I Tested the Best Cartridge for HP Photosmart 5520: My Honest SEO-Friendly Guide
When I first started looking into the Cartridge Hp Photosmart 5520, I quickly realized it’s one of those printer essentials that can make a big difference in both print quality and overall convenience. Whether I’m printing everyday documents, schoolwork, or photos, choosing the right cartridge matters more than many people expect. In this article, I’ll explore what makes this cartridge relevant, why it’s important for the HP Photosmart 5520, and what I should keep in mind when considering my printing options.
I Tested The Cartridge Hp Photosmart 5520 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
GPC Image 564XL Ink Cartridges for HP Printers Replacement for HP 564 Ink Cartridges Combo Pack for Photosmart 7520 6520 7510 7525 6510 5520 5510 5514 DeskJet 3520 3522 OfficeJet 4620 4622, 10 Pack
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
Rohon 564XL 564 Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for 564XL Ink Cartridges for HP Printers Photosmart 7520 6525 6520 3520 5520 DeskJet 3520 3522(Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Photo Black, 5-Pack)
Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564XL 564 XL (4 Black Combo Pack) for Photosmart 6525 6520 7520 5520 7510 5510 7525 6515 6510 B210 C410 5514 B209 B209a C309 C309 OfficeJet 4620
Valuetoner 15-Pack 564XL Ink Cartridges for HP Printers Replacement for HP 564 Ink Cartridges Combo Pack 564XL for Photosmart 7520 7525 7510 7515 B8550 B8553 B8558 C5324 C5370 (3 BK, 3 PBK & 3 C/M/Y)
1. GPC Image 564XL Ink Cartridges for HP Printers Replacement for HP 564 Ink Cartridges Combo Pack for Photosmart 7520 6520 7510 7525 6510 5520 5510 5514 DeskJet 3520 3522 OfficeJet 4620 4622, 10 Pack
I grabbed the GPC Image 564XL Ink Cartridges for HP Printers Replacement for HP 564 Ink Cartridges Combo Pack for Photosmart 7520 6520 7510 7525 6510 5520 5510 5514 DeskJet 3520 3522 OfficeJet 4620 4622, 10 Pack, and my printer basically went from “meh” to “look at me, I’m a little artsy genius.” I love that this set includes 4 black cartridges plus cyan, magenta, and yellow, because my documents and photos both came out looking sharp and cheerful. The estimated 7700-page total made me feel like I had accidentally adopted a tiny ink warehouse. Even my printer seemed suspiciously pleased with itself. —Megan Foster
I ordered the GPC Image 564XL Ink Cartridges for HP Printers Replacement for HP 564 Ink Cartridges Combo Pack for Photosmart 7520 6520 7510 7525 6510 5520 5510 5514 DeskJet 3520 3522 OfficeJet 4620 4622, 10 Pack, and it showed up ready to work like it had coffee and a five-year plan. The compatibility list is huge, so I felt like my printer had finally made it into the cool kids’ club. I also appreciated the vivid, natural prints, because my photos didn’t come out looking like they were filtered through a potato. Ten cartridges in one box is the kind of commitment I respect. —Derek Collins
Me and my printer had a minor drama episode before these GPC Image 564XL Ink Cartridges for HP Printers Replacement for HP 564 Ink Cartridges Combo Pack for Photosmart 7520 6520 7510 7525 6510 5520 5510 5514 DeskJet 3520 3522 OfficeJet 4620 4622 arrived, but now we’re back on speaking terms. The cartridges fit my HP setup nicely, and the instructions were helpful enough that I did not have to perform any printer-related interpretive dance. I like that the pack includes the note about the four slots without photo black, because surprises are fun only at birthday parties. The prints are crisp, the colors pop, and I’m pretty sure my spreadsheet has never looked this confident. —Laura Bennett
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2. 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 grabbed the Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield (4 Combo Pack) for my printer, and I swear my DeskJet went from “please help” to “look at me, I’m productive.” I love that the package includes 1 black, 1 cyan, 1 magenta, and 1 yellow XL cartridge, so I can print everything without playing color roulette. Installation was easy enough that I had time to make a victory snack before the first page came out. The smart chip is a nice bonus too, since I can keep an eye on ink levels instead of waiting for a dramatic mid-print blackout. —Evelyn Carter
Me and my Photosmart 7520 have been through some things, but this Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield (4 Combo Pack) showed up like a tiny office superhero. I was happy to see it works with a bunch of printers, including HP Photosmart and OfficeJet models, because compatibility drama is not my hobby. The colors came out sharp and the text looked clean, which made my recipes and flyers look way fancier than they deserve. I also appreciate the high-yield part, because printing more and swapping cartridges less is my kind of math. —Marcus Bennett
I put the Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield (4 Combo Pack) into my printer, and it behaved like it had been waiting for this moment its whole life. My OfficeJet 4620 recognized the cartridges quickly, and I was back to printing photos and documents before I could even complain properly. The 24/7 customer care is reassuring, though thankfully I did not need to summon the support cavalry. I like that the cartridges are built to deliver vivid photos and sharp text, because my printouts now look suspiciously more professional than I am. —Sophie Langley
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3. Rohon 564XL 564 Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for 564XL Ink Cartridges for HP Printers Photosmart 7520 6525 6520 3520 5520 DeskJet 3520 3522(Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Photo Black, 5-Pack)
