FAQs About Multifunction Printer Pricing

Multifunction printers are a great addition to many homes and offices. These flexible, highly functional units sell at a variety of different price points, based on their design, overall quality and feature sets. Below, find answers to some common questions on multifunction printer pricing.

Q: What is the cheapest multifunction printer?

A: The cheapest multifunction printer changes constantly based on market conditions, sales and other promotions. However, it is possible to find some general trends to guide your shopping. The cheapest multifunction printers are low-end inkjet models made by companies like Epson, Canon and Lexmark. Although very cheap to purchase, often under $100, these printers consume expensive ink, making them pricy on a per-page basis.

Q: Are multifunction laser printers expensive?

A: Multifunction laser printers are available. These higher-end models are typically targeted at the small business and office market. Both black-and-white and color laser printers are sold with multifunctional capability, including integrated fax machines and copier and scanner units. These models are often much more expensive than inkjet units, but offer lower per-page cost and the reliability businesses need for high duty cycles.

Q: Can a multifunction printer replace a copier?

A: Some offices can save money by replacing a full-size copier with a powerful multifunction printer. However, these printers rarely offer the flexibility of a dedicated copier. Multifunction printers often do not provide as many options as copiers, such as scaling, collating and stapling. If your office requires these tools, a multifunction printer is not a good choice for replacing a copier. However, for light copying duties, a multifunction printer can serve well at a low cost.