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Decision helper

Original or compatible HP 305? Decision helper and real prices

Neither is always better. It depends on what matters to you: certainty of recognition, the lowest price, or reuse.

Content updated:

Price gap now

Lowest checked prices · 23 September 2026

Original HP 305XL · same composition

1× tri-colour

£18.19

approx. 200 pages tri-colour (HP, ISO/IEC 24711)

Lowest-priced checked alternative

Cartridge Save Premium 305XL Tri-colour (remanufactured)

£13.64

approx. 375 pages tri-colour (stated by the seller, not tested)

at Cartridge Save

Currently £4.55 (25%) less than the same composition in Original HP.

Take the decision helper

1. What do you print most?
2. What matters most to you?
3. Do you mind occasionally reseating a cartridge or clearing a message?
4. How important is reusing materials to you?

Compare on properties, not slogans

TopicOriginal HPAlternative / compatible
SpecificationsHP publishes codes and tested yieldPer seller; check what backs it up
Chip and recognitionDesigned for the HP 305 printer familyDepends on chip and firmware
Purchase priceSee current pricesOften lower, not automatically
Returns and warrantyManufacturer and retailer termsDepends heavily on the seller
Tested by 305-ink.comNoNo

All real alternatives

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.

Decide in this order

  1. confirm your printer uses HP 305 (printer list);
  2. choose black or tri-colour;
  3. pick standard or XL for your volume (305 vs 305XL);
  4. compare today's total cost including delivery;
  5. for alternatives, check the chip and returns information;
  6. keep the packaging and receipt until the cartridge works reliably.

FAQ: original or compatible

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.

Is original HP 305 always the best choice?

Not for everyone. Original gives you HP-documented data and the most predictable recognition; a transparent alternative can make financial sense. Your own priorities decide.

Can I combine original black with a compatible colour cartridge?

The positions work independently, but whether a particular alternative works still depends on the product and printer. Check the model claim and the seller's returns policy.

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.

Sources (4)

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 .