Why should I use genuine Epson ink cartridges?

Description

Epson is dedicated to providing industry-leading image quality and durability through a printing system that combines Micro Piezo technology with genuine Epson inks and media.

Solution

Genuine vs. Compatible vs. Remanufactured Ink

  • Genuine Epson ink undergoes extensive research and development, is manufactured in purpose-built facilities, and is rigorously tested — guaranteeing compatibility with the printer and reliable, high-quality results. Epson also provides a recycling programme for ink cartridges.
  • Compatible ink is a misleading name — the cartridge and ink are not created, manufactured, tested, or approved by Epson. Generally cheaper, but often faulty, unreliable, and less effective — a false economy.
  • Remanufactured ink is a used Epson cartridge that has been cleaned and resold. Cheaper than genuine ink, but the ink itself isn't Epson-manufactured and the cartridge isn't tested or approved by Epson. Often marketed as environmentally friendly, though this isn't necessarily the case — they're often faulty, unreliable, and less effective.

Why Genuine Ink?

A genuine Epson ink cartridge is an entire system for preserving and delivering ink consistently. Epson doesn't make ink for other manufacturers, and other manufacturers don't make ink for Epson. Genuine cartridges are specially formulated for consistent photo-quality prints, help guarantee printer reliability, and prolong printer life.

Disadvantages of Remanufactured and Compatible Inks

  • Not being able to print when needed:
    • Print nozzles can clog
    • Cartridges may not be recognised or may not fit
    • Cartridges can arrive broken
  • Poor print quality:
    • Inconsistent quality; smudges, blurs, inaccurate colour, faded colours, streaks, loss of detail
    • Not durable — prints fade quickly
  • Time spent fixing problems:
    • Leaking cartridges, paper jams
    • Cartridges not fitting or not recognised
    • May invalidate the printer warranty

Independent Test Results

Epson's recommendations are supported by independent research. Torrey Pines Research tested genuine Epson cartridges against various non-genuine "compatible" cartridges and refills, and found genuine Epson cartridges consistently outperformed them — printers using genuine ink had higher yields and more reliable performance.

PC World magazine similarly commissioned the Wilhelm Imaging Research Centre to test durability and image quality between Epson and aftermarket cartridges. Genuine Epson ink cartridges offered better overall durability, image quality, and reliability. As the magazine put it: "...judging from our experience, finding a reasonably priced substitute for brand-name ink can be a risky business... you may have to spend a lot of time cleaning clogged print heads."

Genuine Epson inks, toners, ribbons, and paper are available to purchase directly from Epson.