A printer is an essential tool for the home or office, but the ongoing cost soon adds up. That’s why the demand for affordable and efficient ink printers is picking up pace. So, here’s my guide to the best printers with refillable ink tanks!
Cartridgeless printers are easy to use and cost a lot less over time than a regular printer. Instead of using individual cartridges, they have an ink tank that you can top up when it runs low.
So, let’s take a look at the best tank printers available right now. Plus, I’ll share a detailed buying guide to help you pick the best cartridge-free printer for your needs.
Refillable Ink Printer Buying Guide
Here’s everything you need to know before you buy a printer with refillable ink. Look out for these factors, and you’ll be sure to get a cartridge-free printer that meets your needs.
High Print Quality
Like with any regular printer, you still want a high print quality – no matter what you’re printing. That could be documents, images, or even photos. So, make sure to find out what the print resolution is and whether it prints colors accurately, too.
Easy to Refill
You want a printer that is easy to refill, without any mess or hassle. Most refillable printers are designed to be user-friendly, with no-spill refill bottles. But you also need to make sure that you use the correct ink for each tank. Some brands use specially keyed refills, so you don’t get mixed up – for example, the Epson EcoFit inks.
Good Connectivity Options
A few years ago, your only option for connecting was to hook your computer up via a USB cable. But now, many printers offer wireless connectivity, providing more flexibility for you.
You should double-check the printer’s compatibility with your devices. And don’t forget to find out whether it offers wireless or Bluetooth connections. Even better if it has WiFi Direct, as then, you won’t even need a local router to print from your phone or laptop.
Mobile and cloud printing are convenient, making it easier to print on the go from any device.
Fast Print Speeds
The best refillable printers will also have a fast print speed, so you don’t waste time waiting around. I would recommend going for a printer that prints at least 10 pages per minute (ppm).
But some printers are much speedier, up to 25 ppm. So, it depends on your budget and how much you’ll be printing at a time. If you have large print runs, then a faster print speed becomes a necessity. But if you print a few pages at a time, you can probably cope with a slower speed.
Extra Features
Depending on the printer and how advanced it is, it may have some extra features, too. Some notable ones include an auto document feeder and automatic duplex printing. That means the printer can print on both sides of the paper without you needing to switch it around.
These features are very useful, as they allow for low-maintenance printing. So, you can get on with what you need to do and let the printer do its job.
You might also want a printer for borderless printing or high-quality photo prints. Not all printers offer these advanced features, so make sure to do your research before you buy.
Best Printer with Refillable Ink Cartridges
Top 3 Printers: A Quick Comparison
Here’s a quick summary of the best ink tank system printers, in case you’re short on time.
The best overall printer is the Epson ET-16600. This powerhouse printer is durable, with fast print speeds and excellent accuracy. It comes with a 2-year stock of ink, so you can save a lot of money on the ongoing costs.
But with its wide format design and 4.3-inch touchscreen, it’s not cheap. This premium printer is well worth the investment if you print a lot. It’s perfect for a small business or office, too!
The runner-up is the Brother INKvestmentTank printer. This mid-range printer has useful features, including WiFi Direct, wireless, and Cloud printing. So, you have more flexibility for printing on the go! It also comes with a generous ink supply that could last up to 1 year and has fantastic print quality.
And if you’re on a budget, you should check out the Canon G3200. This refillable ink printer is affordable but great for a basic home printer! It prints good-quality images with deep blacks and bright colors. And thanks to the ink refills included, the running costs are also very low!
 |  |  | |
| Product | Epson ET-16600 | Brother MFC-J995DW INKvestmentTank | Canon G3200 |
| Printing Technology | Inkjet | Inkjet | Inkjet |
| Brand | Epson | Brother | Canon |
| Paper Formats | Up to 13 x 19 inches | Up to legal size | 4 x 6, 8.50 x 14, 8.50 x 11, 8 x 10, 5 x 7, 5 x 5, 4.13 x 9.50 |
| Printer Output | Color | Color | Color |
Epson EcoTank ET-2720 Wireless Color All-in-One
Best Color Supertank Printer
(Image credit: Epson)
If you’re looking for a cost-effective printer for your home, this Epson EcoTank fits the bill. Not only is it very easy to set up, but it comes with up to 2 years of ink. When it does come time to refill it, it’s quick and simple to do.
