4 Best Printers with Cheapest Ink Cartridges in 2026

Looking for the best printers with the cheapest ink cartridges in 2026? Consider these four top models that combine affordability and efficient ink usage. They are perfect for anyone wanting to save on printing costs over the long haul.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2400 and ET-2800 use cartridge-free, refillable tanks for low running costs and high efficiency.

The HP Smart Tank 5000 comes with included ink and offers high page yields, making it ideal for busy homes.

The Canon PIXMA TS3720 is a compact, budget-friendly option with wireless ease.

Each printer offers big savings per page thanks to their refillable ink systems. Exploring these options will help you maximize value while keeping your printing affordable and hassle-free.

Keep looking to discover even more tips for cost-effective printing.

Epson EcoTank ET-2400 All-in-One Printer (Cartridge-Free)

The Epson EcoTank ET-2400 is a cartridge-free all-in-one printer designed for home and small office use. It features refillable ink tanks that provide up to 90% savings on ink costs. This model delivers approximately 4,500 black and 7,500 color pages per ink set, making it economical for everyday printing needs.

This wireless printer supports both wired and wireless connections, allowing easy access through apps like Epson Smart Panel. It includes a 100-sheet rear paper tray and prints, scans, and copies at resolutions up to 5760 x 1440 dpi. The compact design fits well in limited spaces while accommodating media sizes up to 8.5 x 14 inches.

Using DURABrite Ultra ink, the ET-2400 offers reliable print quality with reduced waste thanks to simple refilling. It is best suited for users with light to moderate print volumes who want to avoid cartridge replacements and enjoy low ongoing costs.

Best for: Home and small-office users seeking a cost-effective, cartridge-free all-in-one printer with wireless features and efficient ink usage.

Pros:

• Cartridge-free refilling cuts ink costs by up to 90% with high page yields.
• Wireless and wired connectivity work seamlessly with Epson Smart Panel app.
• Compact build with a 100-sheet rear input tray and support for various media sizes.

Cons:

• Initial setup needs ink bottle purchase; warranty requires genuine Epson ink.
• Print speeds and capacity are modest, ideal for low to moderate workloads.
• Output tray holds about 30 sheets, which may require frequent emptying in busy settings.

HP Smart Tank 5000 Wireless All-in-One Printer with Ink Included

The HP Smart Tank 5000 Wireless All-in-One Printer features cartridge-free, refillable ink tanks that come with a two-year supply of Original HP Ink. This design supports high-volume printing with up to 6,000 pages from the initial ink. Setup is straightforward, and the self-healing Wi-Fi ensures reliable connectivity for home or small office environments.

You can easily print, scan, copy, and fax directly from your phone using the HP app. The printer produces borderless photos and sharp text, enhanced by AI technology that cleans up formatting. It delivers print speeds of up to 10 ppm in black and 5 ppm in color, suitable for steady everyday use.

The printer balances functionality with convenience, helping to lower ongoing ink costs while maintaining quality output. Its robust security features add peace of mind for users managing sensitive documents. The HP Smart Tank 5000 is designed to meet the needs of users who require efficient, cartridge-free printing.

Best for: households and small offices that print frequently and want a reliable, high-volume ink tank printer.

Pros:

• Cartridge-free, refillable tanks with high page yield
• Self-healing Wi-Fi and remote management via HP app
• AI-enhanced formatting for clean, borderless prints

Cons:

• Print speeds may be slower for very high-volume tasks
• Ink refills might be messier compared to cartridges
• Initial setup cost could be higher than basic inkjets

Important:

• Description based solely on provided product information
• No unverified claims or external details included

Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless All-in-One Printer

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a wireless all-in-one printer designed for frequent home printing with minimal running costs. It features cartridge-free, high-capacity refillable ink tanks that deliver up to 4,500 black and 7,500 color pages. This helps reduce ink expenses by up to 90% compared to traditional cartridges.

This printer handles printing, scanning, and copying with sharp output at 5760 x 1440 dpi and a print speed of 10 ppm for black-and-white documents. It supports paper sizes up to 8.5 x 14 inches and includes a 100-sheet tray. Connectivity options include USB, Ethernet, and Epson Connect for easy wireless control from mobile devices.

Compact and weighing just 8.8 pounds, the ET-2800 uses genuine Epson ink for optimal performance. Its straightforward setup and all-in-one functionality make it suitable for everyday use without occupying much space.

Best for: households and small offices that need a reliable all-in-one printer with low ink costs and wireless convenience.

