Cheaper printing than Staples usually means leaving the per-page counter for planned bulk. Online letter color at 55printing: 499 = $55 vs roughly $295-$345 at a $0.59-$0.69 Staples-style band. Same-day tiny jobs still belong at a local counter.
- Best save: 100+ matching pages online
- Keep Staples: under ~50 pages today
- Also compare: UPS, FedEx, Office Depot, library, school shop
7 cheaper alternatives to Staples printing
- Online color copies for planned packets (55printing color).
- Online B&W copies for text-heavy manuals.
- UPS Store when a local quote beats Staples that day.
- FedEx Office for membership or promo wins.
- Office Depot / OfficeMax for competing self-serve rates.
- Library or campus shops for sparse B&W student work.
- Reorder the same proofed PDF so you stop redesigning every month.
Online bulk
- 499 color = $55
- Free proof
- Needs shipping days
Staples counter
- ~$0.59-$0.69 color
- Walk-out today
- Expensive at 500+
The 499-page math (July 20, 2026)
| Qty | Color | B&W |
|---|---|---|
| 99 | $40.25 | $23.16 |
| 499 | $55.00 | $57.06 |
| 999 | $112.37 | $77.91 |
Configure color or B&W online with free proof.
Cheaper than Staples FAQ
What is cheaper printing than Staples for 500 color pages?
Online bulk. At 55printing on July 20, 2026, 499 letter color pages are $55.00 print. At a $0.59-$0.69 Staples-style band, the same count is roughly $295-$345 before tax. Shipping is extra online; walk-out speed is the counter’s advantage.
Is the UPS Store cheaper than Staples?
Sometimes. July 2026 research ranges put UPS color roughly $0.50-$0.75 per page. Always run the same PDF at both counters. The cheapest logo is the one with the lower all-in quote that day.
Does FedEx Office beat Staples?
It can on memberships or promotions. Planning ranges often land near $0.71-$0.76 for common self-serve color. Compare locally. For hundreds of pages, online still tends to win on total print cost.
When is Staples still the right call?
When you need under about 50 pages today and cannot wait for shipping. Same-day walk-out is a real product. Do not pretend online rush is a two-hour pickup.
Are library printers a real alternative?
For light B&W student pages, yes. For branded color packets with consistent stock, commercial online or a serious print counter is safer. Libraries also have daily caps and wait lines.
What about Office Depot printing prices?
They compete in the same retail band and sometimes undercut on promos. See our Office Depot price guide for dated ranges, then still verify in store. Online bulk remains the volume play.
How do I keep savings after the first order?
Approve one proof and reorder the same file. Redesigning every month wastes money and creates brand drift. Save the PDF and the quantity break that worked.
Where should I order online?
Use cheap color copies or B&W copies. Upload a print-ready PDF and approve the free proof before production starts.