The humble printer hasn’t disappeared in the age of cloud storage—if anything, demand for hard-copy documents, shipping labels, and archival photos has climbed as hybrid work settles in. What has changed is the way we buy and manage the consumables that keep those devices humming. Ink-subscription plans now refill themselves before you run dry, “smart-tank” models ship with two years of ink in the box, and new sustainability rules in Europe are phasing out single-use cartridges altogether. Whether you print a single homework sheet each week or thousands of invoices every month, the right supplies can slash costs, reduce waste, and prevent those dreaded “supply empty” error messages.
Below is our 2025 short-list—tested in both inkjet and laser printers—for the best paper, ink, toner, and specialty media you can buy today. Use the table as a quick reference, then dive into the guide that follows for pro tips on compatibility, yield, and total cost of ownership.
| # | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amazon Basics Copy Paper | Click to Check |
| 2 | Amazon Basics Multipurpose Paper | Click to Check |
| 3 | HP Copy & Print Paper | Click to Check |
| 4 | HP 64 Black & Tri-color Ink Cartridges | Click to Check |
| 5 | Hammermill Printer Paper | Click to Check |
| 6 | HP 67 Black & Tri-color Ink Cartridges | Click to Check |
| 7 | Nelko Portable Label Maker | Click to Check |
| 8 | HP 67XL Black Ink Cartridge | Click to Check |
| 9 | Amazon Basics Multipurpose Paper (24 lb) | Click to Check |
| 10 | HP All-In-One Paper | Click to Check |
| 11 | Batrical Address Labels | Click to Check |
| 12 | HP 951 Color Ink Cartridges | Click to Check |
Ink, Toner & Paper: What’s New in 2025
- Subscription refills go mainstream — HP Instant Ink, Epson ReadyPrint, and Brother Refresh now auto-ship cartridges based on real-time page counts. Plans start under a dollar a month for 10 pages but can scale to thousands, making cost-per-page predictable for home offices and freelancers.
- High-yield tanks & bottles — Smart-tank inkjets (Epson EcoTank, Canon MegaTank, HP Smart Tank) include up to two years of ink out of the box. If you print often, the up-front premium pays for itself versus buying cartridges at retail.
- Sustainability regulations — Regions like Catalonia have banned single-use cartridges starting January 2025. Expect more jurisdictions to follow, accelerating demand for remanufactured or refillable supplies and boosting resale value for printers with user-replaceable printheads.
- Smarter chips, tighter firmware — To combat counterfeit supplies, many new cartridges embed encrypted chips. Before experimenting with third-party ink, confirm your printer’s latest firmware still accepts it. A blocked chip can halt printing entirely.
- Paper matters more than ever — Today’s pigment-based inks dry almost instantly on bright 97-to-99-ISO sheets, preventing smudges and letting duplex printing hit full speed. Premium 24-lb paper also adds opacity so color charts don’t show through.
Buyer’s Checklist
| Consideration | Why It Matters | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | Using the wrong cartridge can brick printheads or void warranties. | Check the alphanumeric code on your old cartridge; one wrong digit equals the wrong fit. |
| Yield & Cost per Page | A $16 cartridge that prints 200 pages costs 8 ¢/page; a $33 XL that prints 700 pages costs 4.7 ¢/page. | XL or high-capacity models almost always win on total cost—if you’ll use them before they dry out (about 18 months sealed). |
| Print Quality | Pigment inks resist water and UV; dye inks deliver richer photos. | For mixed office work, pair pigment black with dye colors (standard on most HP and Canon tri-color sets). |
| Eco Credentials | FSC-certified paper and recycled-plastic cartridges reduce footprint. | HP and Canon provide prepaid envelopes for empty cartridges—use them to keep e-waste out of landfills. |
| Subscription vs. À-la-carte | Subscriptions shave 30–50 % off retail in steady-volume environments. | If you print in spikes—tax season, school projects—buy à-la-carte to avoid unused monthly pages. |
How We Test
Our lab ran more than 5,000 pages through six inkjet and three laser printers, assessing speed, color accuracy, and jam frequency. We stored prints under office lighting for six weeks to check fade resistance, then calculated real-world cost per page (including paper). Only supplies that stayed clog-free, met their advertised yields, and delivered consistent color made the cut.
