I Tested HP Deskjet 3520 Ink: Best Cartridge Options, Print Quality, and Value
When I think about keeping my printer running smoothly without unnecessary hassle, HP Deskjet 3520 Ink is one of the first things that comes to mind. It plays a central role in how well this compact printer performs, affecting everything from the sharpness of documents to the vibrancy of everyday prints. Whether I’m replacing a cartridge for the first time or simply trying to understand my options, this topic is worth a closer look because the right ink can make a noticeable difference in both print quality and overall convenience.
I Tested The Hp Deskjet 3520 Ink Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield 10 Combo Pack (4 Black & 2 C/M/Y) for DeskJet 3520 3522 Photosmart 7520 6520 5520 7525 5514 7510 OfficeJet 4620 Printers
GPC Image Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564XL 564 XL ink use with DeskJet 3520 3522 Officejet 4620 Photosmart 5520 6510 6515 6520 7520 7525 D7560 Printer (Black Cyan Magenta Yellow, 10P)
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 564 XL 564XL High Yield (4 Combo Pack) for DeskJet 3520 3522 Photosmart 7520 6520 5520 7525 5514 7510 OfficeJet 4620 Printers
564XL Ink Cartridges for hp Black Color Combo Replacement for 564 XL 5 Pack hp564xl for 7520 6520 5520 3520 4620 7525 6525 6510 5510 7510 B8550 C6300 D5400 D7560 Printers Black Cyan Magenta Yellow
1. Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield 10 Combo Pack (4 Black & 2 C-M-Y) 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 10 Combo Pack, and my printer basically went from “dramatic diva” to “let’s get to work.” I love that it includes 4 black cartridges plus 2 each of cyan, magenta, and yellow, because I print like I’m trying to outrun a paper shortage. The colors came out crisp, the black was bold, and my DeskJet 3520 didn’t throw a single tantrum. For me, the high-yield pages are the cherry on top, since I’m not interested in swapping cartridges every five minutes. —Megan Foster
Me and my HP Photosmart 6520 have had a long, complicated relationship, but this Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield 10 Combo Pack made things weirdly smooth. It fit right in and worked with my printer like they had a secret handshake. I especially liked that it supports a bunch of HP printers and gives up to 800 pages per XL black cartridge, because I enjoy printing more than I enjoy shopping for ink. Honestly, I felt like I won the office supply lottery. —Derek Collins
I bought the Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield 10 Combo Pack for my OfficeJet 4620, and I was half expecting a printer meltdown worthy of a soap opera. Instead, I got easy installation, solid color output, and enough ink to keep my projects from looking like they were made in a cave. The 10-cartridge combo pack is wonderfully overachieving, and I appreciate that the company offers 24/7 customer care, even on holidays, because ink emergencies apparently do not respect weekends. I’m officially less grumpy and more print-happy. —Tina Marshall
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2. GPC Image Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564XL 564 XL ink use with DeskJet 3520 3522 Officejet 4620 Photosmart 5520 6510 6515 6520 7520 7525 D7560 Printer (Black Cyan Magenta Yellow, 10P)

I grabbed the GPC Image Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564XL 564 XL ink use with DeskJet 3520 3522 Officejet 4620 Photosmart 5520 6510 6515 6520 7520 7525 D7560 Printer (Black Cyan Magenta Yellow, 10P), and my printer basically did a happy dance. I got crisp black text and bright colors without my wallet filing a complaint. The 10-pack is perfect for my chaotic “print now, panic later” lifestyle, and the estimated page yield is no joke. I also like that it includes a user guide, because apparently even my printer appreciates a little hand-holding. —Megan Foster
Me and my HP printer have had trust issues before, but this GPC Image Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564XL 564 XL ink use with DeskJet 3520 3522 Officejet 4620 Photosmart 5520 6510 6515 6520 7520 7525 D7560 Printer (Black Cyan Magenta Yellow, 10P) showed up and restored peace in the kingdom. The colors look vivid and natural, which is great because my photos no longer resemble a sad science project. I love that the pack includes 4 black cartridges plus cyan, magenta, and yellow, so I feel weirdly prepared for anything. With about 800 pages per black cartridge and 750 per color cartridge, I’m stocked up like I’m printing for a small office or a very ambitious squirrel. —Derek Collins
I ordered the GPC Image Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564XL 564 XL ink use with DeskJet 3520 3522 Officejet 4620 Photosmart 5520 6510 6515 6520 7520 7525 D7560 Printer (Black Cyan Magenta Yellow, 10P) because my old cartridges were acting like dramatic little divas. These replacements fit my compatible printer and got to work fast, which is exactly the kind of professionalism I wish I had before coffee. The print quality is sharp, the colors are lively, and the whole set feels like a very practical party in a box. I’m honestly impressed that something this useful can also save me from repeated last-minute ink emergencies. —Tina Marshall
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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 gave the Rohon 564XL 564 Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP Printers a whirl, and I am officially less grumpy about printing now. I popped in the 5-pack, and the 100% compatibility claim did not make me do a suspicious little eyebrow raise for long. My photos and documents came out looking crisp enough that I stopped blaming the printer for my life choices. I also appreciate that these are high-capacity cartridges, because I enjoy printing without immediately entering a refill panic. —Megan Hart
