Epson 502 Vs 522 Ink Review | Compatible Printers & Chart
Epson, a well-reputed and famous brand in the printing industry, has produced a lot of similar ink types. Consumers often don’t know the little differences between similar ink types. Epson 502 and 522 also fall under the umbrella of similar printer ink types but with a little bit of differences.
Both are dye-based inks because Epson mostly has printers that are designed for dye-based inks primarily. Today, we’ll compare Epson 502 vs. 522 ink models in depth to know what the significant difference is between them apart from dye-based technology.
Check Epson Ecotank ET-2800 Vs 2850.
Difference Between Epson Ink 502 vs 522
The main difference between Epson ink 502 and 522 is the printer models that are compatible with these inks. Other than that, I didn’t get any distinct difference between them though Epson 522 has a newer formula of ink that is compatible with an updated version of EcoTank printers. However, both ink models are compatible with EcoTank models. The Epson 502 model is widely used for a variety of Epson printers.
But let me clear that according to some users, the Epson 502 black ink color is pigment-based while the Epson 522 black ink color is dye-based. But when I got both sets of ink bottles, it was clearly mentioned on both sets of both ink bottles that all ink colors including CMYK are dye-based.
Check Best Epson Sublimation Printers.
Due to having a new formula for the Epson 522, the price of the Epson 522 is slightly higher than the Epson 502 ink.
Epson 502 ink
Epson 522 ink
Print Quality
Both ink models have a similar print quality with Ecotank printers. As both inks are dye-based inks regardless of the difference of page yielding only. So in my opinion. Epson 522 can produce higher dense colors because it provides less page yield. So getting 502 compatible printers are optimal choice when page yield is considered.
Check Epson Ecotank ET-2800 Vs ET-2803.
Cost-effectiveness
Well, the ink capacity of both types comes in various sizes. But you might get an Epson 502 less expensive because it is older than 522. The Epson 522’s higher upfront cost is offset by its superior print quality. If you print frequently or in large quantities, you’ll appreciate the cost-effectiveness of 502 ink bottles in the long run.
Ink Yield & Ink Capacity
Epson 502 truly shines in its impressive page yield. Epson 502 is engineered to produce enough page yield suitable for constant printing. Though it is older the page yield is impressive.
I got 4 packs of Epson 502 ink bottles, and the page yield mentioned for the 4-pack Epson 502 ink bottles was 7500 pages. But if you print frequent images more than 5% of the page printing, the page yield won’t be 7500. I got a set of ink bottles in which each bottle had a capacity of 70 ml (CMY) except for the black ink bottle, which had a capacity of 127 ml.
Check Epson ET- 8550 Vs ET-15000.
However, the page yield was comparatively higher than Epson 522. However, I bought Epson 522 ink bottles that had 10 ml more ink which means each bottle (CMYK) had a capacity of 80 ml. But lesser page yield in 522. So you can have an idea which is the cost-effective.
Effortless Filling
The ink sets I purchased for both models had Ecofit technology in them, which nearly eliminates human interference during the filling process. We only need to fit the bottles into ink tanks, and bottles will automatically fill the ink themselves. And when the ink tanks become full, the bottles will automatically stop filling.
Though you can buy ink bottles without Ecofit technology this will involve the syringes and I really don’t like to split the ink onto my hands while filling the ink.
Epson 522 Ink Compatibility Chart & Compatible Printers
| Printer Model | Epson 522 Ink Compatible? |
| Epson EcoTank ET-2400 | Yes |
| Epson EcoTank ET-2720 | Yes |
| Epson EcoTank ET-2800 | Yes |
| Epson EcoTank ET-2803 | Yes |
| Epson EcoTank ET-4700 | Yes |
| Epson EcoTank ET-4800 | Yes |
| Epson EcoTank ET-4810 | Yes |
Check Epson Ecotank ET-2850 Vs 3850.
Epson 502 Ink Compatibility Chart & Compatible Printers
| Printer Model | Epson 502 Ink Compatible? |
| Epson EcoTank ET-2700 | Yes |
| Epson EcoTank ET-2750 | Yes |
| Epson EcoTank ET-3700 | Yes |
| Epson EcoTank ET-4750 | Yes |
| Epson EcoTank ET-3750 | Yes |
| Epson EcoTank ET-4750 | Yes |
| Epson EcoTank ET-4850 | Yes |
| Epson EcoTank ET-2850 | Yes |
| Epson EcoTank ET-3830 | Yes |
| Epson EcoTank ET-3850 | Yes |
| Epson EcoTank ET-2760 | Yes |
| Epson EcoTank ET-3843 | Yes |
| Epson EcoTank ET-15000 | Yes |
| Epson EcoTank ET-3760 | Yes |
But we again suggest checking Epson’s official website to check the compatibility. Also, ensure the ink bottle number when you buy the printer because Epson provides the ink bottles with the package.
Is Epson 502 And 522 Ink The Same?
No, Epson 502 and 522 ink types are not the same. While they are both designed for use in Epson printers, they have different ink formulations and compatible printers. To ensure superb performance and print quality, use the ink set that is specifically designed for your printer model.
Can I Use Epson 522 Instead Of 502?
No, you cannot use Epson 522 instead of 502. It is not recommended by Epson or any other crafter to use an Epson 522 ink set instead of a 502 if your printer is designed for the 502 ink. The two ink models have different ink formulations and may not be compatible with each other’s printer models.
Check Epson Ecotank ET-3850 Vs ET-4850.
Can I Use Epson 502 Instead Of 522?
Similarly, you cannot use Epson 502 instead of 522. Using the wrong ink bottles can lead to compatibility issues affect print quality and can cause printhead problems. Always use the ink type that is compatible with your specific printer model to achieve the best performance.
Conclusion
In the battle of Epson 502 vs. 522 ink bottles, you won’t get any major difference between them as both are used for Epson printers particularly. The Epson 502 ink bottles are widely compatible with Epson printers and you’ll get a long list of Epson 502 ink.
