Ink continues to be the single largest operating expense for most home and small-office printers. Market analysts at IDC estimate that supplies—including ink and paper—account for roughly 60 % of a printer’s total cost of ownership over five years, dwarfing the hardware purchase itself. Yet many households still buy cartridges on autopilot, paying full retail price for whatever model number the printer status screen suggests.
Below, you’ll find our fully updated ranking of high-performing cartridges—followed by a deeper dive into how to stretch every drop, avoid compatibility headaches, and pick the right formulation for your print jobs.
| Rank | Cartridge | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | HP 67 Ink Cartridges | Click to Check |
| 2 | HP 67XL Black Ink Cartridge | Click to Check |
| 3 | HP 63 Black Ink Cartridge | Click to Check |
| 4 | HP 910 Color Ink Pack | Click to Check |
| 5 | HP 910XL Black Ink | Click to Check |
| 6 | Canon PG-275/CL-276 Ink Value Pack | Click to Check |
| 7 | HP 64 Ink Duo Pack | Click to Check |
| 8 | HP 63XL Black High-yield Ink | Click to Check |
| 9 | HP 65 Black Ink Cartridge | Click to Check |
| 10 | HP 62 Black/Tri-color Ink Combo Pack | Click to Check |
| 11 | HP 61 Black/Tri-color Ink Pack | Click to Check |
| 12 | HP 64XL Black Ink | Click to Check |
Why OEM Ink Still Dominates—And When It Doesn’t Have To
Original cartridges remain the safest bet because printer makers bake authentication chips into the tanks and push firmware updates that can disable off-brand supplies. HP’s Dynamic Security system, for instance, now covers more than 200 models. If your printer updates itself automatically, budget cartridges you’ve relied on for years can suddenly trigger error codes.
However, when firmware can be disabled in the service menu—or if you own an Epson EcoTank/Canon MegaTank that uses bottled ink—third-party or refill solutions can slash ink expenses by up to 70 %. Just confirm the vendor publishes ISO/IEC 24711 yield data; reputable brands do.
High-Yield vs. Standard: Reading Beyond the Page-Yield Label
“XL” or “High-Yield” often delivers two to three times the printed pages for about 40 % more up-front cost. But capacity claims assume 5 % page coverage—roughly one paragraph of text. Photo printing can cut those yields in half. If you mainly produce full-color presentations or borderless pictures, calculate cost per milliliter instead of pages: divide cartridge price by ink volume listed on the box.
Subscription Ink Programs and Instant Refill Forecasting
HP’s Instant Ink, Canon’s PIXMA Print Plan, and Epson’s ReadyPrint track pages via the cloud and mail replacements before tanks run dry. Light users (under 15 pages per month) can pay as little as $1.49, while frequent printers save most when they average 300–700 pages. Because unused page allowances roll over only once, opt for the tier just above your real usage, not the highest tier.
Pigment vs. Dye: Choosing the Right Chemistry
- Pigment black inks (e.g., HP 910XL) bond to paper fibers and resist smudging—ideal for text documents and annotated reports.
- Dye inks (e.g., Canon CL-276) soak into the sheet and produce richer color gamut, perfect for photos but susceptible to fading in bright light without UV-safe paper.
Hybrid printers such as the Canon TS3520 combine a pigment black with dye colors to balance both worlds.
Shelf Life, Storage, and Print-Head Health
Cartridges have micro-vent holes that slowly allow air exchange; indoor temps above 85 °F accelerate evaporation and can thicken ink, clogging nozzles. Store sealed spares upright in a climate-controlled drawer. Once installed, print a test page every two weeks to keep heads primed—especially on Epsons, whose fixed PrecisionCore heads cost more to replace.
Recycling and Circular Economy Programs
HP’s Planet Partners and Canon’s Ink Cartridge Recycling both offer prepaid mail-back envelopes. Returned plastics are shredded and re-pelletized into new cartridges or auto parts. Using these programs cuts manufacturing emissions by up to 33 %, according to Life-Cycle Assessment figures published by the OEMs.
