The HP ENVY 6020e is a more capable home inkjet than the entry-level DeskJet models. That’s good news for quality — but it changes the economics too.
This printer still uses HP 305 cartridges. So if you print photos or regular colour documents, the question becomes simple: are you paying a lot for ink you could pay much less for?
Running cost breakdown
Using your UK price approximations for HP 305:
- Standard ~£8
- XL ~£13
| 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 to keep quality without overpaying:
- Buy compatible HP 305 cartridges for everyday prints
- Consider original cartridges if you’re printing important documents or photos
Rough savings: compatibles are commonly ~35–50% cheaper than original cartridges, which reduces your cost per page immediately.
Should you upgrade?
Honest verdict: borderline, but usually still keep for typical home volumes.
2-year cost comparison
- Assumption: ~160 pages/month (midpoint of recommended range)
- Keep option: XL cartridges
- Upgrade option: EcoTank-style running cost
| Option | What you pay over 2 years |
|---|---|
| Keep HP ENVY 6020e (ink only, XL cartridges) | ~£221 |
| Upgrade to an EcoTank (hardware + tank ink) | ~£260 |
EcoTank upgrades usually start winning when you print much more than typical. Based on this cartridge cost-per-page, break-even is around ~190 pages/month.
FAQ
Q: What ink does the HP ENVY 6020e use?
A: It uses HP 305 cartridges (black + colour tri-colour).
Q: Is the HP ENVY 6020e expensive to run?
A: It can be — especially for colour. Buying XL cartridges (and/or compatibles) is the main way to keep running costs under control.
Q: What’s the cheapest ink for the HP ENVY 6020e?
A: Compatible HP 305 supplies are usually the cheapest option. XL compatible cartridges typically win on cost per page.
Q: Should I use HP 305XL in this printer?
A: If you print regularly (especially colour), yes. XL reduces the frequency of replacements and lowers cost per page.
Looking at the HP 67 ENVY line instead? See HP ENVY 6400e ink costs.
