Buying Guide for the Best Printer For Ink Costs
When choosing a printer and you care about ink costs, it's important to think beyond the initial price of the machine. Ink can end up costing much more than the printer itself over time. To make a smart choice, you'll want to focus on printers that are economical to run—not just cheap to buy. The following key specifications will help you compare printers and find one that keeps ink expenses manageable for your needs.Ink Cartridge YieldInk cartridge yield tells you how many pages you can expect to print before a cartridge runs dry. This is important because a low-yield cartridge needs frequent replacement, which boosts your ongoing costs. Cartridge yields are typically grouped into standard, high-yield, and super-high-yield. Standard cartridges are best for occasional use, while high and super-high-yield are ideal if you print a lot—these tend to have a lower cost per page. Consider your usual habits: if you print often, look for printers that offer high-yield cartridges.
Cost Per PageThe cost per page is the amount you pay each time you print a page, based on the price of ink and how much it prints. This is a key measure for ink cost over the life of the printer. Typically, the lower the cost per page, the cheaper it will be to run the printer long term. Manufacturers often publish this figure, but you can also calculate it by dividing the price of the cartridge by its yield. If you print daily or in high volume, picking a printer with a low cost per page will save you money.
Ink System TypePrinters use different ink systems: cartridge-based, tank-based (like ink tanks or EcoTank systems), and sometimes refillable bottles. Cartridge-based systems use disposable cartridges and tend to have higher per-page costs, but are convenient for light use. Tank-based systems have larger reservoirs you refill, reducing ink costs drastically over time, which is great for heavy users. Refillable systems require a bit more effort but offer the best long-term savings. Think about how much you print and how much effort you want to spend managing ink when choosing an ink system.
Compatible/Third-Party InkSome printers let you use compatible or third-party ink, which can be far cheaper than buying brand-name cartridges. However, not all printers support these well or without impacting warranty. If saving on ink is your top concern, check if the printer you are considering has reliable third-party ink options. Be cautious: using unofficial ink can sometimes affect print quality or clog the printer—best suited for non-critical print jobs.
Mono vs. Color PrintingMono printers use only one black ink or toner, while color printers use multiple. Printing in color generally costs more per page because several cartridges or tanks are involved. If you mostly print text documents, a mono printer usually has significantly lower ink costs. Decide based on your needs: if you rarely need color, stick with mono to save on ink.