# TLDR Review: Brother LC101BK Ink Cartridge

*Published: 2025-02-25 | Updated: 2025-02-25 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/brother-lc101bk-ink-cartridge*

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## Verdict

The Brother LC 101BK Black Ink Cartridge offers reliable performance and is easy to install, making it suitable for users who regularly pair it with a compatible Brother all-in-one system. However, the need for all color cartridges to function for black-only printing and the small ink supply might lead to increased costs and waste over time. If environmental concerns and economic efficiency are priorities, users might want to explore alternatives or assess printing habits to ensure this product is the most cost-effective solution.

**Top pro:** Compatible with Brother all-in-one printer/copier/scanner.
**Top con:** The printer requires all color cartridges to function, even when printing in black, which can be frustrating.

## Product: Brother LC101BK Ink Cartridge
**Brand:** Brother
[Compare prices and price history on ShopSavvy](https://shopsavvy.com/products/brother-lc101bk-ink-cartridge)

## Pros
- Compatible with Brother all-in-one printer/copier/scanner.
- Easy to change out used cartridges with a simple twist and snap lock installation.
- Each cartridge comes shrink-wrapped with user-friendly opening.
- Offers great prices compared to competitors, providing good value for the price.
- Provides decent shelf life and performs its job effectively.

## Cons
- The printer requires all color cartridges to function, even when printing in black, which can be frustrating.
- Buying multiple black cartridges is ineffective without all color cartridges present.
- Infrequent use of the printer might lead to cartridges emptying due to automatic ink spraying for maintenance.
- The ink supply in cartridges is very small, leading to frequent replacements.
- Excessive waste and fewer usable ink resources contribute to more plastic waste.
- Retail price of the ink cartridge is considered high for the quantity provided.

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Compatible with Brother all-in-one printer/copier/scanner. | The printer requires all color cartridges to function, even when printing in black, which can be frustrating. |
| Easy to change out used cartridges with a simple twist and snap lock installation. | Buying multiple black cartridges is ineffective without all color cartridges present. |
| Each cartridge comes shrink-wrapped with user-friendly opening. | Infrequent use of the printer might lead to cartridges emptying due to automatic ink spraying for maintenance. |
| Offers great prices compared to competitors, providing good value for the price. | The ink supply in cartridges is very small, leading to frequent replacements. |
| Provides decent shelf life and performs its job effectively. | Excessive waste and fewer usable ink resources contribute to more plastic waste. |
|  | Retail price of the ink cartridge is considered high for the quantity provided. |

## Last Seen Prices

*Each price is the last one ShopSavvy observed, on 2026-06-11; it may have changed since.*

| Retailer | Price | Availability | Last seen |
|----------|-------|-------------|-----------|
| [Amazon](https://shopsavvy.com/api/redirect/products/pAboop9lsKpEsb8K1ZQx/offers/3f7eb93c-ac25-248a-d24b-f727e432d631?source=shopsavvy&medium=article-review-tldr) | $16.79  | In Stock | 2026-06-11 (may have changed) |

[See every retailer and the full price history on ShopSavvy](https://shopsavvy.com/products/brother-lc101bk-ink-cartridge)

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*About this review: it summarizes the professional reviews and customer ratings ShopSavvy collected for this product, alongside prices from ShopSavvy's price data (each price shows when it was last seen).*

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