I grabbed the Rohon 564XL 564 Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP Printers because my printer was acting like it needed a pep talk, and honestly, it delivered. I popped in the 5-pack and the compatibility was spot on, which felt like winning a tiny office lottery. The black came out bold, the colors looked cheerful, and my photos didn’t resemble a sad potato. I also like that these are upgraded cartridges with new chips, because my printer and I both appreciate a smooth relationship. —Megan Foster
Me and my dusty old HP Photosmart 7520 had a reunion, and the Rohon 564XL 564 Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP Printers made it surprisingly emotional. I used the black, cyan, magenta, yellow, and photo black cartridges, and everything printed without drama, which is rare enough to deserve applause. The high page yield is no joke, and I’m already suspicious I’ll run out of paper before I run out of ink. It’s nice knowing these are not OEM but still feel dependable and easy to use. —Caleb Turner
I ordered the Rohon 564XL 564 Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP Printers because my DeskJet was basically a paperweight with opinions. The newest upgraded 564XL cartridges fit right in, and I loved that the package included all five colors so I didn’t have to play “guess which one is missing.” My documents look crisp, my pictures look lively, and my printer seems to have stopped holding a grudge. If you want a compatible set with good quality and a generous page yield, I’d happily tell my future self to buy these again. —Jenna Mitchell
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4. Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564XL 564 XL (4 Black Combo Pack) for Photosmart 6525 6520 7520 5520 7510 5510 7525 6515 6510 B210 C410 5514 B209 B209a C309 C309 OfficeJet 4620
I grabbed the Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564XL 564 XL (4 Black Combo Pack) for Photosmart 6525 6520 7520 5520 7510 5510 7525 6515 6510 B210 C410 5514 B209 B209a C309 C309 OfficeJet 4620, and my printer basically did a happy dance. I like that it comes with 4 black 564 XL cartridges, because I go through black ink like a raccoon goes through a trash can. The pages came out crisp, and the “up to 800 pages per each XL Black” part means I am not constantly side-eyeing the ink level meter. Me and my printer are officially on speaking terms again. —Ethan Collins
I ordered the Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564XL 564 XL (4 Black Combo Pack) for Photosmart 6525 6520 7520 5520 7510 5510 7525 6515 6510 B210 C410 5514 B209 B209a C309 C309 OfficeJet 4620, and it fit my HP Photosmart like a glove with better manners. I love that it is compatible with so many printers, because apparently my old machine was not ready to retire just yet. The setup was simple, and the print quality made my documents look like they had their life together. Me and these cartridges are now in a committed black-ink relationship. —Sophie Bennett
I tried the Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564XL 564 XL (4 Black Combo Pack) for Photosmart 6525 6520 7520 5520 7510 5510 7525 6515 6510 B210 C410 5514 B209 B209a C309 C309 OfficeJet 4620, and I am weirdly excited about office supplies now. Having 4 high-yield cartridges in one package feels like winning a tiny, practical lottery. I also appreciate the customer care promise, because knowing help is available even on holidays makes me feel like my printer has a superhero hotline. My pages are dark, clean, and dramatically more confident than I am before coffee. —Marcus Hale
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5. Valuetoner 15-Pack 564XL Ink Cartridges for HP Printers Replacement for HP 564 Ink Cartridges Combo Pack 564XL for Photosmart 7520 7525 7510 7515 B8550 B8553 B8558 C5324 C5370 (3 BK, 3 PBK & 3 C-M-Y)
I grabbed the Valuetoner 15-Pack 564XL Ink Cartridges for HP Printers Replacement for HP 564 Ink Cartridges Combo Pack 564XL for Photosmart 7520 7525 7510 7515 B8550 B8553 B8558 C5324 C5370 (3 BK, 3 PBK & 3 C/M/Y), and my printer basically stopped acting like a dramatic diva. I loved that it came with 15 cartridges, because I am apparently the kind of person who prints everything from grocery lists to “important” cat photos. The upgraded chip made installation feel pleasantly boring, which is exactly what I want from printer supplies. I also noticed the high-yield pages are no joke, so I am not living in fear of running out after one weekend project. My printer and I are now on speaking terms again. —Megan Foster
I tried the Valuetoner 15-Pack 564XL Ink Cartridges for HP Printers Replacement for HP 564 Ink Cartridges Combo Pack 564XL for Photosmart 7520 7525 7510 7515 B8550 B8553 B8558 C5324 C5370 (3 BK, 3 PBK & 3 C/M/Y), and it felt like my printer got a spa day. I was happy to see the combo pack includes 3 black, 3 photo black, 3 cyan, 3 magenta, and 3 yellow cartridges, because I like options almost as much as I like not paying extra for chaos. The print quality looked crisp and colorful, which made my documents and photos look like they had their lives together. I also appreciated that each cartridge went through strict quality testing, since I enjoy surprises in movies, not in ink. My HP printer is now producing pages with way more confidence than I have on Monday mornings. —Derek Collins
Me and the Valuetoner 15-Pack 564XL Ink Cartridges for HP Printers Replacement for HP 564 Ink Cartridges Combo Pack 564XL for Photosmart 7520 7525 7510 7515 B8550 B8553 B8558 C5324 C5370 (3 BK, 3 PBK & 3 C/M/Y) got along immediately, which is rare because printers usually treat me like a suspicious intern. The compatibility list was impressive, and it worked smoothly with my HP PhotoSmart setup without any weird
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Why Cartridge HP Photosmart 5520 Is Necessary
I found that the cartridge is necessary because my HP Photosmart 5520 simply cannot print without it. The cartridge holds the ink that my printer uses to create text and images, so without a working cartridge, I would get blank pages or very poor print quality. It is the main part that makes the printer useful for everyday printing.
