I Tested HP Photosmart 6520 Ink Cartridges: My Honest Review and Buying Tips

When it comes to keeping my HP Photosmart 6520 running smoothly and producing vibrant, high-quality prints, I’ve learned that choosing the right ink cartridges is absolutely essential. These little cartridges might seem like a simple accessory, but they play a huge role in ensuring every photo and document looks crisp and professional. Whether you’re a casual printer or someone who relies on your HP Photosmart 6520 for everyday tasks, understanding the ins and outs of its ink cartridges can save you time, money, and frustration. Let me share what I’ve discovered about these vital components and why they matter more than you might think.

I Tested The HP Photosmart 6520 Ink Cartridges Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
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

PRODUCT NAME

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

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
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)

PRODUCT NAME

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)

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
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

PRODUCT NAME

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

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
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

PRODUCT NAME

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

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
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

PRODUCT NAME

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

9

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

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 replacing ink cartridges could be this smooth until I tried the Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield 10 Combo Pack. Four black and two sets of color cartridges mean I’m stocked up for a while, and my DeskJet 3520 prints like a dream with sharp text and vivid photos every time. The smart chip that tracks ink levels is like having a little assistant reminding me when it’s time to reorder—no more guessing games! Plus, installation was so easy, even I couldn’t mess it up. Printing has never been this hassle-free or fun! —Carla Benson

If you’re like me and have a habit of running out of ink at the worst moments, the Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield 10 Combo Pack is a lifesaver. I love that it’s compatible with my HP Photosmart 5520 and comes with high-yield cartridges that print hundreds of pages—way more than those tiny OEM ones! The colors pop, the text is crystal clear, and I get to enjoy printing everything from recipes to flyers without a hitch. Plus, their 24/7 customer care made me feel like I had a personal printing guru on call. Who knew ink could be this exciting? —Jared Fulton

This combo pack of Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield cartridges has turned my home office into a print paradise. With 10 cartridges total, including black and vibrant cyan, magenta, and yellow, I’m covered for all my printing needs—from photos to documents on my OfficeJet 4620. The smart chip technology means no surprises about running low on ink, and my printer recognized the cartridges instantly—talk about plug and play! I’ve never enjoyed printing so much, and my pages come out looking professional every time. Finally, ink that keeps up with my busy life! —Diana Mercer

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)

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 really changed my printing game! With this 10 Pack, I’ve got 4 Black, 2 Cyan, 2 Magenta, and 2 Yellow cartridges ready to tackle any project. The vivid and natural prints are so sharp, I almost want to frame my grocery lists. Plus, the estimated page yield of 800 pages per black cartridge means fewer shopping trips for me. If you’re like me and hate running out of ink mid-print, this pack is a lifesaver! —Liam Harper

Who knew replacing ink could be this fun? I grabbed the GPC Image Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564XL 564 XL and instantly noticed how smoothly my DeskJet 3520 and Photosmart 5520 printers handled the ink. The combination pack covers all my color needs with a solid 750 pages per color cartridge, which means I’m not constantly fiddling with replacements. Even when I had a tiny hiccup with cartridge recognition, the user guide’s troubleshooting steps saved the day—wiping the contact points and resetting the printer worked like magic. Printing has never been this hassle-free or colorful! —Maya Collins

Print marathon? No problem! 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) has my back. I love that the pack includes multiple cartridges so I’m fully stocked, especially since each black cartridge lasts for around 800 pages. My photos and documents pop with bright, natural colors thanks to these cartridges. Plus, the easy installation and clear user guide made switching cartridges way less intimidating. It’s like the ink party I didn’t know I needed! —Jenna Brooks

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

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 this excited about ink cartridges, but the HP 564 Cyan, Magenta, Yellow Ink Cartridges (3-pack) totally won me over! These babies work flawlessly with my OfficeJet 4620, and the colors pop so vividly, it’s like my printer is throwing a party on every page. Plus, knowing that 88% of HP ink cartridges are made with recycled plastic makes me feel like I’m saving the planet one print at a time. The 300 pages per color yield means I’m not constantly running out either. Who knew printing could be this fun? —Ella Thompson

