Ink cartridges have become the razor blades of the printing world—relatively small consumables that can eclipse the cost of the printer itself over the device’s lifetime. Whether you run a busy home office, print family photos, or churn out labels for an Etsy side-hustle, understanding the ever-evolving cartridge landscape is the fastest route to slashing costs without sabotaging print quality.
OEM vs. Compatible vs. Refilled
- Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) cartridges remain the gold standard for color accuracy, fade resistance, and trouble-free installation. Third-party lab tests continue to show that OEM ink resists UV fading up to 3× longer than bargain formulations.
- Compatible cartridges are newly built by third-party vendors. They’re typically 30–60 percent cheaper than OEM, but firmware lockouts and inconsistent nozzle tolerances mean print-quality lottery.
- Refilled or Remanufactured cartridges reuse an OEM shell. Quality hinges on the rebuilder’s cleaning process and ink chemistry. The best remans approach OEM output, but the worst can clog heads within a hundred pages.
Key Buying Specs That Actually Matter
| Spec | Why It Matters | Good Benchmarks in 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Page Yield | Real cost per page is cartridge price ÷ yield. ISO/IEC 24711 remains the industry standard for reporting. | 170–250 pages (standard); 600–1,000 pages (XL); 2,000 pages+ (business-class) |
| Cost per Page | Anything under 8 ¢ for monochrome or 20 ¢ for color is competitive for desktop inkjets. | Sub-5 ¢ monochrome achievable with high-capacity tanks or subscriptions |
| Firmware Compatibility | Annual security updates can disable third-party chips. Check the last firmware release date before buying compatibles. | Look for chips labeled “V3” or later for 2024–25 HP and Canon models |
| Ink Type | Dye inks excel at photos; pigment inks resist water and highlighter smears. | Most consumer printers now ship with hybrid—pigment black plus dye CMY |
Cost-Saving Strategies Beyond Cheap Ink
- Subscription Services – HP Instant Ink, Canon PIXMA Print Plan, and Epson ReadyPrint bill by pages printed, not cartridges shipped. If you print steadily every month, these can drop color costs to 5–7 ¢ per page.
- Tank Printers – SuperTank/EcoTank models cost more up front but ship with enough bottled ink for roughly 6,000 pages. At $0.003-$0.01 per page, they beat even XL cartridges long-term.
- Draft Mode & Grayscale – Modern drivers compress droplet size to under 3 picoliters in draft, cutting ink use by up to 50 percent for internal documents.
- Automatic Duplexing – Halving paper waste doesn’t save ink, but it doubles the mileage of every cartridge change by squeezing content onto fewer sheets.
Best Printer Ink Cartridges (Fully Tested List)
| # | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | HP 67 Black & Tri-color Ink Pack | Click to Check |
| 2 | HP 67XL Black Ink Cartridge | Click to Check |
| 3 | Canon PG-275/CL-276 Ink Value Pack | Click to Check |
| 4 | HP 63 Black Ink Cartridge | Click to Check |
| 5 | HP 61 Black Ink Cartridge | Click to Check |
| 6 | HP 910XL Black Ink Cartridge | Click to Check |
| 7 | HP 910 Color Ink Cartridges | Click to Check |
| 8 | HP 65 Black Ink Cartridge | Click to Check |
| 9 | HP 952 Color Ink Pack | Click to Check |
| 10 | HP 962 XL/962 Ink Multipack | Click to Check |
| 11 | HP 63XL Black High-yield Ink Cartridge | Click to Check |
| 12 | HP 65 Black/Tri-color Ink Cartridge 2-Pack | Click to Check |
Environmental Impact & Recycling Programs
- OEM drop-boxes in major retailers reclaim plastics and metals; HP alone recycled over 1 million pounds of cartridge plastic in 2024.
- Closed-loop remanufacturers use robotics to sort, clean, and refill cartridges, cutting lifecycle emissions by as much as 60 percent compared to single-use OEMs.
- When refilling at home, maintain a maximum of two refill cycles per cartridge shell to avoid leaks and worn chips.
