May 29, 2025

Print Media

What Is the Best Printer with the Cheapest Ink Cartridges?

When it comes to choosing a printer, one of the most important factors to consider is the cost of ink cartridges. Even if a printer is cheap upfront, the cost of ink can quickly add up over time, making it essential to choose a model that offers both affordable ink cartridges and high-quality printing. But what is the best printer with the cheapest ink cartridges? In this guide, we’ll explore different methods to find a budget-friendly solution for your printing needs.

Consider Ink Tank Printers Over Inkjet Models

While traditional inkjet printers are common, they often come with the downside of expensive ink cartridges. If you’re looking to save money in the long run, ink tank printers might be a better option. These printers use refillable ink tanks instead of cartridges, and they can print thousands of pages before needing a refill.

Additionally, for those seeking portability and convenience, Bluetooth-enabled and mini printers are a great choice. These compact models are easy to use, connect seamlessly to your mobile devices, and can be ideal for quick, on-the-go printing without the need for large ink cartridges.

Best Models to Consider:

Epson EcoTank Series:

Epson’s EcoTank printers are known for their incredibly low cost per page. The printers come with a large ink tank that can be easily refilled, saving you money on expensive ink cartridges. Plus, they include enough ink for up to two years of printing.

Canon PIXMA G Series:

Canon’s MegaTank printers are another great choice for users looking for affordable printing. These models come with large, refillable ink tanks that last much longer than traditional cartridges.

Epson WorkForce ST-C5000 Wireless Inkjet Multifunction Printer

Epson’s SuperTank technology offers ultra-low cost-per-page printing and is ideal for high-volume printing. This model combines the best of inkjet performance with the cost-effectiveness of ink tank systems.

Pros:

Extremely low cost-per-page due to Supertank technology.

High-capacity ink tanks that require fewer refills.

Color printing capabilities.

Cons:

Initial investment can be higher than traditional inkjets.

Larger size may not be ideal for very small spaces.

Key Features:

Print Speed: Up to 25 pages per minute (color and black).

Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB.

Print Resolution: 4800 x 1200 dpi.

Mobile Printing: Supports Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, Epson iPrint.

Technical Specs:

Dimensions: 22.4 x 19.6 x 13.4 inches.

Weight: 43.2 lbs.

Monthly Duty Cycle: Up to 45,000 pages.

Paper Capacity: 250-sheet input tray, 100-sheet output tray.

Why to Buy:

Low cost-per-page: Perfect for offices or businesses that need to print large volumes of color documents at a low cost.

High-yield ink tanks: Save money and reduce the hassle of frequently changing ink cartridges.

Multi-function: Includes scanning and copying in addition to printing, making it a versatile option for businesses.

Look for Printers That Offer Subscription Ink Services

If you don’t print regularly, you may want to explore printers that offer ink subscription services. These services deliver ink to your door at a low monthly cost based on your usage. This is a great way to avoid the hassle of purchasing ink cartridges and ensures that you’re always stocked up.

Popular Subscription Services:

HP Instant Ink: HP’s Instant Ink program is a subscription service that offers a predictable cost for ink, based on how many pages you print each month. It’s convenient, and the cartridges are delivered automatically.

Canon’s Ink Subscription: Canon also offers an ink subscription service that helps you save on cartridges. The subscription can be adjusted based on your usage, so you’re not paying for ink you don’t need.

Refillable Ink Cartridges or Third-Party Ink

Another cost-effective solution is to use third-party ink cartridges or refillable cartridges. While some printer manufacturers might not officially support third-party ink, many users find that these cartridges perform just as well as the originals at a fraction of the price.

Refill Options:

InkRefills: Some companies specialize in selling refill kits, which allow you to replenish your cartridges without needing to purchase new ones. While this method takes a bit more effort, it can be a big money-saver.

Third-Party Cartridges: If you’re willing to experiment, third-party ink manufacturers offer compatible cartridges for a wide range of printers. These cartridges are typically much cheaper than the original ones, though it’s important to read reviews to ensure quality.

Print Only What You Need

To minimize the impact of ink costs, try to limit the amount of printing you do. This might sound obvious, but many people print unnecessarily, wasting ink and paper. Consider digital alternatives, such as:

Reading PDFs or documents on your phone or computer instead of printing.

Using a scanning app to save physical documents digitally, rather than printing them.

When you do print, try to optimize your document settings (like reducing image quality for drafts or printing in black and white when color isn’t necessary). These small tweaks can help preserve ink and reduce costs over time.

