The type of Printer Cartridges and quality ink available might have left you confused if you’ve recently been shopping for one. 

You’re undoubtedly familiar with the appeals of off-brand cartridges also known as ‘compatible’, ‘remanufactured toner’ cartridges if you’ve been looking for a cheap way to purchase ink for your home or office printer.  

With this article we aim to help you understand why ink and toner cartridges shouldn’t be your first choice as one of Australia’s leading online retailers. 

Choosing between a compatible or genuine ink cartridge is a significant decision. Fortunately, our experts can explain the differences between quality compatible, remanufactured toner and genuine ink and help you choose which one is right for your new printer or existing model of printer. 

 

What is an ink cartridge? 

 You place ink cartridges in your printer, and then the ink is dispensed from them. Prints are produced by your machine using the ink within this cartridge. There are two types of ink cartridges that you can purchase for your computer: genuine ink cartridges and compatible (or generic) ink cartridges. 

 

What is the printer cartridge option for printing? 

 When purchasing a printer cartridge, you have two main options – genuine or compatible (generic). Printer manufacturers produce genuine cartridges like HP, Canon, Brother, Lexmark, Epson, and others.  

The OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) sell these original ink and toner cartridges at a premium price. Your printer model and make may be available in a non-genuine brand. Ink cartridges with these characteristics are called ‘compatible’ or ‘generic’.  

A compatible ink cartridge is typically cheaper than a genuine one. Ink cartridges that consistently use brand-new casing and high-quality ink. You may also find ‘remanufactured’ cartridges available for your printer as a cheap alternative cartridge.  

Unlike brand-new cartridges, these non-brand cartridges have been repaired and reused casings but contain brand-new ink. 

 

Genuine vs compatible ink cartridges vs remanufactured ink  

 Well, there is a variance in the genuine, compatible and remanufactured ink, which we shall particularly explore in this section. 

 

Genuine ink cartridge 

Made by the originals, genuine ink cartridges are designed specifically for that printer model and make. 

Furthermore, printer manufacturers typically recommend them to use with their printers. Genuine cartridges are also typically more expensive than generic ones. 

In addition to adding peace of mind provided by non-generic cartridges, you might want to consider cheaper alternatives if you’re too concerned about monetary savings in the short term. 

Purchasing remanufactured cartridges is another way to save money on branded ink. Remanufactured cartridges contain recycled or reused parts for those who wish to be more environmentally friendly. 

  

Compatible ink cartridge  

A compatible ink cartridge – sometimes called a generic ink cartridge – is not manufactured by your printer manufacturer. A compatible ink cartridge is more cost-effective than a genuine ink cartridge. It is not the printer manufacturer that advertises or sells these ink cartridges. Saving money on printer ink can be achieved by using compatible ink cartridges.  

  

Remanufactured ink cartridge  

An ink cartridge or toner cartridge has been remanufactured or recycled and refilled to replace the original fuser unit of the toner.  

Remanufactured cartridges will have their damaged parts replaced and cleaned to make brand-new ink cartridges or toner cartridges that will work with your printer, just like new cartridges. 

The most apparent difference between original and compatible is the price difference. Before picking up any of these do make sure to ask yourself the following questions; 

• What is the quality difference?  
• Will my printer be damaged, or  
• Will my warranty be void if I use them?  

Please get some answers to your questions from us! Let’s note one thing, all cartridges are not the same! Suppliers of cartridges vary between companies and websites. There are many ways ink or toner cartridges can be used on different printers. There may be a difference between what works for one printer and another. You’ll be able to ask questions with a reputable company’s support team if you’re uncertain. 

  

Genuine cartridges vs Compatible ink, which one? 

Ink cartridges are what determine whether the ink is compatible or genuine. 

Your business printer manufacturer provides genuine or original cartridges, which are more expensive. The cartridge manufacturer, called OEM, Original Equipment Manufacturer, also makes the printer. 

A third-party company provides compatible cartridges. As long as you choose the right one, you should be able to use them with your printer, and you may even get them slightly cheaper than the original ones. 

  

How does compatible ink cartridge compare to original ink? 

Compatible cartridges should be as valid as genuine ones if you buy them from a reputable source. Cartridges made by different companies do not differ except for the OEM 

Both types of cartridges have their advantages and disadvantages.  

The benefits of genuine ink cartridges 

• Since your printer’s manufacturer manufactures them, they can give you peace of mind. 
• A recommended product by printer manufacturers. 

