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
Compare on properties, not slogans
| Topic | Original HP | Alternative / compatible |
|---|---|---|
| Specifications | HP publishes codes and tested yield | Per seller; check what backs it up |
| Chip and recognition | Designed for the HP 305 printer family | Depends on chip and firmware |
| Purchase price | See current prices | Often lower, not automatically |
| Returns and warranty | Manufacturer and retailer terms | Depends heavily on the seller |
| Tested by 305-ink.com | No | No |
All real alternatives
Original HP reference offers
Direct, checked original offers for a like-for-like check. Compatible and remanufactured products stay separate below.
-
HP 305 Black
3YM61AE
View offer£13.99
HP Store -
HP 305 Tri-colour
3YM60AE
View offer£13.99
HP Store -
HP 305XL Black
3YM62AE
View offer£19.86
Cartridge Save -
HP 305XL Tri-colour
3YM63AE
View offer£18.19
Cartridge Save
| 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  |
| 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 |
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.
- Check retailer
TonerGiant
Original + compatible HP 305 checked - Check retailer
CartridgeMonkey
Original + compatible HP 305 checked - Check retailer
The Cartridge Centre
Compatible / remanufactured HP 305 checked - Check retailer
Staples UK
Original Exact offer not checked - Check retailer
Office Monster
Original Exact offer not checked
Decide in this order
- confirm your printer uses HP 305 (printer list);
- choose black or tri-colour;
- pick standard or XL for your volume (305 vs 305XL);
- compare today's total cost including delivery;
- for alternatives, check the chip and returns information;
- 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)
- Retailer HP 305 product pages at HP Store UK, Argos, Cartridge Save and Amazon.co.uk — HP Store UK · Argos · Cartridge Save · Amazon.co.uk
Price, availability and delivery per exact listing, read live.
Checked: 23 September 2026
-
Yields as stated by the shop (@ 5% average coverage); not tested by us.
Checked: 23 September 2026
-
Official product pages for 3YM61AE, 3YM60AE, 3YM62AE, 3YM63AE and 6ZD17AE: codes, yields, prices and reviews.
Checked: 23 September 2026
-
Product pages of the DeskJet 2820e/2822e/2823e/4220e/4230e and ENVY 6420e with HP's statements on dynamic security and HP+; the successors DeskJet 2920/4320e and ENVY 6120e/6122e/6532e list HP 308 as the replacement cartridge.
Checked: 23 September 2026
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 .