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Best Printer for College Student 2023 Cheap to Medium Budget

The printer has become a part of our day-to-day life. Most of us will not skip a day without having to print something. Well, if you’re a college student, you will need it more often than anyone else does. But the real challenge is to pick a printer ideally for all your needs. To minimize your searching efforts, we made a list of the best printers for college students in every budget considering various other factors.

Best Printers For College Students 2023
Good Printers for College Students

Best Printers for College Students. Most ink efficient inkjet printers in 2023

After Hours of Extensive Research on Good Printers for College Students. Finally, We Have Selected the 10 Top Printers According to Their Needs Each Printer was Carefully Observer and Studied. Compared

Please Read Our Entire Review Guide to Understand How to Choose a Best Printer for College Students in 2023. Some Printers are Most Ink Efficient Usage We Hope our Review Guide will Help you to Pick the Best Printer.

[amazon table=”3827″]

#1. Hp Deskjet 1115 – Best Printer for College students its Cheap Printer

Hp Deskjet - Best Printer for College Student 2023 in Low budget
Hp Deskjet 1115 – a very cheap budget Printer ideal for college students

If you are on a serious budget and you are a person who prints not more than 1000 copies a month, this is for you. Considering the price at which it is offered, its features are beyond the worth. It is super compact and sits on every desk comfortably and believe me it can be carried without any hassle. If you are staying in a hostel or away from home, this would be the right pick.

BrandHP
Printer TypePersonal printer – inkjet – color
Resolution1200 x 1200 dpi
FeaturesHP Thermal Inkjet
Rating4/5

Hp Deskjet 1115 Features

  • Printer type – single function (print only); printer output – color and monochrome
  • Connectivity – USB
  • Page size supported – A4, B5, A6, DL envelope
  • Print resolution – Up to 4800 X 1200 optimized DPI (colour), 1200 X 1200 rendered DPI (Black)
  • Compatible Ink cartridge – HP 680 Tri-Colour and Black Original Ink Cartridges
Pros
  • Compact in size and can be carried easily
  • Very affordable option
Cons
  • Printing cost is high
  • It only serves a single purpose (printing)
  • Not preferred for printing over 1000 copies a month

Final Words

Verdict: This super compact and budget-friendly gadget will be a real steal if you are on a serious budget and living in dorms with minimal shelf space.

Read Our Other Printers' Unbiased Reviews: i. Best Sublimation Printer - ii. Best 11X17 Color Laser Printer - iii. Best Negative Scanner


#2. Brother HL-L2366DW Monochrome Laser Printer – Best Duplex Printing

Brother HL L2366DW - Best Duplex printing for College Student 2023
Brother HL-L2366DW Monochrome – top speed mono laser printer with auto 2-sided printing

Brother HL-L2366DW Monochrome Laser Printer is something one can rely on for smoother performance and productivity. It comes with a wireless connectivity feature that enables you to connect the printer with your home wifi network to get your things done without having to worry about those messy cables running around your home.

BrandBrother
TypePrinter
Ink typeLaser
Colour outputMonochrome
FeatureWireless, Cloud Ready
Print speed (monochrome)30 ppm (mono)
Rating4.0/5

You can also opt to use its Ethernet port for more reliable connectivity. The best part is, you can use your mobile phone or your laptop to conveniently print something. You can also set up google cloud print to remotely print across the globe.

Brother HL-L2366DW Monochrome Laser Printer Features

  • High-speed monochrome laser printer
  • It supports 2-sided printing (duplex printing)
  • Network connected (wired/wireless), also supports google cloud print
  • Hi-speed 2.0, Ethernet, wireless (Wi-Fi Direct) capability
Pros
  • Fast print speeds up to 30ppm (A4) for mono laser printing
  • Network connected supports Wi-Fi direct and google cloud print
  • One toner gives over 2600 prints, which is super cool. Whereas other brands in that price point offer only around 1500 pages.
Cons
  • It weighs around 8kgs.
  • It only prints in monochrome

Final Words

Verdict: Let your money and satisfaction shake their hands with each other with this super accessory. This is one of those economical options if you are a student who plans to print a lot.


