There’s a familiar, sinking feeling that every home office or student desk knows well. It’s the moment you hear your trusty HP printer grind to a halt, flashing a dreaded “Low Ink” warning right before you print a critical document. For years, my team and I have navigated this frustrating cycle. We invest in a reliable printer, like an HP Envy or OfficeJet, only to find ourselves held hostage by the staggering cost of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) ink cartridges. The price of two small plastic boxes of ink can sometimes feel like a down payment on a new printer altogether. This constant drain on the budget forces a choice: ration your printing, settle for grayscale, or venture into the often-unpredictable world of third-party compatible inks. The fear of a non-genuine cartridge failing, leaking, or even damaging the printer is real, a risk that keeps many paying premium prices for peace of mind. It’s this very dilemma that led us to test the Inktrack HP 63XL Black Colour Ink Cartridges, a product promising the performance and page yield of high-capacity OEM cartridges without the exorbitant price tag.
- High Page Yield: Up to 695 pages per 63XL black cartridge, 430 pages per 63XL color cartridge at 5% coverage
- Package contents: 1× 63XL black ink cartridge, 1 × for HP 63XL tri-color ink cartridge
What to Consider Before Committing to a Printing Solution
An inkjet printer and its ink supply are more than just office equipment; they’re a key solution for everything from printing a child’s school project and preserving family photos to producing professional business reports and shipping labels. The right printing ecosystem delivers convenience, quality, and efficiency. The wrong one becomes a source of constant frustration, technical glitches, and unforeseen expenses. It’s an investment in your productivity and creativity, and understanding the long-term costs associated with consumables like ink is arguably more important than the initial price of the printer itself. Choosing a compatible ink cartridge is a major part of that decision, offering a path to significant savings if chosen wisely.
The ideal customer for a third-party ink solution like the Inktrack HP 63XL Black Colour Ink Cartridges is someone facing the high cost of frequent printing. This includes students, small business owners, families, and anyone who regularly prints documents or photos and is tired of the OEM ink price structure. They own a compatible HP printer and are looking for a high-yield “XL” option that lowers their cost-per-page. However, this might not be the right choice for professional photographers or graphic designers who require absolute, guaranteed colour accuracy for commercial work, as even the best remanufactured cartridges can have slight variations. For those individuals, or for those considering a new printer, alternatives like an Epson EcoTank system, which uses refillable ink reservoirs instead of cartridges, might be a more suitable long-term investment.
Before investing in any ink solution, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Compatibility & Recognition: This is the most critical factor for third-party ink. Ensure the cartridge is explicitly listed as compatible with your exact printer model. Modern printers have chips that communicate with the cartridge, and a failure to recognize the chip will render the ink useless. Look for products that guarantee recognition and won’t trigger persistent error messages.
- Page Yield & Cost-per-Page: Don’t just look at the upfront price. The true measure of value is the cost-per-page. High-yield (XL) cartridges, like the ones we’re reviewing, cost more initially but print significantly more pages, drastically reducing the cost of each print. Always compare the manufacturer’s stated page yield (typically based on 5% page coverage) to determine the long-term savings.
- Ink Quality & Type: The quality of the ink determines the final output. For text documents, you need a crisp, smudge-resistant black ink. For photos and graphics, you need a tri-colour cartridge with vibrant, accurately reproduced colours that dry quickly. The Inktrack HP 63XL Black Colour Ink Cartridges use a hybrid ink base designed to handle both text and images effectively.
- Reliability & Warranty: What happens if the cartridge arrives defective or fails prematurely? Reputable third-party brands offer a satisfaction guarantee and a warranty. Inktrack provides a 12-month warranty and customer support, which offers a crucial safety net and demonstrates confidence in their product’s reliability.
Choosing the right ink is a pivotal part of optimizing your printing setup. It’s about balancing cost, quality, and peace of mind.
While the Inktrack HP 63XL Black Colour Ink Cartridges present an excellent value proposition, it’s always wise to understand the full landscape of printing technology. For a broader look at top-rated printers that might change your ink-buying habits forever, 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 Inktrack HP 63XL Cartridges
The Inktrack HP 63XL Black Colour Ink Cartridges arrived in a compact, professionally designed box. While some users noted the packaging differed from online images, ours was secure and clearly labeled. Inside, each cartridge was individually sealed in a protective plastic pouch, a standard practice that prevents drying or leaking during transit. What pleasantly surprised us was the inclusion of a pre-paid, sealable bag for recycling the old cartridges. This eco-conscious touch is a fantastic value-add that we wish more manufacturers would adopt. The cartridges themselves felt solid and well-constructed, virtually indistinguishable from their HP-branded counterparts. There were no signs of leakage or damage. Protective clips covered the print heads, which we removed easily before installation. The entire unboxing experience felt professional and reassuring, giving us confidence that this wasn’t just a cheap knock-off, but a thoughtfully produced alternative. You can see the full contents and packaging details online.
