HP's All-in-One Plan: Free Printer & Unlimited Ink for $12.99/Month

For many, the home printing experience is defined by a cycle of high upfront costs and the constant hassle of replacing expensive ink cartridges. A new service model aims to disrupt this traditional approach by bundling hardware, supplies, and maintenance into a single, predictable monthly payment.

HP's All-in-One Plan offers a convenient lease on a printer, complete with an unlimited ink supply, continuous warranty coverage, and a set monthly allotment of prints. The service is designed to eliminate the surprise expenses and logistical headaches often associated with at-home printing.

With several tiers available, the plan caters to a range of needs, from basic document printing to high-volume professional tasks. The most compelling option for many users appears to be the High-Volume plan, which provides a significant printer and generous page allowance for a modest monthly fee.

The All-in-One service is structured around four distinct plan levels, each tailored to specific user profiles and printing demands. The plans vary by the included printer model and the number of pages allowed per month, with pricing adjusted accordingly.

The entry-level Basic plan is priced at $7.99 per month and includes an HP Envy inkjet printer with a 20-page monthly allotment. Stepping up, the Versatile plan costs $9.99 per month and features an HP Envy Photo inkjet printer, also with 20 pages of printing.

For users with greater needs, the Professional plan is available for $14.99 per month. It provides an HP OfficeJet Pro all-in-one printer and 50 pages of printing. However, the standout option is the High-Volume plan.

• Basic: $7.99/mo - HP Envy inkjet, 20 pages
• Versatile: $9.99/mo - HP Envy Photo inkjet, 20 pages
• Professional: $14.99/mo - HP OfficeJet Pro, 50 pages
• High-Volume: $12.99/mo - HP Smart Tank, 100 pages

Marketed as the best value, the High-Volume plan delivers a powerful printer for a price point surprisingly close to the lower-tier options. For $12.99 per month, subscribers receive the HP Smart Tank 7602 all-in-one printer, which has a retail value of $470.

The plan includes up to 100 pages of printing per month, a substantial increase over the 20-page limits of the Basic and Versatile plans. Furthermore, the included printer is a true all-in-one device, offering capabilities that the lower-end models lack.

The primary trade-off is the commitment period. While the other plans require a two-year agreement, the High-Volume plan necessitates a three-year commitment. To mitigate this, HP provides a 30-day trial period, allowing users to test the service and opt out if it does not meet their needs.

Evaluating the financial implications requires comparing the total cost of the subscription against the outright purchase of the printer. Over three years, the High-Volume plan totals $467.64 ($12.99 x 36 months), which is nearly identical to the printer's retail price of $469.99.

However, buying the printer outright presents different variables. The same HP Smart Tank 7602 is currently available on Amazon for $349.99, representing an immediate saving of $120 compared to the retail price. Purchasing the printer means owning the asset after the initial payment, allowing for use beyond a three-year term.

Conversely, the subscription model avoids a large upfront payment, replacing it with a manageable monthly fee. It also includes three years of warranty service—compared to just one year with a standard purchase—and covers all ink costs. Ink refills can be costly, sometimes making it cheaper to buy a new printer than to replace cartridges.

The decision between subscribing and buying ultimately depends on individual circumstances, priorities, and financial flexibility. Each path offers distinct advantages tailored to different user profiles and long-term goals.

For those who can manage the upfront cost and plan to use the printer for more than three years, purchasing the device outright may be more economical. This option is particularly attractive if you are comfortable sourcing third-party ink, which can be cheaper than official cartridges. Ownership provides long-term value without ongoing commitments.

For users who prefer convenience and predictable budgeting, the All-in-One Plan is a strong contender. It eliminates the need to monitor ink levels or worry about repair costs, as everything is included in the monthly fee. This model is ideal for those who want to avoid large initial expenses and value the assurance of continuous service and support.

If you'd rather stick with the convenience of letting HP worry about the printer along with its refills and maintenance, and you know that you can stay within the monthly printing allotment, then it's worth checking it out.

HP's All-in-One Plan represents a significant shift in how consumers access printing technology, moving from ownership to a service-based model. The High-Volume plan, in particular, offers a compelling package of hardware, supplies, and support for a fixed monthly cost.

While the total financial outlay over three years is comparable to buying the printer at full retail price, the inclusion of unlimited ink and an extended warranty adds substantial value. The availability of discounts on the open market does present a cost-saving alternative for those willing to make an upfront investment.

Ultimately, the value of the plan hinges on personal preference. It is a solution designed for the modern user who prioritizes convenience, predictable expenses, and hassle-free maintenance over long-term asset ownership.