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After reviewing 100 ink cartridges from some of the leading printer brands, I discovered a shocking fact: HP 65 tri-color ink cartridges are some of the most expensive in the world, costing a whopping $9,995 per liter.
While each cartridge costs just $19.99, the ink is far from economical.
Here’s an explanation of why this HP printer cartridge may seem cheap at the time of purchase, but may end up being one of the most expensive investments for the average user.
For just $19.99, you can replace your HP 65 tri-color ink cartridge and keep printing. But here’s the thing: for $19.99, you only get 2 ml of ink, which is enough to print about 100 pages. While 100 pages seems reasonable, if you do the math, you’ll spend $200 on cartridges for every 1,000 pages printed. If you use a liter of ink, the total cost is close to $10,000! This seemingly affordable product is actually one of the most expensive things you’ll buy for your printer in the long run.
Now let’s compare this to other ink options. Take the Epson T850, for example, whose 80ml cartridges cost $71 and can print up to 850 pages. With this printer, printing 1,000 pages would cost just under $85, which is much less than using HP’s 65ml cartridges. Another example is the Brother LC75C, whose 12ml cartridges cost $15.49 and can print 600 pages. In comparison, printing 1,000 pages would cost just $25.82.
Why are HP 65 Tri-color cartridges so expensive? The answer lies in the economics of the printer. Printer manufacturers like HP sell printers at very competitive prices, but recoup their profits by selling high-margin cartridges. For example, printers compatible with HP 65 Tri-color cartridges, such as the HP DeskJet 3755 or HP Envy 5055, are usually very affordable. However, once users purchase these inexpensive printers, they have to bear the high costs of replacing cartridges like the HP 65. This model means that although the printer itself is inexpensive, the long-term printing costs are not insignificant.
For users who need to print a certain number of documents or images, ink cartridge printers are the best choice. Ink cartridge printers have a significantly lower cost per page and allow you to print thousands of pages before you need to refill the ink. Unlike traditional ink cartridges, which have a limited supply of ink, ink cartridges are designed for high-volume printing and can significantly reduce the total cost of ownership.
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When shopping for cartridges, think beyond price. To choose the right ink for your printer, it’s important to consider the total cost of ownership based on the number of pages you print. For example, looking at the cost of printing 1,000 pages can give you a clearer picture of the long-term costs involved.
You can easily spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars printing with traditional HP cartridge models like the HP 65 or HP 67. But with a cartridge printer, you’ll save a lot of money because refill costs are only a fraction of the cost per page.
Efosa has been writing about technology for over 7 years, initially out of curiosity but now driven by a strong passion for the tech sector. He holds an MSc and PhD, which provide a solid foundation for his analytical thinking. Efosa has developed a keen interest in technology policy, specifically examining the intersection of privacy, security and policy. His research delves into how technological advances impact regulatory frameworks and societal norms, particularly around data protection and cybersecurity. Since joining TechRadar Pro, he has focused on B2B security products in addition to privacy and technology policy. Efosa can be reached at udinmwenefosa@gmail.com
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Post time: Jun-18-2025