#3. Epson Expression ET- 2650 EcoTank Best All – in -One Printer for Students

Best All-in-one Printer for College Students 2023
Epson Expression ET- 2650 – All-in-one but it prints quite well and very inexpensively.

If you are someone who prints a lot, Epson Expression ET-2650 comes to your rescue. It has got everything you need. Its 1.44-inch color LCD makes it more interactive. The best thing about it is, two years of ink or the equivalent of 20 printer cartridges comes included with it. Cool isn’t it? The party doesn’t end here.

BrandEpson
Printer TypeInk-jet – color
Resolution– Up to 5760 x 1440 dpi (mono)
– up to 5760 x 1440 dpi (color)
Featuresprinter / copier / scanner
Rating3.7/5

It incorporates built-in wireless printing from mobile devices and remote desktops with a data card attached. It comes with Wi-Fi direct technology meaning you don’t technically need a Wi-Fi network for printing remotely. It casts its Wi-Fi signal to which your devices get connected for remote printing.

And the coolest among its features is that one can mount an SD card in the dedicated slot provided on the printer to print the documents without the need for a phone or a computer.

Epson Expression ET- 2650 EcoTank Features

  • Cartridge-free printing – comes equipped with ink equivalent to 20 cartridges.
  • The max print resolution is 5760 X 1440 optimized dpi
  • Hi-speed 2.0, wireless (Wi-Fi Direct) capability
  • Has a 1.44-inch display for easier interaction
  • Comes with a dedicated SD card slot for printing documents right from the printer
  • Comes with a photocopier that can also be used as a scanner

Technical SpecificationsTech Specs

Printer

Printing TechnologyInkjet
Maximum Resolution5760 x 1440 dpi
Print SpeedBlack: 10 ppm
Color: 4.5 ppm
Minimum Ink Droplet Size3 pL
Ink TypeDye
Ink PaletteCMYK
Ink Cartridge Configuration4 refillable ink tanks
Printer LanguageESC/P-R

Scanner

TypeFlatbed
Image SensorCIS Line Sensor
Light SourceLED
Optical Resolution2400 dpi
Hardware Resolution1200 x 2400 dpi
Interpolated Resolution9600 dpi
Color DepthColor: 48-bit internal / 24-bit external
Grayscale: 16-bit internal / 8-bit external
Black & White: 16-bit internal / 1-bit external
Maximum Scan AreaFlatbed: 8.5 x 11.7″ / 21.6 x 29.7 cm

Copier

Copy SpeedBlack: 7.7 cpm
Color: 3.7 cpm
Number of CopiesUp to 20
Reduction/Enlargement25-400%
Maximum Copy Size8.5 x 11″ / 21.6 x 27.9 cm
Pros
  • Ink efficient option
  • Higher print resolution
  • Comes with an SD card slot and 1.44-inch display
Cons
  • It doesn’t have a dedicated Ethernet port
  • It is a bit noisy as it prints faster
Pros
  • Ink efficient option
  • Higher print resolution
  • Comes with an SD card slot and 1.44-inch display
Cons
  • It doesn’t have a dedicated Ethernet port
  • It is a bit noisy as it prints faster

Final Words

Verdict: If you can compromise on the print speed, this nifty device can produce wonders. Thanks for its cartridge-free printing which makes it both unique and economical in its line-up


#4. HP ENVY Photo 7855 with Instant Ink Photos Printer

HP ENVY Photo Top Printer for College students 2023
HP ENVY Photo 7855 – Solid Stylish, Choice for Home All-in-one Photo Printer for Students

If you are someone who loves to print a lot of photos, this pick is for you champ. The HP ENVY Photo 7855 prints stunning photos at a reasonably low cost. It has wireless connectivity with dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth smart, plus Ethernet capability for wired networking.

