I. Introduction
Printer ink is notorious for being expensive, and it’s a common problem that every printer user faces. Nonetheless, finding a cost-efficient printer with affordable ink can actually save you more in the long run. In this article, we will explore the different brands and models of printers with the cheapest ink, offer dollar-saving tips, provide in-depth comparisons, and recommend the best options for home and office use.
II. 5 Printers with the Cheapest Ink: A Breakdown of the Most Cost-Efficient Options
When buying a new printer, it’s important to consider the cost of ink cartridges as part of the overall cost of ownership. To determine cost efficiency, we look at the cost of ink per page, the average number of pages per cartridge, and the cost of replacement cartridges. Here are the top 5 printers that have the lowest ink costs in the market today:
1. Brother MFC-J995DW – $249.99
Pros: Has an INKvestment Tank system that holds more ink; comes with a 1-year supply of ink; can print up to 1 year with one set of cartridges; automatic duplex printing; mobile device printing capability.
Cons: Expensive initial cost; slow printing speed; small paper capacity; no dual-sided automatic document feeder.
2. Canon PIXMA G6020 – $299.00
Pros: High-yield ink bottle system; 7700 color pages and 18000 black pages per set of cartridges; high-quality photo printing; automatic duplex printing; mobile device printing capability.
Cons: Expensive initial cost; no automatic document feeder; no Wi-Fi direct printing.
3. HP Envy 6055 – $129.99
Pros: Affordable initial cost; HP Instant Ink-ready; comes with a 2-month trial of HP Instant Ink; automatic duplex printing; mobile device printing capability.
Cons: High ink cost if not enrolled in HP Instant Ink; no Ethernet connectivity; slow printing speed.
4. Epson EcoTank ET-2720 – $199.99
Pros: High-yield ink tanks; cost-efficient EcoTank system; comes with 2 years of ink in the box; mobile device printing capability.
Cons: Slow printing speed; no automatic document feeder; no Ethernet connectivity.
5. Lexmark MB3442adw – $549.00
Pros: Lower cost per page than competitors; high-yield toner cartridges; automatic duplex printing and scanning; mobile device printing capability.
Cons: Expensive initial cost; bulky design; no Wi-Fi direct printing.
III. Ink Wars: Which Printer Has the Cheapest Ink in 2021?
HP and Canon are currently the top printer brands with the cheapest ink in the market. HP’s Instant Ink program provides “ink by subscription”, which means that you pay a fee based on the number of pages you print, regardless of the amount of ink used. Meanwhile, Canon’s MegaTank Ink system has high-yield ink reservoirs that can print up to 6000 pages on one set of cartridges.
In 2021, it’s clear that these two brands are going head-to-head in the ink wars, with HP focusing on subscription-based services and Canon prioritizing high-yield ink reservoirs. Nonetheless, other brands like Epson, Brother, and Lexmark also offer competitive ink prices and cost-efficient cartridge systems that are worth considering.
IV. Dollar-Saving Tips: How to Choose a Printer with Affordable Ink
Aside from choosing the right printer, there are other factors that can affect the cost of printer ink, like the type of ink, the type of paper, and the frequency of printing. Here are some tips to help you find the best deals on printers and ink cartridges:
1. Research the cost per page of the printer before you buy.
2. Look out for promotions and discounts on printers and ink cartridges.
3. Consider buying compatible or remanufactured cartridges as a cheaper alternative.
4. Subscribe to an ink delivery service to save money on ink and never run out of ink.
5. Buy in bulk to save money on ink cartridges, especially for color ink.
V. Comparing the Cost of Ink for Popular Printer Brands
Here’s an in-depth comparison of different printer brands and their ink costs per page:
1. HP: 4-6 cents per page
2. Canon: 0.3-1 cent per page
3. Epson: 5-14 cents per page
4. Brother: 1-2 cents per page
5. Lexmark: 2-5 cents per page
It’s worth noting that the cost of ink varies depending on the type of printer, the cartridge size, and whether you use original or compatible cartridges. Nonetheless, based on their average cost per page, Canon MegaTank still offers the lowest ink cost, while Epson has the highest ink cost.
VI. Hunting for Affordable Ink: A Guide to Finding the Cheapest Printer Cartridges
Here are some tips for finding the cheapest printer cartridges:
1. Check online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Walmart for deals on printer cartridges.
2. Buy in bulk from a reliable source to get a discount.
3. Look for companies that offer free shipping to save on costs.
4. Consider compatible or remanufactured cartridges instead of OEM cartridges.
5. Subscribe to an ink refill service to save money on ink and help the environment.
It’s important to note that there may be risks associated with using compatible or remanufactured cartridges, such as printer damage or low-quality print output. Thus, it’s recommended to choose reputable sellers and brands that offer high-quality cartridges.
VII. Cheap Ink-First: The Best Printers with the Lowest Ink Costs for Home and Office Use
Here are some of the best-rated printers that have the lowest ink costs:
1. Brother MFC-J995DW
2. Canon PIXMA G6020
3. HP Envy 6055
4. Epson EcoTank ET-2720
5. Lexmark MB3442adw
It’s important to consider the specific features and needs that you require when choosing a printer. For home use, the Canon PIXMA G6020 is best for high-quality photo printing, while the HP Envy 6055 is a cheaper option that can be used with Instant Ink. Meanwhile, for office use, the Brother MFC-J995DW has the lowest ink costs and an automatic document feeder for easy scanning and copying.
VIII. Ink Prices Matter: Why You Should Care About the Cost of Printer Ink and Which Printer Offers the Best Deal
Considering the cost of printer ink is essential to saving money in the long run, especially for frequent users or small businesses. For instance, using a printer with a low ink cost like the Canon PIXMA G6020 can save you around $500 in the first year alone, compared to using a printer with high ink costs like the Epson EcoTank. Overall, we recommend the Brother MFC-J995DW as the best printer with the cheapest ink due to its cost-efficient cartridge system and high-yield ink tanks, making it perfect for home or office use.
IX. Conclusion
Printer ink can be a significant expense for people who use printers frequently, so it’s essential to choose a cost-efficient printer with affordable ink. We hope that this comprehensive guide has provided you with insight into the different brands and models of printers and the pros and cons of their ink systems. Be sure to follow our tips on finding the best deals on printers and ink cartridges and consider our top picks for the best printers with the lowest ink costs.