Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 902 XL 902XL (4 Combo Pack) to use with Officejet Pro 6978 6968 6974 6975 6960 Officejet 6951 6954 6956 6958 Printers
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AI Verdict
This 4-pack of high-yield compatible ink cartridges offers 825 pages per cartridge for HP OfficeJet Pro 6900 series printers at a budget price.
This ink cartridge set is a situational fit because it offers a high page yield and cost savings for compatible HP printers, but carries a significant risk of being rendered unusable by HP's firmware updates. Its value depends heavily on the user's ability and willingness to manage printer settings to prevent such updates. If you can keep your printer from updating, these cartridges offer a compelling budget alternative.
If you prioritize guaranteed compatibility over cost savings, look for OEM HP 902XL cartridges, or compatible cartridges with a strong, explicit guarantee against firmware lockouts and easy return policies.
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Pros
- Each XL cartridge delivers up to 825 pages, providing extended printing before replacement.
- The cartridges are equipped with the latest chip version, designed for compatibility with HP printers, including those with recent firmware updates.
- Ink level tracking is supported, notifying you when a new pack is needed.
- Customer Live Support is available 24/7, even on holidays, for manufacturer assistance.
- Installation is reported as easy by users.
- The cartridges are individually packaged for safe delivery and up to 18 months of storage.
Cons
- HP printer firmware updates, particularly version 1910A, can lock out compatible cartridges, rendering them unusable.
- Some users report issues with cartridges not being recognized by the printer after installation.
- Print quality, while often praised, can be inconsistent for some users compared to original HP ink.
- Shipping speed has been noted as slow by some buyers.
Dimension Scores
Users report easy installation, and the brand offers 24/7 customer support, even on holidays.
As ink cartridges, this product has no adjustable features.
Cartridges are tested before shipment and certified with quality marks like ISO 9001, though some users still report recognition issues.
Ink cartridges are functional components and are not designed with aesthetic appeal as a primary consideration.
Best For
- College students with frequent document printing needs.
- Office workers requiring high-volume printing for reports and presentations.
- Users looking to reduce ink costs for compatible HP OfficeJet Pro 6900 series printers.
- Individuals who are comfortable disabling automatic printer firmware updates.
Not Recommended For
- Users unwilling to risk potential compatibility issues due to HP firmware updates.
- Professional photographers or designers who require precise color matching and absolute OEM print quality.
- Anyone needing immediate ink replacement due to reported slow transportation speeds.
Watch Out For
- HP's firmware update version 1910A, released in April 2019, can prevent compatible cartridges from being recognized, and there's no simple way to revert the firmware.
- Some users experience 'cartridge problem' or 'incompatible cartridge' messages, even with the latest chip version, if a firmware update has occurred.
- While the product claims 825 pages per XL cartridge, actual yield can vary based on print content and settings.
- A few buyers have noted that transportation speed for delivery can be slow.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B07TVJRHRJ |
| Brand | Smart Ink |
| Color | 1 Black, 1 Cyan, 1 Magenta, 1 Yellow |
| Ink Base | Water |
| Ink Color | 1 Black, 1 Cyan, 1 Magenta, 1 Yellow |
| Model Name | 902 |
| Page Yield | 825 |
| Item Weight | 8.6 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Smart Ink for HP 902 XL 902XL |
| Special Feature | High Yield |
| Item model number | 902 xl 902xl Ink Cartridges |
| Product Dimensions | 3.9 x 5.5 x 1.9 inches |
| Compatibility Options | Compatible |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
The biggest takeaway from user feedback is the recurring battle with HP's printer firmware updates; many users report their printers suddenly refusing to recognize these compatible cartridges after an update. Despite this, a significant number of buyers praise the print quality and cost savings, often stating the cartridges work just like the originals until an update hits. The ease of installation is frequently mentioned, making the initial setup straightforward for most. However, the risk of a firmware lockout means the long-term usability is a gamble for some.
“These worked perfectly for a few months, then my HP printer did an update and now it says 'cartridge problem' and won't print anything, so frustrating!”
Common Praise
- Installation is simple and quick.
- Print quality is comparable to original HP ink for many users.
- The cost is significantly lower than OEM cartridges.
- Cartridges are recognized immediately upon installation for many users.
- The high page yield of 825 pages per XL cartridge is appreciated.
Common Complaints
- HP printer firmware updates can cause cartridges to stop working or be unrecognized.
- Some users receive 'cartridge problem' or 'incompatible cartridge' error messages.
- Print quality can be inconsistent, with some reporting issues not matching OEM.
- Delivery or transportation speed has been slow for some orders.
Ownership Tips
- You absolutely need to disable your HP printer's automatic firmware updates to maximize the lifespan of these cartridges.
- Keep an old OEM cartridge on hand; some users report a 'cartridge swap procedure' can temporarily reactivate refilled cartridges after an update.
- The ink level tracking feature generally works, but don't rely on it exclusively if you're worried about sudden cutoffs due to firmware.
- The colors are generally accurate for everyday documents, but don't expect professional photo lab results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these cartridges void my HP printer warranty?
Using compatible or remanufactured cartridges will not void your printer warranty.
Are these cartridges compatible with my HP OfficeJet Pro 6978?
Yes, these Smart Ink 902XL cartridges are compatible with the HP OfficeJet Pro 6978, as well as many other 6900 series OfficeJet and OfficeJet Pro models.
How many pages can I print with these XL cartridges?
Each XL black cartridge and each XL color cartridge (cyan, magenta, yellow) is rated to print up to 825 pages at 5% coverage.
What if my printer doesn't recognize the cartridges?
Smart Ink states their cartridges have the latest chip version for recognition and offers 24/7 customer support. However, HP firmware updates can cause recognition issues, so ensure your printer's auto-update feature is disabled.
What is the shelf life of these cartridges?
The cartridges have a shelf life of up to two years, and multi-layer individual packaging helps ensure safe delivery and prolonged storage.
Buying Guide
When buying compatible ink, you're trading potential cost savings for a risk of compatibility issues, especially with HP printers. HP frequently updates its printer firmware, which can intentionally block non-HP cartridges. You need to be proactive about preventing these updates if you want to use third-party ink. Always check the specific printer models listed for compatibility, as even slight model variations can cause problems.
High Yield (XL)
This tells you the cartridge contains more ink than a standard cartridge, meaning you can print more pages (825 pages per XL cartridge) before needing a replacement. Think of it like a bigger gas tank for your car – fewer fill-ups.
Latest Chip Version
Compatible ink cartridges need a chip that communicates with your printer. A 'latest chip version' means it's designed to work with newer printer firmware, but it's not a guarantee against future updates from the printer manufacturer that could block it.
Printer Compatibility List
This is crucial; ink cartridges are specific to printer models. If your exact printer model isn't listed (e.g., HP OfficeJet Pro 6978, 6968), the cartridge will not fit or function, like trying to put a square peg in a round hole.
Alternatives
If this doesn't fit, search for compatible cartridges explicitly stating a 'no-firmware-lockout' guarantee or consider OEM cartridges for guaranteed, but more expensive, functionality.
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