The Epson Expression Home XP-2200 is an affordable all-in-one inkjet for basic home printing. The printer can be a good buy — but the ink cost is what decides whether it’s “worth keeping”.
This model uses Epson 604 cartridges. If you rely on standard yield, ink costs can feel high per month. Buying 604XL (or compatible equivalents) is usually the smartest way to reduce cost per page.
Running cost breakdown
| Cartridge option | Yield (pages) | Typical UK price | Cost per page |
|---|---|---|---|
| 604 Black (Standard) | ~150 | ~£12.99 | ~8.7p |
| 604 Black (XL) | ~500 | ~£21.99 | ~4.4p |
| 604 Colour (Standard) | ~130 | ~£10.99 | ~8.5p |
| 604 Colour (XL) | ~350 | ~£18.99 | ~5.4p |
Compatible ink alternatives
Epson 604 cartridges are commonly available as compatibles from mainstream ink suppliers.
Rough savings:
- Compatible 604 cartridges are often ~35–50% cheaper
- The strongest value tends to come from 604XL compatibles if you print regularly
Should you upgrade?
Honest verdict: keep it unless you print more than typical home volumes.
2-year cost comparison
- Assumption: ~80 pages/month
- Keep option: 604XL cartridges
- Upgrade option: EcoTank ET-2850-style economics
| Option | What you pay over 2 years |
|---|---|
| Keep Epson XP-2200 (ink only, 604XL cartridges) | ~£91 |
| Upgrade to an EcoTank (hardware + tank ink) | ~£255 |
EcoTank upgrades become more attractive after around ~230 pages/month (because the upfront hardware cost is higher).
FAQ
Q: What ink does the Epson Expression Home XP-2200 use?
A: It uses Epson 604 cartridges (black + colour).
Q: Is the Epson XP-2200 expensive to run?
A: It can be with standard cartridges, but 604XL usually brings cost per page down a lot.
Q: What’s the cheapest ink for the XP-2200?
A: Compatible 604 cartridges are typically cheaper than genuine — and 604XL compatibles usually win on cost per page.
Q: Should I buy 604XL?
A: If you print regularly, yes. XL tends to reduce ink cost per page and makes the printer feel more economical to keep.