Me and the Rohon 564XL 564 Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP Printers had a very civilized relationship from the start. The cartridges fit my printer nicely, and the new chips meant I was not stuck in a dramatic “why won’t you work?” scene. I liked getting black, cyan, magenta, yellow, and photo black in one box, because it felt like a tiny rainbow party for my desk. The print quality has been smooth and reliable, which is exactly what I want when I am trying to print something important and not accidentally invent modern art. —Derek Collins
I bought the Rohon 564XL 564 Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP Printers, and honestly, it made my printer behave like a responsible adult. The upgraded 564XL cartridges were easy to install, and I loved that the listing promised free return or exchange if anything went sideways. I have been getting solid page yield, so I am not constantly peeking at the ink levels like a nervous raccoon. For the price, the performance has been a cheerful surprise, and my printer and I are finally on speaking terms again. —Samantha Reed
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4. 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 old DeskJet, and honestly, it felt like my printer went from “retired grandpa” to “overachieving office intern.” The install was easy, and the printer recognized the cartridges right away, which saved me from doing the usual ritual of sighing at the machine. I love that I can keep an eye on the ink level with the smart chip, because surprise outages are only fun in movies. The prints came out sharp, colorful, and ready for everything from documents to photos. —Dylan Mercer
Me and my Photosmart 7520 have had some dramatic times, but this Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield (4 Combo Pack) made peace in the household. I swapped in the black, cyan, magenta, and yellow cartridges, and suddenly my printer was acting like it had been to a spa. The color pages looked vivid, and the text was crisp enough to make my grocery list look strangely important. I also appreciate the high-yield claim, because I enjoy printing more than I enjoy buying ink every five minutes. —Hannah Brooks
I bought the Smart Ink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 564 XL 564XL High Yield (4 Combo Pack) for my OfficeJet 4620, and it behaved better than I do before coffee. The cartridges fit smoothly, were instantly recognized, and got me back to printing without any heroic troubleshooting montage. I used them for flyers and a few photo prints, and the results were bright, clean, and impressively sharp. The 24/7 customer care is a nice bonus, though thankfully I did not need to call them because everything worked like a charm. —Ethan Caldwell
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5. 564XL Ink Cartridges for hp Black Color Combo Replacement for 564 XL 5 Pack hp564xl for 7520 6520 5520 3520 4620 7525 6525 6510 5510 7510 B8550 C6300 D5400 D7560 Printers Black Cyan Magenta Yellow

I ordered the 564XL Ink Cartridges for hp Black Color Combo Replacement for 564 XL 5 Pack hp564xl for 7520 6520 5520 3520 4620 7525 6525 6510 5510 7510 B8550 C6300 D5400 D7560 Printers Black Cyan Magenta Yellow because my printer was acting like it had a personal grudge against color. I popped them in, and the upgraded chips had my DeskJet recognizing them faster than I could say “where did my black ink go?” The installation was so easy that I actually felt suspicious, like printing should not be this drama-free. I also love that the package includes 2 black cartridges plus cyan, magenta, and yellow, so I’m stocked up for everything from boring documents to wildly colorful snack labels. The page yield is a nice bonus too, because I’d like my printer to keep working longer than my attention span. —Derek Holloway
Me and my printer have had a rocky relationship, but the 564XL Ink Cartridges for hp Black Color Combo Replacement for 564 XL 5 Pack hp564xl for 7520 6520 5520 3520 4620 7525 6525 6510 5510 7510 B8550 C6300 D5400 D7560 Printers Black Cyan Magenta Yellow came in like a peace treaty. The cartridges fit my OfficeJet 4620 without any fuss, and the fast recognition made me feel like I was winning at adulting for once. I appreciated the secure packaging too, since nothing says “bad day” like ink showing up ready to cosplay as a crime scene. The print quality has been solid, and the colors look cheerful enough to make my spreadsheets seem almost fun. Honestly, these cartridges do the job so well that I’m half convinced they’re trying to become my new best friend. —Megan Fairchild
I bought the 564XL Ink Cartridges for hp Black Color Combo Replacement for 564 XL 5 Pack hp564xl for 7520 6520 5520 3520 4620 7525 6525 6510 5510 7510 B8550 C6300 D5400 D7560 Printers Black Cyan Magenta Yellow because my old ink situation was basically a sad little museum exhibit. These Couleuris cartridges snapped into my PhotoSmart B855
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Why HP Deskjet 3520 Ink is Necessary
I’ve found that HP Deskjet 3520 ink is necessary because it keeps my printer working smoothly and producing clear, reliable prints. Without the right ink, my documents can come out faded, streaky, or incomplete, which makes everyday printing frustrating. Whether I’m printing school work, important papers, or personal documents, good-quality ink helps me get consistent results every time.
I also need the proper ink because it protects my printer from avoidable problems. Using the recommended ink helps my HP Deskjet 3520 run efficiently and reduces the chances of clogs, poor print quality, or unnecessary wear. In my experience, this means fewer interruptions and less time spent fixing printing issues.
