Ink cartridges: a complete guide to choosing and buying

Identify the ink cartridge by the full printer model and the reference supported for your region; the brand or a partial match is not enough. Check the official list of consumables to see if there is a standard or XL version and compare the stated yield with the current price.

Key points: the exact reference and region determine which cartridge is supported. An XL from the same family usually offers higher yield, but the difference in pages and cost depends on the product. A chip can influence recognition in certain models; no quality or compatibility is implied solely by the word "compatible." Further reading: Directive 2019/771 · ISO/IEC 24711.

We sell compatible consumables, but that does not turn a commercial experience into a test of universal equivalence. This guide separates verifiable references from habits and promises that change depending on the printer, cartridge, and region. Contrast every purchase with the manufacturer's data sheet and the specific product. Further reading: cartridge or toner: which to choose.

What is an ink cartridge and how does it work?

An ink cartridge contains ink for an inkjet printer. Some designs integrate the printhead while others use a separate head; the architecture varies by model. Certain cartridges incorporate electronics to communicate with the printer. Consult the manufacturer's documentation before attributing a recognition or quality error to a part.

The chip or circuit of a cartridge may participate in its identification, but not all originals prevent reuse, nor do all compatibles respond the same way. HP indicates that certain printers with dynamic security may reject cartridges with non-HP chips or circuits, even after an update. Check the exact policy and model before buying. Further reading: my printer doesn't recognise the compatible toner · HP.

XL vs. standard: compare yield and price

An XL cartridge of the same reference usually has a higher yield than the standard; there is no universal ratio for ink, price, or savings. HP, for example, publishes different yields for its 940 and 940XL versions. To estimate the cost per page, divide the current price of each cartridge by its stated yield and compare the test conditions. Further reading: ISO/IEC 24711:2021 · HP.

Do not use universal monthly thresholds to choose. Compare the supported references, the stated yield, and the current price of standard and XL versions; keep in mind that the frequency of use and the type of document change the actual consumption. Consult our breakdown of the cost per page before deciding. Further reading: how many pages a cartridge prints.

Compatible or original? Compare each reference

The quality and price of a compatible cartridge depend on the specific product; it cannot be claimed that it prints the same as the original or that it always costs less. ISO/IEC 24711 measures ink yield with test pages, not quality or reliability. Contrast tests and conditions of the references you intend to purchase. Further reading: ISO.

Results may vary between original, compatible, and refilled cartridges. A recognition failure, leak, or defective print requires diagnosing the model, reference, and conditions of use. Do not infer consistent quality for the entire market from a single review or the "compatible" label.

We do not present verifiable batch test data from Startoner here, nor a universal visual equivalence to the original. If a product sheet offers quality, yield, or compatibility results, review its method and the exact reference. Keep your receipt and consult support if the printer rejects the cartridge.

Parameter	Original (HP 304XL black)	Compatible cartridge (specific reference)
Guideline comparison by reference	Check current price of the original	Check current price of the compatible
Declared yield, if applicable	Consult the official model datasheet	Consult the specific product test
Print quality	Depends on the model and media	Requires testing of the specific product
Cartridge recognition	Consult model and firmware	Not guaranteed by a chip
Cost per page	Current price ÷ declared yield	Current price ÷ declared yield

To compare cents per page, use current prices and published yields for exact references. Our article on the real cost of printing explains the calculation; the comparison between original and compatible toner refers to a different type of consumable and does not demonstrate the quality of ink cartridges. Further reading: the real cost of printing · original vs compatible toner, printed side by side.

How do I choose the right cartridge step by step?

Start with the full model, sales region, and the printer's official list of consumables. The code of the installed cartridge can help, but it does not replace compatibility verification; similar versions may differ by region or capacity. Further reading: HP.

1. Identify the full model on the label or in the device settings. Also check the region and the manufacturer's supply list: a family name, by itself, does not confirm which cartridge it supports. Further reading: how to know which toner your printer needs.
2. Locate the exact reference of the installed cartridge or the official datasheet. Before opening the printer, follow the manufacturer's procedure for your model; the visible code does not guarantee that another version with a similar name is compatible.
3. Decide on the capacity by comparing the standard and XL versions supported for your model. Review the declared yields, current price, and your usage; there is no specific page-per-month threshold that makes the XL option optimal for everyone.

If a marketplace cartridge may not match its description, distinguish a compatible product from a counterfeit before buying. Our illustrated guide explains the difference. Further reading: counterfeit vs compatible.

How do you decipher the codes by brand?

HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother use distinct reference families. The following examples help identify formats, but they are not a universal compatibility list. Before purchasing, always verify the code, region, and supported models on the official consumable datasheet.

