The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best All-in-One Printer with Cheap Ink in the UK
Choosing the right printer is more than just assessing print quality and purchase price. One of the main ongoing costs—ink—can quickly make a seemingly affordable printer quite expensive over time. Thankfully, we’ve compiled a list of printers that not only offer quality but also come with affordable ink solutions. Let’s dive in!
6 Best Printers with the Cheapest Ink Cartridges in the UK
1. Canon PIXMA iX6850
Popular among the PIXMA models, the Canon PIXMA iX6850 stands out for its low cost-per-page (CPP) for both text and coloured prints. An all-in-one solution, it boasts scan and copy features and an automatic document feeder.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Optional XL and XXL inks for more savings | Requires individually replaceable inks |
| Fast document printing speeds |
- Printer cost: £219.88
- Original cartridge cost: £82.50
- Smart Ink compatible cartridge cost: £10.99
Verdict: Efficient all-in-one with low CPP. XL/XXL ink options are a plus, but individual ink replacements might be a hassle for some.
2. HP OfficeJet Pro 8210
HP’s OfficeJet Pro 8210 may very well be the most economical in terms of operational cost. It offers essential features such as wireless printing capabilities through WiFi, Apple AirPrint, and Google Cloud Print.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Automatic ink replenishment with Instant Ink | Works only with cartridges that have a new or reused HP chip |
| Energy-efficient with ENERGY STAR qualification |
- Printer price: £172.85
- Original cartridge cost: £99.99
- Smart Ink compatible cartridge cost: £44.99
Verdict: Eco-friendly, with convenient Instant Ink. Security measures might be restrictive for some.
3. Canon PIXMA TR7550 4-in-1 Printer
Canon’s TR7550 goes beyond just printing. As a 4-in-1 solution, it offers scanning, copying, and even faxing capabilities. This makes it an ideal companion for multifunctional home use.
| Pros | Cons |
| Offers print, scan, copy, and fax capabilities, making it suitable for a variety of tasks. | Not the fastest printer in its class, especially for color prints and high-resolution photos. |
| Supports Wi-Fi, allowing for wireless printing from devices and cloud services. | |
| Allows for direct photo printing from an SD card. |
- Printer cost: £199.00
- Original cartridge cost: £91.92
- Smart Ink compatible cartridge cost: £26.99
Verdict: A versatile home-use printer with multiple functionalities.
4. HP Officejet Pro 8610 e-All-in-One Printer
While the HP Officejet Pro 8610 may have a higher price tag, it offers an affordable ink solution, making it an ideal option for businesses with heavy printing needs. It supports both Ethernet and WiFi printing, including AirPrint and Google Cloud Print functionalities.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Effortless wireless print and scan via Canon PRINT app. | Details specify compatibility with iOS & Android only, implying potential limitations with other OS. |
| Direct cloud printing and scanning with PIXMA Cloud link without the need for a PC. |
- Printer cost: £449.99
- Original cartridge cost: £96.99
- Smart Ink compatible cartridge cost: £17.99
Verdict: Pricier but offers affordable ink. Potential OS compatibility issues.
5. HP OfficeJet 7110 Wide Format ePrinter
Despite being a wide format printer, the HP OfficeJet 7110 is surprisingly compact. It’s a suitable option for those seeking quality prints without compromising space in their home.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Modern design with rounded lines Telescopic paper tray can be adjusted based on paper size, saving space | No LCD display, unlike A4 counterparts in the same market If the paper tray is left extended for A3, the tray cover doesn’t fit properly |
| Individual ink cartridges Black ink available in standard and high-yield versions |
- Printer cost: £110.40
- Original cartridge cost: £62.09
- Smart Ink compatible cartridge cost: £17.99
Verdict: Space-saving wide format printer. Lacks LCD and has minor tray issues.
6. Canon PIXMA TS5050 All-In-One Inkjet Printer
This Canon color laser printer is a perfect fit for home or small office use, given its compact design and multifunctional capabilities like scanning and copying. It supports various printing options, enhancing its usability.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi: User & share wirelessly | Lack of automatic duplex (double-sided) printing |
| Smartphone & tablet printing with Canon PRINT app | Printing costs are a bit high due to two-black-ink setup |
| Large 7.5cm screen: Easy to navigate printer functions | |
| Borderless printing: 10x15cm photos in just 39 seconds |
- Printer cost: £149.97
- Original cartridge cost: £44.99
- Smart Ink compatible cartridge cost: £9.99
Verdict: Compact, multifunctional with affordable cartridges. Two-black-ink setup increases print cost.
Comparison Table
| Printer Model | Printer Price | Original Cartridge Price | Smart Ink Compatible Cartridge Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon PIXMA iX6850 | £219.88 | £82.50 | £10.99 |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 8210 | £172.85 | £99.99 | £44.99 |
| Canon PIXMA TR7550 4-in-1 | £199.00 | £91.92 | £26.99 |
| HP Officejet Pro 8610 e-All-in-One | £449.99 | £96.99 | £17.99 |
| HP OfficeJet 7110 Wide Format | £110.40 | £62.09 | £17.99 |
| Canon PIXMA TS5050 | £149.97 | £44.99 | £9.99 |
What is the best option?
The Canon PIXMA TS5050 emerges as an all-rounder, being a compact yet versatile laser printer and offering the cheapest Smart Ink compatible cartridge price. It’s an excellent choice for home users and even home offices but might be a stretch for larger businesses.