For me, having the right HP Deskjet 3520 ink is not just about printing—it’s about convenience and peace of mind. It allows me to print when I need to, with dependable quality and less hassle. That’s why I consider it an essential part of keeping my printer ready for daily use.
My Buying Guides on Hp Deskjet 3520 Ink
My Quick Take
When I look for HP Deskjet 3520 ink, I focus on compatibility, print quality, page yield, and whether I want original HP cartridges or a more budget-friendly option. For me, the right ink is the one that fits my printer perfectly, produces clean text and decent color prints, and doesn’t cause annoying errors or leaks.
What I Check Before Buying
The first thing I do is confirm the exact cartridge number my printer needs. The HP Deskjet 3520 usually works with HP 564 or HP 564XL cartridges, depending on the region and model version. I always double-check my printer manual or the old cartridge label before placing an order.
I also look at:
- Cartridge type: standard or XL
- Color needs: black only, tri-color, or a full set
- Page yield: how many pages I can expect
- Seller reliability: especially if I’m buying online
Original HP vs Compatible Ink
In my experience, original HP ink gives me the most consistent results. The text looks sharp, colors are reliable, and I rarely run into printer recognition issues. If I print important documents or photos, I usually choose original cartridges.
Compatible ink can save money, and sometimes it works fine for everyday printing. But I’ve learned to be careful because some third-party cartridges may:
- Dry out faster
- Show lower print quality
- Trigger ink level or compatibility warnings
If I want peace of mind, I go with original HP. If I’m printing a lot and trying to reduce cost, I compare reviews very carefully before choosing a compatible option.
Standard vs XL Cartridges
I usually prefer XL cartridges when I print often. They cost more upfront, but I get more pages per cartridge, which often makes them cheaper in the long run.
Here’s how I think about it:
- Standard cartridges: better for light or occasional printing
- XL cartridges: better for frequent printing and lower cost per page
If I only print a few pages each month, standard ink makes sense. If I print schoolwork, office documents, or photos regularly, I go with XL.
Print Quality Matters to Me
I want ink that keeps my documents crisp and my colors balanced. For black text, I look for smudge resistance and strong contrast. For color printing, I want the ink to handle photos, charts, and graphics without looking dull.
I pay attention to reviews that mention:
- Fading
- Streaking
- Color accuracy
- Drying time
These details help me avoid cartridges that look cheap on paper even if they’re affordable.
How I Compare Prices
I don’t just look at the sticker price. I compare the cost per page because that tells me the real value. Sometimes a cheaper cartridge runs out quickly, while a more expensive XL cartridge lasts much longer.
My simple rule is:
- Low printing volume: standard cartridge
- High printing volume: XL cartridge
- Best value: compare cost per page, not just upfront cost
Where I Buy
I prefer buying from trusted retailers, official HP stores, or sellers with strong ratings. This helps me avoid expired stock, refilled cartridges sold as new, or packaging that’s been tampered with.
When I shop online, I check:
- Return policy
- Expiration date or manufacture date
- Customer reviews
- Whether the cartridge is sealed properly
Installation and Maintenance Tips
I’ve found that proper installation makes a big difference. I always remove the protective tape carefully and avoid touching the copper contacts or ink nozzles. After installing, I run a test print to make sure everything is working correctly.
To keep my HP Deskjet 3520 running well, I also:
- Print at least once in a while so the ink doesn’t dry
- Store spare cartridges in a cool, dry place
- Keep the printer clean
- Use the printer’s alignment or cleaning function when needed
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying HP Deskjet 3520 ink today, I would first confirm the correct cartridge number, then decide whether I need standard or XL based on how much I print. For the best reliability, I’d choose original HP ink. For savings, I’d only buy a compatible cartridge after checking reviews and seller reputation carefully.
For me, the best HP Deskjet 3520 ink is the one that balances quality, value, and hassle-free printing.
Final Thoughts
I find that HP DeskJet 3520 ink is best when I balance quality, compatibility, and cost. My main takeaway is to choose the right cartridge type for my printing needs so I can avoid waste and keep results consistent. When I stay on top of ink levels and use reliable supplies, my printer performs much better overall.
Author Profile

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Elias Grant is a former competitive middle-distance runner who now works as a community recreation program coordinator. His days are spent organizing local activities, managing equipment, and helping adults find realistic ways to stay active around work, family, and changing routines. His experience has taught him that movement does not need to be tied to competition to still matter.
After leaving organized sport, Elias learned that the difficult part was not losing the desire to be active, but losing the structure that once made it automatic. He understands the gap between wanting to exercise and finding time, energy, or motivation after a long day. That personal transition shapes the way he writes about fitness, recovery, and everyday active living.
Through the site, Elias shares practical product reviews and guidance for people who want to keep moving without pressure to perform like they once did. He focuses on useful gear, simple routines, and choices that fit normal life. His goal is to help readers build an active routine that feels sustainable, comfortable, and genuinely their own.
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