The HP DeskJet 2710e is a very common budget home printer in the UK. It is cheap to buy, widely available, and easy to live with at first. The trouble starts when the setup cartridges run out and you move onto paid replacements.
The short answer
Yes, the HP DeskJet 2710e can be expensive to run if you keep buying cartridges at normal retail prices, especially standard ones rather than XL.
It uses the HP 305 cartridge range, and that range is not especially cheap on a cost-per-page basis. That does not automatically make the printer a bad choice, but it does mean ownership costs rise quickly once you stop thinking about the hardware price and start thinking about the ink.
Why the running costs feel high
The HP DeskJet 2710e uses:
- HP 305 Black
- HP 305 Tri-colour
- HP 305XL Black
- HP 305XL Tri-colour
The standard cartridges have relatively low yields, so replacing them often can make the printer feel more expensive than expected.
That is why one of the first questions for owners should be whether HP 305 or HP 305XL is better value.
Does HP Instant Ink change the equation?
It can.
HP positions the 2710e heavily around Instant Ink. Under that model, you pay a monthly fee based on how many pages you print, and HP sends replacement cartridges automatically.
For some users, the effective cost per page under Instant Ink can be much lower than buying cartridges at retail. For others, it just replaces one kind of lock-in with another. The main trade-off is that the subscription cartridges are tied to the subscription itself.
If you want the full subscription comparison, read HP Instant Ink vs buying cartridges.
What if you do not want Instant Ink?
Then the main rule is simple: avoid standard cartridges unless your print volume is very low.
- Buy XL where possible. The XL cartridges usually make a meaningful difference to cost per page.
- Treat starter cartridges separately. The ones in the box are not a realistic measure of long-term running costs.
- Be careful with compatibles. Some users save money this way, but firmware and consistency can still be issues on HP home printers.
If you are trying to keep the printer without overspending, the XL route is normally the least bad option.
When is the HP DeskJet 2710e still fine to keep?
This printer still makes sense if:
- you print only occasionally
- you are happy with HP Instant Ink
- you use XL cartridges and your annual print volume is modest
- you do not want to spend more upfront on a different printer
For light use, even a relatively poor cost per page does not always turn into a major yearly bill.
When should you think about upgrading?
The case for upgrading gets stronger if:
- you print 100 or more pages a month
- you keep buying standard cartridges
- you are tired of the subscription model
- you have started to notice how often the printer needs fresh ink
At that point, it is worth comparing your current setup against lower-running-cost alternatives. A tank printer or a more efficient document printer can look expensive upfront but cheaper over one to two years.
Our broader cheapest printers to run in 2026 guide is the best next step if you are considering a switch.
Summary
The HP DeskJet 2710e is cheap to buy, but it is not especially cheap to run if you rely on normal cartridge pricing. Instant Ink can improve the economics for some households, and XL cartridges are usually the better retail choice, but this is still a printer where running costs deserve attention.
If you want a more personalised answer, use the print cost calculator or the upgrade advisor.
FAQ
Q: What cartridges does the HP DeskJet 2710e use?
A: It uses the HP 305 range, including standard and XL black and tri-colour cartridges.
Q: Is HP 305XL worth it for the DeskJet 2710e?
A: Usually yes. If you print regularly, HP 305XL normally gives better cost per page than the standard cartridges.
Q: Can I use the HP DeskJet 2710e without Instant Ink?
A: Yes. You can buy cartridges normally and use the printer without an ink subscription.
Q: Why does the DeskJet 2710e seem to run out of ink quickly?
A: The standard cartridges have fairly low yields, and the setup cartridges included in the box usually run out even sooner.
Q: Should I upgrade from the HP DeskJet 2710e?
A: That depends on your print volume. For light use it can still be fine. For higher usage, an upgrade often starts to make financial sense.
