Cheapest Printer Ink Cartridges: Print Smarter, Spend Less

Printer Ink Cartridges: Why Does It Cost Too Much?

Why are printer ink cartridges expensive? The high price is due to several factors, including the extensive research and development needed to produce high-quality ink and the complex manufacturing processes. But there's more to it! Let's explore each reason to understand them better.

1. Research and Development

One major reason printer ink is expensive is because of research. Printer companies invest a lot in creating good printers and constantly seek ways to enhance ink quality. All these research and developments add up and increase the ink cartridge price.

2. Competition

With many companies making printers, they're all trying to get more people to buy from them, offering a seemingly good deal. They want to get ahead of the other companies and become popular.

3. Cheap Printers

Have you ever wondered why certain printers come at such attractive prices? Printer companies want to lure you in with cheap printers to profit through their ink cartridges. Their printers are sold at a loss but regain profit from their pricier cartridges.

4. Supply and Demand

Ink cartridges cost a lot because of supply and demand. If lots of people want them but there aren't many available, the price goes up. Printer companies sometimes control how many cartridges are available so they can charge more for them.

To know more, check the article: Why Printer Ink is So Expensive: Factors and Alternatives.

Cheapest Printer Cartridges: How To Choose The Best At A Low Price?

Before grabbing any ink cartridge from those shelves, assess how often you use your printer and what you print. Do you print lots of photos or mainly documents? Once you've sorted that out, you're ready to find the cheapest printer ink cartridges. Here are some things you may want to consider:

1. Consider the Cost-Per-Page

Let's clarify an important point: cheap ink isn't always the most wallet-friendly choice. To ensure you're saving money, focus on your cost per page. This way, you'll be on the road to real savings.

So, how can you compute your cost per page?

It's simple! Here is the formula:

Since printers use various ink colors, find the cost per page for each color, add them up, and you'll know you're not overpaying.

For example:

• OEM Canon PGI-280XXL black ink Price: $37.99 with 600-page yield
• OEM Canon CLI-281XXL cyan, magenta, and yellow ink price: $29.99 with 820-page yield.

Using the formula above, let's first calculate the cost per page (CPP) for the Canon PGI-280XXL black ink cartridge.

CPP for black:	$37.99 ÷ 600 = 6.3 cents

Now, still using the same formula, let's calculate the CPP for each Canon CLI-281XXL cyan, magenta, and yellow ink cartridges.

CPP for each color:	$29.99 ÷ 820 = 3.65 cents for each color
Total CPP for all colors:	3.65 cents each color x 3 cartridges = 10.95 cents for all color
Therefore:	6.3 (CPP for black) + 10.95 (CPP for all color) = 17.25 cents (total cost per page for Canon PGI-280XXL and CLI-281XXL ink cartridges).

2. Choose higher-yield cartridges

If you don't print often, stick with the standard yield or non-XL ink. It's less expensive than the higher-yield options. But if you're a frequent printer, consider using the XL or XXL versions. These contain more ink, so you can print more pages without worrying about running out immediately. It's all about matching your ink to your needs.

3. Explore Combo Packs

Instead of buying individual cartridges, choose combo packs for extra savings. Be sure to check if your preferred store offers these money-saving bundles.

4. Choose Refillable Cartridges

It is an excellent choice for the environmentally conscious and frugal consumer. These cartridges can be refilled multiple times, reducing waste and saving you money in the long run. Plus, they're known for their consistent print quality.

5. Consider Eco-friendly Cartridges

Affordable ink cartridges can also be eco-friendly, offering a sustainable and wallet-friendly choice. Many eco-friendly options come with recycling programs and responsible disposal methods, perfect for those who care about the environment. Choosing these eco-friendly cartridges helps you save money while reducing your environmental impact.

Cheapest Printer Ink Cartridges For Quality And Savings: Our Top 5 Picks

Now that you know some things to consider before buying ink cartridges, let's tackle this year's top 5 cheapest printer cartridges. We'll keep this list updated because who knows what the future holds, right?

And for some extra choices, we've added CompandSave's prices for the best inkjet cartridges you can choose from. It's not just about the price tag – consider the page count and cost per page to score the real ink deal. So, you want to know the cheapest ink for printers? Dive into our list, starting with the fifth in line!

Top 5: Canon PGI-280XXL and CLI-281XXL Ink Cartridges

Good news for those looking for cheap Canon ink cartridges! Check out the Canon PGI-280XXL and CLI-281XXL super high-yield ink cartridges. The PGI-280XXL black cartridge uses pigment ink, while the CLI-281XXL cartridges in black, cyan, magenta, and yellow use dye-based ink. These cartridges offer more pages per cartridge, reducing your cost per page significantly. The PGI-280XXL black prints 600 pages, and the CLI-281XXL color cartridges print 820 pages each, compared to the standard 259 pages. Save money and enjoy longer-lasting ink with these budget-friendly options.

