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10 Best Printers With Cost-Effective Ink 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Epson EcoTank ET-2803 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan, Copy and AirPrint Support

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,237
Cost Per Page
Refillable Ink Tanks

Most important from
17122 reviews

Cost Per Page
The ink situation is much better, lasting longer and being cheaper compared to other brands.
Refillable Ink Tanks
The huge ink refill bottles are a game changer, eliminating the need to constantly replace small ink cartridges.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2803 is designed for those looking to save on ink costs and reduce cartridge waste. One of its standout features is the cartridge-free printing system, which uses large, refillable ink tanks, potentially saving up to 90% on ink costs compared to traditional cartridges. This model comes with enough ink to last up to 2 years, capable of printing up to 4,500 black and 7,500 color pages, making it a great option for high-volume printing needs. The EcoTank system also helps reduce environmental impact by minimizing cartridge waste.

The printer boasts impressive print quality with its Micro Piezo Heat-Free technology, ensuring sharp text and vibrant color reproduction on various paper types. It includes additional functionalities like scanning, copying, and wireless connectivity, making it a versatile all-in-one solution. The built-in scanner and copier, along with the color display, add convenience for document handling.

Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, USB, and compatibility with AirPrint and the Epson Smart Panel app for easy printing from smart devices. However, the printer's speed is relatively moderate, with a maximum of 10 pages per minute (ppm) for black and 5 ppm for color, which may not be ideal for those needing high-speed printing. Additionally, it lacks duplex printing, meaning it cannot automatically print on both sides of the paper, which could be a drawback for users who frequently require double-sided prints. Despite these limitations, the Epson EcoTank ET-2803 remains a solid choice for anyone prioritizing cost-effective, high-quality printing with an emphasis on environmental sustainability.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,237
Cost Per Page
Refillable Ink Tanks

Most important from
17122 reviews

Cost Per Page
The ink situation is much better, lasting longer and being cheaper compared to other brands.
Refillable Ink Tanks
The huge ink refill bottles are a game changer, eliminating the need to constantly replace small ink cartridges.
#2

Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan and Copy – The Ideal Basic Home Printer - Black, Medium

Rating
9.7
Refillable Ink Tanks

Most important from
17122 reviews

Refillable Ink Tanks
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is impressively cost-effective, with ink tanks lasting much longer than traditional cartridges.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is designed as an all-in-one printer that excels in cost-effective ink usage, making it a great choice for home users looking to save on printing expenses. One of its standout features is the innovative cartridge-free system that uses high-capacity ink tanks instead of traditional cartridges. This can save you up to 90% on replacement ink costs, and each ink bottle set provides a substantial yield, allowing for printing thousands of pages before needing a refill.

Users will appreciate the included ink that lasts up to two years, minimizing the hassle of frequent replenishments. Additionally, the EcoTank provides impressive print quality due to its Micro Piezo technology, ensuring sharp text and vibrant color graphics suitable for various paper types.

Beyond ink savings, the ET-2800 features a built-in scanner and copier, adding to its versatility as a home office solution. Connectivity options like Wi-Fi and mobile printing through smart devices enhance its usability in today’s tech-savvy environment, and it even supports voice-activated printing.

Rating
9.7
Refillable Ink Tanks

Most important from
17122 reviews

Refillable Ink Tanks
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is impressively cost-effective, with ink tanks lasting much longer than traditional cartridges.
#3

HP OfficeJet Pro 8125e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Print, scan, Copy, ADF, Duplex Printing Best-for-Home Office, 3 Month Instant Ink Trial Included, AI-Enabled (405T6A)

Rating
9.4
Ink Type
Ink Subscription Services
Duplex Printing

Most important from
1052 reviews

Ink Type
It requires HP branded ink cartridges, which limits the use of refill or third-party inks and may affect ink cost flexibility.
Ink Subscription Services
The HP Instant Ink subscription simplifies ink management by delivering cartridges before running out, making ongoing costs more predictable.
Duplex Printing
The automatic double-sided printing feature is a major convenience that helps save paper effortlessly.
Print Volume
The printer delivers good print quality suitable for moderate volume tasks.

