Scanning the shelf at an office-supply store quickly reminds you that copy machines run the gamut from bare-bones monochrome boxes to color workhorses with every bell and whistle. For anyone setting up a home office, running a small business, or just tired of sprinting to the library to copy a tax form, finding a cheap copy machine that actually pulls its weight matters more than the sticker suggests. The trick is balancing upfront cost against toner or ink expenses, scan quality, and how much desk space you’re willing to lose.
This lineup focuses on compact printers and all-in-ones that copy, scan, and print without demanding a second mortgage on supplies. You’ll see a mix of monochrome lasers for high-volume text jobs and inkjet supertanks for anyone who needs color without the cartridge gymnastics.
A Side-By-Side Look
Brother HL-L2395DW Compact Monochrome Laser Printer
Brother HL-L2390DW Monochrome Laser Printer
Canon Wireless 4-in-1 Inkjet Printer
Epson EcoTank ET-2720 All-in-One (White)
Epson EcoTank ET-2720 All-in-One (Black)
Brother DCP-L2550DW Monochrome Multifunction
Brother DCP-L3560CDW Color LED Multifunction
Brother HL-L2480DW Wireless Monochrome Laser
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw
The Picks, Examined More Closely
Walk into a home office that needs a real copy machine without the bulk of a floor model, and the Brother HL-L2395DW tends to come up early in the conversation. The 2.7-inch color touchscreen sits front and center, making it easy to scan to cloud destinations or punch in a duplex command without hunting through menus.
NFC tap-to-connect is the small flourish that quietly earns its keep. Anyone with a compatible phone can connect without typing a Wi-Fi password, which matters when a guest needs to print a boarding pass at your kitchen table. Wireless and wired networking both work, so the placement options stay flexible.
Key Advantages
- Flatbed scan glass handles book pages and odd-sized documents a sheet-fed scanner can’t
- Up to 250 sheets fit in the main tray, meaning fewer mid-day reloads on paperwork-heavy days
- Automatic duplex printing cuts paper use on long reports and handouts
- Touchscreen access to cloud services removes the need for a tethered laptop
Things To Consider
- Toner cartridge replacements run higher than inkjet refills, which adds up on heavy print weeks
- Monochrome only, so color flyers and charts need a separate device or a trip elsewhere
Key Product Details
Best Suited To
Freelancers and remote workers running a text-heavy workflow with occasional scan-to-cloud needs.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Color-dependent work like marketing flyers is better served by the Epson EcoTank ET-2720 in the white finish, since ink tanks slash color page costs.
The HL-L2390DW is the sibling that strips away the touchscreen and NFC, keeping the parts that matter for everyday printing and copying. The flatbed scan glass stays, which is the one feature most home offices can’t live without once they’ve tried it.
Wireless networking keeps the printer reachable from any corner of the apartment, and the duplex function handles double-sided handouts without intervention. Compared to the HL-L2395DW reviewed above, this one trades the interactive display for a simpler button panel, which some users actually prefer.
The Good Stuff
- Flatbed scanner handles documents a sheet feeder would reject
- Wireless connectivity cuts the clutter of cables across the desk
- Automatic two-sided printing keeps paper use in check
Honest Caveats
- Lacks the touchscreen interface that makes cloud scanning faster on the HL-L2395DW
- Mobile setup requires more manual steps than NFC-equipped alternatives
- Monochrome output means color jobs head elsewhere
Who It Suits Best
Budget shoppers who want a dependable monochrome laser for text and basic copies without paying for extras they won’t use.
Consider Something Else When
Anyone needing a 50-sheet document feeder for unattended copying should look at the Brother DCP-L2550DW, which automates longer runs.
Few cheap copy machines include fax, but this Canon brings print, copy, scan, and fax into one wireless package. The 15 ipm black and 10 ipm color speeds aren’t record-setting, though they handle most home-office workflows without complaint.
