There’s a familiar feeling of dread that every home office worker, student, or small business owner knows well. Your trusty HP Color Laser printer, a workhorse for everything from client proposals to your child’s school projects, suddenly flashes a low toner warning. The dread isn’t about the inconvenience; it’s about the impending hit to your wallet. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) toner cartridges, while reliable, carry a premium price tag that can feel disproportionate to the cost of the printer itself. This dilemma forces a difficult choice: stick with the expensive, brand-name option, or venture into the world of third-party compatible cartridges, a realm often filled with promises of savings but plagued by fears of poor quality, printer damage, and compatibility nightmares. It’s this exact pain point that drove us to find a solution that delivers both value and performance, leading us directly to our in-depth review of the Coloran 117A Toner Cartridges 4-Pack.
- 1. Coloran 4 Pack 117A Toner Cartridge Replacement for HP 117A Toner Cartridge (W2070A W2071A W2072A W2073A) (Not Original)
- 2. Compatible Printer: for HP Color Laser MFP 178nwg 178nw, Color Laser MFP 179fwg 179fnw, Color Laser 150a 150nw Printer
What to Consider Before Buying Compatible Toner Cartridges
A toner cartridge is more than just a plastic container of powder; it’s the lifeblood of your laser printer, the key component that transforms digital documents into crisp, tangible reality. The primary benefit of opting for a compatible cartridge set like the Coloran 117A is, without a doubt, the significant cost savings. For high-volume printing environments, this can translate into hundreds of pounds saved over the life of the printer. However, the path to savings is paved with potential pitfalls. The market is flooded with options, and choosing the wrong one can lead to streaky prints, inaccurate colours, lower-than-advertised page yields, and—in the worst-case scenario—error messages that render your printer unusable until you install an OEM cartridge.
The ideal customer for a product like the Coloran 117A Toner Cartridges 4-Pack is someone who prints frequently and is budget-conscious. This includes students printing dissertations, families printing schoolwork, home offices producing reports, or small businesses printing invoices and marketing materials. These users need reliable quality for everyday tasks without paying the premium for photo-lab perfection. Conversely, this type of product might not be the best fit for professional photographers or graphic design studios where absolute colour accuracy and adherence to specific Pantone colour profiles are non-negotiable. For them, the guaranteed consistency of OEM cartridges, despite the cost, might be a necessary business expense.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Printer Compatibility & Chip Recognition: This is the most critical factor. Modern printers, especially from brands like HP, use sophisticated firmware and microchips on their cartridges to verify authenticity. An incompatible cartridge simply will not work. You must double-check that your exact printer model (e.g., HP Color Laser MFP 179fnw) is listed. Furthermore, ensure the compatible cartridges come with the latest version of the chip pre-installed to avoid the “fiddly” and frustrating process of transferring a chip from your old cartridge.
- Page Yield & Cost-Per-Page: Don’t just look at the upfront price. The true measure of value is the cost-per-page. The Coloran 117A Toner Cartridges 4-Pack states a yield of approximately 1000 pages for black and 700 pages for each colour cartridge (at 5% coverage). Compare this to the yield and price of the OEM equivalent to calculate your real savings. Remember that “5% coverage” is a light text document, so your real-world yield for mixed graphics and text will be lower.
- Print Quality & Toner Formulation: The quality of the toner powder itself dictates the final output. A good compatible cartridge should produce sharp, dark black text without smudging and vibrant, consistent colours without banding or fading. Look for brands that have a reputation for quality control to ensure you’re getting a product that rivals the performance of the originals, a quality you can see in its detailed product specifications.
- Installation & Build Quality: The cartridge should feel solid, not flimsy. It needs to slot into your printer smoothly and securely, without requiring excessive force. A well-made compatible cartridge will be virtually indistinguishable from the original in terms of fit and finish, ensuring a hassle-free replacement process. Some users have noted minor issues like toner dust on arrival, so a quick inspection before installation is always wise.
Finding the right balance of cost, quality, and reliability is the ultimate goal when shopping for compatible toner.
While the Coloran 117A Toner Cartridges 4-Pack is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Packaging may vary. Partner for TN2420 Toner Black 3,000 Pages
- Each laser toner cartridge prints 1,000 pages in accordance with ISO/IEC 19798
- GPC Image High Yield TN2420 2 Pack Toners with Chip replacement for Brother TN2420 TN2410 Toner Cartridge(Non-Original)
First Impressions: Unboxing the Coloran 117A 4-Pack
Our package arrived promptly, and the first thing we noticed was the secure and robust packaging. Each of the four cartridges—Black (W2070A), Cyan (W2071A), Yellow (W2072A), and Magenta (W2073A)—was individually sealed in a heavy-duty, light-blocking bag. This is a crucial detail, as it protects the sensitive photoreceptor drums from light damage and prevents toner leakage during transit. This confirmed what other users have noted about the product arriving “very well-packaged.” Upon opening, the cartridges themselves felt substantial and well-constructed, with no obvious signs of being a “cheap” alternative. We did heed one user’s feedback and inspected each one for loose toner powder; ours were perfectly clean, but it’s a good two-second check to perform. The design mimics the HP originals closely, ensuring a familiar feel for anyone who has replaced toner before. There were no complex, multi-page instructions, just the simple, intuitive design that suggests a plug-and-play experience—a promising start for a product that you can find widely available online.
