What HP printer subscriptions are and who they're for

HP offers two main subscription services for printer owners: HP+ and HP when ready Ink. HP+ bundles hardware, support, and ink delivery into one monthly fee and requires you to buy an HP+ printer. HP when ready Ink is a standalone ink-delivery service you can add to most HP printers you already own. Both automatically ship ink cartridges to your home based on how much you print, but they differ in price, what's included, and which printers work with them.

These subscriptions are built for people who print regularly and want to avoid running out of ink or making separate purchases. If you print fewer than a few pages per month, a subscription will likely cost more than buying cartridges as needed. If you print dozens of pages weekly, a subscription can reduce the per-page cost and the hassle of restocking.

Key Takeaways

  • HP+ costs around $9.99 per month and includes a new printer, ink delivery, 24/7 support, and automatic security updates, but locks you into HP cartridges and the subscription for the printer's life.
  • HP when ready Ink starts at $0.99 per month for 10 pages and goes up to $9.99 per month for 300 pages, and works on many existing HP printers without requiring a new device.
  • Both services charge a monthly fee whether you use your full page allowance or not, so calculate your typical monthly printing to avoid overpaying.
  • HP when ready Ink pauses automatically if you don't print for 30 days, but HP+ charges every month regardless of use.
  • Canceling HP+ means the printer stops receiving security updates and may lose some features, while canceling when ready Ink straightforward stops ink shipments.

HP+ subscription: what's included and the trade-offs

HP+ is a bundled service that includes a new HP printer, monthly ink cartridge shipments, 24/7 phone support, automatic security patches, and cloud-connected printing features. The monthly cost is typically $9.99, though promotional pricing sometimes appears. You must purchase an HP+ printer to use the service—you cannot add HP+ to an existing printer.

The main trade-off is commitment. When you buy an HP+ printer, you agree to stay in the subscription for the life of the device. If you cancel, the printer stops receiving security updates and some cloud features may stop working. You also cannot use third-party or refilled cartridges; the printer is designed to work only with HP cartridges, and using others may void the warranty or trigger error messages.

HP+ makes sense if you want a new printer, print regularly, and prefer a single monthly bill that covers hardware support and supplies. It does not make sense if you already own a working printer or if you want the option to cancel without losing printer functionality.

HP when ready Ink: pricing tiers and page allowances

HP when ready Ink is a standalone service that ships ink cartridges based on how many pages you print each month. You choose a tier, and HP tracks your printing and sends replacement cartridges when you approach your limit. The service works on most HP inkjet printers made in the last several years, whether you bought them with or without a subscription.

Pricing starts at $0.99 per month for 10 pages, $2.99 per month for 50 pages, $4.99 per month for 100 pages, and $9.99 per month for 300 pages. These are the standard tiers, though HP occasionally runs promotions. If you exceed your monthly allowance, you can buy extra pages on demand, or wait until the next month's allowance resets. Unused pages do not roll over to the next month.

The service pauses automatically if you don't print for 30 consecutive days, so you won't be charged during periods when you're not using your printer. You can resume at any time. This feature makes when ready Ink less risky than HP+ if your printing needs fluctuate.

How to determine which tier fits your printing volume

To choose the right tier, count how many pages you typically print in a month. Include all printing: documents, photos, labels, and envelopes. If you're unsure, check your printer's page count in the settings menu or print a configuration page, which shows total pages printed since setup.

A rough guide: 10 pages per month is roughly one page every three days. 50 pages is about one to two pages per day. 100 pages is three to four pages per day. 300 pages is ten pages per day. If your printing is uneven—heavy some months, light others—pick the tier that covers your average month, knowing you can buy extra pages if needed or pause during light months.

Compare the monthly cost of your chosen tier against the cost of buying cartridges separately. A single HP cartridge typically costs $15 to $40 depending on the model and whether it's standard or high-yield. If you use one cartridge per month, a $9.99 subscription tier may cost less over time. If you use one cartridge every six months, buying as needed will be cheaper.