The HP OfficeJet Pro 8125e is a solid choice for home or small office users who need an all-in-one printer with color printing, scanning, and copying. It uses dye-based ink cartridges with decent print speeds—up to 20 pages per minute in black and 10 in color—which suits moderate print volumes. A major plus is the inclusion of 3 to 6 months of HP Instant Ink subscription that helps reduce ink costs by delivering cartridges before you run out, making ink management more convenient and cost-effective.

The printer also supports automatic duplex (two-sided) printing and has a 225-sheet input tray, which is handy for larger jobs and saves paper. Wireless printing and a user-friendly touchscreen simplify operation from smartphones or computers. However, the printer only works with HP original cartridges that have chips, which can limit cheaper refill options or third-party inks.

It offers good print quality and security features, though ink cartridges typically have a moderate yield, so ongoing ink costs might be higher compared to refillable ink tank printers. This model is best suited for users who value convenience, decent print quality, and are willing to stick with HP’s ink system, rather than those needing very low-cost ink solutions or higher print volumes.

Rating
9.4
Ink Type
Ink Subscription Services
Duplex Printing

Most important from
1052 reviews

Ink Type
It requires HP branded ink cartridges, which limits the use of refill or third-party inks and may affect ink cost flexibility.
Ink Subscription Services
The HP Instant Ink subscription simplifies ink management by delivering cartridges before running out, making ongoing costs more predictable.
Duplex Printing
The automatic double-sided printing feature is a major convenience that helps save paper effortlessly.
Print Volume
The printer delivers good print quality suitable for moderate volume tasks.

Buying Guide for the Best Printers With Cost-Effective Ink

Choosing a printer with cost-effective ink can save you a lot of money in the long run, especially if you print frequently. The key is to balance the initial cost of the printer with the ongoing cost of ink. Here are some important specifications to consider when selecting a printer that will be economical in terms of ink usage.
Ink TypePrinters use different types of ink, such as dye-based, pigment-based, or toner for laser printers. Dye-based inks are generally cheaper but may not last as long as pigment-based inks, which are more durable and water-resistant. Toner, used in laser printers, tends to be more cost-effective for high-volume printing. Consider what you will be printing most often; for example, if you need high-quality photo prints, dye-based might be better, but for text documents, pigment-based or toner could be more economical.
Ink Cartridge YieldInk cartridge yield refers to the number of pages a cartridge can print before it needs to be replaced. This is important because a higher yield means you won't have to replace cartridges as often, saving you money. Cartridges are often labeled as standard, high-yield, or extra high-yield. If you print a lot, opting for a printer that supports high-yield cartridges can be more cost-effective.
Cost Per PageCost per page is a measure of how much it costs to print a single page. This is calculated by dividing the cost of the ink cartridge by the number of pages it can print. A lower cost per page means more economical printing. Look for printers that have a low cost per page, especially if you print in large volumes. Manufacturers often provide this information, or you can calculate it yourself based on cartridge prices and yields.
Ink Subscription ServicesSome printer manufacturers offer ink subscription services where you pay a monthly fee and receive ink cartridges delivered to your door. These services can be cost-effective if you print regularly, as they often provide ink at a lower cost than buying cartridges individually. Consider your printing habits and see if a subscription service could save you money.
Refillable Ink TanksRefillable ink tank printers, also known as continuous ink supply systems (CISS), use large, refillable ink tanks instead of traditional cartridges. These can be much more cost-effective in the long run, as the cost of ink refills is generally lower than buying new cartridges. If you print a lot, a printer with refillable ink tanks can be a great investment.
Duplex PrintingDuplex printing allows you to print on both sides of the paper automatically. This can save you money on paper costs and is also more environmentally friendly. If you print a lot of documents, a printer with duplex printing can help reduce your overall printing costs.
Print VolumePrint volume refers to the number of pages a printer can handle over a certain period, usually a month. This is important because a printer designed for low-volume printing may have higher ink costs if used for high-volume printing. Choose a printer that matches your typical print volume to ensure you are not overpaying for ink.

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