Quick Tips to Stretch Every Drop
- Switch office documents to “Draft” or “Eco” mode—most modern printers cut ink density by 40 % while remaining legible.
- Print duplex when possible; heat from the first pass partially dries the sheet, reducing bleed-through on side two.
- Run a cleaning cycle only when you see banding. Each maintenance purge can consume 5–10 % of a standard cartridge’s ink.
Armed with the table above and these best practices, you can match the right cartridge to your workload, dodge hidden firmware traps, and keep long-term printing costs in check without sacrificing clarity or color depth.
Best Printer Ink Options
We’ve researched the top printer ink products available today to help you make the best choice for your printing needs. Our list includes reliable options that balance quality and value, ensuring vibrant colors and crisp text for your documents and photos.
HP 67 Ink Cartridges
The HP 67 ink combo pack delivers reliable printing quality for everyday documents and photos at a reasonable value for HP printer owners.
Pros:
- Consistently sharp text and vibrant colors
- Easy installation process
- Compatible with many popular HP printer models
Cons:
- Standard yield (not high capacity)
- Higher price point than generic alternatives
- Cartridges empty somewhat quickly with heavy use
We recently tested these HP 67 cartridges in our office HP DeskJet and were impressed with how seamlessly they installed.
The packaging is designed for easy handling, and the cartridges clicked right into place without any hassle. Even team members who aren’t tech-savvy found the installation process straightforward.
Print quality is where these cartridges truly shine. Text comes out crisp and dark, while color photos display vivid, true-to-life hues.
The black cartridge yields approximately 120 pages, and the tri-color provides around 100 pages of output. This is sufficient for light home use, though frequent printers might find themselves replacing them more often than they’d like.
One thing we appreciate about genuine HP ink is the reliability factor. These cartridges work perfectly with compatible HP printers like the DeskJet and ENVY series without error messages or compatibility issues.
While they cost more than third-party alternatives, the consistent quality and fade-resistant results make them worth considering, especially for important documents or photos you want to last.
HP 67XL Black Ink Cartridge
The HP 67XL delivers reliable, high-quality prints for a wide range of HP printers, making it worth the investment despite its premium price.
Pros
- Produces crisp, fade-resistant text and images
- Compatible with numerous HP printer models
- Easy installation with no leaking issues
Cons
- More expensive than third-party alternatives
- 240-page yield runs out quickly with heavy use
- HP printers often reject non-HP cartridges
We recently tested this HP 67XL Black cartridge in several compatible printers, and the print quality was consistently excellent. Text appeared sharp and professional even on regular paper.
The cartridge installed smoothly with a satisfying click, confirming proper placement.
For daily home office use, we found this high-yield version lasted about three weeks. This is significantly longer than the standard cartridge. The ink flowed evenly without clogging, even after the printer sat unused for several days.
While cheaper alternatives exist, many newer HP printers have firmware that rejects non-HP cartridges.
This original HP ink works perfectly every time. The fade-resistant formula also ensures documents stored in folders won’t become illegible over time.
Though pricier than generic options, the reliability and quality make it a solid choice for important documents.
HP 63 Black Ink Cartridge
We recommend the HP 63 Black Ink Cartridge for its reliable performance and wide compatibility with multiple HP printer models.
Pros
- Prints up to 170 pages with consistent quality
- Works with many HP DeskJet, ENVY, and OfficeJet printers
- Made with 82% recycled plastic
Cons
- Higher price point than non-brand alternatives
- Limited page yield compared to XL versions
- Only includes black ink (color sold separately)
The HP 63 Black Ink Cartridge delivered exactly what we expected during our tests. Text came out crisp and clear on regular documents.
This genuine HP ink produced noticeably better results than third-party alternatives we’ve tried in the past.
