HP 61 vs 61XL, What Is the Difference

Is HP 61 and 61XL the same? HP 61 and HP 61XL are the same series of ink cartridges, but have different capacities. The HP 61 is a standard capacity ink cartridge suitable for medium printing needs. The HP 61XL is the high-capacity version designed for users with higher printing volumes. What is the difference between HP 61 vs 61XL? Which one is right for you? This blog will explore these questions in detail.

Overview

Data comes from HP's official website, and prices may fluctuate over time.

The HP 61 and HP 61XL have the same physical construction, ink composition, printer compatibility, and print quality, but they differ in page yields, cartridge prices, and cost per page. In comparison, the HP 61XL is more cost-effective for long-term use or high-volume printing. Overall, while the HP 61XL ink cartridges have a higher upfront cost, their superior page yields make them a more economical option for those looking to make a difference without compromising on quality.

Which cartridge to choose depends on your usage. When printing frequently or in large volumes, it is recommended to purchase the HP 61XL. If you print rarely, choose HP 61 ink.

Compatible HP 61XL Ink Cartridge Combo Pack of 2 (1 BK + 1 Tri) Sale price: $39.95

Compatible HP 61XL Black Ink Cartridge - Single Pack Sale price: $19.95

Compatible HP 61XL Color Ink Cartridge - Single Pack Sale price: $22.95

HP 61 vs 61XL: What Are the Same

Physical Structure

The HP ink 61 61XL has the same physical dimensions of 4.49 x 1.43 x 4.05 inches, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of HP printers. Both cartridges feature a sleek, compact design with a rectangular shape and smooth edges for easy insertion into the printer. They all have a label that displays important information, including cartridge model, ink type, and capacity. HP 61 and HP 61XL ink cartridges have the same appearance and size and integrate seamlessly into your print setup, delivering reliable performance and high-quality prints.

Printer Compatibility

HP 61 and HP 61XL ink cartridges can be used in the same printer. They also work with a wide range of HP printers, offering broad compatibility, such as models from the HP DeskJet, HP Envy and HP OfficeJet series:

HP DeskJet 1000, 1010, 1012, 1050, 1051, 1055, 1056, 1510, 1512, 1514, 2050, 2510, 2512, 2514, 2540, 2541, 2542, 2543, 2544, 2546, 2547, 3000, 3050, 3051, 3052, 3054, 3056, 3510, 3511, 3512.

HP ENVY 4500, 4502, 4504, 5530, 5531, 5532, 5534, 5535.

HP OfficeJet 2620, 2621, 4630, 4632, 4635.

Ink Composition

HP 61 and HP 61XL ink cartridges deliver reliable performance to meet your printing needs, each with a unique ink composition tailored for specific printing requirements.

HP 61 black and HP 61XL black ink feature a pigment-based formula designed to deliver crisp, long-lasting black text documents. Each of your text documents will look sharp and stand the test of time.

The HP 61 color and HP 61XL color Ink Cartridges, on the other hand, both feature dye-based formulas that are engineered to deliver a range of vibrant shades. Whether it's a graphic or a photo, each of your prints has rich color and crisp detail.

Print Quality

HP 61 and HP 61XL ink cartridges deliver crisp text, vibrant colors, and smooth gradients on every print job. You can rely on HP printers to get high-quality prints time after time without worrying about streaks, spots, or other printing defects. These cartridges perform reliably, consistently producing professional-grade output that meets the highest standards. They are a popular choice for homes and offices.

HP 61 Ink vs HP 61XL Ink: What’s the Difference

The differences between HP 61 and HP 61XL mainly focus on their page output, price and cost per page.

Page Yield

HP 61 black ink yields 170 pages and HP 61 color ink yields 150 pages. The HP 61XL produced twice as many pages as the HP 61 when printing the same thing. HP 61XL black ink has a page yield of up to 430 pages, and HP 61XL color ink has a page yield of up to 300 pages. When comparing the page yields of the HP 61 and HP 61XL ink cartridges, it's clear that the XL model has significantly higher yields. It provides users with more print yields per cartridge and ultimately reduces cartridge replacement frequency.

Ink Cartridge Price

Below is the price list of HP 61 61XL. HP 61 black ink cartridge is priced at $23.99, while HP 61 color ink cartridge is priced at $33.99. Its combo pack, which includes black and color cartridges, costs $54.99. By comparison, HP 61XL black cartridge costs $52.99, HP 61XL color cartridge costs $55.99, and bundle costs $77.99.

As you can see, the 61XL has a higher upfront cost than standard cartridges because it prints more pages. If you have high-volume printing needs, consider buying in bulk to get a better deal. Although HP 61XL ink cartridges provide higher page yields, they also have a higher upfront cost compared to HP 61 standard ink cartridges. However, when you consider cost per page, XL cartridges generally offer better value over time.

Prices are from the HP website and may change over time.

Cost Per Page

Cost per page is calculated using price and page yield to measure how much you spend per page. The lower the number, the lower the cost you incur. It's clear from the table above that the HP 61XL, despite being more expensive, offers better value in terms of cost per page due to its higher page yield. The HP 61XL has lower overall printing costs because its black ink, color ink, and even multipack ink cost less per page than the HP 61. The 61XL offers better economics over time, and the HP 61XL requires fewer replacements, improving printing efficiency.

Which One to Choose, HP Ink 61 vs 61XL

Choosing between HP 61 and HP 61XL ink cartridges ultimately comes down to your specific printing needs and budget considerations.

If your printing requirements are light to moderate and you print mostly text documents or the occasional color print, then standard-capacity HP 61 ink cartridges may be sufficient. The HP 61 ink cartridges are also ideal if you prioritize upfront affordability and want to replace ink cartridges less frequently, even if that means accepting a slightly higher cost per page.

On the other hand, if you have a higher print volume or frequently print documents or high-resolution photos, then purchasing HP 61XL ink cartridges is a wise choice. Despite the higher upfront cost, the HP 61XL costs less per page over the long term. They are better suited for long-term cost savings for users with larger printing needs. Additionally, choosing HP 61XL ink cartridges offers added convenience as you will spend less time replacing cartridges and enjoy more uninterrupted printing.

True Image offers great savings on quality HP 61 and HP 61XL replacement ink cartridges for your inkjet printer. Other printer inks are also available, such as HP 910XL, HP 962XL, Brother LC401, Brother LC406, Epson 222, and Epson 232. They all offer OEM print quality and excellent page yields at a fraction of the original price. Fast same day shipping and 30 day money back guarantee.

Wrapping Up

The HP 61 and 61XL each have their pros and cons, and which one to choose will depend on your use case. Before making a decision, consider factors such as print volume, budget, and frequency of cartridge replacement. By understanding the differences between HP 61 and HP 61XL ink cartridges, you can make an informed choice to meet your printing needs while maximizing value for money.