HP 202A Black Toner Cartridge Printers | Works with Color LaserJet Pro M254; Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281 Series | CF500A
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AI Verdict
This is a 1,400-page black toner cartridge for HP Color LaserJet Pro M254 and MFP M281 printers, best for users prioritizing consistent output over lowest cost.
This HP 202A Black Toner Cartridge is a situational fit because its 1,400-page yield and focus on consistent quality align well with moderate printing needs in home or small office settings. However, its higher cost compared to compatible options makes it less ideal for high-volume users or those on a strict budget.
If 1,400 pages isn't enough, look for high-yield (202X) versions of toner cartridges for a lower cost per page and fewer replacements.
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Pros
- Engineered to work with HP printers for consistent quality and reliability
- Yields approximately 1,400 pages, suitable for moderate printing needs
- Designed to eliminate toner leaks and premature failures
- Includes tamper-resistant chips, firmware, and packaging for printer security
- 88% of HP ink cartridges are manufactured with recycled plastic, contributing to sustainability efforts
- Installation is reported as easy by users
Cons
- Page yield of 1,400 pages may be limiting for high-volume printing environments
- Cost per page is higher compared to some generic alternatives
- Users frequently mention the higher price point compared to third-party options
Dimension Scores
Installation is consistently reported as easy by users, minimizing user effort during replacement.
As a toner cartridge, there are no adjustable features.
Original HP cartridges are engineered to prevent leaks and premature failures, and users praise their reliability and durability.
Aesthetics are not a primary consideration for an internal printer component like a toner cartridge.
Best For
- Home offices with moderate black and white printing requirements
- Small businesses needing consistent, professional-quality documents without frequent cartridge changes
- Users who prioritize printer security and avoiding non-OEM cartridge issues
- Environments where easy, mess-free cartridge installation is important
Not Recommended For
- High-volume printing operations that require a lower cost per page
- Budget-conscious users seeking the absolute lowest upfront cost for toner
- Users who frequently print thousands of pages per month and would benefit from high-yield cartridges
Watch Out For
- The 1,400-page yield can feel insufficient for frequent printing, leading to more frequent replacements than expected.
- The cost per page is higher than many generic alternatives, making it less economical for those focused on budget.
- Some users report switching to aftermarket cartridges due to the original HP's higher price, despite acknowledging a potential drop in quality.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 193808769559 193808769535 190781107002 193808769542 |
| ASIN | B074KTXVYP |
| Brand | HP |
| Color | Black |
| Series | 202A | CF500A | Toner Cartridge | Black | Works |
| Voltage | 240 Volts |
| Page Yield | 1400 |
| Item Weight | 1 pounds |
| Manufacturer | HP |
| Item model number | CF500A |
| Compatible Devices | Works with these HP Printers: Color LaserJet Pro M254dw,M281fdw |
| Product Dimensions | 3.78 x 14.29 x 4.37 inches |
| Included Components | HP 202A Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge |
| Compatibility Options | Genuine |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 3.78 x 14.29 x 4.37 inches |
| Printer Model Compatibility | HP Color LaserJet Pro M254, HP Color LaserJet Pro M254DW, HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281CDW |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00190781107002, 00193808769559 |
What Buyers Say
Users consistently highlight the superior print quality and reliability of this original HP toner, often noting a clear difference compared to aftermarket options. Many appreciate the straightforward installation process, even for first-time replacers. The main sticking point for many is the higher price, which often leads to discussions about the value proposition versus compatible cartridges. Despite the cost, a significant portion of users stick with HP for the consistent performance and peace of mind regarding printer health and output quality.
“Look, I tried those cheap knock-offs to save a few bucks, but the prints looked like crap and my printer started acting weird. Just bite the bullet and get the real HP, it just works and the quality is night and day.”
Common Praise
- Produces excellent print quality with crisp text and vibrant colors
- Reliable performance with no reported issues of leakage or smudging
- Easy and quick to install, even for those new to replacing toner
- Provides consistent results throughout the cartridge's lifespan
- Helps protect the printer with tamper-resistant chips and firmware
Common Complaints
- The cost is significantly higher than compatible or refilled cartridges
- Page yield of 1,400 pages is not enough for heavy printing, requiring frequent purchases
- Some users feel they are overpaying for toner that doesn't last long enough for their needs
Ownership Tips
- The printer's firmware updates can sometimes cause issues with non-HP cartridges, making original HP a safer bet.
- While the initial cost is higher, the lack of printing issues (like streaks or faded prints) saves time and frustration in the long run.
- The 'low toner' warning often appears before the cartridge is truly empty, allowing for a few more prints if you override the setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which HP printers are compatible with the 202A Black Toner Cartridge?
This cartridge works with HP Color LaserJet Pro M254dw, M281fdw, and M281cdw series printers.
What is the approximate page yield of this cartridge?
The HP 202A Black Toner Cartridge yields approximately 1,400 pages.
Is it easy to install the HP 202A toner cartridge?
Yes, users report that the cartridge is easy to install and replace.
What is the difference between HP 202A and HP 202X toner cartridges?
The HP 202A is a standard yield cartridge, while the 202X is a high-yield version, offering more pages and a lower cost per page for high-volume printing.
Does using original HP toner prevent leaks and premature failures?
HP states that using Original HP Toner Cartridges helps eliminate toner leaks and premature failures.
Buying Guide
When you're buying toner, you're essentially buying the ink for your laser printer. Unlike inkjet cartridges, toner is a fine powder. What really matters is how many pages you can print (the page yield) and how consistently those pages look good. You also need to make sure the cartridge is specifically designed for your printer model, otherwise it just won't fit or work.
Cartridge yield (approx. pages)
This tells you roughly how many pages you can expect to print before needing a new cartridge. Think of it like the miles per gallon on a car; a higher number means you'll refill less often, which is crucial for busy offices or if you print a lot.
Printer compatibility
This is non-negotiable. Just like a specific key only opens one lock, a toner cartridge is designed for particular printer models. Using the wrong one won't work and could even damage your printer, so double-check your printer model number.
Original vs. Compatible
Original (OEM) cartridges are made by your printer's brand, like HP. Compatible cartridges are made by third parties. Originals usually offer guaranteed quality and reliability, but often cost more. Compatibles are cheaper but can sometimes have inconsistent quality or cause printer issues.
Alternatives
If this standard yield cartridge doesn't cut it, look for high-yield versions (often denoted with an 'X' in the model number) for more pages, or consider third-party compatible cartridges if your priority is a lower upfront cost and you're willing to risk potential quality variations.
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