Choose a Printer with High Yield Cartridges

If you’re sticking with traditional ink cartridges, opt for printers that offer high-yield cartridges. These cartridges are designed to print more pages before running out, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Top Printers with High Yield Cartridges:

HP LaserJet Pro MFP 4101fdw High-Speed All-in-One Monochrome Laser Printer with Wireless & Duplex Printing:

The HP LaserJet Pro MFP 4101fdw is a fast and reliable all-in-one monochrome laser printer designed for busy workgroups. It supports wireless printing, automatic duplexing, and comes equipped with advanced security features, making it ideal for high-volume document workflows in professional settings..

Pros:

All-in-one functionality (print, copy, scan, fax).

Excellent print quality and speed.

Wireless connectivity with mobile printing.

Cons:

Only monochrome printing, no color.

Higher cost compared to more basic models.

Key Features:

Print Speed: Up to 40 pages per minute.

Connectivity: USB 2.0, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, mobile printing.

Print Resolution: 1200 x 1200 dpi.

Mobile Printing: Supports Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, HP Smart.

Technical Specs:

Dimensions: 16.7 x 16.4 x 12.3 inches.

Weight: 26.5 lbs.

Monthly Duty Cycle: Up to 30,000 pages.

Paper Capacity: 250-sheet input tray, 100-sheet output bin.

Why to Buy:

Multi-functional printer: Ideal for small businesses that need to print, copy, scan, and fax.

Quick print speeds: It can handle large jobs quickly, making it perfect for high-volume printing environments.

Wireless and mobile connectivity: Print from virtually anywhere with Wi-Fi and mobile printing options.

Opt for Laser Printers for Low-Cost Printing

Laser printers are a great alternative to inkjet printers, especially for people who print frequently. Laser printers use toner instead of ink, and while toner cartridges can be more expensive upfront, they typically last much longer than inkjet cartridges.

Why Choose Laser Printers?

Cost per page: Laser printers have a lower cost per page compared to inkjet printers, especially for black-and-white printing.

Fewer replacements: Toner cartridges last much longer than ink cartridges, making laser printers a more economical choice over time.

Laser Printers (Typically Lower Ink/Toner Costs):

Ricoh 132 P Printer (B/W Laser) Compact Black-and-White Laser Printer for Reliable Everyday Use

The Ricoh 132 P is a compact and dependable black-and-white laser printer built for efficient everyday printing. With its straightforward design and consistent output, it's a great option for users seeking a no-fuss, cost-effective printer for basic black-and-white document needs.

Pros:

Low operational cost with long-lasting toner.

High-speed printing with good efficiency.

Reliable and compact for small businesses or home offices.

Cons:

No color printing capability (monochrome only).

May not have the same advanced features as higher-end models.

Key Features:

Print Speed: Up to 22 pages per minute.

Connectivity: USB 2.0.

Print Resolution: 1200 x 1200 dpi.

Toner Yield: High-yield toner cartridges available.

Technical Specs:

Dimensions: 14.6 x 14.3 x 7.6 inches.

Weight: 15.2 lbs.

Monthly Duty Cycle: Up to 30,000 pages.

Paper Capacity: 250-sheet paper tray.

Why to Buy:

Affordable monochrome printing: A great choice for businesses or home offices that need to print a high volume of black-and-white documents at a low cost.

Compact and reliable: Perfect for users with limited space who still need a dependable printer.

Low cost-per-page: Offers long-lasting toner and reduces operational costs.

Canon IMAGECLASS LBP6030W Wireless Monochrome Laser Printer for Home and Small Offices

The Canon IMAGECLASS LBP6030W is a wireless monochrome laser printer perfect for homes and small offices. Compact and easy to set up, it offers reliable printing performance, fast output speeds, and seamless wireless connectivity for everyday document tasks.

Pros:

Compact and sleek design.

Wireless printing for easy connectivity from any device.

Reliable and cost-efficient laser printer.

Cons:

Limited to black-and-white printing (no color).

No automatic duplex printing.

Key Features:

Print Speed: Up to 19 pages per minute.

Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB 2.0.

Print Resolution: 600 x 600 dpi, enhanced to 1200 x 1200 dpi.

Mobile Printing: Supports Google Cloud Print, Apple AirPrint.

Technical Specs:

Dimensions: 14.8 x 8.8 x 7.5 inches.

Weight: 14.2 lbs.

Monthly Duty Cycle: Up to 8,000 pages.

Paper Capacity: 150-sheet input tray, 100-sheet output bin.

Why to Buy:

Affordable for small spaces: Its compact design makes it ideal for home offices or small businesses.

Wireless capabilities: Print from anywhere in your home or office without the need for direct connections.

Affordable running costs: A budget-friendly option with cost-effective toner cartridges.

Lexmark MX431adn Multifunction Monochrome Laser Printer with Advanced Security & Duplexing

The Lexmark MX431adn is a powerful multifunction monochrome laser printer engineered for security and productivity. It combines printing, scanning, copying, and faxing in one device, with duplex printing and robust data protection features tailored to professional environments.

