# TLDR Review: HP 64 Black Ink Cartridge

*Published: 2026-09-26 | Updated: 2026-09-26 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/hp-64-black-ink-cartridge*

---

## Product: HP 64 Black Ink Cartridge
**Brand:** HP

## Pros
- Easy to install, fitting well with compatible HP printers
- Excellent print quality with a deep, professional black impression
- Reliable performance that consistently delivers crisp, sharp documents
- Well-packaged, ensuring product safety during delivery
- Convenient availability at CVS, which can save you some cash with store discounts
- Good value for money, especially for HP brand loyalists
- Compatible with older HP printers, making it a versatile choice
- Easy to switch between printers and reuse or gift cartridges
- Replacement process is straightforward, with good customer support when issues arise
- Initial performance is strong with rich, vibrant prints

## Cons
- Ink quality starts to degrade before the cartridge is fully used, sometimes while still half or mostly full
- Frequent replacements due to declining print quality before the ink runs out
- Cartridge longevity may not meet expectations, especially with dried-out or gunked cartridges
- Cost remains high relative to the amount of ink delivered, especially considering the replacement frequency
- If you're on an HP Instant Ink subscription, buying this cartridge separately can interrupt your service
- Purchased separately, it may cause issues with the Instant Ink refill schedule
- Cleaning and alignment don’t improve quality once ink starts to degrade
- Some users experienced ink going bad relatively quickly, leading to waste
- Concerns about opened cartridges drying out or becoming unusable over time
- Degradation of ink quality without visible reason despite sufficient ink left in the cartridge

## Bottom Line

If you're an HP printer user looking for consistent, high-quality black ink, this cartridge is a reliable choice, especially given its easy installation and initial excellent print output. However, be mindful: it's not the most cost-effective option if you print frequently or expect the ink to last long. If you're enrolled in HP's Instant Ink program, consider sticking to their supplied replacements to avoid service interruptions. For those prioritizing value and longevity, exploring alternative cartridges or the Instant Ink subscription might be wise.

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Easy to install, fitting well with compatible HP printers | Ink quality starts to degrade before the cartridge is fully used, sometimes while still half or mostly full |
| Excellent print quality with a deep, professional black impression | Frequent replacements due to declining print quality before the ink runs out |
| Reliable performance that consistently delivers crisp, sharp documents | Cartridge longevity may not meet expectations, especially with dried-out or gunked cartridges |
| Well-packaged, ensuring product safety during delivery | Cost remains high relative to the amount of ink delivered, especially considering the replacement frequency |
| Convenient availability at CVS, which can save you some cash with store discounts | If you're on an HP Instant Ink subscription, buying this cartridge separately can interrupt your service |
| Good value for money, especially for HP brand loyalists | Purchased separately, it may cause issues with the Instant Ink refill schedule |
| Compatible with older HP printers, making it a versatile choice | Cleaning and alignment don’t improve quality once ink starts to degrade |
| Easy to switch between printers and reuse or gift cartridges | Some users experienced ink going bad relatively quickly, leading to waste |
| Replacement process is straightforward, with good customer support when issues arise | Concerns about opened cartridges drying out or becoming unusable over time |
| Initial performance is strong with rich, vibrant prints | Degradation of ink quality without visible reason despite sufficient ink left in the cartridge |

## Current Prices

| Retailer | Price | Availability |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| TripleNetPricing.com | $13.31  | In Stock |
| InkTonerSale.com | $14.71  | In Stock |
| TomatoInk | $16.95  | In Stock |
| Myriad Greeyn | $18.51  | In Stock |
| Zerbee.com | $20.58  | In Stock |
| Office Depot | $20.89  | In Stock |
| ComboInk | $20.95  | In Stock |
| compandsave.com | $20.95  | In Stock |
| Amazon | $20.99  | In Stock |
| EliteWarehouse.com | $20.99  | In Stock |
| Office Specialties | $20.99  | In Stock |
| OfficeDirectSupply | $20.99  | In Stock |
| Mercari | $21.00  | In Stock |
| bargainsspot.com | $21.25  | In Stock |
| Tonerworld | $21.42  | In Stock |
| Direct Office Buys | $21.89  | In Stock |
| ClickInks | $21.95  | In Stock |
| TheBulkClean.com | $22.05  | In Stock |
| PC & More | $22.21  | In Stock |
| Nifty Concept | $22.57  | In Stock |

---

*About this review: We pulled together findings from professional and user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.*