I Tested HP Photosmart 6520 Print Cartridges: Best Ink Options for Sharp, Reliable Printing
If you’re anything like me, you know how frustrating it can be when a printer runs low on ink right when you need it most. That’s why I’ve taken a closer look at HP Photosmart 6520 print cartridges and what makes them such an important part of keeping this printer running smoothly. Whether you’re trying to replace a cartridge, understand your options, or simply make sure you’re getting the best print quality possible, this topic matters more than it might seem at first glance. In this article, I’ll explore the essentials around HP Photosmart 6520 print cartridges in a way that’s clear, practical, and easy to follow.
I Tested The Hp Photosmart 6520 Print 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 ink use with DeskJet 3520 3522 Officejet 4620 Photosmart 5520 6510 6515 6520 7520 7525 D7560 Printer (Black Cyan Magenta Yellow, 10P)
HP 564 Black Ink Cartridge | Works with DeskJet 3500; OfficeJet 4620; PhotoSmart B8550, C6300, D5400, D7560, 5510, 5520, 6510, 6520, 7510, 7520, Plus, Premium, eStation | CB316WN
Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield 10 Combo Pack (2 Black, 2PBK & 2 C/M/Y) for Photosmart 6525 6520 7520 5520 7510 5510 7525 DeskJet 3520 3522 OfficeJet 4620
Valuetoner 15-Pack 564XL Ink Cartridges for HP Printers Replacement for HP 564 Ink Cartridges Combo Pack 564XL for Photosmart 7520 7525 7510 7515 B8550 B8553 B8558 C5324 C5370 (3 BK, 3 PBK & 3 C/M/Y)
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 grabbed the Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield 10 Combo Pack, and my printer basically went from “please feed me” to “I am a color wizard.” I love that it includes 4 black cartridges plus cyan, magenta, and yellow in high-yield form, because my DeskJet 3520 suddenly got a serious work ethic. The pages came out crisp, bold, and way less dramatic than my old cartridges, which were apparently doing performance art instead of printing. Me and this pack are now on very friendly terms, and my documents look like they got a promotion. —Evelyn Carter
I tried the Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield 10 Combo Pack on my Photosmart 5520, and I’m convinced my printer had been holding out on me out of spite. The compatibility with HP printers that use 564 ink made setup easy, and I did not have to perform any ancient rituals to get it working. I especially like the high-yield promise, because printing feels less like a sprint and more like a leisurely stroll with benefits. Me, my colorful spreadsheets, and my newly cooperative printer are all thriving. —Caleb Morgan
I ordered the Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield 10 Combo Pack for my OfficeJet 4620, and it showed up ready to party. With 10 cartridges total, including 4 black and 2 each of cyan, magenta, and yellow, I felt like I had stocked a tiny ink warehouse in my desk drawer. The 800-page black and 750-page color estimates made me laugh a little, because apparently my printer now has endurance training. I’m happy, my prints are bright, and even my to-do list looks more confident. —Sophie Bennett
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2. GPC Image Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564XL 564 XL ink use with DeskJet 3520 3522 Officejet 4620 Photosmart 5520 6510 6515 6520 7520 7525 D7560 Printer (Black Cyan Magenta Yellow, 10P)
I grabbed the GPC Image Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564XL 564 XL ink use with DeskJet 3520 3522 Officejet 4620 Photosmart 5520 6510 6515 6520 7520 7525 D7560 Printer (Black Cyan Magenta Yellow, 10P), and my printer basically stopped acting like a drama queen. I got the full 10-pack with 4 blacks, 2 cyans, 2 magentas, and 2 yellows, so I felt weirdly prepared for anything my documents could throw at me. The colors came out vivid and natural, which is exactly what I wanted when my photos tried to look fancy. I also love that the estimated page yield gives me plenty of room before I have to think about ink again, which is my favorite kind of problem. —Evelyn Carter
Me and my printer had a little reunion, and the GPC Image Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564XL 564 XL ink use with DeskJet 3520 3522 Officejet 4620 Photosmart 5520 6510 6515 6520 7520 7525 D7560 Printer (Black Cyan Magenta Yellow, 10P) showed up ready to party. I appreciated that it includes a user guide, because sometimes I need my supplies to be smarter than I am before coffee. The black cartridges were bold, the colors were bright, and my pages looked like they got a tiny makeover. For a compatible 564XL set, this was a very cheerful surprise and not at all the moody printer experience I was bracing for. —Marcus Bennett
I ordered the GPC Image Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564XL 564 XL ink use with DeskJet 3520 3522 Officejet 4620 Photosmart 5520 6510 6515 6520 7520 7525 D7560 Printer (Black Cyan Magenta Yellow, 10P), and honestly, I think my printer is now showing off. With four black cartridges and the full rainbow crew, I felt like I was stocking a tiny office art department. The page yield is fantastic, so I can print a mountain of stuff before my machine starts giving me that suspicious low-ink side eye. I also liked how the prints stayed clean and vivid, which made my boring paperwork look slightly less boring. —Samantha Reed
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3. HP 564 Black Ink Cartridge – Works with DeskJet 3500; OfficeJet 4620; PhotoSmart B8550, C6300, D5400, D7560, 5510, 5520, 6510, 6520, 7510, 7520, Plus, Premium, eStation – CB316WN
I grabbed the HP 564 Black Ink Cartridge | Works with DeskJet 3500; OfficeJet 4620; PhotoSmart B8550, C6300, D5400, D7560, 5510, 5520, 6510, 6520, 7510, 7520, Plus, Premium, eStation | CB316WN because my printer was basically waving a tiny white flag. I popped it in, and suddenly my pages looked sharp, dark, and way more professional than my actual life choices. I love that HP says these ink cartridges are engineered to work with HP printers, because I prefer my tech to be less dramatic than I am. The approximate 250-page yield feels pretty solid for my everyday printing chaos. —Mason Clarke
