Epson 802 vs 802XL, What’s the Difference?

If you’re looking for Epson ink cartridges for your printer, you’ve likely come across the Epson 802 and Epson 802XL. While they may appear similar at first glance, these two cartridge types are designed for different printing needs. In this blog, we’ll compare the similarities and differences between the Epson 252 vs 252XL, covering everything from page yield to cost per page so you can make an informed decision.

Quick Comparison: Epson Ink 802 vs 802XL

The main difference between the Epson 802 and 802XL ink cartridges lies in print volume and budget. The standard-capacity Epson 802 is suitable for users with lower print volumes who want to minimize upfront investment. The high-capacity Epson 802XL, on the other hand, is designed for high-intensity printing environments, offering better operating efficiency to meet continuous usage needs. For long-term use, we recommend the Epson 802XL, as its cost per page decreases over time.

Epson 802 vs 802XL, What’s the Difference?

The Epson 802 and 802XL ink cartridges share the same core functionality – they both use the same four colors and are compatible with the same printers. The choice between them depends primarily on three practical factors: page yield, the price of the cartridge, and ultimately, the cost-effectiveness measure – cost per page.

Page Yield

This is the biggest difference between the Epson 802 and 802XL ink cartridges – page yield.

The standard Epson 802 ink cartridge has a lower capacity, producing approximately 900 pages in black and white and 650 pages in color. It’s a good choice for users who only print a small number of documents or photos occasionally each month.

In contrast, the high-capacity Epson 802XL cartridge can print up to 2,600 pages in black and white and 1,900 pages in color. It’s ideal for users with high print volumes, such as small offices or large families who frequently print school assignments, work documents, or photos.

OEM Ink Price

When assessing costs, there is clearly a trade-off between standard-capacity and high-capacity ink cartridges.

The Epson 802 ink has a lower initial price, with a four-pack costing $137.02 ($48.52 for black and $36.50 for color). This makes it an affordable option for users who don’t use their printers frequently.

The Epson 802XL four-pack, on the other hand, has a higher initial cost of $223.47 ($61.65 for black and $53.94 for color). However, its significantly higher print volume translates to a lower cost per page.

For frequent printer users, the Epson 802XL cartridge is more cost-effective in the long run, despite their higher initial purchase price, ultimately resulting in savings.

Cost Per Page

The true economic advantage of the Epson 802XL lies in its cost per page. This is the most important metric for evaluating the cost-effectiveness of a printer cartridge; the lower the cost per page, the better the value.

The standard 802’s cost per page is approximately 5.39 cents for black and 5.62 cents for color. This price is acceptable for occasional use, but with frequent printing, these costs accumulate quickly. The high-capacity 802XL significantly reduces printing costs, with a black page cost of approximately 2.37 cents and a color page cost of approximately 2.84 cents.

Although the initial investment is higher, in the long run, the significant reduction in cost per page will ultimately offset the initial price difference. Therefore, the Epson 802XL is undoubtedly a more economical choice for bulk printing users.

Epson 802XL vs 802, Which One to Choose?

Which Epson ink cartridge is best for you? The answer depends on your printing habits.

For occasional printers: Epson 802

If you don’t use your printer frequently, the Epson 802 standard ink cartridge is a wise choice. It meets your needs and has a low initial investment, making it ideal for occasional small print runs.

For frequent printers: Epson 802XL

If you frequently print large volumes of documents, the Epson 802XL is undoubtedly the best choice. Although it has a higher initial price, its large capacity and lower cost per page mean you’ll save money in the long run and reduce the frequency of cartridge replacements, making it more convenient.

Wrap It Up

Both the Epson 802 and 802XL ink cartridges are excellent choices, designed for different printing needs. Understanding these key differences will help you maximize the performance and value of your Epson printer.

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