Top 5 Printers Under $100

If you're watching the bottom line, but need a good inkjet printer or multifunction, you don't have to compromise. There are a good number of devices out there that can pump out nice-looking text and images for under $100. Here, along with links to reviews, are some excellent printers that won't make you take out a loan.

1) HP DeskJet 5150

The HP DeskJet 5150 is a real winner as far as reviewers are concerned. They lauded its high-quality text and photo printing (as good as more expensive HP devices) and excellent performance. According to one enthusiastic writer, "Text looked almost as if it came from a printing press."

2) Epson Stylus C84

This low-cost inkjet printer doesn't only save your money off the shelf, but it saves on paper as well: Reviewers agreed that it produced its best work on regular paper rather than the more-pricey photo paper. It doesn't get as high marks for high-quality photo prints, but is a good bet for anyone who needs a good all-around inkjet.

3) HP PSC 1315 All-in-One

HP's compact (read: space-saving) all-in-one is nicely inexpensive for something that offers good-quality printing, scanning, and copying. Reviewers especially liked its text and photo printing when using the optional six-color cartridges. One reviewer found it one of the most consumer-friendly printers on the market today.

4) Canon MultiPass MP360

This low-cost multifunction offers printing, scanning, and copying at less than $100. Reviewers said that photo and text quality was very good for an all-in-one at this price range; in fact, one said that it offers true photo quality. Another writer complimented the device's performance.

5) Lexmark Z816 Color Jetprinter

According to the reviews, this is a solid, all-around all-in-one at an exceptional price. One reviewer thought it offered impressively fast speed, and two others felt the print quality was excellent, especially for photos.