Key Benefits
- Exceptional value for money compared to OEM cartridges
- Seamless printer recognition and straightforward installation
- Produces sharp, crisp black text and vibrant colour prints
- Securely packaged to prevent damage and leaks during transit
Potential Drawbacks
- No official warranty information provided by the manufacturer
- Minor quality control issues like loose toner on arrival have been reported by some users
Putting the Coloran 117A to the Test: A Performance Breakdown
An attractive price and solid first impressions are one thing, but the true test of any compatible toner cartridge lies in its real-world performance. We installed the Coloran 117A Toner Cartridges 4-Pack into our test printer, an HP Color Laser MFP 179fnw, and ran it through a comprehensive series of tests over several weeks, simulating typical home office and small business usage. Our goal was to answer the three most important questions: Is it easy to install? Is the print quality good enough? And does it offer genuine long-term value?
Installation and Compatibility: A Seamless Swap-Out
This is where many compatible cartridges fail, and it’s often the biggest source of user anxiety. HP printers are notorious for their “dynamic security” firmware, which can sometimes reject non-HP cartridges. The fear of seeing a “Cartridge not recognized” error after spending money is real. We are thrilled to report that our experience with the Coloran 117A was flawless. After removing the protective orange clips and covers, each cartridge slid into its corresponding slot with a satisfying click. There was no resistance, no wiggling, and no need for force. They fit perfectly.
The moment of truth came when we closed the printer lid and it whirred back to life. Within seconds, the control panel displayed a “Ready” status, and the HP Smart app on our computer showed full toner levels for all four colours. The printer recognized them immediately, without any warning messages or errors. This hassle-free experience is a massive plus and aligns with feedback from numerous users who were “very impressed” that the printer “accepted it without any problem.” This is particularly noteworthy because some older or lower-quality compatible cartridges force users into a “very fiddly” process of manually transferring the microchip from the old OEM cartridge to the new one. The Coloran 117A Toner Cartridges 4-Pack appears to have solved this problem by including a fully functional, up-to-date chip, making the installation process as simple as it gets. For anyone who has struggled with compatibility issues from other brands in the past, this feature alone makes it a worthy contender.
Print Quality Analysis: Colour Accuracy and Text Clarity
With the cartridges installed, we moved on to the most important aspect: print quality. We tested the Coloran 117A Toner Cartridges 4-Pack with a variety of documents, including dense, multi-page text reports, full-colour business graphics with charts and logos, and high-resolution photo prints on standard A4 paper. The results were consistently impressive and far exceeded our expectations for a budget-friendly alternative.
For black-and-white text documents, the W2070A black toner produced deep, rich blacks. Text was exceptionally sharp and crisp, even at smaller font sizes, with no smudging or ghosting. Edges were well-defined, making it perfect for professional documents where readability is paramount. This mirrors the experience of a user who noted the “outstanding” quality with “sharp text.”
When it came to colour, the trio of Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow worked in harmony to produce vibrant and punchy results. We printed several presentation slides with embedded graphics, and the colours were bold and saturated without appearing oversaturated. Blues were deep, reds were bright, and yellows were clean. While a professional graphic designer might notice subtle shifts in hue compared to a calibrated OEM set, for all general business and home use, the quality is more than sufficient. In fact, some users have gone as far as to say the print quality is “better than the HP cartridges.” We found it to be on par with the originals for 99% of printing tasks, which, given the price difference, is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the quality formulation of the toner.
Page Yield and Long-Term Value: Does the Savings Add Up?
The primary motivation for buying a compatible toner is to save money, and the value proposition of the Coloran 117A Toner Cartridges 4-Pack is undeniable. The manufacturer estimates a page yield of 1000 pages for the black cartridge and 700 pages for each of the colour cartridges, based on the industry standard of 5% page coverage. While it’s difficult to verify these exact numbers without printing thousands of pages, our testing suggests these figures are realistic for light text-based printing.
