Epson 220, 220XL Ink Cartridges
Epson 220 and 220XL ink cartridges use a four-colour individual ink system, allowing you to replace only the specific colour that runs out. The series is available in both standard-capacity 220 and high-yield 220XL variants, with the XL options delivering up to three times more prints per cartridge. For lower running costs, premium compatible alternatives are also available alongside genuine cartridges, offering a direct physical fit and chip compatibility across all supported Expression Home and WorkForce printers.
Printers Compatible with Epson 220 Ink Cartridges
Choosing between genuine and compatible options
For users looking to reduce running costs, compatible 220XL cartridges provide a significant price advantage while maintaining the individual tank structure. These units are fitted with updated chips to ensure full compatibility with the Expression Home and WorkForce firmware. Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. You can learn more about how these differ from originals in our genuine vs compatible cartridges guide. All our compatible 220XL inks include a money back guarantee to ensure they perform to your expectations.
Expected page output and replacement cycles
Epson determines the yield of the 220 series based on the ISO/IEC 24711 standard, which uses a specific set of five 8.5 x 11 inch pages printed continuously. A standard 220 black cartridge is rated for 175 pages, while the 220XL black high yield version increases this to 550 pages. This 214% increase in capacity makes the XL variant the preferred choice for WorkForce users who handle multi-page documents, as it drastically reduces the frequency of "low ink" interruptions.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 220 | Standard | Black | 175 | $0.12 |
| 220 | Standard | Cyan | 165 | $0.11 |
| 220 | Standard | Magenta | 165 | $0.11 |
| 220 | Standard | Yellow | 165 | $0.11 |
| 220XL | High Yield | Black | 550 | $0.073 |
| 220XL | High Yield | Cyan | 450 | $0.081 |
| 220XL | High Yield | Magenta | 450 | $0.081 |
| 220XL | High Yield | Yellow | 450 | $0.081 |
Cost Per Page = Total Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield (at 5% coverage). Prices based on Genuine cartridges.
Best way to stock these cartridges
If your printing is limited to occasional black and white letters, standard 220 genuine cartridges are sufficient to maintain the printhead. However, for students or home offices, bundle packs are the most efficient way to buy. Value packs containing all four colours typically offer a lower price per unit than individual purchases. We ship all orders from our national warehouse network located in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99 (conditions apply). You can view our returns policy or browse our full range of Epson ink cartridges online.
Pro Tip
Epson printers often perform small maintenance cycles that consume a tiny amount of ink from all cartridges, even if you are only printing in black. To avoid "forced lockout" where the printer refuses to print until a colour cartridge is replaced, always keep at least one spare 220XL colour set on hand, as the printer will not function if even one tank is completely empty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix a genuine Epson 220 black with compatible 220XL colour cartridges?
Yes, the Epson individual ink system allows for mixing genuine and compatible cartridges across different slots. The printer will recognise each chip individually without requiring all four to be from the same brand.
Is there a physical size difference between the 220 standard and 220XL cartridges?
No, the external plastic housing for the 220 and 220XL is identical, ensuring they fit perfectly into the same carriage slots. The XL version simply contains more ink inside the internal reservoir.
Why does my printer show the 220XL colour cartridges as low when I mostly print in black?
Epson Expression and WorkForce printers use a small amount of colour ink for "printhead priming" and to improve the richness of grey tones in black and white documents (known as under-colour removal). This ensures the nozzles do not clog, but it does mean colour levels will slowly decrease even during mono printing.