What sets this model apart is the Alexa smart reorder feature. Once enrolled, the printer tells your Echo device when ink runs low and can reorder cartridges on its own. It removes a chore that’s easy to forget until a Monday morning print job fails.
A Few Highlights
- Four-in-one design replaces a separate fax machine, freeing up outlet space
- Alexa integration handles ink reordering, cutting down on forgotten supply runs
- Wireless setup keeps cables off the desk surface
Points To Keep In Mind
- Inkjet running costs sit higher per page than monochrome laser alternatives like the Brother HL-L2480DW
- Smart reorder requires an Alexa device and enrollment, which adds setup steps
Feature Snapshot
Built With In Mind
Small teams and home-based businesses that still send or receive the occasional fax.
Skip It When
Heavy text-only printing is better served by the Brother HL-L2395DW, whose toner cost per page stays lower at volume.
Cheap copy machines that run on inkjet cartridges tend to burn through replacements faster than anyone anticipates. The EcoTank ET-2720 flips that script with refillable ink tanks that take bottles instead of cartridges, which is where the real savings live.
Color printing, scanning, and copying arrive in a single unit with a wireless connection that drops onto most home networks without drama. The white shell suits a kitchen counter or studio desk where aesthetics matter as much as function.
Useful Strengths
- Cartridge-free ink tanks slash long-term color printing costs
- Wireless connectivity removes cable clutter from the work surface
- Integrated scanner and copier consolidate three devices into one footprint
- Compact white housing fits lighter décor schemes
Trade Offs
- Initial cost runs higher than cartridge-based inkjets, though refill savings catch up over time
- Page speeds trail laser models on text-heavy workloads
- Ink bottle refills need steady hands to avoid spills during the fill process
Who Will Love This
Home users and families printing a steady mix of color homework, photos, and documents without wanting to babysit cartridge supplies.
Reach For A Different Pick When
Offices running thousands of text pages monthly benefit more from the Brother DCP-L2550DW, whose toner cost per page stays lower at scale.
The black-finish version of the EcoTank ET-2720 shares every functional spec with the white model reviewed above, right down to the refillable ink tanks and wireless connectivity. Color choice is the actual decision point here, and the darker shell hides scuffs better in a high-traffic household.
The same cartridge-free logic applies: bottles of ink replace the throwaway cartridge cycle, dropping the cost per color page into genuinely affordable territory. For families running homework, photo prints, and the occasional color flyer, the math works out fast.
The Value In It
- Refillable ink tanks keep color costs low over years of mixed use
- All-in-one design replaces separate scan and copy devices
- Wireless printing lets anyone in the house send jobs from a phone or laptop
Small Caveats
- Higher upfront cost than cartridge models, balanced only after months of use
- Slower page speeds than dedicated laser machines for text-heavy weeks
Quick Facts
The Right Fit
Families or shared households that want color printing without the monthly cartridge bill.
Not Your Match When
Color work isn’t part of the workflow, in which case the Brother HL-L2480DW delivers faster monochrome output.
The DCP-L2550DW is the unit that picks up where entry-level monochrome printers leave off. The 50-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF) is the headline feature, letting you drop a stack of pages in and walk away while the machine scans or copies the lot.
Print speeds of up to 36 pages per minute put this in a category where a 20-page contract prints before your coffee finishes brewing. Wireless networking keeps the placement options open, and the flatbed scan glass handles the oddball items the ADF can’t.
Benefits That Matter
- 50-sheet ADF automates multi-page copy and scan jobs without babysitting
- Up to 36 ppm keeps large print jobs from eating into the workday
- Automatic duplex printing handles double-sided documents cleanly
- Wireless plus Ethernet networking fits both home and shared-office setups
Worth Noting
- Larger footprint than single-function printers like the HL-L2390DW
- Monochrome output only, which limits usefulness for color-dependent tasks
- Toner replacements cost more per cartridge than smaller Brother units
Built With In Mind
Home offices and small businesses that regularly copy or scan multi-page document stacks.