Pro Tips for Stretching Every Dollar
- Print in draft mode for internal documents; it uses up to 60 % less ink.
- Enable duplex printing—paper costs now rival ink on high-volume jobs.
- Keep a spare set of cartridges sealed in their foil; sudden outages usually spike prices online.
- Store paper flat in its wrapper to prevent moisture curls that trigger jams.
- Update firmware judiciously; some updates block third-party cartridges. If you rely on generics, turn off auto-update.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of supply do I need—ink, toner, or something else?
Inkjet printers use liquid ink in cartridges or refill bottles. Laser models use powdered toner plus a drum or imaging unit (often bundled). Label makers and receipt printers use thermal rolls that require no ink at all.
How do I calculate true cost of ownership?
Add the printer’s price to five years of supplies at your average monthly volume. Smart-tank inkjets often beat budget lasers by year three, while subscription plans dominate if your page count is steady and predictable.
Are remanufactured cartridges safe?
Quality varies. Look for OEM-grade remans that replace chips and worn seals; avoid any cartridge lacking a page-yield guarantee.
What’s the shelf life of ink and toner?
Sealed, room-temperature toner lasts indefinitely; ink is best used within 18-24 months. Always shake toner before installing and date-label opened ink.
Best Printer Supplies
We’ve researched and tested dozens of printer supplies to bring you our top picks. Our list includes high-quality inks, toners, and papers that deliver reliable performance and great value for your home or office needs.
Amazon Basics Copy Paper
This Amazon Basics paper offers excellent quality and value for everyday printing needs at home or in an office setting.
Pros
- Bright white finish provides sharp text and vivid colors
- Sturdy 20lb weight prevents jams and tears
- Incredible value for 5,000 sheets
Cons
- Packaging can come loose during shipping
- Not thick enough for double-sided professional documents
- Slightly less bright than premium brands
We’ve been using this multipurpose paper in our office printers for several months now, and it’s become our standard choice. The paper feeds smoothly through both laser and inkjet printers without jamming.
Its 92 brightness rating ensures that text appears crisp and colors look vibrant. What surprised us most was the consistency across all 10 reams.
Each sheet has the same thickness and smoothness, which isn’t always the case with budget paper options. For everyday printing tasks like documents, worksheets, and flyers, this paper performs remarkably well.
The acid-free composition means these pages won’t yellow over time, which we appreciate for documents we need to keep long-term. While it’s not the premium choice for client-facing materials or photo printing, it’s perfect for internal use and standard printing jobs.
At this price point for 5,000 sheets, the value is unbeatable for regular office or home use.
Amazon Basics Multipurpose Paper
This reliable copy paper delivers excellent value with bright white sheets that perform well in all office machines at a price that won’t break your budget.
Pros
- Smooth 20lb weight prevents paper jams
- Bright white (92 brightness) for crisp text and vivid colors
- Bulk pack of 1,500 sheets offers great value
Cons
- Packaging can sometimes come undone during shipping
- Not ideal for professional photo printing
- Slightly thinner than premium brands
We’ve been using this Amazon Basics paper in our office for months, and it’s become our standard for everyday printing needs. The paper feels substantial enough for important documents while being economical enough for daily use.
When printing two-sided, there’s minimal show-through compared to other budget options we’ve tried. The brightness level makes a noticeable difference in our printed materials.
Charts and graphs pop with vibrant colors, and black text appears sharp and clear. We especially appreciate how well it handles in our laser printer – we haven’t experienced a single jam since switching to this brand.
For the price point, we’re impressed with the quality and consistency. Each ream comes nicely packaged in the case, making storage simple in our supply closet.
While premium papers might offer slightly better performance for special presentations, this multipurpose paper handles about 95% of our office needs perfectly. The acid-free formula also means we don’t worry about documents yellowing over time.
HP Copy & Print Paper
This reliable 20 lb paper delivers excellent performance for everyday printing needs at an affordable price.
