The most affordable printers for schools means giving printable resource access to all, while keeping down costs.
Sure, that refers to the upfront cost of these print machines, but it also includes ongoing running expenses, ranging from ink and paper right through to parts replacements and regular maintenance.
This is mentioned right upfront here, as sometimes what can look like a good deal on the surface can hold some hidden costs down the line. In fact, printers that are cheaper to buy up front can often have higher ink costs ongoing, for example.
Printers in schools need to be simple enough to be used by teachers, admins, and students alike. But they also need to have enough complexity to work across wired and wirelessly networks and for a variety of tasks.
From laser to inkjet, auto feed to copying and scanning, printer speeds and features should be taken into account before embarking on buying a single printer, let alone for an entire school or district. Finding the best printers is a task worth taking time over.
This guide aims to lay out the most affordable printers for schools right now, to help you make the right choice.
Most Affordable Printers For Schools
1. HP Smart Tank 7001: Best overall for low running costs
The HP Smart Tank 7001 is a standout for schools that print frequently and need to keep ongoing costs under control. Unlike traditional cartridge printers, this uses refillable ink tanks, dramatically lowering cost per page — critical for classrooms producing worksheets daily.
It also includes automatic duplex printing and strong wireless connectivity, making it easy for multiple teachers or students to use from different devices. Importantly, it ships with a large amount of ink in the box, enough to last potentially years in a moderate-use classroom.
Standout:
High print volumes, minimal ink costs, long-term savings.
2. Epson EcoTank ET-2850: Best for reliability and ease of use
Epson’s EcoTank line is widely regarded as one of the most cost-efficient printer ecosystems available. The ET-2850 is a particularly strong entry-level option for schools, offering cartridge-free printing, solid reliability, and simple operation.
It includes auto-duplex printing and wireless support, making it well-suited to shared environments such as staff rooms or small departments. Its refillable ink system keeps per-page costs extremely low compared to traditional inkjets.
Standout:
Low maintenance, predictable costs, and easy setup.
3. Brother HL-L2400DW: Best for high-volume black-and-white printing
For many schools, most printing is still text-based with worksheets, exams, handouts, and so forth. That’s where a monochrome laser printer such as the Brother HL-L2400DW excels.
Laser printers use toner instead of ink, resulting in far higher page yields and faster print speeds. This model also includes automatic duplex printing and wireless connectivity, ideal for busy departments or admin offices.
User feedback consistently highlights laser printers such as Brother’s as the most cost-effective option for heavy document printing.
Standout:
Fast, durable, and extremely economical for text-heavy workloads.
4. Canon PIXMA G3270: Best for affordable color printing
If your school needs vibrant color printing for posters, displays, or learning materials, the Canon PIXMA G3270 offers a strong balance of affordability and performance.
It uses a MegaTank system, delivering very low cost per page while maintaining good color quality. It also includes wireless connectivity and mobile app support, making it easy for teachers to print from laptops or tablets.
Standout:
Budget-friendly color output without high ink costs.
5. HP DeskJet 2922: Best for ultra-low upfront cost
For schools that need a simple, low-cost entry point — perhaps for a single classroom or occasional use — the HP DeskJet 2922 is one of the cheapest all-in-one options available.
It offers print, scan, and copy functionality, along with wireless connectivity, making it suitable for light-duty use. While ink costs are higher than tank systems, the low initial price makes it accessible for tight budgets or temporary setups.
Standout:
Minimal upfront spend for basic classroom needs.
6. HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e: Best affordable printer with ADF for schools
If your school needs to scan multiple pages regularly — for student work, admin forms, or safeguarding documents — this is where stepping up to an automatic document feeder (ADF) becomes essential.
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e is one of the most affordable all-in-one printers that includes a proper ADF plus fast performance, ideal for busy school offices or staff rooms.
It also adds duplex scanning, strong wireless features, and app-based workflows, so teachers can digitize and distribute materials quickly without manual handling.
Standout:
Massively improves workflow when scanning and copying are frequent.