Key Benefits
- Excellent cost-per-page value compared to OEM cartridges
- Simple, error-free installation on compatible printers
- Impressive print quality for both text and color documents
- High-yield (XL) capacity for less frequent replacement
Potential Drawbacks
- Inconsistent quality control can lead to some defective units
- Compatibility is crucial; will not work with non-listed or non-HP printers
Deep Dive: Performance Under Pressure
A compatible cartridge can look the part, but its true test lies in the installation, the quality of its output, and its long-term endurance. We put the Inktrack HP 63XL Black Colour Ink Cartridges through a series of rigorous tests in our HP OfficeJet 3830, a popular and widely-used model on their compatibility list, to see if the promised savings came at the cost of performance.
Installation and Compatibility: The Moment of Truth
This is where many third-party cartridges fail. The fear is that you’ll insert the cartridge only for the printer to display a blunt “Incompatible Cartridge” error, turning your purchase into a plastic paperweight. We held our breath as we opened the printer bay, removed the depleted HP cartridges, and snapped the Inktrack units into place. They clicked in perfectly, with the exact same tactile feedback as the originals. After closing the cover, the printer whirred to life and began its standard initialization process. We are thrilled to report that our HP OfficeJet 3830 recognized both the black and tri-colour cartridges immediately and without a single error message. The printer’s onboard display correctly showed full ink levels for both. This seamless experience was a massive relief and aligns perfectly with feedback from numerous satisfied users who stated, “no error messages on the printer after installation” and that they “fit properly as well.” It’s a critical first win for Inktrack. However, it’s vital to acknowledge the negative user experiences. Reviews mentioning buying these for a Canon printer are a stark reminder: you absolutely must verify your printer is on the compatible HP model list. These are specifically for HP printers using the 63/63XL series; they will not work in any other brand.
Print Quality Analysis: From Crisp Text to Vibrant Photos
With the cartridges successfully installed, we moved on to the most important test: print quality. We ran a gamut of documents, starting with a multi-page, text-heavy report. The black ink performance was outstanding. Text was sharp, clear, and deeply saturated, with no smudging or feathering, even on standard copy paper. It was indistinguishable from the output of an original HP cartridge. This aligns with one user’s simple but powerful assessment: “Printed my work clearly.” Next, we printed a business proposal featuring mixed text, charts, and colour graphics. Here, the tri-colour cartridge was put to the test. Colours were bright and accurate—blues were blue, reds were red—without the washed-out or oversaturated look that plagues some budget inks. This confirms the experience of users who were “pleasantly surprised with color that came through on prints” and found the quality “high and bright.”
To really push the limits, we printed a high-resolution 4×6 photo on glossy photo paper. While a dedicated photo printer would obviously yield better results, the Inktrack cartridges performed admirably for an all-in-one office machine. Colours were vibrant, and details were well-preserved, making them more than suitable for family photos or school projects. As one happy customer noted while printing Christmas decorations, the “print quality of the picture was amazing.” It is important, however, to provide a balanced view. A minority of users reported significant issues, with one stating, “Colours are way off and black and white isn’t even legible.” This suggests that, as with many remanufactured products, there can be occasional quality control issues. While our test units were flawless, the risk of receiving a dud, though seemingly small, does exist. The 12-month warranty provides a crucial backup in such cases, but it’s a factor to be aware of when weighing the pros and cons.
Page Yield and Long-Term Value: The XL Advantage
The primary motivation for buying third-party ink is value, and the Inktrack HP 63XL Black Colour Ink Cartridges are built around this principle. The “XL” designation is key. Inktrack claims a yield of up to 695 pages for the black cartridge and 430 pages for the tri-colour cartridge. These figures are based on the industry standard of 5% page coverage, which is equivalent to a typical business letter. In our testing, we printed a mix of documents with varying coverage and found these estimates to be realistic. After printing over 100 pages of mixed content, the ink level indicator had barely moved, supporting the high-yield promise. This longevity is a game-changer. One user who prints weekly was thrilled after 30 prints, noting, “Because it’s an XL it should last a whole.” This is the core appeal: you’re not just saving money on the initial purchase; you’re also replacing cartridges far less often, which saves time and hassle.
