Choosing the right ink cartridge can make a big difference in both print quality and long-term printing costs. If you own a printer that uses Brother LC506 ink cartridges, you may be wondering which option is best for your needs: LC506, LC506XL, or LC506XXL. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences, explain how to choose the right one, and help you reduce your overall printing expenses without compromising performance.
1. Brother LC506 vs LC506XL vs LC506XXL: Comparison Table
| Feature | Brother LC506 | Brother LC506XL | Brother LC506XXL |
| Ink Capacity | Standard Yield | High Yield | Super High Yield |
| Yield (Black) | 1,000 Pages | 2,500 Pages | 5,000 Pages |
| Price (Black) | $31.49 | $65.99 | $79.49 |
| Cost per Page (Black) | 3.15 Cents | 2.64 Cents | 1.59 Cents |
| Yield (Color) | 900 Pages Each | 1,500 Pages Each | 2,500 Pages Each |
| Price (Color) | $24.79 | $36.49 | $53.49 |
| Cost per Page (Color) | 2.75 Cents | 2.43 Cents | 2.14 Cents |
| Cost per Page (Summary) | Highest | Lower | Lowest |
| Replacement Frequency | Most frequent | Less frequent | Least frequent |
| Best For | Light home use | Home office & small business | High-volume business printing |
| Printer Compatibility | Same | Same | Same |
| Physical Size | Same | Same | Same |
Key takeaway:
All three cartridges (LC506, LC506XL, and LC506XXL) work in the same printers. The difference is how long they last and how much you pay per printed page.
2. Genuine Brother LC506 vs Compatible LC506 Ink Cartridges
Many users compare original Brother LC506/XL/XXL ink cartridges with compatible alternatives before buying.
- Genuine Brother LC506/XL/XXL ink cartridges are made by the printer manufacturer and offer stable performance.
- Compatible LC506/XL/XXL ink cartridges are produced by third-party manufacturers and designed to match the originals in size, function, and printer recognition.
Let's compare them using a simple table.
| Feature | LC506 (OEM vs COMP) | LC506XL (OEM vs COMP) | LC506XXL (OEM vs COMP) |
| Printer Compatibility | Same | Same | Same |
| Yield (Black) | Same | Same | Same |
| Price (Black) | OEM $31.49 vs $24.95 Comp | OEM $65.99 vs $39.95 Comp | OEM $79.49 vs $49.95 Comp |
| Cost per Page (Cents) | OEM 3.15 vs 2.50 Comp | OEM 2.64 vs 1.60 Comp | OEM 1.59 vs 1.00 Comp |
| Yield (Color) | Same | Same | Same |
| Price (Color) | OEM $24.79 vs $19.95 Comp | OEM $36.49 vs $24.95 Comp | OEM $53.49 vs $29.95 Comp |
| Cost per Page (Cents) | OEM 2.75 vs 2.22 Comp | OEM 2.43 vs 1.67 Comp | OEM 2.14 vs 1.2 Comp |
| Cost per Page (Summary) | OEM > Comp | OEM > Comp | OEM > Comp |
High-quality compatible Brother ink cartridges are widely used by home users and businesses because they deliver reliable print results at a significantly lower cost. The difference is mainly pricing - not usability.
3. Which LC506 Cartridge Should You Choose?
The right Brother LC506 ink cartridge depends on how much you print and whether you choose original or compatible.
- LC506 (Standard Yield): Best for light, occasional printing. Lower upfront cost but more frequent replacement.
- LC506XL (High Yield): Ideal for regular home or office use, offering better efficiency and a lower cost per page.
- LC506XXL (Super High Yield): Designed for heavy printing, with maximum page yield and the best long-term value.
All LC506, LC506XL, and LC506XXL cartridges share the same printer compatibility. Genuine Brother cartridges suit users who prefer original supplies, while high-quality compatible LC506 cartridges provide a cost-effective alternative without sacrificing everyday print performance.
Bottom line: choose higher yield for more frequent printing, and consider compatible options to significantly reduce printing costs.
4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Brother LC506 LC506XL LC506XXL Ink Cartridges
Q: What is the main difference between LC506, LC506XL, and LC506XXL?
A: The difference is ink capacity. LC506 is standard yield, LC506XL holds more ink, and LC506XXL offers the highest capacity for heavy printing.
Q: Are LC506, LC506XL, and LC506XXL interchangeable?
A: Yes. All three cartridges are fully interchangeable and compatible with the same Brother printers.
Q: Will using LC506XL or LC506XXL improve printing efficiency?
A: Yes. Higher-yield cartridges reduce replacement frequency, improve workflow efficiency, and lower overall printing costs.
Q: Do compatible LC506 ink cartridges work the same as original ones?
A: Yes. High-quality compatible cartridges are designed to meet the same functional standards and are recognized by the printer when installed correctly. Ready Toner is committed to providing high-quality ink cartridges at a discounted price.
Q: Can I mix different yield cartridges in one printer?
A: Yes. You can use a mix of standard and high-yield cartridges without affecting printer performance.
Q: Will using a compatible LC506 ink void my printer warranty?
A: No. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a manufacturer cannot void your printer warranty simply because you use a compatible ink cartridge. High-quality compatible cartridges are designed to meet the same standards as genuine Brother LC506, ensuring safe usage, reliable performance, and consistent print quality. This allows you to save on printing costs without risking your warranty rights.
5. Final Thoughts
When comparing Brother LC506 vs LC506XL vs LC506XXL, the choice comes down to printing volume and cost efficiency. All three fit the same printers, but higher-yield cartridges offer better long-term value - especially for office and business users.
If you’re looking to reduce printing costs while maintaining consistent performance, choosing a reliable compatible cartridge can make a noticeable difference.