HP+ Instant Ink Printers: Which Models Require It?

Shopping for a new HP printer and noticing HP+ Instant Ink offers everywhere? Before you buy, it helps to know what you’re agreeing to. Many newer HP printers offer HP+ during setup, and once it’s on, your printer will only work with original HP ink. The good news is that you can check if HP+ is activated on your printer in just a few minutes. This guide shows which models are affected, how the HP+ subscription talk differs from the facts, and how to avoid costly surprises.

HP+ Subscription vs. Instant Ink: What’s the Difference?

These two names get mixed up all the time, so here’s a quick comparison.

To learn more about the program itself, see what HP+ program is. HP says HP+ isn’t a subscription and has no separate cost beyond the printer’s price. The monthly charges come from Instant Ink, which usually starts with a free trial. Many people call the pair the “HP+ subscription,” which is why the confusion happens. If you want the full picture of the ink plan, here’s how HP Instant Ink works.

The catch: HP+ requires an HP account, an internet connection, and original HP ink for the life of the printer, even if you cancel Instant Ink later.

Which HP Printers Require HP+ Instant Ink?

First, a clarification that surprises many readers. HP says that in the series below, you can skip HP+ activation during setup, so no model forces you into it. The catch is that once you activate HP+, original HP ink is required for good. An “e” at the end of the model name means the printer is HP+ eligible. It doesn’t prove HP+ is turned on.

HP’s current U.S. FAQ lists three printer families as eligible. Here’s what each one includes.

HP DeskJet 2700e, 2800e, 4100e, and 4200e Series (Entry-Level)

These are the most budget-friendly HP+ printers. They suit students, light home printing, and anyone who prints a few pages a week.

• Example models: DeskJet 2710e, 2720e, 2734e, 2755e (2700e series); DeskJet 4130e, 4133e, 4155e, 4158e (4100e series); DeskJet 4255e (4200e series)
• Ink used: HP 67 and 67XL (black and tri-color)
• Page yield: About 120 black and 100 color pages for standard HP 67, and about 240 black and 200 color for HP 67XL
• What to know: The DeskJet 4255e is sold with a few months of Instant Ink through HP+. It prints, copies, and scans in color, and it works over Wi-Fi. A standard cartridge can be swapped for the XL version

HP ENVY 6000e and 6400e Series (Family and Photo Printing)

A step up in features, popular with families, home offices, and anyone who prints photos or school projects.

• Example models: ENVY 6055e and 6065e (6000e series); ENVY 6420e, 6455e, 6458e, and 6475e (6400e series)
• Ink used: HP 67 and 67XL, the same cartridges as the DeskJet models above
• What to know: Some ENVY and ENVY Inspire models, such as the 7200 and 7900 series, are also listed as HP+ printers by CompAndSave, so check your exact model.

HP OfficeJet and OfficeJet Pro 8000e and 9000e Series (Small Office)

Built for busier workloads, such as home offices and small businesses that print more pages.

• Example models: OfficeJet 8015e and OfficeJet Pro 8025e (8000e series); OfficeJet Pro 9010e, 9012e, and 9015e (9000e series)
• Ink used: HP 910 and 910XL for the 8000e series. The 9000e series uses HP 962 and 962XL in the U.S. and Canada, while other regions use 963, 964, or 965.
• What to know: The OfficeJet 8015e has been sold with extra months of Instant Ink through HP+, so check the current offer on the product page.

Quick Reference Table

Model lists and cartridge numbers change by country, so check your exact model on HP’s product page before you buy to identify if the printer requires HP+ instant ink.

What About Printers Without an “e”?

Printers that don’t end in “e” are generally not HP+ printers, which means they don’t carry the lifetime original-ink requirement. Many older HP printers fall into this group. Some of them can still use Instant Ink, and HP keeps a separate eligibility list for that.

One thing to keep in mind is that a printer without HP+ may still reject some third-party cartridges after a firmware update. That’s a different issue from HP+, so it’s worth reading about it before you buy compatible ink.

