Which Printer Has the Cheapest Ink? Friendly Guide [2024]

For those who have ever bought a printer, they know what I am talking about here. Well, the capital investment! It might be low, but refill the ink and it may just last you a couple of days. It just seems like a never ending cycle.

The question “Which printer has the cheapest ink?” is the simplest of all questions, but it is not as simple as it sounds. Well, fear not, ink lovers, the printer expert is here to clear the ‘muddy waters’ of printer ink costs and guide you to the cheapest way ahead.

Whether it’s a school project, or a business document, who wouldn’t want a printer that has the cheapest ink to save those extra bucks? 

Let’s grab a cup of coffee and dive into this blog post to break down the best printers for small businesses with affordable ink in simple terms. Because who said printer shopping had to be boring?

Top Printers With Affordable Ink

Here are some models worth considering based on their ink efficiency and cost-effectiveness:

1. HP OfficeJet Pro Series

The HP OfficeJet Pro 9015 and 8210 are popular for their low CPP and compatibility with affordable third-party cartridges. These models support wireless and duplex printing, making them ideal for home or small office use.

These printers have fast printing and high print quality; you can scan, copy, and fax like a professional. 

There is more to the HP OfficeJet Pro 9015 printer than the low ink cartridge cost. These devices feature color touch screens, 250-sheet capable paper trays, and Wireless and voice-activated print capabilities.

First of all, if you are interested in a home printer with the lowest cost of consumables, this is the best option. Due to its relatively low cost and intuitive features, it has become popular among startups. 

2. Canon PIXMA Series

Canon PIXMA G6020 and TS5050 have become popular for their inexpensive compatible ink cartridges. These printers are of small size but can print, scan, and copy, all-in-one printers, ideal for home use.

It is one of the perfect printers with a high printing capacity, which can print up to 6,000 pages before getting a low ink warning. The refillable ink system reduces the cost per page, and in addition to these other great features, auto 2-sided borderless photos can be printed. 

Because of USB and Bluetooth options, you can print anywhere, anytime. This printer has a tray that can hold up to 250 sheets of paper. The Canon Pixma series is a budget-friendly printer for homes, offices, and small businesses. 

3. Epson EcoTank

These printers are expensive upfront, but the Epson EcoTank series (e.g., ET-2760) features refillable ink cartridges that last much longer and significantly reduce the CPP. These are best for users with high printing volumes.

The Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5880 is an all-in-one color printer with wireless capability, replacing conventional cartridges with large-volume ink tanks that enable up to 6,000 pages per black and color set. 

Epson wants customers to know that they can save up to 80% more in their pockets by using low-cost Epson replacement ink cartridges than expensive laser toner cartridges. They say that to print a colored page using this printer it will only cost $0.02 while with the usual ink cartridges, it will be $0.14. 

Aside from its cheap ink, the Epson printer features hands-free voice-activated printing and consumes low energy. 

4. Brother INKvestment Series

The most common models you have to consider for this series are MFC-J995DW and MFC-J985DW. The printers support extra-large cartridges, which lower CPP significantly.

It provides you with up to a year’s worth of ink in the box, depending on usage. These printers are reliable and durable for both home and small business environments.

The INKvestment technology ensures cartridges deliver more pages per dollar, making it a long-term budget-friendly option. The Brothers printers are ideal for moderate-volume users who value convenience and want to avoid frequent cartridge replacements​.

Tips for Choosing the Right Printer

Tip #1: Assess Your Volume

If you print occasionally, consider Canon PIXMA or HP OfficeJet models that support third-party cartridges. For high-volume printing, Epson EcoTank and Brother INKvestment printers are better suited.

Tip #2: Check for Compatibility

Ensure your chosen printer works well with affordable third-party or remanufactured cartridges to maximize savings. This is an important step to consider for significant savings without compromising quality.

Tip#3: Factor in Initial Costs

While models like Epson EcoTank cost more upfront, the savings over time can justify the higher initial investment. Always check how much each printed page costs. This factor is critical for understanding long-term expenses.

Strategies to Save on Ink

• Opt for Compatible or Remanufactured Cartridges: Brands like Smart Ink offer affordable alternatives that work smoothly with major printer models, including HP, Canon, and Epson.

• Bulk Purchases and Subscriptions: Many companies provide subscription services for ink to deliver refills at reduced rates.

• Choose Laser Printers for Monochrome Printing: If your main focus is text printing, a laser printer might be more cost-effective as toner cartridges last significantly longer.

Expert Tips to Extend the Life of Your Toner and Ink

• Track Print Usage: Monitor who prints and how often. Use print management software to reduce unnecessary printing, especially in shared environments.

• Optimize Print Settings: Enable draft mode and toner-saving features for everyday documents to stretch your cartridge’s capacity.

• Maintain Your Printer: Regular cleaning and maintenance prevent leaks and ensure optimal performance. Maintenance plans can help tackle issues quickly.

• Go Digital: Save and share documents as PDFs instead of printing physical copies to reduce toner and ink consumption.

• Choose Smart Cartridge Options: Store cartridges in a cool, dry place to avoid damage, and consider high-yield cartridges for more economical, long-term printing.

Where to Buy Cheap Ink?

Online retailers like Smart Ink, Amazon, and 123Inkjets have discounted prices for original and compatible cartridges. Buying directly from manufacturers like Smart Ink ensures consistent quality and several other things come with it including free delivery and warranty

By considering these tips and printer models, you can enjoy quality printing without stretching your budget. Evaluate your needs—whether it’s occasional home use or frequent office printing—and pick a printer that aligns with both your initial budget and ongoing expenses.