Brother Ink Subscription: Smart Ink Refill or Hidden Cost?
| Jun 02, 2025
Nothing’s worse than a printer halting mid-page due to empty ink. Millions of home and office users now prefer printer ink subscription services instead of rushing to buy ink cartridges. These plans automatically deliver ink before you run out—saving time, effort, and often money.
Among the top players in this market, Brother has entered the scene with its offering: the Brother ink subscription. Officially known as the Brother Refresh EZ Print subscription, this service promises hassle-free ink delivery based on your monthly print needs. It’s part of the brand’s broader shift toward smarter, connected, and more convenient printing.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- What is a Brother Printer Subscription?
- How Much Does the Brother Ink Subscription Cost?
- How Does It Compare to HP Instant Ink?
- Is it Better than Buying Cartridges or Using Aftermarket Ink Cartridges?
What Is the Brother Ink Subscription?
The Brother printer ink subscription tracks your ink levels through your connected Brother printer. When you’re low, new ink ships automatically—no effort from you. It’s monthly, flexible, and easy to manage.
It’s part of a growing shift toward printer ink subscription services, much like HP Instant Ink, but made specifically for Brother users.
What Is Brother Refresh EZ Print Subscription?
It is the official program. It includes several print plans, like 50, 100, or 300 pages a month. All plans offer:
- Free shipping
- Rollover pages
- Easy cancel or pause options
Step-by-Step Operation of the Brother Printer Subscription
It uses your printer’s connection to track ink levels in real time. Here’s how it works:
- Ink Monitoring: Your compatible Brother printer regularly checks ink levels and sends this data securely to Brother’s cloud system.
- Usage Tracking: Based on your printing volume, the system calculates when you’ll need a refill.
- Automatic Ordering: When ink runs low, the Brother Print subscription automatically triggers an order for new cartridges.
- Delivery: Ink cartridges are shipped directly to your address with free shipping.
Activation and Compatible Models
To start, you register your printer via your Brother account and enroll in the Brother printer ink subscription. Only certain models support this service, mostly recent Brother inkjet and laser printers with cloud connectivity.
Once activated, the system handles everything automatically. You can manage your plan, print limits, and shipping preferences through your account.
Brother Ink Subscription Plans and Pricing
Choosing the right subscription plan depends on how much you print monthly. Brother offers flexible plans designed to suit different printing needs. This makes it easier than ever to avoid the hassle of having to buy ink cartridges often.
Available Plans: Lite, Moderate, and More
The Brother Print subscription provides several plan options based on monthly page limits. Common plans include:
- Lite Plan: Around 50 pages per month
- Moderate Plan: About 100 pages per month
- Heavy Plan: Up to 300 pages per month
Monthly Cost and Included Pages
Prices vary by plan size but usually start low, making the Brother printer subscription affordable. For example:
- Lite Plan costs roughly $4.99/month
- Moderate Plan costs near $9.99/month
- Heavy Plan costs around $19.99/month
Brother Printer Subscription vs HP Instant Ink: Key Differences
| Key Feature | Brother Ink Subscription | HP Instant Ink |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Cancellation Use | The printer still works with standard or aftermarket ink cartridges | The printer often stops unless you buy ink cartridges from HP |
| Flexibility | Easy to pause or cancel anytime | Cancellation may disable the ink instantly |
| Ink Compatibility | Accepts third-party cartridges after unsubscribing | Blocks many aftermarket ink cartridges |
| Overage and Rollover | Includes rollover pages and fair overage rates | Overage charges can be high; no rollover on most plans |
| Printer Lock-in | No lockout after cancellation | Printer can become locked to subscription service |
Pros and Cons of the Brother Printer Ink Subscription
Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of the Brother ink subscription helps you decide if it fits your printing needs better than buying ink cartridges as needed. This section breaks down key advantages and disadvantages to keep in mind before subscribing.
