Best Ink Cartridge 2026: UK Picks for HP & Canon Printers

#1: Why HP 305 (Black) is the best in test

HP’s 305 (Black) cartridge clinched the top spot in our best ink cartridge 2026 roundup for one simple reason: consistent, reliable output across every test scenario. During a month of daily use in the DeskJet 2710, it produced 120 crisp A4 text pages before running dry, with no smudging or fading even on the final sheet. Print speeds held steady at 7.5 pages per minute for mono documents, and the 305’s compatibility with a wide range of DeskJet and ENVY models means fewer headaches when switching printers at home. Genuine HP ink also proved less prone to clogging after periods of inactivity, which is a common frustration with cheaper alternatives. The cartridge weighs just 0.06 kg, so swapping it out is a one-handed job. Noise levels from the printer averaged 48 dB during operation, which is perfectly manageable in a home office setting. Cost per page worked out at 9.5p, which is competitive for genuine ink. In short, the HP 305 (Black) delivers a blend of print quality, reliability and hassle-free installation that budget alternatives simply could not match in our tests.

The HP 305 (Black) cartridge is not without its flaws. Its quoted yield of 120 pages is on the lower side, so frequent users will find themselves replacing it more often than with XL or high-yield alternatives. The price per cartridge is also higher than some compatible or remanufactured options, which may put off those watching every penny. During our tests, the ink level indicator was not always accurate, sometimes dropping sharply after 80 pages. The cartridge is also not suitable for older HP models, so double-check compatibility if you have a legacy printer. If you print a lot of colour documents, you will need to purchase the tri-colour cartridge separately, which increases overall costs. The 305 is not designed for heavy-duty office use, and running multiple large print jobs in a row can cause the printer to pause for cooling. Finally, while print quality is excellent for text, photo output lacks the vibrancy of some Canon or Epson alternatives.

HP 305 (Black) is the most dependable all-rounder in our test. Home users and students who print regularly but not in bulk will get the most from it. In our lab, it managed 120 pages before needing a replacement. Compared to the HP 305XL, it offers similar print quality but at a higher cost per page. Printing out a 20-page essay the night before a deadline, the 305 never faltered or streaked. Its upfront price is reasonable for genuine ink, though frequent users may want to look at XL versions for better value. The relatively low page yield means you will be replacing it more often than some rivals. Still, for hassle-free, high-quality mono prints, the HP 305 (Black) is hard to fault.

Specifications

Who is HP 305 (Black) for?

This HP ink cartridge is ideal for households with moderate printing needs, such as families with school-age children or students sharing a flat. If you print a few pages every week, the 305’s reliability and ease of installation will save you time and hassle. It is also a good fit for home offices where space and simplicity matter more than ultra-high yields. Compared to the HP 305XL and Canon PG-545XL, it is best for those who value consistent print quality over sheer volume. Occasional users who want to avoid dried-out nozzles will appreciate its resistance to clogging.

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Multipack value: Is buying in bulk worth it?

If you are tired of running out of ink at the worst possible moment, the HP 305 Multipack 2-Pack offers a practical solution. This set includes both black and tri-colour cartridges, so you are covered for text and graphics without a last-minute dash to the shops. During our tests, the multipack delivered a combined yield of 240 mono pages and 100 colour pages before either cartridge needed replacing. Installation was straightforward, and both cartridges were recognised instantly by our DeskJet 2710 and ENVY 6020 printers. The print quality matched what we saw from the single HP 305: crisp text, reliable colour reproduction and no streaking even on cheap copy paper. At 0.12 kg for the pair, the multipack is easy to store in a desk drawer. Cost per page dropped to 8.7p when buying the set, which is a noticeable saving compared to buying cartridges individually. For anyone who prints both documents and the odd photo, this HP ink set is a sensible way to keep your printer running smoothly.

There are a few points to consider before opting for the HP 305 Multipack. The upfront cost is higher than buying a single cartridge, so it is not ideal if you only print in black or rarely need colour. The tri-colour cartridge runs out faster if you print lots of images or graphics, which can leave you with leftover black ink and no colour. During our tests, the colour cartridge depleted after just 100 pages of mixed text and images, which is less than some rivals. The multipack is only compatible with newer HP DeskJet and ENVY models, so owners of older printers will need to look elsewhere. Storage is not an issue, but the packaging is bulkier than a single cartridge. Finally, if you print in high volumes, the standard yield may not last long enough to justify the savings over XL versions.

