HP 952/952XL Ink Cartridge Review
Review of HP 952/952XL Ink Cartridges for HP OfficeJet printers. Learn about print quality, cost, compatibility, and HP Instant Ink eligibility.
Introduction
The frustration of inconsistent color, dried-out cartridges, and exorbitant printing costs is a familiar tale for many home and small office users. Whether you’re printing marketing materials, vibrant photo projects, or essential documents, the quality and affordability of your ink directly impact productivity and your bottom line. HP’s Original 952/952XL Ink Cartridge 4-Pack aims to address these challenges, offering a reliable and cost-effective solution for HP OfficeJet users.
Overview
The HP 952/952XL (N9K28AN#140) ink cartridge pack delivers genuine HP quality and performance, specifically engineered to harmonize with compatible HP OfficeJet printers. This 4-pack includes one black cartridge and three color cartridges (cyan, magenta, yellow), providing ample supply for a range of printing needs. Designed for consistent results and long-term reliability, this cartridge set provides a smart alternative to third-party options, contributing to overall print quality and reducing the potential for printer malfunctions.
These cartridges are recognized as ‘Original HP Ink,’ signifying a level of quality and compatibility unmatched by generic alternatives. The XL version offers a higher page yield, further reducing long-term printing costs. It’s an ideal solution for individuals and small businesses who prioritize consistent color accuracy, longevity, and seamless integration with their HP OfficeJet printers, while also being eligible for HP’s Instant Ink program for added convenience and potential savings.
Features
Original HP Ink – Engineered for Performance: HP Original Ink is meticulously formulated to work in synergy with HP printers. This collaboration guarantees optimal print quality, exceptional reliability, and genuine value. The ink’s consistency ensures vibrant colors and crisp text, minimizing the risk of clogs or performance issues, which can plague inferior cartridges. It avoids potential printer damage by ensuring correct ink viscosity and flow.
Broad Printer Compatibility: This cartridge pack is specifically designed for compatibility with a wide array of HP OfficeJet printers, including the OfficeJet 8702, Pro 7720, 7740, 8210, 8216, 8710, 8715, 8720, 8725, and 8730. This universal compatibility reduces the uncertainty of finding the right cartridges for your specific printer model and ensures consistent performance across your office equipment.
High Page Yield (XL Version): The 952XL black cartridge offers a significantly higher page yield – approximately 2,000 pages – compared to the standard 952 black cartridge. This extended capacity translates directly to lower printing costs per page, fewer cartridge replacements, and a more sustainable printing practice. The color cartridges yield approximately 630 pages each, offering a good balance between cost and convenience.
Sustainable Manufacturing: HP’s commitment to environmental responsibility shines through with these cartridges. Up to 82% of the cartridge components are manufactured using recycled plastic, minimizing environmental impact and promoting a circular economy. This eco-conscious design aligns with a growing consumer demand for sustainable printing solutions.
Benefits
Reduced Printing Costs: The high page yield of the XL black cartridge, combined with the efficiency of HP Original Ink, significantly lowers your cost per page, making printing more economical over time.
Consistent Print Quality: Original HP Ink ensures that every print job delivers vibrant colors, sharp text, and professional-quality results. Eliminate the guesswork and achieve consistent, reliable prints every time.
Seamless Printer Integration: HP Original Ink cartridges are designed to work flawlessly with your compatible HP OfficeJet printer, preventing potential compatibility issues and ensuring optimal performance.
Simplified Replacements: The cartridge pack format offers convenience and reduces the frequency of replacements, minimizing downtime and maintaining a steady printing workflow.
HP Instant Ink Eligibility: Enrolling in HP Instant Ink can further reduce your printing costs. This subscription service delivers ink directly to your door, based on your usage, offering significant savings and the convenience of automatic replenishment.
Usages
Home Office Productivity: Perfect for home offices needing consistent, reliable color printing for documents, presentations, and occasional photo prints. The XL cartridge provides extended print volumes, reducing the frequency of replacements.