Troubleshooting Firmware Lockouts
Manufacturers increasingly push over-the-air firmware updates that can render third-party chips unreadable. Disable “automatic updates” in your printer’s settings or pause updates until your cartridge inventory is depleted. If you’ve already installed a blocked cartridge, downgrading firmware or installing a universal chip resetter can restore function—though at the expense of manufacturer support.
Bottom Line on 2025 Ink Economics
Between subscription billing, mega-tank printers, and a vibrant remanufacturing market, print costs have never been more flexible. Match a cartridge’s true cost per page to your monthly print volume, stick to reputable suppliers, and leverage recycling programs to keep both budgets and landfills under control.
Best Printer Ink Cartridges
We’ve tested dozens of ink cartridges to bring you this list of the best options for your printer. Our selections balance print quality, page yield, and value to help you make the right choice for your printing needs.
Each product below has been evaluated for compatibility with major printer brands and overall performance.
HP 67 Black & Tri-color Ink Pack
We recommend the HP 67 ink cartridge combo pack for reliable, high-quality printing that works perfectly with a wide range of HP DeskJet and ENVY printers.
Pros
- Delivers crisp text and vibrant colors without fading
- Extremely easy installation process
- Works with dozens of popular HP printer models
Cons
- Only yields about 120 black and 100 color pages
- Higher price compared to third-party alternatives
- Standard capacity rather than XL version
After testing these cartridges in our HP DeskJet 2755, we noticed immediate quality improvements. The black ink produces sharp text that doesn’t smudge, even when printing important documents quickly.
Colors appear true-to-life with no streaking or fading issues that often plague off-brand options.
Installation couldn’t be simpler. We popped open the printer, removed the old cartridges, and snapped these in within seconds. The printer recognized them instantly without any error messages – something that rarely happens with remanufactured cartridges we’ve tried in the past.
The page yield is our main concern. At roughly 120 black pages and 100 color pages per set, heavy users will go through these fairly quickly. While the print quality is excellent, we wish the cartridges lasted longer for the price.
That said, HP’s reliability makes these worth considering, especially if print quality matters more than quantity.
HP 67XL Black Ink Cartridge
We highly recommend this original HP ink cartridge for anyone needing reliable, high-quality prints with their compatible HP printer.
Pros
- Consistent print quality with sharp text and images
- Easy installation with no leaking
- Compatible with many popular HP DeskJet and ENVY models
Cons
- More expensive than third-party alternatives
- 240-page yield may run out quickly for heavy users
- HP printers often reject non-HP cartridges after updates
After testing this HP 67XL black cartridge in several compatible printers, we found the print quality truly impressive. Text appears crisp and professional, while documents maintain their sharpness even after months of storage.
The fade-resistant formula gives us confidence that important papers will remain legible over time.
Installation couldn’t be simpler – the cartridge slides right into place with a satisfying click. We appreciate that HP designed these cartridges to prevent leaking, which can be a common problem with cheaper alternatives. The packaging also includes clear instructions for those new to replacing ink.
This high-yield version delivers about 240 pages, which works well for moderate home use. Though pricier than non-HP options, we’ve found that cheaper cartridges often lead to streaky prints or compatibility errors.
Many newer HP printers actually detect and reject third-party ink through firmware updates, making these official cartridges a practical necessity rather than just a preference.
Canon PG-275/CL-276 Ink Value Pack
We recommend the Canon Genuine Ink Value Pack for anyone who owns a compatible Canon printer and wants reliable, high-quality prints without compromising on performance.
Pros
- Produces crisp text and vibrant colors
- Easy installation with immediate printer recognition
- Works perfectly with compatible Canon printers
Cons
- Somewhat limited page yield (about 100 pages per cartridge)
- Higher price point than third-party alternatives
- May run out quickly with heavy use
We recently tested these Canon genuine ink cartridges with a PIXMA TS3520 printer, and the difference in quality compared to non-Canon alternatives was immediately noticeable. The black text came out sharp and clear, while color prints showed accurate, vibrant hues that really brought our photos to life.
Installation couldn’t be simpler. The cartridges clicked right into place, and our printer recognized them instantly without any error messages – something that frequently happens with third-party options. This two-pack includes both the PG-275 black cartridge and the CL-276 color cartridge, making it a convenient replacement solution.
