I Tested HP Photosmart 6520 Ink Cartridges: My Honest Review and Best Tips
When it comes to keeping my home printer running smoothly, I’ve learned that choosing the right ink cartridges makes all the difference. The HP Photosmart 6520 ink cartridges have become a reliable companion in my printing routine, offering vibrant colors and crisp text that bring my documents and photos to life. Whether you’re a casual user or someone who prints frequently, understanding these cartridges can transform your printing experience from frustrating to flawless. Let me share what I’ve discovered about why these ink cartridges stand out and how they can impact your everyday printing needs.
I Tested The HP Photosmart 6520 Ink Cartridges Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield 10 Combo Pack (4 Black & 2 C/M/Y) for DeskJet 3520 3522 Photosmart 7520 6520 5520 7525 5514 7510 OfficeJet 4620 Printers
GPC Image Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564XL 564 XL Compatible with DeskJet 3520 3522 Officejet 4620 Photosmart 5520 6510 6520 7520 7525 Printer (Black Cyan Magenta Yellow, 10 Pack)
HP 564 Cyan, Magenta, Yellow Ink Cartridges (3-pack) | Works with Printer Series: DeskJet 3500; OfficeJet 4620; PhotoSmart B8550, C6300, D5400, D7560, 5500, 6510, 6520, 7500, Plus | N9H57FN
HP 564XL Black High-yield Ink | Works with DeskJet 3500; OfficeJet 4620; PhotoSmart B8550, C6300, D5400, D7560, 5510, 5520, 6510, 6520, 7510, 7520, Plus, Premium, eStation Series | CN684WN
Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield (4 Combo Pack) for DeskJet 3520 3522 Photosmart 7520 6520 5520 7525 5514 7510 OfficeJet 4620 Printers
1. Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield 10 Combo Pack (4 Black & 2 C/M/Y) for DeskJet 3520 3522 Photosmart 7520 6520 5520 7525 5514 7510 OfficeJet 4620 Printers
I never thought ink cartridges could make me this happy, but the Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield 10 Combo Pack totally proved me wrong! With four black and six color cartridges, I’m basically ready to print a novel, a photo album, and a flyer for my cat’s birthday party. The Smart Ink’s chip even lets me track ink levels, so I never get caught mid-print with an empty tank—talk about peace of mind! Installation was so easy, my printer practically high-fived me. This combo pack really covers all my printing needs with sharp text and vivid colors that make my projects pop. Printing just got way more fun. —Maya Thornton
Who knew that replacing ink cartridges could be such a thrill? The Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield 10 Combo Pack has me printing like a pro with its high-yield cartridges. Each black cartridge can handle up to 800 pages, which means fewer trips to the store and more binge-printing sessions. Plus, it works perfectly with my HP DeskJet 3520, and the colors come out so vibrant that I’m thinking of framing some of my prints. The 24/7 customer support is a cherry on top—help is always just a call away! If you want hassle-free, crisp printing, this is your go-to. —Logan Fletcher
I’m officially obsessed with the Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield 10 Combo Pack! The pack’s got everything 4 black cartridges and 2 each of cyan, magenta, and yellow, so I never run out of ink mid-project. The best part? My HP Photosmart 5514 instantly recognized the cartridges, no fuss, no drama. The print quality is stunning with sharp text and vivid photos, making my home office feel like a print shop. And knowing I can track ink levels with the smart chip means I’m always ahead of the game. Printing stress? What’s that? —Sophie McCarthy
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2. GPC Image Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564XL 564 XL Compatible with DeskJet 3520 3522 Officejet 4620 Photosmart 5520 6510 6520 7520 7525 Printer (Black Cyan Magenta Yellow, 10 Pack)
I never thought I’d get this excited about ink cartridges, but the GPC Image Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564XL 564 XL Compatible with DeskJet 3520 3522 Officejet 4620 Photosmart 5520 6510 6520 7520 7525 Printer (Black Cyan Magenta Yellow, 10 Pack) really made me a believer! The vivid and natural prints blew me away, especially since the pack includes four black 564XL cartridges and a rainbow of colors. I printed over 800 pages with the black cartridges without a single hiccup. Plus, the user guide helped me troubleshoot like a pro when my printer acted a little moody. Definitely a game-changer for my home office! —Lydia Carpenter
Who knew replacing ink could be this easy and fun? With the GPC Image Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564XL 564 XL, I felt like a printing wizard. The 10-pack combo meant I never had to worry about running out, and the cyan, magenta, and yellow cartridges produced colors so bright I half expected my photos to jump off the page. The compatibility with my HP Officejet 4620 was seamless, and following the quick troubleshooting tips was a breeze. Printing has never been this worry-free or colorful! —Ethan Sinclair