The real story here is the cost-per-page. When you purchase the 4-pack, the upfront cost is often less than a single black OEM cartridge from HP. This dramatically lowers your operational costs, making it an incredibly economical choice for anyone who prints regularly. This is why users who need to print “school workbooks and exams” find it so helpful, as they “couldn’t afford to buy the branded” alternative. Over the course of a year, the savings can easily run into the hundreds of pounds, effectively paying for the product many times over. The longevity also received praise, with one user noting they “seem to go forever compared to other ink types.” While laser toner naturally lasts longer than inkjet ink, this comment underscores the feeling of excellent value and a long lifespan between replacements, which is a key part of the overall positive user experience.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our positive experience with the Coloran 117A Toner Cartridges 4-Pack is strongly reflected in the general user consensus. The overwhelming sentiment is one of pleasant surprise and satisfaction, particularly concerning the value for money. Many, like one happy customer, state it’s a “fantastic alternative to the original HP cartridges” and highlight the “excellent print quality, with sharp black text and vibrant colors.” The ease of installation is another frequently praised aspect, with one user noting they “fit perfectly in my printer with no issues.”
However, it’s also important to consider the few critical points raised. One user mentioned that upon arrival, “one came with powered ink over corner of cartridge.” While they noted it worked fine after a “little wipe clean,” it points to potential minor inconsistencies in the packaging or filling process. Another user observed that their “Yellow also looks different than the other 3 toner cartridges,” which, while seemingly cosmetic, can be unsettling for a first-time buyer. These isolated incidents seem to be the exception rather than the rule, but they are worth noting for a fully balanced perspective.
Coloran 117A vs. The Competition: How Does It Compare?
The primary competition for the Coloran 117A Toner Cartridges 4-Pack comes directly from HP’s own lineup of original toner cartridges. While there are other compatible brands, comparing Coloran to the OEM standard provides the clearest picture of its value proposition. It is important to note that the following HP alternatives are for different printer models and are provided here as a general comparison between a third-party multipack and single OEM cartridges.
1. HP 207X W2210X Black High Capacity Original Toner
- Compatible printers: HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw / M255nw / M282nw / M283fdn / M283fdw
- Yield: 3,150 pages (ISO/IEC 19752 standard)
The HP 207X is a high-capacity OEM cartridge designed for absolute reliability and maximum page yield in compatible LaserJet Pro printers. Its main advantage is the peace of mind that comes with an official HP product; you are guaranteed perfect compatibility and the highest possible print quality. However, a single one of these high-capacity black cartridges can often cost significantly more than the entire Coloran 4-pack. This alternative is best for corporate environments or users for whom budget is no object and who absolutely cannot risk any compatibility issues, however minor.
2. HP W2210A 207A Black Toner Cartridge
- Original HP Toner Cartridge – exceptional reliability and consistent print quality
- Page Yield: 1350 Per Cartridge
This is the standard-capacity version of the HP original toner. It offers the same guaranteed quality and compatibility as the 207X but with a lower page yield and a slightly lower upfront cost. When compared to the Coloran 117A, the value disparity is still stark. You are paying a premium for a single black cartridge, whereas the Coloran bundle provides black plus all three colours for a fraction of the total cost of a full OEM set. This option is for infrequent printers who prioritize the brand name over long-term running costs.
3. HP CF540A 203A Black LaserJet Toner Cartridge
- Original HP Toner Cartridge – exceptional reliability and consistent print quality
- Page Yield: 1400 Per Cartridge, Cartridges Per Pack: 1
Another popular OEM option, the HP 203A, again showcases the core trade-off. It promises flawless integration with its designated printers and consistent, professional-grade output from the first page to the last. For a user of a compatible printer, it’s the “safe” choice. However, the Coloran 117A Toner Cartridges 4-Pack challenges this by offering comparable performance across a full set of colours for a price that is dramatically lower than this single black cartridge. The Coloran pack is for the savvy user who recognizes that third-party quality has improved immensely and is willing to step away from the OEM ecosystem to realize massive savings.
The Final Verdict: Is the Coloran 117A Toner Cartridges 4-Pack the Right Choice for You?
After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear. The Coloran 117A Toner Cartridges 4-Pack represents an outstanding value proposition for owners of compatible HP Color Laser printers. It successfully bridges the gap between affordability and performance, delivering print quality that is virtually indistinguishable from the far more expensive OEM originals for everyday use. The seamless installation process, free from the dreaded chip-swapping or compatibility errors, is a major selling point that removes the primary risk associated with third-party cartridges.
While minor quality control issues like loose toner on arrival have been reported in isolated cases, our experience was flawless. For students, home offices, and small businesses looking to drastically reduce their printing costs without a noticeable sacrifice in quality, we can give this product a wholehearted recommendation. It proves that you no longer have to choose between saving money and getting great results. If you’re tired of paying premium prices for toner, we highly recommend you check the latest price on the Coloran 117A Toner Cartridges 4-Pack today.
Last update on 2025-11-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API