{"id":1040,"date":"2024-01-10T10:45:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-10T10:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cartridgepeople.com\/blog\/oem-vs-compatible"},"modified":"2026-05-06T15:57:46","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T14:57:46","slug":"oem-vs-compatible","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cartridgepeople.com\/info\/blog\/oem-vs-compatible","title":{"rendered":"Original Ink Cartridges vs Compatible"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In this blog post, we’ll talk about the comparisons between OEM vs Compatible. Many aren\u2019t aware that compatible ink cartridges<\/a> are an available alternative to OEM, original printer ink. Using compatible cartridges can save you a large amount of money<\/a>, consistently. Here we\u2019ll go over the difference between OEM ink vs compatible ink and explain why switching<\/a> to compatible can be a great idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the Difference Between Original and Compatible Ink Cartridges?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First of all, it\u2019s important to explain what we mean by the terms OEM, compatible and remanufactured ink and toner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When buying replacement ink cartridges, you first need find out what ink your printer uses, (the Cartridge Finder on this page can help you with this). Often, three types of printer consumable will be available for you, what differentiates them is who made them and how.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The Definitions You Need to Know:<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Need more information on printing terms? Check out our Printing Glossary<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OEM Ink Cartridges<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Original Equipment Manufacturer is also referred to as the OEM<\/strong> or original. They’ll be the same company that produced the printer that you need to buy the ink and toner for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also available to buy today from Cartridge People is an extensive range of OEM ink and toner<\/a> from all of the well-known brands like HP<\/a>, Canon<\/a>, Epson<\/a>, Brother<\/a> and much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a Compatible Ink Cartridge?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Non-OEM cartridges, (also known as compatible cartridges<\/strong>), are produced by a third party that is separate to the OEM. If an ink or toner cartridge is an OEM compatible, then that means that they are designed to be used by the corresponding OEM printer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remanufactured Ink Cartridges<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finally, remanufactured ink cartridges are not brand new cartridges. After being returned, they\u2019re then cleaned and refilled. This furthers the lifecycle of the original product and is a more environmentally friendly option, reducing the amount of solid waste that\u2019s generated and conserving raw materials. Remanufactured cartridges are essentially rebuilt to the highest standards of quality control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are Compatible Ink Cartridges Less Expensive?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes, for the most part compatible printer ink is a lot more affordable than the original alternative. Providing better value for money, this is because the compatible manufacturers don\u2019t have to factor in all of the additional costs that the original manufacturer does when creating and selling these printer consumables. These savings can then be passed onto the customer whenever they buy a compatible ink or toner cartridge.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Are Compatible Ink Cartridges Safe?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Absolutely, it\u2019s OK to use compatible ink and toner! That is, as long as you buy from a trusted and reputable retailer, like us here at Cartridge People. Our Compatible Own Brand ink and toner cartridges have been sourced by our industry experts and have undergone stringent testing, so you don\u2019t need to worry about them damaging your printer.<\/strong> Using compatible inks is a safe choice that can save you a lot of money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When buying reputable products, you don’t need to worry about potentially damaging your printer. A compatible toner cartridge shouldn’t damage a laser printer. Likewise, a compatible ink cartridge shouldn’t damage an inkjet printer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please Note: It\u2019s also important to store ink cartridges<\/a> properly to avoid damage and keep them from drying out, making them last longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will Using Compatible Ink Invalidate My Printer Warranty?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Using compatible ink cartridges won\u2019t<\/strong> invalidate your printer warranty! The biggest myth surrounding compatible ink cartridges, this misconception could prevent you from taking advantage of the significant savings that compatible printer ink and toner can offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Compatible Ink and Toner as Good as OEM?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There is a common misconception that low cost always has to mean low quality. Compatible ink and toner can produce comparable results to OEM printouts and are definitely worth buying.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Designed to deliver the same standard printouts as original cartridges, when asking which is better, compatible or original, you should consider a few key points. The price difference, the comparable print quality and the increased page yields all make them a great alternative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should Businesses Use Compatible or Original Ink Cartridges?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you manage printing expenses for your business, or are simply looking to lower your business expenditure this year, it\u2019s important to consider the ways in which compatible ink cartridges can save your business money. For more information about the ways in which switching to Cartridge People Compatible Own Brand can save you money, head to our Switch, Save, Secure<\/a> page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ultimately though, compatible ink cartridges are a more affordable option and it\u2019s hard to argue with the idea that less expenses = a more efficient and profitable business. These cost savings are amplified further when buying in bulk. For businesses then, it makes the most sense to buy the less expensive option regardless of whether it\u2019s a bulk purchase or not, especially when the more affordable option can match the original\u2019s quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cartridge People Compatible Own Brand<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cartridge People Compatible Own Brand<\/a> ink and toner is covered by our Lifetime Printer Guarantee<\/a>. This means that in the unlikely event that our Compatible Own Brand cartridges have been found to cause damage, we\u2019ll repair or replace your printer for you. What this means for you is that printing using our Compatible Own Brand products is both hassle-free and affordable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Cartridge People, we have plenty of support<\/a> available should you encounter any issues with our compatible ink and toner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shop Our Compatible Own Brand Range Today!<\/h3>\n\n\n

Featured Product Wall block is not available in the editor preview.<\/p>\n\n

On our site you\u2019ll be able to find the right cartridges for you, whether you need compatible HP ink cartridges, compatible ink cartridges for Epson printers or other well-known brands, in various pack sizes to suit you.<\/p>\n

Not sure what ink cartridges you need? Use the helpful cartridge finder on this page to quickly find the printer ink you need. Simply choose the manufacturer of your printer, what family of printer it is, and then the printer model. Finally, press the \u2018Find my cartridges\u2019 button.<\/p>\n

OEM vs Cartridge People Compatible Own Brand<\/h2>\n

On average, you can save 31%<\/strong> on high-capacity ink cartridges, as well as 38%<\/strong> on high-capacity printer toner (percentage based on a like-for-like purchase).<\/p>\n

As well as saving money<\/a>, our Compatible Own Brand cartridges will often contain more product when comparing OEM vs compatible. On average our cartridges have 77% more ink<\/strong> than the manufacturer originals.<\/p>\n

Our Compatible Own Brand ink cartridges can contain up to 325% more ink<\/strong> than the original (percentage based on a Compatible HP 305XL black ink cartridge). Our Compatible Own Brand ink and toner will generally last longer before running out.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve tested our Cartridge People Compatible Own Brand cartridges against the original products to prove this. We found that our Compatible Own Brand ink provides significantly better value than the OEM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

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