HP 64XL Black Ink Cartridge Review: Quality vs Cost Verdict
The HP 64XL Black Ink Cartridge has earned a solid reputation for print quality and reliability, but user feedback across platforms reveals a recurring tension between performance and price. Rated 4.7/5 on Best Buy and Amazon for the OEM version, and 3.7–4.4/5 for remanufactured alternatives, its strong technical output is often overshadowed by cost concerns. Based on aggregated user sentiment, it scores 8.2/10 for quality-focused buyers, but drops to 6.5/10 for value-conscious users.
Quick Verdict
Conditional Buy – Highly recommended for those prioritizing flawless print quality and compatibility, less so for heavy-volume users sensitive to ink costs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Crisp, fade-resistant prints (documents & photos) | High OEM price vs. third-party alternatives |
| Excellent printer compatibility (no error messages) | Perceived faster-than-expected ink depletion |
| Easy installation with minimal mess | XL yield not always meeting user expectations |
| Long shelf life (24+ months) | Requires firmware caution for remanufactured units |
| Vivid blacks and balanced grayscale output | Only black cartridge in combo packs is XL |
Claims vs Reality
HP markets the 64XL Black Ink Cartridge as delivering “up to 2x more prints” than standard capacity with “true-to-life color and rich blacks.” Official specs promise ~600 pages yield and fade-resistant prints that last for decades.
However, Best Buy reviewers like help reported feeling they “constantly have to replace the ink” despite light printing habits, questioning whether real-world yield matches the advertised numbers. This sentiment echoes ShopSavvy’s TLDR review noting “good longevity” but skepticism about price-to-value ratio.
HP also claims “100% compatibility” with supported printers. This is widely validated by OEM buyers, with users such as mommy in mi stating they “always go back to genuine HP” after off-brand disappointments. In contrast, Staples remanufactured cartridge testers noted the need to disable firmware updates to maintain compatibility, a small but crucial caveat for non-OEM buyers.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Best Buy, and Quora, users consistently praise the cartridge’s print quality. Photographers benefit most—Best Buy user faisalj described it as “the best ink,” producing vibrant photo prints without smearing. Home office users like juliop highlight “nice crispy prints” when paired with grayscale settings, demonstrating versatility from high-DPI photo output to economical text printing.
Ease of installation is another strong point. Staples testing panel members appreciated the protective covers that prevented ink transfer to hands, and OEM buyers found the process “pop in until you hear the click” simple and mess-free.
Long shelf life—reported as at least 24 months—makes bulk purchasing viable for occasional users, especially those leveraging Instant Ink programs to avoid dry-outs.
Common Complaints
Price dominates the complaints. OEM cartridges retail around $62.99, with ShopSavvy noting this “may seem steep compared to other options.” Heavy users, particularly homeschoolers and small business owners, calculate cost-per-page unfavorably against remanufactured alternatives.
Yield expectations are another friction point. While HP claims 600 pages, multiple Best Buy reviewers felt they replaced cartridges “so many” times despite light workloads. This perception may stem from mixed content printing, as photo-heavy jobs consume more ink than ISO yield tests suggest.
Remanufactured buyers face compatibility hurdles. Staples panelists reported error messages unless firmware updates were paused, which is impractical for users who need security or feature updates.
Divisive Features
Environmental claims—like HP’s 68% recycled plastic content—draw mixed reactions. Eco-conscious buyers appreciate the recycling programs, but others see them as insufficient justification for premium pricing.
Instant Ink eligibility is embraced by low-volume printers on small plans, but high-volume users find the subscription less economical than bulk third-party purchases.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Best Buy data suggest OEM cartridges are highly reliable long-term, with multiple reviewers noting years of consistent performance without printhead damage or recognition issues. Reddit discussions reinforce that genuine HP ink “avoids reprints and wasted supplies” thanks to precise color calibration.
For remanufactured units, reliability varies. Staples testers generally reported “same quality as original” after short-term use, but firmware compatibility remains a lingering concern. YB Toner markets “firmware safe” chips to counter this, offering warranties and money-back guarantees to build trust.
Alternatives
The clearest alternative discussed is Staples’ remanufactured 64XL, which delivers similar print quality at a fraction of the price—often under $30. However, this requires firmware caution.
YB Toner’s “firmware safe” compatible cartridges bridge the gap by offering OEM-matching yields at ~$25, appealing to cost-conscious buyers unwilling to sacrifice compatibility.
Price & Value
On eBay, genuine OEM 64XL black cartridges range from $27.95 to $33.99 new, well below major retailer pricing, suggesting a strong resale market. Combo packs with tri-color ink hover between $54–$65.
Community tips include:
- Buying in bulk from verified sellers to lock in lower per-unit cost.
- Leveraging Instant Ink for low-volume printing to avoid waste.
- Disabling firmware updates if using trusted remanufactured sources.
FAQ
Q: Does the HP 64XL Black Ink Cartridge really print 600 pages?
Yes—under ISO test conditions with 5% coverage. Photo-heavy or mixed printing reduces real-world yield.
Q: Can I use this cartridge without replacing the color ink?
Yes. Keep the empty color cartridge installed to avoid errors, then set printer preferences to black-only mode.
Q: Will remanufactured cartridges damage my printer?
Not inherently, but firmware updates can block them. Many users disable updates to maintain compatibility.
Q: Is Instant Ink worth it for 64XL users?
For low-volume printers, Instant Ink can cut costs and prevent dry-outs. High-volume users may save more with bulk buying.
Q: How long does unused HP 64XL ink last?
OEM cartridges have a shelf life of at least 24 months when stored properly.
Final Verdict
Buy if you prioritize top-tier print quality, seamless compatibility, and long-term reliability—especially for photo printing or professional documents.
Avoid if you have high monthly page counts and need maximum cost-efficiency; explore remanufactured or compatible options instead.
Pro tip from community: For OEM buyers, watch eBay for sealed cartridges at 30–50% below retail to balance quality and value.