The Canon FINE technology with thousands of tiny nozzles truly delivers on its promise of print precision. During our testing, we noticed consistent color distribution and no streaking issues.
While the 100-page yield per cartridge isn’t the highest in the market, the exceptional print quality makes up for it. These cartridges are perfect for home users who value quality over quantity and don’t want to risk printer damage from non-genuine alternatives.
HP 63 Black Ink Cartridge
HP’s original black ink cartridge delivers reliable quality that justifies its higher price point for anyone who wants consistent, fade-resistant prints without hassle.
Pros
- Produces clean, smudge-free text with no streaking
- Compatible with numerous HP printer models
- Made with 82% recycled plastic
Cons
- Higher price than third-party alternatives
- Limited page yield of around 170 pages
- Requires proper storage to prevent drying out
We tested the HP 63 Black ink cartridge in several compatible printers and were impressed by the crisp text and solid black tones. The ink flows smoothly and dries quickly, preventing annoying smudges when handling freshly printed documents.
The cartridge installs easily with a satisfying click, and our printer recognized it immediately without any error messages. This is a huge advantage over third-party cartridges that sometimes require troubleshooting or reset procedures.
While the 170-page yield isn’t impressive, the print quality remained consistent from first page to last.
The recycled plastic construction feels sturdy, and we appreciate HP’s sustainability efforts. Though you’ll pay more compared to generic alternatives, the reliability factor can’t be overstated.
Our experience with non-HP cartridges often involved streaking, clogging, and printer warnings. For important documents or frequent printing, the peace of mind is worth the extra cost.
HP 61 Black Ink Cartridge
We found the HP 61 Black Ink Cartridge delivers reliable quality for everyday printing needs while offering impressive compatibility with numerous HP printer models.
Pros
- Consistent, fade-resistant text with no smudging
- Works with a wide range of HP printers (DeskJet, ENVY, and OfficeJet)
- Made with 82% recycled plastic
Cons
- Only yields about 190 pages per cartridge
- Higher price point than third-party alternatives
- May dry out if printer sits unused for extended periods
The HP 61 Black Ink Cartridge provides dependable performance for home and small office printing. During our testing, we noticed the ink dried quickly on the page with no smearing, even when highlighting text immediately after printing.
Text appeared crisp and professional on standard documents, making this cartridge perfect for reports, homework assignments, and everyday printing tasks.
Installation couldn’t be simpler. The cartridge slides smoothly into compatible printers with a satisfying click, so you know it’s properly seated. We appreciate that HP designed this cartridge to provide status updates through the printer software, which helps avoid the frustration of unexpectedly running out of ink mid-project.
For environmentally conscious consumers, it’s worth noting this cartridge is manufactured using mostly recycled plastic. The cartridge yield is modest at about 190 pages, which might not satisfy heavy users.
You can stretch your dollar by enrolling in HP’s Instant Ink subscription program, which can save up to 50% on ink costs. Overall, while not the most economical option, this original HP cartridge delivers consistent quality and reliability.
HP 910XL Black Ink Cartridge
We recommend the HP 910XL Black High-yield Ink Cartridge for anyone with compatible HP printers who wants reliable, high-quality prints without worrying about compatibility issues.
Pros
- Produces crisp, fade-resistant text that lasts
- High yield cartridge (825 pages) means fewer replacements
- Made with recycled materials (82% recycled plastic)
Cons
- More expensive than third-party alternatives
- Occasional leaking when removing adhesive strips
- Strict printer compatibility requirements
After testing this cartridge in several compatible HP OfficeJet models, we noticed an immediate difference in print quality compared to non-HP alternatives. Text appears sharper and more professional on standard documents.
The black ink is truly dark and consistent across the page without any streaking or fading.
The 825-page yield is impressive for a home office environment. During our two-week test period, we printed roughly 200 pages of text documents and still had plenty of ink remaining. The printer recognized the cartridge immediately with no error messages, which is often an issue with third-party options.
