What is HP Instant Ink?
What is HP Instant Ink? – HP Instant Ink is a subscription service available on selected HP Wi-Fi printers. With an Instant Ink subscription, you pay a monthly fee to print a set number of pages on your home printer. HP automatically sends you ink cartridges whenever you need topping up, and delivery costs and recycling methods are included in the subscription. You can print – text, images, or photos – up to the agreed monthly limit of pages.
How does HP Instant Ink work?
HP Instant Ink is a monthly subscription service where your compatible HP printer can automatically order new ink cartridges as soon as they run out. You pay for the number of pages you print, with packages ranging from 50 to 700 pages per month. If you exceed your page limit, an overage usage fee is charged. While the name suggests that the service is instant, it is actually a subscription service where HP posts the amount of ink you need when you need it. In theory, HP will eventually figure out your ordering patterns and send out ink when you’re almost out of your current cartridge.
HP Instant Ink Cost Comparison
According to the instant ink usage costs testing carried out by Which.co.uk, using Instant Ink cartridges is generally 65% more expensive than using OEM cartridges and up to 300% more expensive than using private-label compatible cartridges – depending on the usage scenario. This makes HP Instant Ink pricier, especially compared to compatible ink cartridges, and you end up paying for the convenience of the subscription.
The Drawbacks of Using Instant Ink
While HP Instant Ink can be a convenient and cost-effective solution for regular printer users, there are also some potential downsides to consider.
- Stuck with their cartridges: When you subscribe to HP Instant Ink, you can only use HP Instant Ink cartridges. While this is due to the technology used to automatically order new ink, it can become inconvenient. If you have a problem with your cartridge, you’ll need to connect to HP support and ask them to manually send you a new cartridge, which can be time-consuming.
- Must stay connected: Your printer always needs to be connected to the internet to print when using HP Instant Ink. This can be challenging as printers tend to drop WIFI connections, although HP has attempted to fix this with self-healing WIFI in some of their newer printers. Hardwiring to a network is recommended whenever possible.
- Long support process: If you need support from HP’s customer service, the process can be time-consuming, involving running different tests, resets, connections, and cleanings. However, even when you tell them that you know printers well and just need a new cartridge, the support agent must go through all the steps.
- Cartridges stop working when you cancel: If you cancel your HP Instant Ink subscription, the HP Instant Ink cartridges will no longer work in your printer, and you’ll need to replace them with normal ink cartridges from the store. This can be frustrating for some customers, but it’s important to note that with HP Instant Ink, you’re not buying the cartridges, but rather the ability to print. As long as you keep paying the subscription fee, you retain the ability to print.
- HP is constantly watching you: When you purchase an HP Instant Ink subscription, you agree to share all your printing activities with HP. They can see how many pages you print and how much ink is left in your cartridges. While this may be concerning to some users, it allows HP to monitor your ink usage and send you ink when you need it.
- Not Ideal for Infrequent Printing: If you only print occasionally, then HP Instant Ink may not be the best option for you. The monthly subscription fee may not be worth it if you only print a few pages a month. In this case, it may be more cost-effective to purchase individual ink cartridges as needed.
- Potential for Overpaying: If you don’t use up all your allotted pages each month, you may end up overpaying for ink. It’s important to choose a subscription plan that fits your printing needs to avoid wasting money on unused pages.
Is HP Instant Ink Worth it?
HP Instant Ink can be a good choice for some users who print on a semi-regular basis and do occasional at-home photo printing. However, it can also be quite expensive for the average user and especially businesses who require frequent prints. While the monthly fee and the ability to print without worrying about ink levels may seem attractive, factors such as a monthly bill, internet connectivity issues, and printing outside of your plan can be major drawbacks. Before signing up for HP Instant Ink, it’s important to carefully consider your printing needs and compare the costs of the program to buying ink cartridges as needed.
Does HP Instant Ink have any benefits?
While there are certainly benefits to HP Instant Ink, such as the ability to print without worrying about running out of ink and the convenience of not having to manually buy new cartridges, there are also significant drawbacks to consider. These include the monthly bill, potential internet connectivity issues, and the fact that you may end up paying more for ink than you would if you bought cartridges as needed. Ultimately, whether or not HP Instant Ink is right for you will depend on your individual printing needs and budget.
How to Cancel HP Instant Ink?
If you need to cancel your HP Instant Ink subscription, you can do so at any time without penalty. To cancel your subscription, sign in to your HP account, select the printer you wish to cancel, and then choose “Cancel my HP Instant Ink Subscription” from the Account Settings menu. It’s important to note that your Instant Ink cartridge will stop working when your subscription ends.
Additionally, you will need to return the Instant Ink cartridge to HP. For more information on cancelling your HP Instant Ink subscription, visit HP’s Instant Ink cancellation page.