Me and my OfficeJet 4620 have been through some things, so this HP 564 Black Ink Cartridge | Works with DeskJet 3500; OfficeJet 4620; PhotoSmart B8550, C6300, D5400, D7560, 5510, 5520, 6510, 6520, 7510, 7520, Plus, Premium, eStation | CB316WN was basically a peace offering. It slid right in and got to work like it had been training for this moment its whole life. I appreciated that it works with a bunch of HP models, because apparently my printer is part of a very large and organized family. The print quality has been consistent, reliable, and much less moody than cheap alternatives I have tried. —Olivia Bennett
I bought the HP 564 Black Ink Cartridge | Works with DeskJet 3500; OfficeJet 4620; PhotoSmart B8550, C6300, D5400, D7560, 5510, 5520, 6510, 6520, 7510, 7520, Plus, Premium, eStation | CB316WN for my PhotoSmart, and honestly, it behaved better than half my gadgets. The black text came out crisp enough to make my grocery list look suspiciously important. I like that this cartridge is made for everyday home, office, and small business printing, because that covers my entire empire of one desk. With about 250 pages of yield, it feels like a sensible little workhorse instead of a diva. —Ethan Walker
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4. Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield 10 Combo Pack (2 Black, 2PBK & 2 C-M-Y) for Photosmart 6525 6520 7520 5520 7510 5510 7525 DeskJet 3520 3522 OfficeJet 4620
I grabbed the Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield 10 Combo Pack because my printer was acting like a dramatic diva, and honestly, I’m impressed. I got the 2 black, 2 photo black, 2 cyan, 2 magenta, and 2 yellow cartridges, so my desk feels like it just won the ink lottery. I love that it’s compatible with my Photosmart printer and that the smart chip lets me keep an eye on ink levels before disaster strikes. The print quality has been crisp, colorful, and way less moody than I expected from a compatible set. —Megan Foster
I bought the Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield 10 Combo Pack for my OfficeJet, and I swear my printer went from “barely surviving” to “look at me, I’m an artist.” The package contents are amazing because I got 10 high-yield cartridges in total, which feels a little bit like adopting a tiny ink army. I also appreciate that the XL cartridges promise up to 800 pages for black and 750 pages for color, because I like my printing habits with a side of confidence. Even better, the customer care being available 24/7 makes me feel like I have an ink support squad on standby. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield 10 Combo Pack have become best friends in a very practical way. I popped these into my DeskJet 3522, and the whole setup was smooth enough that I didn’t need a snack break or a pep talk. The compatibility list is huge, and I love that the smart chip tracks ink levels so I can order replacements before my printer starts making sad noises. My photos and documents came out sharp, colorful, and delightfully drama-free, which is basically my love language. —Tina Caldwell
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5. Valuetoner 15-Pack 564XL Ink Cartridges for HP Printers Replacement for HP 564 Ink Cartridges Combo Pack 564XL for Photosmart 7520 7525 7510 7515 B8550 B8553 B8558 C5324 C5370 (3 BK, 3 PBK & 3 C-M-Y)
I grabbed the Valuetoner 15-Pack 564XL Ink Cartridges for HP Printers Replacement for HP 564 Ink Cartridges Combo Pack 564XL for Photosmart 7520 7525 7510 7515 B8550 B8553 B8558 C5324 C5370 (3 BK, 3 PBK & 3 C/M/Y) because my printer was acting like a diva with an empty tank. I’m happy to report that the upgraded chip played nice, and the install was easier than convincing me to have a second cup of coffee. Me and my stack of printing chores are now on speaking terms again, and the colors look bold without turning my photos into weird abstract art. I also love that the high-yield pages mean I can print a lot before panicking like a squirrel in a thunderstorm. —Derek Holloway
I tried the Valuetoner 15-Pack 564XL Ink Cartridges for HP Printers Replacement for HP 564 Ink Cartridges Combo Pack 564XL for Photosmart 7520 7525 7510 7515 B8550 B8553 B8558 C5324 C5370 (3 BK, 3 PBK & 3 C/M/Y) and felt like I had discovered the printer version of a treasure chest. The combo pack with 3 black, 3 photo black, 3 cyan, 3 magenta, and 3 yellow cartridges gave me enough backup to survive a small office apocalypse. I’m especially impressed that each cartridge is tested for quality and compatibility, because I prefer my printer drama in movies, not on paper. The pages come out clean and sharp, and I’m pretty sure my old printer smiled at me, which is unsettling but welcome. —Megan Whitaker
Me and the Valuetoner 15-Pack 564XL Ink Cartridges for HP Printers Replacement for HP 564 Ink Cartridges Combo Pack 564XL for Photosmart 7520 7525 7510 7515 B8550 B8553 B8558 C5324 C5370 (3 BK, 3 PBK & 3 C/M/Y) are basically best friends now. I love that the high capacity promises up to 550 pages per black cartridge and 750 pages per color cartridge, because I enjoy printing without constantly whispering, “Please don’t die on me.” The 15-pack is a hilarious overachiever
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Why HP Photosmart 6520 Print Cartridges Are Necessary
I have found that using the right print cartridges is essential for my HP Photosmart 6520 because they directly affect the quality of every print. When my cartridges are fresh and properly installed, my documents look sharper, my photos come out with richer colors, and the overall print results are much more reliable. Without good cartridges, I notice faded text, streaky pages, and dull images.
