The DeskJet 2730e is another HP home inkjet that relies on HP 305 for both black and colour printing. The core cost problem is the same: cartridge yields are limited, so the “real” ink expense depends on whether you buy XL and how often you print.
If you print occasionally, you can keep costs down. If you print more than you expect, you’ll feel it in your wallet — which is why this guide focuses on cost per page and what upgrade actually means financially.
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
What’s available:
- Compatible HP 305 cartridges from mainstream ink suppliers
- Compatible HP 305XL cartridges for fewer, larger replacements
Rough savings: compatibles are commonly ~35–50% cheaper than original pricing, so they can noticeably reduce your cost per page.
Should you upgrade?
Honest verdict: keep it (at least for the next 2 years) unless you’re printing close to the top end of the recommended range.
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 2730e (ink only, XL cartridges) | ~£145 |
| Upgrade to an EcoTank (hardware + tank ink) | ~£257 |
EcoTank upgrades typically make financial sense after roughly ~190 pages/month.
FAQ
Q: What ink does the HP DeskJet 2730e use?
A: It uses HP 305 cartridges (black + colour tri-colour).
Q: Is the HP DeskJet 2730e expensive to run?
A: It can be if you use standard cartridges. XL cartridges (and compatibles) bring the cost per page down a lot.
Q: What’s the cheapest ink for the HP DeskJet 2730e?
A: Compatible HP 305 cartridges are usually the cheapest per replacement, and HP 305XL typically wins on cost per page.
Q: Should I buy XL cartridges for this printer?
A: If you’re printing more than occasional documents, yes. XL reduces how often you need to buy ink.