We appreciate HP’s commitment to sustainability with these cartridges. The packaging is minimal and the cartridge itself contains recycled materials. Installation was straightforward in our HP OfficeJet Pro 8025, though we recommend being careful when removing the protective tape to avoid ink smudges on your hands. For those enrolled in HP’s Instant Ink program, this cartridge is eligible, which could save you money depending on your printing habits.
HP 910 Color Ink Cartridges
We recommend these HP 910 color ink cartridges for anyone who needs reliable, vibrant prints from their HP OfficeJet printer.
Pros
- Creates sharp, fade-resistant documents and images
- Easy installation in compatible printers
- Contains recycled plastic in most cartridges
Cons
- Higher price point than non-brand alternatives
- Some users report faster ink depletion than expected
- Limited to specific HP printer models only
After testing these HP 910 ink cartridges in our office, we noticed the color quality immediately.
The cyan, magenta, and yellow inks produce vivid images that don’t fade easily. Documents with color charts and logos look professional, even on regular paper.
Installing these cartridges took just seconds. The packaging includes three separate ink colors that snap firmly into place.
Our printer recognized them right away without any error messages that sometimes happen with refilled or third-party cartridges.
The price might seem high compared to off-brand options, but we found the quality difference worth it.
These cartridges yield about 315 pages per color, though actual results depend on what you’re printing. We appreciate that HP uses recycled plastic in these cartridges too, making them slightly better for the environment than they used to be.
These work perfectly with several HP OfficeJet models including the 8010, 8020, and 8030 series printers.
When we printed photos, the colors looked true to life with good saturation. Text documents with color highlights came out clean and professional.
HP 65 Black Ink Cartridge
The HP 65 Black Ink Cartridge offers reliable, high-quality printing for compatible HP printers at a reasonable price point.
Pros
- Produces crisp, fade-resistant documents
- Compatible with numerous HP printer models
- Made with 82% recycled plastic
Cons
- Only yields about 120 pages per cartridge
- Requires frequent replacement for heavy users
- Price adds up quickly over time
We tested this HP 65 Black cartridge in several compatible printers and found the print quality to be consistently excellent.
Text appears sharp and clear on documents, while the fade-resistant ink means important papers won’t lose their readability over time. The cartridge installed easily with a satisfying click, confirming proper placement.
The compatibility range impressed us, working with numerous DeskJet, ENVY, and AMP series printers. We appreciate that HP uses recycled plastic in production, making this a slightly more eco-friendly option than some alternatives.
Installation was straightforward – just open the printer, remove the protective tape, and snap the cartridge into place.
One drawback we noticed is the relatively low page yield of about 120 pages. For occasional home users, this might last a while, but those who print frequently will need replacements often.
The cartridge does alert you when ink is running low, giving plenty of warning before it’s completely empty.
Overall, this original HP ink delivers the reliability and quality expected from America’s trusted printing brand.
HP 952 Color Ink Pack
HP’s original 952 color pack delivers reliable quality that justifies its price for anyone who needs consistent, vibrant prints.
Pros
- Produces fade-resistant documents with vibrant colors
- Compatible with numerous OfficeJet Pro printer models
- Made with 82% recycled plastic
Cons
- Higher price than non-HP alternatives
- Only 630 pages per cartridge yield
- Requires separate purchase of black ink
We tested this 3-pack of cyan, magenta, and yellow ink cartridges in our OfficeJet Pro 8720, and the results were impressive.
The colors appeared crisp and vibrant on both regular documents and photo prints. Unlike some third-party inks we’ve tried, these didn’t streak or clog our printer heads.
The installation process couldn’t be simpler. Each cartridge clicks into place securely, and our printer recognized them instantly as genuine HP products.
While using them for several weeks, we noticed consistent color quality from the first page to the last.
At around 630 pages per color cartridge, the yield is decent for home use but might run out quickly in a busy office setting. The colors maintained their brightness even when printing photos, which isn’t always the case with non-HP alternatives.
Though the price point is higher than generic options, the reliability and quality difference is noticeable enough that we believe it’s worth the investment for important documents and presentations.
HP 962 XL/962 Ink Multipack
This HP multipack delivers impressive print quality and reliability for business documents, making it worth the investment for compatible OfficeJet Pro printer owners.
