HP All-in-One Plan Leases Printers with Unlimited Ink

HP has introduced a subscription service called the All-in-One Plan that leases printers to consumers for a monthly fee. This service is designed for users who want to avoid the upfront cost of buying a printer and the ongoing expense of purchasing replacement ink cartridges.

The plan includes the printer lease, an unlimited supply of ink, continuous warranty coverage, and a monthly allotment of prints. There are four recommended plan tiers available, ranging from $7.99 to $14.99 per month. The most popular option is the High-Volume plan, which costs $12.99 per month and provides the HP Smart Tank 7602 all-in-one printer and 100 pages of printing. A 30-day trial period allows users to test the service before committing to a longer contract.

HP offers several distinct tiers within the All-in-One Plan to accommodate different user needs. Each tier provides a specific printer model and a set number of monthly pages. Unused pages generally do not roll over to the next month.

The four recommended plans are as follows:

• Basic ($7.99/mo): Includes an HP Envy inkjet printer with 20 pages of printing.
• Versatile ($9.99/mo): Includes an HP Envy Photo inkjet printer with 20 pages of printing.
• High-Volume ($12.99/mo): Includes an HP Smart Tank all-in-one printer with 100 pages of printing.
• Professional ($14.99/mo): Includes an HP OfficeJet Pro all-in-one printer with 50 pages of printing.

The High-Volume plan is marketed as the best value. It features the HP Smart Tank 7602 all-in-one printer, which retails for approximately $470. While the monthly cost is only slightly higher than the Basic and Versatile plans, it offers significantly more pages and a superior printer with all-in-one capabilities. However, this plan requires a three-year commitment, whereas the Basic, Versatile, and Professional plans require a two-year commitment.

Deciding whether to subscribe to the All-in-One Plan or buy a printer outright depends on several financial factors. The High-Volume plan costs $12.99 per month for 36 months, totaling $467.64 over the contract period. The retail price of the included HP Smart Tank 7602 is $469.99.

At first glance, the costs appear nearly identical. However, buying the printer offers potential savings through discounts. For instance, the printer is currently available on Amazon for $349.99, saving a buyer $120 immediately. Additionally, purchasing the printer means owning the asset after the initial payment, allowing for use beyond the three-year mark. Conversely, the lease requires re-enrollment to continue using a printer after the contract ends.

Despite these factors, the lease plan offers distinct advantages. It eliminates the need for a large upfront payment, replacing it with a manageable monthly fee. The plan also includes three years of warranty service, compared to the standard one-year warranty provided with a retail purchase. Most importantly, the subscription covers all ink costs. Ink refills can be expensive, often leading to situations where buying new ink is nearly as expensive as purchasing a new printer.

HP provides a 30-day trial period for the All-in-One Plan. During this time, users can test the printer and the service. If the service does not meet their needs, they have the freedom to opt out without penalty.

The commitment terms vary by plan. The High-Volume plan requires a three-year commitment, which is longer than the two-year commitment required for the Basic, Versatile, and Professional plans. This longer term is a significant factor to consider for users who prefer flexibility or are unsure about their long-term printing needs.

The value of the HP All-in-One Plan is situational. It is best suited for users who prioritize convenience and predictable monthly expenses over long-term ownership.

Users who should likely buy a printer outright include those who:

• Can justify the upfront cost.
• Plan to keep the same printer for more than three years.
• Are comfortable sourcing cheaper third-party ink.

Users who should likely subscribe to the plan include those who:

• Prefer to avoid large upfront costs.
• Want HP to handle all maintenance and ink refills.
• Can consistently stay within the monthly page allotment for their chosen tier.