How to Tell If Your Printer Is an HP+ Printer

Not sure about the printer you own, or one you’re about to buy? Try these quick checks:

1. Look at the model name. An “e” at the end is your first clue.
2. Read the box or product page. Look for phrases like “works only with original HP ink” or “Instant Ink with HP+.”
3. Open the HP Smart app. Your printer’s settings show whether HP+ is active.
4. Think back to setup. If you agreed to HP+ and Instant Ink during setup, it’s likely on.

For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our guide on how to check HP+ activation.

Instant Ink With HP+: What You Agree To

When you activate HP+ and sign up for Instant Ink, you’re agreeing to:

• A free trial, with a length that depends on the offer or bundle.
• A monthly plan afterward, charged automatically unless you cancel. The HP+ monthly fee people ask about is really the Instant Ink plan, so check current prices on HP’s site.
• Original HP ink only, for as long as you own the printer.
• A constant internet connection and an HP account.

In return, HP lists perks such as an extended warranty (up to two years instead of one in some regions) and advanced features in the HP Smart app. For some people that’s a good trade. For others who like to shop around for ink, it’s a big limit.

Can You Switch Back to Regular Ink?

It depends on whether HP+ is on.

• HP+ is on, but you canceled Instant Ink: You can switch back to regular ink, meaning standard or XL original HP cartridges from a store. Third-party cartridges still won’t work.
• HP+ was never activated: You can cancel Instant Ink and return to regular cartridges, and compatible ones may work depending on your model and firmware.

If you’re already in this spot, our guide on reverting to regular ink explains your options.

Instant Ink HP+ vs. Buying Cartridges: Which Costs Less?

The answer depends on how much you print.

• Light printers may do well with a low-cost Instant Ink HP+ plan or occasional cartridge purchases.
• Heavy printers can exceed their monthly page limit, which adds fees.
• Anyone chasing the lowest ink cost often saves more with compatible or remanufactured cartridges, which only work on printers without HP+.

To work out the numbers, compare a subscription with buying cartridges using your real monthly page count. Also remember that Instant Ink cartridges stop working if you cancel, even when ink remains.

How to Avoid Activating HP+ by Accident

Many people end up with HP+ simply by clicking through the setup too fast. Protect yourself with these habits:

• Skip HP+ during setup if you want to keep third-party ink as an option. HP says this is allowed on its eligible series.
• Read every screen before tapping “Continue” or “Accept.”
• Decline extras you don’t need. You can skip the Instant Ink trial and still use the printer.
• Check before you buy for “HP+” and “original HP ink only” on the box or product page.

Want to keep your options open? Look at the best third party ink cartridges for HP, and confirm your printer supports them first.

Final Thoughts

Understanding HP+ Instant Ink takes a few minutes, and it can save you from a printer that only accepts costly original cartridges. Check the model name, read the setup screens, and decide whether the HP+ subscription trade-offs fit your printing habits. If you value choice, skip HP+ at setup or pick a printer without it, and enjoy more freedom with ink.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is HP+ the same as Instant Ink?

No. HP+ is a printer program with an original-ink requirement, while Instant Ink is the monthly ink plan. They’re often bundled, but they aren’t the same thing.

2. Does HP+ have a monthly fee?

HP says HP+ itself has no separate fee. The charge comes from Instant Ink after your free trial ends, unless you cancel.

3. Can I use instant ink with HP+ and still buy my own cartridges?

Yes, but they must be original HP cartridges. Third-party and remanufactured cartridges aren’t supported on HP+ printers.

4. Can I turn HP+ off later?

HP states that once HP+ is activated, the original-ink requirement stays for the life of the printer. Contact HP support to confirm your situation.

5. Do all “e” printers require HP+?

No. The “e” shows a printer is eligible. On HP’s listed series, you can choose to skip HP+ during setup.

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