The question Is it cheaper to buy a new printer than replace ink? pops up for anyone shocked by the price of ink cartridges.
With printers often sold at low costs and ink prices soaring, it’s tempting to ditch your old printer for a new one.
This article dives into the economics of ink replacement versus buying new, offering fresh insights to help you save money and print smarter. Let’s break it down!
Why Ink Costs So Much
Printer manufacturers often sell devices at a loss, banking on profits from ink sales.
This “razor-and-blade” model means cartridges with microchips cost $30–$80, while starter cartridges in new printers are rarely full.
Ink dries out if unused, and low-yield cartridges in budget inkjets run out fast.
For frequent printers, these costs add up, sometimes exceeding the printer’s price within a year, making the question Is it cheaper to buy a new printer than replace ink? a valid concern.
Comparing Costs: New Printer vs. Ink Replacement
To answer whether buying a new printer saves money, let’s analyze costs using real-world examples.
The table below compares a new printer’s price and its starter ink yield to replacement ink costs for 1,000 pages/month, based on 2025 retail data.
| Printer Model | New Printer Cost | Starter Ink Yield (Pages) | Replacement Ink Cost (1,000 Pages/Month) | Annual Ink Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon PIXMA TS3722 | $49 | 180 black, 150 color | $167.94 (PG-275XL/CL-276XL) | $2,015.28 |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e | $289.99 | 800 black, 420 color | $128.46 (HP 962XL) | $1,541.52 |
| Brother MFC-J4335DW | $179.99 | 3,000 black, 1,500 color | $47.70 (LC406XL) | $572.40 |
| Epson EcoTank ET-5850 | $799.99 | 7,500 black, 6,000 color | $19.80 (Epson 542) | $237.60 |
Analysis: For high-volume printing, tank printers like the Epson EcoTank save significantly on ink. For low-volume users, a cheap inkjet like the Canon PIXMA may cost more in ink annually than its purchase price, tempting you to buy new.
Is It Cheaper to Buy a New Printer Than Replace Ink?
Direct Answer
For low-volume printers, buying a new printer can seem cheaper than replacing ink, as cartridges for models like the Canon PIXMA TS3722 ($167.94/month) cost more than the printer ($49).
However, starter cartridges yield less, and frequent replacements outweigh savings.
For high-volume printing, tank printers like the Epson EcoTank ET-5850 or Brother MFC-J4335DW offer lower ink costs ($19.80–$47.70/month), making ink replacement far cheaper than buying new.
Types of Printers and Ink Costs
Inkjet Printers
Inkjets like the HP DeskJet 4252e are affordable ($79) but use high-cost cartridges ($30–$50/set).
Starter cartridges yield 100–200 pages, so low-volume users may find new printers cheaper initially.
However, ink dries out, and frequent replacements make them costly long-term.
Laser Printers
Laser printers, like the Brother HL-L2350DW ($149.99), use toner, which lasts longer (3,000 pages) and costs $25–$50 for generics.
They’re ideal for monochrome printing, reducing the need to buy new printers. Color lasers, like the HP MFP 3301fdw, have pricier toner ($450/set).
Tank Printers
Tank models, like the Epson EcoTank ET-5850 or Canon MegaTank G3270 ($229.99), use bottled ink, yielding 6,000–7,500 pages for $20–$40/set.
Their higher upfront cost ($150–$800) pays off for frequent printers, making ink replacement the clear winner.
Hidden Costs of Buying a New Printer
New printers come with starter cartridges, often 25–50% full, requiring early replacements.
Setup time, driver installation, and learning new features add hassle. Disposing of old printers contributes to e-waste, with 80% of electronics ending up in landfills.
Frequent replacements also mean missing out on durable, ink-efficient models that save money long-term.
Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Save on Ink
Instead of buying new, consider these cost-saving, sustainable options:
- Third-Party Ink: Remanufactured cartridges cost 50–75% less than OEM ink. Brother and older Canon models support generics without issues. Legal protections ensure warranties remain intact.
- Ink Subscriptions: HP’s Instant Ink ($3–$25/month) or Brother’s Refresh EZ Print deliver ink based on usage, saving up to 50%.
- Refill Services: Retailers like Costco refill cartridges for $10–$15, reducing waste and costs.
- Eco Fonts: Fonts like Century Gothic use 30% less ink, extending cartridge life.
- Print in Draft Mode: Lowers ink use for non-critical documents, saving 20–40%.
Unique Insight: The Break-Even Point
To decide, calculate your break-even point: divide the new printer’s cost by the monthly ink savings (new printer’s ink cost minus old printer’s ink cost).
