HP 936 Ink Cartridges Review: Quality vs Cost Verdict
A surprising number of users across Best Buy, Staples, and Reddit agree that the HP 936 Ink Cartridges 4-Pack delivers consistently sharp, vibrant prints — yet many also warn about its steep price and HP’s strict printer compatibility locks. Aggregating reviews from seven platforms, the overall score lands at 8.4/10, heavily boosted by quality and reliability but pulled down by value concerns.
Quick Verdict
Conditional Buy – Recommended for users who prioritize print quality and reliability over cost. Not ideal for light printers or those wanting third-party flexibility.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Crisp, professional print quality (text & graphics) | High retail price |
| Reliable page yield for moderate use | HP lockout for non-OEM cartridges |
| Easy installation with chip recognition | Occasional defective shipments |
| Works seamlessly with compatible OfficeJet Pro models | Faster depletion under heavy workloads |
| Quick-drying, smear-resistant ink | No fit for older/non-HP printers |
| Eco-friendly packaging & recycling program | Limited availability in some stores |
| Long-term color stability in storage | Reports of ink leakage in rare cases |
Claims vs Reality
HP’s marketing highlights high page yields, fade resistance up to 200+ years (in dark storage), and “professional-quality documents every time.” Staples and Best Buy reviewers largely back up the first claim — many reporting yields close to 1,250 pages for black and 800 for each color. However, heavy users, particularly small business owners printing high-volume color jobs, note yields can vary. One Trustpilot user cautioned: “Yielded far from the quoted 800/1250 pages under daily heavy printing.”
The fade resistance claim isn’t something most consumers test over decades, but Reddit and ShopMarketplace posts do confirm that prints remain vibrant and resist smudging even after a week of handling. A home office user reported that double-sided charts came out “flawless, no smears,” days later.
HP’s promise of “hassle-free installation” holds true for most. Best Buy and Staples customers frequently cite how quickly printers recognize the cartridges thanks to built-in chips. Yet, Shopsavvy TLDR notes some occasional recognition failures requiring reinsertion — affecting deadline-sensitive work when sudden unrecognized cartridge errors pop up.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Print quality is the standout. From Best Buy’s 4.6/5 average to Reddit’s “sharp text and bold colors” threads, users from graphic designers to everyday report writers say their documents look polished. A teacher in a Staples review praised “bright, accurate charts for class handouts that don’t smudge.”
Ease of installation is another near-universal hit. Even first-time OfficeJet Pro buyers remarked on the smooth cartridge swap process — open slot, click in, immediate recognition. This is particularly valued in business settings where downtime means lost productivity.
Compatibility with newer OfficeJet Pro models (9110, 9120, 9130, 9730 series) gets repeated praise. A Reddit contributor highlighted that running these inks in a wide-format 9730e kept their print shop output “perfectly aligned” with HP’s default color profiles without the need for custom calibration.
Common Complaints
Price overshadows much of the goodwill. Staples customers call it “ridiculously expensive” and some explicitly say they’ll switch brands or ditch HP printers entirely to escape the OEM ink costs. A small business owner shared: “Almost $160 for one set of ink cartridges is criminal… last time I set foot in their store.”
HP’s proprietary cartridge lockout causes frustration, especially for budget-focused users trying compatible third-party inks. Multiple platforms mention that printers reject non-HP cartridges outright — leaving these as the only viable option for owners.
Defective or mishandled shipments appear in Best Buy and Staples threads. Users received cartridges in resealed boxes or with dust and grime, especially from third-party sellers. For mission-critical environments, buyers emphasize getting directly from HP or vetted retailers.
Divisive Features
Page yield claims split opinion. Light-to-medium users see yields close to spec. Heavy, color-rich print jobs tend to drain faster, leading to perceptions of underperformance. Shopsavvy TLDR notes occasional leakage reports, though rare.
Eco-friendly initiatives such as HP’s Planet Partners recycling earn praise from sustainability-minded buyers, but skeptical users argue it’s offset by the frequency of replacements if yield isn’t as marketed.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot analysis via Fakespot shows over 90% high-quality reviews, with minimal deception signals. This reinforces the authenticity of user satisfaction around quality and fit. However, scam concerns mostly stem from retail handling, not HP itself — resealed or incorrect cartridges found in boxes from unverified sellers.
On durability, long-term Reddit posts (6+ months later) confirm stable performance: “No clogging, colors still consistent, printer heads clean.” For storage, users advise keeping sealed spares in cool, dry places; improper storage can lead to early drying.
Alternatives
While no direct third-party comparable appeared in the aggregated data due to HP lockout, some users mention generic replacements like “936XL compatible” packs, often cheaper but incompatible with newer HP firmware. For those needing similar yields and print quality but willing to change printers, Epson’s and Canon’s multi-packs offer strategic alternatives — yet they lack the proprietary color match integration HP provides for OfficeJet Pro series.
Price & Value
eBay listings show HP 936 4-Pack trending between $97.99 (new) and $122.99, compared to brick-and-mortar averages of $134–$145 at Best Buy and Staples. In resale, genuine sealed packs hold value, especially with expiry dates 1–2 years out.
Community buying tips include:
- Purchasing during HP Rewards promotions (3–9% back on site).
- Considering HP’s Instant Ink subscription to flatten monthly costs.
- Avoiding unsealed boxes from third-party sellers to dodge counterfeit risk.
FAQ
Q: Will HP 936 cartridges work in older HP printers?
No. They are designed specifically for newer OfficeJet Pro models (9110+ series, including wide-format 9730) and will not fit older or non-HP devices.
Q: How accurate are HP’s page yield claims?
Most light-to-medium users report yields close to advertised (1250 black, 800 per color). Heavy use, especially with large color prints, can lower yield.
Q: Does the ink smudge on double-sided prints?
Users across Reddit and ShopMarketplace confirm quick-dry performance, enabling clean double-sided printing without smears.
Q: Are there cheaper alternatives that work?
Due to HP’s lockout features, only official HP 936 cartridges operate reliably in compatible printers. Third-party packs often fail recognition.
Q: Is recycling really free?
Yes. HP’s Planet Partners program offers free return of used cartridges, with reclaimed plastic used in new products.
Final Verdict
Buy if you need flawless text and color accuracy for professional or academic work, own a compatible OfficeJet Pro, and value reliability over cost minimization. Avoid if you print infrequently, rely on budget inks, or object to OEM lock-ins.
Pro tip from community: Pair your purchase with HP’s Instant Ink or timing sales on HP’s store — this can shave a noticeable amount off the per-page cost without sacrificing print quality.
