HP 63 vs HP 63XL: Which Cartridge Should You Buy?
Last Updated:Quick answer: HP 63 and HP 63XL cartridges work in the same printers and produce the same print quality — the only real differences are page yield and price. The XL version holds about 3x more ink and has a significantly lower cost-per-page.
HP 63 vs HP 63XL: Head-to-Head
- HP 63 Black — ~190 pages
- HP 63XL Black — ~480 pages
- HP 63 Tri-color — ~165 pages
- HP 63XL Tri-color — ~330 pages
HP 63 and 63XL are physically the same size on the outside, but the XL version packs in more ink under a slightly different fill. Both cartridges use the exact same print head and ink chemistry, so print quality is identical.
Which Printers Use HP 63 and 63XL?
Both cartridges fit the same HP printers, including:
- HP DeskJet 1112, 2130, 2131, 2132, 2133, 2134, 3630, 3631, 3632, 3633, 3634, 3635, 3636, 3637, 3638
- HP Envy 4512, 4513, 4516, 4520, 4522, 4524
- HP OfficeJet 3830, 3831, 3832, 3833, 3834, 4650, 4652, 4655, 5255, 5258, 5260
Which Should You Buy?
Pick HP 63XL if: you print more than a couple of pages a week, want the lowest cost-per-page, or don't want to swap cartridges often.
Pick standard HP 63 if: you rarely print, the printer is for occasional use only, or you're on a tight upfront budget.
Save Even More with Compatible HP 63 Cartridges
Both OEM HP 63 options are among HP's more expensive cartridges on a per-milliliter basis. Castle Ink's compatible HP 63XL set delivers OEM-matched print quality for up to 75% less than retail. Every order ships same-day from the U.S. and is backed by our satisfaction guarantee.
Official HP 63 Cartridge Information
For official spec sheets and compatibility details, see the HP 63 ink cartridges support page.
Bottom Line
For most users, HP 63XL is the clear winner — roughly 3x the pages per cartridge, same quality, and a much better cost-per-page. If you want to stretch your budget even further, compatible HP 63XL cartridges from Castle Ink cut the cost significantly without compromising print quality.