canon TS202 Inkjet

Best Budget

Canon PIXMA TS202 Inkjet Photo Printer,...
3,943 Reviews
Canon PIXMA TS202 Inkjet Photo Printer,...
  • Fine hybrid ink system for detailed...
  • Quickly refill paper with the dedicated...
  • With a great compact size, the Pixma...
  • OS compatibility: Windows 5 Windows 10,...
  • Output tray capacity - Rear paper tray...
Pros
  • Rear paper tray
  • 1-year limited warranty
  • Good print quality
Cons
  • Connects through USB only

The Canon Pixma TS202 is a compact and affordable printing solution for the home user. The Fine Hybrid Ink System and the high-print resolution make it possible for you to print excellent quality 4 x 6-inch photos with great ease. A rear paper tray, automatic power on/off, wireless mobile printing, and energy-efficient print is what sets Canon TS202 apart from its competition.

Performance

As is the norm with inkjet printers in this price range, TS202’s speed is acceptable but slow. The printer claims to print black and white prints in 7.7 ppm and color prints in 4.0 ppm. Additionally, it can print photographs in under 70 seconds.

The printer only has one input tray at the rear of the printer. The rear tray does it make it easy to refill paper sheets, but it only has a capacity of 60 plain sheets or 20 photo papers. To my disappointment, the printer does not have a dedicated tray for photo papers. 

An interesting feature of the TS202 is its Fine Hybrid Ink System, which lends greater details and accuracy to text and graphic documents. We have observed mixed reviews from users regarding output quality; some find it to be excellent while others are not happy with it. Our analysis reveals that the print quality is acceptable for the price, but you should not compare it with high-end dedicated photo printers. 

Portability

The Canon Pixma TS202 is an extremely attractive machine; at 16.8 x 8.5 inches and 6.5 pounds, it is a small and lightweight device. The rounded edges give it a more sleek appearance; it would fit anywhere easily and would look great sitting on your desk.  

Display & Connectivity

The TS202 does not have a display screen; instead, the control panel consists of a few straightforward buttons which can be used to access the printer. You can connect the printer via a Hi-speed USB cable. 

The printer does not offer Ethernet or wireless connectivity. This certainly limits the versatility of the printer. Some users have reported that they cannot make the printer work without a dedicated USB cable, which is disappointing, to say the least. 

Other Considerations

As compared to the Brother AIO colored inkjet printer, the Canon TS202 offers less versatile paper-handling options. Although you can print on multiple paper types and sizes, the options are limited as compared to the former printer. 

Canon does offer a 1-year limited warranty on all its printers, including the TS202. You can easily contact the company to support 24/7 for any assistance. 

Bottom Line

The Canon Pixma TS202 is a good option for printing photos if you are looking for a budget printer. The rear tray and the Fine Hybrid Ink System make the printer stand out, but low printing speed and USB-only connectivity let it down. It is suitable for personal and home use.

Specs Recap

  • Editor’s Score: 9.5/10
  • Printing Speed: Black: 7.7. ppm Colored: 4.0 ppm
  • Connectivity: Hi-Speed USB
  • Weight: 6.4 pounds
  • Sheet Capacity: 60 Sheets of Plain Paper OR 20 Sheets

5. Canon TS302

Best Wireless

Sale
Canon TS302 Wireless Inkjet Printer,...
3,138 Reviews
Canon TS302 Wireless Inkjet Printer,...
  • Scan and copy documents with smartphone...
  • With AIRPRINTTM, its easy to print right...
Pros
  • Wireless connectivity
  • Built-in AirPrint
  • Rear paper tray
Cons
  • Slow printing speed

The Canon Pixma TS302 has all the features of its predecessor, the Canon Pixma TS202, but with the welcome addition of wireless printing. You can connect the printer to your home WiFi and send prints from any room within the house! A rear paper tray, smartphone copy, versatile paper handling, and fine print quality define this printer.

Performance

Just like the TS202, the TS302 prints at a relatively slow pace of 7.7 ppm for black and white prints and 4.0 ppm for colored prints. In addition, it can print photos in under 65 seconds, a marginal improvement over its predecessor. 

Similar to TS202, this model also has a rear input tray with a 60 sheet capacity. You can also switch the plain paper sheets for 20 photo paper. Just like the previous model, the TS302 does not have a separate tray for photo paper, which is a disappointment.