When you break down the math, the cost-per-page savings compared to standard OEM HP 63 cartridges are substantial, often exceeding 50-60%. For anyone who prints regularly, this translates into significant annual savings. This is the very reason users are switching. As one reviewer eloquently put it, “Cartridges are EXPENSIVE… Enter the Inktrack Ink Cartridge.” They found a solution that provided the clear print and bright colours they needed without the recurring financial sting of OEM products. For budget-conscious users, this high-yield capacity is the feature that truly sets it apart and makes it a compelling purchase.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our positive experience is reflected in the majority of user feedback. Many, like us, were initially skeptical but ultimately won over. One first-time buyer of non-HP ink remarked, “I figured what the heck, I’m gonna give it a try. Well I’m glad I did… I will purchase again and I would recommend this product to everyone that prints a lot.” Another user praised the product’s value, stating, “I really liked these cartridges, the quality of the prints is high and bright. Also the price is excellent. It works for me!” The themes of easy installation, great quality, and fantastic price are consistent throughout the positive comments.
However, it’s crucial to consider the dissenting voices, as they highlight potential risks. One user reported their remanufactured cartridge “refuses to print magenta,” rendering the colour cartridge useless. Another had a terrible experience with colours being “way off.” These reviews underscore the reality of remanufactured products: there can be inconsistencies in quality control. While our test units were perfect, a small percentage of cartridges may be faulty. The most important cautionary tale comes from users who purchased the ink for the wrong printer brand, such as Canon. One user wrote, “Este producto dice que es compatible con impresoras Canon Pixma… y no es cierto.” (This product says it is compatible with Canon Pixma printers… and it is not true.) This isn’t a flaw of the product itself, but a critical reminder to buyers: double- and triple-check that your exact HP printer model is on the compatibility list before purchasing.
How Does Inktrack Compare to the Alternatives?
While the Inktrack HP 63XL Black Colour Ink Cartridges are an excellent way to save money on your existing printer, perhaps you’re at a point where a new printing system makes more sense. The market has evolved beyond the traditional cartridge model, offering compelling alternatives for different user needs.
1. Epson EcoTank ET-4800 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 ET-4800 represents a completely different philosophy of printing. Instead of disposable cartridges, it uses large, refillable ink tanks that you fill from low-cost bottles. The upfront cost of the printer is significantly higher, but the long-term cost of ink is dramatically lower, with each set of replacement bottles lasting for thousands of pages. This is the ideal choice for very high-volume users—a busy home office or a small business—where the initial investment is quickly offset by massive savings on ink. It’s less about finding cheaper cartridges and more about escaping the cartridge system entirely.
2. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Cartridge-Free 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)
As a more budget-friendly entry into the world of tank printers, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 offers the same revolutionary low-cost printing as its more advanced sibling, but with a more basic feature set. It lacks the fax and automatic document feeder (ADF) of the ET-4800, making it better suited for home users and students who print a lot but don’t need advanced office features. If your primary goal is to minimize your cost-per-page for everyday printing and you’re ready to buy a new printer to achieve it, the ET-2800 is a formidable alternative to the traditional cartridge model.
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
The HP OfficeJet 200 Mobile Printer caters to a completely different need: portability. This compact, battery-powered printer is designed for professionals who need to print contracts, invoices, or presentations on the go—in a car, at a client’s site, or in a hotel room. It still uses ink cartridges (specifically, HP 62 series), so it doesn’t solve the long-term cost issue in the same way as an EcoTank. However, if your priority is the ability to print high-quality documents from anywhere, its specialized function makes it a superior choice over a stationary desk printer, regardless of the ink solution.
Our Final Verdict: A Smart and Cost-Effective Choice
After extensive testing and analysis, we can confidently recommend the Inktrack HP 63XL Black Colour Ink Cartridges to the vast majority of HP printer owners. This product successfully bridges the gap between the prohibitive cost of OEM ink and the unreliable performance of no-name budget cartridges. For a fraction of the price, we achieved print quality that was virtually indistinguishable from the original, seamless installation without any frustrating error codes, and the long-lasting performance of a high-yield XL cartridge. The value proposition is simply undeniable.
While the risk of receiving a rare defective unit exists, as with any remanufactured product, the company’s 12-month warranty provides a solid safety net. For students, families, and small business owners who want to free themselves from the expensive cycle of OEM ink without sacrificing quality, this is one of the smartest and most effective upgrades you can make to your printing setup. If you’re ready to start printing more freely and affordably, we highly recommend you check the latest price and confirm compatibility for your printer today.
Last update on 2025-11-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API