HP 61 Tri-color Ink Review: Loyal Users, Mixed Value
Digging into hundreds of verified purchases, one thing becomes clear: HP 61 Tri-color Ink has an unusually loyal customer base, earning an aggregated satisfaction score of 8.9/10 across platforms. It is praised for vibrant print quality, ease of installation, and reliability, but users consistently point to its modest page yield and high cost as trade-offs.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — best for light to moderate home and office printing where consistent quality matters more than low running costs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Consistently vibrant, fade-resistant color output | Higher cost per page compared to third-party options |
| Easy installation and printer recognition | Short page yield (~150 pages) for tri-color |
| Reliable performance with minimal clogging | Color range seen as “mediocre” by some reviewers |
| Works seamlessly with HP Instant Ink and Dash Replenishment | Not ideal for high-volume printing |
| OEM build prevents ink from drying out prematurely | Remanufactured versions often cause errors |
Claims vs Reality
HP markets the 61 Tri-color as producing “brilliant color images” with yields of about 150 pages and “up to 2x more prints” than refills. While color vibrancy is widely confirmed, the “2x more prints” claim meets mixed reality in user reports. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “It is wonderful… great price for both color and black combined,” but others stress the limited yield, with one Best Buy customer writing: “As always it seems I have to buy ink too often.”
The brand also promises fade-resistant documents and photos. Cross-platform reviews back this up — a Best Buy customer shared: “I’ve been printing pictures of my grandbaby… they look like a photo company printed them.” On quality, the marketing is aligned with reality.
On ease of installation, HP claims “user-friendly features” and quick setup. This is echoed in Best Buy’s 4.8/5 ease-of-use rating, with comments like: “Very easy installation… couldn’t be happier.” However, Staples’ remanufactured cartridge customers report installation issues, including printers rejecting non-OEM versions, underscoring the difference between genuine HP and third-party alternatives.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Best Buy, and Trustpilot data, print quality is the standout. Users printing photographs, school projects, or reports find the colors crisp and true. Reddit user feedback aggregated by BestViewsReviews highlights “tri-color prints” with durability, noting that the OEM build “prevents ink from drying out.” For occasional home users, this reliability is key — one Best Buy reviewer remarked: “It never dries out if you just use it occasionally.”
Ease of installation is another universal win. A Best Buy customer wrote: “Great price and product… easy installation, great quality.” Even those with minimal tech experience report smooth cartridge swaps.
Compatibility breadth also earns praise. The cartridge works with a wide range of HP DeskJet, Envy, and OfficeJet models. This means households with multiple HP printers can stock a single type. A Best Buy customer shared: “Compatible with my DeskJet 2540, consistently prints well.”
Common Complaints
The most consistent frustration is the limited yield. While HP lists ~150 pages for tri-color, heavy users often burn through cartridges quickly. A Best Buy reviewer rated it 4/5 purely because “I have to buy ink too often.” Price compounds the issue: “Very expensive ink cartridges when purchased individually!” wrote one customer, with others recommending the XL version for better economy.
Color range receives occasional criticism — BestViewsReviews notes a “mediocre color range” drawback. This affects graphic designers or photographers more than casual users, making the cartridge less appealing for high-accuracy color work.
Third-party remanufactured replacements are a gamble. Staples customers recount errors, color shifts (“anything green now prints as blue”), or severe underperformance (“lasted only six printed pages”). Many return to OEM after poor experiences: “Just pay full price for HP ink… not worth the hassle.”
Divisive Features
Value perception splits the audience. Light users find the quality worth the price, especially with Instant Ink subscriptions. Others see the short yield as a deal-breaker. One Best Buy customer summed it up: “Perfect ink cartridges for my printer, last longer than others” — contrasted by another saying, “Higher capacity dries up in the same time if not used.”
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Quora analyses reveal minimal scam concerns for genuine HP cartridges — the issues arise with counterfeit or expired stock from unofficial sellers. Amazon buyers occasionally report receiving defective units, but replacements are handled swiftly. Long-term durability stories are positive: a Best Buy customer who used HP printers for “almost 4 years” noted consistent performance without clogging.
Staples’ remanufactured cartridge reviews warn of compatibility errors and poor color fidelity. These reinforce the community’s advice to buy from reputable sources and avoid “too good to be true” pricing.
Alternatives
The XL high-yield version (HP 61XL Tri-color) is frequently mentioned as a better value for frequent printers, offering up to 300 pages. HP 62 series cartridges are also referenced for newer printer models, but compatibility must be checked. Users weighing cost per page often compare OEM to remanufactured, yet most revert to HP originals for reliability and print quality.
Price & Value
eBay listings show genuine HP 61 Tri-color cartridges ranging from $12.74 to $28.45 new, with combo packs (black + tri-color) between $26.99 and $41.49. Resale value remains stable for sealed OEM units, while expired stock sees steep discounts. Community buying tips include looking for multi-pack deals and monitoring Instant Ink subscription offers to lower per-page costs.
FAQ
Q: How many pages can HP 61 Tri-color print?
A: Around 150 pages, depending on content and print settings. Heavy color graphics will reduce yield more quickly.
Q: Is HP 61 Tri-color compatible with my printer?
A: It works with many HP DeskJet, Envy, and OfficeJet models. Check HP’s compatibility list or your printer manual before buying.
Q: Does it work with HP Instant Ink?
A: Yes, it’s eligible for Instant Ink, allowing automated delivery before you run out.
Q: Can I use remanufactured versions to save money?
A: You can, but many users report errors, reduced quality, and poor yield with non-OEM cartridges.
Q: How long does the ink last if unused?
A: OEM cartridges have a shelf life of about 18 months. Proper storage helps prevent drying.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a light to moderate printer user who values consistent, vibrant output and hassle-free installation. Avoid if you need high-volume printing or extreme color accuracy for professional design work. Pro tip from community: Opt for the XL version or a subscription service like Instant Ink to cut costs without sacrificing OEM quality.
