Best Printers: Our Top 10 Picks & Reviews

Introduction

Navigating the world of printer cartridges can feel like a chore, but finding the right one is crucial for crisp documents and vibrant photos. After extensive testing of countless cartridges for performance, yield, and overall value, we’ve found a clear winner for the everyday user. We’re naming the HP 63XL Black High-Yield Ink Cartridge our top pick. It consistently delivers deep, smudge-free black text perfect for everything from school reports to shipping labels. Its high-yield capacity means you’ll be replacing it far less often, providing excellent long-term value and reliability for a wide range of popular home printers.

Our Top 10 Picks for Best Printers

#1 HP 63XL Black High-Yield Ink Cartridge – Best for: High-Volume Home Printing

The HP 63XL Black High-Yield Ink Cartridge is a workhorse, and our top choice for good reason. During our tests, it consistently produced sharp, dark, and smudge-resistant text that is ideal for everything from professional documents to everyday schoolwork. We printed dozens of shipping labels and text-heavy pages, and the quality remained flawless from the first page to the last. This aligns perfectly with what many users report: the ink is exceptionally dark and clear. The high-yield “XL” designation isn’t just a marketing gimmick; we found it lasts significantly longer than its standard counterpart, making it a more economical choice for those who print frequently. With an approximate yield of 480 pages, it reduces the hassle of constant cartridge changes.

Installation was a breeze in our HP OfficeJet 3830, a seamless drop-in replacement that the printer recognized instantly. However, we must caution that quality control can be an issue depending on the seller. A small but vocal group of users have received defective or seemingly counterfeit cartridges that their printers refuse to recognize. While our own experience was positive, this feedback underscores the importance of purchasing from a reputable source. Despite the premium price point compared to third-party options, we believe the reliability and superior print quality of the genuine HP 63XL Black High-Yield Ink Cartridge make it the best overall choice for most home users with compatible HP printers.

#2 HP 63 Black/Tri-Color Ink Cartridge (2-pack) – Ideal for: Casual All-Purpose Printing

For those who need both black and color printing capabilities for occasional use, the HP 63 Black/Tri-Color Ink Cartridge (2-pack) is a convenient and reliable solution. In our testing, this combo pack delivered the consistent quality we expect from genuine HP products. Text documents were sharp, and color prints, like charts and family photos on plain paper, were vibrant and accurate. The main advantage here is convenience; you get everything you need to refresh your printer in one box. Installation was straightforward, with both cartridges fitting perfectly into our HP DeskJet and being recognized without a hitch, a sentiment echoed by many satisfied users.

The primary drawback, however, is the standard-yield capacity. The black cartridge is rated for about 170 pages and the color for 150. We found that for even moderate printing, these can run out surprisingly quickly, which can become costly over time. This was a common frustration among users who print more than a few pages a week. Furthermore, while our package arrived intact, a number of buyers reported receiving boxes that were damaged or appeared to have been opened, with some even receiving clearly used cartridges. While these issues seem to be related to fulfillment rather than the product itself, it’s something to be aware of. For the light-use household, this 2-pack offers great quality, but frequent printers should opt for the XL versions.

#3 Brother TN660 High Yield Black Toner Cartridge – Perfect for: High-Volume Monochrome Office Use

Switching gears from inkjet to laser, the Brother TN660 High Yield Black Toner Cartridge is a powerhouse for anyone with a compatible Brother laser printer. Our primary test for this cartridge was volume, and it did not disappoint. We churned out hundreds of pages of text-based documents, and the output remained consistently sharp and professional, with deep blacks and no fading. The advertised yield of 2,600 pages makes it an incredibly cost-effective option for a small office or a busy home environment that primarily prints in black and white. We found installation in our Brother HL-L2360DW to be simple and clean, a stark contrast to the messy refills of the past. Many users agree, noting that sticking with the genuine Brother cartridge avoids the leaking and compatibility headaches common with third-party alternatives.

However, the actual page yield can be a point of contention. While we got close to the advertised number, some users reported falling significantly short, getting only 1,600-1,800 pages before the “replace toner” message appeared. This can vary based on print density, but it’s a valid concern. Another recurring observation from users was the suspicion that some cartridges sold as new might be refilled or recycled units, citing toner dust on the casing upon arrival. While our unit appeared new and sealed, it’s a notable pattern in user feedback. Despite these potential inconsistencies, the Brother TN660 High Yield Black Toner Cartridge offers excellent performance and a low cost-per-page that is hard to beat for high-volume laser printing.

