HP 933 Ink Cartridges Review: Quality vs Cost Verdict
Starting from a surprising angle, the HP 933 Ink Cartridges (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow) have earned a solid 8.1/10 across platforms, with many praising their consistent print quality but also noting the high cost and limited lifespan. While the manufacturer touts yields of up to 330 pages per cartridge (and 825 for XL versions), user experiences suggest real-world performance can vary widely depending on printing habits.
Quick Verdict: Conditional – Best for users who prioritize authentic HP quality and printer compatibility over lower-cost alternatives.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Consistent, vivid print quality | High price relative to lifespan |
| Easy installation and separate color replacement | HP lockout on refilling cartridges |
| Reliable compatibility with supported OfficeJet models | Page yield sometimes less than advertised |
| Long-lasting pigment inks with fade resistance | Outdated printers still require expensive cartridges |
| Genuine HP ink maintains printer warranty | Chips may report incorrect ink levels |
Claims vs Reality
HP’s marketing emphasizes “fade-resistant documents and brilliant images” and promises “up to 2x more prints with original HP ink vs. non-original.” While several Best Buy reviewers confirmed “excellent printing, easy to install” and “very nice ink on paper, prints very nice,” there’s evidence that page yields often fall short. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “This ink is great but it should last longer.”
The claim of “up to 330 pages per cartridge” is particularly contested. A former HP rep on Best Buy explained that “they don’t seem to hold as much” now compared to 3-4 years ago, even though pigment inks still deliver “more of a laser-like quality at a lower cost.” This suggests that while HP’s quality promises hold, the value proposition has shifted.
HP also promotes its cartridges as environmentally conscious with “82% manufactured with recycled plastic.” Although users rarely mention the eco aspect directly, the convenience of HP Planet Partners recycling is appreciated by some, especially those replacing cartridges frequently.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Best Buy, and Reddit, the standout praise goes to print quality and reliability. Best Buy’s 4.5-star average from over 1,800 reviews reflects widespread satisfaction with color vibrancy and sharp text. “Very nice ink on paper, prints very nice. I would highly recommend it for anybody,” one customer wrote. This level of quality appeals to small businesses printing marketing materials, as well as home users preserving important documents.
Ease of installation is another consistent win. Multiple users described how cartridges “pop right in” and are “very easy to change,” which benefits anyone avoiding the hassle of complex replacements. One Reddit user shared: “It was exactly what I needed for my recently purchased HP OfficeJet 7510 printer.”
Separately replaceable colors help reduce waste and cost for low-volume color users. A Best Buy reviewer emphasized: “I love that the inks are separated so you only change what you need to and they last a long time.”
Common Complaints
Price remains the most frequent sore point. “Overpriced but a decent product,” lamented a Best Buy customer, noting their printer was “out of date by years” yet cartridges hadn’t dropped in price. Many Amazon reviewers echoed this, with one stating: “I think the price should be a little less because of that.”
Another widespread frustration involves HP’s cartridge firmware and chip design. Users dislike that “HP printers won’t let you refill” and that chips can “read incorrect ink levels.” This particularly impacts budget-conscious buyers and high-volume users who might opt for third-party refills if possible.
Page yield inconsistencies also draw criticism. While marketed as 330 pages per color, some users find actual output lower, especially in graphics-heavy printing. However, others report cartridges “last a long time” when used for standard text documents, suggesting the yield gap depends heavily on usage type.
Divisive Features
High-yield XL versions generate split opinions. For frequent color printing, XL cartridges can “produce up to 2.5 times as many printed pages” and save money per page, but occasional users often see no benefit and prefer the lower upfront cost of standard cartridges.
The environmental recycling program, while praised in HP materials, doesn’t surface often in user discussions—possibly because convenience and cost overshadow eco-consciousness in purchase decisions.
Trust & Reliability
Concerns about reliability are minimal when using genuine HP cartridges. Marketplace buyers value authenticity: “Quality authentic HP ink so warranty stays intact,” one Amazon reviewer noted. Long-term users on Reddit confirm performance stability: “I use this ink all the time in my printer,” with no clogging or printhead corrosion thanks to proprietary inks.
However, the trust issue surfaces when cartridges report low ink prematurely. Users suspect this is linked to HP’s chip design rather than actual depletion, fostering skepticism about manufacturer motives.
Alternatives
While no direct competitor names appear in the data, eBay listings show a thriving market for non-OEM and expired HP 933 cartridges at steep discounts. These appeal to bargain hunters but carry risks—reduced quality, incompatibility, or voided warranties. Some buyers opt for older HP models with cheaper ink, but that sacrifices the vivid pigment-based output valued in the 933 line.
Price & Value
Current retail prices hover around $33.99 for the 3-pack at Best Buy, $41.59 on Amazon, and eBay listings ranging from $8 to $20 depending on condition and expiration date. Community tips include:
- Buy during store promotions (Best Buy’s 15% off HP ink was highlighted as “a nice promotion”).
- Upgrade to XL versions for high-volume printing to lower cost per page.
- Avoid expired listings unless acceptable for non-critical prints.
Resale or secondary market values drop sharply post-expiration, with some sealed packs selling for under $10 even if new.
FAQ
Q: How many pages do HP 933 cartridges print?
A: Standard cartridges are rated for ~330 pages per color, while XL versions can yield up to ~825 pages. Real-world results vary with print content—heavy graphics reduce yield significantly.
Q: Are HP 933 cartridges refillable?
A: Officially no. HP designs cartridges with chips that prevent refilling and may show incorrect ink levels if attempted.
Q: Do these cartridges work with all HP printers?
A: They are compatible with HP OfficeJet 6100, 6600, 6700, 7110, 7510, and 7610 series. Check your printer model before purchase.
Q: Is the print quality worth the price?
A: Many users say yes for vivid, fade-resistant documents, especially for business or archival printing. Price-sensitive buyers may disagree.
Q: How long do cartridges last in storage?
A: Shelf life depends on manufacturing date and storage conditions. Expired cartridges may still work but can have degraded quality.
Final Verdict: Buy if you own a compatible HP OfficeJet and value dependable, high-quality prints with sharp colors. Avoid if you need low-cost bulk printing or refill flexibility. Pro tip from community: watch for seasonal promotions and consider XL versions if printing in high volume—they can save money and reduce replacements over time.
