HP 64/64XL Ink Cartridges Review: Quality vs Value
Starting with a surprise many buyers discover — the HP 64 Tri-color / 64XL Black Ink Cartridges (2-Pack) excels in print quality but sparks heated debates over value. Across platforms, it averages 8.8/10, with users praising vibrant colors and reliability while questioning the steep price for a combo where only one cartridge is high-capacity XL.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — Strong choice for quality-focused HP printer owners willing to pay the OEM premium. Budget-conscious or high-volume users may find better value in alternatives.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Crisp, sharp black text output | Higher price compared to generics |
| Vibrant, true-to-life colors | Only black cartridge is XL in this pack |
| Easy installation process | Ink capacity seen as limited by some users |
| Reliable printer compatibility | Occasional cartridge recognition issues |
| Long-lasting for moderate use | XL still runs out quickly for heavy users |
| OEM consistency avoids leaks | Tri-color not suitable for extremely high photo volumes |
Claims vs Reality
HP markets the 64/64XL combo as a high-yield, fade-resistant solution with “true-to-life” color and superior image quality. On paper, HP claims up to 600 pages black (XL) and 165 pages color (standard).
However, digging through feedback shows yield can be far lower for photo-heavy work. A verified Best Buy buyer explained: “Photo printing typically yields less than these quoted yields.” This mirrors multiple Amazon notes where users cited faster-than-expected depletion when printing graphics.
HP also promotes “100% printer compatibility” with the latest chips. While most agree installation is seamless, exceptions occur. Staples customer dee shim shared: “My printer is not accepting the ink cartridges… I was on the instant ink program for several years. Now I am not a current user.” This indicates some compatibility friction when switching away from HP subscription services.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Best Buy, Trustpilot, and Reddit, the standout praise is for print quality. Trustpilot reviewers repeatedly note “super bright colors” and “crisp, sharp text,” with one customer adding: “The tri-color cartridge delivered vibrant and true-to-life colors, making my photos and graphics look fantastic.” Teachers and small business owners benefit most — clear text for handouts, and vibrant visuals for client presentations.
Reliability emerged as a consistent theme. Staples buyer karolyn m. compared HP to her former printer brand with strong sentiment: “HP is a dream… This thing was designed by people who understand customer requirements.” Many stressed that avoiding clogging and leaks was worth paying extra compared to self-refilled or generic cartridges.
Ease of installation also won near-universal praise. A Best Buy reviewer captured it simply: “Fit seamlessly into my printer; I was able to start printing within minutes.” Parents mentioned this was crucial for getting school projects finalized without tech frustration.
Common Complaints
Price is the most frequent sore spot. ShopSavvy’s TLDR review warns: “Be prepared for a higher price point that may seem steep compared to other options, especially since only one cartridge offers high capacity.” Users who print daily, especially students and photographers, reported the XL black running out faster than desired, and the standard tri-color felt mismatched in longevity.
Capacity disappointment runs parallel to price complaints. On Best Buy, some noted “ink capacity” as a con, saying the shorter life can be “frustrating for high-volume home offices.” Staples buyer rick left a blunt review: “Overpriced!”
Compatibility errors occasionally appear in reports. Staples customer elle experienced a “printer unable to read or communicate with the ink cartridge” despite the packaging being freshly opened. While rare, these stories often come from customers transitioning from Instant Ink service.
Divisive Features
HP’s Instant Ink program divides buyers. Some appreciate predictable costs and automated delivery, while others dislike being tied into a plan. A Best Buy answer from HP staff emphasizes: “Instant Ink is a great solution since you are charged by the number of pages you print, and not the amount of ink used.” Yet, those with sporadic printing find it unnecessary.
The XL black pairing with a standard tri-color also splits opinion. Some say it’s ideal for document-heavy users who need more black than color. Others feel HP should offer dual XLs for balanced replacement cycles. Trustpilot notes reflect this divide — one buyer loved the “good deal” of buying together, while another wished for “larger ink capacity in both.”
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot’s 4.7-star average shows strong faith in OEM HP. Reports of leak-free use and consistent print quality span years; one Best Buy customer stated, “I have been buying HP 64 ink cartridges since 2017… all comes with nice colors.”
However, occasional malfunction claims underscore that even OEM isn’t flawless. Reports where printers reject the cartridge surface mostly in contexts involving subscription mode changes, hinting at a system sensitivity rather than defective ink.
Alternatives
Alternatives are often remanufactured 64XL combos from brands like Ycolorj, Ubinki, and Ease Fusion, all offering similar page yields at significantly lower prices. Ubinki’s Amazon Choice product advertises “600 pages black, 450 pages color” for $39.99, with buyer feedback praising compatibility but with rare mentions of color fading sooner.
Ease Fusion touts “680 pages black, 460 color” at 5% coverage, backed by buyers describing vibrant output equal to OEM. Yet, none universally match OEM’s trust level — longevity and printer recognition issues surface more frequently compared to HP’s consistent record.
Price & Value
Current OEM pricing sits around $55.99 at Best Buy for the 2-pack, but eBay listings show wide variance — genuine packs from $36 to $43, with some expired inventory dropping below $20.
Community tips for savings include:
- Buying during Amazon or Office Depot sales
- Checking OEM-expired listings on eBay for personal non-critical jobs
- Considering XL-only packs for users who rarely print in color
Frequent printers often find the HP 64XL single black more cost-effective paired with occasional tri-color purchases to better align cartridge depletion rates.
FAQ
Q: Will HP 64 and 64XL fit my Envy Photo 7155?
A: Yes. Both standard and XL versions are compatible, with XL offering higher yield.
Q: What’s the difference between 64 and 64XL cartridges?
A: XL holds more ink — about 600 pages black and 415 color — versus 200 and 165 in standard.
Q: Can I use these without HP Instant Ink subscription?
A: Yes. They function independently of subscription plans.
Q: How photo-friendly are these cartridges?
A: Photos print vibrant and sharp, but expect lower page yield than for text.
Q: What if my printer doesn’t recognize the cartridge?
A: Clean contacts, restart printer, and ensure firmware isn’t locking out non-Instant Ink units.
Final Verdict: Buy if you need dependable, leak-free OEM ink for HP Envy or Tango series, and prioritize consistent, vibrant output over lowest cost. Avoid if you print high volumes in both color and black — mismatched yields may frustrate. Pro tip from community: pair this combo with separate XL color buys for balanced cycle management.