The TS302 also uses the Fine Hybrid Ink System for accuracy and higher print quality. Our analysis reveals that this ink system does provide superior detailing, but the overall photo quality is at par with other budget photo printers. 

Portability

The TS302 is compactly designed; it has a checkered top, which gives it a distinct router like appearance. Its size is 17.0 x 11.1 inches, and it weighs 6.5 pounds. It is small and lightweight; it can easily fit any working surface without taking too much space.

Display & Connectivity

The control panel of this printer does not include an LCD screen; it solely consists of buttons that can be used to switch the printer on/off as well as to avail the various functions. Unlike its predecessor, this model has wireless printing and wireless mobile printing.

It comes with built0in WiFi and AirPrint, which you can use to print photos and documents directly from your phone. 

Other Considerations

The Canon TS302 comes with a 1-year limited warranty and 24/7 customer support by Canon. It is a versatile device that can handle multiple paper types and sizes. 

Bottom line

If you were unhappy with your TS202 because it lacked WiFi, then you will love this model. Canon has included Wireless printing and Smartphone copy to increase the usability of this affordable printer. It is perfect for personal use for people with infrequent printing needs.

Specs Recap

  • Editor’s Score: 8.5/10
  • Printing Speed: 8 pages/minute
  • Connectivity: Wireless, USB
  • Weight: 5.13 Pounds
  • Sheet Capacity:60 Sheets of Plain Paper OR 20 Sheets

6. Polaroid ZIP

Best in Mini

Zink Polaroid ZIP Wireless Mobile Photo...
1,773 Reviews
Zink Polaroid ZIP Wireless Mobile Photo...
  • Smartphone Memories Made Real : Using...
  • Stunningly Vibrant Prints : Zink Zero...
  • Free Polaroid Mobile APP : Take Your...
  • Travel Ready Design : The mini and...
Pros
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Easy setup and wireless printing
  • Has NFC
Cons
  • Unreliable app

Want to print photos directly from your phone? The Polaroid Zip Wireless Mini Printer has got you covered. Designed as a camera-phone accessory, the Polaroid Zip is a dedicated instant photo printer that allows you to print photos on the go. 

Easy to fit inside your pocket, this small printer is extremely portable. Its small size and lightweight design make it super convenient, but the dim print quality and an obsolete camera app restrict the otherwise perfect printer. 

Performance

The Polaroid Zip is an instant photo camera that uses the ZINK Zero Ink technology, which means that you only need to buy Zink Photo papers instead of ink cartridges or toners. ZINK technology makes printers easy to use, eco-friendly, and hassle-free. You simply have to set up the printer, insert the paper, and you are all set to print!

The printing speed of the Zip is faster than other printers in this category; it produces 2 x 3-inch photos in less than 45 seconds, which is 15 seconds faster than Polaroid Mint and a good 30 seconds faster than instant cameras from other brands.

Just like Polaroid Mint, you can load stacks of 10 photos papers in the paper tray at a time. Simply open the back cover to reveal the paper tray, insert the papers, and close the lid. 

Connectivity

The Polaroid Zip connects to your smartphone through Bluetooth with the Zip App. You need to download the app to be able to connect with the printer. Simply switch on the Bluetooth on the printer and your phone and pair the devices to start printing. 

Open the Zip App, select the photo you want to print, and hit print. While this is very convenient, the Zip does not provide you the option of printing through Ethernet, wireless, USB, or SD card. If your Bluetooth is hot, you cannot print from this device at all. 

Portability

The Polaroid Zip is 4.7 X 2.9 inches in size and weighs only 6.6 ounces. If you hold it in your hand, it feels no bigger than your average smartphone. With its rounded edges, the device looks even smaller than it actually is. 

Other Considerations

The Zip comes with a rechargeable and removable battery as compared to the fixed battery on Polaroid Mint. The removable battery means that you can keep a spare battery in your pocket for extended use. Users can charge the battery through a micro USB cable and it takes 90 minutes to charge the battery fully, and you can print 25 – 30 photos in one charge. 

Convenience comes at a higher cost; the ZINK papers are expensive, and it will cost you 50 cents to print one photo each. As compared to full-sized printers, this is very expensive. On the other hand, you do get instant photos on the go, so you just have to weigh the costs versus the benefits.   

