The HP 2640 (DeskJet 2640 series) is a compact, budget all-in-one printer aimed at households, students, and light home-office users who need print, scan, and copy functions at the lowest possible upfront price. In 2026, it still shows up on shelves and marketplaces as one of the cheapest brand-name inkjets you can buy. But cheap hardware doesn't always mean cheap ownership — ink costs, speed, and reliability all matter. This review pulls together official specifications, expert impressions, and community feedback so you can decide whether the HP 2640 fits your workflow before you spend on cartridges you may regret.
Quick Answer: Yes, if you print occasionally and want the cheapest reliable all-in-one with wireless setup. No, if you print more than 50 pages a month or need fast, low-cost color — an ink tank model will save you more within a year.
1.1 Core Specs
1.2 What's in the Box
1.3 Technical Highlights
2. Price & Value Analysis
2.1 Current Pricing
Launch price for the HP 2640 series sat around $84.99. In 2026, it's regularly listed between $59 and $79, dropping to roughly $49 during major sales. Refurbished units can appear near $39, though warranty coverage varies by retailer. Because entry-level HP inkjets rotate stock quickly, prices can differ by $15–$20 between marketplaces on the same day — worth comparing before checkout.
You can compare HP 2640 prices on ShopFox across major retailers in one place and check the current low.
2.2 Is It Worth Buying?
The value question depends almost entirely on how much you print. As a hardware purchase under $70, the HP 2640 is hard to beat — you get wireless, mobile printing, scanning, and copying from a trusted brand. However, HP 67/305 cartridges are relatively expensive per page. If you print more than about 50 pages a month, an ink tank printer will recoup its higher upfront price within a year. For light users (school forms, shipping labels, occasional photos), the 2640 remains one of the most sensible cheap picks in 2026.
Watch the HP 2640 price across major retailers in one place. Compare it on ShopFox and set a drop alert before you buy.
3. Real User Experience
3.1 Video Reviews Summary
Across video reviews of the HP DeskJet 2640 series, tech creators consistently highlight three things: extremely simple app-guided setup, surprisingly clean text output for a sub-$80 printer, and slow color photo printing. Reviewers running side-by-side print tests note that ISO-style text pages look sharp at default settings, while glossy 4x6 photo output takes noticeably longer and can streak if the cartridges are near empty. Almost every reviewer echoes the same warning — the printer is cheap, but the ink isn't.
3.2 What Reddit Users Are Saying
On Reddit threads across r/printers and r/HomeOffice, HP 2640 owners generally agree it's a fine "grab-and-go" printer for households that print rarely. Frequent posts praise the HP Smart app for making iPhone printing easy and mention long standby life between jobs. Complaints cluster around two areas: cartridge cost ("the ink costs more than the printer") and occasional Wi-Fi drop-outs after router firmware updates. Several users recommend leaving the printer permanently powered on to reduce nozzle clogging, which is common on budget inkjets.
3.3 Key User Feedback Themes
4. Performance & Everyday Use
In everyday operation, the HP 2640 handles homework, receipts, boarding passes, and light forms well. First-page-out from sleep takes about 15–20 seconds, and duplex printing requires manually flipping pages. Scan quality is respectable for a flatbed at this price — text OCR through the HP Smart app usually returns clean results. Copy speed is average and copies default to color unless changed. The printer body is compact enough for a small desk shelf but has no automatic document feeder, which is a common cost cut in this segment.
Scores below reflect editorial judgment based on research and public feedback — not first-hand lab testing.
5. Pros & Cons
- Quick, guided setup via HP Smart app
- Sharp text printing for a budget inkjet
- Compact, light footprint fits small desks
- Broad OS support including ChromeOS and mobile
- Instant Ink subscription available for heavier users
- Slow color and photo print speeds
- No automatic document feeder
- Wi-Fi occasionally needs re-pairing
6. Best Time to Buy
6.1 Historical Price Trends
The HP 2640 tends to hover near MSRP through spring, then dip during back-to-school (late July to early September) and again through Black Friday and post-holiday clearance. Historical lows typically land 30–40% below list, with bundled ink offers appearing during major sales. You can review the full trend and set an alert on ShopFox's HP 2640 price history.