It comes with a dedicated app that allows the user to set the printer up and lets the user print and handle the printer remotely. It has a dedicated SD card slot through which you can insert a card and print the documents right from the printer.

It also features a 2.7-inch color touchscreen to interact and manage all the printing tasks easily. It supports a wide range of paper sizes.

HP ENVY Photo 7855 Features—

  • 2.7-inch color touchscreen for ease in interaction
  • Comes with a dedicated SD card slot for printing documents right from the printer
  • Hi-speed 2.0, Ethernet port, wireless (Wi-Fi Direct) capability
  • WIDE RANGE OF PAPER SIZE SUPPORT – Supports letter, legal, 4×5 in, 4×6 in, 5×7 in, 8×10 in, No. 10 envelopes
Pros
  • Comes with an SC card slot and a 2.7-inch touchscreen
  • Can be controlled using Amazon Alexa Voice service
  • Higher printing resolutions for printing stunning images
  • It supports printing in duplex mode ( You don’t need to manually reverse the paper to print on the other side, it is done by its own)
Cons
  • It is only good for occasional document printing.
  • It is specially designed for printing photos and if you are likely to print more documental stuff, this isn’t for you.

Final Words

Verdict: If you are someone who cherishes moments and love to print a lot of photos and stuff, this will be your first monsoon drizzle.


#5. Brother HL-L2350DW – Best Compact Monochrome Laser Printer for College Students

Brother HL L2350DW Duplex Two Sided Printing For College students 2023
Brother HL-L2350DW – Two-Sided Duplex Printer for students

If you are someone whose cup up coffee is only the monochrome and you don’t bother having to print in color, here is your magic wand. This is compact but highly productive. When I say compact, I seriously mean it. It is perfectly sized to fit on smaller desks or in tight spaces. The best thing about it is, it can print up to 32 pages in a minute. Holy smokes! That’s quite a speed for a printer. Its monthly duty cycle is 15,000 pages, which is way higher for the printers in this price bracket.

BrandBrother
Printer Typelaser – monochrome
Resolution2400 x 600 dpi
FeaturesAES, ARP, TKIP, WEP, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, WPS, Wi-Fi Direct
Rating4.1

It can accommodate 250 sheets in its tray, which is a good number again. It supports duplex printing, which means it prints on both sides without having to turn the paper manually. Thanks to its wireless technology that makes the printing tasks a lot easier without having to worry about the messy cables.

Brother HL-L2350DW Features—

  • It is wireless and supports Wi-Fi direct
  • Supports duplex printing
  • Highest printing speeds
  • Has USB 2.0 connectivity

Technical SpecificationsTech Specs

Printer

Printing TechnologyLaser
Print Resolution2400 x 600 dpi
Print Speed32 ppm
First Print Out Speed< 8.5 seconds
Duplex PrintingYes
Duty CycleMonthly: 15,000 pages
Recommended Monthly Volume: 2000 pages

Media Handling

Paper HandlingInput Tray
Manual Feed Slot
Output Tray
Paper SizesInput Tray: Up to 8.5 x 14″ / 21.6 x 35.6 cm
Manual Feed Slot: 3 x 5″ to 8.5 x 14″ / 7.6 x 12.7 cm to 21.6 x 35.6 cm
Paper WeightInput Tray: 16-43 lb
Manual Feed Slot: 16-61 lb
Paper CapacityInput Tray: 250 sheets
Manual Feed Slot: 1 sheet
Output Tray: 100 sheets

Connectivity

InterfacesUSB 2.0
Wi-Fi
Direct PrintingWi-Fi Direct
Apple AirPrint
Google Cloud Print
Brother iPrint&Scan
Processor600 MHz
MemoryStandard: 32 MB
Maximum: 32 MB
OS CompatibilityWindows
macOS/OS X
Linux
Pros
  • Faster printing speeds up to 32 pages in a minute
  • High ink efficiency making it very economical
  • Supports Wi-Fi direct to make the printing a lot easier
  • Very high duty cycle making it more durable
Cons
  • You got to manually wake it up from the deep sleep mode by pressing the button on the printer.
  • It is a bit louder while printing.

