Why are HP Ink cartridges so expensive now?

HP cartridges are designed specifically for HP printers, often with: Proprietary hardware and smart chips that help monitor ink levels and authenticate cartridges. Firmware and digital rights management (DRM) that can reject or disable non-HP (third-party) cartridges. 

Ink cartridges may look small, but what you’re paying for isn’t just the ink itself. The cost reflects the advanced engineering behind modern printing — including precisely formulated inks and microscopic printhead technology designed to deliver consistent, high-quality results every time.