Epson 812 vs 812XL, Which One Should I Buy?

Choosing between Epson 812 and 812 XL ink cartridges requires careful consideration of short-term costs and long-term value. By analyzing page yields, cost structures, and replacement cycles in detail, we can determine which ink cartridges offer better value in different usage scenarios. This full blog analyzes the two Epson 812 vs 812XL ink cartridges from multiple perspectives to provide reference for your purchasing decision.

Epson 812 vs 812XL: Quick Comparison

Both cartridges work well with the same Epson printers, providing excellent dark blacks and vivid prints. While the standard Epson 812 cartridges have a lower initial price, the 812XL cartridges offer significantly higher page yields. The difference between them is the number of pages they can print. The 812 XL can print more than 3 times the number of pages as the 812, and it costs more. Due to the low cost per page, the Epson 812XL becomes increasingly affordable as usage increases.

Overall, the Epson 812 ink cartridges are better suited for users who don’t print a lot. If you print frequently, the Epson 812XL ink cartridges are a better fit.

Compatible Epson 812XL Ink 4-Pack – High Yield: 1 Black, 1 Cyan, 1 Magenta, 1 Yellow

• 30-Day Money Back Guarantee & 2-Year Warranty.
• Only 52% of the Original 812XL 4-Pack Price
• With Upgraded IC Chips. No Installation Error.
• Fast Delivery within 1-3 Business Days.
• Sale Price: $79.50 (Cost Per Page: 1.81 cents)

Learn more

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Epson 812 and 812XL: What Are the Similarities?

Despite the differences in price, these cartridges are identical in terms of core functionality.

First, they all feature the exact same ink formulation and printhead technology, ensuring that no matter which version you choose, you won’t see any difference in output quality.

Second, since Epson designed them as drop-in replacements for the same printer model, they are all exactly the same physical size. This standardized design allows for seamless switching between cartridge types based on changing printing needs. They all work perfectly with these printers:

• Epson WorkForce EC-C7000
• Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310
• Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7820
• Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7840

Epson 812 vs 812XL, What Is the Difference?

The main differences between the Epson 812 and Epson 812 XL ink cartridges are the number of pages they can print, the price of the cartridges, the cost per page, and the frequency of replacement.

Page Yield

Epson 812 is a standard-capacity ink cartridge, while Epson 812XL is a high-capacity ink cartridge. The XL version of the ink cartridge can print 3 times more pages than the standard cartridge. If you print 100 black and white pages per month, the Epson 812 black ink cartridge should be replaced every 3.5 months, while the Epson 812XL black ink cartridge should be replaced every 11 months. The longer life of the XL version can minimize operational interruptions.

Cost Comparison

First, let’s take a look at their prices. 

Epson 812 (Standard) Pricing:

• Single Black: $23.09
• Single Color (C/M/Y): $15.39 each
• 4-Pack (BK + C/M/Y): $69.19

Epson 812XL (High Yield) Pricing:

• Single Black: $46.19
• Single Color (C/M/Y): $35.19 each
• 4-Pack (BK + C/M/Y): $151.69

At first glance, the 812XL seems more expensive, but let’s look at the cost per page:

The cost per page shows which product is more cost effective. Clearly the Epson ink 812XL offers a 27-36% savings, and this savings will increase significantly over time. This means that heavy users can save more over time. It is ideal for users who print frequently.

Replacement Frequency

The standard Epson 812 needs to be replaced more often than its high-yield Epson 812XL version for the same print output. For office environments, fewer replacements mean measurable productivity gains. Choosing the Epson cartridge 812XL not only reduces interruptions, but also reduces environmental waste.

Epson 812 XL vs 812, Which One Should You Buy?

Choosing between the Epson 812 and Epson 812XL depends on your printing habits and budget.

Choose the Epson 812 (Standard) if:

• Printing less than 50 pages/month
• Want lowest upfront cost
• Don’t mind changing cartridges more often
• Primarily printing documents (not photos)

Choose the Epson 812XL (High Yield) if:

• Printing 100+ pages/month
• Want to minimize cartridge changes
• Prefer long-term savings
• Printing graphics/photos regularly

If you print a lot, it’s cheaper to buy a 4-pack of Epson 812 or Epson 812XL ink cartridges than to buy individual cartridges per page.

Conclusion

This analysis shows that the “better” cartridge is entirely situational. The standard Epson 812 cartridge will effectively serve users with infrequent use, while the 812XL cartridge’s benefits grow as print volume increases. Users should be especially aware of the hidden costs of frequent cartridge replacements, including labor costs, lost productivity, and potential quality issues, which further drive businesses to choose high-yield cartridges. Ultimately, choosing the right cartridge for your actual use ensures you get the best value for your printing investment.