Epson 34 Ink Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Cartridge

By: Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer

Your Epson WorkForce Pro printer stops working, right when you need to print an important document. A flashing light confirms your fears: the ink has run out. Now the search for the right cartridge begins. You search for Epson 34 ink but are faced with choices like 34XL, multipacks, and individual colours. Which one is right for your printer and your budget?

This article is here to help. We'll cut through the marketing jargon and give you practical information about the Epson 34 series, also known as Epson Golf Ball ink. This will help you make an informed decision that suits your printing habits, whether you're running a small business or working from home with an Epson WorkForce Pro WF-3720DWF or WF-3725DWF.

Buyer's Guide: What to Look For?

Before we look at specific products, here are a few key factors to help you choose the right Epson WF-3725DWF cartridges or ink for another compatible model.

1. Standard (34) vs. High Capacity (34XL)

The most common question is about the difference between the standard 34 cartridge and the Epson 34XL version.

• Standard (34): These cartridges have a lower upfront cost and are a good choice if you print infrequently. The amount of ink is tailored for occasional use.
• High Capacity (34XL): These cartridges contain significantly more ink. Although the initial cost is higher, the cost per page is lower. According to Epson, you can print up to three times more pages with XL cartridges. This makes them ideal for offices or households that regularly print documents, as you'll replace cartridges less often.

2. Multipack vs. Individual Cartridges

Another consideration is whether to buy an Epson 34 multipack or individual colours.

• Multipack: A multipack contains all the required colours (black, cyan, magenta, and yellow) in one package. This is often more cost-effective than buying all the colours separately and is convenient if multiple cartridges run out at the same time.
• Individual Cartridge: If your printer indicates that only the Epson 34 cyan is empty, you only need to replace that specific colour. This prevents waste and is cost-effective if you notice you use one colour more than the others.

3. The Technology: DURABrite Ultra Ink

All genuine Epson 34 and 34XL cartridges use DURABrite Ultra ink. This is a pigment-based ink specially developed for business documents. According to the manufacturer, its key features are:

• Sharp text: The ink produces clear, legible text comparable to that of a laser printer.
• Fast-drying: The ink dries quickly, which minimises smudging, especially with double-sided printing.
• Resistant: The prints are water, smudge, and highlighter resistant.

Our Epson 34 Ink Recommendations

Based on product specifications and use cases, we have selected some popular choices for owners of compatible Epson WorkForce Pro printers.

Epson Golf Ball Multipack 4-Colour 34XL DURABrite Ultra Ink

Why It Stands Out: This high-capacity multipack is designed for users who print a lot and want to reduce their cost per page. According to Epson, the XL capacity can reduce printing costs by up to 30% compared to standard cartridges.

Benefits:

• Contains all four colours (black, cyan, magenta, yellow) in XL size.
• Ideal for lowering the cost per print with high print volumes.
• Less frequent cartridge replacement, which saves time and improves workflow.
• Uses the fast-drying and durable DURABrite Ultra ink.

Who Is It For? This pack is a logical choice for small businesses and home office users who print documents, reports, or invoices daily or weekly and want to be more economical in the long run.

Epson Golf Ball Singlepack Cyan 34 DURABrite Ultra Ink

Why It Stands Out: This individual, standard-capacity cartridge offers a targeted solution. When only the cyan ink is low, you don't need to purchase an entire multipack. This prevents unnecessary spending and waste of other colours.

Benefits:

• Replace only the colour that has actually run out.
• Lower purchase cost for a single replacement.
• The same high-quality DURABrite Ultra ink for consistent results.
• Suitable for the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-3720DWF and WF-3725DWF.

Who Is It For? This is a practical option for home users or offices where colour consumption is uneven. For example, if you often print documents with a specific colour logo, causing the cyan cartridge to deplete faster than the others.

Epson Golf Ball Multipack 4-Colour 34 DURABrite Ultra Ink

Why It Stands Out: This standard multipack is a balanced choice. It offers the convenience of all four colours in one package but with a lower initial investment than the XL version. It's a reliable choice for users with a moderate printing volume.

Benefits:

• More economical than buying four standard cartridges individually.
• All necessary colours on hand for a complete replacement.
• Lower purchase price than the XL multipack.
• Produces professional, water-resistant documents.

Who Is It For? This pack is ideal for households and small offices that print regularly, but not in volumes so large that an XL cartridge is immediately necessary. It offers a good balance between convenience and cost.

Looking for Something Else?

The Epson 34 series is specifically designed for a select group of WorkForce Pro printers. If you have a different printer or are looking for alternative ink options, it's worth exploring a wider range.

View our full range of colour ink cartridges

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Epson 34 and 34XL ink?

The main difference is the amount of ink. Epson 34XL cartridges contain more ink than the standard 34 version. This allows you to print more pages, resulting in a lower cost per page. The 34XL is intended for users with a high printing volume, while the standard 34 is suitable for occasional use.

Is Epson Golf Ball ink the same as Epson 34 ink?

Yes. "Golf Ball" is the nickname Epson has given to the 34-series ink cartridges, referring to the image of a golf ball on the packaging. If you're searching for Epson Golf Ball ink, you are in fact looking for Epson 34 or 34XL cartridges.

Can I mix and match Epson 34 and 34XL cartridges?

Yes, that is possible. For example, you can use a black 34XL cartridge alongside standard 34 colour cartridges in your Epson WorkForce Pro printer. The printer recognises both sizes. This gives you the flexibility to choose an XL cartridge for the colour you use most, while using the standard version for the other colours.