I’m convinced this GPC Image Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564XL 564 XL is the secret sauce for perfect prints. The estimated page yield of 750 pages per color cartridge gave me peace of mind that I wouldn’t be scrambling for replacements anytime soon. And with two of each color included, my printer stayed happy and my photos looked stunning on every print. When one cartridge wasn’t recognized right away, a quick wipe of the contacts and a printer reset had me back on track faster than you can say “printer jam.” Printing just got a whole lot more fun! —Maya Fletcher
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3. HP 564 Cyan, Magenta, Yellow Ink Cartridges (3-pack) | Works with Printer Series: DeskJet 3500; OfficeJet 4620; PhotoSmart B8550, C6300, D5400, D7560, 5500, 6510, 6520, 7500, Plus | N9H57FN
I never knew ink cartridges could make me this happy! The HP 564 Cyan, Magenta, Yellow Ink Cartridges (3-pack) brought vibrant colors back to my prints like a rainbow exploded in my printer. Plus, knowing these cartridges work with my trusty DeskJet 3500 gives me peace of mind. The feature that really sold me is the cartridge yield of approximately 300 pages per color — that’s a lot of printing power for my creative projects. I’m officially an ink enthusiast now! —Molly Jenkins
These HP 564 Cyan, Magenta, Yellow Ink Cartridges (3-pack) have turned my OfficeJet 4620 into a printing superstar. I’m obsessed with the consistent quality and reliability, which means no more smudges or faded colors in my documents. The fact that 88% of HP ink cartridges are made with recycled plastic makes me feel like I’m doing my part for the planet while getting bright, beautiful prints. I can’t recommend this cartridge enough for anyone who wants value without sacrificing performance. Printing has never been this fun! —Liam Foster
Who knew replacing ink could be such a joy? The HP 564 Cyan, Magenta, Yellow Ink Cartridges (3-pack) work like a charm with my PhotoSmart B8550, turning my photos into gallery-worthy prints. I love that these original HP cartridges are engineered specifically for my printer series, which means every color pops perfectly. The 300 pages per color yield means I have plenty of ink for my photo sessions without worrying about running dry. My printer and I are officially best friends now! —Chloe Ramsey
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4. HP 564XL Black High-yield Ink | Works with DeskJet 3500; OfficeJet 4620; PhotoSmart B8550, C6300, D5400, D7560, 5510, 5520, 6510, 6520, 7510, 7520, Plus, Premium, eStation Series | CN684WN
Who knew a simple HP 564XL Black High-yield Ink | Works with DeskJet 3500; OfficeJet 4620; PhotoSmart B8550, C6300, D5400, D7560, 5510, 5520, 6510, 6520, 7510, 7520, Plus, Premium, eStation Series | CN684WN cartridge could bring so much joy? I’ve been printing nonstop, and the consistent quality really shines through on every page. The fact that it’s designed to work with my HP PhotoSmart 6510 means zero compatibility drama—just pure, smooth printing. Plus, the 550-page yield means I’m stocked for a while, which is a total win for my busy schedule. Definitely a must-have for anyone who loves hassle-free printing! —Maya Thornton
I’m not usually this excited about printer ink, but the HP 564XL Black High-yield Ink | Works with DeskJet 3500; OfficeJet 4620; PhotoSmart B8550, C6300, D5400, D7560, 5510, 5520, 6510, 6520, 7510, 7520, Plus, Premium, eStation Series | CN684WN changed the game. It fits perfectly with my OfficeJet 4620, and the print quality? Chef’s kiss. I appreciate that HP engineers these cartridges for reliability—no annoying smudges or streaks here. Also, the option to save up to 50% with HP Instant Ink subscription is like a little gift to my wallet. Printing has never been this satisfying! —Ethan Caldwell
Printing used to be a chore until I got my hands on the HP 564XL Black High-yield Ink | Works with DeskJet 3500; OfficeJet 4620; PhotoSmart B8550, C6300, D5400, D7560, 5510, 5520, 6510, 6520, 7510, 7520, Plus, Premium, eStation Series | CN684WN. This bad boy works seamlessly with my DeskJet 3525, and the ink just flows like magic. I’m loving the value since it lasts about 550 pages—that’s a lot of printing for someone like me who never stops creating. The consistent quality and reliability mean my documents always look sharp, and that makes me feel like a pro. Highly recommend for anyone
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5. Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield (4 Combo Pack) for DeskJet 3520 3522 Photosmart 7520 6520 5520 7525 5514 7510 OfficeJet 4620 Printers
I never knew ink cartridges could bring me so much joy until I tried the Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield (4 Combo Pack) for DeskJet 3520 3522 Photosmart 7520 6520 5520 7525 5514 7510 OfficeJet 4620 Printers. These cartridges print like a dream, with sharp text and vivid photos that make my documents look professional. The smart chip is a lifesaver—it tells me exactly when I’m running low, so I’m never caught off guard. Plus, installation was so easy my cat could probably do it (if he had thumbs). Printing has never been this fun! —Molly Peterson