For example, replacing a Canon PIXMA TS3722 ($49) with an Epson EcoTank ET-5850 ($799.99) saves $148.14/month ($167.94 – $19.80).
Break-even occurs in 5.4 months ($799.99 ÷ $148.14). If you print beyond this, the EcoTank saves more.
For low-volume users printing 50 pages/month, a cheap inkjet’s ink costs may still exceed its price yearly, but starter ink limits savings.
When to Buy a New Printer
Buy a new printer if:
- Your current printer is outdated, slow, or lacks features like Wi-Fi.
- Ink costs exceed the printer’s price within a year (e.g., Canon PIXMA TS3722).
- You need high-volume printing, and a tank or laser model offers lower running costs. Replace ink if:
- You print infrequently, and generics or subscriptions keep costs low.
- Your printer is reliable, and you want to reduce e-waste.
- A tank printer’s ink costs are minimal (e.g., Epson EcoTank).
Environmental Impact of Replacing Printers
Tossing printers creates e-waste, with 300 million devices discarded annually. Cartridges take 1,000 years to decompose, leaching toxins. Recycling programs by HP, Brother, and Canon recover 70% of materials, but only 15% of cartridges are recycled globally. Using third-party ink or tank printers reduces waste, aligning with sustainable printing practices.
FAQs
1. Why are ink cartridges so expensive compared to printers?
Ink cartridges are pricey because manufacturers sell printers at a loss, expecting ink sales to profit. Microchips in cartridges raise costs, and low-yield designs ensure frequent replacements.
For example, a Canon PIXMA TS3722’s ink ($167.94/month for 1,000 pages) outpaces its $49 price yearly. Using third-party ink, eco fonts, or tank printers like the Epson EcoTank ET-5850 ($19.80/month) cuts costs.
Recycling or refilling cartridges also saves money and reduces e-waste, making printing more affordable and sustainable.
2. Does buying a new printer really save money over ink replacement?
For low-volume users, a new printer like the HP DeskJet 4252e ($79) may seem cheaper than ink ($50/set), but starter cartridges yield only 100–200 pages, requiring early replacement.
High-volume printers benefit from tank models like the Brother MFC-J4335DW ($47.70/month for 1,000 pages), making ink cheaper.
Calculate your break-even point to decide. Third-party ink or subscriptions lower costs without new hardware, and recycling old printers reduces environmental harm, offering a balanced approach.
3. Can I use third-party ink to save money instead of buying a new printer?
Yes, third-party ink saves 50–75% compared to OEM cartridges. Brother models like the MFC-J4335DW and older Canon Pixma printers accept generics reliably. Legal rulings protect your right to use them without voiding warranties.
Buy from trusted suppliers to avoid clogs. For example, generic toner for a Brother HL-L2350DW costs $25 for 3,000 pages.
This approach is cheaper than a new printer and eco-friendly, reducing cartridge waste while keeping your current printer running smoothly.
4. Are tank printers a better option for saving on ink costs?
Tank printers like the Epson EcoTank ET-5850 or Canon MegaTank G3270 ($229.99) use bottled ink, costing $20–$40 for 6,000–7,500 pages.
Compared to inkjets like the Canon PIXMA TS3722 ($167.94/month for 1,000 pages), they’re cheaper long-term despite higher upfront costs ($150–$800).
Ideal for frequent printers, they reduce e-waste and ink expenses.
Disable firmware updates to ensure generic ink compatibility, and use eco settings to stretch ink further, making tank printers a smart investment.
5. How does printing volume affect the decision to buy a new printer or replace ink?
Printing volume is key. Low-volume users (50 pages/month) may find ink for a Canon PIXMA TS3722 ($30/set) costs more yearly than the printer ($49), but starter ink yields less.
High-volume users (1,000 pages/month) save with tank printers like the Epson EcoTank ET-5850 ($237.60/year) or lasers like the Brother HL-L2350DW ($300/year).
Calculate your cost per page and break-even point. For infrequent printing, use generics or subscriptions to extend ink life, avoiding unnecessary printer replacements and minimizing waste.
Conclusion
When asking Is it cheaper to buy a new printer than replace ink?, the answer depends on your printing habits.
Low-volume users may find cheap inkjets like the Canon PIXMA TS3722 costlier in ink than their purchase price, but starter cartridges limit savings.
For frequent printers, tank or laser models like the Epson EcoTank or Brother MFC-J4335DW make ink replacement far cheaper. Choose wisely, use eco-friendly options, and save money while reducing waste.