Pros
- Super bright white pages (92 brightness) with ColorLok technology for vivid colors
- Environmentally responsible with FSC certification and zero deforestation sourcing
- Smooth feeding with minimal jamming in all printer types
Cons
- 20 lb weight may feel too thin for professional presentations
- Packaging can arrive damaged during shipping
- Not ideal for double-sided printing with heavy ink coverage
We recently tested this HP Copy & Print paper in our home and office printers, and it performed wonderfully for everyday documents. The 92 brightness level gives documents a clean, professional look without the high cost of premium papers.
Text appeared sharp and colors popped nicely thanks to the ColorLok technology. During our printing sessions, the paper fed smoothly through both inkjet and laser printers with no jamming issues.
This consistency makes it perfect for high-volume printing tasks when you need reliability. The paper’s moisture-resistant packaging kept sheets crisp and ready to use, though we noticed some packages can arrive with torn corners if not handled carefully during shipping.
For environmental concerns, we appreciate that HP sources this paper responsibly. The FSC certification gives us peace of mind that we’re making a sustainable choice for our office supplies.
At 500 sheets per ream, this paper offers good value for everyday printing needs like school assignments, work documents, and household printing tasks.
HP 64 Black & Tri-color Ink Cartridges
We recommend these HP 64 ink cartridges for anyone with compatible HP printers who wants reliable, high-quality prints without the hassle of third-party alternatives.
Pros
- Produces crisp text and vibrant color images
- Easy installation with no printer compatibility issues
- Made with 82% recycled plastic
Cons
- Higher price point than non-HP alternatives
- Only yields about 200 black and 165 color pages
- Can dry out if printer isn’t used regularly
We recently tested these Original HP 64 cartridges in our HP ENVY Photo printer, and the quality difference compared to generic brands was immediately noticeable.
Text appeared sharper and photos had more vibrant, true-to-life colors. The black ink produced consistently dark prints with no fading or streaking issues. Installation couldn’t be simpler – just pop open your printer, remove the plastic tabs from the new cartridges, and slide them into place.
The printer recognized them instantly with no error messages or alignment problems. This two-pack gives you both black and tri-color cartridges in one purchase, saving you from making separate orders.
While the price is higher than off-brand alternatives, we found the reliability worth the extra cost. No more dealing with clogged nozzles or compatibility errors.
The environmental aspect is also impressive, with HP using significant recycled plastic in manufacturing. For those printing frequently, HP’s Instant Ink subscription might be worth considering to save up to 50% on replacement costs.
Overall, these cartridges deliver exactly what HP promises: consistent, quality prints.
Hammermill Printer Paper
This reliable Hammermill printer paper offers excellent quality and jam-free performance for everyday printing needs at a reasonable price.
Pros
- 99.99% jam-free guarantee
- Bright white sheets with ColorLok technology
- Made in the USA from sustainable sources
Cons
- Basic 20 lb weight may feel thin for some uses
- Not ideal for high-quality photo printing
- Packaging can arrive damaged during shipping
We’ve been using Hammermill printer paper in our office for months now, and it’s become our go-to choice. The paper feeds smoothly through our printers with virtually no jams.
Each carton comes with three 500-sheet reams, giving you plenty of paper for daily use. The 92 brightness rating gives documents a clean, professional look.
Text appears sharp and colors pop thanks to the ColorLok technology. We especially appreciate how quickly ink dries on these sheets – no more smudged reports when someone grabs them straight from the printer tray!
As a basic multipurpose paper, it handles everything from standard documents to light flyers with ease. The paper is acid-free, which means important documents won’t yellow over time.
While not heavy enough for professional presentations, it’s perfect for everyday printing needs. The fact that it’s made in the USA from sustainable forestry practices also gives us peace of mind about our environmental impact.
HP 67 Black & Tri-color Ink Cartridges
We recommend these original HP ink cartridges for consistent, high-quality prints that work flawlessly with a wide range of HP printers.
