# 🖨️ When is the best time to buy HP printers? > Maximize your savings by knowing the best months to purchase HP printers! *Published: 2025-03-15 | Updated: 2026-03-19 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/best-time-to-buy/printers-hp* --- # When to Buy HP Printers: The Ultimate Timing Guide for Maximum Savings 📊 *Navigate HP's pricing patterns like a pro. From Black Friday blowouts to new model releases and the rise of subscription plans, discover exactly when to strike for the best deals on HP's inkjets and lasers.* As a long-time analyst of HP printer pricing patterns, I've tracked years of fluctuations, release cycles, and promotional events to identify the optimal buying windows. HP commands roughly 24% of the global printer market for good reason, but their pricing strategy follows distinct seasonal patterns that savvy buyers can leverage for significant savings. Whether you're eyeing an OfficeJet Pro for your small business, a Smart Tank for high-volume home printing, or a budget-friendly DeskJet, timing your purchase correctly could save you up to 46% off MSRP. But timing isn't the only factor anymore. HP's aggressive push toward subscriptions and firmware that blocks third-party ink means the total cost of ownership has never been more important to understand. Let me share my findings on HP's pricing rhythm and show you exactly when to make your move. ## The HP Printer Calendar: Best Months to Buy 🗓️ HP follows a fairly predictable annual sales cycle, with certain months consistently offering better deals than others. Based on extensive price tracking data, I've identified the optimal buying windows throughout the year: | Month | Average Discount | Sale Frequency | Best For | Notable HP Events | |-------|------------------|----------------|---------|-------------------| | January | 15.2% | Medium | Post-holiday clearance | New Year sales | | February | 10.6% | Low | Budget models | Presidents' Day sales | | March | 20.3% | Medium | Tax season upgrades | Spring sales | | May | 26.4% | High | Office models | Memorial Day sales | | August | 23.1% | High | Student printers | Back-to-school specials | | October | 21.2% | Medium | Home office models | Fall clearance | | November | 31.8% | High | Premium models | Black Friday/Cyber Monday | November stands out as the absolute best month for HP printer purchases, with discounts reaching up to 46% during Black Friday events. May and August follow as strong contenders with high sale frequency and respectable discounts in the 23-26% range. ## HP's Release Cycle: When New Models Arrive 🆕 HP typically follows an annual refresh cycle for their printer lineup, with new models predominantly launching between **March and October**. In March 2025, HP announced the LaserJet Enterprise 8000 Series at its Amplify Conference, featuring quantum-attack-resistant security. Consumer-focused refreshes and "2025 Edition" models rolled out through mid-year, while new Envy Photo 7200 and 7900 series arrived on HP.com at $219.99 and $239.99 respectively. This pattern creates two strategic buying opportunities: 1. **Post-release discounts (October-December):** When new models arrive, previous generation printers see immediate price drops of 15-25%. 2. **Pre-release clearance (July-August):** As retailers make room for upcoming models, current inventory often sees discounts of 12-18%. **Insider tip:** If you don't need the absolute latest features, purchasing a previous-generation HP printer in November (combining post-release discounts with Black Friday sales) typically offers the most significant savings of the entire year. ## HP's Sales Events: Mark Your Calendar 📅 HP participates in general seasonal sales events but also runs several brand-specific promotions throughout the year: | Event Type | Timing | Typical Discount | Best For Buying | |------------|--------|------------------|-----------------| | **HP-Specific Events** | | | | | HP Days | Various (typically quarterly) | 15-22% | Mid-range models | | HP Business Week | March & September | 19-27% | LaserJet & enterprise models | | HP Green Initiative | April (Earth Month) | 17-20% + recycling bonuses | Ink-efficient models | | **Major Retail Events** | | | | | Black Friday | Late November | 26-46% | Premium models | | Cyber Monday | Monday after Thanksgiving | 18-26% | Online-exclusive models | | Back to School | August | 13-22% | Student-oriented models | | Tax Season | March-April | 14-18% | Home office models | The "HP Days" promotions deserve special attention. Unlike competitors who primarily rely on retailer discounts, HP often provides direct discounts through their website during these events, frequently bundling free supplies, extended warranties, or Instant Ink subscriptions that add significant value beyond the upfront discount. ## HP Price History Revealed: Real-World