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While looking for the cheapest ink solutions, it’s common to make mistakes with the yield or even the model number. Generic ink cartridges can save money, but you also run the risk of damaging your printer. Furthermore, many Epson printers won’t recognize non-genuine cartridges.
To make the decision easier, we are going to look at the Epson 124 vs 126. We will consider their compatibility, available options, and technology so that we decide which is the best option. There will also be a comparison chart and some pros and cons of the two Epson ink cartridges.
We will start with what the Epson 124 and the Epson 126 have in common.
Epson 124 vs 126 – Similarities
Epson Quality Tested
For superior quality ink, the Epson 124 and the Epson 126 are tested in Epson labs. The inks are tested for purity, color, viscosity as well as surface tension and gas chromatology.
Available Packs
There are 7 buying options for the Epson 124 and the Epson 126. You can buy individual black, cyan, magenta and yellow cartridges. With regards to packs, there is a back of 2 black cartridges, a pack of 3 colors and a pack of 3 colors plus a black cartridge.
DURABrite Ultra
DURABrite Ultra ink sticks to the surface of the paper—plain, matte and glossy, instead of sinking into it. This makes the Epson 124 and the Epson 126 better options for two-sided printing. This also means the inks are smudge, water, and fade resistant.
Instant Dry
Although it doesn’t take long for standard ink to dry, there is still a risk of smudging. The Epson 124 and the Epson 126 are both instant-dry inks that will help improve the quality of the final print, especially when using a glossy paper.
Epson 124 and Epson 126 Side by Side Comparison
Our side-by-side recap will help you to see all of the specifications at a glance.
Epson 124 | Epson 126 | |
| Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer Number | T124120-S | T126520-S |
| Epson Quality Tested | Yes | Yes |
| Available Packs | Black, Black 2 pack, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, C/M/Y 3 pack, C/M/Y/B 4 pack | Black, Black 2 pack, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, C/M/Y 3 pack, C/M/Y/B 4 pack |
| Printer Compatibility | Workforce- 320, 325,323, 435, Stylus- NX420, NX127, NX430, NX130, NX125, NX330, NX230 | Workforce- 633, 845, 840, 520, 630, 545, 435, 60, 645, 635, WF-7510, WF-3520, WF-7520, WF-3540, WF-7010, Stylus NX330, Stylus NX430 |
| DURABrite Ultra | Yes | Yes |
| Resistance | Smudge, water, and fade | Smudge, water, and fade |
| Instant Dry | Yes | Yes |
| Capacity | Moderate Capacity- 170 pages | High Capacity- 50% more than standard |
| Price |
Now we will move on to the differences between the Epson 124 and the Epson 126.
Differences Between Epson 124 and Epson 126
Capacity
The major difference between these ink cartridges from Epson is their capacity.
Epson 124
These cartridges have a moderate capacity. Though they are cheaper, you will only get approximately 170 pages printed with each cartridge.
Epson 126
As high-capacity cartridges, they have 50% extra capacity than the standard cartridges, so roughly 460 pages. The good thing is that is not double the price and you can probably save around $5 per cartridge.
The Winner Is- The Epson 126
Read next – Epson 126 vs 127: Which Cartridge Ink is Better?
Printer Compatibility
Because the capacity is so different, the printer compatibility also varies. In the comparison chart below, you can find a complete list of the Epson models for each cartridge.
Epson 124
These are more suitable for the Stylus series although there are 4 Workforce printers that are compatible with the Epson 124. In total, there are 11 printers that take these cartridges.
Epson 126
Out of the 17 compatible printers, 15 are from the Workforce series and 2 are from the Stylus range.
The Winner Is- The Epson 126
Read next – Epson 124 vs 125: Which Cartridge Ink is Better?
Pros and Cons
Before our final verdict, here are some pros and cons of the Epson 124 and the Epson 126.
Epson 124
Pros:
- The cartridges are reliable
- Good price for low volume printing
- No smears or smudges with different types of prints
Cons:
- Quality of ink has no issues, but some printers don’t recognize the cartridges
Epson 126
Pros:
- No problems with printer heads clogging
- Very easy to click into place
- Good quality prints with no bleeding
Cons:
- There appear to be a lot of fakes in genuine Epson packaging
The Final Verdict
If the model of your printer only takes the Epson 124, you will still be using top quality ink with documents and photos. We do recommend the packs over individual cartridges because you can save more money. Most agree that the price of ink is too expensive so in both cases, it’s a good idea to buy the packs. With this in mind, the overall winner today is the Epson 126. These cartridges are better value for money and less hassle having to replace them as often.