For anyone running an HP OfficeJet Pro 9010 series printer, ink costs can quickly add up. The 962XL combo pack offers a high-yield alternative to standard cartridges, promising more pages per cartridge and a lower cost per print. But does it deliver? This review takes a closer look at the practical aspects of using these replacement cartridges in everyday printing scenarios.
The 962XL cartridges are designed as replacements for HP 962 and 962XL cartridges. They are compatible with a range of OfficeJet Pro models, including the 9010, 9015, 9020, 9018, 9025, 9019, and 9012. The combo pack includes four cartridges: black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. Each cartridge is high-yield, meaning it holds more ink than standard versions. For the black cartridge, the yield is approximately 1,000 pages, while each color cartridge yields around 700 pages. These figures are based on standard coverage (5% per page), so actual mileage will vary depending on what you print.
In real-world use, these cartridges are suited for small offices, home offices, or anyone who prints a mix of documents, presentations, and occasional photos. The high-yield capacity means fewer cartridge swaps, which is convenient if you print regularly. Installation is straightforward: you remove the protective tape, insert the cartridge into the corresponding slot, and run a quick alignment. The printer recognizes them without issue, and ink level monitoring works as expected, showing remaining ink in the printer software or on the printer display.
Print quality is where these cartridges aim to match OEM standards. In testing, text documents come out sharp and legible, with no smudging or streaking. Color graphics and charts look vibrant, though not quite as rich as original HP cartridges in side-by-side comparisons. Photos printed on glossy paper show good color accuracy, but some may notice slightly less depth in shadows. For everyday business printing, the difference is minimal and unlikely to be a dealbreaker.
One of the main advantages of this combo pack is cost savings. Third-party cartridges like these typically cost significantly less than OEM equivalents, sometimes up to 50% less. However, there are trade-offs. Some users report that third-party cartridges can be hit-or-miss in terms of reliability. While these performed well in our tests, there’s a chance of encountering a defective cartridge. Also, HP printers sometimes display warnings about non-genuine cartridges, though these can usually be dismissed. Firmware updates from HP have been known to block some third-party cartridges, so it’s worth checking compatibility before updating your printer.
Compared to refill kits or remanufactured cartridges, these new compatibles offer a middle ground. Refill kits are cheaper but messier and often yield inconsistent results. Remanufactured cartridges are used OEM shells that have been refilled, which can be a gamble. New compatibles like these are built from scratch and tend to have better quality control. However, they still don’t match the reliability of genuine HP cartridges, which is a consideration if you rely heavily on your printer for critical work.
Who is this for? It’s ideal for budget-conscious users who print frequently but don’t need the absolute best color accuracy. Small business owners who go through a lot of black text documents will appreciate the high-yield black cartridge. It’s also a good option for home users who print coupons, recipes, and school assignments. On the other hand, if you print professional photos or marketing materials where color fidelity is paramount, you might want to stick with OEM cartridges. Similarly, if your printer is under warranty, using third-party ink could void it, so check the terms.
In terms of environmental impact, these cartridges are not recycled, but you can often send them back to the manufacturer for recycling. HP also has a recycling program, but it may not accept third-party cartridges. It’s a minor point but worth noting for eco-conscious consumers.
Overall, the 962XL combo pack is a practical choice for reducing printing costs without sacrificing too much quality. It’s not without risks, but for many users, the savings outweigh the potential downsides. Just be prepared to troubleshoot occasionally and keep an eye on firmware updates.