HP “e” Printers: What the “e” Means and Which Cartridges Work

The “e” at the end of an HP printer’s model number means it is an HP+ model. On HP LaserJets ending in “e” or “we”, that means original HP toner only. On HP inkjets ending in “e”, it depends on one choice you make at setup.

What does the “e” mean on HP printers?

It means the printer is built for HP+. HP’s HP+ FAQ says it plainly: “HP+ eligible printers can be identified with a small letter ‘e’ at the end of the product code.”

You’ll see it at the end of the model letters:

• e: HP+ model, such as the OfficeJet Pro 9015e or LaserJet Pro 4001dne.
• we: wireless plus HP+, such as the LaserJet M110we.
• dwe: two-sided (duplex), wireless plus HP+, such as the LaserJet M209dwe.

HP+ is a bundle of perks, such as an Instant Ink trial and an extended HP warranty. The catch is in the terms. HP’s FAQ says “HP+ requires an HP account, Internet connection, and use of Original HP Ink for the lifetime of the printer.” It also says “once activated, HP+ is embedded in the device” (HP.com, October 2026).

The product number on the box or label gives it away too. On HP.com, the “e” version of a LaserJet has a product number ending in E, and the plain version ends in F. The LaserJet Pro 3001dwe is 3G650E. The 3001dw is 3G650F.

HP+ vs non-HP+: what changes for your cartridges

The real dividing line is whether HP+ is on.

HP LaserJet “e” and “we” models only take original HP toner

This is the part our old post got right. HP’s own product pages say so in plain words:

• LaserJet M110we: “This HP+ printer only works with original HP toner and requires an HP account and internet connection.”
• LaserJet Pro 3001dwe and MFP 3101fdwe: “Works only with HP toner, requires HP account and internet connection.”
• HP’s laser HP+ disclaimer: “HP+ laser printers only work with original HP toner and require an HP account and internet connection to operate.”

Unlike the inkjet pages, these don’t say “if you choose HP+.” Treat every LaserJet ending in “e” or “we” as original-toner-only. Compatible, remanufactured and refilled toner won’t work.

The good news: each one has a twin without the “e”. Same body, same toner cartridge number, no HP+ lock. In October 2026, HP.com marked the M110we, M209dwe, 3001dwe, MFP 3101fdwe and 4001dne as discontinued, and each page points shoppers to the non-e model instead.

Why that matters: HP lists the 138X at $149.99. Our compatible toner that replaces the HP 138X is $58.99 (HP.com and staging.swiftink.com, October 2026). That gap repeats every time you change the cartridge.

If you see this “e” model, buy this version instead

Toner numbers below are from HP.com’s printer and cartridge pages, checked October 14, 2026.

The same naming shows up on some HP Color LaserJet Pro models. If a color LaserJet ends in “e” or “we”, treat it the same way and look for the version without the “e”.

Shopping for a new mono laser? Our best black and white laser printer guide ranks the non-e HP models against Brother by real cost per page.

HP inkjet “e” models: it depends on what you chose at setup

HP inkjets ending in “e” work differently. Examples include the OfficeJet Pro 9015e, 9025e and 8025e, the DeskJet 2755e, and the Envy 6055e. Their HP.com pages say “This is an HP+ enabled printer. Choose HP+ at product setup to activate benefits.” HP’s FAQ adds that “a customer can choose to skip HP+ activation during printer setup.”

So an inkjet “e” printer goes one of two ways:

• HP+ turned on: original HP ink only, for the life of the printer. HP says HP+ is “embedded in the device” once activated. We don’t know of a supported way to undo it.
• HP+ skipped: it behaves like a regular HP printer. HP’s own Instant Ink FAQ says that “for non-HP+ printers, you can use HP original Standard or XL cartridges or 3rd party cartridges that are compatible with your HP printer.”

Even with HP+ skipped, two things can get in the way:

• Instant Ink. HP+ comes with an Instant Ink trial. HP says Instant Ink cartridges “will not work after the end of the current billing cycle in which you cancel.” If you cancel, swap in cartridges you own before that date.
• Dynamic security. HP’s pages for the 8025e say it “uses dynamic security measures to block cartridges using a non-HP chip.” Firmware updates can tighten that check later. Our firmware-safe HP ink cartridges page covers cartridges built for those checks, including replacements for the HP 962XL (9015e, 9025e) and 910XL (8025e).

