What is the Best Printer with the Cheapest Ink Cartridges?

Finding the right printer is no longer just about print quality or brand loyalty. In today’s cost-conscious environment, running expenses play a huge role—especially the price of ink. The real question on many buyers’ minds is: What is the best printer with the cheapest ink cartridges? This guide covers everything you need to know to find the right balance between performance and affordability.

Why Ink Costs Matter More Than You Think

A budget-friendly printer may seem like a great deal—until you discover that replacing its ink costs more than the printer itself. Over time, frequent cartridge replacements can rack up hundreds, if not thousands, in additional costs.

That’s why savvy consumers are now prioritizing Best Printers with Low-Cost Ink. These devices offer longer cartridge life, affordable ink bottles, or refillable tanks that drastically cut down operational expenses.

Types of Ink Systems Explained

Understanding the ink technology behind these printers can help you make a smarter buying decision.

• Standard Ink Cartridges: Traditional and convenient, but often expensive and less efficient in the long term.
• High-Yield Cartridges: Offer more pages per cartridge, thus reducing the cost-per-page.
• Ink Tank Systems: Found in models like Epson EcoTank and Canon MegaTank, these printers use large refillable tanks, cutting ink costs dramatically.
• Subscription-Based Inks: HP’s Instant Ink delivers cartridges to your door, charging per page printed rather than by cartridge used.

Top 5 Best Printers with Low-Cost Ink in 2025

Let’s look at some highly recommended models that strike the perfect balance between affordability, reliability, and efficiency.

1. Epson EcoTank ET-2850

One of the front-runners in the refillable tank revolution, the EcoTank ET-2850 can print thousands of pages before needing a refill. It’s a compact, wireless color printer that’s ideal for homes or small offices.

• Prints up to 7,500 black and 6,000 color pages per refill
• Zero cartridge waste
• Great mobile printing support

2. Canon PIXMA G6020 MegaTank

This all-in-one printer delivers exceptional value. It’s tailored for users with high-volume print needs and offers a low cost per print with MegaTank ink bottles.

• Print yield of up to 6,000 black and 7,700 color pages
• Built-in Wi-Fi and cloud connectivity
• Perfect for frequent document or photo printing

3. Brother MFC-J4335DW INKvestment Tank

Brother has joined the tank-based model with their INKvestment series. This model delivers strong print speeds and efficiency without breaking the bank.

• Up to 1-year of ink in-box
• Excellent for home office setups
• Duplex printing and document feeder included

4. HP Smart Tank 7602

This printer combines smart technology with large refillable tanks. It’s user-friendly and supports mobile-first printing via the HP Smart App.

• Prints up to 6,000 black or 8,000 color pages
• Touchscreen display
• Voice-activated printing supported

5. Epson EcoTank ET-15000

A step up in size and capability, this wide-format printer is ideal for professionals and creative users needing oversized prints without overspending on ink.

• Prints up to 13×19 inches
• Uses ultra-high-capacity ink tanks
• Great for small businesses and creatives

Key Considerations Before Buying

Beyond just price and ink efficiency, there are several things to consider when choosing from the Best Printers with Low-Cost Ink:

• Page Yield: Always compare how many pages each printer can produce per bottle or cartridge.
• Cost Per Page: Divide the cost of ink by the total yield to determine the true cost of each print.
• Maintenance: Some low-cost printers require regular upkeep or head cleaning to stay in optimal condition.
• Use Case: Are you printing photos, documents, or labels? Each printer is optimized for different outputs.
• Connectivity: Look for features like Wi-Fi, mobile printing, and cloud services that simplify usage.

How to Reduce Ink Usage Further

Once you’ve picked one of the Best Printers with Low-Cost Ink, here are additional tips to make the most out of every drop:

• Use “Draft Mode” for internal or non-final documents
• Print in grayscale unless color is necessary
• Keep your printer clean to avoid clogging and misprints
• Turn off the printer when not in use to prevent ink drying in nozzles

Long-Term Value Over Short-Term Price

The initial cost of a printer is often deceiving. Many entry-level printers are priced low to attract buyers, but compensate through high ink prices. Investing in a printer with refillable tanks or large-yield cartridges saves exponentially over time.

The true value lies in striking a balance between affordability and efficiency—making Best Printers with Low-Cost Ink not just a smart choice, but a strategic one.

Final Thoughts

The modern printing landscape is shifting. With refillable ink tanks, high-yield cartridges, and advanced tech integration, printers no longer have to be money pits. Whether you’re a student, business owner, or casual user, there’s a printer out there tailored for your needs.

Choosing from the Best Printers with Low-Cost Ink isn’t just about saving on refills—it’s about reliability, sustainability, and long-term satisfaction.