#4 HP 62XL Black High-yield Ink Cartridge – Suits: ENVY & OfficeJet Owners Needing Longevity

The HP 62XL Black High-yield Ink Cartridge is designed for a specific range of HP ENVY and OfficeJet printers, and for those users, it’s an excellent upgrade. Our testing showed a marked improvement in longevity over the standard 62 cartridge. With a hefty 600-page yield, it’s built for users who are tired of swapping out ink every month. The print quality was exactly what we expect from HP: crisp, dark text that resists fading and looks professional on the page. We used it to print multi-page reports and found the consistency to be top-notch from start to finish. It’s a reliable choice for home offices or families with heavy printing demands.

That said, reliability seems to be a significant concern based on a swath of user experiences. While our cartridge worked flawlessly, an alarming number of users reported receiving defective units right out of the box. The most common complaints were that the printer would not recognize the cartridge or that it registered as “low ink” after printing just a single page. These issues strongly suggest problems with quality control or the circulation of old, expired, or even repackaged stock through various retail channels. When you get a good one, the HP 62XL Black High-yield Ink Cartridge performs beautifully. However, the gamble of receiving a dud is a serious drawback that potential buyers must consider.

#5 HP 64XL Black High-Yield Ink Cartridge – Best for: Modern HP ENVY Photo and Tango Printers

Designed for HP’s more recent ENVY Photo and Tango series printers, the HP 64XL Black High-Yield Ink Cartridge is a solid performer. In our tests with an HP ENVY Photo 7855, the cartridge delivered deep, rich blacks that made both text documents and monochrome photo elements pop. The high-yield capacity, rated at approximately 600 pages, is a welcome feature, providing a much better value and greater convenience than the standard-yield version. We found it easy to install, and the printer recognized it immediately as a genuine HP product, unlocking all its features. For users with these specific printer models, sticking with the genuine XL cartridge is the best way to ensure consistent, high-quality results without interruptions.

However, much like its 62XL cousin, this cartridge is plagued by reports of defective units. Our experience was smooth, but we can’t ignore the chorus of users who received cartridges that were expired, empty, or simply not recognized by their printer. Some reported their printer giving an error message about the protective tape still being on, even after it was removed. These frustrating experiences, often occurring outside the return window for those who buy backups in advance, are a significant risk. The HP 64XL Black High-Yield Ink Cartridge is an excellent product when it works, but the roll of the dice on whether you get a functional cartridge is a serious concern that detracts from an otherwise great product.

#6 HP 952XL Black High-yield Ink Cartridge – Ideal for: Small Business and Pro-Level Printing

The HP 952XL Black High-yield Ink Cartridge is built for serious printing. With an enormous page yield of approximately 2,000 pages, this cartridge is aimed squarely at the small business and prosumer market using HP OfficeJet Pro printers. In our high-volume testing on an OfficeJet Pro 8720, it was a marathon runner. We printed hundreds of pages without seeing any decline in the rich, laser-quality black text. This is the cartridge you buy when you want to install it and forget about it for a long, long time. The cost per page is excellent, and for a busy office, the reduction in maintenance and replacement frequency is a major productivity boost. Installation was simple, and the genuine HP chip ensures perfect communication with the printer.

Unfortunately, even this premium cartridge isn’t immune to fulfillment issues. We noted several user complaints about receiving cartridges that were not in sealed packaging, leading to suspicions that they were used or refilled. An even more perplexing issue reported by some is the printer recognizing a brand-new, sealed cartridge as “used,” which can be disconcerting. While our test unit showed a full ink level upon installation, others have found their new cartridges registered as only three-quarters full. These inconsistencies are frustrating for a product at this price point. If you get a legitimate, new cartridge, the HP 952XL Black High-yield Ink Cartridge is an unbeatable choice for high-volume tasks, but buyers should inspect the packaging carefully upon arrival.

#7 HP 64XL Tri-color High-yield Ink Cartridge – Perfect for: Vibrant Photo and Creative Printing

When your printing needs go beyond black and white, the HP 64XL Tri-color High-yield Ink Cartridge steps up to the plate. Designed to partner with the 64XL Black, this cartridge is essential for users of ENVY Photo and Tango printers who want to produce brilliant, high-quality color documents and photos. Our tests yielded impressive results, with vivid colors and smooth gradients that looked great on everything from standard paper to glossy photo stock. The XL version provides a respectable yield of around 415 pages, making it a much more practical option than the standard cartridge for anyone printing color with any regularity. We found that using this genuine HP cartridge ensured perfect alignment and color calibration, avoiding the headaches that often come with third-party inks.

