Ink, not the box price, is the real cost
A £30 printer with pricey cartridges can cost far more than a dearer ink-tank model. Match the type to what you print: inkjet for photos/colour, mono laser for text.
The jargon, decoded
| Spec | What it actually means | Does it matter? |
|---|---|---|
| Running cost (per page) | The number that matters — not the sticker price. | Yes |
| Inkjet vs laser | Inkjet = photo/colour; mono laser = cheap text. | Match use |
| Ink tank / subscription | Tanks slash ink cost; subs = ongoing fee. | Big for heavy users |
| Auto-duplex | Double-sided printing. | Convenience |
| Wireless/AirPrint + scanner | Most homes use these. | Useful |
What actually matters
- 1Running cost beats the sticker price. A £30 printer with pricey cartridges can cost far more than a dearer model with cheap ink. Check the cost per page, not just the box price.
- 2Inkjet vs laser. Inkjet suits photos and low-volume colour; mono laser is cheaper per page and best if you mostly print text. Match it to what you print.
- 3Ink tanks and subscriptions. Refillable ink-tank printers (e.g. EcoTank) cost more upfront but slash ink costs for heavy users. Ink-subscription models can be cheap to buy — just understand the ongoing fee.
- 4Connectivity and features. Wireless/AirPrint, auto-duplex (double-sided) and a scanner (all-in-one) are the features most homes actually use.
Typical UK price bands (2026)
| Budget | What you get |
|---|---|
| £40–£80 | Basic all-in-one inkjets — cheap to buy; watch the cartridge cost. |
| £100–£200 | The sweet spot: ink-tank inkjets or mono lasers with low running costs. |
| £250+ | Higher-volume laser and premium ink-tank all-in-ones for heavy or small-business use. |
Buy this if · think twice if
Buy it if…
- ✓You print enough to care about ink cost (ink-tank)
- ✓You mostly print text (cheap mono laser)
- ✓You want wireless + scanning (all-in-one)
Think twice if…
- ✗You buy the cheapest printer and get stung on ink
- ✗You choose inkjet for mostly text
- ✗You sign up to an ink subscription you won't use
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✕Buying the cheapest printer and getting stung on ink.
- ✕Choosing inkjet for mostly text (a mono laser is cheaper per page).
- ✕Signing up to an ink subscription without checking the monthly cost.
See today's top printers — with live UK prices
Savvey Search reads the latest expert reviews and shows current, in-stock picks for your printing needs and budget, each with a live verified UK price. 2026 round-ups feature Epson EcoTank, Brother mono laser and HP — but check what's current, the ink costs, and its price right now.
Get my printer picks →Is it actually a good price?
The same model can swing a lot between UK retailers, and “sale” prices are often just the normal price with an inflated RRP beside it. Savvey checks 40+ UK retailers and shows the lowest verified price with the market average alongside, so you can see at a glance whether the price in front of you is a genuine deal or just the going rate.
FAQ
Inkjet or laser?
Inkjet for photos and occasional colour; mono laser for cheap, fast text printing.
Are ink-tank printers worth it?
For medium/heavy users, yes — the higher upfront price pays back quickly in cheap ink.
Should I get an ink subscription?
Only if you understand the monthly cost and print enough to use it — otherwise buy cartridges or an ink-tank model.
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