CF289A 89A 2-Pack Toner Review: Solid HP Alternative
✅ PROS
- Genuine 4,200-page yield per cartridge (8,400 total) — tested and verified by multiple buyers
- Chip authenticates properly in HP printers; no error messages or bypass workarounds needed
- Consistent dense black output with no streaking or banding across varied print jobs
❌ CONS
- No recycling program included — you'll need to find your own drop-off for spent cartridges
- Packaging is minimal; no protective foam inserts, so handle carefully during shipping
The Verdict
If you own an HP LaserJet that takes the 89A toner — think the M207, M209, or the M234 series — you already know the OEM cartridge price is brutal. This two-pack from a compatible brand costs a fraction of what two HP-branded cartridges run, and with a 4.8-star average across 240 ratings, it’s not flying under the radar. The question is whether “compatible” actually means “comparable” when it hits paper. Here’s the real breakdown.
What’s Actually in the Box
You get two individually sealed CF289A cartridges. Each is rated for 4,200 pages at 5% coverage — that’s the standard industry measurement, so expect fewer pages if you print dense graphics or photos. The cartridges come pre-installed with a chip that HP printers recognize without complaint. I’ve seen compatible cartridges that trigger “genuine HP toner” warnings or refuse to report toner levels; that’s not happening here based on buyer reports.
Performance and Real-World Output
The print quality holds up where it matters. Multiple buyers describe output as “crisp” and “identical to OEM.” One reviewer noted, “I’ve used these in my M209dw for six months — no smudging, no streaking, and the toner level indicator works correctly.” That last point matters more than people think. If the chip doesn’t communicate properly, you’re left guessing when to swap cartridges. That’s not an issue with this pack.
The yield claims check out too. A buyer running a small real estate office reported: “I print around 150 pages a week. The first cartridge lasted nearly seven months.” That aligns with the 4,200-page rating. For a home office or light business workload, this two-pack will comfortably cover a year of printing.
What Buyers Consistently Praise
Across the 240 ratings, three themes dominate:
- Compatibility: Users report no error messages, no firmware conflicts, and seamless installation. One reviewer wrote, “My printer recognized it instantly. No ’non-HP cartridge’ warning, which I’ve dealt with before.”
- Value: The two-pack pricing undercuts OEM by roughly 60-70%. For anyone printing volume, that math changes your per-page cost dramatically.
- Reliability: No clogged printheads, no wasted pages. Multiple long-term reviews mention consistent performance over months of use.
Where It Falls Short
No product is flawless, and this one has two genuine tradeoffs.
First, there’s no recycling program. HP’s OEM cartridges come with a prepaid return label through their Planet Partners program. This compatible brand doesn’t offer that. You’ll need to check if your local office supply store accepts toner cartridges for recycling — Staples and Office Depot do, but it’s an extra step.
Second, the packaging is functional but minimal. The cartridges come in basic plastic wrapping without heavy foam protection. Shipping damage is rare but not impossible. One buyer mentioned their box arrived slightly dented, though the cartridges inside were fine. If you’re buying a large quantity, inspect the packaging on arrival.
Who Should Buy This
- Home office users with an HP LaserJet M207, M209, M234, or similar 89A-compatible model who print regularly but not at commercial volume.
- Small businesses with low-to-moderate print volume (under 500 pages per week) where per-page cost matters.
- Budget-conscious shoppers who’ve already verified their printer model accepts third-party toner without firmware pushback.
Skip it if you need OEM cartridges for warranty compliance — though it’s worth noting that in the U.S., using compatible toner doesn’t void your printer warranty under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Also skip it if you print ultra-high-volume and need a brand with a formal recycling program.
FAQ
Will this work with my HP LaserJet M209dw? Yes. The CF289A cartridge fits all HP printers that use the 89A toner, including the M207, M209, M234, and M305 series. The chip is pre-programmed for these models.
How many pages will I actually get? The 4,200-page rating assumes 5% page coverage — roughly 10-12 pages of standard text per cartridge. If you print full-page graphics or photos, expect closer to 2,500-3,000 pages.
Will my printer show accurate toner levels? Yes, based on buyer feedback. The chip communicates toner levels correctly with HP firmware, so you’ll get a low-toner warning before the cartridge runs dry.
The Verdict
Rating: 4.6/5
Buy it if you want OEM-equivalent print quality at a fraction of the price and your printer is compatible. The two-pack yield, clean installation, and reliable chip make this a no-brainer for home offices and small teams.
Skip it if you require a manufacturer recycling program or prefer the peace of mind of HP-branded consumables despite the premium.
For the price-to-performance ratio, this is one of the better compatible toner options on Amazon right now. The 4.8-star rating isn’t hype — it’s earned.