What This Product Is

The HP 67 Black Ink Cartridge (3YM56AN) is a standard-capacity, original HP black ink cartridge designed specifically for a range of entry-level and midrange HP inkjet printers. It’s compatible with:

• HP DeskJet 1255, 2700, and 4100 series
• HP Envy 6000 and Envy 6400 series

This is the regular (non-XL) version of the HP 67 cartridge, tuned for everyday home and small-office printing. It uses pigment-based black ink for crisp text and is eligible for HP Instant Ink, HP’s subscription service for automatic ink replenishment.

While the exact retail cost varies, the HP 67 Black is typically positioned as a budget-friendly original cartridge in this lineup, and you can often find it around $22.89 on its product page.

Why It Matters

Ink cartridges are the ongoing cost of owning an inkjet printer, and choosing between original and third-party cartridges can significantly affect print quality, reliability, and even printer compatibility.

The HP 67 Black matters because it is:

• The officially supported cartridge for several popular low-cost HP DeskJet and Envy models.
• Engineered to deliver reliable page yields (roughly 120 black-and-white pages per cartridge under ISO/IEC test conditions) and consistent output.
• Integrated with HP’s Instant Ink ecosystem, which can simplify ink management for frequent users.

For users who rely on their printer for school assignments, home office documents, labels, and general correspondence, this cartridge aims to strike a balance between cost, quality, and convenience.

Key Advantages

1. Reliable Compatibility and Performance

Because it is an original HP cartridge, the 67 Black is designed and tested specifically for supported HP printers. This typically means:

• Fewer recognition or error issues compared to some third-party cartridges.
• Consistent print quality over the life of the cartridge.
• Proper integration with printer firmware, including ink level monitoring and low-ink alerts.

2. Crisp, Pigment-Based Black Text

The HP 67 Black uses pigment-based ink, which is optimized for:

• Sharp, readable text on plain paper
• Better resistance to smearing and fading than many dye-based blacks when used on standard office paper

For everyday documents—reports, forms, shipping labels, and text-heavy pages—this formulation offers professional-looking output without the need for specialized paper.

3. Straightforward Installation and Monitoring

Installation typically involves snapping the cartridge into its dedicated slot, guided by the printer’s on-screen or app-based prompts. Once installed:

• The printer can display ink levels, helping you plan replacements.
• Low-ink alerts reduce the risk of running out mid-print.

Combined with the HP Smart app (where supported), you can monitor cartridge status and order replacements directly from your phone.

4. Instant Ink Eligibility

The cartridge is eligible for HP Instant Ink, meaning many printers using HP 67 can enroll in HP’s subscription program. For users who print regularly, Instant Ink can:

• Simplify budgeting with a per-page subscription rather than per-cartridge purchases.
• Ensure replacement cartridges are shipped proactively before you run out.

If you decide not to use Instant Ink, you can still purchase HP 67 Black as a standalone cartridge (as in the product linked above) and pay a typical one-time price such as $22.89.

5. Environmental Considerations

HP emphasizes that many of its original cartridges, including the HP 67 series, use recycled materials and are compatible with HP’s Planet Partners recycling program. This allows you to return used cartridges for free recycling rather than sending them to landfill.

Key Limitations

1. Standard Yield Only (Fewer Pages per Cartridge)

The HP 67 Black standard cartridge is rated for approximately 120 pages under standardized testing conditions. Real-world yield will vary based on what you print, but for moderate to heavy users, this can mean frequent replacements.

If your printer supports it, the HP 67XL high-yield version may offer better long-term value by providing more pages per cartridge, though at a higher upfront cost.

2. Cost vs. Third-Party Alternatives

While original HP ink generally offers the best compatibility and print quality for HP printers, it also tends to be more expensive per page than many third-party or remanufactured cartridges.

Users on a tight budget may find the cost per page higher than they would like, especially if they print large volumes. Third-party options exist but may come with trade-offs in reliability, print quality, or warranty support.

3. Region and Model Restrictions

The HP 67 series is designed primarily for specific regional markets and printer families. That means:

• You cannot interchange it with other HP families such as HP 63 or HP 305, even if the cartridges look similar.
• If you move to a different region, your printer may require cartridges designated for that region.

Who It’s For

The HP 67 Black Ink Cartridge is well-suited for:

• Home users and students printing assignments, essays, worksheets, and general documents.
• Home office users who need reliable black-and-white prints—letters, forms, invoices, and shipping labels.
• Occasional to moderate printers who value convenience and compatibility over squeezing out the lowest possible cost per page.
• Users already in the HP ecosystem, especially those with HP DeskJet 1255/2700/4100 or Envy 6000/6400 series printers who want a plug-and-play consumable that “just works.”

If you fall into one of these categories and prefer to avoid hassles with chip recognition or inconsistent print quality, the original HP 67 Black is a practical choice.

Who Should Skip It

You may want to look for alternatives if:

• You print in high volume. For hundreds of pages per month, the standard-yield HP 67 may require frequent replacements. Consider the HP 67XL version (if compatible with your printer) or a different printer platform such as a tank-based or business inkjet model.
• You’re extremely cost-sensitive. If cost per page is your primary concern and you are comfortable troubleshooting occasional printer errors, third-party remanufactured or compatible cartridges can sometimes be cheaper—though with more variability in quality and reliability.
• You don’t own a compatible printer. The HP 67 Black only works with supported HP models. If you use a different printer family (or a non-HP printer), this product is not applicable.

Final Recommendation

The HP 67 Black Ink Cartridge (3YM56AN) is a solid, no-nonsense choice for owners of compatible HP DeskJet and Envy printers who want dependable black text output with minimal fuss. Its strengths lie in reliable compatibility, crisp pigment-based printing, and simple integration with HP’s software and Instant Ink ecosystem.

While its standard yield and cost per page may not be ideal for very heavy printing, for typical home and small-office workloads it offers a good balance of quality, reliability, and ease of use. If you own a supported HP printer and are looking for a straightforward replacement cartridge, the HP 67 Black at around $22.89 is easy to recommend as a primary, dependable ink option.