Finally, Ink That Lasts (Mostly) – My Take on the HP 67XL Black Cartridge
Let's be honest, the printer ink struggle is real. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably stared at that blinking light on your printer more times than you care to admit, knowing a costly replacement is looming. I was looking for a high-yield black cartridge that wouldn't break the bank every other month, and the HP 67XL seemed like a decent bet, especially with the promise of being eligible for Instant Ink. I was hoping for reliability and a decent amount of prints before needing another one.
Unboxing was pretty standard. The cartridge came in a sealed plastic pack within a cardboard box, nothing fancy, but it felt secure. Holding it, it has that typical plastic feel, not flimsy but not premium either. It slotted into my HP DeskJet 2700 with the usual click, no issues there. The only minor surprise was the "packaging may vary" note – mine looked exactly as pictured, so no drama there.
In day-to-day use, this cartridge has been pretty solid. I print a mix of documents for work, school assignments, and the occasional photo. The text quality is sharp and clear, no smudging or bleeding, which is exactly what I need. I’ve definitely gotten more prints out of this XL version compared to the standard ones, which is a huge relief. My only minor gripe is that sometimes, if I print a large, solid block of black, it can look a tiny bit uneven, but it's not noticeable on most text-based documents. It’s certainly better than the constant worry of running out of ink I had with smaller cartridges.
Looking at other reviews, people seem to agree that this XL cartridge offers good value and lasts longer. The main complaints usually revolve around the price of HP ink in general, which is a fair point, and some occasional issues with the printer not recognizing the cartridge initially, though that hasn't happened to me.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Lasts significantly longer than standard cartridges
- Good print quality for text documents
- Easy installation
Cons:
- Still on the pricier side for ink
- Occasional slight unevenness on large black areas
Who This Product Is Best For
This cartridge is ideal for home users or students who print regularly and need a reliable black ink that offers a decent page yield without constant replacements. If you’re printing a lot of text-based documents, you'll likely be happy.
Final Verdict & Rating
Overall, the HP 67XL black cartridge does what it says on the tin. It’s a good step up from the standard size and has made my printing life a little less stressful. While the cost is always a factor with printer ink, the longevity here makes it a worthwhile investment for my needs.
4.1/5
