Like many compact HP home inkjets, the DeskJet 2720e is easy to buy but the long-term ink cost is the real story. The question isn’t “does it print?” — it’s whether HP 305 cartridges make it expensive to keep.
This model uses HP 305 cartridges for black and colour printing. With the UK pricing you provided (standard ~£8 and XL ~£13), cost per page can still stay reasonable if you choose the right cartridge size.
Running cost breakdown
| Cartridge option | Yield (pages) | Typical UK price | Cost per page |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP 305 Black (Standard) | ~120 | ~£8 | ~6.7p |
| HP 305 Black (XL) | ~240 | ~£13 | ~5.4p |
| HP 305 Colour (Standard) | ~100 | ~£8 | ~8.0p |
| HP 305 Colour (XL) | ~200 | ~£13 | ~6.5p |
Compatible ink alternatives
If you want lower running costs immediately:
- Buy compatible HP 305 cartridges for regular documents
- Reserve originals if you’re printing photos or “must not fail” documents
Compatible supplies commonly reduce ink cost by roughly 35–50% compared to original cartridges (rule-of-thumb estimate).
Should you upgrade?
Honest verdict: keep it for most people.
2-year cost comparison
- Assumption: ~105 pages/month
- Keep option: XL cartridges
- Upgrade option: EcoTank-style running cost
| Option | What you pay over 2 years |
|---|---|
| Keep HP DeskJet 2720e (ink only, XL cartridges) | ~£145 |
| Upgrade to an EcoTank (hardware + tank ink) | ~£257 |
EcoTank upgrades start winning when you print enough that the hardware cost gets paid back. In this model’s economics, that tends to be around ~190 pages/month.
FAQ
Q: What ink does the HP DeskJet 2720e use?
A: It uses HP 305 cartridges (black + colour tri-colour).
Q: Is the HP DeskJet 2720e expensive to run?
A: Not if you use XL cartridges (and/or compatibles). Standard yield can get expensive per page.
Q: What’s the cheapest ink for the HP DeskJet 2720e?
A: Compatible HP 305 supplies typically give the best savings for budget-conscious owners.
Q: Is HP 305XL worth it?
A: Usually yes for anyone printing regularly. XL lowers cost per page and reduces how often you replace cartridges.