  

The disadvantages of buying genuine ink cartridges 

• More expensive than generic alternatives. 

 

The benefits of using compatible ink cartridges 

• Compared to genuine ink cartridges, they are much more affordable. 
• It may be made from recycled or refurbished one. 

 

The downside of compatible ink cartridges 

• Printer manufacturers do not support compatible ink cartridges – you should check your warranty to determine if or how using one will affect your warranty. 
• You risk purchasing a faulty product if you do not buy from a reputable supplier. 

 

Ink Cartridges: Compatible vs Genuine how to choose? 

It is significant to weigh the benefits and downsides before selecting a genuine or compatible ink cartridge that best suits your needs. Saving money and cost reduction may be possible with a compatible ink cartridge with a non-leaking toner powder. Additionally, refurbished cartridges are a great option if you care about the environment. 

You can also purchase a genuine cartridge if you want the assurance that comes from buying a cartridge that the manufacturer of your printer created.  

It is also advantageous to use original cartridges if you’re not sure how compatible cartridges may affect your warranty. If money isn’t an issue, you may also be encouraged to purchase a genuine printer ink cartridge. 

After exclusively using genuine ink cartridges for many years, you may wish to try compatible cartridges if your circumstances change.  

You can also use genuine cartridges if you have always used compatible cartridges. Decisions are ultimately up to you and are based on your circumstances and priorities. 

 

Is compatible printer ink harmful to printers? 

Compatibility ink cartridges do not result in printer damage. Some people, however, continue to buy their printer’s cartridges straight from the manufacturer because there’s a myth that they do. 

Although this might be the case, you should be wary if the price of a compatible cartridge seems too good to be true. Be careful when buying compatible cartridges from reputable sources to avoid purchasing low-quality cartridges that can negatively affect your printer. Keep your printer running smoothly by using suitable quality cartridges, our experts personally recommend genuine one. 

Compatible ones may affect the warranty of your printer (as it depends on the brand of device you are using). Check your printer’s terms and conditions before using a cartridge of this nature to ensure it won’t affect your warranty. 

Before buying a printer, make sure it accepts the cartridges you want. Many manufacturers have inserted chips into their original cartridges to prevent their customers from using compatible cartridges. To avoid being locked into the manufacturer’s cartridges and ink, make sure to cross check it. 

  

Do generic ink cartridges work with all printers? 

 A wide range of printers accepts compatible cartridges. The main question is whether a trustworthy replica of your printer’s cartridge is available. The production of compatible cartridges can sometimes take a while when printer models are new.  

Find out if your printer’s make and model of the ink cartridge has a consistent alternative via your printer ink supplier. Until a third party makes a compatible printer ink cartridge for your printer, you may have to stick with genuine printer ink cartridges. 

 

Are generic cartridges less expensive than genuine toners? 

 In a nutshell, yes.  

These cartridges have the advantage, which makes them so attractive. It is important to remember that poorly manufactured cartridges can cause problems for your printer. 

It is best to stick with one brand of compatible toner cartridges if they work well. It is because original toners don’t change when a printer changes, but the toner source or mix changes when a printer changes. 

Toners made by compatible companies tend to be cheaper because they produce their own. Therefore, switching toner suppliers will result in a different toner, which may not mix with your printer. Color laser printers are significantly affected by this, as the toner is much finer. 

It is essential to check your printer warranty from the manufacturer before using compatible cartridges, as they can void your warranty. 

  

OEM cartridge vs Compatible toner – What Works Best? 

The real question here is, what is your print volume? What type of printing do you do? 

 

Print frequency

The main concern here is the ink drying and clogging the printer heads, so if you print fewer sheets per month, it might be best to stick with originals, as they contain a chemical to keep the ink from drying up.  

Compatibility cartridges can last long if kept in a cool, distant dry place away from direct sunlight. For it melts the toner powder which can destroy your device adding more expense on your head. 

The cost of printing is significantly reduced if you purchase compatibles instead of originals since they are cheaper containing more ink, making them a far superior option. 

  

Printing types

Text Documents-

A compatible printer bypasses the original, printing bold, sharp text that is just as good as the original. Compatible ink or toner is highly recommended if you print many text documents. 

  

Photos/Images-

Undeniably, original inks, combined with the original paper, will always produce the best results when printing photos. 

Even so, compatibles still provide excellent photo prints if you buy from a respectable seller; it is almost impossible to identify the original from the compatible. 

