HP 130A Black Toner Review: Reliable Prints, High Cost
A Staples customer summed it up simply: “It’s toner — either it works or it doesn’t. This works.” That sentiment captures much of the consensus around the HP 130A Black Toner Cartridge (CF350A), which earns an impressive 8.5/10 across multiple sources for reliability, print quality, and ease of use. Recommended for small to medium offices and home setups, its strengths are consistent output and straightforward installation, though some users raise concerns about cost and occasional defects.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy — Excellent for consistent, professional black prints if you don’t mind premium pricing.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Crisp, professional black text | Expensive compared to third-party options |
| Easy installation and replacement | Limited to black and white printing |
| Long-lasting yield (~1,300 pages) | Occasional defective or empty units reported |
| Reliable output across multiple LaserJet models | No installation instructions included for some buyers |
| Strong packaging and quick delivery | Requires periodic replacements for high-volume use |
| Compatible with HP Color LaserJet Pro M176 & M177 series | Spammy marketing emails from HP after purchase |
Claims vs Reality
HP markets the 130A as providing “consistent, uninterrupted printing” and “professional-quality documents with vivid graphics and sharp detail.” In practice, verified buyers frequently back up those claims. A Walmart customer noted it “creates professional-quality business documents… ideal for small business use,” and users across Staples and Reddit agree that text is sharp and graphics are clear.
However, while HP emphasizes quick installation, not all users found it seamless. A Staples reviewer complained, “Can’t install — no instructions!” and another added that there was “lots of info on how to recycle [the old cartridge]… missing how to install the new one.” This contrasts sharply with HP’s promise of “replacement in seconds” through printer prompts.
Finally, HP promotes eco-consciousness via the Planet Partners recycling program, but several buyers didn’t mention using or benefiting from it, suggesting the feature is less integral to the purchase decision than advertised.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Walmart, Provantage, and Staples, high-quality monochrome output is the most consistent praise. A verified buyer on Walmart highlighted its “exceptional longevity… helping to avoid frustrating reprints and wasted supplies,” which matters for law offices and schools where crisp text and dependable performance are critical.
Ease of installation also wins repeat mentions — particularly for tech-averse users. Reddit’s community feedback emphasized that installation is “quick and requires no special tools — just follow the on-screen or manual instructions for your printer.” This feature benefits small business owners who need minimal downtime when switching cartridges.
Compatibility is another win. As Reddit users point out, it “works seamlessly with LaserJet models that accept the 130A series,” including the dual-listed Color LaserJet Pro M176 and M177 printers. This flexibility is valued by offices managing multiple HP devices.
Common Complaints
Price is the most frequent sticking point. One Staples customer bluntly said “Too expensive and HP starts spamming you right away,” echoing frustration from cost-conscious buyers facing $80+ retail tags in North America and £60–£70 in UK stores.
Defective units are rare but significant. The most damning review came from Ruth C. at Staples: “Must have sent me an empty cartridge!… asked my assistant if she was sure she didn’t accidentally put back the old empty cartridge!” These cases are infrequent but cause major disruption in high-throughput offices.
For some, installation guidance is lacking. Missing printed instructions left a few buyers guessing, especially new HP owners. This impacts non-technical users more than veterans accustomed to LaserJet workflows.
Divisive Features
Longevity has both proponents and skeptics. While officially rated for 1,300 pages, some heavy users cycle through replacements faster. As Provantage notes, “may not be ideal for large print volumes,” making page yield a functional limit for print-heavy environments.
The cartridge’s monochrome-only output is limiting for certain teams. Marketing professionals or educators needing occasional color consider the 130A insufficient alone, requiring investment in companion color cartridges.
Trust & Reliability
From a trust standpoint, delivery and packaging perform well. Multiple Staples customers praise orders arriving “quicker than what was said” with “no damage on the box or product.” This reliability matters for businesses with tight deadlines.
Long-term durability earns high marks. One Staples buyer said, “Even when I’m away for a couple months, it functions well,” suggesting stable toner formulation over time. Reddit feedback reinforces this stability, with cartridges stored in cool, dry places performing as expected when eventually installed.
However, privacy concerns emerged indirectly via unsolicited emails from HP post-purchase, which one reviewer flagged as immediate spam. While not a functional defect, it’s a negative for those protective of contact data.
Alternatives
No direct rival brands are highlighted in the data, but context suggests that cost-conscious buyers often consider third-party toner. The trade-off: lower price versus potentially inconsistent quality and lack of official HP warranty protection. For those needing color alongside monochrome, HP’s 130A series includes Cyan (CF351A) and Magenta (CF353A) counterparts, which maintain the same ease-of-use but reduce risk of mismatched output.
Price & Value
Pricing varies widely: from $49.99 on eBay for sealed units to over £76 in UK marketplaces. Amazon listings go in and out of stock, while HP’s own store sits near $105 CAD. Community tips recommend bulk-buying during promotional periods or sourcing from reputable surplus sellers to cut costs without risking quality.
Resale value is low — toner is either unused or worthless once opened — but unopened cartridges can hold strong market value if stored correctly. Buyers repeatedly mention that investing in original HP units “avoids reprints and wasted supplies” compared to generics, which may underperform despite lower price tags.
FAQ
Q: Which printers are compatible with the HP 130A Black Toner Cartridge?
A: It works with HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M176 and M177 series, providing optimal results for models like the M176n and M177fw.
Q: How many pages can it print before replacement?
A: HP rates it for approximately 1,300 pages, though actual yield may vary based on document type and coverage levels.
Q: Is installation straightforward?
A: Many find installation easy using on-screen prompts, but a few report missing printed instructions, making it harder for first-time users.
Q: Can it be stored for future use?
A: Yes, store in a cool, dry place. Users on Reddit confirm cartridges work reliably even after months in storage.
Q: Does it come with recycling support?
A: Yes, through HP’s free Planet Partners program. However, not all customers use this service.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re an office or home user seeking consistent, high-quality black prints with minimal maintenance fuss. Avoid if you require heavy color printing or balk at premium prices. Pro tip from the community: source from trusted surplus or bulk sellers to save significantly without losing HP’s warranty-backed reliability.