Pros of the Brother Subscription
- Never run out of ink: The Brother Print subscription automatically delivers ink when levels are low. This prevents unexpected printer stops, a common frustration for users relying on aftermarket ink cartridges.
- Predictable monthly costs: With fixed monthly fees based on your plan, the Brother printer subscription makes budgeting simple and avoids surprise expenses.
- Free shipping and recycling programs: Ink cartridges arrive at your door with no extra cost. Brother also encourages the eco-friendly recycling of used cartridges.
- Easier tracking of ink usage: The Brother EZ print subscription service tracks your ink levels automatically and notifies you, so you stay informed without checking manually.
Cons of the Brother Subscription
- Locked into a subscription model: Once signed up, you’re committed to monthly payments. This can be a downside for those who prefer flexibility.
- May be more expensive for low-volume users: If you print rarely, the subscription might cost more than buying cartridges as needed or using aftermarket ink cartridges.
- Limited flexibility compared to buying as needed: You can’t easily switch ink types or brands; the service delivers only genuine Brother ink.
- Some reports of functionality issues without subscription: Certain Brother printers might require an active subscription to operate fully, which can be inconvenient for users who want to avoid subscriptions.
Is Brother Subscription Better Than Buying Cartridges as Needed?
The Brother subscription is ideal for frequent users. It offers automatic delivery, tracks ink levels, and ensures you never run out. It’s cost-effective if you print regularly. For occasional users, buying cartridges as needed may be cheaper. However, it requires manual tracking and can lead to last-minute ink shortages.
How to Cancel the Brother EZ print subscription?
Many users want to know how to pause or cancel their Brother ink subscription if their printing needs change. To pause or cancel your Brother Print subscription, log in to your subscription account online. From there, you can manage your plan settings easily. Choose to pause if you want to stop shipments temporarily or cancel completely to end the service.
What Happens After You Cancel the Brother Printer Subscription?
Once canceled, your printer will no longer receive automatic ink shipments. However, most Brother printers still function without an active subscription, unlike some competitors. You will need to buy ink cartridges manually—either genuine Brother ink or aftermarket ink cartridges—to keep printing.
Keep in mind that skipping subscription ink may disable some features in specific models, so check your printer’s manual.
Conclusion
The Brother ink subscription offers a simple, hands-off way to stay stocked on ink. It’s perfect for users who print often and want to avoid last-minute ink runs. With options like the subscription, you can pick a plan that fits your monthly needs. You also get perks like rollover pages, free shipping, and eco-friendly recycling.
However, it’s not ideal for everyone. Light users or those who prefer flexibility may save more by buying ink when needed. Still, the convenience and reliability make the Brother printer subscription a strong contender in the growing printer ink subscription market—right alongside services like HP Instant Ink.
Think about your habits, your budget, and how much hassle you want to avoid.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Am I locked into a long-term contract with the Brother ink subscription?
No, the Brother Refresh EZ Print subscription offers flexible terms allowing you to cancel or pause your plan anytime without penalties. This means you aren’t tied down by lengthy contracts and can adjust your subscription based on your printing needs.
2. Is the Brother printer subscription more expensive than buying cartridges as needed?
Not always. For frequent printers, the Brother printer subscription often proves more cost-effective than buying cartridges individually. It offers predictable monthly costs and free shipping, which can save money over time.
3. Will my Brother printer stop working if I cancel the subscription?
No. If you cancel the Brother subscription, your printer will still function normally. You just need to switch to buying ink cartridges separately, either genuine or aftermarket, to keep printing without interruption.
4. Do all Brother printers support the ink subscription service?
No, the Brother EZ print subscription only works with certain Brother printer models. Before subscribing, check if your printer model is compatible to ensure smooth ink delivery and subscription benefits.
5. Is the Brother ink subscription the same as HP Instant Ink?
No, they differ. While HP Instant Ink charges based on the number of pages printed, the Brother Refresh EZ Print subscription offers fixed monthly plans with rollover pages. This gives Brother users more flexibility in managing their ink usage.
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