Many people prioritize printers with the cheapest ink cartridges to minimize ongoing operational costs. High-quality printing can be expensive over time, with ink cartridges constituting a significant portion of the expense. By selecting a printer with affordable ink cartridges, individuals and businesses can achieve substantial savings without compromising print quality.
The choice is often driven by a desire to strike a balance between upfront printer costs and long-term operational expenses, making cost-effective ink solutions an essential consideration for those seeking economical and sustainable printing solutions.
Our Quick Recommendations
Here’s a quick look at our TOP picks if you are looking for high-quality printers with affordable ink cartridge available on the market today and check out our full reviews below.
1. Epson EcoTank ET-3760
- Your busy office needs a printer that’s fast, affordable, easy to use, and has great features. That’s why we developed the EcoTank ET-3760 – an…
- Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing ― High-capacity ink tanks mean no more tiny, expensive ink cartridges; Epson’s exclusive EcoFit ink bottles…
- Dramatic Savings on Replacement Ink ― Save up to 90% with replacement ink bottles vs. ink cartridges1 – that’s enough to print up to 7,500 pages…
Last update on 2024-09-19 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The Epson EcoTank ET-3760 is a revolutionary printer that aims to redefine the printing experience with its innovative ink tank system. Gone are the days of constantly replacing expensive ink cartridges. This printer boasts high-capacity ink tanks that can hold a significant amount of ink, resulting in a remarkably low cost per page.
2. Canon PIXMA G7020
- Never run out of ink. Connect your printer to Alexa and receive notifications when you’re running low. Alexa can even place a smart reorder from Amazon on your behalf, if you enroll in smart reorders
- Enrolling in Smart Reorders with Alexa ensures that you never have too much or too little ink supplies. No subscription needed.
- Wireless 4-in-1 (Print | Copy | Scan | Fax)
- Integrated Ink Tanks – Up to 6,000 pages BW / 7,700 pages Color
Last update on 2024-09-19 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The Canon PIXMA G7020 is a standout printer that strikes the perfect balance between exceptional print quality and affordable ink consumption. This all-in-one printer features a mega-sized ink tank system that can deliver an impressive number of prints before needing a refill.
3. HP OfficeJet Pro 6968
- Main functions of this HP color inkjet photo printer: copy, scan, fax, wireless printing, two-sided duplex printing, color touchscreen, automatic document feeder, Instant Ink ready so you’ll never run out of ink, and more
- Easily print when and where you need to from your smartphone, tablet, or notebook PC; get convenient mobile printing options and mobile setup; connect the way you want to with Ethernet and wireless networking
- Produce fast professional-quality color for 50% less than lasers, save paper, and handle more tasks without slowing down
- HP OfficeJet Pro 6968 is ideal for the home office or small workgroups that need professional-quality, affordable color with powerful productivity and fast functionality
Last update on 2024-09-19 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The HP OfficeJet Pro 6968 is a workhorse printer designed to meet the demands of small businesses and home offices. With its fast print speeds and automatic duplexing capabilities, this all-in-one printer can handle high-volume printing with ease.
4. Brother MFC-J995DW
- Up to 1 year of ink in box: Using the MFCJ995DW cartridges provided, get exceptional savings and uninterrupted printing for up to 1 year(1)
- Inkvestment tank system: Reengineered ink cartridges hold more ink and work with an internal ink storage tank to deliver uninterrupted printing. Operating System Compatibility- PC-Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7,Windows Server 2008, 2008 R2, 2012, 2012 R2, 2016 Mac- OS X v10.11.6, 10.12.x, 10.13.x
- Eliminate ink replacement guesswork: Brother intelligent Page Gauge(2) lets you know the amount of ink you’ve used and the amount remaining
- Mobile device printing: Desktop and mobile device wireless printing using AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, Brother and Wi Fi Direct(3)
Last update on 2024-09-19 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The Brother MFC-J995DW is a feature-rich inkjet printer that prioritizes cost-effective printing solutions without compromising on quality. This all-in-one printer is equipped with INKvestment Tank technology, which includes large ink cartridges that can last for an impressive number of prints.
5. Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4740
- Epson printing system is designed to be used exclusively with Epson Genuine Cartridges. Use of non-genuine ink could cause damage not covered under the printer’s ltd. wnty.
- Get performance beyond laser — the workforce Pro WF-4740, powered by Precision Core.
- Lightning fast Color Print speeds — fastest in its class (1); 24 ISO ppm (black) and 22 ISO ppm (color) ().
- Easy on the budget — up to 50 percent lower printing costs vs. Color laser (2).
Last update on 2024-09-19 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4740 is a high-performance all-in-one printer that brings together speed, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Designed for small businesses and workgroups, this printer delivers exceptional print speeds for both black and white and color documents.
6. Canon imageCLASS MF743Cdw
- USABILITY: A unique, customized device experience with Application Library. 5″ intuitive color touchscreen with smartphone-like usability. Create Wi-Fi Direct hotspot from the printer to establish direct connection to mobile device(s) without the need for external router
- QUALITY AND RELIABILITY: Canon’s signature reliability and engine technologies help keep productivity high and minimize the impact on support resources. Intuitive maintenance videos for common tasks like consumables replacement
- WORKFLOW EFFICIENCY: Supports mobile solutions for printing and scanning. Scan and convert documents to searchable digital files through a one-pass scan / duplex document feeder. Designed for small print jobs with first-print time as fast as 10. 3 seconds
Last update on 2024-09-19 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The Canon imageCLASS MF743Cdw is a powerhouse laser printer that offers cost-effective printing solutions for small businesses. Combining impressive print speeds, exceptional print quality, and advanced features, this printer delivers professional results at a reasonable cost.
7. HP ENVY Photo 7855
- Stunning photos for less than 5 cents – Features of this photo printer include print, scan, copy, fax, borderless & wireless printing, SD card slot, auto document feeder, plus photo prints for less than 5 cents with HP Instant Ink (subscription required)
- The power of your printer in the palm of your hand – Mobile printing from your device such as iPhone with AirPrint, or print without a network using Wireless Direct printing
- Wireless connectivity you can count on – Reliable wireless connectivity and lightning-fast setup with dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Smart, plus Ethernet capability for wired networking
Last update on 2024-09-19 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The HP ENVY Photo 7855 is a versatile all-in-one printer specifically designed for photo enthusiasts seeking affordable printing solutions. It offers exceptional photo printing capabilities, this printer produces stunning, lab-quality prints.
8. Epson Expression ET-2750
- Epson strongly recommends the use of Genuine Epson inks for a quality printing experience. Non Epson inks and inks not formulated for your specific printer may cause damage that is not covered by the Epson warranty.
- Cartridge-free printing — Comes with upto 2 years of ink in the box (1)
- Includes enough ink to print upto 6,500 pages black/5,200 color (2) — Equivalent to about 30 ink cartridge sets (3)
Last update on 2024-09-19 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The Epson Expression ET-2750 is a compact ink tank printer that offers an impressive cost-saving solution for home users. With its high-capacity ink tanks, this printer eliminates the need for frequent ink cartridge replacements, resulting in a significantly lower cost per page.
9. Brother HL-L2395DW
- Engineered for convenience – This new Brother Monochrome Laser Printer is conveniently equipped with a flatbed scan glass for quick copying and scanning. Mobile Device Compatibility AirPrint, Google Cloud Print 2.0, Brother iPrint and Scan, Mopria, Cortado Workplace
- Optimized for efficiency – Engineered with new features, the HL L2395DW laser printer (replacement for the HLL2380DW) and has been optimized for efficiency, allowing you to print up to 36 pages per minute(1)
- Faster, high quality prints: This monochrome laser printer is built with a 250 sheet paper capacity that helps improve efficiency due to less time spent refilling trays. It also handles both letter and legal sized paper. Power Source AC 120V 50/60Hz.Machine Noise (Ready/Printing): 30dB / 50dB
- Cloud based print & scan – Print from and scan to popular Cloud services directly from the 2.7″ color touchscreen, including Dropbox, Google Drive, Evernote, OneNote, and more(4)
Last update on 2024-09-19 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The Brother HL-L2395DW is a compact monochrome laser printer that emphasizes fast printing speeds and cost-effective performance. Designed for small offices and home use, this printer delivers sharp text and high-quality prints at an impressive print speed of up to 36 pages per minute.