This printer produces color and black and white documents. The fast print speed will save you time, while you’ll still get that excellent Epson print quality.
It’s easy to connect to this printer by USB or over WiFi or Bluetooth. That makes it more flexible and allows you to print wherever you are. You don’t need to hook your laptop up to the printer whenever you need to print something out. Instead, you can do it right from your smartphone.
This model can also handle all your scanning and copying needs. So, it can save you space as well as money, making it the best home all-in-one printer Epson has to offer at this price.
While its functions are a little basic, it offers great value for money. This low-cost printer ticks all the right boxes if you want a reliable printer on a budget.
- Printing Technology: Inkjet
- Brand: Epson
- Paper Formats: 4″ x 6″, 5″ x 7″, A6, Half Letter, Letter, A4, Executive, Legal, User definable (from 2.2″ x 3.4″ to 8.5″ x 47.2″)
- Printer Output: Color
Pros:
- A fantastic all-in-one printer for a home or small business
- It has excellent print quality at fast speeds
- It’s very affordable
- It comes with two years’ worth of ink
Cons:
- It doesn’t have a touchscreen display or a memory card slot
- It doesn’t offer automatic duplex printing
Canon Pixma G4210 Wireless MegaTank All-in-One Printer
Best Photo Printer
(Image credit: Canon)
If you’re looking for a printer packed with useful features, check out the Pixma G4210. It offers borderless prints, sharp documents, and bright, vivid color images.
The Pixma G4210 is a fantastic inkjet printer with a megatank built-in. This printer is capable of producing very high-quality prints, including crisp photos.
Despite its versatility and quality, it’s still very cost-effective. With the initial ink provided, you can print up to 7000 color pages before you need to top up. So, it should keep you going for a long time! The ink refills are also reasonably priced, keeping the ongoing costs down.
This printer has an auto document feeder so that you can print hands-free. The color print speed is a little slow at 5 ppm, but the image quality and low cost make up for that.
You can even print from your iPhone or iPad, providing more flexibility for printing on the go.
Plus, it also has copy, scan, and fax capabilities. So, this smart printer meets all your office needs in one compact device.
- Printing Technology: Inkjet
- Brand: Canon
- Paper Formats: 4 x 6, 8.50 x 14, 8.50 x 11, 8.30 x 11.70, 5 x 5, 5 x 7, 8 x 10
- Printer Output: Color
Pros:
- It’s very affordable
- You can print beautiful, crisp photos and documents
- You get enough ink for 7000 pages
- It has an auto document feeder and easy connectivity options
Cons:
- Automatic duplex printing isn’t possible on this model
Epson EcoTank ET-4760 Wireless Colour All-in-One Printer
Best Mid-Range Epson Cartridge-Free Printer
(Image credit: Epson)
The EcoTank ET-4760 will hold you back more than the ET-2720 model. But that doesn’t mean you should skip over this mid-range printer. It has a lot of useful features that make it an attractive printer.
For example, this model offers automatic duplex printing. It also has an ADF and a paper tray that can hold up to 250 sheets for hands-free printing.
The high-density chip ensures that your images and documents look crisp and sharp. It can print up to 40 million dots per second, so the precision is outstanding.
And that’s not to mention the 2-year ink supply included. This Epson EcoTank takes EcoFit bottles designed to fit a specific tank, so you won’t get mixed up.
It’s very easy to refill, and you’ll save the money you would have spent on dozens of ink cartridges. So, it’s a very pocket-friendly printer that will continue for years.
