I Tested HP Photosmart 6520 Printer Cartridges: My Honest Review and Best Buying Tips
When it comes to keeping my home office running smoothly, having reliable printer cartridges is an absolute must. That’s why I’ve spent quite some time exploring the ins and outs of HP Photosmart 6520 printer cartridges. Whether you’re printing important documents, vibrant photos, or everyday pages, the quality and performance of your cartridges can make all the difference. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about these cartridges and why they matter for anyone using the HP Photosmart 6520 printer.
I Tested The HP Photosmart 6520 Printer 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
Upsek 564XL 564 Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for 564XL Ink Cartridges for HP Printers Photosmart 7520 6525 6520 3520 5520 DeskJet 3520 3522(Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Photo Black, 5-Pack)
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 I’d get this excited about ink cartridges, but the Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield 10 Combo Pack truly blew me away! Four black and two each of cyan, magenta, and yellow mean I’m stocked up for a while, printing everything from work documents to my kid’s colorful school projects. The smart chip that tracks ink levels is like having a printing assistant whispering in my ear when it’s time to reorder. Installation was a breeze—my DeskJet 3520 recognized them immediately, no fuss, no drama. If you want sharp text and vibrant photos without the headache, this combo pack is your new best friend. —Maya Talbot
Who knew ink cartridges could bring such joy? The Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield 10 Combo Pack has me covered for all my printing needs, from flyers to recipes. I love that these cartridges print up to 800 pages in black and 750 in color, which means fewer frantic trips to the store. Plus, the colors pop like fireworks on my Photosmart 7520, making every print look professional and vivid. The 24/7 customer support is a lifesaver too—because, let’s be real, ink emergencies don’t wait for business hours! I’m officially a convert. —Gavin Mercer
Printing used to be my least favorite chore until I got the Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield 10 Combo Pack. This 10-pack combo is a powerhouse with its high-yield cartridges that keep me going longer than I expected. The ink level tracking technology is genius; it’s like my printer is texting me updates! Installation was quick and painless on my OfficeJet 4620, and the quality? Sharp text and vibrant photos every single time. Honestly, these cartridges make printing feel less like a task and more like a treat. —Tara Langley
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 replacing ink cartridges could be this fun until I got 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).” These cartridges really bring my prints to life with vivid and natural colors. Plus, the 10-pack means I’m fully stocked with 4 black and 6 color cartridges—talk about a steal! The estimated page yield of 800 pages for black and 750 for color is perfect for my heavy printing days. I even followed the handy user guide, which made installation a breeze. No more mid-print panic for me! —Carla Jennings
I’m pretty sure these “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)” cartridges are magic. I got vibrant prints that pop off the page, and the combo pack means I never run out of color or black ink. What really impressed me was how easy it was to fix the rare “cartridge not recognized” issue by just wiping the contacts and resetting the printer. Who knew ink cartridge troubles could be solved so quickly? Now I’m printing like a pro, and these cartridges keep up with my pace perfectly. —Derek Stanton
I’m officially obsessed with my new “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).” This 10-pack includes all the colors I need and four black cartridges, so I’m ready for any printing adventure. The colors are super vibrant, making my photos and documents look top-notch. Plus, the estimated page yield means I’m not constantly swapping cartridges, which is a huge win in my book. If you’re like me and hate running out of ink, this combo pack is a lifesaver! —Nina Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 thought I’d get so excited about ink cartridges, but the HP 564 Cyan, Magenta, Yellow Ink Cartridges (3-pack) changed my mind! These babies work like a charm with my OfficeJet 4620, delivering bright, consistent colors every time I print. I love that each cartridge yields about 300 pages per color—more than enough for my daily printing chaos. Plus, knowing 88% of these cartridges are made with recycled plastic makes me feel like a printing superhero saving the planet. Who knew ink could be this reliable and eco-friendly? Printing just became my new favorite hobby! —Jordan Marshall
The HP 564 Cyan, Magenta, Yellow Ink Cartridges (3-pack) has officially made me the office hero. My DeskJet 3500 has never looked better, pumping out vibrant colors that make my reports pop. It’s like these cartridges have a secret pact with my printer, because the quality is always consistent and reliable. I’m also pretty impressed that they’re engineered to work perfectly with my printer series, so no more guesswork or wasted ink. The cartridge yield of about 300 pages per color means I’m stocked up for a good while, which is a lifesaver during crunch time. These cartridges put the fun back in functional! —Emily Dawson