Compatibility is a major strength with this cartridge. It works with tons of popular HP printer models including the DeskJet 3630 series and ENVY 4520 series.
We found installation super simple – just pop out the old cartridge, snap in the new one, and you’re ready to print again in seconds.
While the price is higher than generic options, the reliability makes it worth it. No more paper jams or error messages from incompatible cartridges.
The 170-page yield is decent for home use but might run out quickly in a busy home office. For frequent printers, checking out HP’s Instant Ink subscription might save some money in the long run.
HP 910 Color Ink Pack
We recommend the HP 910 Color Ink Pack for anyone wanting reliable, vibrant prints with their HP OfficeJet printer series.
Pros
- Produces crisp, fade-resistant color prints
- Easy installation process
- Works perfectly with compatible HP printers
Cons
- Higher price point than non-HP alternatives
- Ink seems to deplete relatively quickly
- Some users report received cartridges showing as “low ink”
After testing these HP 910 cartridges in our office, we were impressed by the color quality. The cyan, magenta, and yellow inks create vivid images that look professional even on regular paper. The colors truly pop and maintain their brightness over time.
Installation couldn’t be simpler – just remove the protective tape and slide each cartridge into its designated slot.
We noticed the printer recognized them instantly without any error messages.
This three-pack provides everything needed for color printing, though you’ll need to purchase black ink separately.
While these cartridges cost more than generic brands, the difference in quality is noticeable. Our experience matches HP’s claim that these produce up to twice as many prints as refilled alternatives.
The cartridges work perfectly with HP OfficeJet 8010, 8020, and OfficeJet Pro 8020/8030 series printers. For consistently reliable prints without streaking or fading, these original HP inks are worth the investment.
HP 910XL Black Ink
This high-yield HP ink cartridge delivers reliable, high-quality prints for home or office use with impressive page yield and compatibility across multiple OfficeJet printer models.
Pros
- Produces crisp, fade-resistant text and images
- Works with numerous HP OfficeJet and OfficeJet Pro models
- Made with 82% recycled plastic materials
Cons
- Higher price point than non-original alternatives
- Occasional packaging issues with ink leakage
- Page yield may vary based on what you’re printing
We’ve been using the HP 910XL Black cartridge in our office for several weeks now, and the print quality is noticeably better than the third-party options we tried before.
Text comes out sharp and professional-looking, even on regular copy paper. The cartridge installed easily in our OfficeJet Pro 8025 with no compatibility issues.
One thing we really appreciate is the higher page yield. The cartridge is rated for about 825 pages, which seems accurate based on our usage so far.
We print a lot of text-heavy documents, and this cartridge has lasted much longer than the standard version. The environmental aspect is also a plus, with HP using recycled plastic in manufacturing.
The main drawback is the price compared to non-HP alternatives. However, we’ve found the quality difference is worth it for important documents.
Some users might experience occasional leakage when removing the protective tape, so be careful during installation.
Canon PG-275/CL-276 Ink Value Pack
We recommend this Canon genuine ink value pack for consistent, high-quality prints that work perfectly with compatible Canon printers.
Pros
- Produces crisp text and vibrant photos
- Easy installation with instant printer recognition
- Genuine Canon quality prevents compatibility issues
Cons
- Somewhat limited page yield (about 100 pages per cartridge)
- More expensive than third-party alternatives
- Ink depletes quickly with photo-heavy printing
We tested this Canon ink value pack with a PIXMA TS3520 printer and were impressed with the results.
The black ink delivered sharp, clear text for documents while the color cartridge produced vivid, true-to-life photos. Installation was simple – the printer recognized both cartridges immediately with no error messages.
Canon’s FINE technology makes a noticeable difference in print quality. When comparing side-by-side with a non-Canon cartridge we tried previously, the difference was clear.
The page yield is our main concern. We printed about 80 pages of mixed content before receiving low ink warnings.
For occasional home printing, this might be sufficient, but frequent users may find themselves replacing cartridges often.
