10 Best Printer With Low Ink Cost 2025 in the United States

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a compelling choice for those seeking a printer with low ink costs. Its standout feature is the innovative cartridge-free printing system, which uses high-capacity ink tanks instead of traditional cartridges. This setup allows for substantial savings on replacement ink, with each bottle set equivalent to approximately 80 individual cartridges. This translates to a cost reduction of up to 90% on ink, making it extremely economical for home use. Additionally, the printer comes with up to two years of ink supply in the box, reducing the hassle of frequent replacements and minimizing cartridge waste in landfills. This is particularly beneficial for users who print frequently and want to keep costs low and environmental impact minimal.

The printer delivers impressive print quality, thanks to Epson's Micro Piezo Heat Free technology, ensuring sharp text and vibrant color images on various paper types. It also features a built-in scanner and copier, adding to its versatility for home tasks. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi and USB, along with mobile printing capabilities via AirPrint and the Epson Smart Panel app, making it easy to print directly from smart devices. However, the printer does have some limitations. It lacks automatic duplex printing, which means you’ll need to manually turn pages to print on both sides. Additionally, the print speeds are relatively modest, with a maximum of 10 pages per minute for monochrome and 5 pages per minute for color.

This might not be ideal for users who need high-speed printing. While Epson recommends using only genuine Epson ink to avoid potential damage, the option for third-party ink is not emphasized, which could limit cost-saving options for some users. Summarizing, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 excels in cost-effective and eco-friendly printing, making it a suitable choice for budget-conscious home users who prioritize low ink costs and environmental sustainability, despite its slower print speeds and lack of automatic duplex printing.

The HP OfficeJet Pro 8125e is a solid choice for home or small office users who want reliable color printing with useful extras like scanning, copying, and an automatic document feeder. Its print speeds are decent — around 20 pages per minute in black and 10 in color — which fits typical office tasks well. Duplex (double-sided) printing is automatic, a great feature for saving paper. It uses dye-based ink cartridges that deliver sharp colors, but these cartridges are designed to only work with genuine HP ink due to embedded chips. This limits the option to use cheaper third-party inks or refill cartridges, which can raise your ongoing ink costs. The printer supports HP’s Instant Ink subscription, providing convenience and possibly cost savings if you print regularly and subscribe. However, once the included 3 or 6 months of Instant Ink runs out, fees apply, so consider your printing volume.

The printer includes a color touchscreen and solid wireless connectivity, including Wi-Fi and smartphone app control, making it easy to use. It’s also environmentally mindful, made with recycled plastics and is Energy Star certified. If low ink cost is your top priority, this printer’s requirement for original HP cartridges might be a drawback. For those who value print quality, automatic duplexing, and convenience features, it serves as a competent all-in-one device that balances performance with some cost management through the Instant Ink service.

The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 is designed with cost-efficiency in mind, making it an excellent choice for home offices seeking to reduce printing costs. One of its biggest advantages is the cartridge-free supertank technology, which replaces traditional ink cartridges with high-capacity ink tanks. This allows users to save up to 90% on ink costs, with the included ink capable of printing up to 4,500 black and 7,500 color pages. This translates to approximately two years of ink supply right out of the box, significantly reducing the frequency and cost of ink replacements. Furthermore, the use of refillable ink tanks eliminates cartridge waste, contributing to environmental sustainability.

The printer also offers automatic duplex printing, which helps save paper by printing on both sides. However, the print speed is relatively slow, at 10 pages per minute for monochrome and 5 pages per minute for color, which might not be sufficient for high-volume printing needs. The print quality is commendable, thanks to Epson's Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology that delivers sharp text and vibrant colors. Connectivity options are modern and versatile, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and voice-activated printing, making it easy to print from various devices. It also comes with a built-in scanner and copier, adding to its utility in a small office setting.

On the downside, the initial cost of the printer might be higher compared to traditional cartridge-based printers. Additionally, while it supports third-party ink, using non-genuine ink could potentially void the warranty. In conclusion, the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 is a robust and cost-effective printer for those who prioritize low ink costs and environmental sustainability, though it may not be ideal for those needing very fast print speeds.