HP 85A Black Toner 2-Pack Review: Reliable but Costly
Few toner packs have earned as much praise across platforms as the HP 85A Black Toner Cartridges (2-pack)—scoring an impressive 8.9/10 in aggregated user sentiment. This OEM dual-pack has built a reputation for print quality, reliability, and ease of use in HP LaserJet Pro printers, but users are also candid about its high price and sometimes optimistic page yield claims.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — Recommended for home offices and small businesses that value consistent quality over lowest cost.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Crisp, professional black-and-white output | Premium pricing compared to compatible brands |
| Highly reliable with minimal defects | Reported yield sometimes below 1600 pages per cartridge |
| Easy installation and zero mess | Significant recent price hikes reported |
| Long shelf life compared to inkjet cartridges | Not suited for photo printing |
| Free cartridge recycling & eco-friendly design | Some complaints about outdated stock in retail channels |
| Fits perfectly in compatible HP LaserJet models | Dual-pack forces bulk purchase for lower-use environments |
Claims vs Reality
HP touts the dual-pack as a way to “get professional print quality for a better value than individual cartridges,” promising approximately 1,600 pages per cartridge. While many agree with the quality claim, longevity can be variable. A verified Best Buy buyer stated: “They do print nice... but you only get about 800 pages on it.” This contradicts HP’s page yield estimate, especially for heavy users.
The brand also promises “legendary reliability,” with easy installation and minimal downtime. Trustpilot-aligned feedback heavily supports this: “These HP toner cartridges never fail and last a long time,” wrote a Staples customer. However, that same reliability comes at a steep cost, with long-time buyers noting, “It increased from $132.39 in 2024 to $186.87 in 2025... insane price hike!”
HP pushes eco-friendly design and free recycling through its Planet Partners program. Users recognize and value this, especially small businesses conscious about sustainability. “I always ship the cartridges back in the original box, which HP pays for,” noted Best Buy reviewer weeza129. This backs HP’s claim of easy disposal, though some found the dual-pack’s extra plastic packaging counter to eco goals.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Best Buy, Staples, and B&H Photo, print quality is the most consistently praised trait. Users from light-duty home offices to small business teams call out the crispness of text and the clean, smudge-free results. A long-term B&H customer explained: “Each new cartridge starts you off with crisp clean text... I get about 2000–3000 sheets at home per cartridge.” For educators and legal professionals relying on black-and-white clarity, the OEM HP toner frequently beats remanufactured alternatives.
Reliability also earns high marks. Reddit forum observations and retailer reviews recount years of trouble-free use. “Put the new cartridge in my printer and amazingly it worked. I was so excited,” posted a Staples buyer. Even for infrequent users, the toner’s shelf life avoids the dreaded inkjet drying issue—one Best Buy fan shared: “Toner never dries up and saves a ton of money over using ink.” This makes it attractive for low-volume offices that still need instant readiness.
Ease of installation factors heavily in these reports. From tech-savvy buyers to self-described novices, the cartridge swap process is called “no muss, no fuss” by Best Buy’s billb. That quick changeover is crucial in small offices where downtime can disrupt workflow.
Common Complaints
Pricing is the sore point. Some users witnessed near 40% price increases over a year. Staples buyer Debbie posted: “Unreasonable price hike!!” Owners of lower-volume printers question the dual-pack format, feeling forced into larger purchases when a single cartridge would suffice. B&H buyer critique reads: “Do we need 2x packs? Progress is not always good... but the toner works well.”
Page yield variance frustrates high-output environments. While marketed at 1,600 pages, actual yields vary widely depending on print density. Best Buy’s eagle2001 found only about 800 pages per cartridge on his workflow—less than half the published spec.
There are sporadic retail-channel complaints about outdated stock. Best Buy’s laredo ag reported purchasing cartridges past their expiration date, despite them being fully functional.
Divisive Features
The eco-credentials are praised yet contested. Many appreciate the recycling program, with Best Buy and Staples customers actively returning boxes. Others point to the dual-pack’s extra packaging materials, softening the green image.
Price-versus-performance debate is ongoing. Loyalists claim OEM toner is worth every penny for guaranteed compatibility and quality. “I realize HP cartridges cost a little more... but the quality is always there,” wrote cruzer user at Best Buy. Opponents cite viable remanufactured options offering “satisfactory quality” at a fraction of the cost.
Trust & Reliability
Concerns about counterfeit or problematic units are minimal for those buying through trusted retailers. While some complained of outdated stock, performance did not seem compromised. Multiple long-term users affirm their cartridges lasted years without failure—one Amazon review states: “It’s been nearly a decade... still going strong.”
From a durability standpoint, the HP 85A shows excellent reliability for infrequent use. Owners report cartridges working perfectly after long storage, supporting HP’s official shelf-life assurances. For heavy-use offices, reliability also manifests in consistent component quality, with the integrated drum and fuser avoiding the streaks or leaks seen in refilled alternatives.
Alternatives
Within the data, remanufactured Staples and Office Depot models emerge as competing options. The Staples Remanufactured HP 85A claims identical yield at far lower cost, and some buyers express satisfaction with these, especially for non-critical prints. However, others encountered leaks with remanufactured brands—a Best Buy customer admitted: “I have re-manufactured ones leak on me. Laser toner really makes a mess.”
For agencies prioritizing budget over OEM guarantee, remanufactured models might suffice. For those whose workflow demands flawless black text and zero mess, feedback consistently favors staying with the HP OEM.
Price & Value
Price points vary drastically: community tips link B&H Photo as the best-value source when deals appear, often beating local retail prices. On marketplaces like eBay, OEM dual-packs have ranged from around $49.97 to over $100, with remanufactured packs dipping under $20.
Resale value is modest—unused OEM packs maintain demand from buyers wary of generic quality issues. For high-output users, calculating cost per page is key; Staples lists $0.12 per page for the OEM pack, but actual yields will affect that metric.
Buying tips from users include watching for sales, stocking up when prices drop, and leveraging free recycling programs to offset logistical costs. “I bought the double pack... to have on hand for future use,” shared a Staples customer, emphasizing preparedness.
FAQ
Q: Does the HP 85A dual-pack really yield 1,600 pages per cartridge?
A: While HP certifies 1,600 pages based on ISO standards, actual yield varies. Heavy users and dense documents can cut yield significantly—some reported closer to 800–1000 pages.
Q: Is it worth paying extra for OEM instead of remanufactured toner?
A: For mission-critical work with high reliability expectations, many say yes. OEM units avoid leaks and compatibility issues common with some remanufactured products.
Q: How long can an unused cartridge last in storage?
A: Users report multi-year storage with no degradation, making the dual-pack viable if you print sporadically.
Q: Is the dual-pack format economical for low-volume printing?
A: It’s cheaper per cartridge than buying singles, but ties up more upfront cost. Some prefer singles to avoid unused stock.
Q: Can these cartridges be recycled easily?
A: Yes. HP supplies free return labels, and buyers praise the convenience of the Planet Partners recycling program.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a home or small business user demanding consistent, high-quality black-and-white prints, and can stomach the premium. Avoid if your page yield needs are low and upfront budget is tight—remanufactured brands may suffice. Pro tip: watch trusted sellers for OEM sales, store cartridges properly, and leverage HP’s recycling program to offset waste.
