HP 923 Ink Cartridges Review: Reliable Output, Mixed Value
Starting with a surprising twist, the HP 923 Cyan/Magenta/Yellow Ink Cartridges, 3/Pack earn a respectable 8.1/10 from users, not because they shatter expectations, but because they reliably meet them—while stirring debate over cost and yield longevity. Across platforms, buyers praise "consistent business printing you can count on" but also question whether the 400-page per color rating truly aligns with day-to-day usage. This isn’t just ink—it’s a litmus test for how much trust consumers place in OEM consumables versus cheaper clones.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy—ideal for HP OfficeJet Pro users needing vivid, fade-resistant prints regularly, but less appealing for those printing in bulk due to cost-per-page concerns.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Vivid, fade-resistant colors for professional results | Expensive compared to third-party inks |
| Seamless compatibility with HP printers | Page yield may feel lower than advertised in real use |
| 82% recycled content in cartridges | Occasional shipping/packaging errors reported |
| Easy recycling via HP and retailer programs | Limited lifespan if not used frequently—risk of drying out |
| Reliable installation and quick recognition by printers | Locked to HP printers, no cross-brand compatibility |
| Fast delivery options appreciated | Wrong color sent in rare cases |
Claims vs Reality
HP markets these cartridges as delivering “professional-quality documents with vibrant color… fade-resistant for 200+ years in dark storage.” Digging deeper into user reports, many do confirm output meets professional standards. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “My presentation materials always print nicely and are high quality.” This resonates with the branding—but only if prints are stored under optimal conditions, which users rarely measure in centuries.
Another claim touts "up to 400 pages per color." While officially correct under ISO testing, this number depends heavily on content density. Staples reviewers repeatedly point out replacing inks “more often than in past years,” echoing sentiment from Best Buy customers who feel "the ink does not seem to last very long." The implication for heavy users—especially those printing graphics—is that yield may fall short of expectations.
HP also stresses eco-friendliness, citing 82% recycled content. Across platforms, the recycling programs receive quiet appreciation rather than vocal praise. While reusable material is a plus, buyers still frame purchases through cost and performance, not sustainability alone.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Reddit, Staples, and Trustpilot, consensus emerges on color fidelity. HR departments, small businesses, and teachers praise the cartridges for their predictable output. Staples customers highlight how “this color is perfect for media used in my work,” suggesting designers benefit from consistent hues. One Walmart buyer said the prints are “fade-resistant and brilliant,” aligning with HP’s promise of archival quality.
For office managers, the plug-and-play compatibility is key. Best Buy users echo this ease, stating, “this cartridge loads easily and is long lasting” in situations where downtime costs money. Reliable recognition by printers also prevents error loops—a common headache with aftermarket cartridges.
HP’s security chip upgrades also found niche fans among institutional buyers worried about counterfeit supplies. While less discussed in consumer reviews, reports on Quill.com underline peace of mind knowing “engineered to work with HP printers… tamper resistance.”
Common Complaints
Cost remains the most repeated pain point. Trustpilot entries and Staples critiques speak to the "rip off" perception, especially in bulk purchase scenarios. One Staples reviewer bluntly stated, “I think the amount … charged … is a complete ripoff,” capturing frustration across office supply buyers who handle monthly orders.
Delivery or fulfillment errors add another layer. Staples customers recount receiving black ink instead of magenta—twice. Fixing these mistakes introduces delays, undermining HP’s "get it right the first time" slogan.
Page yield skepticism runs alongside pricing gripes. Best Buy clients list yield in cons: “lower page yield than advertised” and “it can be tempting to buy a combo pack to save money, but they dry out.” This particularly affects lighter users who store cartridges for months; dry outs lead to wasted ink and cleaning cycles.
Divisive Features
The HP Instant Ink subscription divides opinion. While some skip it for privacy—Staples’ most helpful positive review says, “no reason to enroll… uncomfortable with HP knowing how many pages I print”—others leverage savings and convenience. Those printing at consistent volumes find value; sporadic printers resent the tracking and limits.
Sustainability claims resonate differently. Eco-conscious users welcome recycled content and easy drop-off recycling, but many see it as corporate window dressing when faced with steep per-page costs.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot shows purchasers generally receive functioning, authentic cartridges—with persistent satisfaction around quality and no major counterfeit scares. The few negative threads focus on logistical hiccups rather than product integrity.
Reliability after months of use holds up for frequent printers. Best Buy customers report cartridges lasting “several months” without print quality dips. However, sporadic use flips reliability into risk—dry outs noted by occasional printers lead to waste. Importantly, Reddit mentions and Quill notes confirm feeding errors are minimal; misreads or “unrecognized cartridge” prompts are rare compared to non-OEM inks.
Scam concerns center on retail channels, not HP itself. Walmart and Staples platforms record near-zero instances of intentional fraud, strengthening OEM trust advantage over online marketplaces with mixed seller rosters.
Alternatives
While direct competitors aren’t heavily discussed in this dataset, conversation inevitably shifts toward aftermarket cartridges found on eBay. These alternatives run at a fraction of OEM costs—sometimes under $20 per pack—but lack fade resistance guarantees and may trigger HP firmware blocks. Business users balancing quality, compliance, and warranty often stick to OEM HP 923 despite the temptation.
For bulk users, HP XL high-yield versions (referenced in Staples and Quill listings) present better value. They deliver more printed pages, reducing replacements—if upfront price isn’t a deterrent.
Price & Value
Current online pricing hovers between $49.79 and $57.97 per pack, with single colors retailing around $15-$18.89. eBay listings show that OEM sealed packs hold resale value, selling within $5 of retail if unused. The high resale stability mirrors persistent OEM demand among HP printer owners.
Cost-per-page math at roughly $0.056 aligns with certified cartridge site data—but this assumes ISO yield behavior. Frequent full-color printing of graphics increases real-world cost upward, often reported as $0.07-$0.09.
Community buying tips stress verifying seller authenticity and production dates to avoid aged stock nearing dry-out risk. Staples drop-off recycling is frequently mentioned as a painless route to dispose of spent units.
FAQ
Q: Are these cartridges compatible with non-HP printers?
A: No. They are designed for HP OfficeJet 8122e, Pro 8135e, 8138e, and 8139e models, and won’t function on other brands due to chip security features.
Q: How many pages can each cartridge print?
A: The official rating is around 400 pages per color, but user experiences suggest yield varies with content density and usage patterns.
Q: Do the cartridges really last for 200+ years in storage?
A: In theory, under ideal conditions. In practice, few test this, but fade resistance is reported as strong for normal office archiving spans of 5-10 years.
Q: Can I recycle them easily?
A: Yes—HP runs a Planet Partners program, and retailers like Staples accept returns for recycling.
Q: Is HP Instant Ink worth it with these cartridges?
A: Opinions split—regular, predictable printing may make it cheaper; infrequent users often avoid it due to tracking concerns.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re an HP OfficeJet Pro user who needs dependable, vivid, and fade-resistant output, and you print enough to justify OEM costs. Avoid if you’re a light or sporadic printer—dry-out risk and high page costs may outweigh benefits. Pro tip from community: if you print heavily, consider HP XL versions to reduce replacements and long-term costs.