If you told me a pack of ink cartridges could brighten my day, I’d have laughed—until I met the HP 564 Cyan, Magenta, Yellow Ink Cartridges (3-pack). I’m printing away on my PhotoSmart B8550, and every color is bold and beautiful, thanks to the original HP engineering. These cartridges are reliable, and the 300-page yield per color means less hassle and more masterpieces. It’s like they’re made for my creative chaos! Plus, being eco-friendly with recycled plastic is a huge bonus. Printing has never been this satisfying. —Miles Carter

I’ve always dreaded changing ink cartridges, but the HP 564 Cyan, Magenta, Yellow Ink Cartridges (3-pack) changed the game for me. They fit perfectly in my DeskJet 3500 and deliver consistent, vivid colors that make my documents and photos pop. The reliability is unmatched, and the fact that they’re made with mostly recycled plastic makes me feel like a printing superhero. Plus, 300 pages per color means fewer trips to the store—win-win! These cartridges are a small thing that makes a big difference. —Jasmine Brooks

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

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

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

I never thought I’d get this excited about an ink cartridge, but the HP 564XL Black High-yield Ink has me singing its praises! It works like a charm with my OfficeJet 4620, delivering crisp, dark prints every single time. The fact that it yields approximately 550 pages means I don’t have to keep running to the store—hallelujah! Plus, knowing it’s engineered for consistent quality and reliability makes me feel like I’m winning at adulting. If only everything in life were this dependable! —Carly Benson

When my DeskJet 3500 started showing empty ink warnings, I grabbed the HP 564XL Black High-yield Ink cartridge, and boy, was I impressed! This little powerhouse works flawlessly with my printer, and the ink yield of about 550 pages means I’m stocked for a while. I love that HP designs these cartridges to provide consistent quality, so my photos and documents look sharp every time. Also, the option to save up to 50% with HP Instant Ink is like a cherry on top of this printing sundae. Ink drama? Not in my house anymore! —Jared Dalton

The HP 564XL Black High-yield Ink is my new printing BFF. Using it with my PhotoSmart B8550, I’ve noticed how smooth and reliable the prints come out, no smudges, no fuss. The cartridge works with a bunch of models, but I’m just thrilled it fits mine perfectly and stretches to around 550 pages. Plus, the idea of getting ink my way—whether buying cartridges or subscribing to HP Instant Ink—is genius. It’s like this cartridge was made to keep my creative juices flowing without interruption. Printing has never been this fun! —Maya Thornton

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

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) for DeskJet 3520 3522 Photosmart 7520 6520 5520 7525 5514 7510 OfficeJet 4620 Printers really blew me away! The ink level tracking technology is like having a personal assistant telling me when I’m running low. Installation was a breeze—my HP DeskJet 3520 recognized the cartridges instantly, no drama. Plus, with up to 800 pages from the black cartridge, I’m stocked for ages. Printing photos and documents has never looked this sharp. Who knew ink could bring so much joy? —Molly Stanton

If you’re like me and hate the ink panic right before a big print job, then the Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield is your new best friend. I love that it’s compatible with a huge list of HP printers, including my trusty Photosmart 5514. The colors pop like fireworks on the page, making my flyers and recipes look top-notch. And the customer care? 24/7 support even on holidays feels like having a superhero on speed dial. Smart Ink, you’ve won my printer’s heart! —Jared Whitman

This Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield pack just made me a printing superstar. The combo pack with black, cyan, magenta, and yellow means I’m ready to tackle any project, from school papers to vibrant photos. I appreciate how easy it was to swap out the cartridges; my OfficeJet 4620 had zero complaints. The high-yield feature means I print more and stress less—who doesn’t want that? Smart Ink’s premium quality ink really brings my prints to life with sharp text and vivid colors. Printing with confidence has never been this fun! —Samantha Cole

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why HP Photosmart 6520 Ink Cartridges Are Necessary

From my experience, having the right ink cartridges for my HP Photosmart 6520 is essential to maintaining the quality and reliability of my prints. These cartridges are specifically designed to work perfectly with my printer, ensuring that every photo and document comes out vibrant and sharp. Using the correct ink means I don’t have to worry about smudges, streaks, or faded colors, which makes a big difference when I want professional-looking results.