Then, factor in the fast printing speed and the user-friendly LCD. With all these features, there’s a lot to like about the Epson EcoTank ET-4760. It’s a great refillable ink printer that will streamline your printing process.
- Printing Technology: Inkjet
- Brand: Epson
- Paper Formats: 3.5″ x 5″, 4″ x 6″, 5″ x 7″, 8″ x 10″,8.5″ x 11″, 8.5″ x 14″, A4, A6, A3, A3+, half letter, executive, user definable (3.5″ x 5″ – 8.5″ x 47″)
- Printer Output: Color
Pros:
- It prints with accuracy and speed
- It has an auto document feeder and offers duplex printing
- You can refill it quickly and easily, with no spills
- Epson provides 2-year product protection
Cons:
- Not the cheapest printer on this list
- It doesn’t have a memory card reader
Epson Expression Premium EcoTank
Best Premium Epson Printer with Refillable Ink
(Image credit: Epson)
The Epson Expression EcoTank is an excellent choice if you have a little more money to spend.
This printer can produce an astounding number of pages with the ink included. That comes to 14,000 black pages or 9,000 color pages in total! So, you can imagine how much money you’ll save on printer cartridges.
It also uses five different high-quality Epson inks. As a result, images come out looking vibrant and bright, with rich, saturated colors.
The Epson Expression is ideal if you want to print amazing photos from home. As this printer can handle a range of paper sizes, it’s very versatile. Plus, it can print, scan, and copy, all in one device. You can navigate effortlessly using the 2.7-inch color LCD screen.
This printer also offers quick and easy connectivity, including Wireless and WiFi Direct. So, if you’re looking for a feature-packed printer, I’d say that this one is definitely worth your investment!
- Printing Technology: Inkjet
- Brand: Epson
- Paper Formats: Up to 8.5 x 11 Inches
- Printer Output: Color
Pros:
- A printer with a lot of great features and super-low running costs
- You can connect from almost any device, even without an internet router nearby
- It has a 2.7-inch color LCD
- It produces high-quality photos and images
Cons:
- The LCD isn’t a touchscreen
- It’s quite expensive to buy
Epson EcoTank ET-3760
Best Home All in One Printer
(Image credit: Epson)
The EcoTank ET 3760 is another fantastic printer from Epson. It provides everything you need from a home printer. That includes auto duplex printing, copy, and scan functions.
You’ll find that this printer has good print speeds and produces very deep blacks and bright colors. Image and document quality is crisp, making it an excellent all-round printer.
This printer is very easy to set up and comes with genuine Epson inks that will last a long time. And when it comes time to replace the cartridges, they are affordable.
So, this printer offers superb value for money. It’s perfect if you want to spend a bit more up-front to save money in the long term.
Epson also provides 2-year product protection when you register your printer. So, that offers more peace of mind in your investment, as you know you’ll have a printer that will last.
I loved the optional Quiet Mode you can switch on. It cuts down on the noise the printer makes, although it does mean you’ll have a slightly slower print speed. This feature comes in handy if you’re in a busy office or just prefer peace and quiet.
The EcoTank ET-3760 provides all the essential features for any home all-in-one printer. It can take a variety of paper formats and even print gorgeous, bright photos. While it’s a little bulky, it’s still a great, affordable option for your new refillable printer.
- Printing Technology: Inkjet
- Brand: Epson
- Paper Formats: 3.5″ x 5″, 4″ x 6″, 5″ x 7″, 8″ x 10″,8.5″ x 11″, 8.5″ x 14″, A4, A6, half letter, executive, user definable
- Printer Output: Color
Pros:
- It has handy features like an ADF and automatic duplex printing
- You can also use it to scan and copy
- It has excellent image quality, so you can even print photos at home
Cons:
- It doesn’t have fax capabilities (but you might not need that anyway)
- It’s a little slow, so it’s not the best for large print runs
- It’s a little bulky and heavy
Brother MFC-J995DW INKvestmentTank
Best Tank Printer from Brother
(Image credit: Brother)
Brother also has some excellent refillable printers, and this model is one of their best. It may look a little clunky, but don’t get fooled by that. This printer is solid, reliable, and easy to use. It also has flexible connections, so you can print from your phone.