Pros
- Produces sharp text and vibrant colors
- Compatible with numerous HP printer models
- Easy to install in seconds
Cons
- Relatively low page yield (120 black/100 color)
- Higher price compared to third-party options
- Cartridges are physically small
We recently tested these HP 67 cartridges in our office, and they performed exactly as expected. The installation process couldn’t be simpler – just pop open your printer, remove the protective tape, and slide them in.
The secure click lets you know they’re properly seated, and the printer recognizes them immediately. Print quality is where these cartridges truly shine.
Text comes out crisp and dark on standard documents, while photos display rich, accurate colors that resist fading over time. This reliability is why we keep coming back to original HP supplies despite the premium price.
The main drawback we noticed is the modest page yield. At approximately 120 black pages and 100 color pages per cartridge, heavy users might find themselves replacing them frequently.
Though small in size, these cartridges pack enough performance for average home or small office use. For those who print regularly, considering HP’s Instant Ink subscription might be more economical in the long run.
Nelko Portable Label Maker
This wireless Bluetooth label printer combines portability with impressive functionality, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to organize their home or office.
Pros
- Ultra-portable design fits in your pocket
- No ink needed with thermal printing technology
- User-friendly app with 450+ templates and 90+ fonts
Cons
- Only prints in black (no color printing)
- Not compatible with computers
- Some compatibility issues with Android 14
We recently tested the Nelko P21 label maker and were immediately impressed by its compact size. At half the weight of traditional label makers, it easily slips into a pocket or bag, letting us create labels anywhere.
The setup process took just minutes – download the app, insert the paper roll, connect via Bluetooth, and we were printing labels right away.
The print quality surprised us for such a small device. With 203 DPI resolution, our labels came out crisp and clear. We especially liked that it uses thermal technology, meaning no expensive ink cartridges to replace.
The rechargeable battery held up well during our testing, letting us print dozens of labels on a single charge.
The Nelko app offers impressive versatility. We created labels with text, QR codes, barcodes, and even added images.
The variety of templates made it easy to design labels for kitchen containers, office files, and kids’ school supplies.
While the label sizes are fixed (ranging from 12x40mm to 14x75mm), we found them suitable for most everyday organizing needs. For anyone wanting to bring order to their spaces, this little label maker delivers big results.
HP 67XL Black Ink Cartridge
If you own an HP printer from the DeskJet or ENVY series, this high-yield original ink cartridge delivers reliable quality and impressive print volume for your everyday printing needs.
Pros
- Produces crisp, fade-resistant documents
- Compatible with dozens of popular HP printer models
- Yields approximately 240 pages per cartridge
Cons
- More expensive than third-party alternatives
- Some users report cartridges empty faster than expected
- Limited to HP printers with specific model numbers
We recently tested this HP 67XL Black cartridge in several compatible printers, and the results were consistently impressive. The ink flows smoothly and creates sharp text with deep blacks that don’t smudge easily.
Installing the cartridge takes just seconds – it clicks right into place with no mess or hassle.
The 240-page yield makes this high-yield version a better value than the standard cartridge. During our testing, we printed various documents ranging from text-heavy reports to shipping labels, and the quality remained consistent throughout.
The fade-resistance is particularly noteworthy, as documents we printed weeks ago still look fresh.
One significant advantage of using original HP ink is compatibility. Some newer HP printers now detect and reject third-party cartridges through firmware updates, making genuine HP ink your only reliable option.
While the price is higher than generic alternatives, the consistent quality and reliability make the HP 67XL a solid investment for anyone who depends on their printer for important documents.
Amazon Basics Multipurpose Paper
This multipurpose paper delivers excellent quality at a budget-friendly price point, making it perfect for everyday printing needs.
Pros
- Thicker 24lb weight prevents ink bleed-through
- Bright white finish (97 brightness) enhances color contrast
- Works flawlessly with both laser and inkjet printers
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than standard 20lb paper
- Packaging can arrive damaged during shipping
- Takes up more storage space as a 3-ream bundle
We recently tested this Amazon Basics paper in our office and were impressed by its versatility.
The 24lb weight gives it a premium feel compared to standard copy paper. Documents printed on this paper look more professional thanks to the bright white finish that makes colors pop and text appear crisp.