Which printers work with each service

HP+ printers are sold as a bundle and are clearly labeled as HP+ at the point of sale. They are newer models and include built-in connectivity for the subscription service. You cannot retrofit an older printer to use HP+.

HP when ready Ink works on most HP inkjet printers from roughly 2010 onward, including OfficeJet, ENVY, and DeskJet lines. It does not work on LaserJet printers or non-HP brands. To check if your printer is compatible, visit the HP when ready Ink website and enter your printer model number. If your printer is compatible, you can sign up for when ready Ink through the HP website or the HP Smart mobile app, and the service will set up on your device.

Some printers sold before HP+ existed may have been upgraded to support when ready Ink through a software update. If you own an older HP printer and want to use a subscription service, when ready Ink is your only option.

Cancellation, pausing, and what happens to your printer

Canceling HP when ready Ink stops cartridge shipments but does not affect your printer's core functions. You can still print, and you can buy cartridges separately whenever you need them. If you pause the service for 30 days of inactivity, it resumes automatically when you print again, or you can manually resume at any time.

Canceling HP+ is permanent for that device. Once you cancel, the printer stops receiving security updates and cloud-connected features may stop working. The printer itself will still print, but it loses the protections and conveniences that came with the subscription. HP does not offer a way to reactivate HP+ on a canceled printer. If you want to use HP+ again, you must buy a new HP+ printer.

Both services allow you to cancel through your account settings on the HP website or the HP Smart app. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle, and you will not be charged again after that date.

Comparing HP subscriptions to buying cartridges separately

The cost difference depends on your printer model, cartridge type, and where you buy. Standard cartridges from a retailer typically cost $15 to $30 each. High-yield cartridges cost $25 to $50 but print more pages. Buying online is often cheaper than buying in-store.

If you print 50 pages per month and use a standard cartridge every two months, you spend roughly $15 to $30 every two months, or $90 to $180 per year. The HP when ready Ink 50-page tier costs $2.99 per month, or about $36 per year—significantly less. However, if you print only 10 pages per month and use a cartridge every six months, buying separately costs about $20 per year, while the cheapest when ready Ink tier costs $12 per year—a smaller difference.

HP+ adds the cost of a new printer to the equation. If you were planning to buy a new printer anyway, HP+ may be competitive with buying a standard printer and cartridges separately. If your current printer works well, the cost of a new device makes HP+ less attractive unless you value the bundled support and automatic updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use third-party cartridges with HP when ready Ink?

Yes. HP when ready Ink works with HP cartridges, but you can also use compatible third-party or refilled cartridges in the same printer. The subscription straightforward tracks your page count and ships cartridges on schedule. Using non-HP cartridges does not affect the service, though HP may not may provide quality or compatibility.

What happens if I print more pages than my monthly allowance?

With HP when ready Ink, you can purchase additional pages on demand through your account, or you can wait for your allowance to reset the following month. With HP+, exceeding your allowance does not stop printing—you straightforward continue to print at no extra charge, as the service is designed for regular users.

Does HP when ready Ink work on printers I bought before the service existed?

It depends on the printer model and age. Most HP inkjet printers from 2010 onward are compatible. Older printers and LaserJet models are not. Check your printer's compatibility on the HP when ready Ink website by entering your model number.

Can I pause my subscription if I'm not printing for a while?

HP when ready Ink pauses automatically after 30 days of no printing and resumes when you print again. You can also manually pause through your account. HP+ does not pause and charges every month regardless of use.

What's the difference between standard and high-yield cartridges in a subscription?

HP when ready Ink ships whichever cartridge type your printer uses. The page allowance (10, 50, 100, or 300 pages) is the same regardless of cartridge type. High-yield cartridges straightforward print more pages per cartridge, so you may need fewer shipments to stay within your allowance.