How to check whether your HP printer is an “e” or HP+ model

1. Read the model name on the printer Free

   Look on the front panel, the lid, or the label on the back or inside the front door. Check the last letters. “M110we” is an HP+ model. “M110w” is not. The product number on the same label helps too: on LaserJets it ends in E for the “e” version and F for the plain one.

2. Print a configuration report or open the Embedded Web Server Free

   The printer’s configuration or status report lists the full model and product number. You can also type the printer’s IP address into a browser on the same network to open its Embedded Web Server. Menu names vary by model, so check your user guide.

3. Check the HP Smart app or your HP account Free

   Sign in and look at the printer’s details. HP+ and Instant Ink are tied to your HP account. If you see an active plan or HP+ benefits for the printer, assume it’s locked to original HP ink. Still not sure? Contact our support team with the full model number before you order.

“9135 vs 9135e” and “M110we vs M110w”: what’s the difference?

Same pattern every time: same hardware, same cartridge number. The “e” version is the HP+ edition.

• LaserJet pairs (M110we vs M110w, M209dwe vs M209dw, 3001dwe vs 3001dw): the “e” one takes original HP toner only. Buy the plain one if you want compatible toner.
• Inkjet pairs (9015e vs 9015, 2755e vs 2755): the “e” one can act like the plain one if HP+ is never turned on.
• OfficeJet Pro 9130 series (9135e and its siblings): these use HP 936 cartridges. We don’t recommend buying either version. See our HP+ setup warning.

Can HP printers use remanufactured or generic cartridges?

Yes, most non-HP+ HP printers can. The chip on the cartridge is what decides it.

HP’s pages for printers like the LaserJet M110w and MFP 3101fdw say the printer “is intended to work only with cartridges that have a new or reused HP chip.” They also say “a reused HP chip enables the use of reused, remanufactured, and refilled cartridges.” And they warn that “periodic firmware updates will maintain the effectiveness of these measures and block cartridges that previously worked.”

• Remanufactured with a reused HP chip: an original HP cartridge that’s been cleaned and refilled, keeping its HP chip. HP’s own wording allows these on non-HP+ printers.
• Compatible with a cloned (non-HP) chip: a newly built cartridge with a third-party chip. Dynamic security can block these, sometimes after a firmware update.
• Firmware-safe: compatible cartridges whose chips are built to work with the HP firmware released so far. No one can promise what a future update will do.

To lower the risk, turn off automatic firmware updates. Our guide to blocking HP firmware updates walks through it. None of this applies to HP+ printers. Those take original HP cartridges only.

Which cartridges can you use? A quick decision path

1. 1Is it an HP LaserJet whose model ends in “e” or “we”?

   Yes

   Original HP toner only. If you’re shopping, buy the non-e version from the table above.

   No

   Go to question 2.

2. 2Was HP+ turned on when the printer was set up?

   Yes

   Original HP ink only, for the life of the printer.

   No

   Go to question 3.

   Not sure

   Check the HP Smart app or your HP account, or ask us before you order.

3. 3Is it enrolled in Instant Ink right now?

   Yes

   Cancel first. Instant Ink cartridges stop at the end of that billing cycle, so have new cartridges ready.

   No

   Compatible and remanufactured cartridges can work. Choose reused-HP-chip or firmware-safe cartridges, and turn off automatic firmware updates.

Cheat sheet: HP “e” printers and compatible cartridges

Frequently asked questions

Do HP printers accept compatible cartridges?

Most do, as long as HP+ isn’t turned on. HP says non-HP+ printers can use “3rd party cartridges that are compatible with your HP printer.” HP LaserJets ending in “e” or “we” are the exception. They take original HP toner only.

Does HP block third-party cartridges?

On many models, yes, by chip. HP’s dynamic security blocks cartridges with non-HP chips and allows ones with new or reused HP chips. Firmware updates can change which cartridges pass, so turn off automatic updates if you use compatibles.

Can I turn off HP+ after I’ve turned it on?

HP says that “once activated, HP+ is embedded in the device” and requires Original HP ink for the life of the printer. We don’t know of a supported way to remove it.

Is the HP LaserJet M110we the same as the M110w?

Same printer, same HP 141A toner. The M110we is the HP+ version and works only with original HP toner. The M110w is the one to buy if you want compatible toner.

Will a compatible cartridge work in my HP printer for sure?

No seller can promise that. HP can change its chip checks with a firmware update, and any cartridge, original or compatible, can arrive defective. If you have trouble, contact our support team and see our returns and exchanges page.