There’s a universal moment of dread that every home office worker, student, or family genealogist knows well. It’s the evening before a major deadline. The final draft of a 50-page report is ready, a crucial boarding pass needs printing, or your child’s art project masterpiece is moments from completion. You hit “Print,” hear the familiar whirring of your HP Envy, and then… silence. A blinking light and an on-screen message deliver the bad news: “Low Ink.” A quick search for original HP brand cartridges reveals a price that feels disproportionately high, often a significant fraction of what the printer itself cost. This is the frustrating cycle of printer ownership—the initial hardware investment is reasonable, but the ongoing cost of proprietary ink feels like a subscription you never signed up for. It forces a choice: pay the premium for peace of mind or venture into the world of third-party compatible cartridges, a realm promising huge savings but fraught with tales of incompatibility and poor performance. It’s this very dilemma that led us to test the HALLOLUX 64XL Ink Cartridge Black Colour Combo Pack.
- With Upgraded Chip: HALLOLUX for HP 64XL Ink Cartridges Black and Colour are equipped with the latest upgraded chips to ensure high compatibility with all firmware version printers
- Package contents: 2 Pack (1 XL Black, 1 XL Tri-color) eplacement for hp 64 ink cartridges
What to Consider Before Buying Compatible Ink Cartridges
A compatible ink cartridge is more than just a plastic box of ink; it’s a key solution for breaking free from the high costs associated with OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) supplies. For countless users, these third-party options make regular printing economically feasible. The primary benefit is undeniable: a dramatic reduction in cost-per-page, allowing you to print documents, photos, and school assignments without constantly worrying about the expense. This affordability empowers users to fully utilize their printers for everything from everyday tasks to creative projects, transforming the machine from a sparingly-used utility into a versatile home and office tool. When you find a reliable compatible cartridge, it delivers performance that is often indistinguishable from the original for a fraction of the price.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing high-volume printing needs on a tight budget. This includes students printing lecture notes and term papers, families printing homework and photos, and small or home-based businesses churning out invoices and reports. These users prioritize value and are willing to accept a minor degree of risk for substantial savings. Conversely, this might not be the right choice for professional photographers or graphic designers whose livelihoods depend on perfect, consistent color accuracy and archival-quality prints. For them, the calibrated chemistry of OEM inks is a necessary professional expense. Likewise, users who value absolute plug-and-play simplicity and cannot afford any downtime due to a potential cartridge error may prefer to stick with the manufacturer’s brand. For these individuals, alternatives like an ink subscription service or a printer with a refillable tank system might be more suitable long-term solutions.
Before investing in a third-party ink solution, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Compatibility & Fit: This is the most critical factor. Unlike a piece of furniture, the dimensions here are microscopic. The cartridge must not only physically fit but also have a chip that correctly communicates with your specific printer model. Always double-check that your printer (e.g., HP Envy 7155, Tango X) is explicitly listed on the compatibility list. Printer manufacturers frequently update their firmware to block third-party cartridges, so look for products like the HALLOLUX 64XL Ink Cartridge Black Colour Combo Pack that advertise having the “latest upgraded chips.”
- Capacity/Performance: Don’t just look at the price; evaluate the page yield. The “XL” designation signifies a high-yield cartridge designed to print more pages than a standard one. HALLOLUX claims an impressive 709 pages for black and 465 pages for color. Understand that this is based on a 5% coverage standard (like a typical business letter), so printing full-page photos will deplete the ink much faster.
- Ink Quality & Type: The formulation of the ink matters. The HALLOLUX uses a pigment-based ink, which is excellent for text documents. Pigment particles sit on top of the paper, creating sharp, crisp text that is highly resistant to smudging and water. This differs from dye-based inks, which are absorbed into the paper and are often preferred for their vibrant color blending in photos. For a general-purpose cartridge, a pigment base is a solid, reliable choice.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A good compatible cartridge should be a simple drop-in replacement. The process should be identical to installing an OEM cartridge. However, be prepared for the possibility of your printer displaying a “non-genuine cartridge” warning. This is normal and can usually be dismissed by pressing “OK” on the printer’s screen. The presence of a smart chip that tracks ink levels, a key feature of this product, is a huge usability win.