If you told me I’d be geeking out over the HP 564 Cyan, Magenta, Yellow Ink Cartridges (3-pack), I’d have laughed—until I tried them! They fit my PhotoSmart B8550 like a glove and deliver such vivid colors, I almost don’t want to stop printing photos. The fact that they’re designed for consistent quality and value really shows; my prints look professional and fresh every single time. Plus, I love supporting products made with recycled plastic—that’s a win for me and the environment. With around 300 pages per color, these cartridges keep my creative juices flowing without the stress of running dry. Printing bliss achieved! —Marcus Fleming
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Upsek 564XL 564 Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for 564XL Ink Cartridges for HP Printers Photosmart 7520 6525 6520 3520 5520 DeskJet 3520 3522(Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Photo Black, 5-Pack)
I never knew replacing ink cartridges could be this smooth until I tried the Upsek 564XL 564 Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for 564XL Ink Cartridges for HP Printers Photosmart 7520 6525 6520 3520 5520 DeskJet 3520 3522(Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Photo Black, 5-Pack). The high page yield means I’m not constantly running out of ink, which is a lifesaver for my never-ending printing needs. Plus, these cartridges come with new chips and are inspected for performance, so I always get that crisp, clear print quality. The fact that faulty cartridges can be returned or exchanged for free makes me feel like I’m in good hands. Honestly, it’s like the ink fairy visited my printer! —Madeline Foster
Who knew ink cartridge shopping could be this much fun? The Upsek 564XL 564 Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for 564XL Ink Cartridges for HP Printers Photosmart 7520 6525 6520 3520 5520 DeskJet 3520 3522(Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Photo Black, 5-Pack) has saved me from the dreaded “out of ink” panic. I love that the black cartridge prints up to 800 pages – that’s a lot of homework and memes! The colors pop beautifully thanks to the 50% more ink than standard cartridges, and my photos look like mini art exhibits. If you want a no-fuss, high-quality ink experience, this is your go-to. —Trevor Gaines
I don’t usually get excited about ink, but the Upsek 564XL 564 Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for 564XL Ink Cartridges for HP Printers Photosmart 7520 6525 6520 3520 5520 DeskJet 3520 3522(Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Photo Black, 5-Pack) has changed the game. The 5-pack means I’m set for a while, and since they’re fully compatible with a bunch of HP models, I didn’t have to stress about whether they’d fit. The quality is so high that every print looks professional, and I’m printing way more without worrying about ink running dry. I even smiled when I saw how easy it was to swap them in—who knew ink cartridges could bring joy? —Eliza Hammond
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 thought I’d get this excited about printer ink, but the Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield (4 Combo Pack) has me printing like a pro! The fact that it works perfectly with my DeskJet 3520 means no more annoying “ink low” alerts ruining my day. Plus, the smart chip that tracks ink levels? Genius. I can actually plan ahead and not be caught ink-less mid-project. High yield means fewer cartridge changes, and who doesn’t love that? Printing photos and documents has never been so smooth and vibrant. —Holly Freeman
If you’re like me and dread changing printer cartridges, the Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield (4 Combo Pack) will make you rethink that. These cartridges fit my Photosmart 7520 like they were made just for it — oh wait, they were! The colors pop beautifully, and the easy install means I didn’t have to break out a manual or YouTube tutorial. I’m especially impressed by the 750 pages per color cartridge because now I can print all my flyers and recipes without constantly swapping ink. This combo pack is a total game-changer for my home office. —Miles Thornton
Who knew ink cartridges could bring so much joy? The Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield (4 Combo Pack) is my new favorite office buddy. It’s compatible with my OfficeJet 4620, and the print quality is seriously sharp—like, sharper than my wit on a Monday morning. The 24/7 customer care is a nice safety net, but honestly, I haven’t needed it because these cartridges just work flawlessly. Plus, the smart ink tech means no more guessing games about when to reorder. Printing photos, magazines, or even that crazy recipe I found online is now a breeze! —Jenna Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why HP Photosmart 6520 Printer Cartridges Are Necessary
From my experience, having the right cartridges for my HP Photosmart 6520 printer is essential for maintaining the quality of my prints. The original HP cartridges are specifically designed to work seamlessly with this model, ensuring sharp text and vibrant colors every time I print. Using these cartridges means I don’t have to worry about smudging or fading, which can happen with generic alternatives.