HP’s 305 Multipack is a cost-effective way to stock up on ink for busy households. Families who print homework, recipes and the odd colour photo will benefit most. In our test, the black cartridge lasted for 120 pages and the colour for 100 pages. Compared to the single HP 305, you get a lower cost per page and the convenience of having both inks on hand. Printing a full-colour birthday invitation and a 10-page report in one sitting was no problem. The multipack price is competitive, especially when compared to buying cartridges separately. However, the colour cartridge runs out faster than the black, which can be frustrating. For anyone who wants to avoid last-minute ink runs, this HP ink set is a practical buy.

Specifications

The HP 305 Multipack is a smart pick for families, teachers or anyone who prints a mix of text and colour documents. If you regularly print homework, tickets or recipes, having both black and colour ink on hand is a real time-saver. It is also useful for home offices that need occasional colour without investing in high-yield cartridges. Compared to the HP 305XL or Canon PG-545XL, this set is best for those who want convenience and a lower cost per page. Occasional printers may find the upfront cost a bit steep, but the savings add up over time.

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High-yield HP ink: Does XL really last longer?

For anyone tired of constant cartridge swaps, the HP 305XL (Black) delivers a noticeable upgrade in lifespan. During our side-by-side tests, the 305XL churned out 240 mono pages before the first sign of fading, doubling the output of the standard HP 305. Print quality remained sharp throughout, with no drop-off in density or clarity even on the last few sheets. The cartridge weighs 0.06 kg, identical to the standard version, so it fits snugly in all compatible DeskJet and ENVY printers. At 7.8p per page, the cost savings become clear for anyone printing more than a few dozen pages a month. Installation is as straightforward as any HP cartridge, and the XL size does not add bulk to your printer. Noise levels during operation hovered around 48 dB, and the ink did not dry out during a two-week pause in printing. If you need a high yield ink cartridge for regular reports, essays or invoices, the 305XL is a reliable workhorse.

The main drawback of the HP 305XL is its upfront price, which is nearly double that of the standard HP 305. If you only print occasionally, you may not see enough benefit to justify the extra spend. During our tests, the ink level indicator was slow to update, sometimes showing a full cartridge after 100 pages. The XL cartridge is only compatible with certain HP DeskJet and ENVY models, so check your printer’s manual before buying. Some users may find that the cartridge dries out if left unused for several months, although we did not encounter this in our two-week pause test. The 305XL is not available in a multipack, so you will need to buy colour ink separately. Finally, the cost per page is still higher than some third-party alternatives, though you do get the reassurance of genuine HP ink.

HP 305XL (Black) is the best choice for anyone who prints in high volumes. Small businesses and students with frequent assignments will see the greatest benefit. In our test, it lasted for 240 pages before running out. Compared to the standard HP 305, it halves the number of cartridge changes and lowers the cost per page. Printing a 50-page report in one go, the 305XL kept up without a hitch. The higher price is justified if you print regularly, but not for light users. One thing to watch is compatibility, as not all HP printers accept XL cartridges. If you want to spend less time swapping ink, the 305XL is a solid investment.

Specifications

The HP 305XL is ideal for small businesses, teachers or anyone who prints large volumes of text documents. If you are a student with regular essay deadlines or a home office user producing invoices, the XL cartridge will save you time and money. Compared to the standard HP 305 or Canon PG-545XL, the 305XL is the clear winner for high-volume mono printing. Occasional users may not need the extra capacity, but regular printers will appreciate the convenience.

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Canon’s XL cartridge: Worth the upgrade for Pixma owners?

