HP 936 Black Ink Cartridge Review: Quality vs Cost Verdict
Digging into hundreds of user reports, the HP 936 Black Ink Cartridge emerges as a product praised for print quality yet criticized for its steep price. Across platforms, it averages strong ratings — often above 4.3/5 — but the consensus is clear: reliability comes at a premium. For users who prioritize sharp text, fast-drying ink, and trouble-free installation, it scores 8.4/10. However, small businesses and high-volume printers should weigh recurring costs carefully.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — Excellent for quality-focused HP printer owners, but the cost is a sticking point.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Crisp, professional black text output | Price considered “outrageous” by many users |
| Fast-drying ink prevents smudges | Yield sometimes below quoted specs |
| Easy installation with chip recognition | Locked to HP printers, no third-party use |
| Consistent performance over time | Reports of mismatched or tampered packaging from some resellers |
| Reliable compatibility with OfficeJet Pro models | Limited availability in some stores |
| Recyclable packaging and HP Planet Partners program | High color cost per page in multi-pack |
Claims vs Reality
HP markets the 936 Black as delivering “professional-quality documents” with an approximate yield of 1,250 pages. They also emphasize fade resistance for over 200 years in dark storage. While installation ease and compatibility are widely confirmed, yield claims see mixed validation.
A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “This cartridge works well… the ink dries fast on the paper and does not smear,” aligning with HP’s quality assurances. However, Fakespot’s analysis flagged yield discrepancies: “Yielded far from the quoted 800/1250 pages.”
HP also promotes sustainability, with recyclable packaging and the Planet Partners recycling program. Reddit discussions and HP’s own marketing highlight this, but most user feedback centers on cost rather than eco benefits. Staples buyer otis h. expressed frustration: “HP’s decision to bar any ink cartridges for use in their printers has assured that I will not buy another HP printer.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Consistent print quality is the standout feature. Best Buy reviewer rick described it as “produces clear text and accurate colors” and appreciated “having all four cartridges in one package” for convenience. Small business owners found the clarity essential for professional documents, with olyav reporting it “lasts me a while and I can rely on it for my daily printing needs for my business.”
Ease of installation is another recurring highlight. Customers across Staples, Best Buy, and Amazon praise the built-in chip that ensures quick setup. Beatrizs wrote: “Good quality, nice color, durable, safe,” while nayely sc added, “It is very easy to use and to install into printer… I love this ink.”
HP’s fast-drying ink claim holds up in practice. Bruce h. on Staples confirmed: “The ink dries fast on the paper and does not smear. It looks good on all colors of paper.” This makes it well-suited for duplex printing without smudge risk.
Common Complaints
Price dominates negative feedback. Leola c. lamented: “The price is getting outrageous! I would have never bought this printer with these prices.” Roger v. was even more blunt: “Ridiculously expensive. Going to get rid of the printer. Can’t afford the ink.” This sentiment is echoed in multiple Staples and Trustpilot reviews, where the cost per page is deemed unsustainable for high-volume printing.
Compatibility restrictions anger some loyal HP customers. Otis h. criticized HP’s lock-in approach: “HP ink only is a game changer… will not buy another HP printer!” This affects users who wish to use third-party cartridges for cost savings.
There are occasional quality control issues from resellers. Best Buy reviewer gbic knola reported receiving “cartridges… covered with dust and grime” in a resealed box, prompting a direct purchase from HP instead.
Divisive Features
Page yield is a point of contention. While some, like david s., found it “last longer and more efficient,” Fakespot’s summary and several buyers note actual yields falling short of HP’s claims. For low-volume home users, discrepancies may be negligible, but high-traffic offices could see the difference in refill frequency.
The HP Planet Partners recycling program appeals to eco-conscious users, yet others feel it does little to offset the ongoing expense. This split reflects differing priorities between environmental impact and operating costs.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot’s Fakespot analysis found “minimal deception involved” in reviews, with over 90% high-quality feedback. Users generally trust HP’s ink to protect printer warranties and avoid clogging issues. A Staples customer d.k. summarized: “Just what I needed,” citing timely delivery and product fit.
Long-term users highlight durability. Best Buy’s jds mo stated: “Works great… never had any issues. No streaking and lasts for a long time.” This reliability is a key reason many stick with HP despite the price.
However, caution is advised when buying from third-party marketplaces. Best Buy’s gbic knola and yensisleyl both reported receiving incorrect or tampered cartridges, underlining the importance of sourcing directly from HP or reputable retailers.
Alternatives
Within HP’s ecosystem, the 936e EvoMore XL variant offers roughly double the page yield (~2,500 pages) at a higher upfront cost. For frequent printers, this may offset refill frequency and lower long-term cost per page. Reddit discussions note its “lower carbon footprint” and “fits like the standard cartridge” benefits.
Generic remanufactured 936 cartridges exist at lower prices, such as the “936 936e Ink Cartridges” on Amazon under the Generic brand, quoted at 1,550 black pages and 900 color pages. These appeal to budget-conscious users but won’t satisfy HP’s lock-out firmware, meaning they’re only viable for compatible non-blocked printers.
Price & Value
On eBay, genuine HP 936 black & color sets trend at around $98.88–$97.99 for the 4-pack, while Best Buy lists the standard capacity 4-pack at $145.99. Staples prices the single black cartridge at $49.89. The cost per page for black ink typically hovers around $0.04, with color significantly higher.
Community buying tips emphasize HP’s Instant Ink subscription as a way to reduce costs, especially for users with predictable monthly page counts. Others recommend stocking up during sales to avoid emergency purchases at peak prices.
FAQ
Q: Does the HP 936 Black Ink Cartridge work with all HP printers?
A: No. It is compatible only with select OfficeJet Pro models such as 9110b, 9125e, 9128e, 9130b, 9135e, 9122e, and wide-format 9730e. It will not function in older or non-HP devices.
Q: How many pages can the HP 936 Black print before needing replacement?
A: Officially around 1,250 pages at 5% coverage. User reports vary — some achieve close to this, while others note lower yields depending on print settings and coverage.
Q: Is the ink really fade-resistant for 200+ years?
A: HP claims dark storage fade resistance for over two centuries. While no user can verify this long-term, feedback confirms strong durability with no noticeable fading in months of typical use.
Q: Can I use third-party cartridges to save money?
A: Many HP printers with firmware updates block non-HP cartridges. Several users report being locked out, so check your printer’s compatibility before considering alternatives.
Q: How can I recycle my empty HP cartridges?
A: HP’s Planet Partners program offers free recycling via mail or drop-off points. Packaging is fully recyclable, and HP reuses materials to reduce landfill waste.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re an HP OfficeJet Pro owner who values consistent, professional print quality and hassle-free installation. Avoid if your primary concern is minimizing print costs or if you prefer using third-party ink. Pro tip from community: Enroll in HP Instant Ink to smooth out expenses, and source directly from HP or trusted retailers to avoid counterfeit or tampered products.
