Although budget printers are never completely satisfactory to use, the Deskjet D2560 makes a decent attempt. It feels delicate, but its speed, quality and running costs make it tempting.

As far as budget printers go, the Stylus C110 isn’t the worst. Unfortunately, given its poor build quality and disappointing printing results, its price is too high. This printer may be suited for those who desire quick printing at a relatively low price.

HP’s Officejet Pro K5400dn is the perfect printer for small businesses that don’t need multifunction capabilities. Although it doesn’t have the largest feature set, the features it does boast are implemented well and it provides tough competition for its laser counterparts.

For those who travel a lot and need to print at short notice, the H470b provides the perfect solution. It’s small and portable but still provides excellent quality text. With the additional options of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, the printer is extremely versatile.

The R290 is an inexpensive and efficient low-end addition to Epson’s Stylus Photo range. Although quality isn’t always up to scratch, the printer will suit basic photo printing needs.

It won't replace your graphics department's high-end colour laser printer, but for drafts and for other kinds of office users it's worth considering.

The Canon Pixma iP4500 offers excellent speed, sharp print quality, and useful features for a good price. If your colour output tends more toward photos and graphics than charts and memos, it could be a good alternative to an entry-level colour laser.

One of the better budget inkjet printers, the Canon Pixma iP3500 hits the spot offering above average performance and a decent amount of features for a fair price.

The Aficio GX3000 is a photo printer posing as a business model. Office users would be well advised to set their sights on a laser printer instead.

Priced at $299, the D7360 is exceptionally easy to use and has the best software bundle in the business. But, its image quality is merely good, and plain-paper printing is clearly not its strong point.

The well-priced Photosmart C5180 has much to offer for printing photos and for sharing on a small network. It delivers high-quality glossy photos, but its plain-paper photo prints are not great.