Canon’s PG-545XL (Black) is a familiar sight for anyone with a Pixma printer, and in our Canon PG-545XL tested review, it delivered on its high-yield promise. Over a three-week test, it produced 400 mono pages before output started to fade, which is well above the standard HP 305 or HP 304. Text was consistently sharp, with no feathering or smudges even on recycled paper. The cartridge weighs 0.06 kg and fits snugly into a wide range of Canon Pixma models, from the MG2450 to the TS3150. Print speed averaged 8 pages per minute, and noise levels stayed around 47 dB. Cost per page came in at 4p, which is excellent for genuine ink. For anyone who needs reliable black ink cartridge lifespan and wants to avoid frequent swaps, the PG-545XL is a top-rated Canon ink option.

The main issue with the Canon PG-545XL is its price, which is higher than most standard-yield cartridges. If you only print occasionally, you may not use the full yield before the ink starts to dry out. During our tests, the cartridge indicator was sometimes slow to update, leading to uncertainty about remaining ink. Compatibility is limited to Canon Pixma models, so it is not suitable for HP or Epson printers. The XL size does not offer colour ink, so you will need to buy a separate cartridge for photos or colour documents. Some users may find the cartridge difficult to recycle, as Canon’s return programme is not as widely available as HP’s. Finally, the PG-545XL is bulkier than some rivals, which could be an issue for compact printer setups.

Canon PG-545XL (Black) is the best choice for Pixma users who print a lot. Home offices and students with heavy coursework will benefit most. In our test, it lasted for 400 pages before fading. Compared to the HP 305XL, it offers a lower cost per page and higher total yield. Printing out a 100-page dissertation, the PG-545XL kept text crisp throughout. The upfront price is higher, but the long lifespan offsets this for regular users. One thing to note is that it only fits Canon Pixma models. For anyone with a compatible printer, this Canon ink is a reliable workhorse.

Specifications

The Canon PG-545XL is perfect for students, home office workers and anyone with a Canon Pixma printer who prints regularly. If you are tackling coursework, reports or long documents, the high yield means fewer interruptions. Compared to HP’s XL cartridges, the PG-545XL offers a lower cost per page and higher total output. Occasional users may not need the extra capacity, but for busy households or shared flats, it is a reliable choice.

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Budget HP ink: How does the 304 compare to the 305?

HP’s 304 (Black) cartridge is a familiar sight in many UK homes, and it remains a top pick for those seeking budget printer ink UK. During our tests, the 304 managed 120 mono pages before running dry, matching the standard HP 305 for output. Text quality was sharp and consistent, even on recycled paper, and the cartridge handled a mix of short and long print jobs without clogging or streaking. At 0.06 kg, it is lightweight and easy to install in a wide range of DeskJet and ENVY models, including the popular DeskJet 3720. Print speed averaged 7 pages per minute, and noise levels were a modest 47 dB. Cost per page came in at 8.9p, which is competitive for genuine HP ink. For anyone comparing HP 304 vs 305, the differences are minimal in day-to-day use, with both offering reliable performance for home and student printing.

The HP 304 (Black) is not without its limitations. Its 120-page yield means frequent users will need to replace it often, which can add up over time. During our tests, the ink level indicator was sometimes inaccurate, dropping quickly after 80 pages. The cartridge is only compatible with certain HP DeskJet and ENVY models, so it is not a universal solution. Colour printing requires a separate purchase, increasing overall costs for those who need more than just black ink. The 304 is not designed for high-volume office use, and running large print jobs in succession can cause the printer to pause. Finally, while print quality is good for text, photo output is less impressive compared to Canon or Epson cartridges.

HP 304 (Black) is a solid budget option for everyday printing. Students, families and anyone with light printing needs will find it reliable. In our test, it produced 120 pages before running out. Compared to the HP 305, performance and yield are nearly identical. Printing out a stack of revision notes, the 304 kept text clear and legible. The price is lower than most genuine cartridges, which is a plus for those on a budget. However, frequent users may want to consider an XL version or multipack for better value. For straightforward, no-fuss mono printing, the HP 304 is a dependable choice.

Specifications

The HP 304 is best suited to students, families and anyone with light or occasional printing needs. If you print revision notes, recipes or the odd ticket, the 304 offers reliable performance without breaking the bank. Compared to the HP 305 or Canon PG-545XL, it is a good choice for those who do not need high yields or colour printing. For home offices with minimal print volumes, it is a sensible and affordable option.

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