What Ink Does the Epson Expression Home XP-5100 Use?
Last Updated:Quick answer: The Epson Expression Home XP-5100 uses Epson 202 or high-capacity Epson 202XL ink in four separate colors. 202XL Black (T202XL120-S) is rated for about 550 pages and each 202XL color (T202XL220-S cyan, T202XL320-S magenta, T202XL420-S yellow) for about 470. Standard 202 is about 210 black and 165 per color.
In the UK and Europe the XP-5100 takes Epson 502 instead, and its replacement, the XP-5200, uses Epson 222, so buy by the 202 number. Castle Ink sells remanufactured 202XL cartridges in each color and in packs.
CastleScore · October 2026
77/100 — Recommended
Epson Expression Home XP-5100 (Scored on Epson Expression Home XP-5100 ratings)
| Pillar (weight) | Score | What it is based on |
|---|---|---|
| Owner ratings (28%) | 78 | 4.0★ average across 436 ratings at Epson.com |
| Expert reviews (18%) | — | PCMag reviewed it, but we couldn't verify the numeric score. |
| Cost per page (24%) | 85 | About 2.2¢ per page blended with our remanufactured Epson 202XL ($10.99 each; 550 black / 470 color pages). Docked because Epson firmware can reject non-Epson cartridges. |
| Reliability (13%) | 72 | Most-reported problems: fast ink use; Wi-Fi drop-outs; non-Epson cartridges rejected after firmware updates |
| Features (12%) | 62 | Print, copy, flatbed scan, auto two-sided printing, Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct, USB, 2.4-inch color screen, SD card slot, 150-sheet tray. No fax or document feeder. |
| Value (5%) | 82 | Running cost and owner satisfaction for a compact home printer |
Limited data: We could not find a published numeric expert score for this printer, so that weight is spread across the other pillars.
Discontinued. Epson launched it in 2018 and has replaced it with the XP-5200, which uses Epson 222.
CastleScore is Castle Ink’s own editorial rating, built from retailer star ratings, expert reviews, real cost per page and owner complaint patterns, checked October 26, 2026. It is not a customer review. See every ranked printer or how the score works.
The cartridges, pictured
Epson 202XL Black
Epson 202XL Cyan
202XL 4-packOur own remanufactured cartridges, photographed in-house.
What Ink Does the Epson XP-5100 Take?
| Cartridge | Epson part no. | Approx. yield (Epson) | Castle Ink option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epson 202 Black / Cyan / Magenta / Yellow | T202120-S / T202220-S / T202320-S / T202420-S | ~210 black / ~165 each color | Amazon |
| Epson 202XL Black | T202XL120-S | ~550 pages | Castle Ink 202XL Black, $10.99 |
| Epson 202XL Cyan | T202XL220-S | ~470 pages | Castle Ink 202XL Cyan, $10.99 |
| Epson 202XL Magenta | T202XL320-S | ~470 pages | Castle Ink 202XL Magenta, $10.99 |
| Epson 202XL Yellow | T202XL420-S | ~470 pages | Castle Ink 202XL Yellow, $10.99 |
| 202XL 4-pack | Black + Cyan / Magenta / Yellow | one of each | Castle Ink 202XL 4-pack, $37.99 |
Yields are Epson's ISO figures. The starter cartridges in the box yield less than retail 202 cartridges, because part of their ink primes the print head at setup. Watch out for Epson's own "XL" combo pack (T202XL-BCS): it pairs an XL black with standard colors. Amazon links are tagged (as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases).
What Does Epson 202XL Cost?
On October 26, 2026, Quill listed the Original Epson 202XL Black at $39.99 (about 7¢ a page) and a 202XL Cyan at $19.29 (about 4¢). Our remanufactured 202XL cartridges are $10.99 each, or $37.99 for a four-pack, which works out to about 2¢ a page per color.
Will Remanufactured 202XL Work in the XP-5100?
Usually, with a caveat. Epson says the XP-5100 is designed for Epson cartridges, and Epson's user guides warn that firmware updates can stop non-Epson cartridges that worked before. One ink seller reports that a recent update disabled third-party 202XL cartridges in this printer family, so if you use remanufactured cartridges, turn off automatic firmware updates. Epson cartridges are chipped, and remanufactured ones keep a working chip.
How Do I Replace the Ink in the Epson XP-5100?
- Turn the printer on and follow the expended-cartridge message, or go to Maintenance > Ink Cartridge(s) Replacement.
- Lift the scanner unit until it clicks.
- Squeeze the tab on the old cartridge and lift it straight out.
- Shake only a new black cartridge gently 4 or 5 times before unpacking it.
- Unpack the cartridge and peel off only the yellow tape.
- Press the cartridge into the holder until it clicks, lower the scanner unit and select Completed. Don't turn the printer off while it charges the ink.
Which Other Printers Use Epson 202?
Quill, InkTechnologies and 4inkjets list the Epson WorkForce WF-2860 alongside the XP-5100.
What XP-5100 owners ask
These are the questions that come up most for this printer on retailer Q&A pages, manufacturer support communities and owner reviews, answered in our words.
Can I print black-only when a color cartridge is empty?
Temporarily. On Windows, Epson Status Monitor offers Print in Black; on a Mac, turn on Permit temporary black printing. Use plain paper and black/grayscale, and replace the color soon.
Why did the cartridges that came with the printer run out so fast?
Part of the in-box ink is used to charge the print head at setup, so starter cartridges yield less than retail 202 cartridges.
Does it have a document feeder?
No. Scanning and copying use the letter-size flatbed only.
Will non-Epson 202XL cartridges work?
Epson designs the printer for Epson cartridges and says firmware updates may block others that worked before; owners using remanufactured cartridges should switch off automatic updates.
XP-5100 quirks worth knowing
- Only the black cartridge should be shaken before installing; Epson advises against shaking the colors.
- A cartridge removed while low or empty can't be reinstalled and reused.
- It has a replaceable maintenance box (T04D1); when it fills, the printer stops until you replace it.
- It has an SD card slot, a 2.4-inch color screen and automatic two-sided printing, but no fax or Ethernet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ink does the Epson XP-5100 use?
Epson 202 or 202XL, in black, cyan, magenta and yellow.
Does Epson 502 fit the U.S. XP-5100?
No. Epson 502 is the UK and European cartridge for that region's XP-5100. U.S. printers take 202.
How many pages does Epson 202XL print?
About 550 pages for black and 470 for each color, by Epson's ratings.
Other printers that use Epson 202 and 202XL
More Epson ink guides: Epson WorkForce WF-2830 · Epson XP-4200 · Epson EcoTank ET-2720 · find any printer
Replacing it? Our highest-rated alternatives
- Brother MFC-T780DW — CastleScore 90
- Epson EcoTank ET-2980 (cheapest to run) — CastleScore 90
- Brother MFC-J4335DW — CastleScore 89
Sources
Ratings and prices were checked on October 26, 2026 and will change over time.
Need replacement Epson ink cartridges? Shop Epson ink cartridges at Castle Ink. Remanufactured, up to 70% less than OEM, and shipped the same day when you order by 4 PM ET.