Buy a printer. Never buy HP.
Our recommendation is simple: do not buy any HP product. This guide helps you find a non-HP printer whose ink or toner policy you can live with. Some specific product links below earn us a commission if you buy; the ranking is based on the cited supply policies, not those commissions. Check the current manual for the exact model before you spend.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Every Amazon link in this guide is marked (paid link). You can use the manufacturer links instead; our verdict is the same either way.
Our top five alternatives, ranked by supply choice
This ranks manufacturers and specific product lines by their documented treatment of third-party ink or toner. It is not a claim that every printer from a brand has the same policy, or a ranking of print quality. The first three fit most home buyers; the last two are mainly office laser options whose evidence is model-specific.
1. Brother laser and inkjet — the clearest stated policy
If you mostly print text, start with a Brother monochrome laser. Brother states that its firmware updates do not block third-party ink or toner cartridges. It recommends genuine supplies for print quality, so compare the cost of genuine and compatible toner for the exact model. If you need color, look at Brother's color laser and inkjet models too; the same stated firmware policy covers both ink and toner.
Example to compare: Brother HL-L2460DW is a black-and-white printer with automatic two-sided printing; it does not scan. It uses TN830-series toner and a separate DR830 drum, so include both in your cost estimate. Check the exact HL-L2460DW listing on Amazon (paid link). The listing mentions a Refresh subscription trial; check the checkout options and skip enrollment if you do not want it.
2. Canon PIXMA G / MegaTank — refillable color
These printers refill built-in tanks from bottles instead of swapping ink cartridges. The bottle number depends on the model: Canon's compatibility chart lists GI-21 for the G3270 and G3290, GI-20 for the G5020/G6020/G7020, and GI-290 for several older G models. The G3270 uses pigment black and dye-based colors; match both the bottle series and ink type. Canon lists replaceable printheads and a maintenance cartridge for the G3270. Canon's G-series warranty excludes damage or service problems caused by non-Canon or refilled bottles, so weigh that risk if you use alternative ink.
Example to compare: Canon PIXMA G6020 prints, copies, and scans with GI-20 bottles: pigment black and dye-based colors. It is a different bottle family from the G3270 above. Check the exact G6020 listing on Amazon (paid link).
3. Epson EcoTank — refillable color, with a brand caveat
EcoTank models use ink bottles rather than cartridges. Epson says its tank system does not prevent non-OEM bottles, while warning that damage caused by non-genuine ink may fall outside its warranty. That is a reason to look at EcoTank specifically: Epson says firmware updates on its cartridge printers may affect third-party ink. Compare the exact EcoTank model's features and replacement bottle numbers before buying. Epson's ink policy.
Example to compare: Epson EcoTank ET-2980 prints, copies, and scans; its manual identifies 502-series replacement ink. Check the exact black ET-2980 listing on Amazon (paid link).
4. Kyocera ECOSYS — office toner with a documented override
Kyocera's PA2100 color-laser manual says the printer can flag non-genuine toner and gives a button sequence to continue using it. Kyocera disclaims damage caused by third-party supplies. That is evidence for this model, not a Brother-style promise about every Kyocera firmware update. Check the exact model's manual and toner availability before buying.
5. Xerox — possible on some office toner models, with more friction
For the Xerox C310, Xerox documents a way to proceed after it detects a non-Xerox supply. It also warns about reliability and says damage caused by third-party parts or supplies may not be covered by its warranty. We rank it fifth because the documented choice comes with a warning screen and is specific to the C310; verify any other model separately.
Lexmark is not on this list. Its firmware agreement says updates may stop cartridges with non-Lexmark chips from working, including cartridges that worked before the update.
Six questions for any non-HP printer
1. What is the exact model number?
Write down the full model and suffix. Read its current manual and supplies page. Policies and replacement parts can differ within the same brand.
2. Can you use the supplies you choose?
Check the maker's policy on third-party and remanufactured cartridges, toner, or bottled ink. Look for any firmware restriction and confirm the part number of the supplies you intend to use. A brand name alone is not a compatibility guarantee.
3. What else will you replace?
Check for a separate drum, printhead, maintenance cartridge or box, and their availability. A cheap bottle is less reassuring if an essential replacement part is hard to obtain.
4. Is there a plan or account requirement?
Look for subscriptions, automatic replenishment, required accounts, internet access, or apps. If you want none of those, check whether ordinary printing and scanning work without enrolling.
5. Will an inkjet fit how often you print?
If you print rarely, consider a monochrome laser. Inkjet printheads can clog when left idle; Canon recommends printing at least monthly for the PIXMA G3070 series.
6. What will three years actually cost?
Estimate your monthly pages and add the printer, usable ink or toner, drums, and maintenance parts. Compare genuine and compatible supply prices for the exact model. Skip any subscription you do not want.
Before the return window closes
Print your usual documents, test the connection method you plan to use, and confirm that the replacement supplies and parts you expect to buy are available. Keep the listing, manual, packaging, and receipt. If a printer rejects a supply, save the exact message and firmware version while you can still return it.
Our boycott of HP is permanent. This guide is independent consumer advice, not a promise that every alternative supply will work in every non-HP printer. Manufacturer policies were checked September 29, 2026; verify the current terms for your exact model.