HP 910/910XL Ink Cartridges Review: Strong Quality Verdict
The surprising takeaway from aggregated reviews is that HP 910/910XL Ink Cartridges 4-Pack scores a strong 8.4/10 for print quality and reliability, but only a moderate value rating due to high cost and compatibility restrictions. Cross-platform reports confirm that while original HP cartridges deliver consistently professional results, attempts to save money with third-party replacements often lead to printer rejections or firmware lockouts.
Quick Verdict
Conditional Buy – Excellent for users who prioritize flawless print quality and seamless compatibility with HP OfficeJet models, but less appealing for those seeking budget alternatives due to price and e‑series restrictions.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Crisp, vivid prints with professional color accuracy | High cost compared to printer price |
| High-yield black cartridge reduces replacement frequency | Printer rejects many third-party replacements |
| Reliable performance with HP OfficeJet compatibility | Limited compatibility with HP+ “e” series models |
| Eco‑friendly recycled plastic content | Tedious cartridge unwrapping process (per Staples users) |
| Eligible for HP Instant Ink subscription | Shorter yield for standard color cartridges |
Claims vs Reality
HP markets the 910/910XL as offering "impressive reliability and standout quality" with yields of up to 825 pages for black and 315 for each color in the standard pack. While this claim holds true for genuine cartridges, Reddit and Trustpilot users attempting cheaper remanufactured versions frequently encountered rejection messages like “cartridges are altered and will not print ink.” In some cases, firmware updates rendered previously functional third-party inks unusable.
Another claim is that high-yield cartridges print "up to 2x more pages," reducing downtime. Twitter/X reactions and Staples feedback largely support this for black XL cartridges, with office users noting fewer interruptions and better cost-per-page for heavy workloads. However, Walmart buyers point out that standard-yield colors still require relatively frequent replacement in high-volume environments.
HP emphasizes "eco-friendly design" with up to 82% recycled plastic. Amazon and Quora commentary appreciated this sustainability angle, though for many business users, cost efficiency outweighed environmental considerations when choosing between OEM and remanufactured options.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Staples, and Walmart, users consistently praised the print quality. Reports from small business owners and home offices describe sharp black text and vibrant color reproduction suitable for presentations and marketing materials. On Twitter/X, one recurring appreciation was the water‑resistant and fade‑resistant nature of prints, valued by professionals sending long‑term archival documents. A Staples customer noted that the XL black cartridge "provided sufficient ink for my projects" without mid‑job interruptions.
Ease of installation for genuine cartridges was another standout. Reddit users who managed to avoid firmware issues with compatible replacements said installation was “no different than the originals,” with printers immediately recognizing the cartridges and producing flawless test pages.
The Instant Ink subscription option also drew praise from Staples and Quora communities. For high‑volume users, automated refill delivery removed the guesswork, ensuring they “never run out or buy ink again.”
Common Complaints
The most consistent complaint—spanning Trustpilot, Reddit, and Staples—was price. Several Staples reviewers expressed frustration at paying “almost twice as much for the cartridges as for the printer,” and others lamented the lack of deals compared to past promotions. Cost concerns were magnified by HP’s firmware updates, which blocked many non‑OEM replacements, removing cheaper alternatives.
Compatibility restrictions also frustrated owners of HP+ “e” series printers. King KJ’s Amazon customers discovered post‑purchase that their remanufactured 910XLs would not work, despite the physical fit. As one Reddit user put it, “They messed up my HP printer in a strange way… I thought it was ruined until I swapped in HP branded ones.”
A minor but recurrent annoyance involved packaging. Staples users mentioned the hassle of individually unwrapping cartridges and removing protective levers, adding extra steps compared to other HP ink lines.
Divisive Features
The eco‑friendly manufacturing was praised by sustainability‑minded buyers but dismissed by others as irrelevant compared to print economics. Likewise, high yield was celebrated by heavy users—one Twitter/X poster valued “fewer trips to the store”—but light-use households found the upfront XL cost unnecessary, preferring occasional standard cartridges.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot data on Staples’ remanufactured replacements shows a significant risk for buyers seeking budget ink. 86% of reviewers gave one star, primarily due to incompatibility with HP printers. Multiple users reported that cartridges lacked the HP chip, triggering printer lockouts. Even when customer service offered replacements, the hassle discouraged future purchases.
Conversely, genuine HP 910/910XL cartridges demonstrated strong reliability in long-term Reddit accounts. One office manager using the XL black for six months reported consistent output with no clogs or leaks, contrasting sharply with a previous experience where a third-party cartridge leaked upon installation.
Alternatives
The dataset mentions King KJ and Toner Kingdom remanufactured 910XL packs. Toner Kingdom earned praise in Amazon reviews for matching OEM quality at lower cost, with vivid colors and crisp blacks indistinguishable from originals. However, these alternatives still face compatibility risks with HP+ printers, and King KJ explicitly warns against use in “e” series models.
Price & Value
eBay listings show genuine 910/910XL 4‑packs averaging $61–$80 USD, with individual XL black cartridges around $18–$20 in bulk. Amazon’s OEM 4‑pack price sits near $79.89, while Walmart lists at $87.98. Resale value for sealed OEM packs remains high due to demand and firmware restrictions on third-party inks.
Community buying tips:
- Check your printer model against HP’s compatibility list before purchasing alternatives.
- For high-volume printing, XL black cartridges offer lower cost-per-page over time.
- Watch for bundle discounts online; eBay bulk buys can save $2–$4 per unit.
FAQ
Q: Will HP 910XL cartridges work in HP+ “e” series printers?
No. User reports confirm that HP+ “e” series reject most third-party cartridges and require genuine HP inks.
Q: What is the page yield difference between standard and XL black cartridges?
Standard black yields about 300–315 pages; XL black yields up to 825 pages according to Amazon specs.
Q: Are remanufactured HP 910XL cartridges worth it?
Only if your printer firmware allows. Trustpilot reviews show many remanufactured versions are blocked by HP updates.
Q: Does HP 910XL qualify for Instant Ink?
Yes, genuine OEM cartridges are eligible, enabling automated refills and potential cost savings.
Q: Do these cartridges use recycled materials?
Yes. HP states up to 82% recycled plastic content in manufacturing.
Final Verdict
Buy if you are a business or home office user with a compatible HP OfficeJet model who values flawless, fade‑resistant prints and wants the convenience of Instant Ink. Avoid if you own an HP+ “e” series printer and plan to use third-party replacements—firmware blocks are common. Pro tip from community: Invest in the XL black cartridge for lower cost-per-page and pair with Instant Ink for uninterrupted workflow.
