HP Deskjet 5550 Ink Cartridges
Shop ink cartridges for your HP Deskjet 5550, which uses the HP 56 and 57 ink cartridges series. Ink Depot has been supplying reliable consumables for this printer since Aug 2026. A dependable thermal inkjet printer built for everyday home office documents and photos, it relies on a two-cartridge system where black text demands more frequent replacement of 56 (C6656AA) cartridges while 57 (C6657AA) handles tri-colour graphics. Our 4.8 Google rating reflects a long-standing track record of premium cartridge performance.
Expected page output and replacement cycles
Page yield for 56 (C6656AA) and 57 (C6657AA) cartridges is measured according to ISO/IEC 24711 standard testing under 5% page coverage. Standard black delivers approximately 450 pages, whereas the tri-colour cartridge produces around 400 pages for routine everyday printing.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56 | Standard | Black | 450 | $0.038 |
| 57 | Standard | Colour | 400 | $0.072 |
Cost Per Page = Total Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield (at 5% coverage). Prices based on Compatible cartridges.
What to know about compatible cartridges
Our compatible 56 (C6656AA) and 57 (C6657AA) cartridges offer a budget-friendly alternative for everyday home printing. Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. Read our genuine vs compatible cartridges guide to understand how compatible alternatives compare in reliability and print results.
Smart stocking and delivery choices
If you print mainly text documents, keeping a spare 56 (C6656AA) black cartridge ensures continuous output. If you print photos or colourful graphics, pairing black with a 57 (C6657AA) colour cartridge or selecting a 56/57 multipack gives balanced coverage. Our compatible cartridges come backed by a money-back guarantee under our returns policy. We dispatch directly from Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99. Explore our complete selection of HP ink cartridges for every home and office requirement.
Pro Tip
Because the 57 (C6657AA) tri-colour cartridge combines cyan, magenta, and yellow into a single unit, replacing it becomes necessary as soon as one colour depletes. Purchasing a 56/57 bundle pack keeps both black and colour cartridges ready, preventing unexpected downtime when a single ink channel runs low during colour print jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I print in black text if the 57 tri-colour cartridge is empty?
The HP Deskjet 5550 can operate in single-cartridge mode using only the 56 (C6656AA) black cartridge, allowing black text printing even if the colour cartridge is removed or exhausted.
Why do integrated printhead cartridges like the 56 and 57 cost more per millilitre than standard ink tanks?
Each 56 (C6656AA) and 57 (C6657AA) cartridge incorporates its own built-in printhead nozzles. Replacing the cartridge replaces the printhead mechanism simultaneously, maintaining consistent line sharpness without relying on a permanent internal printhead.
Will unused 56 and 57 cartridges dry out if kept in storage for extended periods?
Stored in their original sealed foil packaging at room temperature, unopened 56 (C6656AA) and 57 (C6657AA) cartridges remain stable for up to 18 to 24 months. Avoid removing the protective nozzle tape until immediately before installation to keep the print nozzles primed.