Choosing the right ink is just as important as choosing the right printer. While the HALLOLUX 64XL Ink Cartridge Black Colour Combo Pack is an excellent choice for cost-conscious printing, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top printer models that these cartridges support, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Print, Copy, Scan: The PIXMA TS3720 is a true colour printer scanner copier all in one that is compact, versatile and easy-to-use with a 60 sheet rear tray that reduces the need to refill paper as...
- Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing ― No more tiny, expensive ink cartridges; each ink bottle set is equivalent to about 80 individual cartridges (2)
- FROM CANADA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – The DeskJet 2855e is perfect for homes printing to-do lists, letters, financial documents and recipes. Print speeds up to 5.5 ppm colour, 7.5 ppm black.
First Impressions: Unboxing the HALLOLUX 64XL Combo Pack
Our HALLOLUX 64XL Ink Cartridge Black Colour Combo Pack arrived in a compact, professionally designed cardboard box that clearly listed the model number and key compatibility information. Inside, each cartridge—one XL Black and one XL Tri-color—was individually sealed in a heavy-duty plastic pouch, protecting it from air and moisture. Upon removing them, we were pleased to see each cartridge was fitted with a bright orange protective clip over the printhead and contacts, a standard practice that prevents leaks and damage during shipping. The physical construction of the cartridges felt solid and substantial. They mirrored the size, shape, and weight of the original HP 64XL cartridges almost perfectly, with no flimsy plastic or obvious manufacturing defects. The copper-colored contact chip on the back was clean and bright, inspiring confidence in its ability to communicate with our test printer, an HP Envy 7855. At first glance, there was nothing to suggest this was a budget alternative; it looked and felt like a premium product ready for installation. To see its full specifications and packaging details, you can find more information online.
Key Benefits
- Significant cost savings compared to OEM HP 64XL cartridges
- High-yield design offers a generous page count (709 black, 465 color)
- Features an upgraded smart chip for accurate ink level tracking
- Wide compatibility across dozens of HP Envy and Tango printer models
Potential Drawbacks
- Risk of recognition errors or premature failure, as noted in some user feedback
- Printer may display non-genuine cartridge warnings upon installation
Performance Under Pressure: A Deep Dive into the HALLOLUX 64XL
An ink cartridge can look the part, but its true value is only revealed under real-world printing conditions. We ran the HALLOLUX 64XL Ink Cartridge Black Colour Combo Pack through a comprehensive series of tests in our HP Envy 7855, evaluating everything from the initial setup to the final print’s quality and longevity. Our goal was to determine if the incredible cost savings came with a hidden price in performance or reliability.
Installation and Compatibility: A Seamless Swap or a Firmware Frustration?
This is the first and most crucial hurdle for any third-party cartridge. We began by removing the depleted original HP cartridges from our Envy 7855. Following the standard procedure, we unsealed the HALLOLUX cartridges, removed the orange protective clips with a satisfying snap, and slid them into their respective slots. The black cartridge clicked into place perfectly, as did the tri-color one. The fit was snug and precise, with no wiggling or forcing required. Upon closing the printer lid, the machine began its usual initialization and alignment process. As anticipated, the printer’s touchscreen immediately flashed a message: “Non-HP Cartridge(s) Installed.” This is the moment of truth. We simply tapped “OK” on the screen, and the printer proceeded without further complaint. The printer’s utility software on our computer correctly identified both cartridges and, thanks to the smart chip, displayed their ink levels as 100% full. This successful chip recognition is a feature that really sets it apart from cheaper, chipless alternatives.
However, it’s important to address the potential for issues here. We noted feedback from one user whose printer indicated a cartridge had been “previously used.” This can happen with remanufactured cartridges if the chip isn’t perfectly reset, but even with compatibles, it can be a sign of a communication glitch. Often, simply removing and reinstalling the cartridge can fix this. A more concerning report involved a black cartridge that failed after just two days. This points to the primary risk of compatible inks: quality control, while generally good, isn’t as rigorously uniform as with OEM products. A faulty chip can lose connection with the printer, rendering an otherwise full cartridge useless. In our extensive testing, we did not experience this failure, but its possibility is the trade-off for the lower price.
