The cost of paper has increased 25% since 2020.
Like most things, paper costs add up for consumers and businesses alike, and no one wants to waste money on overpriced paper products.
As more and more people move towards a digital world, they are debating the cost and usefulness of paper. Despite environmental incentives and digital document-sharing platforms, most offices and businesses still need paper for daily tasks.
However, the decrease in paper use has its benefits, even for those who still use paper products. Besides being beneficial for the environment, the reduction in paper waste means businesses can cut costs by printing documents on less expensive paper.
As most sales and marketing outreach occurs digitally nowadays, you can save your company money on supplies by printing or copying your daily documents on budget-friendly paper.
When choosing cheap printer paper, make sure you check your printer’s specifications to ensure your paper choice is compatible with your machine.
Our printing specialists at STPT want to help you make the right choice when buying printer supplies. We know time and money are precious commodities and don't want to waste them.
In this blog, we will explain the five best budget-friendly printer paper options in 2024 and provide a quick price and quality comparison to decide which paper suits your needs. If you're in search of cheap printer paper, then this blog is perfect for you.
Note: There will be slight price differences depending on where you choose to buy your paper.
Understanding Printer Paper Costs
Printer paper is typically sold in reams, each containing 500 sheets of paper. When it comes to the cost of printer paper, you can usually find it measured by the price per ream or the price per sheet.
Printer paper can also be purchased in cases or boxes, each containing 5 to 10 reams. This option is more cost-effective for businesses or offices with a high-volume printing requirement.
However, the price of printer paper can vary depending on factors such as the paper's weight, brightness, and finish. So, if you're in the market for some printing or copier paper, it's important to consider the intended use of the paper and the printer being used to ensure you get the best results.
5 Best Budget-Friendly Printer Paper Options
1. Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper
Naturally, we turn to Amazon for inexpensive items available for quick delivery. At $9.99 per 500 sheets of paper, the Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper is a good choice for a small business on a budget. The cost per sheet is around $0.020, which many competitors can't beat.
Amazon also allows you to purchase their printer paper in bulk, which is a plus for businesses or offices that use a lot of printer paper. This Amazon option is bright white with a brightness level of 92, 8.5 x 11 inches in size, and it is suitable for laser or inkjet printing. The reviews are favorable, and previous buyers claim this copy paper is of good quality despite its low price.
- For businesses on a budget, this Amazon product offers bulk buying options and quick delivery without high shipping costs.
2. HP Bright White Printer Paper
The HP Bright White Printer Paper is an excellent budget-friendly option for inkjet printer users. It frequently receives high ratings for its resistance to smears and paper jams.
This good-quality matte paper, suitable for inkjet or laser printers, is affordable at $12.99 per 500 sheets. This option costs around $0.026 per sheet, making it a great, affordable choice for those who want to print without breaking the bank.
You can buy this printer paper directly from HP or online from Amazon in packs of 1 ream, 5 reams, or bulk pallets.
- The HP printer paper is slightly more expensive than other papers on this list. Still, it does come in bulk pallets suitable for business purchases.
3. Pen+Gear Copy Paper
As the least expensive printer paper option on the list, Pen+Gear Copy Paper can be bought from WalMart online or in-store for as little as $5.32 per 500 sheets of paper. The cost per sheet for this printer paper is around $0.011—making it one of the cheapest options on the market in 2024.
This paper is WalMart-branded, but you can also purchase it from Amazon. Pen+Gear is part of WalMart's store-brand line of office supplies.
Although users have reported shipping issues and damages with this brand, most consider the paper to be of good quality and suitable for use in laser or inkjet printers.
The Pen+Gear brand printer paper has a brightness level of 92 and is available in boxes of 1, 3, 5, and 10 reams.
- As the least expensive option on this list, the Pen+Gear printer paper is a good, budget-friendly pick for a small office or general consumer.
4. Xerox Vitality Multipurpose Printer Paper
Xerox's Vitality Multipurpose Printer Paper uses ColorLok technology to keep color vibrant. At $8.88 per 500 sheets, this printer paper is a safe mid-range pick, with a cost-per-sheet value of around $0.18.
According to Xerox, this printer paper is 99.9% jam-free on digital high-speed printing equipment. You can purchase one ream, ten reams, or a 5,000-ream carton.
The Xerox Vitality paper has a brightness level of 92, which is slightly lower than that of the Hammermill Fore Multi-Purpose Paper (next on the list).
- Xerox Vitality Multipurpose Printer Paper is in the middle of the pack regarding price. It offers the most extensive bulk buying options for consumers, making it a good pick for a big business or an office that must support a large printing volume.
5. Hammermill Fore Multipurpose Paper
At $8.69 per 500 sheets, the Hammermill Fore Multipurpose Paper is one of the cheapest options on our list. Like several of the other printer paper options on this list, it is a bright white matte paper suitable for basic printing needs. With a Brightness level of 96, it is an excellent choice for vibrant printing.
You can purchase Hammermill printer paper online from various stores for $0.017 per sheet. This paper is standard-size and affordable for your printing needs. It is available in packs of 1 ream, 10 reams, and bulk pallets.
Like several other offerings on this list, the Hammermill Fore Multi-Purpose Paper has great reviews. However, users report occasional damages during the shipping process.
- The Hammermill Fore Multi-Purpose Paper is a great choice for businesses looking for a budget-friendly printer paper option with a high brightness level.
Choosing the Right Budget-Friendly Printer Paper
There are thousands of printer paper choices for photo printing. The ones here are some of the best budget-friendly options on the market right now for laser and inkjet printing.
When considering the price, the Hammermill Fore Multi-Purpose Paper and the Pen+Gear Copy Paper present the lowest price point option for consumers. Still, the Xerox, Amazon Basics, and HP printer paper options are also budget-friendly and highly rated.
Remember: beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Some people prefer glossy photos, and others may prefer matte. The color and vibrancy of your photographs are entirely up to you. Consider several options to get the results you are looking for.
Do You Want to Learn More About Printer Paper?
There are thousands of printer paper selections on the market. Choosing the right paper to buy, especially in bulk, can be difficult.
If you want to learn more about the different kinds of printer paper options, check out some of our other comprehensive blogs:
- Top 5 Best Eco-Friendly Printer Paper Options
- 6 Different Types of Paper for Printing
- 5 Best Photo Printer Paper Options (2024)
If you need help choosing the right printer paper or need more details about paper, printing supplies, maintenance plans, or service agreements for your printer, feel free to contact us. We're here to help!
Find Your Ideal Printer
Are you looking for the best printer to use with your affordable printing paper? Whether you're looking for high or low print speeds or a color or monochrome printer, we have the perfect solution for you. Just click on the image below to access our product configurator page. You can choose the specifications and capabilities of the printer you want and get instant results that match.
Don't miss this opportunity to find the ideal printer that meets your budget in minutes.
