One must always remember that the quality of the images is always determined by the paper and ink used for the prints. If one uses a cheap quality photo paper then the images will be of a lower quality. The same goes for the ink used in the cartridges. If the ink used is the compatible or generic ink then the images on the paper generally turn out to be grainy.

The cheapest ink cartridge methods can basically be categorised into three types. Included here are the refilling method, the recycled cartridges method and the usage of compatible or generic cartridges. The first method which has been described here is incidentally the cheapest also. But the back-draw of this method is the fact that also affects the quality of the images the most. In this method, refill ink is used in the empty ink cartridges to print images. This process is also a messy and difficult one. The last nail in the coffin for this method is that most of the newer printers do not use cartridges which can be refilled.

Secondly, the method of recycling ink cartridges also offers a cheaper option than buying new cartridges. The finished cartridges are disassembled, refilled, reassembled and then make their way to the shops where they are sold. This process is costlier than the previous because it involves a lot of labour. But the advantage of this method is the better quality of the images.

Lastly, the method of using compatible or generic cartridges completes the list. This method is less popular as compared to the other two because of the difficulties in reproducing the same. Most of the branded companies have patents on their own products which makes it difficult for third parties to reproduce them. Generally, it all comes down to the printing needs of the user to determine which the cheapest ink cartridge to use is.