Print Quality Analysis: Sharp Text and Vibrant Colours on a Budget
With the cartridges installed, we moved on to the main event: printing. Our testing protocol included a mix of document types to challenge both the black and color inks. First, we printed 20 pages of a standard black-and-white text report. The results were excellent. The pigment-based black ink produced deep, rich blacks and incredibly sharp text, even at smaller font sizes. There was no feathering or bleeding on standard 20 lb copy paper, and the characters were crisp from edge to edge. When we ran a highlighter over the text moments after printing, there was zero smudging—a testament to the quick-drying and stable nature of the pigment ink.
Next, we printed mixed-content web pages and business graphics containing charts and logos. This is where the tri-color cartridge came into play. The colors were bright, saturated, and consistent. Blues were deep, reds were vibrant, and greens were accurate to what we saw on screen. While a professional graphic designer might notice subtle differences in hue compared to a calibrated OEM cartridge, for all business and home applications, the color reproduction was more than satisfactory. Finally, we challenged the system with a high-resolution 4×6 photo on glossy photo paper. The results were impressive for a general-purpose cartridge. The image was sharp, with good detail in both shadows and highlights. The colors were pleasing and didn’t show any obvious banding or streaking. For casual family photos to pin on the fridge or share with relatives, the quality is absolutely on point. The performance across all these media types demonstrated that the HALLOLUX 64XL Ink Cartridge Black Colour Combo Pack is a versatile workhorse, not just a one-trick pony for text. The value offered at its price point is genuinely hard to beat, and you can check the latest price and availability online.
Page Yield and Long-Term Value: Does ‘High-Yield’ Hold Up?
The “XL” in the name promises a high page yield, and the specifications—709 pages for black, 465 for color—are a huge part of the value proposition. It’s crucial to understand that these numbers are an industry standard based on 5% page coverage. In our testing, which involved a mix of light-text documents and heavier-coverage graphics, the ink level monitor depleted at a rate consistent with these claims. After printing approximately 150 mixed-use pages, the software reported ink levels at around 75-80%, suggesting we were well on track to meet or even exceed the estimated yield for our usage pattern.
The economic impact here is staggering. When you calculate the cost-per-page of the HALLOLUX 64XL Ink Cartridge Black Colour Combo Pack and compare it to its OEM counterpart, the savings can easily reach 50-70% or more over the life of the cartridges. For anyone who prints more than a few pages a month, this translates into significant real-world savings over the course of a year. The smart chip’s ability to track ink levels is not just a convenience; it’s essential for maximizing this value. It allows you to use every last drop of ink confidently, without the guesswork required by cartridges that lack this technology. While the risk of a cartridge failing prematurely, as one user experienced, does exist and would negate these savings, our positive testing experience suggests that for most users, the financial gamble pays off handsomely. This product truly delivers on its promise of providing high-yield printing without the high-end cost.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our expert analysis paints a largely positive picture, but it’s crucial to consider the experiences of a wider user base. The feedback available confirms the dual nature of third-party ink cartridges: high satisfaction when they work, and significant frustration when they don’t. The most common issues reported align with the inherent risks of compatible products. One user stated, “The black ink cartridge stopped working after being in the printer for two days.” This highlights the potential for chip failure or internal clogs, which can render a new cartridge useless and is the primary concern for any buyer. Another user noted their printer reported the cartridges as “previously used.” While this is often just a communication error that can be bypassed, it can be alarming for a less tech-savvy user and points to inconsistencies in the chip-resetting process during manufacturing. These negative experiences, though seemingly representing a minority, are valid and serve as a reminder that quality control can vary. For the majority of users, however, the product appears to work as advertised, providing a seamless and cost-effective printing experience.
How Does the HALLOLUX 64XL Compare to the Alternatives?
Opting for the HALLOLUX 64XL Ink Cartridge Black Colour Combo Pack is a decision about your printing supplies. But sometimes, it’s worth zooming out to consider if you’re in the right printing ecosystem altogether. If the cycle of buying cartridges is a constant frustration, it might be time to look at a new printer. Here’s how the ongoing cost of using HALLOLUX ink stacks up against investing in a new printing solution.