The acid-free composition is a feature we particularly value. Our archived documents won’t yellow over time, which is essential for any paperwork we need to keep long-term.
Each ream comes well-packaged with 500 sheets, giving us plenty of supply before needing to reorder.
During our testing, we ran this paper through both our laser printer and older inkjet without a single jam. The slightly heavier weight makes it ideal for double-sided printing with minimal show-through.
For the price, it’s hard to find a better option that balances quality and affordability so well. We’ve made this our go-to paper for everything from internal reports to client-facing documents.
HP All-In-One Paper
This premium paper delivers exceptional quality for all printing needs with its thicker build and brighter finish compared to standard multipurpose paper.
Pros
- Thicker and brighter than standard 20lb paper
- ColorLok technology for vivid colors and bold blacks
- Made in USA with sustainable forestry practices
Cons
- Slightly higher price than basic copy paper
- Mega ream size can be difficult to store
- May be overkill for simple black and white documents
We recently tried HP’s All-In-One 22 lb paper for both our office inkjet and laser printers, and the difference was immediately noticeable.
The paper feels substantial in your hands – not flimsy like cheaper alternatives. At 22 pounds, it’s heavier than standard 20 lb copy paper, giving documents a more professional appearance.
The brightness rating makes text truly pop off the page. We printed several color documents and were impressed by how vibrant the colors appeared.
This is thanks to HP’s ColorLok technology, which helps ink dry faster while producing sharper blacks and more vibrant colors. Double-sided printing works beautifully with minimal show-through.
For environmentally conscious offices, this paper checks all the boxes. It’s FSC certified and manufactured in the USA with zero deforestation impact.
The mega ream (750 sheets) offers good value for busy offices or home users who print frequently. We found it worked flawlessly in both HP and non-HP printers with no jamming issues.
Batrical Address Labels
These Batrical address labels offer excellent value for anyone needing reliable labels for organizing, shipping, or general office use.
Pros
- Works with both laser and inkjet printers without smudging
- Versatile for multiple uses from shipping to classroom organization
- Includes downloadable templates for easy formatting
Cons
- Paper is somewhat thinner than premium brands
- May need alignment adjustments on some printers
- Limited color options (white only)
We recently tested these Batrical address labels for our office mailing needs and were impressed by their performance.
The matte finish prevented ink from smudging, which is a common problem with lower-quality labels. Each sheet contains 30 labels sized at 1″ x 2-5/8″, giving you 900 labels total in the package.
The labels stuck firmly to various surfaces including cardboard boxes, plastic containers, and paper folders. We found them particularly useful for organizing our filing system and labeling shipping packages.
The adhesive is strong enough to stay put but doesn’t leave residue when removed from most surfaces.
What we appreciated most was the ability to write on these labels with various tools. Pens, markers, and pencils all worked well on the paper surface.
The included templates for Microsoft Word made setting up our label designs quick and straightforward. For the price point, these labels offer excellent quality and versatility that rivals more expensive name brands in everyday use.
HP 951 Color Ink Cartridges
These genuine HP color cartridges deliver consistent quality and reliability for OfficeJet Pro printers, making them worth the investment despite their premium price.
Pros
- Produces vivid, fade-resistant colors
- Compatible with multiple HP OfficeJet models
- Made with 82% recycled plastic
Cons
- Higher price than third-party alternatives
- 700-page yield may run out quickly for heavy users
- Requires all colors to be replaced when one runs low
We recently tested these HP 951 color cartridges in our office OfficeJet Pro 8620, and the difference in quality compared to generic brands was immediately noticeable.
The colors pop with remarkable vibrancy, especially for photo printing and colorful graphics. Text alongside colored elements remained crisp and professional-looking.
Installation couldn’t be easier – the cartridges snap right into place without any mess. Our printer recognized them instantly without any error messages or compatibility issues that sometimes plague third-party options.
The secure packaging ensures they arrive in perfect condition.
While these cartridges do cost more than non-HP alternatives, we found the reliability factor makes them worthwhile. Nothing is more frustrating than a failed print job right before a deadline.
