HP 81X Black Toner Cartridge (CF281X) – High-Yield Compatible

HP 81X Black (CF281X) at a glance: a high-yield black toner cartridge rated at about 25,000 pages. Compatible: newly manufactured to HP's specifications. Fits the HP LaserJet Enterprise M605, M606 and MFP M630. The imaging drum is built in. Backed by a 1-year 100% satisfaction guarantee; orders by 4 PM ET (Mon–Fri) ship the same day from Long Island, NY.

Key Facts

What's in the Box

• 1 × HP 81X Black (CF281X) compatible toner cartridge — about 25,000 pages

Page yields are the manufacturer's rating for the matching original cartridge, measured at roughly 5% page coverage under ISO/IEC 19752 or 19798 testing. Your results will vary with what you print.

Compatible Printers (9 models)

• HP LaserJet Enterprise M605n / M605dn / M605x
• HP LaserJet Enterprise M606dn / M606x
• HP LaserJet Enterprise MFP M630dn / M630f / M630h / M630z

Don't mix these up: HP 81X is the high-yield version of HP 81A (about 10,500 pages). The LaserJet Enterprise M604 takes 81A only, not 81X. It is not the same as HP 87 or HP 37.

Not sure? Look up your exact model on our Find Ink by Printer page, or contact us and we'll confirm the right toner for you.

Part Numbers & Also Known As

This toner cartridge replaces or is also searched for as: CF281X, HP CF281X, HP 81X black, HP81X black, 81X black toner, HP 81X toner, HP81X, 81X toner, CF281A, M605dn toner, M630 toner

Chips, Printer Messages & Installation

Installing: open the printer's toner door, pull out the empty cartridge by its handle, then rock the new cartridge gently side to side five or six times to spread the toner. Remove the orange shipping lock and pull the sealing tape straight out, then slide the cartridge in until it seats and close the door.

Chip and supply messages: this compatible cartridge carries its own chip. The printer may show a "non-HP" or "used supply" notice; press OK to continue. If the cartridge isn't recognized, remove it, check that all packing material is off and reseat it firmly. Keeping automatic firmware updates off avoids most chip problems.

Streaks or faint print: rock the cartridge again to redistribute toner and print a cleaning page from the printer menu. See laser printer streaks and lines.

Still stuck? See our guide to fixing a cartridge that isn't recognized or contact us and we'll make it right.

Compatible vs. Remanufactured vs. Original

Original (OEM) toner is new from the printer brand and costs the most. Compatible toner, like this cartridge, is newly manufactured by a third party to the original's size, chip and page-yield specifications, so it drops into the same slot at a much lower price. Remanufactured toner is an emptied original cartridge that has been rebuilt and refilled. Castle Ink sells compatible (newly manufactured) toner and remanufactured inkjet cartridges.

Other Options for the Same Printers

• HP 81A Black Toner Cartridge (CF281A)

Frequently Asked Questions

How many pages does the HP 81X black print?

About 25,000 pages, based on HP's rating for the original CF281X at roughly 5% coverage.

Does 81X fit the M604?

No. The M604 takes HP 81A only. 81X fits the M605, M606 and MFP M630.

Will this void my printer warranty?

No. Under the U.S. Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a manufacturer can't void your printer warranty just because you used a third-party or remanufactured supply. If a non-original supply directly caused damage, that specific repair might not be covered.

How long can I store it?

Sealed toner keeps for about two years at room temperature. Keep it in its bag, away from heat and direct sunlight, and store it flat.

When will my order ship?

Orders placed by 4 PM ET, Monday through Friday, ship the same business day from Long Island, NY, by USPS (2–5 business days). Expedited 1–2 day delivery is available at checkout, and shipping is free on orders over $50.