If you've recently spotted HP 302/304 or HP 302XL/304XL ink cartridges and thought "what on earth is this?" — you're in good company. It's a confusing name for what is actually a fairly simple change.
Here's everything you need to know, including how the HP 302/304 differs from the original cartridges, which printers it works with, and whether you need to do anything differently.
What is HP 302/304 ink?
HP 302/304 is a new dual-labelled cartridge designed to work in printers that currently use either HP 302 or HP 304 ink.
Instead of two separate cartridge ranges, HP now offers a single product labelled with both numbers:
- HP 302/304 Black Ink Cartridge
- HP 302/304 Colour Ink Cartridge
- HP 302XL/304XL Black Ink Cartridge
- HP 302XL/304XL Colour Ink Cartridge
The idea is that one cartridge covers both printer families — so whether your printer takes HP 302 or HP 304, the new HP 302/304 cartridge will fit.
What is the difference between HP 302/304 and the original HP 302 or HP 304?
Less than you might think. This is not a new ink formulation or a performance upgrade — the difference is mainly in the naming and packaging.
You still get:
- The same genuine HP ink quality
- The same print quality you'd expect from HP 302 or HP 304
- Similar page yields — exact figures vary by cartridge, so check the individual product listings for details
The main change is that HP has unified two previously separate ranges under a single label, rather than making any meaningful change to the ink itself.
Why has HP combined the 302 and 304?
HP has streamlined the 302 and 304 ranges into a single product line. The two cartridges were already very similar — used in many of the same or closely related printers — so HP has created a unified version that covers both.
It's a manufacturing and supply simplification that's now showing up on shop shelves, and understandably causing some head-scratching. The original HP 302 and HP 304 cartridges are being phased out in 2026, with the HP 302/304 range effectively taking over as their replacement.
Which printers are compatible with HP 302/304 ink?
HP 302/304 cartridges are compatible with a wide range of HP printers across the DeskJet, ENVY, and OfficeJet families. If your printer currently uses HP 302 or HP 304 ink, it should work with the new HP 302/304 cartridge.
| Printer Range | Compatible Models |
|---|---|
| HP AMP | 130 |
| HP DeskJet | 1110, 2130, 2132, 2134, 2136, 2620, 2622, 2630, 2632, 2633, 2634, 3630, 3633, 3634, 3635, 3639, 3720, 3730, 3732, 3733, 3735, 3750, 3760, 3762, 3764 |
| HP ENVY | 4520, 4522, 4523, 4524, 4526, 4527, 4528, 5010, 5020, 5030, 5032, 5050 |
| HP OfficeJet | 3830, 3831, 3832, 3833, 3834, 3835, 4650, 4652, 4654, 4655, 4657, 4658, 5220, 5230, 5233 |
Always check your printer's current cartridge number or user manual before ordering to confirm compatibility.
The new HP 302/304 range — available at Crazy Kangaroo now
We stock the full genuine HP 302/304 range. As always, these are 100% genuine HP cartridges — no compatibles, no remanufactured alternatives.
You can now order:
- HP 302/304 Black Ink Cartridge – B7RT7AE
- HP 302/304 Colour Ink Cartridge – B7RT6AE
- HP 302/304 Black & Colour Combo Pack – B82L1AE
- HP 302XL/304XL Black Ink Cartridge – B7RT9AE
- HP 302XL/304XL Colour Ink Cartridge – B7RT8AE
- HP 302XL/304XL Black & Colour Bundle Pack
👉 Browse the full HP 302/304 range at Crazy Kangaroo
Every HP ink order also comes with a free prepaid recycling bag — so you can send your old cartridges back easily at no cost.
FAQ: HP 302/304 Ink Cartridges
Is HP 302/304 the same as HP 302 or 304?
It's designed to replace both HP 302 and HP 304 in a single cartridge — same ink quality, same compatibility, just a unified label covering both ranges.
What is the difference between HP 302 and 304 cartridges and the new HP 302/304 combined model?
In practice, very little. The HP 302/304 uses the same genuine HP ink and delivers the same print quality. The key difference is that it also works in HP 304 printers, making it a more flexible option if you have multiple HP printers at home or in the office. The ink volumes also differ across the different cartridges so be sure to check the individual product descriptions.
Is HP 302/304 better than HP 302 or HP 304?
No — it's not an upgrade or improvement. It's the same genuine HP ink with updated naming and packaging. The main advantage is simply that one cartridge now covers both printer families.
Why does the box show both numbers?
Because the cartridge is designed to work in both HP 302 and HP 304 printers, so HP shows both numbers to make this clear.
Will the original HP 302 and HP 304 still be available?
The original HP 302 and HP 304 cartridges are being phased out in 2026. If you'd like to stock up on the originals while they're still available, you can find them here: HP 302 inks and HP 304 inks. No pressure either way — the new HP 302/304 cartridge is a straightforward replacement.
Do I need to switch to HP 302/304?
Eventually, yes — the original HP 302 and HP 304 cartridges are being phased out in 2026. There's no rush though — grab the originals while they're still available if you prefer, or switch to the HP 302/304 whenever suits you.
What does XL mean on HP 302XL/304XL?
XL cartridges contain more ink and print significantly more pages than standard cartridges — typically better value if you print regularly.
Which printers use HP 302/304 ink?
HP 302/304 cartridges are compatible with a wide range of HP DeskJet, ENVY, OfficeJet, and AMP printers. See the full compatibility table above for all supported models.
In short
HP 302/304 is a consolidated cartridge that does the same job as the existing 302 and 304 inks. Same quality, same genuine HP formula — just a new label designed to cover both printer families in one product. If you were expecting a significant difference between HP 302/304 and the originals, you'll be relieved to find there isn't one.
If you're unsure which cartridge your printer needs, check the full range here or drop us a message and we'll point you in the right direction.