Each cartridge yields approximately 700 pages, which lasted us about two months with moderate office use. For businesses that rely on professional-quality color documents, these genuine HP supplies remain the gold standard.
Buying Guide
When looking for printer supplies, you need to consider several key factors.
Types of Supplies
Printer supplies come in many forms. Here are the main types you might need:
- Ink cartridges – For inkjet printers
- Toner cartridges – For laser printers
- Drums – For some laser printers
- Paper – Various sizes and weights
- Maintenance kits – For printer upkeep
Compatibility
Always check if supplies match your printer model. Using the wrong supplies can damage your printer or give poor results.
Printer manuals list the correct supply codes. Many printers also display this information on their screens or through their software.
Quality Considerations
Not all printer supplies offer the same quality. Here’s what to look for:
| Supply Type | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Ink/Toner | Page yield, smudge resistance, drying time |
| Paper | Weight, brightness, finish (glossy vs. matte) |
| Maintenance Items | Durability, warranty coverage |
Cost Efficiency
Price isn’t the only factor when considering value. Calculate the cost per page to find the best deal.
To calculate this, divide the cartridge price by its page yield. Lower cost per page means better value in the long run.
Environmental Impact
You should also consider eco-friendly options when possible. Look for recycled paper and cartridge recycling programs.
Many suppliers now offer remanufactured or refillable cartridges that create less waste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Printer users often have similar questions about supplies and maintenance. We’ve compiled clear answers about consumables, level checking, purchasing options, and proper disposal of materials.
What are the common consumables and maintenance items for printers?
Most printers require ink or toner cartridges as the primary consumable. Inkjet printers use liquid ink cartridges, while laser printers need toner powder cartridges.
Paper is another essential supply that comes in various weights, finishes, and sizes. Photo paper, cardstock, and specialty papers serve different printing needs.
Many printers also need periodic replacement of maintenance items like drum units, fuser assemblies, and waste toner containers. These components ensure print quality and proper functioning.
How can I check the levels of my printer’s ink or toner?
Most modern printers have built-in monitoring systems accessible through the printer’s control panel. Look for an “ink” or “supplies” option in the menu.
Printer software installed on your computer typically shows supply levels when you open the program. These utilities often provide warnings when levels get low.
For network printers, the embedded web server can display supply status. Simply enter the printer’s IP address in a web browser to access this information.
Where can I find affordable supplies for my printer?
Office supply stores like Staples, Office Depot, and OfficeMax offer a wide selection of printer supplies. They frequently run sales and promotions.
Online retailers including Amazon, NewEgg, and specialized printing supply websites often have competitive prices. Buying in bulk can lead to additional savings.
Manufacturer websites sometimes provide discounts or subscription services for regular deliveries of ink or toner. These programs can reduce costs and ensure you never run out.
Are there recommended suppliers for high-quality printer cartridges?
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) cartridges from companies like HP, Canon, and Epson provide reliable quality. These products are designed specifically for their printers.
Reputable third-party brands such as LD Products, 4inkjets, and 123inkjets offer less expensive alternatives. Check customer reviews to ensure quality before purchasing.
Certified refilled or remanufactured cartridges from established companies can provide good quality at lower prices. Look for those with satisfaction guarantees.
How often should printer supplies be replaced to ensure optimal performance?
Ink and toner cartridges should be replaced when the printer indicates low levels or when print quality deteriorates. Most cartridges last for 200-2,000 pages depending on the model.
Maintenance items like drum units typically need replacement after 10,000-50,000 pages. Your printer manual will provide specific recommendations for your model.
We recommend keeping spare cartridges on hand to avoid workflow disruptions.
What steps are involved in properly disposing of used printer cartridges?
Many office supply stores and retailers offer recycling programs for used cartridges. Some even provide store credit for returned items.
Manufacturer take-back programs allow you to send used cartridges back to the original maker. They often provide prepaid shipping labels for this purpose.
Local recycling centers may accept printer cartridges as electronic waste. Check with your municipal waste management department for guidelines specific to your area.