Final Words

Verdict: Yet another compact and budget-friendly printer. If you are someone who believes in speed and accuracy, you might want to give this printer a serious try.

#6. HP Laserjet Pro M254dw – The Best Color Printer for College Going Students

HP LaserJet Pro M254dw Color Laser Printer For College Students 2023
HP Laserjet Pro M254dw -a great fit for personal Use, Fast Printing, high-quality output

The HP Laserjet Pro M254dw is yet another workhorse for accomplishing your extensive printing chores with the touch of color. It can print in both color and monochrome. It can print twenty-two pages per minute which is quite a figure for a printer.

BrandHP
Printer TypeColor Laser
Resolution600 x 600 dpi
Features-Instant-on Technology
-Apple Bonjour, SSL, TLS
Rating4.0/5

It has a 250-sheet paper tray, while still being compact enough to fit on your desk perfectly. If you are someone who prints a lot of monochrome stuff and occasionally goes for the color option this is for you as the color cartridges won’t dry out or expire even if you don’t print color in a while.

HP Laserjet Pro M254dw Features—

  • It is compact and powerful and comes with a 2.7-inch color touchscreen
  • It offers a wide range of connectivity options like Wi-Fi Direct, USB, Ethernet capability.
  • It comes with a dedicated mobile application from the maker for easier setup and management.
  • Faster print speeds

Technical SpecificationsTech Specifications

Printer

Printing TechnologyLaser
Print Resolution600 x 600 dpi
Print Speed22 ppm (Color)
22 ppm (Black)
First Print Out Time10.2 Seconds (Black)
11.8 Seconds (Color)
Duplex PrintingYes
Color TypeColor
Configuration4 x Toners
Monthly Duty Cycle40,000 Pages
2500 Pages (Recommended)
Printer LanguageHP PCL 6, HP Postscript Level 3 (Emulation), Native PDF, HP PCLm, URF

Media Handling

Paper HandlingInput Tray 1, Input Tray 2, Output Tray
Media SizesInput Tray 1: 3 x 5 to 8.5 x 14″ / 7.62 x 12.70 to 21.59 x 35.56 cm
Paper CapacityInput Tray 1: 1 Sheets
Input Tray 2: 250 Sheets
Output Tray: 100 Sheets
Special Media SupportEnvelopes

Connectivity

InterfaceRJ45, USB Type-B, Wi-Fi
Direct PrintingApple AirPrint, HP ePrint, Mopria, USB Port, Wi-Fi Direct
Processor800 MHz
Memory256 MB DDR3
Operating System SupportWindows, macOS/OS X
Pros
  • The 2.7-inch touch screen makes the interaction a lot easier
  • Higher print speeds
  • Wireless connectivity
  • Dedicated mobile application for printing and management
  • It supports printing in duplex mode ( You don’t need to manually reverse the paper to print on the other side, it is done by its own)
Cons
  • Most of the printer is built on plastic to make it lighter which is both good and bad at the same time

Final Words

Verdict: TheHP Laserjet Pro M254dw is another handy device that is capable of accomplishing your needs in a more sophisticated way. If you are a student looking for something in this price bracket, go for it.


#7. Brother MFC-J985DW – Good Printer for College Students in Inkjet

Brother MFC J985DW Cost Effective Color Printer For College Students 2023
Brother MFC-J985DW – Cost-Effective Color Printer, Duplex Printing, Ideal for College Students

If you are an average user and you can’t quite decide either the monochrome or color printer that fits your needs, you are suggested to check on this. This inkjet printer from Brother is both efficient and a versatile option that only takes up a small portion of your desk space.

