HP 42A vs 42X Toner
Which should you buy? If you print often, the 42X holds more toner and usually means fewer changes. If you print only occasionally, the 42A costs less upfront. Compare yield and cost per page in the table below — we only list a page count when the product page states one. Every remanufactured cartridge is 100% post-tested and priced at up to 40% less than OEM.
We drop ship nationwide. There is no local pickup.
HP Original is the Gold Standard. We also carry remanufactured cartridges that replace the OEM cartridge number in the product title.
42A vs 42X at a glance
| Cartridge | Tier | Color | Yield | Our price | Cost per page | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP 42A black | 42A | Black | see product page | $120.99 | see product page | Shop |
| HP Q5942A black | 42A | Black | see product page | $130.99 | see product page | Shop |
| HP 42X black | 42X | Black | OEM-rated about 20,000 pages (ISO/IEC 19752) | $131.99 | $0.007 | HP 42X (Q5942X) toner |
Cost per page uses the yield stated on each product page and our current price. If a page count is not listed on the product page, we do not estimate one.
Which printers do they fit?
The 42A (Q5942A) and 42X (Q5942X) both fit the LaserJet 4250 series (4250, 4250n, 4250tn, 4250dtn, 4250dtnsl) and the 4350 series (4350, 4350n, 4350tn, 4350dtn, 4350dtnsl). The LaserJet 4240 and 4240n take the 42A (Q5942A) only — the 42X is not supported on those printers. Match the cartridge number on your empty cartridge to the product title before you order.
Our remanufactured and compatible options
We carry the 42A and 42X as remanufactured cartridges, all 100% post-tested, at up to 40% less than OEM:
HP 42A black · HP Q5942A black · HP 42X (Q5942X) toner
Printing checks?
The same printers can print payroll and vendor checks if you swap in MICR toner. Banks need magnetic toner to read the numbers at the bottom of the check. Regular toner will not pass. See our MICR guide for CPA and payroll offices or the MICR printer finder.
| MICR cartridge | Our price | Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Remanufactured MICR Toner for HP Q5942A | $408.99 | MICR |
| HP 42A (Q5942A) MICR Toner for HP 4250/4350 Check Printing | $137.99 | MICR |
| Remanufactured High Yield MICR Toner for HP Q5942X | $531.99 | MICR |
| Remanufactured High Yield MICR Toner for HP Q5942X | $154.99 | MICR |
Related pages
Printer guides: HP 4250. Browse the series collection: HP 42A and 42X Toner.
Frequently asked questions
Should I buy the 42A or the 42X?
If you print often, the 42X usually means fewer changes. If you print only occasionally, the 42A costs less upfront. Confirm the yield on the product page — we only publish a page count when that page states one.
Do the 42A and 42X fit the same printers?
They both fit the 4250 and 4350. The 4240 and 4240n take the 42A (Q5942A) only; the 42X is not supported there. Match the cartridge number on your empty cartridge to the product title and confirm your exact model on the product page.
How is yield listed here?
Yield is copied from each product page. If that page confirms an ISO figure, we say so. Otherwise we say “about X pages,” or “see product page” when no page count is listed.
Can these printers print checks?
Yes. Swap in the matching MICR cartridge linked above. Banks need magnetic (MICR) toner to read the routing and account line. Regular toner is enough only if that line is already printed on the check stock.
Is this an OEM HP cartridge?
No. HP Original is the Gold Standard. The cartridges linked here are remanufactured replacements for the OEM cartridge number in the product title. Every cartridge is 100% post-tested and priced at up to 40% less than OEM.
Do you offer local pickup?
No. Every order is drop shipped, and we ship nationwide with free ground shipping.