HP 218A and 218X are toner cartridges for HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201 and 3301 series printers. Released in 2024, they have become essential printing supplies for more and more printer users. This guide aims to delve deeper into their differences, compatibility, FAQs and troubleshooting tips.
What is the Difference between HP 218A and 218X?
HP 218A and 218X toner cartridges vary primarily in their page yields and cost-effectiveness:
- HP 218A is a series of standard-yield toner cartridges suitable for moderate printing needs. The upfront cost is low, but the cost per page printed is high.
- HP 218X is a series of high-yield toner cartridges offering a larger page output. The upfront cost is higher, but the cost per page printed is lower. Ideal for frequent printing tasks and cost savings over time.
Breakdown of HP 218A and 218X:
| OEM Number | Page Yield | OEM Price | Cost Per Page |
| HP 218A Black Toner (W2180A) | 1,300 Pages | $67.99 | 5.23 Cents |
| HP 218A Cyan Toner (W2181A) | 1,200 Pages | $80.99 | 6.95 Cents |
| HP 218A Yellow Toner (W2182A) | 1,200 Pages | $80.99 | 6.95 Cents |
| HP 218A Magenta Toner (W2183A) | 1,200 Pages | $80.99 | 6.95 Cents |
| HP 218X Black Toner (W2180X) | 3,200 Pages | $99.99 | 3.12 Cents |
| HP 218X Cyan Toner (W2181X) | 2,500 Pages | $115.99 | 4.64 Cents |
| HP 218X Yellow Toner (W2182X) | 2,500 Pages | $115.99 | 4.64 Cents |
| HP 218X Magenta Toner (W2183X) | 2,500 Pages | $115.99 | 4.64 Cents |
Compatible Printer Models for HP 218A and 218X
HP 218A and 218X have the same compatibility. They are compatible with the same printers listed below:
- HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw
- HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301cdw
- HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw
- HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw
What are Compatible HP 218A and 218X Toner Cartridges?
Compatible HP 218A & 218X toner cartridges are manufactured by third-party factories to function similarly to original HP cartridges. They often provide significant cost savings without compromising print quality. According to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Improvement Act, use of compatible toner cartridges does not void printer warranty. However, not all compatible toner cartridges are the same. Make sure to order compatible toner cartridges from a trusted supplier like Ready Toner.
What Does "No Chip" Mean for Compatible HP 218A & 218X Toner Cartridges?
"No Chip" means that the compatible HP 218A and 218X toner cartridges do not come with built-in chips. Tools and instructions for transferring OEM chips are included. To use these cartridges, you must transfer the chip from your original HP cartridge to ensure compatibility with your printer. To learn more about the difference between "No Chip" and "With Chip", check out our article: Understanding "No Chip" and "With Chip" on Toner Cartridges.
How to Transfer Chips for HP 218A and 218X Toner Cartridges?
The process of transferring the OEM toner chip involves the following steps:
- Reset the toner chip removal tool
- Install the tool onto the toner cartridge
- Use the tool to remove the chip from the toner cartridge
- Reset the toner chip removal tool
- Clean the chip surface to get it ready to use
- Install the chip onto the new toner cartridge
Why Do We Supply Compatible HP 218A & 218X Toner Cartridges without Chips?
The reasons why we provide cartridges without chips are as follows:
- Compatible chips are still under development or in limited supply. As of August 2024, there are no qualified HP 218A and 218X compatible chips in the printing industry.
- Save more printing costs for users. Based on past experience, compatible chips are more expensive when they are first launched, which directly leads to higher prices for compatible toner cartridges with built-in chips. Providing toner cartridges without chips can help users save a lot of printing costs.
- Avoid compatible cartridges being blocked by printer firmware updates. This is a unique advantage of cartridges without chip. Because they reuse OEM chips, new printer firmware will not block them.
Compatible HP 218A & 218X Toner Cartridges with Built-in Smart Chip
Compatible cartridges without chips have unique advantages. But they require you to spend a little time transferring the chip before use. In addition, their limitation is that they cannot monitor the toner capacity. Therefore, many users would rather spend more money to buy toner cartridges with built-in smart chips.
When Will Compatible HP 218A & 218X with Built-in Smart Chip be Available?
According to our factory, compatible HP 218A & 218X toner cartridges with built-in smart chip are expected to be available in the fourth quarter of 2024. If the development process goes smoothly, they may be released earlier. On the contrary, their ETA may be delayed due to development and testing. Want to know the ETA of compatible HP 218A/X with built-in smart chip? Subscribe to our newsletter so we can notify you as soon as we release them.
Common Error Messages: "Cartridge Low" and "Non-HP Chip Detected"
- Cartridge Low: Indicates low toner levels. When you reuse an OEM chip on the compatible HP 218A & 218X toner cartridge, you printer will also display a "Cartridge Low" message because the chip data cannot be reset. However, you can snooze the error message for a certain period.
- Non-HP Chip Detected: Appears when the printer does not recognize the installed cartridge's microchip. Typically, this error message is caused by the compatible cartridge being blocked by a printer firmware update. Therefore, we recommend that you turn off printer firmware updates immediately.
Understanding these nuances helps optimize printing efficiency and manage costs effectively with HP 218A and 218X toner cartridges. Whether you choose original HP cartridges or compatible alternatives, these insights empower informed decision-making for your printing needs. If you have any other questions about HP 218A and 218X toner cartridges, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment. We will be happy to help you.