HP: numerical reference and capacity variants

HP uses numerical references and, in some families, XL variants. Do not infer from the number whether a printer is for home or professional use, and do not assume an XL suffix will work without verifying the supply datasheet for your specific model.

• HP 304 / 304XL: check the model and region on the official HP list.
• HP 305 / 305XL: check the model and region on the official HP list.
• HP 903 / 903XL: check the model and region on the official HP list.
• HP 953 / 953XL: check the model and region on the official HP list.

Browse compatible ink cartridges in our collection. Further reading: ink cartridges.

Canon: PG / CL / PGI / CLI prefixes

Canon uses PG, CL, PGI, and CLI references across different cartridge families. Ink type, printhead layout, and compatible models vary by product; check the official datasheet before attributing a technology to a prefix or ordering replacements.

• Canon PG-540 / CL-541: verify supported models at Canon.
• Canon PG-545 / CL-546: verify supported models at Canon.
• Canon PGI-570 / CLI-571: verify supported models at Canon.

Epson: reference number and family symbol

Epson identifies its consumables by reference numbers and, in some lines, by family icons. The illustration helps recognize the packaging, but it does not replace checking the code, region, and model in the official supplies search engine.

• Epson 502 / 502XL: verify exact compatibility at Epson.
• Epson 603 / 603XL: verify exact compatibility at Epson.
• Epson 604 / 604XL: verify exact compatibility at Epson.
• Epson 664 / 774: check whether your device uses bottles or cartridges and the supported reference.

If your printer uses ink tanks, compare the systems in our guide. Further reading: EcoTank vs MegaTank vs Smart Tank.

Brother: LC prefix + number + capacity

Brother uses LC references for different ink families; some include higher-yield variants. The code, suffix, and compatibility are verified by model and region, without assuming a fixed capacity multiplier.

• Brother LC3211 / LC3213: verify the supported models at Brother.
• Brother LC3217 / LC3219XL: verify the supported models at Brother.
• Brother LC3235XL / LC3237: verify the supported models at Brother.

There is no universal rule stating that all XL cartridges occupy the same housing or that firmware limits their performance. HP notes that high-capacity versions must correspond to a reference supported by the model. Check the supplies sheet, the declared yield, and the printer's conditions. Further reading: HP.

Can firmware block my compatible cartridge?

Some HP printers incorporate dynamic security: HP indicates that they may reject cartridges with non-HP chips or circuitry and that firmware changes may affect previously accepted cartridges. Do not extrapolate this feature to all printers or assume that any compatible cartridge will be blocked. Check the model and official information before updating. Further reading: HP.

We do not claim that a specific update can be reversed or that all owners can reject it. HP also publishes updates to fix bugs and improve the equipment. Review the official options and notices for the model; if a cartridge is no longer recognized, record the firmware version and consult the manufacturer or seller. Further reading: HP dynamic security and firmware · HP Instant Ink in Spain · HP.

Is it worth refilling cartridges?

Refilling can reduce the initial outlay, but the cost, recognition, and result vary by cartridge and procedure. There is no rule limiting refilling to a specific architecture or a universal number of cycles. Consult model instructions and compare options, including a new compatible reference, with current prices and yields.

Assess the intended use, the reference, the condition of the casing and chip, the refill procedure, and the total price. Do not assume that a cartridge with an integrated printhead fails after a fixed number of refills or that a new compatible is always cheaper or more reliable. If in doubt, seek advice for your model.

How do I prolong the useful life of my cartridges?

Proper storage and use can help prevent problems, but no universal percentage gain in cartridge life is established. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on use, maintenance, and storage; excessive cleaning and unnecessary test pages also consume ink.

1. If you print infrequently, check the recommended maintenance for your model; there is no universal interval of days or mandatory test page for all equipment.
2. Store cartridges according to the manufacturer's packaging and guide. Do not assume a universal orientation: the recommended position may depend on the design and condition of the cartridge. Further reading: HP.
3. Respect the storage interval in the consumable's data sheet. Avoid extreme temperatures and direct sunlight; do not attribute a fixed temperature limit to all ink formulations.
4. Keep the packaging closed until installation if indicated by the manufacturer. Follow the cartridge instructions to avoid drying or leaks, without assuming that all contain the same sponge or pigment. Further reading: Epson.
5. Use the printhead cleaning utility only if your printer's diagnostic recommends it. Repeating cycles unnecessarily consumes ink and may not resolve the defect. Further reading: HP.
6. Turn off the printer following its normal procedure. Before cutting the power or moving it, consult the manual: some machines need to complete a printhead parking sequence. Further reading: HP.
7. Use paper of the type and weight supported by your printer and suitable for the job. A specific weight does not guarantee lower ink consumption or superior quality.

