Which printer costs the least in cartridges?
Ink cartridges can quickly become expensive (sometimes more than the printer itself)! The cost per page varies considerably depending on the model. Whether you are an individual, a professional, a freelancer or a business, this guide will show you the cheapest printers on the market and help you make a good impression.
Understanding the total cost of ownership of a printer
If you are considering buying a printer, don't limit yourself to the initial cost. The actual running cost of a printer includes several elements beyond just the purchase price! The cost per page and the durability of the printer and cartridges also play an important role in the total cost of ownership.
Purchase price vs. cost per page
While the initial purchase price of a printer may seem attractive, it does not reflect the actual costs you will incur! Cost per page is a more accurate indicator of the true cost of using the printer. This cost includes not only the price of consumables, such as ink cartridges or toners, but also their output in terms of the number of pages printed. So a printer with higher initial cost but lower cost per page may prove to be a more advantageous choice in the long run.
Good to know: Colour printing costs on average between €0.10 and €0.50 per page, while black and white printing is generally cheaper and costs between €0.03 and €0.10 per page.
Also good to know: The number of prints you can make with one cartridge depends on the type of cartridge (standard or XL) or toner and the printer. A standard cartridge costs between €15 and €30 and can generally print between 200 and 400 pages, while an XL cartridge costs between €20 and €40 and can print up to 800 pages on average. A toner cartridge costs around €60 and can print around 3,000 pages.
Cartridge and printer life
Besides the cost of ink and toner cartridges, it is important to consider the lifespan of cartridges and printers. Some printers are designed to last a long time, while others often need to replace parts or consumables. By choosing a printer with high-capacity cartridges or long-life toners, you can reduce replacement costs and optimise the long-term efficiency of your equipment.
The best cheap printers
In a market full of options, finding a printer with the best value for money can be a challenge! Whether you are looking for an inkjet or laser printer, we have selected a few models that stand out for their efficiency, reliability and affordable running costs.
Economical inkjet printers
Inkjet printers are the most widely used. They are affordable to buy and can quickly and efficiently print a variety of documents with very good print quality. But be warned: if you don't print often, they can quickly become expensive. Some printers use cartridges, others ink tanks. Although printers with ink tanks are more expensive to buy, they offer significant savings in the long run. Also consider compatible or recycled cartridges, which give you a competitive price per page without sacrificing quality (around €0.15 per page).
Laser printers for lower cost per page
Laser printers are perfect for those who mainly print text. They are fast and can handle a lot of paper. They are ideal for office tasks, but not really suitable for photos. They tend to be a bit bulky and have a large footprint. They are often a bit bulky and noisy, and can consume more energy than inkjet printers. Despite their higher purchase price, their running costs remain stable and competitive. Laser printers offer fast printing and often lower cost per page (around €0.05 per page), especially for large print volumes. Their energy efficiency makes them a sensible choice for companies looking to reduce their printing costs.
Comparison and ranking
To help you choose the model that best meets your specific printing needs, here's an overview of the pros and cons of the most economical models on the market:
Epson EcoTank ET-2864 inkjet printer
Cost per page: very low (€0.002 excluding VAT) / Purchase price: €189 excluding VAT
Benefits:
- Refillable ink tanks
- Low cost per page
- High capacity
Disadvantages :
- High initial cost
- Extensive
Brother HL-L2445 laser printer
Cost per page : Low (0.023 € ht) / Purchase price : 159 € ht
Advantages:
- Fast and reliable
- Ideal for small offices or personal use
- Long toner life
- Low cost per page
Disadvantages:
- No colour function
Canon MF657CDW printer
Cost per page: Low (€0.033 (excluding VAT) in black, €0.047 (excluding VAT) in colour) / Purchase price: €355 (excluding VAT)
Benefits:
- Multifunctional
- Excellent colour print quality
- Suitable for professional needs
Disadvantages :
- Higher initial and toner costs
- Comprehensive
HP LaserJet M209DW Laser printer
Cost per page: Low (€0.08 ht) / Purchase price: €219 ht
Benefits:
- Compact, affordable and fast
- Efficient for high volumes
- Ideal for individual users or small businesses
- Relatively low cost per page
Disadvantages:
- High cost of toner
- No colour function
HP8132e inkjet printer
Cost per page: Average (€0.11 excluding VAT) / Purchase price: €155 excluding VAT
Benefits:
- Versatile and affordable
- Suitable for family needs
- Print quality
Disadvantages:
- Slightly higher cost per page
Canon PIXMA MG3650S inkjet printer
Cost per page: Average (€0.13 excl. VAT) / Purchase price: €89 excl. VAT
Benefits:
- Fast and affordable
- Ideal for home use
- Good print quality
- Wi-Fi connectivity
Disadvantages:
- Slightly higher cost per page
Tips to reduce printing costs
Reducing printing costs has become a goal for many businesses and home users. From choosing the right cartridge type to print management to recycling and refill programmes, here are a few tips to help you save money on your printing costs!
Choosing the right cartridge type
Choosing compatible or recycled ink cartridges can help you save significantly compared to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) cartridges. Just make sure that compatible cartridges are of high quality and that they do not compromise your printer's performance.
Good to know: HP uses technology that makes it impossible to use unofficial cartridges, so you can only use original cartridges.
For higher capacity, you can also opt for XL cartridges or large toners. Using an ink tank printer can also be a cost-effective option, as refillable ink bottles are much cheaper than conventional ink cartridges.
Efficient print management
Don't neglect your print settings. By adjusting them wisely, you can save ink, paper and energy! The first tip is to adapt your print settings to the type of document and the end purpose. For example, printing in draft mode or in black and white when colour is not needed can help you save ink and reduce costs in the long run. Moreover, you can reduce paper consumption by using the automatic double-sided printing settings and grouping multiple pages on a single sheet.
Good to know: using print management software can also help you monitor and control your print usage, identify sources of waste and optimise the efficiency of your printer fleet. And check out our 7 tips to save paper at work.
Recycling programmes and refills
Recycling and refill programmes are important initiatives in ecological and economical printing. Many manufacturers offer recycling programmes for empty ink cartridges, providing an eco-friendly solution for managing printing waste. These programmes often allow users to hand in their used cartridges for remanufacturing or recycling, while sometimes benefiting from discounts or credits on the purchase of new cartridges.
Good to know: the option to refill cartridges is also popular with people looking to reduce their carbon footprint and printing costs. Ink refill kits allow users to refill their empty cartridges with fresh ink, extending the life of the cartridges and reducing plastic waste when printing.
It is also worth noting that more and more manufacturers are promoting refillable products and offering subscriptions with unlimited ink, a great economic and ecological alternative for users!
Now you are ready to make the right choice for your printing needs! At Bruneau, you will find a wide selection of printers and consumables to meet your printing needs while staying within your budget for smart printing.