HP 138A Toner Review: Mixed Yield, Strong Quality
The surprising takeaway from user feedback on the HP 138A Black Toner Cartridge is the stark contrast between its advertised 1,500-page yield and real-world results — while many praise its print quality and ease of installation, a notable group reports depletion after just a few hundred pages. Overall verdict: 6.9/10, with strong marks for reliability in short-term use but mixed satisfaction on value due to high cost and inconsistent yield.
Quick Verdict: Conditional
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Crisp, professional-quality prints | High cost compared to yield |
| Easy installation across compatible printers | Some report rapid toner depletion |
| Reliable performance with minimal errors | Not compatible with HP+ “e” models |
| Strong delivery and packaging quality | Pricey replacement cycles |
| Fits multiple LaserJet Pro models | Yield can drop under heavy printing |
Claims vs Reality
One of HP’s core marketing claims is a 1,500-page yield, certified under ISO/IEC 19752 standards. While this figure stands in lab conditions, multiple users say their cartridges ran low far sooner. On Staples, a buyer noted: “I used it to print less than 100 pages and it says toner is low”. Another reported depletion after “about 3 days… 1200 pages”. This suggests that while light office users may approach the official yield, high-volume or duplex printing can cut lifespan considerably.
HP also touts “crisp black text and professional-quality graphics” via its EcoSmart toner. Here, consensus is stronger — a verified buyer on Amazon observed: “Clear text and sharp image without fades and smudges”. Staples feedback echoes this, with one customer saying: “Makes excellent copies”. Print quality remains a consistent win across platforms.
Finally, HP promotes easy installation through “auto seal removal and easy-open packaging.” This is largely confirmed by users. Staples customers repeatedly mention “easy to install”, even those self-described as “not technically sharp” managing setup without trouble.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Reddit, Trustpilot, and Staples reviews, print clarity emerges as the most celebrated trait. Office administrators appreciate the professional finish on documents, and home users like Olivia C. comment: “Toner cartridge works perfectly. Couldn’t ask for more!”. Quick installation also serves busy workplaces — one Staples customer wrote: “Easy to install… perfect for my office’s printer”, highlighting the cartridge’s compatibility with HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw and MFP 3101fdw models.
Delivery reliability is another strong point. Deborah W. praised Staples for “always a 5 star for delivery”, noting orders arrived ahead of schedule. Amazon buyers similarly reported undamaged packaging and immediate operation.
Common Complaints
Price is the most frequent pain point. Richard B. calls it “good but pricey by 2x to 3x”, and others argue yield doesn’t justify the $90–$62.99 price range seen across retailers. Lower-cost compatibles are often suggested as alternatives, with sellers like YB Toner claiming identical yields at two-thirds the cost.
Premature depletion is another recurring frustration. From “less than 100 pages” to “cartridges don’t last like they used to”, heavy-print environments feel shortchanged versus marketing promises. This is compounded for duplex printing — one Staples customer said HP blamed their quick depletion on “printing too much and using double sided”.
Divisive Features
While some users swear by OEM reliability, others find compatible cartridges equally dependable. Compatible models often require chip transfers for HP+ locked printers, which can deter casual users but appeal to budget-conscious buyers willing to tinker. A YB Toner description reassures: “With proper use, our compatible cartridge will not cause any harm to your printer”, adding savings of up to 30% per page.
Compatibility restrictions with HP+ “e” series printers also split opinions. For non-HP+ owners, installation is seamless; for HP+ users, incompatibility drives them toward OEM purchases or technical workarounds.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Staples reviews show consistent trust in HP’s manufacturing quality — packaging arrives intact, cartridges function immediately, and misprints are rare. Long-term use patterns, however, reveal diminishing returns for high-output offices. Users printing heavily report needing replacements far sooner than expected, eroding confidence in value over time.
No widespread scam reports exist, but HP’s yield disclaimers (5% coverage on A4) are often misunderstood, leading to mismatched expectations. The brand’s recycling program earns occasional mention as a positive environmental practice, though not a major purchase driver.
Alternatives
Alternatives mentioned in feedback include HP’s own 138X high-yield cartridge (up to 4,000 pages) and third-party compatibles from YB Toner, Swift Ink, and 1ink. The high-yield OEM option suits heavy-use offices that found the 138A lifespan too short, while compatibles appeal to budget-sensitive buyers. These alternatives often match OEM print quality but require caution with HP+ locked printers.
Price & Value
Market prices range from $62.99 OEM to $34.95–$49.99 compatibles, with multi-pack deals lowering per-unit cost. eBay listings show even lower for certain high-yield variants. Community advice leans toward bulk purchases for savings and checking printer model suffixes before buying to avoid HP+ incompatibility. Heavy duplex printing users are advised to consider the 138X high yield or compatible equivalents to reduce replacement frequency.
FAQ
Q: Will the HP 138A work with my HP+ printer?
A: No. Users and sellers confirm it’s incompatible with HP+ “e” series printers like 3001dwe and 3101fdwe.
Q: How close to 1,500 pages will I get?
A: Light use may approach it, but heavy or duplex printing often results in yields under 1,200 pages, as reported by multiple Staples customers.
Q: Are compatibles as good as OEM?
A: Many users find them comparable in print quality and yield, with significant cost savings. OEM remains preferred for guaranteed fit and warranty peace of mind.
Q: Is installation difficult?
A: Most users report easy installation, even with limited technical skills. Compatibles without chips require a chip transfer, adding complexity.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a light-to-moderate printer user valuing OEM reliability and crisp output, and your printer isn’t HP+. Avoid if you run high-volume duplex jobs and expect maximum yield from each cartridge — opt for high-yield or compatible alternatives. Community pro tip: Check your printer model suffix before purchase to avoid HP+ lockouts.