Pros:

• Low ink cost per page with high-capacity refillable tanks
• All-in-one functionality: printing, scanning, and copying
• Wireless control and versatile connectivity options
• Crisp 5760 x 1440 dpi output for documents and photos

Cons:

• One-year warranty might be shorter than some alternatives
• Black-and-white print speed up to 10 ppm may be slow for heavy use
• Setup involving USB, Ethernet, and app control could require extra steps

Canon PIXMA TS3720 Wireless All-in-One Printer

The Canon PIXMA TS3720 is a compact wireless all-in-one printer designed for everyday home use. It offers print, scan, and copy functions with sharp text and vibrant color, thanks to its hybrid ink system. The printer supports borderless photos up to 5” x 7” and prints up to 8.5” x 14” size documents.

This model features a simple 1.5” LCD and a 60-sheet rear tray, making it easy to manage prints. It connects via dual-band Wi-Fi, USB, and supports Canon PRINT, AirPrint, and Mopria, allowing convenient mobile printing. The PIXMA TS3720 delivers print speeds of 7.7 ppm in black and 4 ppm in color at 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution.

Its compact design fits well in most home spaces without sacrificing key functions. The printer is suitable for users who want an affordable, straightforward solution for reliable wireless printing.

Best for: Home users seeking a compact, easy-to-use all-in-one printer with versatile wireless connectivity.

Pros:

• Compact design with 60-sheet rear tray for easy paper handling
• Dual-band Wi-Fi and USB connectivity plus mobile printing support
• Hybrid ink system for clear text and vivid photo printing
• Borderless photo printing up to 5” x 7”

Cons:

• Color print speeds may be slower than some higher-end models
• Limited to two ink cartridges, which might affect running costs
• Warranty period could be shorter compared to other printers

Important: This description is based solely on the provided product details.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Printer With Cheapest Ink Cartridges

When you pick a printer, consider ink tank capacity and how many refills you’ll need, since that directly affects ongoing costs. You’ll also weigh cost per page against print speed tradeoffs, balancing budget with your workflow.

Finally, assess ink longevity and refill cadence to avoid interruptions during big jobs.

Ink Tank Capacity

If you want cheaper printing in the long run, ink tank capacity is a key factor to contemplate. Larger ink tank capacity lets you print more pages before refilling, lowering refill frequency. High-capacity tanks support cost-effective printing by reducing the cost per page.

The capacity varies widely—some models hold enough ink for thousands of pages, while others require more frequent refills. Printers with bigger tanks often carry a higher upfront price, but they offer lower long-term printing costs. Monitoring ink tank capacity helps you estimate replacement ink needs and ongoing expenses.

When evaluating options, compare tanks by page yield and cost per page, not just sticker price. A larger tank can translate to fewer stops at the store and steadier monthly printing costs.

Refills Per Ink

You’ll want printers that offer more refills per ink set, because that directly lowers your operating costs. When you pick a model with higher refill counts, you reduce how often you swap cartridges and the associated downtime. Refillable ink tanks typically allow for multiple refills, often exceeding 80 standard cartridges’ worth of ink, which translates to more refills per set.

This means you can print longer between replacements, saving time and money. Printers with larger ink tank capacities generally support more refills before requiring a refill, thereby lowering the cost per print over time. Durability matters: tougher bottles and tanks withstand repeated refills, boosting long-term savings and reducing frequency.

Frequent refills also cut waste, making high-refill systems more economical for high-volume printing.

Cost Per Page

Cost per page matters most when you’re choosing among printers with cheap ink. You calculate it by dividing the ink’s price by how many pages it yields, so smaller numbers mean lower costs overall.

Printers with refillable tanks or high-yield ink bottles usually offer a lower cost per page than cartridge-based models, helping you save on big print runs. Using ink or toner that yields more pages reduces your long-term expenses.

Accurate estimates depend on what you print: text pages cost less than color or photo prints, so your mix matters. Monitoring cost per page helps you identify economical options for high-volume printing.

Focus on yield, unit price, and your typical workload to choose the best balance between upfront cost and ongoing expenses.

Ink Longevity

Ink longevity matters because longevity determines how long your prints stay clear and vibrant before fading. When choosing a printer with cheap ink, consider how long prints last under your typical use. Refillable ink tanks often deliver longer-lasting supplies than traditional cartridges, so you’ll replace ink less often.

High-capacity ink bottles can print thousands of pages, extending the overall lifespan of the ink inside your printer. The ink type matters too: pigment-based inks generally resist fading longer than dye-based options, especially on various papers. Storage and handling affect longevity—keep ink sealed, store upright, and avoid exposing bottles to heat or direct sunlight to prevent drying or clogs.