The Brother INKvestment tank includes high-yield cartridges instead of ink tanks. But it still works out to have a very low running cost. That’s because each cartridge can print up to 6,000 pages and should last you for about a year!
A standout feature is the 2.7-inch touchscreen LCD display. This makes it very easy to navigate the printer and select the correct printing options.
But you can also take advantage of the mobile printing options. The INKvestment printer supports WiFi Direct, Google Cloud Print, and AirPrint. So, it’s super versatile and easy to print right from your phone.
You can also set up Amazon Dash replenishment, so it automatically reorders the ink when you run low. That’s very convenient, as it means you’ll never get caught out with an empty printer.
There’s a lot to like about this printer! All these factors make it the best refillable printer Brother has to offer.
- Printing Technology: Inkjet
- Brand: Brother
- Paper Formats: Up to legal size
- Printer Output: Color
Pros:
- It’s a sturdy, dependable printer
- It takes high-yield cartridges that last up to one year
- It has great mobile connectivity options, making it easy to print on the go
Cons:
- It’s quite loud when printing
- Getting it to connect with Mac computers is a little tricky at first
HP Smart -Tank Plus 551 Wireless All-in-One Ink
Best HP Printer
(Image credit: HP)
HP is another well-known computer supply company that dominates the market. So, it’s no surprise that they also have some great ink tank printers.
JuThe HP Smart Tank Plus 551 ticks all the right boxes just as you’d expectThis wireless printer allows you to connect at a distance from your computer or phone. So, you get more flexibility when printing and don’t need to hook up your laptop with a USB.
When you buy it, you also get ink bottles that should last up to 2 years. It’s very easy to top up the printer with these spill-free refills, as well as being a cost-effective option! It also comes with a 1-year warranty and customer support you can access online.
The reliable print quality, easy setup, and low cost make it well worth your consideration! Combine that with voice-activated and Cloud printing, and this printer is a winner.
- Printing Technology: Inkjet
- Brand: HP
- Paper Formats: 3 x 5, 4 x 6, 5 x 7, 8 x 10, 8.5 x 11, 8.5 x 14
- Printer Output: Color
Pros:
- It comes with two years’ worth of ink in spill-free bottles
- The print speed is quite fast, and it handles a range of paper sizes
- You can connect via WiFi, Bluetooth, or USB from most devices
Cons:
- It doesn’t have an auto document feeder or duplex printing
- It’s not suitable for sublimation printing or high-quality photos
Epson ET-16600
Best Printer for the Office
(Image credit: Epson)
Not every printer is suitable for office printing. You need a durable printer with high speeds to keep up with large print runs. But that’s exactly what the Epson ET-16600 is!
This is a powerful workhorse of a printer, with super-fast print speeds of up to 25 ppm. It uses four different pigment inks to produce gorgeous, vibrant images. But you’ll have to take care not to use dye inks. They can cause damage as well as invalidate your warranty.
The DURAbrite inks included are instant-drying, so you won’t get any smudges. These high-quality inks will make your prints rival even a professional print shop. So, you can feel confident that all your photos, document, and images will look amazing.
Even more notably, this printer offers wide-format printing. That’s a rare feature few printers have. You can print large paper formats up to 13 x 19 inches and borderless images up to 11 x 17 inches. That offers a lot more flexibility as to what this printer can do for you!
It’s also very eco-friendly, not to mention the low ongoing costs of running this printer. If you’re concerned about the environment, you’ll feel good that you’re not producing more plastic waste.
And as with other EcoTanks, it comes with a supply of 2 years’ worth of ink. So while this printer isn’t cheap, you won’t have to spend anything else for a long time.
