Ultimate Guide to HP 68 & 68e Ink Cartridges

HP recently released new inkjet printers: HP ENVY 6152e/6155e/6552e/6555e/6558e. These printers come with a set of HP 68 ink cartridges. While when ordering replacement ink cartridges for these printer, you will see another option: HP 68e ink cartridges. Are they the right cartridges for your printer? What is the difference between HP 68 and 68e ink cartridges? Which one is more worth buying?

In this guide, we’ll explain the similarities, differences, and usage tips - so you can decide if HP 68e is the right choice.

What is the Difference Between HP 68 and 68e Ink Cartridges?

• HP 68 Ink Cartridges: Standard-yield ink cartridges coming with the printer. They are also available from most retailers. With a standard page yield, they can print up to 160 pages for black and 120 pages for tri-color.
• HP 68e Ink Cartridges: A high-yield alternative to the HP 68 Ink Cartridge. Prints up to 320 pages in black and 120 pages in tri-color. Currently, HP only offers the HP 68e black ink cartridge. Therefore, you'll need to use it in conjunction with the HP 68 tri-color ink cartridge.

👉 The main difference is that the HP 68e prints more pages than the HP 68 ink cartridges.

HP 68 vs. 68e: Are They Interchangeable?

The HP 68 & 68e ink cartridges are designed to work with the same printers. So you can feel free to use both of them in your printer. Below are the compatible printers:

• HP ENVY 6152e
• HP ENVY 6155e
• HP ENVY 6552e
• HP ENVY 6555e
• HP ENVY 6558e

👉 If your printer is one of these models, you can use HP 68 and 68e ink cartridges interchangeably.

Why are HP 68 and 68e Ink Cartridges so Expensive?

Many HP users are surprised by the high cost of original HP 68 and HP 68e ink cartridges. In fact, sometimes the replacement HP ink cartridges seem almost as expensive as the printer itself. Here are the main reasons behind the price:

1. Printer-as-a-Service Model

HP often sells printers at very low prices, sometimes even below cost, because they expect to earn long-term revenue from ink sales. This is sometimes referred to as the “razor-and-blades” business model.

2. Proprietary Technology & Smart Chips

Both HP 68 and HP 68e ink cartridges contain smart chips that communicate with the printer. These chips help monitor ink levels and prevent counterfeiting but also make third-party manufacturing more difficult, which keeps prices higher.

3. Ink Quality & R&D Costs

HP invests heavily in developing inks that deliver sharp text, vibrant colors, and long-lasting prints without clogging printheads. The cost of research, testing, and maintaining quality standards is built into the cartridge price.

4. Instant Ink & Subscription Incentives

The HP 68 & 68e are designed to work seamlessly with HP’s Instant Ink subscription service, which can reduce cost per page. However, if you’re buying single cartridges outside the subscription, the price is deliberately higher to encourage users to switch to Instant Ink.

5. Limited Page Yield

HP 68 and 68e ink cartridges have low ink yields. Even the HP 68e black cartridge only produces 320 pages, so the cost per page can feel high. For frequent printer users, this makes the HP 68 and 68e ink cartridges expensive compared to laser or third-party alternatives.

👉 In short, the high price of HP 68 and 68e ink cartridges is a result of HP’s business model, advanced chip technology, and quality control. While the upfront cost may seem steep, the cartridges are designed to provide consistent, reliable printing.

Where to Buy Cheap HP 68 & 68e Ink Cartridge Replacements?

While you can always buy genuine HP 68E cartridges from HP or retailers, cheaper alternatives exist:

• Compatible HP 68e ink cartridges – Third-party options with similar performance at lower prices.
• Remanufactured HP 68 ink cartridges – Genuine HP shells refilled and tested for quality.
• Value packs – Buying multiple cartridges in one pack reduces the cost per page.

👉 Choose suppliers that provide warranties and ISO-certified quality for peace of mind. At Ready Toner, all replacement ink and toner cartridges are ISO9001, ISO14001, CE, and STMC certified. And we back our products with a Lifetime 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Therefore, you can always shop with confidence at Ready Toner.

How to Replace an HP 68E Ink Cartridge

Replacing your HP 68/68e ink cartridge is quick and easy:

1. Power on your printer.
2. Open the ink cartridge access door.
3. Wait until the ink carriage stops moving.
4. Press the release tab and remove the empty HP 68/68e ink cartridge.
5. Unpack the new HP 68/68e ink, remove the protective strip.
6. Insert it firmly into the correct slot (Black or Tri-color).
7. Close the door and confirm installation on the screen.

Common Error Messages for HP 68/68e Ink Cartridges

Some users may see error messages after installing new cartridges. Common alerts include:

• “Cartridge Missing or Damaged” – Check installation and remove the tape on the ink cartridge.
• “Non-HP Cartridge Detected” – Occurs with compatibles; cartridges might be blocked by new HP printer firmware. Check the ultimate solution for HP Firmware Blocking Non-HP Ink Cartridges.
• “Cartridge Not Recognized” – Power cycle the printer and reinsert. Alternatively, double-check that the ink cartridges you ordered are suitable for your printer.
• Instant Ink Restrictions – If you have an HP+ subscription, make sure you are using original HP 68/68e ink cartridges that came with HP Instant Ink. Also, the printer under HP+ requires an internet connection.

Tips to Save Printing Costs

• Use XL Versions – The HP 68e high-yield ink cartridges reduce cost per page. They are more cost-effective in the long run.
• Enable Draft Mode – Cuts ink usage for everyday printing.
• Choose Compatible Ink Cartridges – You can save up to 50% using Ready Toner compatible HP 68/68e ink cartridges.
• Subscribe to Instant Ink – Only recommended for customers who purchase only original ink cartridges. If you want the greatest savings, compatible ink cartridges are undoubtedly the best choice.
• Print Smarter – Avoid unnecessary pages and double-check before printing.

Final Thoughts

HP 68e ink cartridges offer the same compatibility and excellent print quality as standard HP 68 ink cartridges. The HP 68e has a higher upfront cost, but actually offers a lower cost per page. If you're looking for maximum savings, HP 68e ink cartridges are your best choice.