HP 89A Black Toner Review: Reliable but Pricey
Digging into user feedback, the HP 89A Black Toner Cartridge emerges as a product with a split reputation — praised for crisp, professional print quality and reliability, yet dogged by concerns over yield consistency and price. Across Amazon, Staples, and Provantage data, the average sentiment hovers around 8/10, but the gap between marketed 5,000-page yield and real-world performance is a recurring theme.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Crisp, professional-quality prints | High price compared to alternatives |
| Easy installation process | Reports of yield far below 5,000 pages |
| Reliable compatibility with HP enterprise models | Occasional leakage issues |
| Long life in some office setups | Limited compatibility — not for all HP printers |
| Anti-fraud chip ensures authenticity | No high-yield option in standard pack |
| Good customer service for replacements | Toner expense spikes in high-volume environments |
Claims vs Reality
HP markets the 89A as delivering “up to 5,000 pages” with JetIntelligence tech, paired with “consistent results from first page to last.” While some office users confirm this, others report far shorter lifespans. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “This cartridge states it lasts 5,000 pages — it ran out on me… in two months I required three cartridges.” This sharply contrasts with Staples customer reviews where one user said: “This toner… lasted for over a year and we print a lot of documents.”
Another marketing claim is the ease of installation with “auto seal removal and easy-open packaging.” Here, user experiences align closely with HP’s promise. An Amazon customer wrote: “It was so easy to install… no parts to remove, no plastic to pull out, nothing.”
Finally, HP touts anti-fraud technology to ensure authenticity. This is widely supported; multiple buyers highlighted the importance of buying genuine HP cartridges after failed experiences with cheaper, chipless third-party options. One Amazon review bluntly stated: “Buy HP… worth the money to not have all the hassle and frustration.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The print quality is the most consistent point of praise. Staples customers repeatedly mention “very crisp” and “crystal clear” output, especially for graphics and detailed documents. Offices with moderate print volumes see the 89A as dependable. A verified Staples buyer wrote: “Changed out and it printed crystal clear and no residue!” This reliability particularly benefits legal, accounting, and government offices where print clarity is non-negotiable.
Ease of installation also earns near-universal approval. Amazon reviewers describe a plug-and-play experience, crucial for non-technical staff. One user recounted switching cartridges mid-day with “no downtime” and praised the “no mess” design.
Some workplaces have seen exceptionally long lifespans from the 89A. One Staples reviewer claimed their cartridge “lasted for over a year” despite high document output, suggesting that in lower coverage scenarios, the yield can exceed expectations.
Common Complaints
Price is the most persistent complaint across all platforms. Even satisfied customers balk at the cost, with one Staples reviewer urging: “Staples lower ur prices plz.” This is compounded by yield inconsistencies; Amazon reports multiple cases where cartridges depleted in under 2,000 pages. For high-volume print environments, this translates to sharply increased running costs. A Staples buyer warned: “Our toner expense skyrocketed to threefold… avoid printers with this toner!”
Compatibility issues surface occasionally. Some users purchased the 89A assuming it would fit their printer, only to discover mismatches despite online descriptions. This highlights the need for careful model verification before purchase.
Rare but notable are quality-control concerns. One Amazon customer reported a cartridge “leaked after a week of use,” forcing a return. While isolated, such failures undermine HP’s reliability claim.
Divisive Features
Yield performance is the most divisive aspect. For some, it meets or even exceeds the 5,000-page claim; for others, it falls drastically short. This appears tied to individual print environments — heavy graphics, high coverage, or large-volume runs accelerate depletion. Users printing mostly text at low coverage tend to report better longevity.
Third-party alternatives spark debate. While some praise off-brand cartridges with chips for matching HP’s quality at lower cost, others cite compatibility failures and printer errors. HP’s anti-fraud tech blocks non-genuine chips in many cases, pushing users back to OEM options despite price concerns.
Trust & Reliability
On Trustpilot-linked Staples data, no widespread scam patterns emerge, but the risk of buying from unauthorized sellers is real. Several Amazon customers shared frustration after buying cheaper “compatible” cartridges that either lacked chips or failed to work. One noted: “First one… did not have a chip… second one had a chip and still did not work.”
Long-term durability stories lean positive for genuine HP units. Offices using 89A cartridges over multiple years report consistent quality and performance, with no increase in defects. Provantage’s sentiment score of 8/10 reflects this, emphasizing “exceptional reliability” and avoidance of expensive delays.
Alternatives
The HP 89X and 89Y high-yield cartridges surface repeatedly in discussions as better suited for heavy printing. HP claims the 89X yields ~10,000 pages and the 89Y ~20,000, reducing replacement frequency. Amazon reviewers who were frustrated with the 89A’s yield often resolve to “try the 89X to see if that is any better.” For low-volume users, however, the upfront savings of the 89A remain attractive.
Price & Value
Current market prices range from $154.99 on eBay to $256.99 at HP’s official store, with Staples listing at $210.10. Resale value isn’t a factor for consumables like toner, but community tips stress monitoring promotions and rewards programs. One Staples customer leveraged “rewards and sales” to get a “great deal.” The price gap between OEM and third-party options is significant, but risk of incompatibility and reduced quality leads many back to HP.
FAQ
Q: Does the HP 89A really yield 5,000 pages?
A: Officially, yes — at 5% coverage. In practice, yield varies. Heavy graphics or dense text reduce life, with some users reporting under 2,000 pages, while low-coverage offices have exceeded the claim.
Q: Is it compatible with all HP LaserJet printers?
A: No. It fits specific Enterprise models like M507 and M528 series. Always verify your printer’s model against HP’s compatibility list to avoid mismatches.
Q: Are third-party cartridges worth trying?
A: While cheaper, many fail due to missing chips or HP’s anti-fraud tech. Users seeking hassle-free printing often stick with genuine HP despite the price.
Q: How easy is installation?
A: Very. Multiple users describe it as “take it out of the package, slide it in” with no mess or extra steps.
Q: Does it leak?
A: Rarely. A few isolated reports mention leakage within weeks, but most users experience clean, trouble-free operation.
Final Verdict: Buy if you run a moderate-volume office needing professional, crisp black-and-white prints and value reliability over cost. Avoid if your environment is high-volume — consider 89X or 89Y instead. Pro tip from community: verify printer compatibility and watch for reward-program discounts to offset the high price.
