I definitely believe the old saying “You get what you pay for” – that said, paying full price for printer ink always makes me feel like I was robbed. Refills are a good route – we’ve had good experiences with Costco, but it’s still pricey at $8 and up per cartridge. So I recently decided to try out some super cheap ink we found on Amazon. For FOUR brand name ink cartridges, it would cost me $43 on Amazon, but I found a knock-off of FIVE cartridges for $5.48 with FREE shipping on Amazon.
Yes, you read that right – I saved over $37 AND got an extra black ink cartridge! I’ll be honest – I was skeptical. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is – right? Apparently not in this case. Sure, the ink spills out a little when you remove the cap, but I had read the reviews and was ready for that, so I opened them over the garbage can. I don’t mind a little black on my hands to save a bundle on my ink.
Be sure to read the reviews! I picked a knock-off ink that gets 4.4/5 stars – the BRAND NAME only gets 4.2/5. I’m not interested in being a guinea pig, but if it’s worked for other people I have no problem giving it a shot. Just make sure you’re getting something WORTH trying.
Spend a little time searching, your wallet will thank you! Here are a few deals I found just looking around for a few minutes:
| Cartridge | Brand Name Cost… | Knock-Off Cost |
| HP 92 2-Pack | $27.46 | $7.14 |
| Canon PIG-225/CLI-226… | $43.19 | $5.48 |
| Epson Ultra 69 | $30.11 | $8.75 |
| Lexmark 100XL | $48.91 | $14.75 |
Many of these knock-offs come with MORE cartridges than their brand-name counterparts, none of them come with less.
Have you had a good or bad experience with refills or cheap ink? Let me know in the comments!
Debbie February 26, 2013 at 11:01 am
I’ve used refurbished ink cartridges in the past but found them to leak.
Mr Frugal February 26, 2013 at 11:03 am
Did they leak inside the printer?
Rose clark February 26, 2013 at 6:35 pm
Love your website. If you use the cheap ink could it ruin your printer.? Ps I get the rebate items at office max, staples office depot then use the money on ink and use a coupon then turn in the cartridges at three times reward which is six dollars. So I am saving on ink. I know my husband would not buy the copycats.
Mr Frugal February 26, 2013 at 6:42 pm
Rose, I wouldn’t think so, but that’s why I recommend sticking to inks with good reviews.
angie February 26, 2013 at 6:38 pm
THIS is amazing! THANK you so, so much! I use this exact type of ink for my canon printer. Between my home business, coupons and printing for my daughters girl scout troop weekly, I print A LOT!! Best link I’ve seen all day. Thanks again Frugal Find!
Mr Frugal February 26, 2013 at 6:41 pm
Welcome!
Adrianna February 27, 2013 at 8:10 am
I used something similar and it ruined my $200 printer. I would suggest running the cleaning cycle A LOT more. The cartridges leak and clog the printhead, ruining the printer.
I had to buy a new printer (luckily I found one on clearance for $60 Staples with the help from an associate).
I use my rewards and ink cartridge credits to purchase brand name ink from Staples, or buy them at the lowest price I can find on Amazon.com.
For me, it wasn’t worth it and it cost MUCH more in the long run.
Mr Frugal February 27, 2013 at 8:19 am
Good to know – thanks for sharing your experience!
Do you mind if I ask where you got the ink from? Did it have any reviews?
Rochelle February 27, 2013 at 11:55 am
I have ruined two inkjet printers with cheap ink. To me it’s just not worth the risk. For some reason I don’t have any trouble with cheap toner in my laser printer.
Mr Frugal February 27, 2013 at 6:16 pm
Where did you get your cheap ink from? Did it have any reviews?
Faith February 27, 2013 at 12:12 pm
I am a graphic designer and go through A LOT of ink and I’ve bought re-manufactured ink too. The downside of buying this ink is it will VOID your printer warranty! If you’re out of warranty then it doesn’t matter.
Jennifer March 3, 2013 at 9:38 am
I have ordered similar ink on ebay with good results. I always look for a seller with good reviews.