Swap It Out When
Color is required, in which case the HP Color LaserJet Pro M479fdw covers print, scan, copy, and fax at office scale.
The DCP-L3560CDW uses LED print technology rather than traditional laser, which delivers sharp color output at up to 2400 DPI resolution. The 26 pages-per-minute rating keeps it competitive with full-size office machines while keeping a smaller desktop footprint.
Built for offices that need consistent color on letterhead, presentations, and customer-facing documents, this model handles the workload that inkjet supertanks struggle to match in speed. Wi-Fi connectivity rounds out a setup that drops onto most modern networks without fuss.
Strengths Worth Knowing
- 2400 DPI color resolution produces sharp marketing materials and charts
- 26 ppm output keeps multi-user offices productive
- LED print engine runs cooler and tends toward long-term durability in office settings
A Few Limitations
- Higher purchase cost than entry-level monochrome options in this list
- Color toner replacements cost more than inkjet refill bottles over time
- Wi-Fi only listed, so wired Ethernet placement may need an adapter
Technical Sheet
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Small offices that need consistent color output without committing to an enterprise-grade lease.
Look Elsewhere When
Strictly monochrome printing is the workflow, in which case the Brother DCP-L2550DW handles pages faster at a lower cost.
Small desks need printers that know how to disappear into a corner. The HL-L2480DW crams print, copy, and scan into a footprint that fits on a bookshelf or a tight credenza, which makes it a strong candidate for apartments and dorm-room setups.
Wireless connectivity works alongside mobile printing support, so laptops and phones send jobs without needing cables strung across the room. The duplex function handles two-sided printing without forcing manual page flips, and it pairs with Alexa for hands-free status checks.
Positive Takeaways
- Compact housing slips onto shelves and small desks without dominating the space
- Three-in-one functionality covers the most common home-office needs
- Mobile printing support frees the laptop from the desk during a job
Potential Drawbacks
- Paper tray capacity is smaller than full-size Brother units like the DCP-L2550DW
- Monochrome output means color jobs still need a separate solution
Made For
Apartment dwellers, students, and anyone furnishing a workspace where square footage is the limiting factor.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
High-volume monthly print runs favor the Brother HL-L2395DW, which pairs a larger tray with the same wireless convenience.
The Color LaserJet Pro M479fdw sits at the heavier end of the cheap copy machines spectrum, but it earns the spot by delivering print, scan, copy, and fax with the build quality of an office workhorse. Wireless networking and an Ethernet port cover both home and shared-office installations.
Color output arrives at laser speed, which makes it a fit for small teams that need branded materials, scanned contracts, and outgoing faxes in the same workflow. Compared to the Brother DCP-L3560CDW reviewed earlier, this HP leans more toward office-grade throughput and security.
The Case For It
- Four-function design replaces a printer, scanner, copier, and fax machine in one chassis
- Color laser output handles marketing materials and branded documents at speed
- Wireless and Ethernet options suit shared workspaces and home setups alike
Less Ideal Details
- Higher upfront cost than consumer-grade inkjet options in this lineup
- Larger footprint demands a dedicated shelf or printer stand
- Color toner replacements run steeper than refillable ink tank systems like the EcoTank
Perfect Match For
Small offices and professional practices that need a single device to handle every document task across a team.
Another Choice May Suit
Home users printing under a few hundred pages monthly find the Epson EcoTank ET-2720 (black) easier to justify on running costs.
What To Weigh Before Picking a Copy Machine
Cheap copy machines look similar on a quick glance, but the running costs and feature trade-offs separate the deals from the disappointments. Print technology is the first fork in the road: monochrome laser printers like the Brother HL-L2390DW cost more upfront but drop pennies per page on toner, while inkjet supertanks like the Epson EcoTank ET-2720 keep color affordable over months of mixed use.
