Epson WorkForce WF-2960 Ink Cartridges
Your Epson WorkForce WF-2960 uses the 503 / 503XL ink series, featuring a four-cartridge system with individual black, cyan, magenta, and yellow tanks. This setup is highly effective for home office users as it allows for the isolated replacement of whichever specific colour is depleted during document printing. Most owners of this printer find that the standard 503 cartridges are suitable for occasional use, but frequently transition to the 503XL high-yield variants to reduce the maintenance frequency required during busier work periods.
Genuine vs compatible cartridges
We offer both original Epson supplies and high-quality compatible alternatives for your printer. Many users choose our compatible 503XL cartridges to manage their printing costs without sacrificing reliability. Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. If you are looking for more information on how these compare to the originals, you can read our guide on genuine vs compatible cartridges.
Expected page output and replacement cycles
The number of prints you get from a 503 series cartridge depends heavily on the content of your documents. For this inkjet system, page yields are determined using the ISO/IEC 24711 standard, which provides a reliable benchmark for comparison. High-yield 503XL cartridges contain significantly more ink than the standard 503 versions, making them the preferred choice for small business tasks or student assignments where text-heavy documents are the norm.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 503 | Standard | Black | 210 | $0.12 |
| 503 | Standard | Cyan | 165 | $0.12 |
| 503 | Standard | Magenta | 165 | $0.12 |
| 503 | Standard | Yellow | 165 | $0.12 |
| 503XL | High Yield | Black | 550 | $0.071 |
| 503XL | High Yield | Cyan | 470 | $0.076 |
| 503XL | High Yield | Magenta | 470 | $0.076 |
| 503XL | High Yield | Yellow | 470 | $0.076 |
Cost Per Page = Total Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield (at 5% coverage). Prices based on Genuine cartridges.
Strategic buying for home office use
If you primarily print monochrome text documents, your black ink will naturally deplete faster than your colours. However, keeping a full set of spare inks is advisable as the printer requires some ink in all cartridges to perform its self-cleaning cycles. For those looking for the best value, multi-buy bundles provide a lower cost per unit. All our compatible cartridges are backed by a money-back guarantee to ensure your peace of mind. You can view our returns policy for further details.
Free delivery applies on all orders over $99 (conditions apply). To ensure you receive your order as quickly as possible, we ship from warehouses in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. Browse our full range of Epson ink cartridges online.
Pro Tip
The WorkForce WF-2960 uses a piezo-electric printhead that requires regular movement to prevent clogs. If you find your colour usage is very low, print a small colour test page once every two weeks to ensure the 503XL nozzles remain clear and ready for use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix a genuine Epson 503XL black cartridge with compatible 503XL colours?
Yes, this printer system allows for a mix of genuine and compatible cartridges. The printer's software tracks each cartridge independently, so you can replace them one by one as they run out, regardless of whether you are using original or third-party ink.
Why does the printer show low ink for magenta when I only ever print in black?
Even if you select "Grayscale" in your settings, the WF-2960 consumes small amounts of colour ink during its automated maintenance cycles and to enhance the depth of black tones in certain print modes. This is why many users find the 503XL colour bundles more economical than buying individual cartridges.
How do 503XL cartridges compare to standard 503 cartridges in physical size?
They are identical in external dimensions and fit into the same slots in the printhead carriage. The "XL" designation refers purely to the volume of ink contained inside the shell, not the physical size of the plastic casing.