  

Do research and development increase the price of new ink? 

As a manufacturer makes the most money from original ink cartridges, their overheads, such as research and development, increase the price of original ink cartridges, increasing consumable costs once the customer buys a printer. 

Genuine manufacturers can charge a high price for their products because they have overhead, but compatible manufacturers don’t. 

  

Buy generic or original equipment toner cartridge for print quality  

Buying the genuine product is always the best option – and we’ve explained why. Before purchasing, you need to understand the risks of off-brand cartridges. 

The company that makes compatible cartridges is different from the original manufacturer. It often tries to undercut the original brand by making its products cheaper. Material costs are often lowered, design processes are simplified, and standards are generally lower. 

A printer’s quality and longevity can be negatively affected by using compatible cartridges, even if they can work fine in some cases. Non-brand name cartridges can void some manufacturer warranties because of these reasons. 

  

Genuine vs compatible ink cartridges- Does generic ink void HP printer warranty?  

Unfortunately, no. Your printer warranty will not be voided if you use compatible printer consumables. You can see this by comparing the original and the consistent cost in your HP device. Though buying compatibles can often save you as much as 70% in the long run it may create trouble in your printing device. 

Companies such as HP work closely with local law enforcement authorities to combat fraud and counterfeiting within the supply chain of toner and ink. HP has an Anti-Counterfeiting and Fraud (ACF) Program to help improve consumer protection and business security by arresting and raiding offenders. 

 

Remanufactured cartridge or the original OEM? Final one!  

Originals will always be the best. 

Compared to remanufactured and compatible toners, OEM toner is superior in quality and performs better. 

It is important to note that OEM toners produce high-quality images. It also assures text printing that it won’t fade quickly.  

Further, it provides high page yields and more accurate coloring, which are free from any risks associated with malfunctioning or damaging your printer. So, as an expert we recommend the originals.  

  

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION (FAQ)    

How does genuine ink differ from original ink? 

 Manufacturers make original or genuine cartridges. 

An HP original cartridge, for example, is made by HP. Manufacturers of printers may attach the initials OEM to genuine cartridges that they develop and endorse for a specific printer. 

  

Do you recommend using compatible ink? 

In contrast to counterfeit cartridges compatible and aftermarket cartridges are genuine. Ink cartridges from third parties are legal if they are marked as such. 

  

Do original cartridges outperform their alternatives? 

It’s not necessary. Due to the custom design, it should work flawlessly with a particular printer. It is possible, however, for original cartridges to malfunction from time to time. Alternatively, many manufacturers of compatible cartridges produce products of the same quality as genuine cartridges. 

  

What makes compatible cartridges and remanufactured cartridges cheaper than originals? 

Business models vary from company to company. Due to the one-time nature of printers, original cartridge manufacturers don’t earn much therefore the originals are relatively expensive. 

The business model of other brands differs, resulting in lower prices. Our primary focus at Newspower is to provide our customers with high-quality products at an affordable price. 

  

Do remanufactured cartridges affect my printer warranty? 

Well, it depends upon the brand. Your printer warranty may get voided. So, before using any remanufactured cartridge, make sure you go through the terms and conditions. 

  

Ink cartridges: where should I buy them? 

You can buy different types of cartridges. 

Original, remanufactured, and compatible cartridges are found in numerous offline and online stores. Check their warranty and return policy before choosing one of them so that you can fix, or replace a cartridge if necessary. 

  

What is the best way to find out if a cartridge I want will fit with my printer? 

Check your printer’s compatibility list to find out what types of cartridges are accepted. You can also search for cartridges by printer model on Newspower’s website. The cartridge can also be exchanged if you have ordered the wrong model by mistake at Newspower. 

  

How should I handle a cartridge problem? 

Your cartridge supplier is the best place to start. 

A warranty covers all products provided by reputable companies. Whenever you need assistance, you can contact our customer support team. 

  

What is the difference between compatible and remanufactured cartridges? 

There are a few differences between compatible replacement cartridges and remanufactured cartridges. Compatible cartridges are made from scratch, suiting your OEM cartridges, while remanufactured cartridges are recycled OEM cartridge shells that have been cleaned and rebuilt. 

  

Is it worthwhile to purchase remanufactured ink? 

The ink from remanufactured cartridges has a significantly lower quality. There is no comparison between the ink used by original manufacturers and the ink used in remanufactured cartridges.