HP Paper 8.5x11 Review: Premium Quality, Mixed Verdict
Digging into user feedback, the HP Paper 8.5x11 All-In-One 22 lb 5 Ream Case earns a solid 8.7/10 across multiple retail and review platforms. While marketed as a premium, versatile paper optimized for inkjet and laser printers, real-world reports reveal both consistent praise for print quality and occasional frustration with compatibility—particularly outside the HP ecosystem.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Thicker and brighter than standard 20 lb paper | Higher price than basic copy paper |
| Consistently smooth feeding in HP and many non-HP printers | Isolated reports of jams in certain Epson models |
| Excellent color reproduction due to ColorLok technology | Shipping damage to corners in some orders |
| Acid-free for archival longevity | 750-sheet ream option harder to find |
| FSC-certified sustainable sourcing | Not ideal for all photo printing needs |
| Performs well for double-sided printing | Some prefer heavier 24 lb paper for premium feel |
Claims vs Reality
HP promotes this paper as “thicker, brighter, and whiter than ordinary multipurpose printing papers” and “optimized for all inkjet and laser printers.” On the claim of superior thickness, feedback overwhelmingly supports the marketing. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “Good 22 lb paper… terrific quantity for the price,” while a Staples customer wrote: “This is so much better than the 20# paper! It’s good for any & everything!”
However, the universal compatibility claim sees mixed results. While many users report flawless performance in HP printers, some found issues with other brands. Reddit user feedback included: “Package says manufactured for all-in-ones… this paper was a disaster” when used in an Epson Photo RX620.
HP also touts ColorLok technology for vivid colors and faster drying. Cross-platform reviews confirm this works as intended in most cases—Trustpilot reviewer stated: “Ink colors are more vibrant… I use it as my everyday printer paper.” Yet, the benefit is less pronounced for users primarily printing monochrome drafts.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Staples, Walmart, and Trustpilot, a recurring praise is the paper’s weight and brightness. The 96-bright white shade is repeatedly described as “nice bright white” and “good brightness level” by Staples customers, enhancing both text contrast and image clarity. For office administrators, this means sharper presentation documents without upgrading to heavier stock.
Print performance is another consistent highlight. A verified Amazon customer reported: “Works well with both LaserJet and Inkjet… nice print look.” This reliability matters for small businesses printing mixed content—contracts, flyers, and reports—without swapping paper types.
Sustainability credentials also resonate. FSC certification and claims of “0% deforestation in North America” appeal to eco-conscious buyers, and several Walmart listings emphasize its archival quality, reassuring institutions needing long-term document preservation.
Common Complaints
The most frequent complaint involves printer compatibility. While HP devices rarely see issues, some non-HP printer owners report jams. Trustpilot features a blunt account: “This is the worst paper I ever bought… more paper jams since I started to use this paper than ever before.” The risk appears greater in older or specialty photo printers.
Another frustration is shipping damage. Staples customers noted “one corner scrunched… not good for presentation,” and Amazon reviewers described slightly crushed boxes upon arrival. For users producing client-facing materials, even minor corner folds can mean wasted sheets.
Availability of preferred packaging sizes is another sore spot. Multiple Staples reviewers lamented the discontinuation of the 750-sheet ream format, forcing bulk buyers into either standard reams or full cases.
Divisive Features
The 22 lb weight is praised by those seeking a premium feel without the heft of 24 lb stock. Trustpilot users call it a “good medium weight… does not jam, smudge proof.” Yet, for formal correspondence, some still prefer heavier paper for tactile impact.
Color reproduction splits opinions based on usage. Office users appreciate the vibrancy, but photo printers are less impressed, with occasional comments that it doesn’t match dedicated photo paper performance.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Staples reviews suggest the brand’s fulfillment process is generally reliable, with “super fast shipping” mentioned repeatedly. One Staples buyer noted: “Clerk was very helpful and ordered it for it to be shipped to my house… arrived successfully.”
Long-term durability is reinforced by multiple Reddit comments about archival quality. HP’s acid-free claim appears valid—users report no yellowing over time, making it suitable for legal records and academic archives. No credible reports suggest rapid wear or fading.
Alternatives
Alternatives mentioned in community discussions include heavier 24 lb HP Bright White paper and standard 20 lb multipurpose paper. While the 24 lb offers a more substantial feel, its higher cost and weight make it less efficient for high-volume printing. In contrast, 20 lb paper is cheaper but criticized for “rolling” in humid conditions and showing print-through.
Price & Value
Pricing varies widely by retailer: Amazon lists the 5-ream case around $48.85, while eBay sellers ask about $63.36 plus shipping. Walmart’s single ream retails near $11.67. Buyers often highlight the value in bulk purchasing—Amazon reviewers praise “great quality for less than half than you would pay at Best Buy or Staples.”
Resale value is negligible; this is a consumable product. Community buying tips include watching for Staples online promotions and avoiding high shipping fees from overseas sellers.
FAQ
Q: Does HP All-In-One 22 lb paper work in non-HP printers?
A: Yes, many users report success with Canon and Brother devices, but some Epson models experience jams. Test with a small quantity before bulk buying.
Q: Is this paper suitable for double-sided printing?
A: Yes, multiple reviews confirm reduced print-through compared to 20 lb paper, making it a solid choice for duplex printing.
Q: How bright is the paper compared to standard copy paper?
A: At 96 brightness, it is noticeably whiter than typical 92-bright stock, improving text clarity and color pop.
Q: Does it support archival storage without yellowing?
A: Yes, it is acid-free, and long-term users report no yellowing, even after years in storage.
Q: Why do some prefer the 750-sheet ream?
A: It reduces reloading frequency, ideal for high-volume offices, but availability has dropped in recent years.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re an HP printer user or need premium-weight paper for mixed text and color documents. Avoid if you rely on older Epson photo printers or need perfectly pristine corners from shipped orders. Pro tip from the community: bulk-buy during retail promotions and store in a dry place to maintain flatness.
