Genuine Inkjet Printer Cartridges vs. Compatible Cartridges

There seems to be an ever growing debate over whether compatible inkjet printer cartridges are as good as genuine inkjet printer cartridges – and like any other debate, both sides have some strong points.. Somebody who is consistently printing will know this debate well, as it’s one they probably have with themselves every time it comes to purchasing new ink.

The main difference between the two is simple. Genuine inkjet printer cartridges are considered to be "genuine" because their ink is provided by leading brands such as Canon and HP. A lot of the time, people will use the same brand of ink as their printer, as a certain sense of safety comes with using brands you know. Compatible inkjet printer cartridges, on the other hand, are the generic alternative.

A quick internet search might show that you can find a generic version of the inkjet printer cartridge that you usually use. And so, the debate begins. Which provides a better quality ink? Is there even a difference? Why pay for a branded version when you can achieve the same outcome with a compatible cartridge? Both types of inkjet printer cartridges have their pros and cons. Here’s a breakdown so you can decide for yourself. Compatible Cartridges

Compatible inkjet printer cartridges are attractive to some because they’re often the cheaper option. When you’re not paying for a name, you’re generally spending less money on inkjet printer cartridges. It’s like paying for the cheaper, home brand version and running the risk of it not being as good.

For this reason, generic or "no name" inkjet printer cartridges are often used by the likes of students for cheaper, more accessible printing. But it raises questions of whether or not the price has an impact on the ink’s quality and whether choosing the cheaper option is worth it. The question ultimately comes down to how the inkjet printer cartridges are produced.

Genuine Cartridges

Genuine inkjet printer cartridges are supplied by big name printing brands like Brother and Epson and are generally the more trusted choice. A lot of retailers will only provide genuine inkjet printer cartridges because they know they provide high-quality results for various printing needs. And here’s why.

When ink cartridges are created by brands that commonly work in printing and paper, they know how and why the ink is going to be used. Not only will they consider how the ink will be used in the specific printers they manufacture it for, but they will also consider how the ink will interact with different paper types. Meanwhile, a generic inkjet printer cartridge might not be suitable for the type of printer or paper you want to use it with.

Using genuine inkjet printer cartridges is the easiest way to ensure you’re achieving high-quality and durable printing. Branded cartridges are also more likely to come with a guarantee and refund promise. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make and may depend on other factors such as budget and availability.

Sally is an enthusiastic blogger and marketing manager. She maintains keen interest in progress and development in the marketing and business space.