Pros
- Produces vibrant colors and crisp black text
- High yield black cartridge (2,000 pages)
- Made with 82% recycled plastic materials
Cons
- Premium price point compared to alternatives
- Cannot be used in non-HP OfficeJet printers
- Color cartridges yield only 700 pages each
We recently tested this HP 962 XL/962 multipack in our office, and the results were excellent.
The pack includes one high-capacity black cartridge and standard cyan, magenta, and yellow cartridges. Our documents came out with sharp text and lively colors that didn’t fade or smudge when handled.
The black cartridge is truly impressive, lasting through about 2,000 pages before needing replacement. Color cartridges don’t last quite as long at around 700 pages each, but that’s typical for office printers.
Installation was simple – the cartridges clicked into place easily with no mess or leakage issues.
What makes this pack stand out is its reliability. We didn’t experience any clogging or printing errors that sometimes happen with third-party options.
Yes, you’ll pay more for genuine HP ink, but the consistent quality and peace of mind are worth it for important business documents. The eco-friendly design using recycled plastic is also a nice bonus for environmentally conscious offices.
HP 63XL Black High-yield Ink Cartridge
For reliable, high-quality printing that won’t let you down, the HP 63XL Black ink cartridge delivers excellent value with its extended page yield and compatibility with numerous HP printer models.
Pros
- Prints up to 480 pages, lasting much longer than standard cartridges
- Compatible with a wide range of HP DeskJet, ENVY, and OfficeJet printers
- Made with 82% recycled plastic, making it a more eco-friendly choice
Cons
- Higher upfront cost than non-original alternatives
- Only works with specific HP printer models
- May dry out if left unused for extended periods
We tested this cartridge in several compatible printers and found the print quality to be consistently excellent.
Text appears crisp and dark, with no smudging or fading even after extensive handling. The high-yield design means fewer cartridge changes compared to the standard version.
Installation couldn’t be simpler – just remove the protective tape, slide it into place, and you’re ready to print. The cartridge is recognized immediately by compatible printers with no error messages or alignment issues. This reliability is something we’ve come to expect from genuine HP products.
Value matters when purchasing ink. While the initial price might seem high, the cost per page works out quite reasonable when you consider the 480-page yield.
For those who print frequently, HP also offers subscription options that can save up to 50% on ink costs. We noticed far fewer print head clogs and maintenance issues compared to third-party alternatives we’ve tried.
The environmentally conscious manufacturing with recycled materials is another benefit we appreciate.
It’s nice knowing our printing needs aren’t creating unnecessary waste.
HP 65 Black/Tri-color Ink Cartridge 2-Pack
This HP ink combo pack delivers reliable, fade-resistant prints for a wide range of HP printers at a better value than buying cartridges separately.
Pros
- Quick-drying ink prevents smudges on important documents
- Compatible with numerous HP printer models
- Made with 82% recycled plastic materials
Cons
- Relatively limited page yield (120 black, 100 color)
- Higher upfront cost than some third-party options
- Might run out quickly for heavy users
We recently tested these original HP 65 cartridges in our office DeskJet 3755, and the difference in quality compared to generic alternatives was immediately noticeable.
The colors appeared vibrant and true-to-screen, while text documents remained crisp and professional-looking. Installation couldn’t be simpler – the cartridges clicked right into place without any alignment issues.
The value proposition becomes clear after using these for a few weeks.
While the page yield isn’t massive, we found the ink lasted through several small projects without showing signs of depletion. Documents dried almost instantly, which prevented annoying smudges when handling freshly printed papers. For everyday home or small office use, these cartridges provide reliable performance.
Compatibility is another major strength of this combo pack. It works with numerous HP printer models including the DeskJet 2600 series, ENVY 5000 series, and AMP 100 series. We appreciate HP’s commitment to sustainability too, with most cartridges being manufactured using recycled plastic.
Though the upfront cost is higher than non-HP alternatives, the consistent quality and reliability make this original ink worth considering for important documents and photos.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right ink cartridge for your printer can save you money and ensure quality prints. We’ll break down what to look for when shopping for ink cartridges.
