For weeks, I’ve been putting the HP 963XL 4-pack High Yield Original Ink Cartridges (Model Number: 963XL 4-pack) through its paces. This review covers my experience with these cartridges, encompassing their installation, print quality, yield, and overall value for money. I’ve printed a diverse range of documents – from everyday letters and spreadsheets to vibrant photographs and detailed graphics – to thoroughly assess their performance.

The HP 963XL 4-pack includes one black, one cyan, one magenta, and one yellow high-yield ink cartridge. The packaging is straightforward, clearly labeling each cartridge with its color and model number (3JA30AE, 3JA27AE, 3JA28AE, and 3JA29AE respectively). Installation was a breeze; each cartridge slipped effortlessly into its designated slot. The cartridges felt sturdy and well-constructed.

Print quality was consistently excellent across all colors. Text was sharp and crisp, even at smaller font sizes. Color prints were vibrant and accurate, with smooth gradations and minimal banding. I was particularly impressed with the photographic prints; colors were rich and true-to-life. Regarding yield, HP’s claim of ‘high yield’ certainly held true. I printed several hundred pages before needing to replace any of the cartridges. There was no noticeable drop in print quality toward the end of each cartridge’s lifespan.

One minor observation: there was a slight delay in the printer recognizing the new cartridges during the initial installation, but this was quickly resolved after a simple printer restart. Otherwise, printing speeds were not impacted and remained consistent with previous cartridges.

Pros:

• Excellent print quality across all colors.
• High yield, resulting in fewer cartridge replacements.
• Easy installation.
• Vibrant and accurate color reproduction.

Cons:

• Slight delay in initial cartridge recognition.
• Price point may be higher compared to third-party options (though this should be weighed against the higher yield and quality).

Overall, the HP 963XL 4-pack High Yield Original Ink Cartridges offer excellent value for money. The high yield significantly reduces the frequency of cartridge replacements, while maintaining superior print quality. While the initial cartridge recognition delay was a minor inconvenience, the overall performance far outweighs this. I would wholeheartedly recommend these cartridges to anyone seeking reliable and high-quality prints for their HP printer. They’re a worthy investment for frequent printing needs.