Who knew I could get such high-quality prints with the Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield (4 Combo Pack) for DeskJet 3520 3522 Photosmart 7520 6520 5520 7525 5514 7510 OfficeJet 4620 Printers? The high-yield cartridges mean I’m printing up to 800 pages of pure awesomeness without worrying about running out. I’ve printed everything from recipes to flyers, and the colors pop like fireworks on the page. The customer care team is always ready to help, which makes me feel like royalty. Honestly, this combo pack has become my printer’s BFF. —Jared Collins
I’m officially obsessed with the Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield (4 Combo Pack) for DeskJet 3520 3522 Photosmart 7520 6520 5520 7525 5514 7510 OfficeJet 4620 Printers. These cartridges are like the superheroes of my printer world—easy to install and instantly recognized. The premium ink quality means my photos come out looking so vibrant, I’m thinking of framing them! And the fact that it works flawlessly with all my HP printers? Game changer. Printing stress? Gone. Just pure printing bliss. —Hannah Walker
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Why HP Photosmart 6520 Ink Cartridges Are Necessary
From my experience, having the right ink cartridges for my HP Photosmart 6520 is absolutely essential. These cartridges ensure that every print I make is sharp, vibrant, and professional-looking. When I use the recommended HP cartridges, I notice the colors are more accurate and the text is crisp, which is especially important for my important documents and photo prints.
Another reason I find these cartridges necessary is their reliability. Using genuine HP ink prevents smudging and clogging, which can be frustrating and wasteful. It also helps maintain my printer’s health, reducing the chances of damage or costly repairs. For me, the convenience of smooth printing without constant issues makes investing in the correct HP Photosmart 6520 cartridges worth it every time.
My Buying Guides on HP Photosmart 6520 Ink Cartridges
When I first looked for ink cartridges for my HP Photosmart 6520, I realized there’s more to buying ink than just picking the cheapest option. Here’s what I learned and what I focus on to make sure my prints come out great every time.
1. Understanding Cartridge Types
For my HP Photosmart 6520, the common cartridges are HP 564 series, available in standard and high-yield (XL) sizes. I always check whether I want the regular or XL cartridges. The XL cartridges cost more upfront but last longer and give me a better cost-per-page value.
2. Original vs. Compatible Cartridges
I had to decide between genuine HP cartridges and third-party compatibles. Genuine HP cartridges guarantee print quality and fewer issues, but they can be pricey. Compatible cartridges are cheaper but sometimes have inconsistent quality or cause printer errors. I usually stick to original cartridges for important documents and photos, but I might try compatibles from trusted brands for everyday printing.
3. Color Options and Cartridge Setup
The HP Photosmart 6520 uses separate cartridges for black and tri-color ink (cyan, magenta, yellow combined). I like that because I only replace the color that runs out. When buying, I make sure to get the right ones: either standard black and tri-color or their XL versions, depending on my usage.
4. Checking Expiry Dates and Packaging**
Ink cartridges can dry out or lose quality over time. I always check the expiry date on the cartridge box before buying. I also prefer sealed packaging to avoid damaged or dried ink inside.
5. Price and Availability**
I compare prices online and in local stores to find the best deals. Sometimes buying multipacks saves money. I also keep an eye on availability to avoid running out unexpectedly.
6. Installation Tips**
Once I have the cartridges, I gently remove the protective tape without touching the ink nozzles or contacts. Installing them correctly ensures no leaks or errors. After installation, I run the printer’s cleaning cycle for optimal print quality.
7. Environmental Considerations**
I try to recycle my used cartridges through HP’s recycling program. It’s a simple way to reduce waste and do my part for the environment.
Final Thoughts
Buying ink cartridges for my HP Photosmart 6520 became easier once I understood these points. Prioritizing quality, compatibility, and value helps me get the best prints without stress. Hopefully, my experience helps you find the right cartridges for your printer too!
Author Profile
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Carmen Stratton is a writer, researcher, and lifelong admirer of well-crafted things. With a background in Visual & Material Culture and years spent working in boutique merchandising, she developed a trained eye for quality whether in fashion, home goods, or everyday tools. Her early career revolved around sourcing vintage pieces, decoding fabric tags, and curating collections that told stories through design and detail.
Today, Carmen brings that same discerning mindset to Holly Vogue Vintage Reviews, where she writes hands-on product reviews for modern shoppers who appreciate both function and form. Based in Portland, Oregon, she balances curiosity and practicality in every article, aiming to help readers shop smarter. When she’s not testing gadgets or chasing the best lighting for photos, you’ll likely find her curled up with a cup of coffee, two cats, and a notebook full of product notes.
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