Printers: How to buy the best printer How to shop for your printer and get the best printer deals
When to get the best printer deals
The best time to search for the best printer deals is at the end of the summer or the beginning of September. Bargain printers can be found at this time of year because lots of students are heading off to university, and need to buy a new printer to go with their new computer.
Lots of manufacturers launch their new printer ranges in the autumn so you can also snap up bargain printers and get great printer deals from previous ranges. This is also a good time of year to look out for deals on ink cartridges.
Our printer reviews list guide prices for the printers we've tested and display a number of stockists, so you can compare prices to find the cheapest retailers. If you find the printer cheaper in a sale elsewhere you'll know you've bagged a bargain.
Our extensive running costs analysis means you won't be paying over the odds for your prints.
How to bag the best printer bargain
At any time of the year, it’s worth checking to see whether savings can be made by shopping for a printer online.
Don't forget your rights when shopping for a printer online. You have from the day you order until seven working days from the day after you receive goods to change your mind and return them.
The seller is responsible for the goods until they are handed over to you. So if an item is damaged, you can send it back (at no cost to you) and get a replacement or refund.
Take a look at our consumer rights guide to buying online.
Save money on printer ink, read about who sells the cheapest printer ink.
Buying ink cartridges for your printer
When you buy your printer, pick up a set of ink cartridges at the same time – you might even be able to negotiate a discount on them. Sometimes the cartridges that come with the printer are small, trial-size ones, which will run out quickly.
When you need to buy ink cartridges or toner in the future, it’s always worth seeing if you can buy them cheaper online. Some online retailers offer discounts for buying several cartridges at once and many offer free shipping.
A set of new cartridges can cost as much as a new printer and a single A4 photo print could cost £1 more in ink when printed on one printer compared with another. Running costs should be considered before you decide which printer to buy. For more information see our page on buying a cheap printer and ink.
- Check our full printers review to find basic models that still produce top-quality printouts
- Looking for a photo printer? Take a look at our photo printer brand reviews
- We test ink cartridges, find out which cartridges are best for you in our review
