What Ink Does the Epson WorkForce WF-2860 Use?
Last Updated:Correction: an earlier version of this article said the WF-2860 uses Epson 220 cartridges. It uses Epson 202/202XL.
CastleScore · October 2026
80/100 — Highly Recommended
Epson WorkForce WF-2860
| Pillar (weight) | Score | What it is based on |
|---|---|---|
| Owner ratings (28%) | 80 | 4.10★ average across 3,075 ratings at Amazon (4.1) |
| Expert reviews (18%) | 70 | PCMag 3.5/5 |
| Cost per page (24%) | 86 | About 4¢ per page blended (black + color) with our remanufactured 202XL (550 black / 470 color pages). |
| Reliability (13%) | — | Not enough owner complaint data to score. |
| Features (12%) | 81 | Print, copy, scan, document feeder, auto two-sided printing, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, touchscreen. No fax. |
| Value (5%) | 83 | Running cost and owner satisfaction |
Limited data: We could not find enough owner complaint data for this printer, so that weight is spread across the other pillars.
Discontinued. Epson lists the WF-2860 as discontinued and names the WorkForce WF-2960 as its replacement. This guide is for current owners.
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 8, 2026. It is not a customer review. See every ranked printer or how the score works.
The cartridges, pictured
202XL 4-packBlack + Cyan/Magenta/Yellow
202XL BlackT202XL120 · ~550 pages
202XL CyanT202XL220 · ~470 pages
202XL MagentaT202XL320 · ~470 pages
202XL 4-pack
202XL Black
202XL Cyan
202XL MagentaOur own remanufactured cartridges, photographed in-house.
Quick answer: what ink does the Epson WorkForce WF-2860 use?
The Epson WorkForce WF-2860 uses four Epson 202 Claria cartridges: black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. High-capacity Epson 202XL cartridges fit the same slots and print roughly 2.5 to 3 times as many pages, so they're the better value for most people. It does not use Epson 212 or 220 cartridges, even though its model number is close to the WF-2830 and WF-2850.
Cartridge options at a glance
| Cartridge | Part numbers | Approx. yield* |
|---|---|---|
| Epson 202 black | T202120 | ~210 pages |
| Epson 202 color (C/M/Y) | T202220 / T202320 / T202420 | ~165 pages each |
| Epson 202XL black | T202XL120 | ~550 pages |
| Epson 202XL color (C/M/Y) | T202XL220 / T202XL320 / T202XL420 | ~470 pages each |
*Approximate ISO yields. Real-world results depend on coverage, photo printing, and cleaning cycles.
Common questions about Epson WorkForce WF-2860 ink
Should I buy Epson 202 or 202XL for the WF-2860?
202XL, unless you print only a few pages a month. The XL black is rated for about 550 pages versus about 210 for standard, and XL colors about 470 versus 165, so the cost per page drops a lot. See Is XL ink actually worth it? Standard vs. XL with real numbers.
Can I mix standard and XL cartridges?
Yes. Each cartridge is read independently, so any mix of 202 and 202XL works.
What other printers use Epson 202 ink?
Epson 202/202XL also fits the Expression Home XP-5100. The similarly named WF-2830 and WF-2850 use Epson 212 instead, so double-check the model number before you order.
Is Epson 202 the same as Epson 212 or 220?
No. They're different cartridges with different shapes and chips and won't seat in each other's printers. The WF-2830 and WF-2850 take 212; the WF-2750 and WF-2760 take 220.
Are compatible 202XL cartridges safe for the WF-2860?
Using non-Epson cartridges doesn't void your warranty under U.S. law. Epson rates its page yields for Epson cartridges only, and Epson firmware updates have been known to reject some third-party chips, so consider turning off automatic firmware updates. More: Compatible vs. remanufactured vs. OEM ink and Does compatible ink void your printer warranty?.
How do I replace the ink in the WF-2860?
Turn the printer on and lift the scanner unit. When the carriage stops, squeeze the tab on the empty cartridge and lift it out. Shake the new cartridge gently, remove only the yellow tape, and press it in until it clicks. Close the scanner and let the printer charge the ink. Step-by-step: How to install an ink cartridge in an Epson printer.
Why won't the WF-2860 recognize a cartridge?
Reseat it firmly until it clicks, make sure the yellow tape is fully removed, and wipe the chip with a dry lint-free cloth. Power the printer off for a minute. If a compatible stops working after a firmware update, contact the seller for a replacement. More fixes: Printer says ink cartridge not recognized: how to fix it.
Why are my prints faded, streaky, or missing a color?
Run a nozzle check from the Maintenance menu, then a head cleaning (up to two or three cycles). If a color is still missing, let the printer sit a few hours and try again. See Epson printer not printing color: the real fix and Why is my printer printing streaks?.
Does the WF-2860 have a maintenance box?
Yes. It uses a replaceable Epson T04D1 maintenance box to collect waste ink. See our Epson maintenance box guide.
Does the WF-2860 print double-sided and fax?
Yes. It has automatic 2-sided printing, a 30-sheet automatic document feeder, color fax, a 2.4" touchscreen, a 150-sheet front paper cassette, and Ethernet as well as Wi-Fi.
Is the WF-2860 the same as the XP-5100?
No, but they share Epson 202 ink. The XP-5100 is a home model without fax or a document feeder.
WF-2860 key facts
- Type: wireless all-in-one (print, scan, copy, fax)
- Ink: 4 individual Epson 202/202XL cartridges
- Duplex: automatic
- Document feeder: 30 sheets
- Display: 2.4" color touchscreen
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet, USB, NFC
- Same ink as: Expression Home XP-5100
- Waste ink: Epson T04D1 maintenance box
- Status: discontinued; Epson points to the WorkForce WF-2960
What WorkForce WF-2860 owners ask
These are the questions that come up most for this printer on retailer Q&A pages, Epson's support pages and owner reviews, answered in our words.
Is the WF-2860 still made, and what replaced it?
Epson marks it discontinued and points buyers to the WorkForce WF-2960. Epson 202 and 202XL cartridges for the WF-2860 are still easy to find.
How long a sheet can it print on?
Epson lists a maximum paper size of 8.5 x 47.2 inches, so long banner-style sheets fit. The input tray holds 150 sheets.
Does Epson's 202XL multipack have XL colors?
No. Epson's own 202XL 4-pack (T202XL-BCS) pairs an XL black with standard-capacity cyan, magenta and yellow. For XL in all four colors, buy the XL colors (T202XL220, T202XL320, T202XL420) as well.
Can I print from my phone by tapping it on the printer?
Yes. It has NFC tap-to-print, plus Wi-Fi Direct for up to four devices without a router.
WorkForce WF-2860 quirks worth knowing
- The document feeder takes 30 letter sheets but only 10 legal sheets, so split long legal-size jobs.
- It is rated for up to 5,000 pages a month, with 800 a month recommended, which is a lot for a compact home-office printer.
- It has wired 10/100 Ethernet as well as Wi-Fi, which many printers in this class leave out.
More Epson ink guides: Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4830 · Epson WorkForce WF-2950 · Epson Expression Premium XP-7100 · find any printer
Replacing it? Our highest-rated alternatives
- Epson EcoTank ET-2980 — CastleScore 90
- Epson EcoTank ET-2850 — CastleScore 86
- Epson WorkForce Pro WF-3820 — CastleScore 80
Sources
Ratings and prices were checked on October 8, 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.