What is the difference between OEM and compatible ink cartridges? Which one can save you more money without sacrificing quality?
Whether you have a small business or just printing for fun, we all need ink cartridges to make our printers work. But the problem is printer cartridges can be expensive, especially when you print a lot. Now, if you’re looking for a printer ink price comparison guide to help you choose the best option, we have the answers for you!
In this guide, we will compare ink cartridge prices for printers so you can know how much you can save. We have compiled ink prices from original equipment manufacturers (OEM) as well as popular retailers like Staples, Walmart, and CompAndSave. So, explore our guide and start saving on your printer ink today!
Compare Ink Cartridge Prices For Printers: OEM Vs. Compatible
Before we know what ink is cheaper in this printer ink price comparison guide, let’s first discuss the difference between OEM and compatible ink cartridges. Knowing these differences will help you make a smart choice and save money on your printing.
What Is An OEM Cartridge?
An OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) cartridge, also known as a “genuine” ink cartridge, is a printer ink cartridge made by the same company that produced your printer. For example, if you have an HP printer, an OEM cartridge would be one made by HP. These cartridges are designed to work perfectly with your specific printer model, ensuring high-quality prints and reliable performance. However, they are often more expensive than other types of cartridges.
They cost more because much research, development, and testing are done in manufacturing. Also, companies often sell printers at low prices and make money by selling these cartridges. This way, you pay less for the printer but spend more on ink cartridges over time.
What Is A Compatible Cartridge?
A compatible or “generic” cartridge is a printer ink cartridge not made by the original printer manufacturer (OEM) but designed to work with your specific printer model. These cartridges are typically produced by third-party companies, like CompAndSave, and are made to meet or exceed the same quality and performance standards as OEM cartridges.
Compatible cartridges are often less expensive than OEM cartridges because they are produced without the same brand name and associated research and development costs. They offer a more affordable alternative for consumers who want to save money on printing costs while still achieving satisfactory print quality. However, just like the original cartridges, it’s important to ensure compatibility with your printer model before purchasing a compatible cartridge to avoid any potential issues.
Let’s look at this sample printer ink comparison to see the difference:
For HP 564XL ink cartridges, a set of 9 packs from the original manufacturer can cost as much as $191.91. In contrast, a compatible set from CompAndSave is priced at $52.11. This means you can save a lot by choosing the compatible option.
Similarly, consider the Brother LC61BK black ink cartridge. The original cartridge sells for $26.99 at Staples, but a compatible ink cartridge from CompAndSave is only $2.99. That’s 89% less than the price of the original cartridge.
So, as we compare printer ink prices above, can you see how much you can save when you choose compatible ink cartridges? Choosing compatible cartridges can lead to significant savings without compromising quality!
Printer Ink Price Comparison: Where Can You Save More Money On Ink?
Now that we know how OEM differs from compatible cartridges let’s look at the table below and compare ink cartridge prices for printers. Where can you save more on ink? Let’s find out below:
As we can see in this printer ink cost comparison table , massive savings are possible when you buy compatible cartridges from CompAndSave. You can save anywhere from 38% to as much as 89%!
NOTE: The prices provided above are indicative only and are subject to change at the discretion of the respective vendor, shop, or website. CompAndSave has no control over these changes, which may occur without prior notice. CompAndSave is not responsible or accountable for any such price changes. The prices listed are solely intended to inform buyers and site visitors.
Parting Words
There you have it! Now you know how much you can save when you buy ink from third-party companies like CompAndSave. When we compare ink cartridge prices for printers, we can see that you can save up to 89% when you choose compatible cartridges rather than OEM ones. The good thing is you can save without sacrificing quality. So, check our regularly updated printer ink price comparison table and start reducing your printing costs!
If you have any questions about ordering compatible cheap ink cartridges, our friendly team is here to help. Call us at 1-833-465-6888, Monday through Friday, from 6 am to 4 pm PT. Happy printing!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are compatible ink cartridges?
Compatible ink cartridges are third-party ink designed to work with specific printer models. They offer a cost-effective alternative to original cartridges without compromising on quality. You can check the table above to compare printer ink costs and see how much you can save when you choose compatible ink instead of OEM cartridges.
2. Will using compatible ink cartridges void my printer warranty?
No, using compatible ink cartridges will not void your printer warranty. According to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, manufacturers cannot void your warranty when you use third-party cartridges. This law protects and lets you choose cheap cartridges for your printer ink needs.
3. Are compatible ink cartridges safe to use in my printer?
Yes, compatible ink cartridges are safe to use if purchased from a reliable supplier like CompAndSave. Reputable brands thoroughly test their products to ensure compatibility and prevent damage to your printer. Just make sure that you use the correct ink for your printer model to avoid issues.
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