HP 81A vs 81X Toner
Which should you buy? If you print often, the 81X holds more toner and usually means fewer changes. If you print only occasionally, the 81A 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.
81A vs 81X at a glance
| Cartridge | Tier | Color | Yield | Our price | Cost per page | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP 81A black | 81A | Black | see product page | $111.99 | see product page | Shop |
| HP 81X black | 81X | Black | see product page | $121.99 | see product page | Shop |
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?
Both the 81A and 81X are listed for the same HP printers, including HP LaserJet Enterprise Flow MFP M630Z, HP LaserJet Enterprise MFP M630DN, HP LaserJet Enterprise M604DN, HP LaserJet Enterprise M605DN, HP LaserJet Enterprise M606DN, HP LaserJet M625DW, M604N, M605N, M605X, M606X, M630F, and M630H. Match the cartridge number on your empty cartridge to the product title before you order.
Our remanufactured and compatible options
We carry the 81A and 81X as remanufactured cartridges, all 100% post-tested, at up to 40% less than OEM:
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 |
|---|---|---|
| HP 81A (CF281A) MICR Toner, Remanufactured, for Check Printing - MICR Print Solutions | $429.99 | MICR |
| HP 81A (CF281A) MICR Toner, Remanufactured, for Check Printing - North American Remanufactured | $177.99 | MICR |
| HP 81X (CF281X) High Yield MICR Toner, Remanufactured, for Check Printing - MICR Print Solutions | $579.99 | MICR |
| HP 81X (CF281X) High Yield MICR Toner, Remanufactured, for Check Printing - North American Remanufactured | $228.99 | MICR |
Related pages
Printer guides: HP Enterprise M604 M605 M606; HP Enterprise MFP M630. Browse the series collection: HP 81A and 81X Toner.
Frequently asked questions
Should I buy the 81A or the 81X?
If you print often, the 81X usually means fewer changes. If you print only occasionally, the 81A costs less upfront. Confirm the yield on the product page — we only publish a page count when that page states one.
Do the 81A and 81X fit the same printers?
Yes. Both are listed for the same HP printers. 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.