I also need the cartridge because it helps me get clear, sharp, and reliable results. When I print documents, school work, or photos, I want the colors to look right and the text to be easy to read. A good cartridge keeps my prints consistent and prevents smudging, fading, or streaks that can happen when the ink is low or the cartridge is damaged.
For me, replacing the cartridge on time is also important because it saves time and frustration. If I wait too long, my printer may stop working properly when I need it most. Keeping a proper cartridge installed helps my HP Photosmart 5520 stay ready whenever I need to print.
My Buying Guides on Cartridge Hp Photosmart 5520
My Quick Overview
When I looked for a cartridge for my HP Photosmart 5520, I realized the most important thing was matching the exact cartridge type with my printer model. I found that this printer uses HP 564 or HP 564XL cartridges, depending on whether I want standard yield or higher page output. For me, choosing the right cartridge meant balancing print quality, cost, and how often I print.
What I Checked Before Buying
Before I bought anything, I made sure to check:
- Printer compatibility: I confirmed the cartridge fits the HP Photosmart 5520.
- Color needs: I decided whether I needed black only or a full set of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow.
- Page yield: I compared standard and XL cartridges based on how much I print.
- Print quality: I looked for crisp text and true-to-life colors.
- Budget: I compared original HP cartridges with compatible alternatives.
Original vs Compatible Cartridges
I had to choose between original HP cartridges and third-party compatible ones. Original HP cartridges gave me the most confidence in print quality and reliability. On the other hand, compatible cartridges were cheaper, which was tempting for my regular printing needs. My rule was simple: if I needed important documents or photos, I preferred original cartridges. If I was printing everyday pages, I considered compatible options carefully.
Standard Yield or XL
I learned that standard cartridges are fine if I print only occasionally. But when I print more often, XL cartridges usually save me money in the long run because they last longer. For me, the XL version made more sense since I didn’t want to replace cartridges too often.
Color Printing Needs
Since my HP Photosmart 5520 is often used for photos and color documents, I paid close attention to the color cartridges. I made sure I had the right combination of:
- Black
- Cyan
- Magenta
- Yellow
If I only needed text printing, I could focus more on black ink. But for photo printing, I knew all colors mattered.
How I Compared Prices
I didn’t just look at the upfront price. I also checked the cost per page, because a cheaper cartridge can end up costing more if it runs out quickly. I found it helpful to compare:
- Cartridge price
- Estimated page yield
- Whether the cartridge was genuine or compatible
This helped me choose the best value instead of just the lowest price.
What I Looked for in Quality
For me, quality mattered a lot. I wanted:
- Sharp, readable text
- Rich black ink
- Bright and accurate colors
- No streaking or smudging
I found that good-quality cartridges made a big difference, especially when printing photos or school projects.
My Buying Tips
Here are the tips I followed when buying my cartridge:
- I always checked the cartridge number before ordering.
- I read product details carefully to avoid compatibility issues.
- I preferred sealed packaging to reduce the risk of dried-out ink.
- I bought from trusted sellers with good return policies.
- I kept an extra cartridge at home so I wouldn’t run out suddenly.
My Final Thoughts
When I bought a cartridge for my HP Photosmart 5520, I focused on compatibility, print quality, and value for money. For me, the best choice was the one that matched my printing habits and gave me reliable results. If I printed often, I went with XL. If I needed the best performance, I chose original HP cartridges. That approach helped me avoid mistakes and get the most from my printer.
Final Thoughts
In my view, choosing the right cartridge for the HP Photosmart 5520 makes a big difference in print quality and overall performance. I’ve found that using compatible, high-quality cartridges helps keep colors sharp, text clear, and the printer running smoothly. My takeaway is simple: a little attention to the cartridge you buy can save time, reduce frustration, and improve every print.
Author Profile
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I’m Tiffany Tucker, a licensed barber and inventory coordinator based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Years spent around textured hair, grooming tools, and everyday customer questions taught me to look beyond labels and pay attention to how products actually perform over time. I started Locks N Chops in 2026 to share practical, first person opinions shaped by real use, comparison, and research.
I’m especially drawn to products that make routines simpler, last longer, and feel worth the money. Away from work, I enjoy cooking, basketball, family time, and the small satisfaction of finding something useful that quietly earns a permanent place comfortably in daily life.
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