Compatible ink cartridges versus original

ados42

Hi
I have an HP officejet pro 8600  printer that takes HP951XL cartridges. I have always used HP cartridges but am now considering using compatible non HP cartridges. Does anybody have experience of this printer and compatible cartridges?
What are the cons of not using original cartridges, I have tried Googling for a comparison on independent review sites but all I get is sites selling compatible cartridges.
Any advice?
Thanks

Zinger549

I have used compatible cartridges for many years and never had any issues. They're cheaper and i've not noticed any difference in print quality.

EssexExile

On the other hand I bought some compatible cartridges for my HP printer (sorry, can't remember the model) and they were useless. I took them back and got some different ones and they were useless too.

JustAnotherSaver

THAT printer, THOSE cartridges - no.

I have used no-name cartridges in the past though and they don't last nearly as long as genuine ones in MY experience. Print quality was no different from what I can remember. I just needed to buy them more frequently.

Ebe_Scrooge

I've always used compatible cartridges, never had a problem.  I get a little warning popping up when I install them to tell me I'm not using genuine ones, which I just dismiss.  But can't say I've ever noticed any problems with print quality or anything.

J_B

With my previous printer (Brother) the genuine ones were about a tenner whereas the compatible were one or two quid.

I now have a Canon and as the prices are similar, I stick with genuine

IvanOpinion

I've had a very mixed bag of results using 'compatible' cartridges - I found that with several I was continually running head cleaning cycles to get decent print outs. 

My current printer is an HP. I use about 30-40 pages per month and use their instant ink service.

ados42

Thanks for your comments folks

interstellaflyer

ados42 said:

Hi
I have an HP officejet pro 8600  printer that takes HP951XL cartridges. I have always used HP cartridges but am now considering using compatible non HP cartridges. Does anybody have experience of this printer and compatible cartridges?
What are the cons of not using original cartridges, I have tried Googling for a comparison on independent review sites but all I get is sites selling compatible cartridges.
Any advice?
Thanks

Those machines can be very hit and miss when it comes to compatibles, some people have no issues at all yet others can't get them to work, the problems is not the cartridges, it's firmware updates from HP that specifically cancel out non genuine HP chips, if during the printer installation you didn't opt out of automatic firmware updates then the chances are you will have problems with aftermarket cartridges, this goes for all Office Jet printers that take ink tank type cartridges not just those that take 950/951 cartridges.

Mark994

ados42 said:

Hi
I have an HP officejet pro 8600  printer that takes HP951XL cartridges. I have always used HP cartridges but am now considering using compatible non HP cartridges. Does anybody have experience of this printer and compatible cartridges?
What are the cons of not using original cartridges, I have tried Googling for a comparison on independent review sites but all I get is sites selling compatible cartridges.
Any advice?
Thanks

I have dabbled a lot in non Genuine cartridges and I always worry about the warranty issue on the printers. There have been some serious cowboy outfits in my local area that do all sorts, from selling 'Genuine Originals' down the phone and then sending non genuine inks - then maybe you get one that leaks and they just ignore your calls. 

In my experience of using non genuines for the past few years, websites like cartridgesave.co.uk or tonewisecartridges.co.uk are the way to go. They aren't going anywhere and I've had quick and good customer service from both - and that's the difference in a nut shell, non genuine will never be quite as fault-free as the Originals (although I have had plenty of genuine HP faults), but as long as you know a decent retailer that will sort out any faults for you, you'll save a LOT of money.

HP = Higher Prices!

Sandtree

Never had any major problems with compatibles but:

1) Colour consistency isn't great, not a problem for printing documents etc but more of an issue if printing photos... its not like someone's skin will come out looking bright blue but colours can take a ting etc

2) Brands dont mean as much... we did find a brand that used to produce near identical results to originals in photos for 2 orders and then the next time we ordered them they were way off. Gave them one more chance and the next set were inbetween the two. Looking at the cartridges side by side they were all slightly different markings/labels etc. If you go for a big name in the generic cartridge world you may find more consistency but going for the cheapest end of the market dont think that one pack of XCS~ZDE inks will be like the next pack of XCS~ZDE inks