Examples 💰 To illustrate these patterns, let's examine the price histories of popular HP printer models across different categories: **HP OfficeJet Pro 9135e (mid-range workhorse):** - MSRP: $329.99 - Street price: ~$259 at most retailers - Black Friday range: $179-$219 - Why it matters: Single-pass duplex scanning, 4.3-inch touchscreen, fast text printing at 3.1 cents per page **HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e (budget office pick):** - MSRP: $229.99 - Street price: ~$199 - Black Friday range: $139-$159 - Typical discount pattern: 9-15% in summer, 27-38% during Black Friday **HP Smart Tank 5101 (high-volume value):** - MSRP: ~$260 - Street price: ~$230 - Why it matters: Ships with enough ink for up to 8,000 pages, refill ink costs ~$66 for all four bottles. At 1.7 cents per color page, this is HP's answer to Epson's EcoTank line. **HP LaserJet MFP M234sdw (laser all-in-one):** - MSRP: $239 - Black Friday 2024 price: $149 (37% off) - Why it matters: 30 ppm, auto-duplex, 40-page ADF. The non-"e" model works without HP+ and accepts third-party toner. **HP DeskJet 2855e (budget entry):** - MSRP: $84.99 - Street price: ~$69 - Typical discount pattern: Consistent pricing with occasional drops during spring and back-to-school season What's notable is that HP's premium models (like the OfficeJet Pro series) see much more dramatic price swings throughout the year compared to budget models like the DeskJet series, which maintain relatively stable pricing with only modest discounts during major sales events. ## The Subscription Factor: HP Instant Ink, HP+, and the All-In Plan ⚠️ HP's subscription strategy has changed dramatically and now plays a major role in your buying decision. Here's what you need to know: **HP+ (partially discontinued):** In mid-2024, HP discontinued its "e-series" LaserJet printers and stopped marketing Instant Ink for toner after significant customer backlash. The core complaint: HP+ required a permanent internet connection and blocked all third-party cartridges. Existing e-series owners are unaffected, but no new e-series LaserJets are being made. Inkjet models with HP+ remain available. **Instant Ink price hikes:** HP raised Instant Ink subscription rates in April 2025, adding up to 20% to monthly fees. Overage charges jumped from $1.00 to $1.50 per set (a 50% increase). This follows a previous ~50% increase in December 2023. These repeated hikes have eroded the value proposition for many subscribers. **HP All-In Plan (printer-as-a-service):** Launched in 2024, this newer subscription bundles a brand-new printer, automatic ink delivery, optional paper delivery, and 24/7 support for one monthly fee. Plans start at $6.99/month (HP ENVY, 20 pages) and go up to $12.99/month (OfficeJet Pro, up to 700 pages). There's a 30-day free trial, but after that you're locked in for 24 months. If you cancel early, you must return the printer. **Class action lawsuits:** Multiple class action lawsuits allege HP Instant Ink renders printers "entirely worthless" when service lapses, that HP fails to deliver ink on time, and that error messages frequently make printers inoperable even with valid subscriptions. **What this means for timing:** Factor subscription costs into your total cost of ownership. A "cheap" printer on Black Friday that locks you into HP+ may cost more over two years than a pricier model that accepts third-party ink. The Smart Tank 5101 and non-"e" LaserJets are your best bets if you want to avoid subscription lock-in. ## Third-Party Ink: HP's Ongoing Crackdown 🔒 HP's Dynamic Security firmware continues to be a major factor in printer ownership costs. In January 2026, HP rolled out firmware version 2602A/B across at least eleven printer models, disabling third-party ink cartridges that use non-HP chips. Meanwhile, the new EPEAT 2.0 environmental registry (launched December 2025) explicitly prohibits firmware updates that block remanufactured cartridges. No HP printers are yet registered under this standard, but advocacy groups argue HP's behavior conflicts with sustainability commitments. **Buying tip:** If using third-party ink is important to you, consider HP's Smart Tank line (which uses bottled ink, not chipped cartridges) or the non-"e" LaserJet models. Always disable automatic firmware updates after setting up any HP printer to avoid surprise cartridge lockouts. ## The HP Waiting Game: What Patience Can Save You ⏳ Based on my analysis of HP's pricing strategies, here's what strategic waiting might save on various printer categories: - **Budget HP printers (<$150):** Waiting for sales typically saves 8-12% ($10-$20) - **Mid-range HP printers ($150-$300):** Waiting for sales typically saves 17-23% ($30-$75) - **Premium HP printers (>$300):** Waiting for sales typically saves 26-37% ($75-$150+) However, timing isn't just about sales events. Here's