Pros:

High-speed printing with a quick first-page print time.

Integrated duplex printing for efficiency.

Solid monthly duty cycle.

Cons:

Monochrome only, so no color printing.

Higher upfront cost compared to basic models.

Key Features:

Print Speed: Up to 42 pages per minute.

Connectivity: USB 2.0, Ethernet, Wi-Fi.

Print Resolution: 1200 x 1200 dpi.

Mobile Printing: Supports Google Cloud Print, Apple AirPrint, Mopria.

Technical Specs:

Dimensions: 18.1 x 16.9 x 13.8 inches.

Weight: 28.4 lbs.

Monthly Duty Cycle: Up to 50,000 pages.

Paper Capacity: 250-sheet input tray, 100-sheet output bin.

Why to Buy:

Fast and efficient: Perfect for a busy office environment that needs quick turnaround times.

Cost-effective for high volume: The printer’s ability to print at high speeds with a large monthly duty cycle reduces downtime and improves productivity.

Duplex printing: Save on paper and increase productivity with automatic two-sided printing.

Canon IMAGECLASS LBP247DW High-Performance Wireless Duplex Laser Printer for Busy Offices

The Canon IMAGECLASS LBP247DW is a high-performance wireless laser printer designed for fast-paced office environments. It supports automatic duplex printing, mobile connectivity, and delivers sharp black-and-white prints, making it a great choice for teams that need speed and precision.

Pros:

Laser printing: Laser technology provides sharp and crisp text.

Fast print speed: It offers a 28 pages per minute print speed, ideal for high-volume environments.

Wireless printing: Supports Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and mobile printing.

Compact design: Small footprint, perfect for offices with limited space.

Duplex Printing: Automatic double-sided printing reduces paper usage.

Cons:

Monochrome only: It prints only in black and white, limiting its versatility for color documents.

No scanning or copying: This is a single-function printer, so it does not offer scanning or copying capabilities.

No direct mobile printing: Does not support mobile printing without going through a network.

Features:

Laser Printing: High-quality monochrome laser prints.

Fast Print Speed: 28 ppm for fast office use.

Duplex Printing: Automatic two-sided printing.

Mobile Printing: Supports Google Cloud Print and Apple AirPrint.

Wireless Connectivity: Can connect to your office network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

Technical Specs:

Printing Technology: Monochrome Laser

Print Speed: 28 ppm

Maximum Print Resolution: 600 x 600 dpi

Monthly Duty Cycle: Up to 30,000 pages

Paper Capacity: 250 sheets (input), 100 sheets (output)

Troy MICR 3001dw (Duplex Laser) Secure MICR Laser Printer for Check Printing and Financial Documents:

The Troy MICR 3001dw is a specialized laser printer designed for secure check printing and financial documents. Featuring MICR toner support and secure print features, it’s a trusted solution for businesses that handle sensitive banking and payment tasks.

Pros:

MICR Technology: Specializes in printing magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) checks and documents.

Duplex Printing: Automatic double-sided printing saves paper.

Security Features: Built-in security features for sensitive documents like checks.

Mobile printing: Supports Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and mobile printing options.

Fast Printing: Up to 35 ppm, suitable for higher volume environments.

Cons:

Specialized Use: Best suited for check printing, which may not be ideal for general use.

Monochrome only: No color printing capabilities.

High initial cost: The price can be higher compared to general-purpose printers.

Features:

MICR Technology: Ideal for printing secure documents like checks, purchase orders, and other financial forms.

Duplex Printing: Reduces paper usage by printing on both sides.

Fast Print Speed: Prints up to 35 ppm.

Wireless Printing: Supports both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections.

Security Features: Includes encryption and watermark protection.

Technical Specs:

Printing Technology: Laser (Monochrome)

Print Speed: 35 ppm

Maximum Print Resolution: 1200 x 1200 dpi

Monthly Duty Cycle: Up to 50,000 pages

Inkjet Printers (Potentially Higher Costs, But Depends on Model)

Epson WorkForce Pro WF-C4310 (Color Inkjet)Compact Color Inkjet Printer for Small Offices with Wireless Connectivity

The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-C4310 is a compact and efficient color inkjet printer tailored for small office use. With fast print speeds, vibrant color output, and wireless connectivity, it’s perfect for teams that need high-quality color documents without a large footprint.

Pros:

Fast printing speeds with excellent color quality.

High-yield ink cartridges that reduce operational costs.

Robust for small to medium-sized offices.

Cons:

Larger size compared to smaller inkjet printers.

Relatively high initial cost.

