Printer ink comes in two main types—cartridges and tanks—and which one you need depends on your printer model, not your preference

Your printer manual or the manufacturer's website will tell you exactly which cartridge or tank your machine uses. The model number is usually on the front or back of the printer itself. Once you have that number, you can search for compatible ink at any office supply retailer, online marketplace, or the printer maker's own store. The price and longevity vary widely depending on whether you buy original manufacturer cartridges, remanufactured versions, or third-party alternatives.

Before you buy anything, check whether your printer uses individual cartridges (one per color) or a combined cartridge (all colors in one unit). Some printers have separate black and color cartridges. This matters because it affects how often you'll replace them and how much you'll spend per page printed.

Key Takeaways

  • Your printer model number determines which cartridge or tank you need; check your manual or the printer's exterior to find it.
  • Original manufacturer cartridges cost more upfront but come with a warranty, while third-party cartridges are cheaper but may void your printer's warranty.
  • Remanufactured cartridges are refilled original cartridges and typically cost less than new ones while performing the same function.
  • Ink tank systems (found on some newer printers) hold more ink and cost less per page than traditional cartridges, though the printer itself costs more initially.
  • Counterfeit cartridges exist online; buy from authorized retailers or the printer maker directly to avoid leaks, poor print quality, and damage to your machine.

Original manufacturer cartridges versus third-party alternatives

Original cartridges made by your printer's manufacturer (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, Lexmark, and others) carry a warranty and are may provide to work with your machine. They cost the most—often $15 to $30 per cartridge depending on the brand and color. The manufacturer designs them to work with your specific printer model and includes software or firmware updates that may optimize performance.

Third-party cartridges made by companies like Ink Depot, Compatible, or Dataproducts cost 30 to 50 percent less. They work in most printers without issue, but some printer makers have designed their machines to reject non-original cartridges or to display warning messages. A few printers will stop functioning entirely if you use third-party ink, though this is less common now. Check your printer's manual or contact the manufacturer before buying third-party cartridges if you're unsure.

Using third-party cartridges may void your printer's warranty, depending on the manufacturer and your location. Read your warranty document or call the maker's support line before switching. If your printer is still under warranty and you want to keep it that way, stick with original cartridges.

Remanufactured cartridges and refill kits

Remanufactured cartridges are original cartridges that have been emptied, cleaned, refilled with ink, and tested. They cost 20 to 40 percent less than new original cartridges and perform identically in most cases. Companies like Staples, Office Depot, and independent cartridge shops offer remanufactured versions of popular cartridges. The quality varies by remanufacturer, so look for ones that offer a money-back may provide if the cartridge fails.

Refill kits let you refill your own cartridges at home using a syringe or bottle of ink. These kits cost $10 to $25 and can refill a cartridge multiple times, making them the cheapest option per page. The downside is that refilling is messy, takes time, and can damage your cartridge if done incorrectly. Ink can leak inside your printer if the cartridge isn't sealed properly, which may require professional cleaning. Refill kits work best if you print frequently and are comfortable with a hands-on approach.

Ink tank systems and page yield

Some newer printers—particularly from Epson, Canon, and HP—use refillable ink tanks instead of cartridges. These tanks hold significantly more ink than cartridges and cost less per page printed. An Epson EcoTank printer, for example, comes with enough ink to print thousands of pages, and replacement bottles cost $10 to $20 each. Over time, tank-based printers are cheaper to operate, but the printer itself costs $200 to $400 more upfront than a cartridge-based model.

Page yield is the number of pages a cartridge or tank will print before running empty. Manufacturers estimate this based on 5 percent page coverage (meaning the average page is mostly white space). A high-yield cartridge prints more pages than a standard cartridge but costs more upfront. If you print infrequently, a standard cartridge may be better because it won't dry out sitting unused. If you print dozens of pages weekly, a high-yield cartridge or tank system saves money overall.

Where to buy and how to avoid counterfeits

Buy from authorized retailers: the printer maker's official website, major office supply chains (Staples, Office Depot), or established online marketplaces with seller ratings. Amazon, eBay, and Walmart sell both genuine and counterfeit cartridges, so check the seller's feedback and look for "sold by" information that shows the item comes directly from an authorized distributor, not a third-party reseller.

Counterfeit cartridges are common online, especially for popular brands like HP and Canon. They may leak, produce faded or streaky prints, or damage your printer's print head. Red flags include prices far below market rate, sellers with no feedback history, and listings that don't specify the cartridge's origin. If you buy from a marketplace and receive a cartridge that doesn't work, request a refund when ready and report the seller.

Local independent cartridge shops often refill and remanufacture cartridges on-site, which can save you money and time if you live near one. Call ahead to confirm they stock your model and ask about their warranty on remanufactured cartridges.

Checking your printer's cartridge specifications

Open your printer's settings or control panel to see which cartridges are installed and their remaining ink levels. On most printers, you can access this through the printer's touchscreen menu or through your computer's printer settings. The display will show you the cartridge model numbers and approximate ink remaining as a percentage.

Your printer's manual lists the cartridge model numbers and where to buy them. If you've lost the manual, search the manufacturer's website using your printer's model number. The support page will have a parts list and links to buy cartridges directly from the maker or authorized retailers. Some printer makers offer cartridge subscription services that automatically ship replacements when ink runs low, which can be convenient if you print regularly and want predictable costs.

Storage and shelf life of unused cartridges

Store cartridges in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Unopened cartridges typically last two to three years before the ink begins to dry out, though this varies by brand and storage conditions. Once installed in a printer, cartridges can dry out within months if the printer sits unused. If your printer will be idle for more than a few weeks, consider removing the cartridges and storing them separately in a sealed plastic bag.

Extreme heat or cold can damage cartridges. Don't leave them in a car, garage, or unheated storage space during winter. If a cartridge has been stored improperly or sits unused for a long time, it may not work when you install it. Most retailers and manufacturers will replace a defective cartridge if you have a receipt, so keep your purchase documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a cartridge from a different printer model?

No. Cartridges are designed for specific printer models and won't fit or work in others, even if they're from the same brand. The physical shape, electrical contacts, and ink formulation are all model-specific. Using the wrong cartridge can damage your printer.

What should I do if my printer rejects a third-party cartridge?

Some printers display a warning message but still print. Others will refuse to operate. Check your printer's manual to see if it supports third-party cartridges. If it doesn't, return the cartridge to the retailer for a refund and buy an original cartridge instead. Contact the printer maker's support line if you're unsure whether your model accepts third-party ink.

Is it cheaper to buy cartridges in bulk?

Yes, if you print regularly. Many retailers offer discounts when you buy multiple cartridges at once, and subscription services often provide lower per-cartridge prices. However, don't buy more than you'll use within two to three years, as cartridges can dry out in storage.

Why does my printer say the cartridge is empty when it still has ink?

Printers track ink level using a chip on the cartridge that counts pages printed, not actual ink remaining. When the chip reaches zero, the printer stops, even if ink remains. This is by design to encourage cartridge replacement. Some third-party cartridges have resettable chips that let you continue printing, but this may void your warranty.

Can I refill a cartridge myself, or should I take it to a shop?

You can refill at home with a kit, but it's messy and risky if done incorrectly. A professional cartridge shop has the tools and experience to refill safely and will warranty their work. If you're not comfortable with the process, paying a shop $5 to $10 per refill is worth the peace of mind.