Despite this limitation, we think the reliability and quality make these cartridges worth considering, especially if your printer is one of the compatible models like the TS3520 or TR4720 series.
HP 64 Ink Duo Pack
The HP 64 Black and Tri-color ink cartridge combo delivers reliable, vibrant prints for ENVY and Tango series printers at a reasonable value.
Pros
- Consistent print quality with sharp text and bright colors
- Easy installation with no alignment issues
- Compatible with HP Instant Ink subscription service
Cons
- Higher upfront cost than third-party alternatives
- Limited page yield (200 black, 165 color)
- Can dry out if printer sits unused for extended periods
We recently tested these Original HP 64 cartridges in our ENVY Photo 7155, and the difference was immediately noticeable compared to the generic brand we tried last month.
Text appeared crisp and dark, while color photos showed accurate skin tones and vibrant landscapes.
Installation couldn’t be simpler – just remove the protective tape and slide them into place. The printer recognized them instantly without any error messages or alignment problems.
We printed about 175 black and white pages before needing to replace the black cartridge, which falls close to HP’s estimated 200-page yield.
The recycled plastic construction (82% of the cartridge) feels sturdy, and we appreciate the environmental consideration.
For frequent printers, the HP Instant Ink subscription might make more sense financially. While these cartridges cost more upfront than non-HP options, we found the reliability and print quality worth the investment for important documents and photos that need to look their best.
HP 63XL Black High-yield Ink
We highly recommend the HP 63XL Black High-yield Ink Cartridge for anyone seeking reliable printing quality with impressive page yields.
Pros
- Produces crisp, fade-resistant text on every page
- Yields approximately 480 pages per cartridge
- Compatible with numerous HP printer models
Cons
- Higher price point than non-original alternatives
- Only black ink (requires separate purchase for color)
- Single cartridge packaging isn’t eco-friendly
After testing this cartridge in several compatible HP printers, we noticed the immediate difference in print quality.
Text appears sharp and professional, making documents look polished. The ink dries quickly, preventing smudges even when handling pages fresh from the printer.
The high-yield capacity is impressive. In our experience, one cartridge handled several weeks of regular printing tasks before showing signs of depletion. This makes it perfect for home offices or students who print frequently.
We appreciate that it works across so many HP models including DeskJet, ENVY, and OfficeJet series.
Installation couldn’t be simpler. The cartridge slides into place with a satisfying click, and the printer recognizes it instantly.
We also like that HP manufactures these with 82% recycled plastic. While the price is higher than generic alternatives, the reliability and consistent quality justify the cost for important documents and professional materials.
HP 65 Black Ink Cartridge
The HP 65 Black Ink Cartridge delivers reliable quality and performance making it a smart choice for HP printer owners seeking consistent results.
Pros
- Produces crisp, fade-resistant text
- Compatible with many HP printer models
- Made with 82% recycled plastic
Cons
- Only yields about 120 pages per cartridge
- Higher cost per page than some alternatives
- Requires proper storage to prevent drying out
We recently tested this cartridge in several compatible HP printers and were impressed by the consistent print quality.
The ink flows smoothly and creates sharp text documents without smudging. Unlike some third-party options we’ve tried, these original HP cartridges just work without causing printer errors or alignment issues.
Installation couldn’t be easier – the cartridge clicks right into place with no fuss. While the 120-page yield might seem low, it’s perfect for home users who print occasionally.
We’ve found that documents printed with this ink maintain their quality over time without fading, which matters when printing important records.
The environmental aspect deserves mention too. Using 82% recycled plastic in manufacturing reduces waste, which we appreciate.
Yes, original HP ink costs more than generic brands, but the reliability is worth it. Our test prints showed no streaking or faded sections that often plague cheaper alternatives. For DeskJet and ENVY printer owners, this cartridge delivers peace of mind and quality output.
HP 62 Black/Tri-color Ink Combo Pack
We believe this HP ink combo pack is worth buying for its reliability and consistent print quality, especially if you own a compatible HP printer.