Key Features:

Print Speed: Up to 20 pages per minute (black) and 10 pages per minute (color).

Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB.

Print Resolution: 4800 x 1200 dpi.

Mobile Printing: Supports Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, Epson iPrint.

Technical Specs:

Dimensions: 18.1 x 15.4 x 8.4 inches.

Weight: 17.2 lbs.

Monthly Duty Cycle: Up to 30,000 pages.

Paper Capacity: 250-sheet input tray, 100-sheet output tray.

Why to Buy:

Ideal for color printing needs: Excellent color accuracy and quick print speeds.

Cost-effective: High-yield ink cartridges ensure long-lasting prints at low cost.

Mobile printing: Convenient for remote work environments.LBP247DW

HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e Smart Color All-in-One Inkjet Printer with HP+ Features and Mobile Printing

The HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e is a versatile all-in-one inkjet printer with smart features and mobile printing capabilities. Powered by HP+ for enhanced security and cloud integration, it’s ideal for home offices or small businesses that need printing, scanning, copying, and faxing in one device.

Pros:

All-in-one functionality: Print, copy, scan, and fax with one device.

Color printing: Unlike monochrome printers, the HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e supports full color printing.

Mobile-friendly: Supports mobile printing through Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and HP Smart App.

Energy-efficient: Certified with Energy Star for low power consumption.

Duplex Printing: Automatic double-sided printing for efficiency.

Cons:

Slow for high-volume jobs: While fast for personal and small office use, it might not be the best for large, high-volume print jobs.

Ink costs: Ink costs may be slightly higher than some laser printers, but it’s affordable for a color inkjet printer.

Paper capacity: The 225-sheet paper tray could be limiting for higher-volume users.

Features:

Print, Scan, Copy, Fax: Offers multifunction capabilities in a single unit.

Fast Printing: Prints at 22 pages per minute (ppm) for black and white and 18 ppm for color.

Mobile Printing: Print from smartphones, tablets, and laptops via Wi-Fi Direct, Apple AirPrint, and Google Cloud Print.

Energy-efficient: Automatic duplex printing and energy-efficient design.

Security Features: Comes with HP JetAdvantage Security Manager for protecting sensitive information.

Technical Specs:

Printing Technology: Inkjet (Color)

Print Speed: 22 ppm (Black), 18 ppm (Color)

Maximum Print Resolution: 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi (color)

Monthly Duty Cycle: Up to 30,000 pages

Epson WorkForce Pro WF-M5299 (Monochrome Printer) High-Efficiency for Business-Class Performance

The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-M5299 delivers high-efficiency monochrome printing using inkjet technology that rivals laser performance. It offers low operating costs, fast print speeds, and network connectivity, making it a reliable choice for businesses looking to reduce energy use while maintaining productivity.

Pros:

It uses high-yield ink cartridges, providing low cost per page.

It can print up to 20 pages per minute (ppm).

The 250-sheet paper tray and 35-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF) allow for efficient printing in medium to large workgroups.

Cons:

It only prints in black and white, so it’s not suitable for color printing.

It’s bulkier compared to compact models, requiring more desk space.

The initial setup can take longer due to the need for configuring settings and installing drivers.

Features:

Inkjet technology: Monochrome inkjet printer designed for medium to large workgroups.

Fast Print Speed: Prints at 20 ppm.

Network Ready: Comes with both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity.

Duplex Printing: Automatically prints on both sides of the paper.

Technical Specs:

Printing Technology: Inkjet

Print Speed: 20 ppm (Monochrome)

Maximum Print Resolution: 1200 x 2400 dpi

Monthly Duty Cycle: Up to 30,000 pages

Check for Printer Discounts or Bundled Ink Deals

Lastly, keep an eye out for promotions, discounts, or bundle deals that offer printers with free or discounted ink. Many manufacturers offer attractive deals during major shopping events or provide rebates that can help offset the initial cost of a printer.

Tips for Finding Deals:

Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales: These events often feature significant discounts on printers and ink.

Bundle promotions: Some manufacturers include extra ink with the purchase of a printer, allowing you to stock up at a lower price.

Conclusion: Finding the Best Printer with Affordable Ink

Ultimately, the best printer with the cheapest ink cartridges will depend on your specific needs. If you print regularly, an ink tank printer like the Epson EcoTank or Canon PIXMA G series can save you a lot of money in the long term. Alternatively, subscription services like HP Instant Ink and Canon’s ink subscription offer a hassle-free way to ensure you never run out of ink without breaking the bank. For occasional printing, a laser printer or high-yield inkjet might be your best bet. By considering your printing habits, exploring refillable options, and making smart purchasing decisions, you can significantly reduce the cost of ink and enjoy efficient, high-quality prints.