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In this post, we’ll walk you through the best budget printers for home students available in the UK.
Having a reliable printer as a student can be a game-changer for your study desk. Whether it’s printing lecture notes, assignments, or exam prep materials, it can save you time and make your study sessions more efficient.
Plus, if you’re the type who loves highlighting and jotting down notes directly on paper, a reliable printer is a must-have for your study desk.
But before diving into the list, let’s talk about a few essential factors to consider when choosing the right printer for your needs.
What to Consider Before Buying a Printer for Home Study
Features
A printer for home studying doesn’t need all the bells and whistles of professional printers. Unless your course requires specialist features—like photography printing or large-scale planning sheets—a basic printer will handle most student needs, from essays to revision notes.
Affordable Price
When choosing a student printer, striking a balance between cost and quality is key. While you don’t need to spend a fortune, avoid going for the cheapest option.
Why? As well as being less reliable, cheaper printers often mean higher ink and cartridge costs down the line. Spending a little more upfront can save you money in the long run.
Multiuse Functionality
Even a basic student printer can be versatile. A printer with scanning capabilities is a lifesaver when it comes to digitising notes or submitting official documents for internships and job applications. A dual printer-scanner combo is highly recommended.
Ease of Use
Nobody wants to wrestle with a complicated setup. Look for a printer that’s easy to use, ideally with wireless functionality. Connecting it to your laptop, tablet, or phone should be seamless, so you can print documents on the go without any hassle.
Best Budget Student Printers for Home Use
(p.n. All Links to Amazon UK provided)
1. HP DeskJet 2810e All-in-One Printer

A budget-friendly option that ticks all the boxes for students. It’s compact, easy to use, and includes scanning and copying functionality. Plus, it offers wireless printing, so you can print from your devices effortlessly.
2. Canon PIXMA MG2551S All-in-One Inkjet Printer

An all-in-one inkjet printer that delivers excellent print quality at an affordable price. It’s perfect for printing assignments, notes, and even photos. Its simple design and ease of use make it a great addition to any student’s study setup.
3. Epson Expression Home XP-2200 3-in-1 Ink Multifunction Printer

This compact and budget-friendly 3-in-1 printer offers printing, scanning, and copying capabilities. With WiFi connectivity and high-resolution 1440dpi output, it’s a reliable choice for students who want quality prints without breaking the bank. Plus, it includes a 3-month ReadyPrint Flex trial for added value.
2. Canon PIXMA TS3351 All-in-One Inkjet Printer

Perfect for everyday student use, this printer delivers high-quality prints and also has scanning capabilities. Its compact size makes it ideal for tight study spaces.
4. HP Envy 6120e All-in-One Printer

A slightly more premium option but another great choice from HP. This model is reliable and easy to set up and offers high print quality and speed. It’s perfect for students who need a simple, no-frills printer that delivers excellent results.
Why Do Students Need a Printer at Home?
In today’s digital-first world, it might seem like everything is online. But having physical copies of notes or study guides can make all the difference when revising or tackling tricky subjects.
A printer is especially handy during exam season or when you need to annotate handouts. Plus, it can save you from expensive last-minute trips to the library.
Top Tips for Choosing the Right Printer
- Stick to Your Budget: While premium printers offer advanced features, a mid-range model is usually sufficient for students.
- Look for Ink Subscription Plans: Many printers, like HP’s Instant Ink, offer affordable ink delivery services. If you are planning to print out often, it can save you money and effort.
- Prioritise Wireless Functionality: Being able to print and scan from your phone or laptop without plugging in cables is a huge convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Student Printers in the UK
As we have seen above, the HP DeskJet 2810e is a great affordable option that doesn’t skimp on quality.
Aim to spend between £40 and £70 like those options explored above. This range offers reliable printers without high long-term costs.
Yes! They’re convenient and often cheaper than buying cartridges individually, especially for regular use.
More Student Essentials
Thank you for checking out our list of best budget printers for students in the UK. Need more study-from-home gear? Check out our ad-hoc lists below with lots of recommendations!
🎓 University Essentials – Everything You Need for Uni
Did you know? We’ve put together tailored student essential lists to help you through every aspect of university life!
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