10. Canon PIXMA TS9120
- Inspire your creativity with prints that will impress; From stunning photographs to detailed documents, put the 6 color individual ink system to work and never compromise on speed or quality
- Enjoy the simplicity of connecting your smartphone, tablet and all your favorite devices with ease; Print hassle free whether from the cloud, through Bluetooth, from social media or even on the go
- The PIXMA TS9120 Wireless printer is the all in one that fits perfectly anywhere in the home, and looks great with any decor thanks to its two tone design and multiple color options
Last update on 2024-09-19 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The Canon PIXMA TS9120 is a versatile all-in-one inkjet printer that excels in both document and photo printing, all while maintaining affordability. With its six-color individual ink system, this printer produces vibrant and detailed prints with exceptional color accuracy.
Conclusion
When considering a printer with cheap ink cartridges, it is very important to evaluate some important factors like print speed, connectivity options, and overall cost-effectiveness. As we have mentioned earlier, each of the ten printers mentioned above offers affordable ink consumption, but they differ in terms of performance, features, and price.
The Cost of Operating a Printer: Between Ink Cartridges and Paper Expenses
After purchasing a printer at a great price, it’s important to consider that the upfront retail cost is not the only expense involved. Along with the printer, the ongoing costs of ink cartridges or toner cartridges and paper are significant factors to consider for smooth printer operation and meeting your expectations.
Ink and Toner:
Inkjet printers function by applying liquid ink onto the paper, similar to writing with a pen. Ink cartridges contain reservoirs of ink, and the cost of ink cartridges can vary. While inkjet printers are generally cheaper to purchase, they tend to be more expensive to run. Ink cartridges can range from $12 to $60 per cartridge, depending on the brand and size, and they typically yield around 100-500 pages. When purchasing cartridges, it’s essential to consider the page yield and cost per page. For example, an HP #74 cartridge prints only 200 pages for approximately $16, whereas the #74XL cartridge prints 750 pages for around $31. So for double the price, you get almost 300% more ink. Opting for compatible ink cartridges from online retailers can save you 50% or more, reducing the overall operating costs.
Laser toner cartridges have a wider price range. Personal laser printers may have cartridges as low as $30, while networked laser printers can have cartridges costing up to $300. Although toner cartridges seem expensive, they offer a higher page yield compared to ink cartridges. A single toner cartridge can print anywhere from 2,500 to 30,000 pages.
Specialty Paper for Inkjet or Laser Printers
The quality of paper affects the print results, and higher-quality paper tends to be more expensive. Coated specialty paper is ideal for producing crisp text and vibrant images, but it can cost between 10 cents and $2 per page, significantly more than standard copy paper. Similarly, photo paper is costly, and the best quality photographs are printed on premium photo paper.
Additional Considerations:
When purchasing a printer, it’s crucial to be cautious and ensure that all necessary components are included. Often, printer manufacturers do not provide printer cables with the printer itself, so it’s important to read the box carefully and factor in the cost of a cable (ranging from $10 to $30) before enjoying your printed documents.
Conclusion: When evaluating the cost of operating a printer, it’s essential to consider ongoing expenses such as ink cartridges or toner cartridges and the type of paper used. Making informed choices, such as opting for compatible ink cartridges and selecting the appropriate paper for your needs, can help reduce the overall operating costs and ensure satisfactory print results. Additionally, accounting for additional expenses like printer cables can prevent last-minute surprises and ensure a smooth setup process.
