HP 87A & 87X Toner Cartridges
The HP 87A and 87X toner series powers high-volume monochrome printing across HP LaserJet Enterprise M506, M527, and Pro M501 printers. Available in standard CF287A (9,000 pages) and high-yield CF287X (18,000 pages), these cartridges come in both genuine and cost-effective compatible options. Our 4.8 Google Star rating shows that our customers consistently receive high-quality cartridges backed by reliable performance.
Printers Compatible with HP 87A & 87X Toner Cartridges
Expected Page Output and Replacement Cycles
The HP 87A (CF287A) delivers up to 9,000 pages, whereas the high-yield 87X (CF287X) doubles capacity to 18,000 pages. ISO/IEC 19752 standards govern these yield metrics based on 5% page coverage. High-volume offices running continuous print jobs achieve double the output per cartridge swap by choosing the CF287X, cutting manual intervention in half.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87A | Standard | Black | 9,000 | $0.054 |
| 87X | High Yield | Black | 18,000 | $0.036 |
Cost Per Page = Total Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield (at 5% coverage). Prices based on Genuine cartridges.
Choosing Between Genuine and Compatible Options
Compatible 87A and 87X cartridges reduce cost per page from 5.7 cents to under 1.2 cents on standard yield, and down to 0.5 cents on high-yield variants. Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. Read our detailed guide on genuine vs compatible cartridges to evaluate performance differences.
Best Way to Stock These Cartridges
For monochrome document environments printing over 1,500 pages monthly, ordering CF287X 2-packs ensures lower cost per page and prevents unexpected downtime. If budget allocation requires compatible alternatives, all third-party options carry a full 90-day money-back guarantee. View our complete returns policy for details. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99. Orders dispatch rapidly from local warehouses in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. Explore all HP toner cartridges to stock your office.
Pro Tip
The 87X high-yield cartridge physically fits the exact same slot as the standard 87A cartridge in all compatible LaserJet M506, M527, and M501 printers—no tray adjustments or firmware updates required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the HP 87X offer a significantly lower cost per page than the 87A?
The CF287X contains double the toner powder (18,000 pages vs 9,000 pages) inside the same physical outer shell, allowing manufacturing savings on plastic and electronic components that pass directly to per-page cost reductions.
Will upgrading from 87A to 87X cause fitment issues in my LaserJet M501 or M506 printer?
No. Both CF287A and CF287X share identical physical exterior dimensions and guide rail tracks, fitting into the main cartridge bay without requiring modifications or firmware tweaks.
What is the shelf life of an unopened HP 87A or 87X toner cartridge?
Unopened 87A and 87X toner cartridges have a shelf life of 24 to 36 months when stored in a cool, dry place away from direct light, as dry toner powder does not dry out like liquid ink.