These factors help you balance upfront cost with long-term print quality.

Print Speed Tradeoffs

When speed matters, you often trade off other factors. Faster print speeds often come at the expense of print quality or higher consumable costs. Inkjet printers with higher speeds may require more frequent maintenance or deliver lower resolution output.

Laser printers generally offer higher speeds but can carry higher initial costs and ongoing toner expenses. Pushing for speed can also boost energy use and reduce overall efficiency. You’ll sometimes see a speed boost paired with limited handling of high-volume or highly detailed tasks, so you may need to balance urgency against accuracy and cost.

Consider your typical workload: if you print many pages quickly, speed helps; if you print finely detailed graphics, you might prioritize quality and long-term savings.

Warranty Coverage

Warranty coverage is a crucial safeguard when you’re chasing the cheapest ink cartridges. You want an all-encompassing warranty that protects against ink-related issues and hardware malfunctions, not just the basics. Check the warranty duration; longer coverage means better protection for your investment.

Verify whether it includes replacement or repair of defective ink tanks or refilling systems, since that directly affects ongoing costs. Read the manufacturer’s terms for exclusions or conditions that can bite coverage, such as unauthorized ink use. Consider printers with extended warranty options or service plans for added peace of mind about ink cartridge maintenance and replacements.

If you spot any ambiguity, compare options side by side to choose a model that balances cost, reliability, and real ink savings.

Media Compatibility

Choosing a printer with the cheapest ink isn’t enough—you also want it to handle a variety of media without sacrificing quality. Look for a model that supports a wide range of media sizes and types, from photo paper to envelopes and glossy sheets, to maximize versatility. Ascertain the ink system is compatible with different formats without smudging or color loss.

Check whether the printer can handle varying media thicknesses, including heavyweight or specialty papers, for diverse printing needs. Verify media compatibility with the printer’s maximum supported size and orientation, including borderless or duplex printing capabilities. Finally, review manufacturer recommendations for media types to ensure ideal ink adhesion and accurate colors with your chosen media.

This keeps your costs low without compromising results.

App Convenience

App convenience matters when you’re hunting for printers with cheap ink because it makes printing easier and more efficient. When a printer supports an active app, you can print, scan, and monitor ink levels directly from your phone or tablet, boosting everyday productivity. An app also reduces reliance on physical buttons and complex setup, streamlining your initial setup and ongoing use.

Look for features like remote printing, ink refill alerts, and troubleshooting guidance, which save time and minimize interruptions. Compatibility with mobile apps may release photo editing, document formatting, and direct cloud printing, further accelerating workflows. Regular app updates and firmware improvements keep performance and security current without hardware changes, ensuring your printer remains reliable and cost-effective over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do These Printers Offer Official Curbside Recycling Programs?

Yes, you can. You should check each brand’s official curbside recycling program details, enroll where available, and follow local guidelines.

Some manufacturers offer mail-back or trade-in options, ensuring safe disposal and potential ink cartridge recycling incentives.

Are Refill Kits Widely Available for These Models?

Refill kits are somewhat available, but accessibility varies. You’ll likely find tubes or bottles for popular models, though some printers require official kits or compatible third-party options. Availability can fluctuate by retailer and region.

Check local supply sources.

How Do Running Costs Compare Over Five Years?

You’ll save more per year at first with budget ink, yet steadier costs emerge if you print heavily; over five years, high-capacity cartridges outperform cheap, frequent replacements, balancing upfront price against long-term reliability and maintenance.

Can Firmware Updates Affect Ink Efficiency or Pricing?

Yes, firmware updates can affect ink efficiency or pricing by optimizing use, fixing leaks, or altering ink-metering.

They may also influence cartridge costs if updates change compatibility or required cartridge types, so monitor official notices.

Do Warranties Cover Third-Party Ink Replacements?

Warranties typically don’t cover third-party ink replacements. You’ll often void coverage if you use non-OEM cartridges. Some brands offer limited warranties when third-party inks are used, but you won’t get full protection—check terms before buying.

Conclusion

In a world of fast prints and fading hopes, you’ll savor the cost-saving calm of a tank system, not just a bargain in ink. Compare endless refills to fleeting savings, and see the difference between “cheap today” and “cheap for years.” You want reliability now, but also upward autonomy for tomorrow.

Juxtapose convenience with restraint: high-capacity tanks and smart ink plans may cost more upfront, yet they quietly outlast and outvalue the rest. Choose smart, print cheap, print confident. For the best printers with cheapest ink cartridges in 2026, investing in these systems ensures long-term savings and dependable performance.