However, the tri-color design, where all three colors are in one unit, has a significant flaw: if you run out of just one color (cyan, for example), you have to replace the entire cartridge, which can feel wasteful. This was a point of frustration for some users. More troublingly, we saw a pattern of complaints about defective cartridges arriving with one of the colors completely missing or non-functional. Several users reported installing a new cartridge only to find it couldn’t print blue or another primary color at all. This points to quality control gaps. For those who get a fully functional unit, the HP 64XL Tri-color High-yield Ink Cartridge delivers beautiful results, but the risk of a faulty product and the all-in-one design are notable downsides.

#8 HP 902XL Black High-yield Ink Cartridge – Suits: Mid-Range OfficeJet Pro Users

The HP 902XL Black High-yield Ink Cartridge is the go-to choice for a popular range of HP OfficeJet Pro printers, offering a solid balance of yield and performance. With an approximate yield of 750 pages, it’s a significant step up from standard cartridges, making it suitable for a bustling home office or a small workgroup. Our tests confirmed that it produces excellent, business-quality text that is sharp and clear. We appreciated the easy, no-mess installation process. When you use the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) cartridge like this one, you’re paying for the peace of mind that it will simply work, and in our case, it did perfectly.

However, this model has a particularly alarming issue reported by a number of users: it can literally explode upon installation. Multiple users described a scenario where removing the orange protective tab caused ink to spray out, covering hands, clothes, and desks. This appears to be caused by pressure differences or a faulty seal and is a messy, frustrating defect. While we did not experience this firsthand, it’s a recurring and serious enough complaint to warrant a strong caution. Beyond that, the usual grievances of receiving old, expired stock that the printer rejects also apply. The HP 902XL Black High-yield Ink Cartridge is a capable cartridge, but the potential for a major mess is a significant mark against it.

#9 HP 62XL Tri-color High-yield Ink Cartridge – Best for: Color Printing on the Go

The HP 62XL Tri-color High-yield Ink Cartridge is the color counterpart to the 62XL Black and is particularly useful for those with HP’s OfficeJet Mobile series printers. Its compact, all-in-one design is great for travel. In our testing with an OfficeJet 250, it produced crisp, vibrant color prints with realistic clarity, whether on a client proposal or a photo from a trip. The high-yield designation, offering about 415 pages, is crucial for a mobile printer, as you don’t want to be caught needing a replacement on the road. Many users praise its longevity and the high quality of the output, noting that it’s a dependable choice that justifies its price over third-party options which can be inconsistent.

Like other HP cartridges, however, this one is not without its flaws. The single-cartridge design means that if your work is heavy on blues, you’ll have to toss the whole thing once the cyan is depleted, even if magenta and yellow are plentiful. We also saw numerous user reports of receiving defective products, from boxes that were clearly used and taped shut to cartridges that were simply non-functional out of the box, with one color mysteriously “disappearing” from the ink levels despite being full. When it works, the HP 62XL Tri-color High-yield Ink Cartridge is an excellent performer, but the potential for receiving a faulty unit and the inherent wastefulness of the tri-color design are points to consider.

#10 HP 910XL Black High-yield Ink Cartridge – Ideal for: Modern Home OfficeJet Printers

The HP 910XL Black High-yield Ink Cartridge is tailored for some of HP’s more recent OfficeJet Pro models in the 8000 series. It’s a solid, dependable choice for the modern home office. During our evaluation, it performed admirably, providing sharp, clear text that looked professional. The 720-page yield is a good middle ground, offering a much better value than the standard version without the very high cost of the 952XL, making it suitable for moderate to heavy home use. We appreciated that it installed easily and was immediately validated by our printer. Many users who switched back to genuine HP ink after trying aftermarket options noted the superior reliability and longevity, confirming that you often get what you pay for.

However, this cartridge also suffers from the “exploding ink” phenomenon. While less common than with the 902XL, there are still reports of ink bursting out when the protective tab is removed, creating a significant mess. We also encountered user feedback about cartridges getting stuck in a “validating” loop on the printer’s screen, rendering the printer unusable until a different cartridge was installed. This, combined with the occasional faulty unit that prints light gray instead of black or isn’t recognized at all, adds an element of risk to the purchase. The HP 910XL Black High-yield Ink Cartridge is a great performer when you get a good one, but potential buyers should be aware of these frustrating and messy potential defects.

The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose The Right Product for You

Key Factors to Consider

When selecting a printer cartridge, several factors come into play. First, consider Ink vs. Toner. Inkjet cartridges are used in inkjet printers and are great for vibrant color photos and general-purpose documents, but the ink can dry out if not used regularly. Toner cartridges are used in laser printers, contain a fine powder, and excel at printing sharp text at high speeds. They are more economical for high-volume black-and-white printing and won’t dry out. Second, look at Page Yield. Cartridges come in standard yield and high yield (often labeled “XL”). While XL cartridges have a higher upfront cost, they contain more ink or toner and offer a significantly lower cost per page, making them the smarter choice for anyone who prints more than occasionally. Finally, check your Printer Compatibility. Always double-check your printer’s model number against the cartridge’s compatibility list to avoid buying the wrong one.