Pros
- Produces crisp text and vibrant colors
- Compatible with many HP ENVY and OfficeJet models
- Made with 82% recycled plastic
Cons
- Higher price than third-party alternatives
- Limited page yield (200 black, 165 color)
- Requires more frequent replacements for heavy users
This HP 62 combo pack includes one black and one tri-color cartridge that worked flawlessly in our tests.
We noticed the ink dried quickly and didn’t smudge when highlighting text. The colors appeared bright and true-to-life when printing photos, making this a solid choice for both document and image printing.
Installing these cartridges was simple – they clicked right into place with no fuss.
We printed about 190 pages of text documents and 40 color pages before the black started to fade. This matches HP’s stated yield pretty closely, though heavy color users might find the tri-color cartridge empties faster than expected.
We appreciate that HP manufactures these with recycled plastic. For those concerned about cost, HP’s Instant Ink subscription might be worth exploring as an alternative to buying cartridges outright.
Overall, while pricier than non-HP options, the reliable performance and clear print quality make these original cartridges a worthwhile investment for your compatible HP printer.
HP 61 Black/Tri-color Ink Pack
We highly recommend this HP 61 ink combo pack for reliable, high-quality prints that won’t fade over time.
Pros
- Produces crisp text and vibrant colors
- Compatible with many popular HP printer models
- Genuine HP quality prevents printer damage
Cons
- More expensive than generic alternatives
- Relatively low page yield (170 black, 150 color)
- Plastic packaging can arrive slightly damaged
After testing this HP 61 Black and Tri-color ink combo pack in our office, we’re impressed with the consistent quality.
The ink flows smoothly and delivers sharp text documents and vivid color images without streaking or fading. Installation was quick and straightforward—just pop open the printer, snap in the cartridges, and you’re ready to go.
These genuine cartridges work with a wide range of HP printers including DeskJet, ENVY, and OfficeJet models.
We noticed significantly better print quality compared to refilled cartridges we’ve tried in the past. The colors appear more accurate and the blacks are deeper. HP claims up to twice as many prints versus refills, which matches our experience.
The main drawback is the price point, which is higher than third-party options.
With approximately 170 black pages and 150 color pages per set, heavy users might find themselves replacing these frequently. However, we believe the reliability and print quality make up for the cost. The cartridges also work with HP’s Instant Ink subscription service, which can help save money in the long run.
HP 64XL Black Ink
The HP 64XL delivers reliable, high-quality prints that make it worth the investment despite its premium price tag.
Pros
- Produces crisp, fade-resistant text and images
- High yield of approximately 600 pages per cartridge
- Compatible with numerous HP printer models
Cons
- More expensive than generic alternatives
- Plastic packaging could be more eco-friendly
- Installation can be tricky for first-time users
We recently tested the HP 64XL Black ink cartridge with several compatible printers and were impressed by its performance.
The prints came out sharp and clean every time. Text documents looked professional, and the ink dried quickly without smudging when we handled the pages.
The cartridge installs easily with a satisfying click into place. We appreciate the high page yield – this XL version lasted nearly three times longer than standard cartridges in our everyday printing tasks.
For busy home offices or families who print regularly, this means fewer cartridge changes and less hassle.
HP has made strides in sustainability too. The cartridge is made with 82% recycled plastic, which matters to us.
While the price is higher than off-brand options, we found the quality difference noticeable. Colors stayed true and didn’t fade even weeks after printing. For those who need dependable, quality prints without worrying about compatibility issues, this original HP ink is a solid choice.
Buying Guide
When looking for printer ink, we need to consider several factors to ensure we get the right product for our needs. Here’s what to keep in mind during your shopping journey.
Printer Compatibility
Always check your printer model before purchasing ink. Using the wrong cartridge can damage your printer or simply not work at all. Most printer manufacturers list compatible ink types in the user manual or on their website.
