---
question: Should I buy OEM or compatible ink cartridges?
canonical: "https://www.buyperunit.com/questions/oem-vs-compatible-ink"
category: printer-ink
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---

# Should I buy OEM or compatible ink cartridges?

Compatible (third-party) ink cartridges typically cost 50-80% less than OEM cartridges for the same page yield. The trade-off is that some compatible cartridges have slightly lower print quality or may not be recognized by the printer. For everyday document printing, compatible cartridges offer excellent value. For photo printing, OEM is generally recommended.

Related: [OEM vs compatible guide](https://www.buyperunit.com/blog/oem-vs-compatible-ink-cartridges)

## See also — Printer Ink & Toner

- [What is the cheapest printer ink per page?](https://www.buyperunit.com/questions/cheapest-printer-ink-per-page)
- [What is a good price per page for printer ink?](https://www.buyperunit.com/questions/what-is-a-good-price-per-page)
- [Which printer brand has the cheapest ink?](https://www.buyperunit.com/questions/hp-vs-canon-vs-epson-vs-brother-ink-cost)
- [How do I calculate price per page for printer ink?](https://www.buyperunit.com/questions/how-to-calculate-price-per-page)

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