Small Business Marketing Materials: Ideal for small businesses creating marketing brochures, flyers, and promotional materials. The vibrant colors and sharp text ensure professional-looking results that enhance brand image.
Student Document Printing: Excellent for students who frequently print notes, assignments, and research papers. The cost-effectiveness of the XL cartridge is particularly beneficial for high-volume printing.
Hobbyist Photo Printing: Suitable for hobbyist photographers who need accurate color reproduction for printing photos and other image-based projects, although not intended for professional-grade photo printing.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- High-quality printing with accurate color reproduction
- Cost-effective, especially with the XL cartridges
- Compatible with a wide range of HP OfficeJet printers
- Made with recycled materials
- Eligible for HP Instant Ink program
Cons
- Can be more expensive than third-party alternatives
- Page yield estimates are based on 5% coverage, which may vary
- Cartridge size can be a little bulky
FAQs
What is the page yield for the black cartridge?: The 952XL black cartridge provides an approximate page yield of 2,000 pages, while the standard 952 black cartridge yields approximately 500 pages. Page yield is based on 5% coverage.
Are these cartridges compatible with all HP printers?: These cartridges are specifically designed for compatibility with a select range of HP OfficeJet printers. Refer to the product description for a complete list of compatible models.
Can I use third-party ink in my HP printer?: While third-party inks may appear cheaper initially, they can often lead to reduced print quality, clogged print heads, and even potential damage to your printer. HP Original Ink is the recommended choice for optimal performance and reliability.
How do I enroll in HP Instant Ink?: Visit HP’s Instant Ink website and follow the simple enrollment process. You can choose a plan based on your printing volume and have ink delivered automatically to your door.
What is the warranty on these cartridges?: HP provides a limited warranty on its Original Ink cartridges, covering defects in materials and workmanship. Refer to HP’s website for complete warranty details.
Product Specifications
| Print Technology | HP Thermal Inkjet |
| DPI Resolution | 1200 x 1200 dpi |
| Ink Type | HP Original Ink |
| Page Yield (Black) | 2000 pages (XL), 500 pages (Standard) |
| Page Yield (Color) | 630 pages (approximate) |
| Print Speed | Varies by printer model and print settings |
| Connectivity | N/A – Cartridge only |
| Dimensions | 11.3 x 3.4 x 1.7 in |
| Weight | 0.5 lb |
| Duty Cycle | Varies by printer model |
| Warranty | Limited HP Warranty |
Ratings
| Quality | 4.7 |
| Value | 4.3 |
| Performance | 4.5 |
| Convenience | 4.2 |
| Reliability | 4.9 |
Recommendation
The HP 952/952XL Ink Cartridge 4-Pack is an excellent choice for any HP OfficeJet user seeking reliable color printing and consistent results. The XL version provides exceptional value for those who print frequently, while the compatibility with a broad range of printer models makes it a versatile solution for both home and small office environments.
If you prioritize print quality, long-term reliability, and ease of use, this cartridge pack is a must-have. It’s a worthwhile investment that ensures your HP OfficeJet printer delivers professional-quality prints time after time. For users enrolled or considering HP Instant Ink, this cartridge offers an even more attractive cost-per-page advantage.
Conclusion
In a market flooded with generic ink options, the HP 952/952XL Ink Cartridge 4-Pack stands out as a premium choice that prioritizes quality, reliability, and sustainability. While the initial cost might be slightly higher than some alternatives, the long-term benefits – including reduced printing costs, consistent print quality, and the peace of mind of using original HP ink – make it a worthwhile investment.
From vibrant marketing materials to crucial student assignments, this cartridge pack delivers dependable performance that keeps your printing workflow running smoothly. It is a perfect example of how a well-engineered product, coupled with a commitment to sustainability, can provide both exceptional value and environmental responsibility.