my strategic waiting advice: - **Wait 2-3 months after release** for initial bugs to be resolved through firmware updates (particularly important for HP's network-connected models) - **Wait 6 months after release** for substantial price drops of 17-22% on most models - **Wait for Black Friday** following a spring or fall release for maximum discounts (27-46%) ## What's Ahead: HP Printer Trends for 2026 🔮 HP's printer roadmap for 2026 reflects a continued push toward services and security: - **Enterprise focus:** The LaserJet Enterprise 8000 Series (announced March 2025) features quantum-resistant security. Expect trickle-down security features in consumer models. - **Subscription expansion:** The All-In Plan is being positioned as HP's primary consumer offering, with the company shifting marketing spend away from one-time purchases. - **AI-enabled features:** HP's latest OfficeJet Pro and DeskJet models carry "AI-enabled" branding, primarily for smart scanning, document organization, and print optimization. For current HP printer owners, this means: - Existing non-subscription models will likely see price drops of 16-24% as HP pushes newer subscription-oriented hardware - The best values will be found on outgoing models that don't require HP+ enrollment - Budget printers may only see modest discounts (6-10%) as they already operate on thin margins **Strategic recommendation:** If subscription-free printing matters to you, 2026 is a good year to buy current-generation HP printers before the lineup shifts further toward subscription models. Target October-November for the best combination of clearance pricing and holiday discounts. ## HP-Specific Buying Strategies: What Makes Them Unique 🔍 HP's approach to printer pricing differs from competitors in several important ways: 1. **Subscription influence on hardware pricing:** Models tied to HP+ or the All-In Plan often see deeper upfront discounts because HP expects to recoup revenue through recurring subscriptions and ink sales. 2. **Enterprise vs. consumer timing:** HP's business-focused LaserJet models follow slightly different timing, with best deals appearing at fiscal quarter ends (March, June, September, December). 3. **Bundle-heavy promotions:** HP frequently offers better value through bundles (printer + extra ink + paper) rather than straight discounts, especially during back-to-school season. 4. **Direct vs. retail pricing:** HP's own website often offers competitive pricing during HP Days events, while retail partners like Best Buy and Amazon lead during Black Friday. In February 2026, Office Depot offered the OfficeJet Pro 9135e at $170 off MSRP. 5. **Smart Tank as the anti-subscription play:** The Smart Tank 5101 ships with up to three years of ink included. If you print regularly but hate subscriptions, this line offers the lowest cost per page in HP's consumer lineup. ## Final Recommendations: When to Buy HP Printers 📝 After analyzing years of HP printer pricing data, here are my definitive recommendations: **Best times to buy HP printers:** - **Absolute best time:** Black Friday/Cyber Monday (late November). The OfficeJet Pro 8135e hit $154.99 (31% off) and the LaserJet M234dw dropped to $149 (37% off) during Black Friday 2024. - **Second-best time:** Memorial Day sales (late May) - **Best time for business models:** March (tax season/end of Q1) - **Best time for student models:** August (back-to-school) **When to avoid buying HP printers:** - Immediately following price increases (typically January) - During new product announcement periods (but before actual release) - February and June typically offer the weakest discounts **My top HP printer buying tips:** 1. **Check subscription requirements before buying.** If a model name ends in "e" (like the DeskJet 2855e), it supports HP+ and may push you toward Instant Ink. Non-"e" models and Smart Tanks give you more freedom. 2. **Factor in ink costs, not just printer price.** A $49 DeskJet with expensive cartridges costs more over two years than a $230 Smart Tank with $66 refills. 3. **Use price tracking tools.** HP's pricing can occasionally drop precipitously during flash sales that last only 24-48 hours, particularly on their direct website. 4. **Disable automatic firmware updates** after initial setup to preserve third-party ink compatibility. By aligning your purchase with HP's predictable cycles and sales events, you can easily save 18-37% on your next printer purchase. Just remember: the higher-end the HP printer model, the more dramatic the potential savings from strategic timing. And in 2026, understanding HP's subscription ecosystem is just as important as timing the sale. --- *How we figured this out: We looked at years of price history from ShopSavvy's database, tracking how prices have moved across thousands of retailers to spot the patterns that tend to repeat.*