Skip to main content
305-ink.com

Generic

Generic HP 305 cartridges: how to judge a seller

'Own brand' mostly tells you who sells the product under their name — not how it's made or how much usable ink it holds.

Content updated:

An alternative is a choice of seller

Two generic products can differ a lot, even if both refer to HP 305. Start with your exact printer model, then decide whether you need black, tri-colour or an XL pack. A list of specific models is more reliable than "fits HP".

Checklist for a seller

  • Is the actual seller clearly named?
  • Is your full printer model in the compatibility list?
  • Does it say whether the cartridge is newly made or remanufactured?
  • Is the chip described?
  • Are return costs, warranty length and the process for a cartridge that isn't recognised clear?
  • Does a yield claim come with a method (e.g. "@ 5% coverage") or is it just a big number?
  • Can you return black and colour separately if only one position fails?

Real alternatives at a UK shop

Each on its own row, with the seller's figures and the same composition in original HP as a benchmark:

Original HP reference offers

Direct, checked original offers for a like-for-like check. Compatible and remanufactured products stay separate below.

Original HP

  • HP 305 Black

    3YM61AE

    £13.99

    HP Store
    View offer

  • HP 305 Tri-colour

    3YM60AE

    £13.99

    HP Store
    View offer

  • HP 305XL Black

    3YM62AE

    £19.86

    Cartridge Save
    View offer

  • HP 305XL Tri-colour

    3YM63AE

    £18.19

    Cartridge Save
    View offer
Yield = the seller's own figure (not tested by 305-ink.com). Comparison = the same composition in original HP 305XL cartridges at the lowest checked price.
Product Stated pages Price Original HP 305XL, same composition Retailer
Cartridge Save Premium 305XL Tri-colour (remanufactured) Remanufactured 1× tri-colour · remanufactured colour 375 £13.64 checked 23 September 2026 £18.19 colour 200 pages At Cartridge Save
Cartridge Save Premium 305XL Black (remanufactured) Remanufactured 1× black · remanufactured black 650 £14.89 checked 23 September 2026 £19.86 black 240 pages At Cartridge Save
TonerGiant compatible HP 305XL black Compatible 1× black · compatible black 240 £17.15 checked 27 September 2026 £19.86 black 240 pages At TonerGiant
Premium compatible HP 305XL black Compatible 1× black · compatible black 240 £19.99 checked 27 September 2026 £19.86 black 240 pages At The Cartridge Centre
Cartridge Save Premium 305XL 2-pack (black + tri-colour, remanufactured) Remanufactured 1× black + 1× tri-colour · remanufactured black 650 · colour 375 £28.39 checked 23 September 2026 £38.05 black 240 · colour 200 pages At Cartridge Save
TonerGiant compatible HP 305XL black + tri-colour multipack Compatible 1× black + 1× tri-colour · compatible black 240 · colour 200 £30.86 checked 27 September 2026 £38.05 black 240 · colour 200 pages At TonerGiant
Check more retailers (5)

Not ranked: where no exact HP 305 listing has been verified, we show a shop or range link only — never an invented price.

Comparing costs fairly

HP measures yield under ISO/IEC 24711; alternative sellers often use their own method ("5% coverage"). So the figures aren't directly comparable. Also factor in delivery and the risk of a return. That doesn't mean original is always cheaper — just that the box price alone tells you too little.

Firmware and recognition

Don't casually install old firmware to get a cartridge working: you would also undo every other change made by later updates. If there's a problem, follow the safe recognition steps first, then use the seller's returns process.

Generic HP 305 questions

Can firmware affect compatible cartridges?

Yes. HP states dynamic security on the product pages of the DeskJet 2820e, 4220e and ENVY 6420e, among others: these printers are intended for cartridges with new or reused HP electronic circuitry, and firmware updates can block cartridges that worked before. Whether an alternative keeps working therefore depends on its chip and on future updates.

How do I judge a compatible cartridge without test data?

Check the seller, the exact list of printer models, chip information, warranty, returns and how open they are about the contents. Don't treat a yield claim as an independently proven result.

What's the difference between compatible and remanufactured?

'Compatible' is a broad label for an alternative, often newly made. Remanufactured means a returned cartridge shell has been cleaned and refilled. Cartridge Save's 'Premium' 305XL range, for example, is described as made from recycled HP cartridges. What exactly a seller supplies should be stated on the product page.

Is an alternative always cheaper per page?

Not automatically. An alternative's yield is the seller's own figure, usually '@ 5% coverage' and not measured to the same HP standard. Also factor in delivery costs and the chance of a return if a cartridge isn't recognised.

What should I do if an alternative stops working after an update?

Note your printer model, firmware version and the error message and contact the seller. Don't install an unofficial firmware downgrade as a quick fix.

When should I return the cartridge?

If a new, correct cartridge still isn't recognised after the basic checks, the retailer is the next step. Keep the packaging, proof of purchase and the error text.

Sources (3)

Facts from HP and standards bodies are labelled as such. Calculations (cost per page and annual cost) are estimates by the 305-ink.com editorial team. Last reconciled on .