Tri-Color vs Single Color Ink Cartridges

What is the difference?

The difference between tri-color and individual ink cartridges is very straightforward. Tri-color cartridges are a single unit that contains all three ink colors (cyan, magenta, and yellow) while individual ink cartridges comprise only one printer ink color. With Individual ink cartridges, like Epson ink cartridges, it slots into the printhead inside the printer. Tri-color ink cartridges normally have lower page yields than individual color cartridges.

Which type of cartridge is best?

Most tri-color cartridges can’t provide the same depth of color and tone for photo printing that individual color cartridges systems can. If you want professional-looking photos, stick with individual color cartridge systems.

Tri-color cartridges are not ideal for your business if you are going to printing color labels a good deal. Since there is not as much ink from the cartridge, you will replace the cartridge more frequently. Tri-color cartridges are most helpful if you print in black and white and only print in color occasionally.

Are tri-color ink cartridges more cost-effective?

You may think that since you only replace one ink cartridge that tri-color ink cartridges are more cost-effective. With Tri-color inks, the moment one color has run out, you are going to need to replace all of them. This means that you are potentially throwing away a cartridge that still has two usable color tanks.

Individual ink cartridges give you the option to just replace the color you need to replace, which makes them cost-effective in the long run. The only down-side is the initial cost of the four individual ink cartridges.

Most printer manufacturers create tri-color cartridges for their entry label printer models. It’s a general rule that the more economical the printer, the costlier it will be to replace the printer cartridges.