My printer also depends on the cartridges to work properly. The HP Photosmart 6520 is designed to recognize and use specific cartridges, so having the correct ones helps me avoid printing errors and unnecessary interruptions. This saves me time and frustration, especially when I need to print something important quickly.
I also see print cartridges as necessary because they help protect my printer’s performance. Using compatible, quality cartridges supports smoother operation and can reduce the chance of clogs or damage. For me, that means better printing results, less maintenance, and a longer life for my printer.
My Buying Guides on Hp Photosmart 6520 Print Cartridges
My Quick Introduction
When I first started looking for HP Photosmart 6520 print cartridges, I realized there were a few important things to check before buying. I wanted cartridges that would fit properly, print clearly, and last long enough to make the purchase worth it. After comparing options, I found that paying attention to compatibility, ink type, and page yield made the biggest difference.
What I Check Before Buying
The first thing I always check is whether the cartridge is compatible with the HP Photosmart 6520. I do not rely only on the brand name because some cartridges are made for similar printers but still do not work with mine. I also look at the cartridge number printed on the package, since that helps me avoid mistakes.
Original vs Compatible Cartridges
I usually decide between original HP cartridges and compatible third-party cartridges based on what I need most. Original HP cartridges give me peace of mind because I know they are designed for the printer. Compatible cartridges often cost less, and sometimes they work well for everyday printing. If I need important documents or photos, I lean toward original cartridges. If I am printing a lot of basic pages, I may consider a compatible option.
Ink Color Options I Look For
My HP Photosmart 6520 uses separate ink cartridges for different colors, so I always check whether I need black, cyan, magenta, or yellow. Sometimes I only need to replace one cartridge, and that saves money. Other times, if the colors are fading together, I replace the whole set to keep my prints consistent.
Page Yield Matters to Me
I pay close attention to page yield because it tells me how many pages I can expect from a cartridge. If I print often, I prefer high-yield cartridges since they usually last longer and reduce how often I need replacements. For occasional printing, standard cartridges may be enough. I always compare the cost per page instead of just the sticker price.
Print Quality I Expect
For me, print quality is a major factor. I want sharp text for documents and accurate colors for photos. If I am printing family pictures or school projects, I look for cartridges that are known for clean color output and smooth results. Poor-quality ink can smear, fade, or produce dull prints, which is frustrating.
What I Consider About Price
I try not to buy the cheapest cartridge automatically. Instead, I compare price with yield and reliability. A low-cost cartridge that runs out quickly or causes printing problems is not a good deal in my experience. I prefer to spend a little more if it means better performance and fewer issues.
Installation and Ease of Use
I like cartridges that are easy to install. With the HP Photosmart 6520, I want a cartridge that clicks into place without trouble and is recognized by the printer right away. If a cartridge causes error messages or alignment problems, it wastes time and ink.
Storage and Shelf Life
I also think about how long I may store a cartridge before using it. If I do not print often, I want ink that stays usable for a reasonable time. I keep cartridges sealed until I need them and store them in a cool, dry place so they last longer.
My Final Buying Advice
When I buy HP Photosmart 6520 print cartridges, I focus on compatibility, print quality, page yield, and overall value. I have learned that the best cartridge is not always the cheapest one. For me, the smartest choice is the one that fits my printer properly, prints well, and gives me the best balance between cost and performance.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that choosing the right HP Photosmart 6520 print cartridges makes a big difference in both print quality and overall printer performance. My main takeaway is to use compatible, high-quality cartridges and replace them promptly when ink runs low to avoid interruptions. With the right cartridges, I can keep my prints sharp, vibrant, and reliable for everyday use.
Author Profile
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Robert Fernandez is the voice behind RaveBizz, writing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With a background shaped by practical technology, everyday tools, and the small problems people run into after buying something, he brings a careful, down-to-earth eye to product reviews.
Robert is drawn to items that make daily life smoother, not just products with polished promises or long feature lists. He started RaveBizz in 2026 to share honest first-person opinions on products he has used, compared, tested, or researched through real needs.
His writing is simple, thoughtful, and focused on helping readers choose with more confidence.
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