Saving: How to save money on printer ink

How do you save money on printer ink?

Look at the cost of printing each page, not the cost of the printer. Many cheap printers are sold at low prices because the ink is expensive. Over a year or two, cartridges can cost far more than the printer itself. Choosing the right printer and ink for how much you print can save a lot. Many households print far less than they used to, which changes which option is best.

How much can you save?

Here's a worked example of yearly ink costs for a household that prints regularly, such as school projects, letters and occasional photos, in round numbers that work in any currency:

In this example, original cartridges cost 120 a year, compatible cartridges about 60 and a refillable ink tank printer about 20. Your own costs depend on how much you print and in what colour.

What is cost per page?

The cost of ink for each printed page. It's the most useful number when comparing printers, and it's often hidden in the small print rather than on the front of the box. You can estimate it by dividing the price of a cartridge by the number of pages it prints, often listed on the box or the manufacturer's site. Comparing cost per page between printers shows which is cheaper to run. A printer that costs more upfront but has low cost per page often works out cheaper over a few years. High-capacity cartridges also usually have a lower cost per page than standard ones.

Are compatible cartridges worth it?

Often. Compatible or remanufactured cartridges, made by other companies, can cost much less than originals. Quality varies, so read reviews and buy from reputable sellers. Some printers may show warnings with non-original cartridges, and some warranty terms mention them, so check yours. For everyday printing, many people find compatible ink works well. Recycling empty cartridges is easy, and some sellers offer a small discount for returning them.

Refill services

Some shops refill empty cartridges for less than the price of a new one. It's another way to save if you prefer to keep using your current printer.

Should you get an ink tank printer?

If you print a lot, it can be worth it. Ink tank printers use bottles of ink to fill built-in tanks, and the cost per page is usually very low. They cost more to buy, but the savings on ink can cover the difference within a year or two for regular printing. If you print only a few pages a month, a cheap printer with occasional cartridges, or no printer at all, may be better. Ink can dry out in printers that sit unused for long periods, which wastes money.

Consider a laser printer

For lots of black-and-white printing, like documents and homework, a laser printer can have a low cost per page and toner that lasts a long time.

How do you print less?

Small habits save ink:

• Print only what you need, and read on screen where you can
• Use draft or economy mode for everyday printing
• Print in black and white unless colour is necessary
• Preview before printing to avoid wasted pages
• Use print shops or libraries for occasional large or colour jobs
• Print several pages per sheet, or double-sided, to save paper too

Ink subscriptions

Some manufacturers offer subscriptions that send ink when you're running low, priced by pages printed. They can be good value if your printing matches the plan, but check the cost if you print more or less than expected, and remember to cancel if you stop using the printer. How to cut subscription costs has a simple review method.

How do you choose a printer?

Think about how much you print, in colour or black and white, and how often. Compare cost per page alongside the purchase price. If you work from home, the home office budget covers setting up a workspace, and how to save money on electronics covers buying at the right time.

How do you track printing costs in Wealtie?

Log ink, paper and printer costs in your expense categories, so you can see what printing costs over a year. Comparing that with the cost of an ink tank printer or print shop helps you decide what's cheapest for you. A monthly limit in the budget tracker keeps small costs like this in view.