Epson 288 & Epson 288XL Ink Cartridges
Epson 288 and 288XL ink cartridges suit selected Epson Expression Home printers, delivering sharp text documents and clear everyday photos. Available in standard and high-yield XL capacities, as well as budget-friendly compatible options, this four-colour individual cartridge system lets you replace only the depleted colour when it runs out. Our 4.8 Google Star rating shows that our customers consistently receive high-quality cartridges backed by reliable performance.
Printers Compatible with Epson 288 & Epson 288XL Ink Cartridges
Choose Between Epson 288 & 288XL Ink Cartridges
Replace the Complete Colour Set
Need to replace every colour at once? The 4-Pack 288 Genuine (from $75.64) gives you a complete set in a single order.
Replace Just One Colour
Running low on a single colour? A single Genuine 288 Cyan cartridge (from $19.03) replaces just that one.
Save with Compatible Cartridges
Compatible cartridges are a lower-cost alternative to genuine ink, with prices from $12.38 for a single 288XL Cyan cartridge or 5-pack 288XL for $61.91.
Stock Up for Frequent Printing
For a high-volume office, a larger pack reduces how often you need to reorder - the 10-Pack 288XL Compatible (from $122.51) provides a lower-cost compatible alternative for frequent printing, while the 8-Pack 288 Genuine (from $148.27) is the equivalent option if you'd rather stick with official ink. Both packs qualify for free delivery.
Expected page output and replacement cycles
Epson 288XL high-yield Black cartridges yield up to 500 pages, while 288XL colour cartridges yield up to 450 pages based on standard ISO/IEC 24711 testing. Standard 288 cartridges contain lower ink volume for occasional printing.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 288XL | High Yield | Black | 500 | $0.080 |
| 288XL | High Yield | Cyan | 450 | $0.081 |
| 288XL | High Yield | Magenta | 450 | $0.081 |
| 288XL | High Yield | Yellow | 450 | $0.081 |
Cost Per Page = Total Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield (at 5% coverage). Prices based on Genuine cartridges.
Choosing between genuine and compatible options
Compatible 288XL cartridges offer a practical alternative for high-volume document printing. Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. Read our guide comparing genuine vs compatible cartridges to decide which option best fits your budget.
How to manage cartridge replacements
If you print mainly text documents, choosing 288XL Black cartridges or multi-packs reduces how often you replace ink. If you print photos or graphics, individual 288XL colour cartridges ensure you only replace colours as they empty. Compatible cartridges include a money-back guarantee if they do not perform as expected; review our Returns policy for complete coverage. We stock a full selection of Epson ink cartridges shipped directly from Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99.
Pro Tip
Because Epson home printers pause printing as soon as any single ink cartridge reads empty, keeping a spare 288XL Black or colour pack on hand prevents interrupted print runs midway through a document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix standard Epson 288 and high-yield 288XL cartridges in the same printer?
Yes, you can freely mix standard 288 and 288XL cartridges across different colour slots. The printer recognises each cartridge individually regardless of capacity.
Why does my Epson printer show low ink on a colour cartridge when I only print black text?
Epson Expression Home printers perform periodic printhead maintenance using small amounts of colour ink even during black text jobs to prevent printhead nozzles from drying out and clogging.
Will the printer operate if one of the 288 colour cartridges is completely empty?
No, Epson four-colour inkjet printers require all four cartridges (Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow) to contain ink to operate, protecting the micro-piezo printhead from heat damage caused by firing dry nozzles.
Is 288XL the same as 288 XL?
Yes, 288XL and 288 XL refer to the exact same high-yield Epson ink cartridge. The space is simply a common search formatting variation.