Understanding Page Yield and Cost Per Page

Page yield is the manufacturer’s estimate of how many standard pages a cartridge can print before running dry. This is typically based on an industry standard of 5% page coverage, which is equivalent to a short letter or email. If you print dense documents or full-page photos, your actual yield will be much lower. To calculate your true cost, use the “cost per page” metric. You can find this by dividing the price of the cartridge by its page yield. For example, a $20 cartridge with a 200-page yield costs 10 cents per page. A $40 XL cartridge with a 500-page yield costs only 8 cents per page. This simple calculation often reveals that the more expensive high-yield cartridge is the more economical option in the long run.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the most common mistakes is buying the wrong model. Cartridge numbers like “62” and “63” look similar but are not interchangeable. Always confirm your printer’s exact needs. Another mistake is stockpiling inkjet cartridges for too long. Ink is a liquid and has an expiration date; it can dry out and clog your printer’s printheads if left unused for over a year or two. Buy them as you need them. Lastly, be wary of third-party cartridges after a firmware update. Printer manufacturers sometimes update their printer’s software to block non-genuine cartridges from working. While third-party options can save money, a firmware update could render them useless overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of printer is most economical to run?

For high-volume black-and-white printing, a monochrome laser printer is typically the most economical. Toner cartridges have a much higher page yield and a lower cost per page for text documents compared to inkjet cartridges. For color printing, an inkjet printer with a refillable ink tank system (like Epson EcoTank or Canon MegaTank) offers the lowest long-term running costs, as you buy ink in bottles instead of expensive cartridges.

What is the difference between an inkjet and a laser printer?

An inkjet printer sprays microscopic droplets of liquid ink onto paper to create an image. They are generally better for printing high-quality color photos and graphics. A laser printer uses a laser to create an electrostatic image on a drum, which then attracts powdered toner. The toner is fused onto the paper with heat. Laser printers are faster and more economical for printing large volumes of sharp text.

Which printer brand is the most reliable in 2024?

Reliability often depends on the specific model rather than the brand as a whole, but certain brands have strong reputations in different areas. Brother is widely praised for the reliability and low running costs of its monochrome laser printers. HP and Canon are leaders in the all-in-one inkjet space, offering robust features and excellent print quality, though the cost of their ink cartridges can be high.

What are the most important features to look for when buying a printer?

The most important features depend on your needs. Consider the following: Functionality (print-only, or an all-in-one with scan, copy, and fax), Connectivity (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB), Print Speed (measured in pages per minute or PPM), Print Quality (measured in dots per inch or DPI), and Duplexing (automatic two-sided printing) to save paper. Finally, always research the ongoing cost of replacement ink or toner.

Do new printers come with a full set of ink or toner?

No, most new printers come with “starter” or “setup” cartridges. These contain significantly less ink or toner than the standard-yield replacement cartridges you buy separately. They are designed only to get the printer set up and print a small number of pages, so you should plan on purchasing a full set of replacements soon after buying a new printer.

What does ‘all-in-one’ or ‘multifunction’ mean for a printer?

An “all-in-one” (AIO) or “multifunction” printer (MFP) is a device that combines the functionality of a printer with other capabilities. Most commonly, this includes a scanner, which allows the device to also work as a copier. Many all-in-one models also include fax capabilities, making them a versatile hub for home office tasks.

Is it better to buy a cheap printer or invest in a more expensive one?

It depends on your usage. Inexpensive printers often have very high running costs due to expensive, low-yield cartridges (this is known as the “razor and blades” business model). If you print very rarely, a cheap printer might suffice. However, if you print regularly, investing in a more expensive printer with a lower cost per page (like a laser printer or an ink tank model) will almost always save you a significant amount of money in the long run.

Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation

After careful consideration and hands-on testing, we stand by our top recommendation: the HP 63XL Black High-Yield Ink Cartridge. For the vast majority of home and home office users with compatible printers, it hits the perfect balance of performance, longevity, and value. While the initial cost is higher than a standard cartridge, its impressive 480-page yield means a lower cost-per-page and far less time spent worrying about replacements. Throughout our testing, it delivered consistently deep, smudge-proof black text that makes every document look sharp and professional. It is the most reliable and sensible choice for everyday printing needs.

Last update on 2025-10-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API