See our model-specific tips. If you notice streaks, also check the printhead-cleaning guidance for your printer. Further reading: how to extend the life of your cartridges · cleaning the print heads.

Does using compatibles void the warranty? The legal framework in the EU

Printer and consumable coverage depends on applicable conditions and the diagnosed cause of the failure. HP states that using a non-HP or refilled cartridge does not by itself void its limited warranty, although damage attributable to the consumable may be excluded. For other brands, check their conditions and keep documentation. Further reading: Directive (EU) 2019/771 · HP.

Do not apply a single legal rule to all manufacturers and countries. HP's warranty policy distinguishes the mere installation of a non-HP cartridge from damage caused by that cartridge. If a breakdown occurs, request a documented diagnosis and consult the conditions of the manufacturer, the seller, and the regulations applicable to your purchase. Further reading: European Consumer Centres Network.

If a technical service refuses a repair, ask for the explanation in writing and keep proof of purchase and the diagnosis. The origin of the cartridge, by itself, does not automatically determine the cause of the defect or the outcome of a claim. For a specific legal issue, consult an official source or competent advice.

You can read our guide on compatible cartridge warranties in Spain; always check the conditions and regulations applicable to your specific case. Further reading: legal warranty on compatible cartridges in Spain.

Recycling and environmental footprint

There is no verifiable data here to state how many cartridges end up in landfills, how many centuries they take to degrade, or how much recycling one saves. Look for a local collection program and check what materials it accepts. HP offers Planet Partners for certain original cartridges and locations; availability and conditions vary by country. Further reading: HP.

• Municipal recycling center: check with your city council if it accepts this cartridge and how to deliver it; do not use a universal population threshold.
• In-store collection: confirm whether the specific store accepts cartridges of your brand before traveling.
• Manufacturer program: check the supported country, brand, and cartridge type. HP Planet Partners, for example, does not offer the same return method in every location. Further reading: HP.

See our recycling guide and confirm which cartridges each local collection site accepts. Further reading: where to recycle ink and toner cartridges.

Frequently asked questions

How do I identify the right cartridge for my printer?
Identify the cartridge by your printer's full model and the exact reference supported in your region. Verify that reference against the official supplies list and the product page. Then, choose standard or XL if both versions are compatible; do not make a purchase based solely on a partial name match.

Do I lose my printer warranty if I use compatible cartridges?
Using a compatible cartridge does not automatically void all printer warranties. HP distinguishes between mere installation and damage attributable to a non-HP or refilled cartridge; other brands have their own conditions. Keep your proof of purchase and request a documented diagnosis if a failure occurs before determining what coverage applies.

Is it worth refilling instead of buying compatibles?
Refilling may be cheaper, but it reuses a worn-out casing and chip; a new compatible is more predictable. The actual result depends on the reference, the procedure, and the condition of its components. Check if your printer will recognize the cartridge, compare current prices and yields, and do not assume a fixed number of refills.

What's the difference between standard and XL?
An XL contains more ink or toner than the standard version of the same reference, so it prints more pages and usually costs less per page. The exact difference varies by product and current price. Verify that both versions work for your printer and compare the cost per page using declared yields for the specific reference.

Find your cartridge

With your model and official reference number at hand, search for the appropriate version in our collection of compatible ink cartridges or consult us before purchasing. Also, check the stated yield and current price if comparing standard and XL; we do not promise identical quality or savings for all references. Further reading: compatible ink cartridges.

Sources

1. ISO, ISO/IEC 24711:2021, method of measuring the yield of ink cartridges: https://www.iso.org/standard/77902.html
2. HP, performance differences between standard and XL cartridges: https://support.hp.com/my-en/document/ish_2405837-1980674-16
3. Official Journal of the EU (EUR-Lex), Directive (EU) 2019/771 on the sale of goods: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/771/oj/eng
4. European Consumer Centres Network (ECC-Net), Guarantees and Warranties: https://www.eccnet.eu/consumer-rights/what-are-my-consumer-rights/shopping-rights/guarantees-and-warranties
5. HP, printers with dynamic security and cartridge chips: https://support.hp.com/si-sl/document/ish_1776648-1643972-16?fallbackLocale=us-en&validated=true
6. HP, limited warranty and non-HP or refilled cartridges: https://support.hp.com/ee-en/document/ish_13063204-13063227-16
7. HP, Planet Partners return program (availability by country): https://www.hp.com/us-en/hp-information/recycling/ink-toner.html