The Polaroid Zip App is a big downer; instead of adding value, this app taints the overall experience. The photo editing feature of the app is poor as well, we recommend that you edit photos on your phone or any other app and then use the app to print the photos. 

Bottom Line

The Polaroid Zip is a great wallet-sized instant printer that offers fast photos on the go. It is a great option if you are willing to compromise on the slightly low photo quality.

Specs Recap

  • Editor’s Score: 10/10
  • Charge: Less than 45 seconds
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth
  • Weight: 6.6 ounces
  • Sheet Capacity: 10 sheets of Zink paper

7. Brother MFC-J491DW

“Most Reliable”

Brother Wireless All-in-One Inkjet...
5,215 Reviews
Brother Wireless All-in-One Inkjet...
  • Simple to connect: Choose from built in...
  • Mobile printing: Print wirelessly from...
  • Cloud connectivity: Scan to popular...
  • Versatile paper handling: Automatic...
  • For use with brother genuine inks:...
Pros
  • 100 sheet tray capacity
  • 20 sheet capacity ADF
  • Automatic double-sided printing
Cons
  • Slow printing speed
  • Inefficient ink consumption

The Brother MFC-J491DW is a wireless All-in-One color printer by on the most reliable printer brand, Brother. Brother is known for its no-nonsense printers that are loaded with useful features, and the MFC-J491DW is no different. 

It has features like an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), automatic double-sided printing, wireless mobile device printing, cloud connectivity, easy setup, and a compact design. 

Performance

The Brother MFC-J491DW is an excellent printer for its modest price, but it lacks in speed. Inkjets, in general, are not that fast, but the MFC – J491DW is slower than most at 12 ppm for black print and 6 ppm for color prints. 

Don’t be alarmed, a printer than can produce more than 12 print in one minute is not something to be looked down at. 

It simply is not appropriate for offices that have high printing needs, but for homes and offices, this speed works just fine. 

The product designers at Brother made this printer for extreme functionality at a low budget, and the 100 sheet capacity paper tray is a testament to that. Users also get an Automatic Document Feeder with 20 sheets capacity that is often not present in inkjets of this price range.

Technology & Ink Consumption

Just like most inkjets, the MFC-J491DW also uses 4 individual ink cartridges; each for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. We all know that inkjet cartridges can be expensive, but the high cost of ink is the same across the board. Brother does offer an ink-saving mode and high yield ink cartridges that reduce the cost of printing as compared to other inkjets. 

Combined with 6000 x 1200 dpi print resolution, the printer produces sharp, clear, and accurate prints. What is more, Brother has introduced a one-snap ink replacement system in this printer, which makes it infinitely easier to replace cartridges. 

On the downside, many users have complained that the printer will not let them print even black and white pictures if it’s out of color cartridges. The printer simply stops printing and prompts the user to replace cartridge. It is especially frustrating for people who don’t use color prints that often.

Additionally, users complained that the printer eats too much ink for maintenance purposes. You can avoid this by changing the setting to ink saving mode and reducing the limit of ink required for maintenance. 

Portability

The printer is compact but substantial; its size is 15.7″ x 13.4″ inches, and it weighs 18.1 pounds. Unlike the Canon Pixma MG3620 and the TS82220, this printer is heavier ad may require two people to move the unit. Despite the weight, it does not take a lot of space, and you can fit on any work desk easily. 

Display & Connectivity

The thing I appreciate about Brother is that it gives you the most useful functional and useful features in each price category. It does not believe in adding useless, gimmicky features that are just a waste of money. Some affordable inkjets flaunt a big LCD screen, but not many other features. 

But Brother has equipped this machine with a 1.8-inch color LCD screen, which is not fancy, but it adds substantial value in this price range.  Along with the 1.8 inch LCD screen, the control panel consists of buttons for each function, which you can use in combination with the LCD screen to navigate menus easily. 

Brother MFC-J491DW offers versatile smart connectivity options; you can connect the printer via built-in wireless to your home/office WiFi. You can also connect the printer to your laptop/computer via USB 2.0. Besides, you may connect the printer to your mobile through AirPrint o dedicated apps, and via the cloud. 

Other Considerations

The printer has many useful features like multiple printing and auto duplex printing, which can be accessed via the control panel to simply workflows.