Types of Ink
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM): Ink made by your printer’s brand
Compatible: Third-party alternatives designed to work with specific printers
Remanufactured: Recycled cartridges refilled with new ink
Each type offers different benefits in terms of cost, quality, and environmental impact.
Yield and Cost Efficiency
| Ink Type | Typical Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Lower upfront cost, fewer pages | Occasional printing |
| High-yield | Higher initial price, more pages | Regular printing |
| XL/XXL | Highest capacity, best value per page | Heavy usage |
Look at the cost per page rather than just the cartridge price. Divide the price by the page yield to find the best value.
Print Quality Needs
Consider what you’ll be printing most often. For documents, standard inks work well. For photos or marketing materials, look for inks with better color reproduction and fade resistance.
Expiration Dates
Check the shelf life of ink cartridges. Most last 1-2 years unopened. Don’t stockpile too many, as expired ink can cause print quality issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Printer ink confuses many customers due to pricing, compatibility issues, and technical problems. We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions to help you navigate these challenges.
How is the cost of printer ink determined?
Printer ink costs reflect research, development, and manufacturing expenses. Companies invest heavily in creating reliable formulations that won’t damage print heads or fade quickly.
Manufacturers also consider the specialized chips and technology within each cartridge. These components help track ink levels and ensure compatibility with specific printer models.
Some printer models are sold at lower prices because companies expect to make profit from future ink purchases. This “razor and blade” business model explains why replacement cartridges sometimes cost nearly as much as a new printer.
What are the differences between ink cartridges and ink refill kits?
Ink cartridges come factory-sealed with new print heads and electronic components. They offer reliability and manufacturer warranty protection, but typically cost more than alternatives.
Refill kits contain bottles of ink and tools to inject ink into empty cartridges. While significantly cheaper, they require manual dexterity and can potentially cause mess or printer damage if not done correctly.
Using refill kits may void your printer warranty. However, they create less waste and can reduce printing costs by up to 75% compared to buying new cartridges.
What type of ink is compatible with Canon printers?
Canon printers work with PG (pigment-based) and CL (dye-based) ink series. The specific model determines which cartridge numbers you need, ranging from PG-240/CL-241 to PG-280/CL-281 in newer models.
Canon’s PIXMA series typically uses dye-based inks for photos and pigment black for text. Professional photo printers might require specialized cartridges like the LUCIA PRO ink system.
Third-party compatible inks exist for most Canon printers. While Canon recommends genuine cartridges, compatible versions can work well at lower prices if you choose reputable brands.
How can I locate nearby stores that sell printer ink?
Office supply stores like Staples, Office Depot, and OfficeMax maintain extensive ink inventories. Most locations offer cartridge recycling programs too.
Big-box retailers including Walmart, Target, and Best Buy stock popular ink cartridge models. Their electronics or office supply sections typically have dedicated ink displays organized by printer brand.
For specialty inks or hard-to-find cartridges, check local computer repair shops or printing service centers. These businesses often carry a wider selection than general retailers.
What are the common issues associated with Epson printer ink?
Epson printers sometimes display “cartridge not recognized” errors even with genuine supplies. This usually happens when the cartridge’s chip contacts are dirty or damaged.
Print head clogging occurs more frequently with Epson models if left unused for extended periods. Running cleaning cycles can help but uses significant amounts of ink.
Some Epson printers report cartridges as empty when they still contain usable ink. This conservative measurement protects the print head but frustrates users trying to maximize cartridge life.
How can I ensure my printer functions properly with refilled ink cartridges?
Reset cartridge chips when necessary using chip resetters designed for your specific cartridge model. This helps your printer recognize refilled cartridges as new.
Clean cartridge contacts with a lint-free cloth before installation. Poor electrical connections between the cartridge and printer often cause compatibility issues.
Run printer maintenance cycles after installing refilled cartridges. This helps clear any air bubbles and ensures ink flows properly through the print head system.
