HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e Review: Strong Color, Mixed Setup
Starting with a surprising twist: despite marketing itself as a seamless, professional-grade wide-format printer, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e Wide-Format All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer earns an overall verdict of 8.3/10 from cross-platform user sentiment. While its P3 color gamut and dual 250-sheet trays are widely praised, recurring frustrations over proprietary ink lock-ins and setup hurdles temper the enthusiasm.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional color accuracy with P3 gamut | Requires HP-branded cartridges only |
| Dual 250-sheet trays for high-volume jobs | Photo prints can appear grainy |
| Reliable dual-band Wi-Fi with self-healing | Setup process can be frustrating |
| Handles wide-format up to 11x17" | Heavy (43 lbs), not portable |
| Robust HP Wolf Pro Security features | ADF can be noisy and limited to A4 size |
| 4.3" intuitive touchscreen | High cost of ink over time |
| Sustainable design with 30% recycled plastic | Occasional connectivity issues reported |
Claims vs Reality
HP’s marketing highlights “vibrant, screen-accurate prints” thanks to the world’s first wide-format printer with P3 color gamut. A Reddit user noted: “The colors were remarkably accurate compared to what I saw on my screen,” especially when printing mood boards for design projects. This claim holds up strongly for professional presentations and marketing collateral.
However, the promise of "seamless setup via HP Smart" is contradicted by multiple reports of difficulty. A Trustpilot reviewer described spending “almost 2 hours resolving all of the above problems” and said it took 29 days to get the printer operational, nearly missing the return window.
HP also promotes its Instant Ink program as a convenience. While some users enjoy automatic delivery, others resent being locked into HP cartridges. One Best Buy customer warned that “HP has wormed their way into the printer firmware and will brick the printer if HP Instant Ink is not re-enrolled,” reflecting distrust toward the subscription model.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Reddit, and Best Buy, the standout feature is the P3 color gamut. For creative professionals, this means more saturated, accurate colors. Reddit user u/Design*** shared how mood boards printed “exactly like on-screen,” a benefit for marketing teams and designers needing precise reproduction.
The dual 250-sheet trays also win applause for reducing interruptions. One Best Buy reviewer runs a small office and found it “great because you can have two different types/sizes of paper at the ready any time,” allowing smooth switching between legal documents and craft projects.
Connectivity is another strong point. Multiple users highlight the dual-band Wi-Fi with self-healing, which maintains stable printing even when several devices are connected. A landscaping business owner said AirPrint made it “a game changer” for printing large plans directly from a phone on-site.
Finally, the 4.3-inch touchscreen earns praise for its smartphone-like responsiveness. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “It’s color, can be angled up for easy viewing, and is excellent for navigating settings.”
Common Complaints
The most frequent gripe is HP’s proprietary cartridge lock-in. The printer rejects third-party ink, frustrating budget-conscious buyers. A Reddit user remarked, “Requires HP-branded ink cartridges, limiting flexibility,” and several Trustpilot entries echoed this.
Photo print quality divides opinion. While documents look sharp, Provantage’s sentiment analysis found “photos may appear grainy and lack color accuracy,” with a Best Buy reviewer noting preschool classroom prints were “grainy every time” compared to an older HP Envy.
The setup process can be painfully slow. Trustpilot and HP Support Community threads detail looping errors, missing drivers, and reliance on HP Smart software. One UK customer said, “The system seems designed to not allow you to return a printer within 30 days,” after failed setup attempts.
The ADF noise is a minor but recurring complaint. Reddit users mention it’s “not disruptive enough to be a major issue” but noticeable when scanning multi-page documents.
Divisive Features
The Instant Ink program splits users. Fans love the convenience—ink arrives before running out, recycling is included, and savings can be up to 50%. Detractors dislike the monthly fee and fear firmware control.
Printer size and weight also divide opinion. Creative professionals appreciate the stability and wide-format capability, while home users sometimes find 43 pounds excessive. One Best Buy customer summed it up: “Huge and takes up a lot of space, but works great.”
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot entries reveal skepticism toward HP customer support. One buyer’s case was closed without resolution, forcing repeated calls and chats over weeks. While eventual fixes were possible, they came “8 hours before my return deadline expired.”
Long-term Reddit feedback is limited, but early adopters suggest stable performance once setup hurdles are overcome. Concerns remain about firmware updates potentially altering functionality, particularly with Instant Ink enforcement.
Alternatives
The Canon Pixma TS9520 is cited for superior photo printing but lacks the HP’s paper capacity and P3 gamut. The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 offers refillable tanks for lower cost per page, yet can’t match HP’s speed or wide-format throughput.
For offices focused on architectural drawings or marketing proofs, HP’s combination of color accuracy and volume outweighs ink costs. For budget-sensitive home users, Epson’s refillable system may be more appealing.
Price & Value
Market prices range from $309 on eBay for new units to $399–$439 at retail, with European listings starting around €212. Resale value is moderate, helped by durable build and wide-format niche appeal.
Community buying tips include watching for bundled Instant Ink months and avoiding activation if third-party ink flexibility is desired. A Reddit user advised, “Don’t activate HP+ unless you’re okay with HP-only cartridges.”
FAQ
Q: Does the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e support borderless printing?
A: Yes, it supports borderless printing up to A3/11x17", ideal for posters and marketing materials.
Q: Can I use third-party ink cartridges?
A: No, it requires HP cartridges with original chips; non-HP cartridges will be blocked.
Q: How fast does it print in color?
A: It delivers up to 18 ppm in color for standard jobs, with slower speeds for high-quality photo prints.
Q: Is it suitable for photo printing?
A: While adequate for casual use, some users report graininess and less accurate colors compared to dedicated photo printers.
Q: What’s the maximum paper size it handles?
A: It supports wide-format up to 11x17 inches, making it suitable for large spreadsheets, floor plans, and design proofs.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a small business, creative professional, or office needing high-quality wide-format prints with reliable connectivity. Avoid if you require low-cost third-party ink or top-tier photo printing. Pro tip from community: If you value flexibility, skip HP+ activation to keep more control over cartridge sourcing.