This is probably the compact one among the printers of this sort. It can perform fabulously in both color and monochrome tasks. It supports wireless printing across various operating platforms. It also supports duplex printing.

Brother MFC-J985DW Features

  • Touchscreen display for easier management
  • Print speeds up to 10 ppm
  • Supports duplex printing
  • It offers a wide range of connectivity options like Wi-Fi Direct, USB, Ethernet capability.
  • Has a photocopier
Pros
  • It supports printing in duplex mode ( You don’t need to manually reverse the paper to print on the other side, it is done by its own)
  • Wireless connectivity
  • Printing economy
  • The ink doesn’t dry out quickly
Cons
  • The printing speeds could have been a little higher
  • The paper tray is smaller

Verdict

Verdict: It supports most cloud services for making your printing chores hassle-free. It provides print/scan/copy/fax all-in-one functionality making it a versatile option for students.

#8. Lexmark 35SC060 – Top Printing Machine in Monochrome Printer For College Students

Best Compact Color Monochrome Printer For Students
Lexmark 35SC060 – Monochrome Laser Printer for College Students in a Compact size With Duplex Printing

Here is another efficient option if you are someone who prints high volumes. The best thing about this printer is that it can print up to 40 pages per minute and can easily print over 7,200 pages per month. Hence it is a monochrome printer, it isn’t a good choice if your printing needs include a lot of photos.

Another best thing about this printer is that it can print in duplex mode. It has an Ethernet port through which it can be connected to the network or if you choose to connect it over Wi-Fi, you will have to buy a separate wireless network card that does the job.

Lexmark 35SC060 Features—

  • Higher printing speeds
  • Supports wireless printing with the optional wifi adapter
  • Has a mobile application support
  • HIgher print economy
Pros
  • Can handle high print volume with ease
  • Fast printing speeds
  • Good value for your money
  • The quality of the print is premium
Cons
  • It only prints in black and white
  • No scan/copy functionality
  • A bit noisy
  • Got to buy a separate network card for Wi-Fi connectivity

Final Words

The Lexmark 35SC060 is the best printer for college students who prints a lot, it is more economical and can handle high volumes of printing tasks with ease.

[ Also Read: Best 11X17 Printer For Art Work ]

Now that we are done knowing the best picks one can go with, let us know what makes a printer ideal for our needs and what are the factors to look into while buying a printer.

How to Pick a Better Printer for College Students 2023 – Buying Guide

The first thing to be taken into consideration is your purpose.

Purpose

Keep a note of your purpose while buying The Best printer in the Market.

For the socialite

If you are someone who loves to print a lot of color photos for your family or to decorate your room, you are advised to go for a printer with high printing resolutions. Make sure you choose one from the inkjet family as they are capable of serving the best of your needs.

Our pick: HP ENVY Photo 7855 with Instant Ink

For the ledger lover

If you are someone who prints arguably high volumes of stuff, you’re advised to go for a printer which serves your need faster and more economically. Usually, a monochrome laser printer would serve the need.

Our pick: Lexmark 35SC060 Monochrome Printer

The average user

If you are someone who usually needs to print in monochrome and occasionally go for a color print, an ink efficient inkjet printer might come to your rescue. Make sure the ink doesn’t dry out quickly even when you are not printing in color most often.

Our pick: Brother MFC-J985DW Inkjet Printer

Now that your purpose is clear, let us look at the other factors of printing,

Print Quality

Print quality is a printer dependent factor. If you are looking to print a brighter picture with vivid colors, you must look for a good professional photo inkjet printer that can produce high-resolution images. If you chose to print documents in a sharper tone, you must look for a laser printer that does the job. In a nutshell:

Monochrome Laser Printers: They do better for text and documents.

Color Laser Printers: They are good for text, documents, and can produce color images in medium-quality.

Photo Inkjet Printers: They perform well if you’re looking to print high-quality photos with the wide color range and tonal depth.

