If you own an HP DeskJet 2710e, HP DeskJet 2720e, or HP ENVY 6020e, you will eventually be choosing between HP 305 and HP 305XL cartridges. The question is simple: should you pay less now, or pay more upfront for lower long-term running costs?
What's the difference between HP 305 and HP 305XL?
The HP 305 and HP 305XL use the same ink type and fit the same compatible printers. The main difference is yield.
- HP 305 Black - rated for approximately 120 pages
- HP 305XL Black - rated for approximately 240 pages
- HP 305 Tri-colour - rated for approximately 100 pages
- HP 305XL Tri-colour - rated for approximately 200 pages
Page yield figures are based on standard 5% coverage testing, so real-world results will be lower if you print photos, dense graphics, worksheets, or high-coverage pages.
What does the HP 305XL actually cost per page?
Based on typical UK retail pricing, the XL cartridges usually deliver the better cost per page.
The standard HP 305 black often works out at roughly 7-9p per page. The HP 305XL black usually lands closer to 4-5p per page. The colour cartridge follows the same pattern: the XL costs more to buy, but the cost per printed page is lower.
That matters more than it sounds. If you print regularly for schoolwork, forms, and home admin, the XL usually pays back the upfront difference within a few buying cycles.
If you want to model the numbers for your own usage, use our print cost calculator.
When should you buy the standard HP 305 instead?
The HP 305XL is not automatically the right choice for everyone. The standard cartridge can still make sense in a few cases.
- You print very rarely. If you only print a few pages a month, a standard cartridge keeps the upfront spend lower.
- You just need a short-term replacement. If you are not sure how long you will keep the printer, the cheaper cartridge is a lower-risk purchase.
- You are trying to avoid waste. Some low-volume users would rather finish a smaller cartridge than leave an XL sitting for months.
For most households printing regularly, the XL is still the better-value option.
Which printers use HP 305 cartridges?
The HP 305 cartridge range page covers the range in more detail, but common compatible models include:
- HP DeskJet 2710e
- HP DeskJet 2720e
- HP DeskJet 2721e, 2722e, 2723e, 2724e
- HP ENVY 6020e, 6022e, 6030e, 6032e
Do not assume HP ranges are interchangeable. HP 305 is not the same as HP 304 or HP 303, and buying the wrong family is a common mistake.
Are compatible HP 305 cartridges worth considering?
Compatible HP 305 cartridges can be cheaper than originals, but the trade-off is consistency.
- Print quality can vary more between suppliers
- Yield may not match the official rating
- HP firmware updates have sometimes caused problems for third-party cartridges
If you buy compatibles, stick to a supplier with a clear returns policy and check reviews for your exact printer model.
Should you buy a multipack?
If you print both black and colour regularly, a combo pack can make sense. If you mostly print documents, the black XL tends to be the smarter place to spend more.
The best buying logic is usually:
- low-volume users: standard black or standard combo pack
- regular users: XL black at minimum
- mixed home use with frequent colour printing: XL black plus XL colour or a value pack
Summary
For most people, the HP 305XL is the better-value cartridge. The standard 305 still has a role for very light printing or short-term use, but once you start printing regularly, the XL usually wins on cost per page.
If you are deciding whether this printer is worth keeping at all, read our guide on whether the HP DeskJet 2710e is expensive to run.
FAQ
Q: Can I use HP 305XL cartridges in a printer that takes HP 305?
A: Yes. HP 305 and HP 305XL are interchangeable in compatible printers. The XL version simply lasts longer.
Q: Are HP 305 and HP 304 the same thing?
A: No. They are different cartridge ranges for different printer families and are not interchangeable.
Q: Is the HP 305XL always cheaper in the long run?
A: Usually, yes. If you print regularly, the lower cost per page makes the XL the better-value option. For extremely low-volume use, the standard cartridge can still make sense.
Q: Should I buy original or compatible HP 305 cartridges?
A: That depends on your tolerance for risk. Originals are more predictable, while compatibles can save money but vary more in quality and compatibility.
Q: Where can I check which printers use HP 305?
A: Start with our HP 305 cartridge range page or look up your model directly in the printer directory.
