
HP 952 Cyan, Magenta, Yellow Ink Cartridges (3-Pack) | Works with Printer Series: OfficeJet 8702, OfficeJet Pro 7720, 7740, 8210, 8710, 8720, 8730, 8740 | Eligible for Instant Ink | N9K27AN
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AI Verdict
HP 952 color ink delivers 630 pages per cartridge for OfficeJet Pro users prioritizing consistent output and Instant Ink eligibility.
This 3-pack of HP 952 color ink cartridges is a strong fit for specific HP OfficeJet Pro users who value consistent output and are comfortable with the cost of original manufacturer supplies. The 630-page yield per color cartridge is standard, but user experiences with actual longevity vary. Compatibility is strictly limited to a defined set of HP printers.
If consistent cartridge recognition and lower running costs are critical, investigate printers with ink tank systems or those known for better third-party cartridge compatibility.
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Pros
- Each color cartridge provides an approximate yield of 630 pages.
- Engineered to work specifically with HP OfficeJet 8702 and OfficeJet Pro 7720, 7740, 8210, 8710, 8720, 8730, 8740 series printers.
- Eligible for HP Instant Ink subscription service.
- HP states over 82% of its ink cartridges are manufactured with recycled plastic.
- Users frequently report consistent print quality and color accuracy when cartridges function correctly.
- Installation is generally described as easy by users.
Cons
- Printers sometimes fail to recognize genuine HP cartridges, displaying 'older generation' or 'not genuine' messages.
- Some users report lower actual page yield than the advertised 630 pages, with cartridges depleting quickly.
- The cost of these original HP cartridges is frequently cited as high by users.
- Firmware updates on HP printers can sometimes block even genuine HP cartridges from being recognized.
- Cartridges can dry out and become unusable if the printer is not used regularly.
Dimension Scores
Users generally find the cartridges easy to install, with a simple click-in mechanism.
Ink cartridges offer no adjustability features; they are a static consumable component.
While many users report consistent performance, a significant number of complaints exist regarding cartridges being defective or not recognized by the printer.
Aesthetics are not a relevant factor for internal ink cartridges.
Best For
- Owners of HP OfficeJet 8702, OfficeJet Pro 7720, 7740, 8210, 8710, 8720, 8730, 8740 series printers.
- Users who prioritize consistent print quality and color accuracy for documents and images.
- Individuals enrolled in or considering the HP Instant Ink program for automated ink delivery.
Not Recommended For
- Users with non-HP printers or HP models outside the specified compatible series.
- Budget-focused users seeking the lowest cost per page, as original HP ink is often expensive.
- Infrequent printer users, due to the risk of ink drying out before full consumption.
Watch Out For
- Printers occasionally display 'This cartridge is an older generation cartridge' or 'not genuine HP' errors for new, authentic HP 952 cartridges.
- Some users report a magenta cartridge working for only two days before the printer indicated it was empty.
- Defective cartridges are sometimes received, with one user reporting a black inkjet not working and draining other colors during cleaning attempts.
- HP printer firmware updates can disable cartridge recognition, even for genuine HP cartridges, if the firmware is updated after purchase.
- Ink can dry out if the cartridges are not used frequently, with some users experiencing issues within 3-6 months of opening.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B01AV8PPOQ |
| Brand | HP |
| Color | Cyan, Magenta, Yellow |
| Ink Base | Water |
| Ink Color | Cyan, Yellow, Magenta |
| Model Name | N9K27AN |
| Page Yield | 630 |
| Item Weight | 4.8 ounces |
| Manufacturer | HP |
| Special Feature | up to 2x more prints |
| Item model number | N9K27AN#140 |
| Product Dimensions | 4 x 1 x 10 inches |
| Compatibility Options | Genuine |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
A surprising number of users report issues with their HP printers not recognizing genuine HP 952 cartridges, sometimes displaying 'older generation' or 'not genuine' messages, which is a major frustration. Despite this, when the cartridges are recognized, users consistently praise the print quality and ease of installation. The high cost of the ink is a frequent point of contention, with some feeling it outweighs the printer's value. There are also concerns about ink drying out with infrequent use and actual page yields falling short of expectations.
“Man, I just want my printer to work when I put in the new HP ink I paid a fortune for, but half the time it acts like it's fake or something! So frustrating.”
Common Praise
- Print quality is consistently clear and colors are accurate.
- Cartridges are easy to install into compatible HP printers.
- The ink produces fade-resistant documents and brilliant images.
- HP's use of recycled plastic in cartridge manufacturing is a positive environmental aspect.
Common Complaints
- Printers frequently fail to recognize new, genuine HP 952 cartridges.
- Cartridges are perceived as expensive, with some users stating a new printer costs less than the ink.
- Ink levels appear to deplete faster than the advertised 630 pages for some users.
- Defective cartridges are occasionally received, leading to wasted money and printing issues.
- Ink dries out quickly if the printer is not used regularly, rendering cartridges unusable.
- HP firmware updates can cause printers to reject even genuine HP cartridges.
Ownership Tips
- Printers can sometimes reject genuine HP cartridges, requiring troubleshooting or replacement.
- Managing printer firmware updates is crucial, as updates can impact cartridge recognition.
- Infrequent printing can lead to ink drying out, making it important to print regularly to avoid waste.
- The actual number of pages printed may feel lower than the stated 630-page yield for some users.
Frequently Asked Questions
What HP printers are compatible with these 952 color ink cartridges?
These cartridges work with HP OfficeJet 8702 and HP OfficeJet Pro 7720, 7740, 8210, 8710, 8720, 8730, and 8740 series printers.
What is the approximate page yield for each color cartridge?
Each cyan, magenta, and yellow cartridge is designed to yield approximately 630 pages.
Are these cartridges eligible for HP Instant Ink?
Yes, these HP 952 color ink cartridges are eligible for the HP Instant Ink subscription service.
Are these genuine HP ink cartridges?
Yes, these are Original HP Ink cartridges, engineered by HP for their printers.
Do these cartridges contain black ink?
No, this is a 3-pack containing only Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow ink cartridges. Black ink is sold separately.
Is the ink pigment or dye-based?
The HP 952 ink cartridges are pigment-based, which contributes to fade and water resistance.
Buying Guide
When buying ink, you're not just getting colored liquid; you're buying a system designed to work with your specific printer. Original HP ink, like these 952 cartridges, is engineered for a precise fit and performance with compatible HP models. This means you generally get consistent quality, but you also tie yourself into HP's ecosystem, including their pricing and sometimes their firmware updates. You need to weigh the guaranteed compatibility and quality against the cost and potential for recognition issues.
Page Yield (approx. 630 pages per color)
This number tells you how many standard pages you can expect to print with each cartridge. It's a guideline, like miles per gallon for a car; your actual results might vary based on what you print (e.g., text vs. full-color photos) and how often you print. A higher page yield means fewer cartridge changes.
Printer Series Compatibility
Ink cartridges are not universal. This spec lists the exact HP printer models these cartridges are designed for. Using the wrong cartridge is like trying to put diesel in a gasoline car – it simply won't work and could damage your printer. Always double-check your printer model against this list.
Eligible for Instant Ink
This indicates if the cartridges can be used with HP's subscription service. If you print a lot and want to avoid running out of ink, Instant Ink can automatically send you new cartridges based on your usage, potentially saving you money compared to buying individual cartridges at retail prices.
Alternatives
If these don't fit your needs, look for cartridges with higher page yields (XL versions) for lower cost per page, or explore printers designed for third-party ink compatibility if you're willing to risk potential recognition issues and voided warranties.



