Your Epson printer has stopped working because of the waste ink counter. You have done your research, and now you are looking at your options. Two tools keep coming up: WIC Reset Utility and PrintFix.
Both tools do the same fundamental thing — they reset the software counter that Epson uses to lock your printer. But they approach the problem differently, and depending on your setup, one may be a much better fit than the other.
This is not a hit piece on WIC. The WIC Reset Utility has been around for years and has helped millions of people get their printers working again. We respect that. What we want to do here is give you an honest, side-by-side comparison so you can make the best decision for your situation.
What Both Tools Do
Before diving into differences, let’s be clear about what both tools accomplish: they reset the waste ink pad counter on your Epson printer from 100% (or near it) back to 0%, which removes the software lock and lets you print again.
Both tools require you to purchase a reset key for each reset operation. Neither tool is completely free — the free part is the diagnostic (checking your counter level), while the actual reset requires a paid key.
If you are not sure what the waste ink counter is, read our complete guide to the Epson waste ink pad counter first.
Connection Method: USB Only vs WiFi + USB
This is probably the single biggest practical difference between the two tools.
WIC Reset Utility
WIC requires a direct USB cable connection between your computer and your printer. You need to plug the printer into your computer with a USB cable, and the tool communicates with the printer over that wired connection. There is no WiFi option — USB is the only way.
For some people, this is perfectly fine — they have a USB cable handy and the printer is right next to their computer. But for many modern setups, this is a real inconvenience. If your printer lives on a shelf across the room and has only ever been connected over WiFi, you may not even have a USB cable that fits. Epson printers typically use a USB-B connector, which most people do not keep in their drawer anymore.
PrintFix
PrintFix supports both WiFi and USB connections. It can discover your printer automatically over your WiFi network, or you can connect directly via USB cable — whichever is more convenient for your setup.
Over WiFi, simply open the app and it automatically discovers your Epson printer on the network. If you prefer USB or your printer does not have WiFi, just plug in a USB cable and PrintFix detects it the same way. This flexibility means PrintFix works with every Epson printer setup, whether wireless or wired.
Winner: PrintFix — supporting both WiFi and USB makes PrintFix the only tool that works with every connection type. WIC is limited to USB only.
Platform Support
WIC Reset Utility
WIC is available for Windows only. There was historically a macOS version, but support has been inconsistent, and many users report issues running it on recent macOS versions. There is no Linux version.
If you are on Windows, this is not a problem. If you are on a Mac or run Linux, WIC is either difficult or impossible to use without workarounds like virtual machines.
PrintFix
PrintFix runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is built with a native desktop framework, so it runs natively on all three platforms without emulation or compatibility layers.
Winner: PrintFix — full cross-platform support means you can use whatever computer you have.
User Interface and Experience
WIC Reset Utility
WIC has a utilitarian interface that has not changed much over the years. It works, and experienced users know their way around it, but it can feel dated. The workflow involves multiple steps and some technical knowledge — selecting the right port, choosing the correct printer model, and navigating through several screens.
PrintFix
PrintFix was designed with a modern UI in mind. The workflow is streamlined: open the app, it finds your printer, you see your counter level, and you reset with one click after entering your key. It is designed for people who are not technical and just want their printer to work again.
Winner: PrintFix — though this is partly subjective. If you are comfortable with technical tools, WIC works fine.
Free Diagnostic
WIC Reset Utility
WIC offers a free trial mode that lets you check your waste ink counter levels without purchasing a key. This is genuinely useful and something WIC deserves credit for pioneering. However, the trial has some limitations on what information it displays.
PrintFix
PrintFix also offers a completely free diagnostic. Download the app, scan your network, and see your exact waste ink counter percentage for every Epson printer on your network — no purchase required, no account needed, no limitations on the diagnostic data.
Winner: Tie — both offer free diagnostics, which is the right thing to do. You should always know what you are paying to fix before you pay.
Pricing
WIC Reset Utility
WIC sells reset keys individually. A single key typically costs around $9-10 USD. Each key works for one reset on one printer. They also offer multi-key packs at a slight discount.
PrintFix
PrintFix reset keys start at EUR 4.99 (approximately $5.40 USD) for a single reset. There is also an unlimited key option for users who want lifetime resets on a single printer — useful if you print a lot and expect to hit the counter limit again. Check the pricing page for current options.
Both tools offer a money-back guarantee on unused keys.
Winner: PrintFix — the entry price is lower, and the unlimited key option provides better long-term value for heavy users.
Printer Model Support
WIC Reset Utility
WIC has been around for a long time and supports a very wide range of Epson models. Their model database is extensive, particularly for older printers.
PrintFix
PrintFix supports a broad and growing list of Epson models, including all major families: EcoTank, Expression, WorkForce, and L-Series. You can check the full list of supported printers to verify your specific model.
Winner: Close call. WIC has a slight edge on very old or obscure models due to their longer time in the market. For any printer from the last decade, both tools have strong coverage.
Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | WIC Reset Utility | PrintFix |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | USB cable only | WiFi + USB (both) |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Limited / inconsistent | Yes (native) |
| Linux | No | Yes (native) |
| Free diagnostic | Yes (with limitations) | Yes (full) |
| Single reset price | ~$9-10 USD | From EUR 4.99 (~$5.40) |
| Unlimited resets option | No | Yes |
| Modern UI | Basic / dated | Modern, streamlined |
| Auto printer discovery | No (manual selection) | Yes (WiFi + USB scan) |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes | Yes (14 days, unused keys) |
When to Choose WIC
To be fair, there are scenarios where WIC might be the better choice:
- You have used WIC before and are comfortable with the workflow. Familiarity has value.
- Your specific model is very old or uncommon and is not yet in PrintFix’s supported list.
When to Choose PrintFix
PrintFix is the better choice when:
- Your printer connects over WiFi or USB — PrintFix supports both, so it works regardless of your setup.
- You use a Mac or Linux and do not want to deal with compatibility issues.
- You want the simplest possible experience — open the app, find the printer, reset, done.
- You want to save money — lower base price and the option of an unlimited key.
- You print a lot and want the unlimited key for long-term peace of mind.
The Bottom Line
WIC Reset Utility is a proven tool that has helped many people. It works, and if it is what you are used to, there is nothing wrong with continuing to use it.
That said, PrintFix was built to solve the pain points that WIC users have been dealing with for years: the Windows-only limitation, the dated interface, and the lack of an unlimited option. PrintFix is also the only tool that supports both WiFi and USB connections, so you are never limited by how your printer is set up. If you are choosing a tool today, PrintFix is the more modern and flexible choice.
Try PrintFix for Free
The diagnostic is completely free. See your waste ink counter level right now, no commitment required.
- Download PrintFix — Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Scan your network and find your printer
- Check your waste ink level instantly
- If you need to reset, get a key starting at EUR 4.99
You have nothing to lose by trying the free diagnostic first.