HP Discontinues Online-Only LaserJet Printers Amid Customer Backlash

In a significant, and very welcome turn of events, HP has decided to discontinue its online-only LaserJet printers. This decision comes in response to a wave of customer backlash, primarily due to the restrictions placed on these printers, which required an HP+ subscription and a constant internet connection to function.

HP introduced the e-series LaserJet printers as a “cost-effective” solution for consumers, offering lower prices in exchange for mandatory online connectivity and a subscription service. The intent was to create a steady revenue stream through the HP+ subscription, which provided features like enhanced security, extended warranties, and the Instant Ink service that automatically shipped toner to users as needed. 

The real kicker here is that if you didn’t continue your subscription, whatever ink you had in your printer was no longer authorized for printing. Just think about that — a user pays for the hardware they think they “own” and without a subscription they can’t print.

Reading between the lines this is effectively a subscription service or a lease on hardware much like a managed print program that is more familiar to business users. The provider tracks what you print and charges you for it while maintaining machines and providing refills on ink and other perishables.

The majority of users on the HP+ program we have warned away from the program aren’t the most technically savvy buyers. It does sound like a great deal — take away the need to think about the ink and toner of your device, get it at a discount, and… honestly forget that you are paying monthly for a printer you use infrequently. 

With a continued global uptake in paperless practices, there isn’t a reason why you should be paying a monthly fee for the idea of a printer. There are plenty of reasonably priced printers from Brother that can handle anything you throw at them. The bonus? The printers and consumables are priced reasonably.

Understandably users aren’t happy once they understand how limited the machines actually are.

With a wave of rising criticism, HP has decided to discontinue the online-only models of their printers. The company emphasized its commitment to listening to customer feedback and making changes accordingly. By removing these restrictions, HP aims to regain customer trust and provide more flexible printing solutions that cater to a broader audience.

As always I caution to trust but verify with sweeping policy changes like this. We will see how this trickles down to the users currently on the subscription plan and how much revenue HP derived from the sale of these locked down machines.

The biggest risk here is that HP’s move could set a precedent, encouraging other tech companies to reconsider overly restrictive product designs and subscription models. We already have auto makers that have started down this path, let’s hope that we don’t end up with devices where basic features are locked behind the veil of recurring revenue.

For now, I recommend buying Brother printers for your personal use. For your business, feel free to reach out and we can discuss whether stand-alone purchases or a true managed print program are worth leveraging for your printing needs.