In conclusion, the Epson ET-16600 is one of the best refillable ink printers on the market! With its powerful features, this professional printer is perfect for any office.
- Printing Technology: Inkjet
- Brand: Epson
- Paper Formats: Up to 13 x 19 inches
- Printer Output: Color
Pros:
- This printer has a speedy print output of 25 ppm
- It’s powerful with gorgeous print quality
- You can print larger images and borderless prints up to 11 x 17 inches
- It’s easy to connect your devices over WiFi
- This printer is ideal for an office or small business
Cons:
- This premium printer is very expensive
- It’s not a printer for anyone on a budget
Epson EcoTank ET-4700
Best Affordable All-in-One Printer
(Image credit: Epson)
You don’t have to spend a lot of money on a cartridge-free printer. The Epson EcoTank Et-4700 is proof of that! It comes in at a low cost and includes a full ink set that can last up to 2 years.
While this printer isn’t stylish or high-end, it gets the job done. So, if you want a practical printer that will save you money, this one is for you.
The EcoTank ET-4700 doesn’t have many advanced features. The print speed is also a little low, but that’s to be expected at this price.
What this printer does is print reliably, with good image quality. Plus, it can copy and fax, combining all your office needs in one compact device.
This printer takes specially designed EcoFit refill bottles. Topping up the ink is a quick and streamlined process; you shouldn’t get any spills or mess.
Printing is easy, as you can connect wirelessly via WiFi Direct. So, you can right from your smartphone or laptop, no matter where you are.
If you’re on a budget, the EcoTank ET-4700 is a capable printer with a low price tag. Plus, you’ll save so much money on cartridges in the coming months and years! The 2-year warranty is also a nice bonus to have.
- Printing Technology: Inkjet
- Brand: Epson
- Paper Formats:
- Printer Output: Color
Pros:
- It’s a compact and reliable all-in-one printer
- You can connect over WiFi Direct
- You also get a 2-year warranty
Cons:
- The print speed is very slow
- The features are a bit limited
Canon G3200 All-In-One
Best Cheap Printer
(Image credit: Canon)
For a refillable ink printer, the Canon G3200 is a bargain. It has a very small build, making this compact printer ideal for a small home office or as a family printer. It won’t take up space but provides all you need and more.
You won’t just save on space, either. The ink included is about the same as 30 ink cartridges, which can add up quickly. So, you’ll make an excellent long-term investment if you go for this printer.
It even included two bonus bottles of black ink, allowing you to print up to 18,000 pages. There are huge savings to be had with this printer.
Documents come out sharp and crystal clear, thanks to this printer’s hybrid ink. As a result, you’ll get deep blacks and bright colors that look fantastic.
You can choose between connecting to the G3200 via WiFi or with a USB. These options provide more flexibility for when and where you print.
And while the print speed isn’t very fast, that shouldn’t be a deal-breaker. The G3200 is a cost-effective printer that will cover all your printing needs for years to come.
- Printing Technology: Inkjet
- Brand: Canon
- Paper Formats: 4 x 6, 8.50 x 14, 8.50 x 11, 8 x 10, 5 x 7, 5 x 5, 4.13 x 9.50
- Printer Output: Color
Pros:
- It’s very low-cost, making it a great budget printer
- You can see how much ink you have left at a glance – so you’ll never run out
- It comes with extra bottles of ink – saving you even more money
- The print quality is good, with deep blacks and rich, saturated colors
Cons:
- It prints very slowly
The Wrap Up
A refillable printer is cost-effective, saving you loads of money on ink cartridges. And beyond this, it should function as well as any standard printer.
There’s an ink tank printer for everyone, no matter what your budget is. They range from low-cost to premium models, so you’re sure to find the right one for you.
The printers reviewed above come tried, tested, and highly reviewed. So, take your pick, and let me know which one you go for!
Before you go, give me a quick follow on Pinterest! I’ll keep you up to date on all the latest tools, products, tips, and trends for techy and creative people!
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, Proactive Creative may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
