What ink does the HP DeskJet 2720e use?
Running costs are competitive for its class. On a typical 105 pages/month, the 2‑year total could be £83.92 (keep) vs £128.92 (upgrade incl. hardware).
The HP DeskJet 2720e uses HP 305 ink cartridges.These are available in both standard and high-yield (XL) capacities.
Running costs at a glance
| Variant | Cost | Yield | Est. p/page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black (standard) | £14.99 | 120 pages | 12.5p |
| Black (XL) | £21.99 | 240 pages | 9.2p |
| Colour (standard) | £19.99 | 100 pages | 20.0p |
| Colour (XL) | £29.99 | 200 pages | 15.0p |
What would you save by switching?
Comparison uses a simple 2‑year estimate at 105 pages/month (based on this model’s recommended volume).
| Option | Printer cost | Ink cost (2 years) | Total (2 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keep HP DeskJet 2720e | You own this printer | £83.92 | £83.92 |
| Upgrade to HP DeskJet 2710e | £45.00 | £83.92 | £128.92 |
Explore this printer
Best ink and cartridge options
Compare standard vs XL and see the best value options for this printer.
Cost per page
Check approximate running costs for black, colour, and XL cartridges.
Keep or upgrade?
See whether this model is still good value or has become expensive to run.
Common printer problems
Open the troubleshooter for print quality, paper, and connection issues.
Further reading
HP 305 vs 305XL: Which Cartridge Is Better Value in the UK?
The HP 305XL costs more upfront, but is it actually cheaper per page? We break down the numbers so you can decide which to buy.
More printers that use the same cartridges
Cartridge Compatibility Chart
| Cartridge Name | Colour | Type | Est. Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP 305 Black Original | black | Standard | ~120 pages |
| HP 305XL Black Original | black | XL / High Yield | ~240 pages |
| HP 305 Colour Original | colour | Standard | ~100 pages |
| HP 305XL Colour Original | colour | XL / High Yield | ~200 pages |
Original vs. Compatible Cartridges
When buying ink for your HP DeskJet 2720e, you typically have two main options:
Original (OEM) Cartridges
Manufactured by HP. These offer guaranteed reliability and print quality but typically come at a higher price point. They are the best choice for printing high-resolution photos or archival documents.
Compatible / Remanufactured
Made by third-party companies. These are often significantly cheaper than original cartridges. Quality can vary between brands, but reputable suppliers offer guarantees. These are often a cost-effective choice for everyday document printing.
When to Replace Your Ink
You should look into replacing your cartridges when print quality begins to fade, colors appear missing, or your printer displays a "Low Ink" warning. For inkjet printers like this, it is recommended to replace cartridges as soon as quality drops to prevent the printhead from drying out or clogging.
Tip: If you print infrequently, run a print head cleaning cycle once every few weeks to keep the ink flowing smoothly and prevent blockages.
Available Cartridges
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More cartridge deals from the feed
These are the best feed matches that're not mapped to our current local cartridge variants yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ink does the HP DeskJet 2720e use?
It uses the HP 305 range. Standard and high-yield (XL) variants may be available depending on the cartridge set.
Is the HP DeskJet 2720e expensive to run?
Estimated running cost is around 3.3p per black page and 3.3p per colour page. Whether it feels expensive depends on your monthly volume and whether you use standard or XL supplies.
What's the cheapest ink for the HP DeskJet 2720e?
For black printing, the best value is typically the high-yield (XL) option — it costs more upfront but usually works out cheaper per page.