Monthly page volume matters as much as initial price. A household printing 50 pages a month won’t notice the difference between cartridge and toner economics, but a remote worker running 500 pages weekly will feel it. Duplex printing saves paper on multi-page jobs, and a flatbed scan glass (the flat surface you lift to scan a document) handles odd-sized items that a sheet-fed scanner rejects.
Connectivity rounds out the practical checklist. Wi-Fi frees the printer from a desk-bound location, Ethernet keeps large file transfers stable, and mobile printing apps let phones send jobs without a laptop nearby. NFC tap-to-print, like the feature on the Brother HL-L2395DW, is a small convenience that pays off when guests need a quick printout.
Paper Handling and Capacity
Cheap copy machines vary widely in tray size, and the gap shows up during busy weeks. Models with 250-sheet trays reduce refill trips, while compact units often hold closer to 150 sheets. Anyone planning to copy multipage stacks regularly should look for an automatic document feeder (ADF), a top-mounted tray that pulls pages through the scanner one at a time.
Color Versus Monochrome Decisions
Color adds flexibility but also adds cost. Monochrome lasers win on speed and per-page economy, while color inkjets win on photo and graphic output. For mixed households, the EcoTank models offer a middle path that keeps color affordable without the cartridge shuffle.
Footprint and Placement
A printer that doesn’t fit where you need it never gets used. Compact units like the Brother HL-L2480DW slide onto shelves, while full multifunction models need a dedicated stand or corner of the desk.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Mistakes Worth Dodging
Choosing a printer purely on sticker price is the most common trap. A low-cost inkjet that burns through cartridges can outpace a higher-priced laser within a year of regular use. Always estimate toner or ink costs per page before committing, especially if monthly volume trends upward.
Skipping the duplex feature to save a few dollars is another regret shoppers report. Two-sided printing halves paper use on long documents and handouts, and the absence of auto-duplex forces manual page flipping that gets old fast.
What The Higher Tier Buys
Stepping up to a model like the HP Color LaserJet Pro M479fdw or the Brother DCP-L3560CDW adds faster print speeds, larger trays, and office-grade build quality. The upgrade pays off when multiple users share the device or when color output needs to match branding standards. For single-user home setups, the mid-tier options usually hit the sweet spot between price and capability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest type of copy machine to run?
Monochrome laser printers tend to have the lowest cost per page because toner cartridges last longer than inkjet cartridges and print more sheets per refill. For color, refillable ink tank printers like the Epson EcoTank ET-2720 typically beat cartridge-based inkjets on long-term running costs.
Do cheap copy machines also scan?
Most modern multifunction printers combine print, scan, and copy in a single device. Models like the Brother HL-L2395DW and the HP Color LaserJet Pro M479fdw add scanning through a flatbed glass that captures documents and books at higher quality than sheet-fed alternatives.
How much should I expect to spend on a basic copy machine?
Entry-level multifunction printers tend to start in the budget-friendly range, with mid-tier models adding features like duplex printing and ADF document feeders. Office-grade color lasers sit at the higher end, though they replace several devices and cut supply costs over time.
Is wireless printing reliable for home offices?
Modern Wi-Fi printers handle everyday jobs without issue, especially on standard home networks. Placement near the router helps avoid dropouts, and Ethernet remains an option on models like the Brother HL-L2395DW when wireless stability is a concern.
How long do toner and ink supplies typically last?
Toner cartridges in laser printers often yield several thousand pages before replacement, while inkjet cartridges run out faster. Refillable ink tanks extend the interval significantly, sometimes covering a year or more of mixed household use before a refill bottle is needed.
Closing Remarks
The right copy machine depends less on the lowest sticker price and more on how it fits into your weekly routine. Monochrome lasers handle text-heavy work at low cost, color inkjet supertanks keep mixed households supplied, and full multifunction units earn their keep in shared offices. Pick the model that matches your volume and color needs, and the rest of the workflow tends to fall into place on its own.