Choosing the right ink cartridge affects print quality, running costs, and printer reliability. Whether you need crisp documents, vivid photos, or the lowest cost per page, the options vary widely between OEM, remanufactured, and third‑party high‑yield cartridges. These recommendations come from extensive research, hands‑on testing across multiple printers, and synthesis of expert and consumer feedback.
How we tested and ranked cartridges
- Hands‑on printing: We installed and printed with each cartridge on representative printers (DeskJet/ENVY and OfficeJet families) to evaluate installation ease, chip recognition, and real‑world behavior.
- Print quality checks: We compared text sharpness, color accuracy, gradients, and photo detail using standardized test pages.
- Yield & cost analysis: Where manufacturer yields were available we calculated cost per page; for third‑party cartridges we measured photographed page counts until low‑ink warnings.
- Reliability & compatibility: We tracked error messages, repeat recognition, and any firmware‑related issues. Upgraded chips and OEM identification were important factors.
- Consumer and expert research: We cross‑referenced Amazon reviews, support forums, and manufacturer documentation to identify common failure modes and typical user satisfaction.
Scoring balanced print quality (40%), reliability/compatibility (30%), cost per page (20%), and environmental/return policies (10%).
65XL High-Yield Combo
Affordable high‑yield replacement for HP 65/65XL printers. This combo includes one 65XL black and one 65XL tri‑color with upgraded recognition chips, broad compatibility, and competitive page yields—an economical choice for home and light office printing.
Why it made the list
This 65XL black + tri‑color combo is a cost‑focused aftermarket solution that delivers very good value for light‑to‑moderate home printing. Standout features include upgraded recognition chips for quick cartridge detection, respectable page yields (black optimized), and a wide list of compatible DeskJet and ENVY models. In testing the cartridges installed cleanly and produced crisp text and reasonable color output for everyday documents and schoolwork.
Pros:
- Low upfront cost and good yield for the price
- Reliable chip recognition and ink level reporting
- Wide printer compatibility
Cons:
- Slightly less color vibrancy vs. OEM in photo prints
- Long‑term consistency depends on batch quality (typical of third‑party remanufacturers)
Technical notes: the pack is explicitly sold as one 65XL black and one 65XL tri‑color; the manufacturer emphasizes upgraded chips and multi‑stage quality inspection.
67XL Black Cartridge
Original HP 67XL black cartridge offers OEM reliability and consistent text quality. It balances reasonable yield with proven compatibility and is a sensible choice for home‑office users who prioritize trouble‑free printing and accurate text output.
Why it made the list
The HP 67XL black cartridge is an OEM high‑yield option that hits a strong middle ground: better cost per page than standard cartridges while preserving HP's dependable print quality and firmware compatibility. We found installation seamless on eligible DeskJet and ENVY printers, with accurate ink‑level reporting and few recognition hiccups. For users who don’t want to debate firmware updates or risk blocked cartridges, the OEM 67XL is a pragmatic value pick.
Pros:
- OEM reliability and consistent print results
- Good balance of yield and price for everyday document printing
- Minimal compatibility headaches with firmware updates
Cons:
- Higher per‑cartridge price than bargain third‑party alternatives
- Not the best choice for high‑end photo work compared with specialized photo inks
Technical notes: sold as an Original HP cartridge compatible with many DeskJet/ENVY models; advantageous for users enrolled in Instant Ink or who prefer guaranteed OEM support.
936 CMYK Pro Pack
Full CMYK OEM set intended for OfficeJet Pro users requiring precise color and reliable professional prints. This four‑cartridge pack offers consistent color reproduction, business‑grade quality, and HP recycling support—ideal for small design teams or business documents.
Why it made the list
The HP 936 CMYK 4‑pack is a premium OEM offering aimed at users who need dependable color accuracy and consistent results from an OfficeJet Pro series. These cartridges are engineered for stable color reproduction, strong text blacks, and long‑term reliability. During testing the 936 set produced sharp text and predictable color in graphics and brochures, with very low incidence of recognition errors.
Pros:
- OEM color consistency and predictable results for business collateral
- Encourages recycling (HP cartridge take‑back programs)
- Manufactured to HP quality standards for long print runs
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost compared with single cartridges or third‑party options
- Overkill for users who only print occasional drafts or simple text documents
Technical notes: sold as individual CMYK cartridges in a 4‑pack; best matched to OfficeJet Pro and wide‑format OfficeJet printers that demand higher color fidelity.
910XL High-Yield Set
Top overall pick for small offices and heavy users. The OEM 910/910XL set delivers high black yield and solid color performance, reducing downtime and replacement frequency while ensuring consistent professional output across OfficeJet series printers.
Why it made the list
The HP 910 4‑pack (including 910XL black) is our Editors' Choice because it blends high yield, OEM reliability, and consistent print quality suitable for small offices or power users. In tests the black XL cartridge produced the highest black page count among competing OEM sets in this roundup, while color cartridges rendered graphics and charts cleanly. Cartridge recognition was flawless and the set integrates well with Instant Ink enrollment.
Pros:
- Excellent black yield for heavy text workloads (OEM XL option available)
- Strong color for documents and business graphics
- Robust compatibility with OfficeJet / OfficeJet Pro 8010/8020/8030 series
Cons:
- Higher cost than single replacement cartridges; still cheaper per page for high‑volume printers
- Not the cheapest option for occasional home users
Technical notes: published yields (OEM) are among the leaders for black; color yields are suitable for typical office graphics and reports.
Comparative overview — key differences
- Best Budget Pick (65XL High‑Yield Combo): Lowest upfront cost, good yields for home usage, aftermarket reliability varies by batch.
- Best Value for Money (67XL Black Cartridge): OEM balance of price and dependability; ideal for users who want minimal fuss.
- Premium Choice (936 CMYK Pro Pack): Designed for business needs that require consistent color and OEM guarantees; higher cost but premium output.
- Editors Choice (910XL High‑Yield Set): Best overall for small offices and heavy users, offering high black yield and dependable multi‑cartridge performance.
Which is best overall? The HP 910XL High‑Yield Set stands out for most small office users because it reduces replacement frequency and delivers consistent OEM print quality. Alternatives excel in specific areas: go with the 65XL combo to minimize cost, choose the 67XL OEM for peace of mind on single‑cartridge replacements, and pick the 936 pack if color fidelity is mission‑critical.
Final recommendation
After cross‑checking lab results, hands‑on printing, and real‑world user feedback, our clear recommendation for most users is the HP 910XL High‑Yield Set (Editors Choice) for its combination of yield, reliability, and print quality. If you’re on a tight budget, the 65XL High‑Yield Combo offers the best savings with acceptable quality for everyday tasks. For users who prioritize OEM guarantees and fewer compatibility risks, the HP 67XL is the most sensible value pick. For professional color work, invest in the HP 936 CMYK Pro Pack.
If you’re choosing based on scenarios:
- Occasional home printing / students: 65XL High‑Yield Combo
- Home office with steady document printing: HP 67XL Black Cartridge
- Small business or heavy printing: HP 910XL High‑Yield Set
- Design/marketing teams needing color accuracy: HP 936 CMYK Pro Pack
These recommendations reflect hands‑on testing, yield and cost analysis, and aggregated consumer feedback to help you choose the right cartridge for your needs.