Take a look at our table below to see how much you can save when you go for the Canon PGI-280XXL and CLI-281XXL ink cartridges!

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Top 4: HP 952XL Ink Cartridges

For our top 4 budget-friendly options, we recommend the HP 952XL high-yield printer ink cartridges. While standard HP cartridges typically print around 700-1,000 pages, the high-yield version is a game-changer, providing up to 2,000 pages for black and 1,600 pages each for cyan, magenta, and yellow. These ink cartridges offer more than just quantity; they deliver smudge-free, fade-resistant prints, ideal for sunny days, as all HP 952XL cartridges are pigment-based!

Ready for wallet-friendly HP ink cartridges? Check out our guide for more.

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Top 3: Epson 252XL Ink Cartridges

Our top 3 picks include the Epson 252XL high-yield ink cartridges, offering a budget-friendly option for Epson printers. With the capacity to print up to 1,100 pages each for black, cyan, magenta, and yellow at 5% page coverage, these cartridges ensure you can handle your printing needs efficiently. Experience reliable and high-quality printing with Epson 252XL ink cartridges, perfect for both home and office use!

To learn more about the cost per page of this Epson ink cartridge, see the table below.

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Top 2: Brother MFC-J4335DW

Looking for budget-friendly Brother ink cartridges? Brother's INKvestment tank technology focuses on maximizing ink savings. Improve your printing quality and efficiency with the Brother LC406XL high-yield ink cartridge set. This set includes four high-yield cartridges in Black, Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow, designed for demanding printing tasks. Ideal for both professional and personal use, these cartridges provide reliable performance, efficiency, and vibrant color output for all your projects.

If you don't print a lot, we also have standard-yield Brother LC406 Ink Cartridges. These cartridges provide excellent print quality and are a cost-effective solution for users with lower printing volumes.

Here's a table comparing the cost per page for OEM and CompAndSave prices.

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Top 1: Epson 502 Ultra High-Yield Ink Bottles

So, which printer ink is cheapest? The answer is the Epson EcoTank 502 ink bottle! Thanks to their dye-based ink, these ultra-high-yield ink bottles come at a wallet-friendly price.

Each bottle provides a substantial volume of ink—127 ml for Black and 70 ml for Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow—ensuring long-lasting performance. And the vibrancy? It's unmatched. They're easy to refill, but remember, they might dry out if you're not printing at least five pages daily. Affordable, efficient, and colorful – what more could you ask for?

Check out the amazing cost per page below to learn how much you can save whenever you print!

Best Ink Cartridges: Tips To Maintain Them

Discovering the best printer ink cartridges is just the beginning of your printing journey. To ensure longevity and top-notch print quality while maximizing your ink investment, proper care and maintenance are essential. Here are some friendly tips for proper care and maintenance:

1. Print Regularly to Prevent Ink From Drying Out

Print regularly to keep the ink from drying out in your cartridges. When the ink dries, it can block the printhead nozzles and make prints look bad. Regular printing keeps the ink flowing smoothly and prevents blockages. Try printing a few pages each week to maintain your cartridges and ensure good print quality.

2. Use the Printer's Recommended Settings

Using the default settings helps your printer work efficiently and save ink. These settings are designed to balance print quality and ink usage. When you stick to these settings for your usual print jobs, you ensure that your printer operates optimally and that you get the most out of your ink cartridges.

3. Store Cartridges in a Cool, Dry Place

It's important to store your spare cartridges in a cool and dry location, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Doing so helps preserve the quality of your ink and prevent issues such as ink evaporation or deterioration. It makes your cartridges last longer and keeps your prints looking good.

4. Clean the Printhead as Needed

If you notice streaks or missing parts in your prints, it's a sign that the printhead may need cleaning. Many printers come with a tool or option specifically designed for printhead maintenance. By using this tool to clean the printhead, you can effectively remove any dirt, debris, or dried ink that may obstruct the nozzles. This helps ensure that your prints look sharp, with crisp, clear lines and vibrant colors.

Parting Words

Now that we've discovered the cheapest printer ink cartridges, why settle for less in your printing journey? Choose from our top 5 cheapest printer cartridges and elevate your printing experience without draining your budget. Don't miss out – let's make your prints shine!

Key takeaways:

• Printer ink can be expensive due to factors like research, competition, and supply and demand, but knowing why it's costly can help you better navigate your options.
• Consider factors like cost-per-page, yield, and cartridge type to find the most budget-friendly ink cartridges that suit your printing needs.
• Discover the top 5 cheapest printer cartridges, including options from Canon, HP, Epson, and Brother, with details on price, page yield, and cost per page.

Do you have questions about ink or need assistance with your orders? Look no further! Our friendly team is here to help. Just give us a call at 1-833-465-6888. We're available Monday to Friday, from 6am-4pm PT. Your printing satisfaction is our priority!

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