Print Speed

Laser printers win the race here. Laser printers are engineered to print faster(between 15 to 100 pages a minute), while inkjet print slower at about 16 ppm.

Print volume

Print volume refers to the amount of work a printer can accomplish at a given time. A laser printer again wins over an inkjet printer here as it can print large amounts of documents.

Cost Incurred on printing and economy

The cost of inkjet cartridges is slightly lesser than that of a laser cartridge. However, speaking in practical, the laser printers can yield more prints than that of the inkjet printers considered for the same amount of ink. Again the laser printers are the clear winners here.

The summary of the differences between an inkjet and a laser printer

★ Inkjet Printers Pros & Cons

Pros
  • They’re usually smaller and lighter, thus making them ideal for a bedroom or an office with lesser shelf space.
  • It can accommodate larger paper sizes.
  • Can print on a variety of paper types, including glossy photo paper and fabrics.
  • No warm-up time needed before printing.
  • The prince of an inkjet printer is less than most laser printers.
  • Great for printing high-quality photos
Cons
  • Ink is expensive as they can only print a few hundred pages on a single cartridge.
  • Printing speeds are lesser than that of a laser printer.
  • Paper trays are smaller and can only accommodate fewer sheets compared to that of a laser printer.

★ Laser Printers Pros & Cons

Pros
  • The printing speed of a laser printer is much faster compared to that of an inkjet printer.
  • They produce sharp text. They are ideal for printing documents.
  • Toner, on average is cheaper in the long run as they can print high volumes on a single cartridge.
Cons
  • Complex images and photos are a challenge for laser printers.
  • They are usually heavier and bigger than that of an inkjet printer.
  • These are usually costlier to purchase but are economical in the long run when compared to inkjet printers.

Frequently Asked Questions about Printers.

Do college students need printers?

An average college student needs to use the printer at least twice a week. It isn’t always possible to run to the college library or a shop to get your things done. Instead, it is advisable to have a printer handy as there are many cheaper options available in the market.

What are the best printers for home use?

If it is for home usage, it is advisable to have an inkjet printer as you might have to print some good quality photos along with the documentary needs. The best available options are Brother MFC-J985DW Inkjet Printer, HP ENVY Photo 7855 with Instant Ink these are the Good Option

What are the most ink efficient printers?

If you are planning to buy a printer for the extensive printing of documents and text, the wise picks would be Lexmark 35SC060 Monochrome Printer, Brother Monochrome Laser Printer HL-L2350DW Both are Best Option For Most Ink Efficient Printer

What printer has the longest lasting ink cartridges?

Usually, the box life of an inkjet cartridge would be 3 years and that of a laser printer is 5 years. The toners of a laser printer will last longer than that of an inkjet printer, both in working condition and when kept unused.

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Tony Hoffman

Tony Hoffman is a tech expert with over 10 years of experience in the printer and scanner industries. He has developed a keen eye for the latest innovations and trends in printing technology making him a go-to resource for consumers and professionals alike. His engaging writing style and ability to break down complex topics make his articles and reviews accessible and informative for a wide range of readers. Outside of his work as a tech writer Tony enjoys tinkering with gadgets and exploring the outdoors.View Author posts

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4 thoughts on “Best Printer for College Student 2023 Cheap to Medium Budget”

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  2. Not only the business sector printers had occupied a
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  3. Well, this blog is something very needful for the college students who were always in a dilemma of buying the best printer for their longterm career. And when it comes to buying a good printer at a cheap price then I would recommend them to go for the Epson Expression ET- 2650, as being a user, am very relieved with its efficiency.

  4. Well, this blog is something very needful for the college students who were always in a dilemma of buying the best printer for their longterm career. And when it comes to buying a good printer at a cheap price then I would recommend them to go for the Epson Expression ET- 2650, as being a user, am very relieved with its efficiency.

    -Michael

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