Epson 202 vs 202XL, What’s the Difference?

Are you hesitating between the Epson 202 and Epson 202XL ink cartridges? You’re not alone. Many Epson printer users wonder whether the higher-capacity XL version is worth the higher upfront cost. Both cartridges work with some Epson printers, but they differ in terms of ink capacity, page yield, and long-term value. In this blog, we’ll provide a comprehensive comparison of the Epson 202 vs 202XL. You’ll learn about them and their ideal usage scenarios, so you can choose the best cartridge for your printing needs.

Epson 202 vs 202XL Quick Overview

The main difference between the Epson 202 and Epson 202XL ink cartridges is page yield. The Epson 202 is a standard-capacity ink cartridge, ideal for occasional printing with moderate print volume and reasonable cost per page. The Epson 202XL is a high-capacity ink cartridge, suited for frequent printing. While its unit price is higher, it offers more ink and a lower cost per page, making it more economical for heavy use.

Both cartridges are compatible with the same printers, so the choice depends on your printing frequency and cost requirements: the 202 is for occasional use, while the 202XL is for frequent printing.

What’s the Difference Between Epson 202 and 202XL Ink?

Before we delve into the details, let’s take a look at the similarities:

• Both the Epson 202 and Epson 202XL are available in black, cyan, magenta, and yellow.
• They are the same physical dimensions and fully interchangeable.
• Both work with the same printers: the Epson Expression Home XP-5100 and the Epson WorkForce WF-2860.

The real differences lie in the capacity of each ink cartridge, the number of pages it can print, and the price per page.

Page Yield

When it comes to ink cartridges, page yield is one of the most important factors. It determines how long each cartridge can last before needing replacement.

The Epson 202XL offers significantly better page yields than the standard Epson 202. The Epson 202XL black ink cartridge has a page yield of approximately 2.6 times that of the standard black cartridge. The color XL cartridge has a page yield of almost three times that of the standard cartridge.

If you only print occasionally, this difference may not be noticeable. However, for frequent printing, especially mixed text and color documents, the Epson 202XL offers greater convenience and reduces the need for frequent cartridge replacement.

Ink Cartridge Price

At first glance, the Epson 202 ink cartridges appear to be cheaper. A standard black ink cartridge costs $21.99, while the XL black ink cartridge costs $38.49. Similarly, a color Epson 202 cartridge costs $9.29, while the XL version costs $19.19. Pricing for a four-pack follows the same pattern: the standard set costs $49.99, and the XL set costs $66.49.

But the key is value, not price. While the Epson 202XL has a higher upfront cost, it prints significantly more. This means the overall cost per page is much lower, making the XL version a smarter investment for heavy users.

Cost per Page

This is where the Epson 202XL really shines. Cost per page = price / corresponding page yield. The lower the cost per page, the better the value for money the cartridge offers.

While the Epson 202 black ink costs over 10 cents per page, the XL black cartridge brings that price down to 7 cents. For color printing, the difference is even greater: the Epson 202 costs 5.6 cents per page, while the Epson 202XL costs just 4 cents.

The savings are even more dramatic when you factor in the four-pack. The Epson 202XL multi-pack costs just 3.39 cents per page, less than half the Epson 202’s 7.09 cents.

If you print a lot of documents, spreadsheets, or color projects, that difference can quickly add up. Over hundreds or thousands of pages, the XL cartridges can save you a significant amount of money.

Epson 202 vs 202XL, Which Should You Choose?

The right choice depends on how often and how much you print. Let’s break it down by usage type.

Choose the Epson 202 if:

• You print occasionally or only a few pages per week.
• You want to reduce upfront costs.
• You don’t mind replacing ink cartridges more frequently.
• You primarily print black and white text documents.

For occasional users (such as students printing homework or families printing receipts and forms), the standard 202 is perfectly adequate.

Choose the Epson 202XL if:

• You print frequently, such as for daily office tasks or business documents.
• You want to minimize ink cartridge replacements.
• You prioritize long-term savings and lower cost per page.
• You frequently print color graphics, photos, or reports.

For a home office or small business, the 202XL offers increased efficiency. You’ll spend less time replacing ink cartridges and get more consistent printouts.

FAQs for Epson 202 and 202XL Ink Cartridges

Can I Use Epson 200 Ink Instead of 202?

No, you cannot use Epson 200 ink cartridges in a printer that requires Epson 202 ink cartridges. Although the numbering may appear similar, each Epson ink series is designed for a specific printer. Always check your printer’s manual or ink cartridge compatibility list before purchasing.

What Is the Difference Between Epson XL and Regular?

The main differences are ink capacity and page yield. Regular ink cartridges (such as the Epson 202) hold less ink and produce fewer pages. XL ink cartridges (such as the Epson 202XL) hold more ink, produce more pages, and generally have a lower cost per page. The cartridges are the same size physically, so they fit in the same printers.

Are Epson XL Cartridges Worth It?

Yes, for most users, Epson XL ink cartridges are worth the investment. While the upfront cost is higher, the cost per page is much lower. If you print frequently, the XL version can save you time and money in the long run. However, if you print infrequently, the standard version may be more practical to avoid ink expiring or drying up.

Wrap It Up

When choosing between the Epson 202 vs Epson 202XL, the key factors are how often you print and how much you value long-term savings. If you print frequently, the Epson 202XL is the obvious choice. It’s more convenient, requires fewer ink cartridge changes, and offers significant long-term cost savings. However, if your printing needs are more limited, the standard Epson 202 may be sufficient. Understanding the differences in page yield, price, and cost per page will help you make the right choice for your budget and printing habits.