HP 63XL Tri-color Ink Review: Reliable but Pricey
The surprising thing about the HP 63XL Tri-color High-Yield Ink Cartridge is that while it’s marketed as a cost-effective, long-lasting option for heavy color printing, feedback from across platforms shows a split between those who find it dependable and those who think it’s overpriced for the yield. Based on aggregated user sentiment, it scores 7.9/10 — praised for vivid print quality and compatibility, but often criticized for price and perceived ink longevity.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — buy if you print frequently in color and want OEM reliability, skip if you print infrequently or are cost-sensitive.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Vivid, accurate color reproduction | High price per cartridge |
| Easy installation with wide printer compatibility | Some users report shorter-than-expected yield |
| Works reliably with compatible HP printers | Not water-resistant |
| High yield reduces replacement frequency | HP firmware locks limit third-party options |
| Good for photos and documents | Dries out if not used regularly |
Claims vs Reality
HP markets the 63XL Tri-color as being able to print “up to 300 pages” with high yield compared to standard cartridges, promising vibrant colors, fade resistance, and seamless printer integration. However, user experiences suggest variability in page yield depending on print habits. A Staples customer noted: “I love the fact that I can print so many pages… it’s nice to know that it’s there”, but another countered, “There isn’t any way that I printed out 480 sheets… before I had to go to the store and get another cartridge.”
The company also claims “high-quality color photos and everyday documents” with “accurate low-ink alerts.” Many users confirm the print quality — one Best Buy reviewer shared: “The colors are vivid and the black is bold” — but some question whether the extra cost over third-party cartridges is justified. A Reddit-sourced review stated: “Great ink but seriously not enough in to make it worth the cost… replacing printer because it uses too much ink.”
HP emphasizes easy installation and “fits like the standard cartridge” compatibility. Here, user reports align well with marketing. Multiple buyers across Best Buy and Staples mentioned that it “fits my printer and the color is good” and “works great and easy to install.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Best Buy, Staples, and Trustpilot-linked feedback, the strongest praise is for color quality and reliability. Frequent home users, especially those printing photos or school projects, note consistently vibrant output. A Best Buy reviewer enthused: “HP ink is the best quality ink. The XL lasts a long time and we have never had an issue with it like the off brands.”
Ease of use is another clear win. Even non-technical users report installing the cartridge without issues. One Staples customer said: “Works great and easy to install”, and another pointed out that Staples’ delivery speed meant they “couldn’t wait to get the ink from an online place” and still got it promptly.
Compatibility breadth is also valued. For households with multiple HP printer models, being able to use the same cartridge across devices cuts down on supply confusion. Best Buy’s Q&A section confirms it works with DeskJet, Envy, and OfficeJet series.
Common Complaints
The price is the single most consistent pain point. Across platforms, users call it “outrageously expensive” and “too expensive for what it is.” A Best Buy reviewer bluntly stated: “$60 for one cartridge is insane… they dry out insanely fast… and you’re stuck with them thanks to HP firmware.”
Yield disputes are another sticking point. While officially rated for ~300–330 pages, multiple reviewers report significantly less output. A Staples buyer wrote: “Doesn’t last long… we don’t do much copies for the price.” Low-volume printers in particular feel shortchanged when cartridges dry out between uses.
HP’s firmware restrictions also draw frustration, especially from those attempting to use remanufactured options. Reports from Staples’ remanufactured cartridge reviews show that non-OEM options sometimes fail to be recognized or cause error messages — reinforcing the “locked-in” feeling.
Divisive Features
The value proposition divides the community. For brand-loyal, high-volume color printers, the OEM 63XL is seen as worth the price for reliability and vivid results. For casual users, the cost and potential waste from drying mean it feels like a poor investment.
The high-yield designation also sparks debate. For some, it reduces trips for replacements. For others, like a retired Staples customer who prints occasionally, the larger cartridge doesn’t translate to meaningful savings because ink expires or dries out before use.
Trust & Reliability
Trust concerns center not on counterfeit risk — OEM cartridges purchased from reputable sellers are generally authentic — but on HP’s restrictive firmware updates. Several reviewers mention being “stuck” with OEM ink because off-brand alternatives won’t work. This creates a perception of forced loyalty.
Long-term reliability, however, is a strong point in OEM performance. Users who stick with HP-branded cartridges report consistent print quality over years of use. Best Buy feedback includes multiple “never had an issue” comments from customers who have purchased 63XL cartridges repeatedly.
Alternatives
The main alternatives mentioned in the data are remanufactured cartridges from Staples and other third-party sellers on eBay. These options are significantly cheaper — often under $25 for a tri-color high-yield — but come with mixed performance. Some buyers report flawless operation (“prints lots of pages… lower cost alternative”), while others experience non-recognition, clogging, or poor print quality.
For those willing to risk occasional errors and troubleshooting, remanufactured cartridges can slash per-page costs. For mission-critical printing where downtime is unacceptable, OEM remains the safer choice.
Price & Value
At HP’s official store and major retailers, the 63XL tri-color lists around $67.99. On eBay, genuine sealed cartridges trend between $28–$44, with remanufactured or compatible versions as low as $13–$25.
Community buying tips include stocking up during sales, checking printer compatibility before purchasing, and buying from trusted sellers to avoid expired or counterfeit stock. One eBay listing notes an expiry date into 2026, which can be important for low-volume users to avoid waste.
FAQ
Q: How many pages does the HP 63XL Tri-color actually print?
A: HP rates it for ~300–330 pages, but real-world results vary. Heavy color coverage reduces yield, and infrequent use can lead to drying before the ink runs out.
Q: Will the 63XL fit my printer if it currently uses HP 63?
A: Yes. The XL version is physically identical to the standard, just with more ink. Multiple Best Buy Q&A responses confirm it fits all HP 63-compatible printers.
Q: Is the ink water-resistant?
A: No. HP’s own answer states the 63XL tri-color is not water-resistant, so prints may smudge if exposed to moisture.
Q: Are remanufactured or third-party versions worth it?
A: They can be much cheaper, but risk printer non-recognition or reduced quality. Some users report perfect performance, others experience clogging or errors.
Q: Does the high-yield version have better color quality?
A: No — the ink formulation is the same as the standard cartridge. The difference is in volume, not quality.
Final Verdict: Buy if you are a frequent color printer who values vivid, consistent prints and hassle-free compatibility. Avoid if you print rarely or are highly cost-sensitive, as drying and high upfront cost can outweigh benefits. Pro tip from the community: watch for sales or buy sealed OEM cartridges from reputable eBay sellers to cut costs without sacrificing quality.