Compatibility
Always check if the cartridge works with your printer model. Most manufacturers list compatible printers on the packaging. Using incompatible cartridges can damage your printer.
Original vs. Third-Party Cartridges
Original (OEM) cartridges come from your printer’s manufacturer. They offer reliability but cost more.
Third-party cartridges are cheaper alternatives. Quality varies between brands, so read reviews before buying.
Ink Yield
The page yield tells you how many pages a cartridge can print. Higher yield cartridges cost more upfront but offer better value per page.
| Cartridge Type | Average Pages | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Yield | 200-500 | Occasional printing |
| High Yield | 500-1000 | Regular home use |
| Extra High Yield | 1000+ | Office or heavy use |
Ink Type
Different printing needs require different ink types:
- Dye-based ink: Great for photos and vibrant colors
- Pigment-based ink: Better for documents, more water-resistant
- Specialty inks: For photo printing or specific applications
Expiration Dates
Check the expiration date before buying. Ink cartridges typically last 1-2 years unopened. Using expired ink may cause print quality issues.
Multi-Packs vs. Individual Cartridges
Multi-packs offer better value if you use all colors equally. Individual cartridges make more sense if you use certain colors more than others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Printer ink cartridges often generate many common questions from consumers about purchasing options, compatibility issues, and environmental impacts. We’ve compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions to help you make informed decisions.
How can I find the nearest store for purchasing printer ink cartridges?
Finding a local store that sells printer ink cartridges is quite straightforward.
We recommend using store locator tools on retailer websites like Staples, Office Depot, or Best Buy. You can also use Google Maps by searching “printer ink near me” to find local options.
Many big-box retailers like Walmart and Target carry popular ink cartridge brands. For brand-specific cartridges, check the manufacturer’s website.
HP, Canon, and Epson typically have dealer locator tools that show authorized retailers in your area.
What are the differences between original and remanufactured ink cartridges?
Original (OEM) cartridges are made by your printer’s manufacturer and designed specifically for your printer model. These typically offer the highest quality prints but cost significantly more.
Remanufactured cartridges are used OEM cartridges that have been cleaned, refilled, and tested by third-party companies. They usually cost 30-70% less than originals.
Print quality can vary with remanufactured options. The best remanufactured cartridges perform nearly as well as originals, but lower-quality ones may produce less vibrant prints or have reliability issues.
What are the recommended online retailers for buying cost-effective printer ink?
Amazon offers competitive prices on both OEM and third-party cartridges with helpful customer reviews to guide your purchasing decisions.
Specialty retailers like 4inkjets, LD Products, and Inkfarm often provide significant discounts on compatible and remanufactured cartridges with satisfaction guarantees.
Direct purchases from manufacturer websites occasionally feature promotions or subscription services that can reduce costs. HP Instant Ink and Epson EcoTank programs offer alternative pricing models based on print volume.
Can using third-party ink cartridges damage my printer?
Modern printers typically won’t be damaged by quality third-party cartridges. However, very low-quality cartridges might leak or cause print head clogs.
Printer warranties cannot be voided simply for using third-party cartridges, according to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act in the US. Manufacturers must prove the third-party cartridge caused damage.
We recommend purchasing from reputable third-party suppliers that offer guarantees and warranties on their products to minimize potential issues.
What is the process for properly replacing ink cartridges in an HP printer?
First, turn on your HP printer and open the cartridge access door. Wait for the carriage to move to the center and become idle.
Press gently on the old cartridge to release it, then pull it out. Remove the new cartridge from its packaging without touching the copper contacts or ink nozzles.
Insert the new cartridge into its color-coded slot and press firmly until it clicks. Close the access door and follow any on-screen calibration instructions that appear.
Are there environmental benefits to refilling ink cartridges instead of buying new ones?
Refilling cartridges significantly reduces plastic waste. Each year, millions of cartridges end up in landfills where they take hundreds of years to decompose.
The manufacturing process for new cartridges requires substantial resources and energy. Refilling uses approximately 70% less resources than producing new cartridges.
Many refill services and stores offer drop-off programs for empty cartridges. This creates a closed-loop system that minimizes environmental impact while saving you money.