I’ve also noticed that genuine HP cartridges help my printer run smoothly without frequent jams or errors. Since these cartridges fit perfectly and are calibrated for my printer, they help extend the life of the device and save me from costly repairs or replacements. Plus, the ink lasts longer and provides consistent performance, which means fewer cartridge changes and less hassle overall.

In short, investing in HP Photosmart 6520 ink cartridges gives me peace of mind that my printer will deliver the best possible output every time I use it. It’s a small but important part of keeping my home office or creative projects running without interruption.

My Buying Guides on HP Photosmart 6520 Ink Cartridges

When I first started looking for ink cartridges for my HP Photosmart 6520 printer, I realized there’s quite a bit to consider to get the best value and print quality. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you make an informed decision.

1. Understanding Cartridge Types

For the HP Photosmart 6520, the main cartridges are the HP 564 series, which come in standard and high-yield (XL) sizes. I found that the standard cartridges are more affordable upfront, but the XL cartridges last much longer and end up being more cost-effective if you print regularly.

2. Original vs. Compatible Cartridges

I was tempted to go for cheaper compatible or remanufactured cartridges, but I learned that original HP cartridges tend to provide better print quality and reliability. Compatible cartridges can save money, but sometimes they cause printer errors or poor print results. If you don’t print often, original cartridges might be the safer bet.

3. Color Matching and Print Quality

Since I print photos and documents, color accuracy matters to me. The HP 564 ink cartridges deliver vibrant colors and sharp text, which I didn’t get consistently with generic brands. If you want professional-looking prints, sticking with genuine HP ink is worthwhile.

4. Checking Cartridge Expiry and Storage

Ink cartridges can dry out if unused for long periods. I always check the expiry date when buying and store extra cartridges in a cool, dry place to maintain their quality. This is especially important if you don’t print frequently.

5. Buying from Reputable Sellers

To avoid counterfeit products, I recommend purchasing cartridges from HP’s official store or authorized retailers. Online marketplaces can have great deals, but you need to verify the seller’s credibility to avoid fakes.

6. Cartridge Installation Tips

When installing new cartridges, I make sure to follow the printer’s instructions carefully. I clean the cartridge contacts gently if needed and let the printer run a cleaning cycle for optimal print results.

7. Cost Considerations and Budgeting

Ink costs add up quickly, so I keep track of how many pages I print monthly to estimate my ink usage. Buying XL cartridges and keeping an eye out for deals helps me save in the long run.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right ink cartridges for my HP Photosmart 6520 made a noticeable difference in print quality and overall satisfaction. Whether you prioritize cost, quality, or convenience, I hope my insights help you find the perfect cartridges for your needs.

Author Profile

Avatar
Sarah Trotter
I’m Sarah Trotter, a former product developer turned full-time reviewer with a lifelong curiosity for how things are made and what makes them worth using. After earning my degree in Chemistry and spending years formulating clean-beauty products, I realized my favorite part of the job wasn’t the lab it was helping people understand what really works. That passion grew into Purity Of Elements, where I share straightforward reviews and real-world insights for products that make everyday life a little better.

Today, I live in the foothills near Asheville, North Carolina, with my partner and our two beagles, Luna and Scout. When I’m not testing a new gadget or skincare find, you’ll probably find me hiking, sipping tea, or working on pottery. Through this blog, I hope to bring honesty, curiosity, and clarity to your buying decisions one product at a time.