Why are printers so cheap?

Because the money is made on ink. Inkjets are routinely sold at or below cost, so a very cheap printer with expensive low-yield cartridges costs far more over three years than a dearer one.

Are tank printers worth it?

If you print regularly, yes — much higher up-front cost, dramatically lower cost per page. If you print twice a year, no; the ink may dry out before you use it.

How do I compare printers properly?

Cost per page. Divide the cartridge price by its stated page yield, then compare that number rather than the price of the machine.

Cheapest place to buy a printer in the UK

Printers are sold at a loss so the ink can be sold at a profit.

Updated 25 September 2026 · 1 min read

The purchase price is a deliberate distraction

Inkjet printers are routinely sold at or below cost, because the business model is the cartridges afterwards. A very cheap printer with expensive, low-yield cartridges costs far more over three years than a dearer machine with economical ones.

The comparison that matters is cost per page. Divide the cartridge price by its stated page yield, and suddenly the category makes sense.

Tank printers change the arithmetic

Refillable tank printers cost considerably more up front and dramatically less per page. If you print regularly they pay back; if you print twice a year they do not, and the ink may dry out before you use it.

What actually drives the price

Cartridge cost and yield. The only figure that matters over the machine’s life.
Tank versus cartridge, a completely different cost model.
Laser versus inkjet. Mono laser is far cheaper per page for text and cannot do photographs.
Subscription ink plans, which can be genuinely cheaper and do tie you in.

Before you buy

Find the cartridge or tank price and its page yield.
Work out cost per page and compare on that.
Estimate honestly how much you print — it decides tank versus cartridge.
If you only print documents, price a mono laser.
Check whether the machine requires a subscription for full function.