What ink does the HP ENVY Photo 7860 use?
You’ll likely save money by switching to a cheaper-to-run alternative. On a typical 135 pages/month, the 2‑year total could be £477.61 (keep) vs £152.89 (upgrade incl. hardware).
The HP ENVY Photo 7860 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) | — | — | — |
| Colour (standard) | £19.99 | 100 pages | 20.0p |
| Colour (XL) | — | — | — |
What would you save by switching?
Comparison uses a simple 2‑year estimate at 135 pages/month (based on this model’s recommended volume).
| Option | Printer cost | Ink cost (2 years) | Total (2 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keep HP ENVY Photo 7860 | You own this printer | £477.61 | £477.61 |
| Upgrade to HP DeskJet 2710e | £45.00 | £107.89 | £152.89 |
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.
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 305 Colour Original | colour | Standard | ~100 pages |
Original vs. Compatible Cartridges
When buying ink for your HP ENVY Photo 7860, 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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Frequently Asked Questions
What ink does the HP ENVY Photo 7860 use?
It uses the HP 305 range. Standard and high-yield (XL) variants may be available depending on the cartridge set.
Is the HP ENVY Photo 7860 expensive to run?
Estimated running cost is around 12.5p per black page and 20.0p 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 ENVY Photo 7860?
For low-volume printing, the standard cartridge can be fine. If you print regularly, high-yield (XL) supplies usually offer the lowest cost per page.