HP Tries Desperately to Make 'Printer as a Subscription' a Thing
HP’s push to turn home printing into a subscription service—bundling a low-cost printer with monthly “pages” and DRM-locked ink—has reignited backlash against the company’s business model and transparency. Many commenters argue that the economics and cancellation fees are predatory for typical home users, and see this as part of a broader trend of rent-seeking and enshittification in consumer hardware. Others note that while page-based plans can be cost-effective for certain use cases, trust and privacy concerns are driving people toward alternatives like simple laser printers, third-party supplies, or outsourcing color and photo printing to shops.
Overall reaction to HP’s subscription model
- Widespread hostility toward “printer as a subscription,” seen as peak rent‑seeking and “enshittification.”
- Many view the “unlimited ink but capped pages” framing as deceptive; accusations that HP hides low page limits and cancellation fees in hard‑to‑find UI.
- Some argue this is a continuation of the razor‑and‑blades / DRM cartridge model, now evolved into subscriptions.
- Several comments lament HP’s decline from respected hardware company to ink‑driven revenue machine, blaming MBA‑style focus on recurring revenue over product quality.
Experiences with HP programs (Instant Ink / All‑In Plan)
- One perspective: Instant Ink is optional, page‑based (you buy pages, not ink), and can be cost‑effective for frequent users; complaints are blamed on users misunderstanding the terms or trying to game the system.
- Counterpoints: if a “good” program is routinely misunderstood, that’s a design problem; users feel cheated when cartridges stop working after cancellation because they see themselves as having “bought ink.”
- New “All‑In” style plans are criticized for low included pages (e.g., 0–20/month for $7), multi‑year commitments, and sizable early‑cancellation fees.
Alternatives and practical strategies
- Strong trend toward avoiding HP entirely.
- Brother laser printers are heavily recommended for reliability and low hassle, especially B/W; however:
- Reports that Brother is adding cartridge DRM and pushing its own subscription (EZ‑Print).
- Brother color/inkjet quality described as inferior to Epson/Canon for prosumer photo work.
- Other brands mentioned positively: Canon and Epson EcoTank for color/photo, some Kyocera and Brother color lasers for office‑style use.
- Many users abandon home color/photo printing altogether, using pharmacies, FedEx/Staples, or libraries instead; often cheaper and more reliable.
DRM, privacy, and UX concerns
- Complaints about firmware updates adding DRM, blocking third‑party cartridges, and locking OEM‑only toner.
- HP Smart app criticized for requiring accounts even to scan, asking for camera access, and installing background tasks.
- Fears that print/scan data may be monetized or used to train AI, plus criticism of HP’s privacy policy.
Open‑source and structural issues
- Repeated desire for open‑source 2D printers, but skepticism:
- Patent “minefield,” tiny market, and cost disadvantages vs mass manufacturers.
- Open firmware alone wouldn’t stop OEMs from enforcing consumables DRM.
- Some note that subscription/lease models make sense for high‑volume office copiers with bundled maintenance, but not for low‑volume home use.