Many people still use inkjet printers for their daily work, and the instant ink printer technology is far from obsolete, despite some trying people to push this notion for some time now. Laser printers have several advantages regarding speed and cost, but traditional inkjets still exist in many offices and homes.

Companies like HP haven't ignored this market, and the company's Instant Ink printer service is now one of the most popular printing options.

So, what is HP Instant Ink, and how does it work?

What Is HP Instant Ink?

HP Instant Ink is like "printing as a service." The basic idea is to replace the traditional purchasing process and use HP's Instant Ink printer cartridges via a subscription service. Each month, you're given an allowance of a certain number of pages (depending on your plan), and you can print up to that amount without any extra charges.

What's more, HP's printers keep track of your ink levels and automatically notify HP when you're running low. You'll have your new Instant Ink cartridges delivered to you automatically without having to place the order yourself. This can significantly simplify your life if you do a lot of printing.

Advantages and Disadvantages of HP Instant Ink

Many people ask, "Is HP Instant Ink worth it?"

The associated costs are one of Instant Ink's biggest advantages compared to the traditional model of purchasing cartridges. This model saves you money in the long run if you calculate things correctly, as it's a great way to optimize your expenses if you do a lot of printing.

The HP Instant Ink subscription package is particularly good when priced by pages, not by ink consumed. This means a full-color photo will cost you the same as printing a few sentences. Of course, this can have its downsides (more on that below), but as long as you're careful about your layouts and printing habits, you should benefit from it quite nicely.

As mentioned above, this is also a convenient feature that saves you time shopping for new cartridges. However, this can backfire if you don't print often. If you use an inkjet printer infrequently, its heads can start to dry up. After a certain point, they will need to be cleaned and/or replaced. Your cartridges might become dry and unusable too.

And since the HP Instant Ink service doesn't look for dried-out heads—it only monitors your ink level—you might run into a situation where you cannot print and don't have any ink delivered to you on time. But then again, the same scenario can also play out with the traditional model.

Be Careful with Your Layouts and Tests

We touched on this above, and it's something you should pay attention to. Being priced per page can be a huge advantage if you play your cards right, but it can also add to your costs if you're not careful. For example, sometimes, you might mess up your layout and push a single word out to a new page.

Normally, this wouldn't be an issue. You'll correct the problem when you spot it and reprint. But with HP Instant Ink, that single word will cost you an entire page from your allowance. It means you can't be liberal with test prints, either. You must get the layout right from the get-go because otherwise, the project becomes more expensive.

The same goes for minor corrections and adjustments. Again, those would normally not be a huge issue with a regular printer, but when paying per page, you'll want to be much more careful. If your printer prints blank pages, you can troubleshoot the issue with easy fixes.

5 Considerations Before Using HP's Instant Ink Service

People using this printing service may feel unsure of their subscription plan and usage levels. However, no matter your decision, you must consider the following factors before opting for this instant ink printer plan.

1. Overage Fees

Don't overlook HP's leniency, especially when printing excess pages. Even though its service and plans cater to providing the best printing experience for the end user, it will charge you an extra fee for any excessive prints beyond the pre-defined quota.

Remember, you can utilize your rollover pages when printing. As soon as you finish your printing limits, you must pay an extra $1 per set for additional pages.

Imagine paying an extra fee for printing bonus pages; rest assured, it won't be a comfortable deal. You can plan and carry over some limits from previous months to maximize the available options. This way, while you might be unable to account for all the excess printing in advance, you can consider cutting down some extra printing and reducing the overage fee.

2. Data Security and Privacy

Data privacy has become an essential aspect of every consumer's daily routine. Before you sign on the dotted line and agree to subscribe to HP's Instant Ink service, you must consent to HP for data and usage monitoring.

The printing company monitors your ink levels, the number of page prints, and the type of documents you print. Furthermore, HP shares part of your personal information with the retailer.

If you are comfortable sharing your details with HP, you will find yourself at home with HP's ink subscription plans. Remember, your printer can also get hacked, so you must be careful about who and how you share your details.

3. Delivery of Replacement Cartridges

Plan your prints when using HP ink cartridges, as replacement cartridges can take up to ten days to reach you. If you run out of ink during that period, you cannot print.

HP ships the replacement cartridges via standard shipping, which can cause delays. However, if you need your ink cartridges urgently, there is an expedited delivery option, which adds to the cost.

4. 24/7 Internet Connection

Technology might have pros, but it also creates an unending dependency on the internet. The same is the case with your HP printers. Since HP monitors your ink usage remotely, you must have an active, uninterrupted internet connection, 24/7.

If your internet connection is patchy, you might lose track of the printed pages, causing a delay in receiving replacement cartridges. Subsequently, if you lose your internet connection, HP can't track your total print count, as the counter is refreshed the next time you connect your printer to the internet.

5. Instant Disconnection After Non-Renewal of Service

If you default on your replacement payments, HP can temporarily shut down your access and printing service. Imagine you run out of ink and can't request a replacement because your account is inactive.

HP's Instant Ink service relies on having an active account; a payment delay can wreak havoc and create a ripple in your replacement schedules.

Is HP Instant Ink Worth It?

So what's the bottom line? Is HP Instant Ink worth it or not?

For some people, switching to HP's print-as-a-service model makes sense. If you print regularly, you will see many benefits in the pricing plan and delivery scheme.

The model is user-friendly. For example, you can carry over some unused pages' quota each month (up to a limit), so you don't have to worry about using up your total allowance. The standard prices are also good enough to attract most people's attention.

Pricing varies greatly, with several plans aimed at users with different needs. For example, ink can cost as little as $0.99 per month, with a plan allowing up to 15 pages. On the other end of the spectrum, HP offers a Business plan at $24.99/month, allowing you to print up to 700 pages.

The only major drawback is that not all HP printers support the service. If you no longer benefit from the printing service, you can cancel your HP Instant Ink subscription without going through too many hassles.

Supported models are typically more expensive, which is an important consideration for those considering an upgrade. For example, an Instant Ink-compatible HP OfficeJet Pro 6987 will set you back by $180, whereas a standard HP OfficeJet Pro 6230 costs roughly half.

If you don't print regularly, on the other hand, it might not make that much sense for you. It's also not an ideal option if you print unique things that don't translate well to full pages of text or images. If you regularly use less than half of a page's size, you might be wasting money with this system.

Instant Ink Uses Genuine HP Cartridges Only

It's also worth pointing out that this system is designed to work with genuine HP cartridges. If you shop from less reputable sources, you might run into issues with your printer.

Remember that the Instant Ink service constantly monitors your printing activities and cartridge levels, so the company will be much more prone to notice discrepancies if you're subscribed to their service.

HP Instant Ink Makes Printing Easy

If you see yourself fitting some of the descriptions above, you should purchase an HP Instant Ink subscription. Even if it doesn't work out according to your expectations, you don't have to invest too much to find that out.

Furthermore, keep an eye out for promotions. HP regularly experiments with pricing ideas, so if you enjoy the service, you might be able to get a nice discount on it sooner or later. Don't be afraid to submit your feedback to them either, as they are constantly looking for ways to improve the platform, especially now.