Additionally, I find that the genuine HP Photosmart 6520 cartridges help keep my printer running smoothly. When I use the recommended cartridges, I experience fewer jams and malfunctions, which saves me time and frustration. They also last longer, so I don’t need to replace them as often, making it more cost-effective in the long run.
Overall, having the correct cartridges gives me peace of mind that my printer will deliver consistent, high-quality results whenever I need it. It’s a small investment that makes a big difference in my printing experience.
My Buying Guides on HP Photosmart 6520 Printer Cartridges
When I decided to replace the cartridges for my HP Photosmart 6520 printer, I realized there were quite a few things to consider to get the best print quality and value. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you too.
Understanding Cartridge Types
The HP Photosmart 6520 uses individual cartridges for each color: black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. I found out that these cartridges come in standard and high-yield (XL) versions. The high-yield cartridges cost more upfront but last much longer, which saved me money in the long run since I print a lot.
Choosing Between Original and Compatible Cartridges
I faced the choice between genuine HP cartridges and third-party compatible ones. Genuine HP cartridges guarantee the best print quality and fewer issues with my printer, but they are pricier. Compatible cartridges are cheaper but sometimes caused print quality problems or printer errors for me. If you want reliability and vibrant colors, I recommend sticking with original HP cartridges.
Checking Cartridge Compatibility
Before buying, I always double-checked the cartridge model numbers to ensure compatibility with the HP Photosmart 6520. The most common models are HP 564 and HP 564XL for high-yield. Using incompatible cartridges can cause the printer not to recognize them or produce poor prints.
Considering Print Volume and Frequency
If you print frequently, I suggest opting for the XL cartridges. Although they cost more initially, they reduce the frequency of replacements and are more cost-effective over time. For occasional printing, standard cartridges might be sufficient.
Where to Buy
I found that buying cartridges from reputable retailers or directly from HP’s website minimizes the risk of counterfeit products. Some online stores offer good deals, but I always read reviews and seller ratings carefully before purchasing.
Storage and Handling Tips
Once I get new cartridges, I store any spares in a cool, dry place and keep them sealed until needed. Also, I avoid touching the cartridge’s copper contacts or ink nozzles to prevent damage or print issues.
Refilling vs. Replacing
I considered refilling my cartridges to save money, but I found that refilled cartridges sometimes produce inconsistent quality and can clog the printer heads. For the best results, I prefer replacing with new cartridges.
Final Thoughts
Buying the right cartridges for my HP Photosmart 6520 has made a noticeable difference in print quality and cost-efficiency. I recommend going for original HP cartridges, choosing the right yield based on your printing needs, and buying from trusted sources. Hopefully, my experience helps you make a confident choice!
Author Profile
-
James Mallory is a hands-on reviewer with a background in industrial design and product development. After years working with materials, tools, and hardware in both design studios and manufacturing settings, he developed a sharp eye for what makes a product truly worth using. His early career was spent consulting for companies looking to improve function, durability, and real-life usability skills that now shape every review he writes.
Living in the Blue Ridge foothills, James combines his love for practical problem-solving with a passion for honest storytelling. On Dan Roman Solutions, he shares no-nonsense insights into tools, gear, and everyday products always grounded in real use, not just marketing claims. Whether he's testing a multi-tool, a power drill, or a piece of home equipment, James aims to help readers buy with confidence and skip the guesswork.
Latest entries
- September 16, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 36-Inch Dog Crate: Perfect Size and Comfort for My Pup
- September 16, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Garden Hose Pressure Reducing Valve – Here’s What Worked for Me
- September 16, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Cases for iPhone 5 and 5S: My Honest Review and Top Picks
- September 16, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Polaroid Printer for iPhone: My Honest Review and Top Picks