Group test: what's the best budget printer?

5. Canon Pixma MX895

• Reviewed on: 9 October 12
• RRP: £200 inc. VAT
• Rating:

The Canon Pixma MX895 doesn't have the lowest of running costs, and won't be the best choice for an everyday machine – particularly for colour. However, its feature set is stunning, and the performance unparalleled. For results that grab the senses, it's a very capable model.

4. HP Photosmart 7520 e-All-in-One

• Reviewed on: 10 October 12
• RRP: £170 inc. VAT
• Rating:

The running costs are modest, and the 7520 does an awful lot very well. Speeds are often quite good, and it fared particularly well on photos. Add in the wonderful interface, and this is quite the all-rounder.

3. Pantum P2050

• Reviewed on: 16 November 12
• RRP: £60 inc VAT
• Rating:

In starting with its entry-level models, Pantum has taken the risky step of beginning at the bottom and working its way up from there. These kinds of tactics are not without peril, since few newcomers would want to be written off as a manufacturer of only cheap goods. However, the P2050 avoids most of the pitfalls of low-end laser printers, and actually manages to be a very straightforward but effective printer for a derisory asking price. It'll be the quality of the mid- to high-range printers that may decide whether Pantum soars or crashes. But as a jumping off point, the P2050 offers potential. You may want to look into the running costs first though – if printing significant volumes, the P2050's low asking price will prove a false economy.

2. Oki C110

• Reviewed on: 26 October 09
• RRP: £120 inc VAT
• Rating:

Those in the market for a colour laser probably won’t drop their sights to the Oki C110, but as an alternative to an inkjet it makes an incredible amount of sense. Fast and capable of high-quality print that comfortably outclasses almost all inkjets, it’s excellent for text work. And the Oki C110's colour output is, while a bit slow, quite good enough for most tasks. Those who do lots of photo printing might want to look elsewhere, but for the general purpose user who can look past the C110’s lack of physical flair, this is an excellent model.

1. Samsung ML-2955DW [PCA]

• Reviewed on: 20 June 12
• RRP: £90 inc VAT
• Rating:

The Samsung ML-2955DW is priced to fit the budget of small or home offices--at least initially. The toner costs over time will be dear. If you plan to print more than a few dozen pages per week, move up a hundred pounds or so in purchase price to buy a machine with cheaper consumables.