If you've come across HP 923 and HP 923e ink cartridges recently, you may be wondering how they differ, whether they are interchangeable, and why they cost so much. In this post, we'll explore the differences between the two, answer some common questions, and share tips on how to save money on ink while maintaining print quality.
Contents:
1. The Differences Between HP 923 and 923e
At first glance, the HP 923 and 923e (also known as HP 923XL) ink cartridges appear to be exactly the same, but there are a few key differences:
Ink Capacity and Yield
The most notable difference is in ink capacity. The HP 923 ink cartridges are standard capacity, meaning they deliver fewer pages per cartridge than the 923e (XL) versions, which are high-yield cartridges. The standard HP 923 ink cartridges typically yield:
- HP 923 Black: 500 pages
- HP 923 Color (Cyan/Yellow/Magenta): 400 pages
The HP 923e (XL) ink cartridges, however, offer a much higher yield, which is why they are often preferred by users with higher-volume printing needs:
- HP 923e Black: 1,000 pages
- HP 923e Color (Cyan/Yellow/Magenta): 800 pages
Note: Page yield is calculated based on ISO standards, and the actual number of printed pages may vary depending on the coverage of your printed document. Check our blog How Many Pages Can A Cartridge Print to learn more about page yield.
Printing Cost
Due to the higher print volume, the HP 923e (XL) ink cartridges typically have a higher upfront cost. However, they offer a lower cost per page in the long run, which can be beneficial for high-volume users.
| Cartridge | Price | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
| HP 923 Black | $38.95 | 500 | 7.79 Cents |
| HP 923e Black | $64.95 | 1000 | 6.40 Cents |
| HP 923 Color | $24.95 | 400 | 6.24 Cents |
| HP 923e Color | $39.95 | 800 | 4.99 Cents |
2. HP 923 vs. 923e: Are They Interchangeable?
Both HP 923 and 923e (XL) ink cartridges are compatible with the same range of printers, so they are interchangeable.
Compatible Printers of HP 923 and 923e (XL):
- HP OfficeJet 8122
- HP OfficeJet 8122e
- HP OfficeJet Pro 8135, 8138, 8139
- HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e, 8138e, 8139e
Both HP 923 and 923e (XL) ink cartridges offer the same high-quality prints, producing crisp text and vivid color images. So you can feel free to replace the 923 ink with the 923e (XL) ink for more savings.
3. Why are HP 923 and 923e Ink Cartridges so Expensive?
There are a few reasons why HP 923 and 923E ink cartridges come with a higher price tag:
- Brand Premium: Like many other products, HP 923 and 923e ink cartridges carry a brand premium. Because HP is a trusted and reputable brand, the price of its ink cartridges is higher due to the perceived value of the brand.
- Business Model: HP utilizes a "razor and blade" business model, which is to sell printers at relatively low prices to incentivize customers to buy their proprietary, and to recoup most of their profits from ink sales rather than the hardware itself.
- Ink Quality: HP uses a high-quality ink formulations in HP 923 & 923e ink cartridges that are designed to provide sharp, vibrant prints. This helps achieve the exceptional quality that HP printers are known for, but it comes at a higher cost.
- Technology & Innovation: HP 923 & 923e ink cartridges use advanced technology to ensure the best print quality and reliability. Features like HP Smart Ink Technology help prevent clogging, ensure consistent colors, and deliver accurate, crisp text, all of which add to manufacturing costs.
- Research and Development: HP invests heavily in research and development to produce printer and ink cartridges, ensuring longevity, print accuracy, and reliability. The cost of these innovations is often reflected in the price of the ink.
4. Where to Buy Cheap HP 923 & 923e Ink Cartridge Replacements?
If you want to save money on HP 923 ink cartridges without sacrificing quality, here are a few places to check:
- Imaging Supplies Dealers: Sites like Ready Toner specialize in affordable replacement ink cartridges, often at better prices and satisfactory customer service.
- Amazon: Amazon generally has competitive prices for both standard HP 923 and high-yield 923e (XL) ink cartridges. Always check third-party sellers who offer OEM or compatible ink cartridges at lower prices, but make sure they have good reviews to avoid print quality issues.
- Office Supply Stores: Stores like Staples, Office Depot, and Best Buy often offer sales, promotions, or membership discounts that can reduce the cost of ink cartridges.
- HP Official Website: HP often offers promotions and subscription plans (such as HP Instant Ink) that can give you discounts or offers on ink if you commit to a regular monthly plan.
5. How to Replace an HP 923/923e Ink Cartridge
Replacing an HP 923 or 923e ink cartridge is a simple process. Follow these steps:
- Turn on your printer and open the ink cartridge access door.
- Wait for the cartridge carriage to stop moving before proceeding.
- Gently pull out the old HP 923 or 923e cartridge from its slot.
- Unpack the new ink cartridge and remove any protective tape from the cartridge.
- Insert the new cartridge into the appropriate slot (black or color), ensuring it clicks securely into place.
- Close the printer’s cartridge access door and follow the on-screen instructions to align the new cartridge (if prompted).
Your printer will automatically recognize the new cartridge, and you're ready to start printing!
6. Common Error Messages for HP 923/923e Ink Cartridges
While HP ink cartridges are designed to work seamlessly, you may encounter a few common error messages during use:
- “Ink Cartridge Missing or Incorrect”: This message appears if the cartridge is not seated correctly or is incompatible with the printer. Make sure the cartridge is inserted properly and is the correct type for your printer model.
- “Cartridge Expired”: Ink cartridges have an expiration date. If you see this message, try removing and reinserting the cartridge, or check if the cartridge is beyond its expiry date.
- “Low Ink”: The printer will notify you when ink is running low, which is expected for both HP 923 and 923e cartridges. You’ll need to replace the cartridge soon to avoid print quality issues.
- “Cartridge Error”: If you see this message, clean the cartridge contacts gently with a dry cloth. If the error persists, it may indicate a faulty cartridge.
7. Tips to Save Printing Costs
Here are some useful tips to reduce your printing expenses while still achieving high-quality prints:
- Opt for High-Yield Cartridges: If you print regularly, invest in HP 923e (XL) cartridges for a better cost per page.
- Use Draft Mode: When printing documents that don’t need high-quality color, use your printer’s draft or economy mode to save ink.
- Print in Black and White: For text-heavy documents, print in black-and-white to avoid wasting color ink.
- Enable Ink Saver Features: Many printers come with ink-saving settings that adjust print quality for economy.
- Buy in Bulk: If you’re printing frequently, consider buying multiple cartridges at once to take advantage of bulk discounts.
- Consider Compatible Cartridges: Many third-party companies offer compatible cartridges at lower prices, but be cautious about the print quality and warranty.
8. Final Thoughts
The HP 923 and 923e (XL) ink cartridges cater to different types of users: the standard 923 is suitable for occasional printing, while the 923e (XL) is ideal for high-volume print users. Understanding their differences, cost considerations, and ways to save on ink can help you make an informed decision that fits your needs and budget.
If you frequently print, opting for the 923e (XL) will help you save money over time, while those with lighter printing needs might find the HP 923 more than sufficient. Regardless of your choice, following tips for ink conservation and buying smart can significantly reduce your overall printing costs.
Let us know if you want to dive deeper into any of these points or need further details!