HP Ink Cartridges Buying Guide

Choose Better HP Ink Cartridges

HP ink cartridges are used in many home and office printers, but choosing the right one can still feel confusing.

This guide explains what to look for, how compatible HP ink compares with genuine HP ink, and how to save money without losing print quality.

At a glance

  • Always match your HP cartridge to your printer model or cartridge number.
  • XL cartridges usually offer better value if you print often.
  • Cartridge World compatible HP ink can save up to 60% compared with original branded cartridges.
  • Using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty.
  • Our UK support team can help if you are unsure what to buy.

What to look for when buying HP ink

The most important thing is compatibility. HP printers often use cartridge numbers such as HP 301, HP 304, HP 305, HP 305XL, HP 912 or HP 963. Your printer will only accept the cartridge range made for that model.

You can usually find the cartridge number on the empty cartridge, inside the printer, or in your printer manual. You can also search by printer model on our website.

If you print regularly, check whether an XL version is available. XL simply means the cartridge contains more ink, so it prints more pages before it needs replacing.

Compatible vs genuine HP ink

Genuine HP ink cartridges are made by HP. They are often a good choice if you prefer to use manufacturer-branded supplies.

Compatible HP ink cartridges are made to work with the same printers, but they are not made by HP. At Cartridge World, our compatible cartridges are designed to match or exceed original print quality for everyday printing.

That means you can print letters, forms, schoolwork, labels and general colour documents with confidence. Our compatible HP ink cartridges are also backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee and a 2-year guarantee.

Which HP ink is right for you?

If you only print now and again, a standard cartridge may be enough. This keeps the upfront cost lower and is ideal for light home use.

If you print every week, an XL cartridge is usually the better option. It costs more at first, but it can reduce your cost per page.

If you print a lot of colour documents, look for multipacks. Buying black and colour cartridges together is often more convenient than buying each cartridge separately.

Popular HP printers and the ink they use

Many HP home printers use the same cartridge families, so it helps to recognise the numbers you may see most often. The exact cartridge still depends on your printer model, but these examples are a useful starting point.

Always check your printer model before ordering. If you are unsure, use our printer search, save your printer to your account, or ask our chat assistant for help.

HP DeskJet 2710e, 2810e and 2820e

These popular home printers commonly use HP 305 or HP 305XL black and tri-colour ink cartridges.

The XL versions are usually better value if you print regularly.

View HP 305XL Pack

HP ENVY 6020e and ENVY 6000 Series

Many HP ENVY 6000 series printers also use HP 305 or HP 305XL cartridges.

These are a common choice for everyday home printing, schoolwork and light office use.

View HP 305 Multipack

HP DeskJet 2620, 2632 and ENVY 5010

These older but still widely used HP printers commonly use HP 304 or HP 304XL cartridges.

If your printer uses HP 304, check whether you need black, tri-colour or a multipack.

View HP 304 Ink

HP ENVY 4500 and ENVY 5530

These well-known HP ENVY printers commonly use HP 301 or HP 301XL cartridges.

HP 301 remains a common cartridge range for many older HP home printers.

View HP 301 Ink

How to save money without losing quality

Printer ink can be expensive, especially if you buy original cartridges every time. Cartridge World compatible HP ink gives you a lower-cost option while still delivering reliable results.

Our compatibles can save up to 60% compared with original branded cartridges, depending on the cartridge and current pricing.

We also offer free tracked delivery on orders over £25. If you need your ink quickly, a tracked next working day upgrade is available on many orders for £4.99 at checkout.

Will compatible HP ink affect my printer warranty?

No. Using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty.

A printer manufacturer cannot refuse warranty support simply because you used a compatible cartridge. The important thing is that the cartridge is suitable for your printer and supplied by a trusted cartridge specialist.

If you ever have a problem, our UK-based customer support team is here to help Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Recommended HP ink options

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Cartridge World Compatibles

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Make future HP ink orders easier

Once you have found the right HP ink for your printer, our Printer Saver makes it easier to reorder next time. You can save your printer details to your account, so you do not have to search for the correct cartridges every time you need ink.

If you are not sure which cartridge fits your printer, our Cartridge World chat assistant can help guide you. Just enter your printer model or cartridge number and it can point you towards suitable options.

It is a simple way to reduce mistakes, save time, and make repeat orders much easier.

Need help choosing HP ink?

If you are not sure which HP cartridge you need, we are happy to help. Tell us your printer model or the number on your current cartridge and we will point you in the right direction.

Whether you print a little or a lot, at home or in the office, we have genuine and compatible HP ink options to suit your needs.

Find HP Ink Cartridges