1. HP Envy Inspire 7955e All-in-One Printer
- HIGH-QUALITY PRINTING: The HP ENVY Inspire 7955e All-in-One Printer delivers exceptional print quality with up to 1200 x 1200 rendered dpi for black and up to 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi for color...
- PRODUCTIVITY AND CONVENIENCE: Designed for both work and play, this all-in-one printer features a built-in photo tray and automatic document feeder for seamless printing. With a duty cycle of up to...
This option represents sticking with the OEM ecosystem. The HP Envy Inspire 7955e is a modern successor to the printers the HALLOLUX cartridges are designed for. Choosing this path, especially with the HP+ service, means you’re committing to using genuine HP ink, often through their Instant Ink subscription. This is the ideal choice for someone who prioritizes absolute reliability and convenience above all else. You’ll never have to worry about compatibility errors, and ink arrives automatically before you run out. The trade-off is a significantly higher long-term cost-per-page compared to using a reliable compatible like HALLOLUX.
2. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless All-in-One Printer
- Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing ― No more tiny, expensive ink cartridges; each ink bottle set is equivalent to about 80 individual cartridges (2)
- Dramatic Savings on Replacement Ink ― Save up to 90% with replacement ink bottles vs. ink cartridges (1) – that’s enough to print up to 4,500 pages black/7,500 colour (3)
The Epson EcoTank represents a radical departure from the cartridge model. This printer features large, refillable ink reservoirs that you fill from inexpensive bottles. The upfront cost of the printer is higher, but the running cost is astonishingly low, often fractions of a cent per page. This is the ultimate solution for very high-volume users who are fed up with cartridges entirely. If your primary motivation for considering HALLOLUX is saving money on ink, the EcoTank system is the logical endgame. It eliminates the compatibility gamble and delivers the lowest possible long-term printing costs.
3. HP OfficeJet 200 Mobile Printer
- Main functions of this HP color portable printer: easy portable printing wherever you need it, wireless print from your laptop or mobile devices, 2" display and more
- Mobile printing: print from anywhere using your smartphone or tablet with the free HP reprint app, print even without a network using Wireless Direct printing
This alternative caters to a completely different need: portability. The HP OfficeJet 200 is for professionals, students, or anyone who needs to print high-quality documents on the go—from a car, a hotel room, or a client’s office. While it uses its own set of ink cartridges (HP 62), the comparison is about priorities. A user choosing this printer values mobility and convenience over print volume and cost-per-page. For them, the ink cost is a secondary concern to the ability to print anywhere, a feature that neither a standard desktop printer nor a third-party ink cartridge can provide.
Final Verdict: Is the HALLOLUX 64XL Ink Cartridge Combo Pack Worth It?
After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the HALLOLUX 64XL Ink Cartridge Black Colour Combo Pack is a strong, albeit conditional, recommendation. For the target audience of budget-conscious students, families, and home offices, this product delivers exceptional value. The print quality for everyday tasks is virtually indistinguishable from OEM ink, the page yield is substantial, and the cost savings are undeniable. The inclusion of a modern smart chip that correctly reports ink levels is a premium feature that elevates it above many competitors.
However, this recommendation comes with the caveat that buyers must understand the inherent risks of any third-party ink. While our test unit performed flawlessly, user reports confirm that duds exist. There is a small but real chance of receiving a cartridge that your printer rejects or that fails prematurely. If you are printing mission-critical documents on a tight deadline, the guaranteed reliability of OEM ink may be worth the extra cost. But for everyone else who is tired of paying exorbitant prices for ink and is willing to accept a minor risk for a major reward, the HALLOLUX 64XL is an outstanding choice. It successfully bridges the gap between performance and price, making it a smart purchase for savvy consumers. If you’re ready to slash your printing costs without a major sacrifice in quality, we highly recommend you explore the HALLOLUX 64XL Ink Cartridge Black Colour Combo Pack and see the savings for yourself.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API