 What is more, you can even scan and copy documents from online cloud storage easily. On the downside, the printer does not support Ethernet connectivity, which is a bummer.  

Bottom Line

The Brother MFC-J491DW is easy to use and a reliable printer that produces sharp and accurate prints. It is an excellent printer for homes and offices with low to medium printing needs. Its useful features and reliable build will make printing easy and hassle-free.

Specs Recap

  • Editor’s Score: 8/10
  • Printing Speed: Black: ±12 ppm Color: ± 6 ppm
  • Connectivity: Wi Fi Direct, Hi-Speed USB 2.0
  • Weight: 18.1 pounds
  • Sheet Capacity: 100 Sheets of Plain Paper
  • LCD: 1.8″ Color Display

8. Brother HL-L2300D

“Best Monochrome”

Brother HL-L2300D Monochrome Laser...
9,129 Reviews
Brother HL-L2300D Monochrome Laser...
  • Prints up To 27 ppm, automatic duplex...
  • 250 Sheet Capacity Paper Tray. A4...
  • Windows 10 Compatibility: If you upgrade...
  • This machine uses a USB connection...
  • It prints sharp, professional black and...
Pros
  • 250 sheets input tray capacity
  • Automatic double-sided printing
  • Versatile paper handling
Cons
  • Only connects via USB 2.0

The Brother HL-L2300D is a beast of a machine that is packed full of useful features. If you need a black and white printer for fast and low-cost printing, then this printer is perfect for you. 

Long with its extraordinary fast printing, this compact printer has a huge paper tray capacity, versatile paper handling, and automatic duplex printing. The only thing that lets it down is its limited connectivity options. 

Performance

Brother HL-L2300D is a high-performing laser printer; at 2400 x 600 dpi, the printer produces crisp and clear text documents. Although laser printers are not known for their image printing quality, this printer produces graphic prints that are better than other lasers in this price range. 

It prints 27 pages ppm, which is fast even for a laser printer. Users corroborate this claim; users love the quick printing solutions provided by their trusty printer. Its fast printing makes it suitable for frequent printing needs of homes, home offices, and small businesses. 

HL-L2300D’s fast printing is complemented by a massive sheet capacity; the printer has an input tray that can hold up to 250 sheets of plain paper. This enhances the efficiency of the printer since you don’t have to fill paper in it every 10 minutes. 

The HL- L2300D is a laser printer that requires toners. Surprisingly, this printer supports third-party or OEM toners, which you can use to reduce the cost of printing. In addition, the printer also has a toner save mode, which allows you to reduce ink consumption. 

Connectivity

Connectivity is the only feature that lets this printer down; it only connects to your system through a hi-speed USB 2.0 cable, which decreases printing versatility. Since this printer is developed for home offices and small businesses, it is understandable that the manufacturer did not include wireless connectivity options. 

However, the lack of an Ethernet connection is beyond comprehension. In addition, the printer has a built-in standard memory of 8 GB, which comes in handy if you experience power shortages. 

Other Considerations

The Brother HL-L2300D can print on several paper types and sizes, from the standard Letter-size to envelopes and even custom-sized paper. You can print any type of business document using these paper varieties, including spreadsheets, reports, invoices, and more.

Disappointingly, the printer does not have an automatic document feeder. It does have a manual slot for printing envelopes and letterheads.

 Additionally, it can hand multiple types and sizes of paper: from A4 to B6, letters, labels, and Envelopes, this printer prints all. 

Bottom Line

Brother HL-L2300D is a monochrome laser printer that gives you cheap and fast printing. It is an excellent option for entrepreneurs working from home or small scale businesses as it provides fast, efficient, and low-cost printing. 

Specs Recap

  • Editor’s Score: 9.5/10
  • Printing Speed: Black: ±27 ppm
  • Connectivity: Hi-Speed USB 2.0
  • Weight: 15 pounds
  • Sheet Capacity: 250 Sheets of Plain Paper

Conclusion

Brother HL-L2300D is a monochrome laser printer that gives you cheap and fast printing. It is an excellent option for entrepreneurs working from home or small scale businesses as it provides fast, efficient, and low-cost printing. 

I fell in love with printing ever since my dad bought the very first printer way back in the early 2000s. It's crazy how things have changed over the years. But I keep track of whatever happens in this industry, and I've set up this blog to share my insights with you all.