HP 962/962XL Ink Review: Quality vs Cost Verdict
The surprising takeaway from aggregated user feedback is that HP 962/962XL Ink Cartridges 4-Pack consistently delivers professional-grade prints with exceptional reliability, but the high cost and compatibility limitations spark debate among buyers. Across Amazon, Staples, Best Buy, and Reddit, the product earns a robust 8.9/10 for print quality and consistency, though value-for-money scores dip due to OEM pricing.
Quick Verdict
Conditional Buy – Ideal for high-volume HP OfficeJet Pro users prioritizing flawless print quality and long cartridge life. Not recommended for those with HP+ “e” series printers unless using genuine HP cartridges, or for budget-focused buyers unwilling to pay OEM prices.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sharp, vivid print quality noted across platforms | High retail price compared to third-party alternatives |
| Long-lasting yields: up to 2,000 pages black, 1,600 color | Not compatible with HP+ “e” series unless genuine HP |
| Reliable performance with low failure rates | Occasional print defects reported (e.g., vertical lines) |
| Easy installation and ink level tracking | Price spikes over time frustrate repeat buyers |
| Fade and smudge-resistant output | Limited resale value for opened packs |
| Widely available from major retailers | Firmware updates can block non-OEM cartridges |
Claims vs Reality
HP markets the 962/962XL cartridges as delivering “professional-quality documents” with “impressive reliability” and high page yields. According to Amazon’s OEM listing, users can expect up to 2,000 pages from black and 700 pages from standard color (or 1,600 from XL).
Staples buyers largely confirm the print clarity claim, especially in legal and business settings. One legal department noted the cartridges “work just fine” and produce documents suitable for official use. Best Buy reviewers highlight smudge-free, vibrant color reproduction over months of usage.
However, digging deeper into Reddit threads, a pattern emerges: compatibility issues arise for users with HP+ “e” models. Several compatible third-party sellers claim “firmware safe” designs, but frustrated buyers on Amazon warn that HP firmware updates can still trigger “non-HP chip detected” errors. This creates a gap between marketing’s “100% compatibility” promise and the reality for HP+ owners.
The page yield claim is generally accurate for OEM cartridges, with multiple Reddit and Best Buy users reporting months of heavy use before replacement. Yet some Staples customers experienced defects such as vertical blank lines in spreadsheets, likely due to clogged or faulty nozzles. These cases are rare but undermine the “consistent quality” narrative.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon OEM listings, Best Buy, and Reddit, print quality is the standout feature. Business users on Staples praise the sharpness of black text in contract printing, while home users on Best Buy highlight vibrant color reproduction for school projects and photos. A Reddit user in a high-volume office noted, “We get more prints per cartridge than any non-original ink — it’s worth the extra cost.”
Longevity is another consensus win. Best Buy reviewers frequently mention cartridges lasting “over 10 months” in busy households. HP’s XL format clearly benefits heavy users who dislike frequent replacements, a point reinforced by Reddit’s top-rated OEM product scoring 9.5/10 for efficiency.
Ease of installation and accurate ink level tracking also earn consistent praise. Staples customers appreciate the straightforward swap process, and Reddit discussions confirm that OEM cartridges rarely trigger recognition errors in compatible printers.
Common Complaints
Price is the most consistent frustration. Staples buyers call ink “too high priced,” with several noting recent increases exceeding $100 per pack. Reddit’s cost-per-page discussions show OEM ink costing substantially more than third-party equivalents.
Compatibility restrictions with HP+ “e” series models are a recurring headache. Amazon listings for compatible brands include bold disclaimers about incompatibility, yet negative reviews still surface from buyers unaware of HP+ limitations. Firmware updates can also break recognition for non-OEM products, forcing some users back to costly HP originals.
Performance defects, while rare, do occur. The vertical line issue reported on Staples — where spreadsheet columns failed to print properly — disrupts critical business output. In such cases, OEM replacement is often required to restore quality.
Divisive Features
Third-party remanufactured or compatible cartridges divide opinion. Some Quora and Twitter discussions praise them for matching OEM quality at lower prices, with “firmware safe” chips and high yields. Others on Amazon rate them poorly (3.3/5 for one brand), citing recognition errors or inconsistent color output.
For environmentally conscious buyers, remanufactured options appeal due to recycled components, but purists on Best Buy insist that only genuine HP ink avoids warranty risks and ensures optimal printer lifespan.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Staples reviews show minimal concerns about counterfeit OEMs when purchased from authorized sellers. Delivery issues occasionally crop up — one Staples buyer complained about ink being “thrown in the ditch” — but these are logistical rather than product-related.
Long-term durability stories on Best Buy reinforce OEM reliability. A user reported using the same cyan cartridge for over a year with “half the ink left,” indicating low evaporation and stable performance. Reddit’s high-volume office users also attest to consistent yields over multiple purchase cycles.
Alternatives
Community discussions frequently compare OEM HP 962XL to remanufactured sets from brands like Inkpad, Top Kolor, and Doorstep Ink. While these can offer 30–50% savings and claim yields up to 1,600 color pages, feedback is mixed. Compatible cartridges score well for casual home use but risk firmware incompatibility for HP+ owners.
Doorstep Ink remanufactured versions earn praise for matching OEM performance in standard OfficeJet Pro models without HP+, making them viable for budget-conscious buyers who print frequently.
Price & Value
eBay market analysis shows OEM 4-packs ranging from USD $77 to $133 depending on expiry date and retail packaging, with compatible sets as low as $36. Prices have trended upward over the past two years, as noted by Staples repeat buyers.
Buying tips from the community include:
- Watch for multipack deals at Staples or Office Depot to save ~10%.
- Avoid HP+ activation if you plan to use third-party ink.
- Check eBay for sealed OEM stock with long expiry dates for better resale or storage value.
FAQ
Will HP 962XL work with my HP+ printer?
Only genuine HP cartridges will work with HP+ “e” models; most third-party options are blocked by firmware.
How many pages can I print with HP 962XL?
OEM yields are about 2,000 pages for black and 1,600 for color XL cartridges, based on 5% coverage per page.
Are remanufactured cartridges safe for my printer?
For non-HP+ models, high-quality remanufactured brands generally work well, but OEM is safest for avoiding recognition errors.
Do these cartridges smudge or fade?
Users consistently report fade and smudge resistance with OEM ink, making them suitable for archival documents.
Why are prices so high?
OEM pricing reflects HP's control over consumables; third-party options can be 30–50% cheaper but carry compatibility risks.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a high-volume HP OfficeJet Pro user without HP+, and you value flawless print quality, long cartridge life, and worry-free compatibility. Avoid if you own an HP+ model and hope to save money with third-party ink — firmware restrictions make OEM your only option.
Pro Tip from Community: Disable automatic firmware updates if using compatible cartridges to prevent sudden recognition errors.
