Epson 664 EcoTank Ink Review: High Yield, Worth It?
A verified buyer on Amazon summed up the experience with the EPSON 664 EcoTank Ink Bottle Black simply: “Prints so many sheets before having to add ink… will never purchase anything other than Epson EcoTanks.” With an aggregate score hovering around 4.8/5 across major platforms, user consensus paints a picture of an affordable, high-capacity, long-lasting ink supply that rewards bulk and frequent printers—though a few quirks around refilling and compatibility have surfaced.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extremely high page yield (thousands of pages per bottle) | Not compatible with non-Epson printers |
| Significant cost savings over cartridges | Can be messy if improperly handled |
| Easy refill process for target printers | Some reports of print head clogging with newer designs |
| Consistent, vibrant black output | Initial fill doesn’t use full bottle |
| Long shelf life, doesn’t dry out quickly | Price still considered high by some |
| Widely available both online and in-store | Occasional delivery issues reported |
Claims vs Reality
Epson markets the 664 EcoTank series as offering “up to 4,500 pages in black” per bottle with “unbeatable convenience” and savings “up to 80%” compared to cartridges. Digging deeper into user reports, while many have indeed matched or exceeded those yields, there are nuances in the real-world figures.
A verified Best Buy customer testified: “The prior bottle has lasted me over a year of daily printing needs.” This aligns closely with Epson's claims and reinforces the long-term value for heavy users. Reddit and Staples customers also echoed similar experiences—R.H. noted their EcoTank printer only needed a black refill “once since we bought it several years ago.”
However, some feedback hinted at mismatches for lighter print volumes. A reviewer on Otzovik reported that “the whole bottle doesn’t fit into the printer at once, a little remains,” possibly lowering the immediate capacity perception despite overall longevity. And while Epson’s literature promotes topping off “just like fueling your car,” a Staples reviewer warned: “Be prepared with paper towels. Chances of spilling a bit are pretty high!”—underscoring that the convenience comes with a small learning curve.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Best Buy, Staples, and Amazon reviews, the ink’s long life is the standout benefit. For small business owners, like R.H. from Staples, this means fewer interruptions during “massive mail-outs” and reduced ongoing costs. Teachers also find value—Vanguard SC shared that nine months of “heavy classroom use” only required their first refill. The refill process itself wins praise: Mama Mac on Best Buy admitted initial worry about mess, but found “it wasn’t… no mess or cleanup.”
Output quality garners similar praise. Josie M. from Staples reported “true colors match perfectly,” and B&H Photo reviewers describe it as “deep black ink, lovely images,” suitable for both documents and rich visuals. Many cite the elimination of overpriced cartridges as liberating; as one B&H customer put it, “Wow! No more (overpriced) cartridges… about a year’s worth of printing.”
Common Complaints
While the majority lean positive, the ink isn’t free of criticism. The most consistent frustration is compatibility—“Doesn't work in a HP printer,” lamented one Staples reviewer, a reminder that these bottles are very OEM-specific. A subset of B&H Photo users reported print head issues after switching to “sensormatic” versions, needing near-daily cleanings compared to zero issues with previous bottles.
Price perception varies; despite significant cost-per-page savings, K.M. on Staples still felt the “cost too much” in absolute terms. The refill design can introduce messiness if rushed—multiple reviewers cautioned about spills during filling. Delivery woes also surface occasionally, from slow shipping to more extreme cases like Carla O. whose driver “ripped off part of my house” in transit.
Divisive Features
The redesigned bottle cap draws mixed reactions. Some appreciate the new lids as “easier to store” and cleaner to handle; others remain wary of overfilling risks and prefer extra tools like pipettes. The partial-fill design (printer not accommodating the entire 70ml) is viewed positively by those who like topping off gradually, but perceived as inconvenient by one Otzovik reviewer who wished it fit all at once.
Trust & Reliability
Trust in the 664 largely comes from its genuine OEM status. Multiple reviewers stress using only original Epson ink to avoid damage not covered by warranty. The durability narrative is strong—users from 2020 Otzovik reviews to 2023 Staples posts report no instances of drying out even after prolonged storage.
Long-term consistency further builds confidence. Marian R. on Staples has owned her ET-4500 long enough to note design mismatches with the ink well, yet the ink itself continues to perform. Best Buy’s Mrs. Dendy also still hasn’t opened her backup bottle years later because the original “still hasn’t run out” and remains viable.
Alternatives
Within the EcoTank ecosystem, alternatives come in the form of other Epson series bottles like T774 for higher volume models. The appeal of the 664 is its wide compatibility across mid-range EcoTank printers such as the ET-2500, ET-2550, and ET-4500. Competitors exist in third-party inks, but reviewers and Epson marketing alike caution that non-genuine options risk reduced performance or printer damage.
Price & Value
Pricing for the 664 Black Bottle ranges from around $9.90 in Europe to $12.99 in US retail. While Epson advertises savings up to 80–90%, perception hinges on print volume—frequent printers find refills “very good purchase for the money” (Chuck, Best Buy), whereas occasional home users may see the upfront cost as steep compared to compact cartridge packs.
Resale is minimal in value due to low cost new—used bottles on eBay list for $1–$2—but the shelf life and performance make stocking up during sales a common tip. An Otzovik user noted buying “by promotion, cheaper” when possible.
Buying tips from community voices emphasize local availability: Fran R. was relieved to find Staples carried the large bottle in-store, avoiding online delays, while L.R. appreciated Staples being “the only place” she could source in person.
FAQ
Q: Can I use the Epson 664 in printers from other brands?
A: No. Multiple users confirmed it’s not compatible with non-Epson printers. Trying to use it in HP or other brands will fail and may cause damage.
Q: Does the whole bottle fit in the tank at once?
A: Not always. Some printers leave a small amount unused per fill, but you can top off later without issue.
Q: How messy is the refill process?
A: Most find it clean and straightforward if done slowly, but rushing increases spill risk. A few recommend keeping paper towels nearby.
Q: How long does one bottle last?
A: Heavy users report anywhere from 9 months in classrooms to over a year in offices before needing another refill.
Q: Does it dry out in storage?
A: Feedback suggests it stores well without drying, even after years unopened.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a high-volume Epson EcoTank user seeking maximum cost-per-page savings and OEM reliability. Avoid if you print infrequently or own non-Epson hardware. Pro tip from the community: watch for promotions—stocking up during sales can make an already economical ink supply even more affordable.