6.2 Upcoming Sales Events
Key windows to watch in 2026 include Amazon Prime Day (mid-July), back-to-school (August), Black Friday and Cyber Monday (late November), and Boxing Day / post-holiday clearance. Retailer-exclusive bundles that include an extra set of HP 67/305 cartridges are often better value than a bare printer at the same price, because the added ink can offset several months of running cost.
7. Top Alternatives
Canon PIXMA TR4720
Best with ADFSimilar price bracket to the HP 2640 but adds a 20-sheet automatic document feeder and fax, making it a better fit for small home offices that scan multi-page documents.
Epson EcoTank ET-2400
Best for Heavy UsersHigher upfront cost, but refillable ink tanks slash per-page price. If you print more than 50 pages per month, the EcoTank pays for itself well within a year.
Brother HL-L2350DW
Best for Text OnlyMonochrome laser alternative with duplex printing. If you rarely need color and want the lowest cost per page for documents, this is the smarter long-term buy.
Shopping around? Browse other options in the printers category on ShopFox to compare specs and prices at a glance.
How We Researched This Review
This review is based on HP's official product specifications, published expert reviews, video review summaries, community feedback from Reddit and printer-focused forums, and public price history data. We did not conduct first-hand lab testing. All scoring reflects editorial judgment aggregated from those sources, and pricing figures reflect general 2026 market ranges rather than any single retailer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the HP 2640 still worth buying in 2026?
Yes, for light users. If you only print a few pages a week — school forms, tickets, receipts — the HP 2640 offers one of the cheapest ways to get wireless print, scan, and copy from a mainstream brand. For anyone printing 50+ pages a month, an ink tank model like the Epson EcoTank ET-2400 will save more money within a year despite the higher sticker price.
What ink cartridges does the HP 2640 use?
Depending on region, the HP 2640 series uses HP 67 (black and tri-color) cartridges in North America and HP 305 in Europe and parts of Asia. Standard and XL variants are available; XL cartridges deliver a significantly lower cost per page. HP's Instant Ink subscription is also supported, which can be cheaper if you print consistently each month.
Does the HP 2640 print double-sided (duplex)?
The HP 2640 does not include automatic duplex printing. You can print on both sides manually by flipping the pages between passes, and the HP Smart app can guide you through this. If automatic duplex is important — for example, for reports or handouts — consider stepping up to a mid-range HP OfficeJet or a Brother laser model.
Can I print from my iPhone or Android phone?
Yes. The HP 2640 supports Apple AirPrint, Mopria, and HP's own Smart app on iOS and Android. Setup takes a few minutes: connect the printer to Wi-Fi via the app, then any device on the same network can print. HP Smart also handles mobile scanning, cartridge status, and firmware updates.
Why is my HP 2640 offline or dropping Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi drop-outs on the HP 2640 are usually caused by router firmware updates, band mismatches, or moving the printer out of signal range. Fixes commonly recommended by users: reboot the router, reconnect the printer via HP Smart, and ensure it's on the 2.4 GHz band. Keeping the printer's firmware current also reduces reconnection issues.
Does the HP 2640 work with ChromeOS and Linux?
Yes for ChromeOS, which supports it natively through Mopria and HP Smart on the Chromebook. Linux users typically rely on the HPLIP driver package, which supports most DeskJet 2000-series models. Not every advanced feature (like some scan modes) is guaranteed on Linux, so check HPLIP release notes before relying on it for critical workflows.
Is Instant Ink worth it on the HP 2640?
HP Instant Ink can be worthwhile if your print volume is predictable. Plans charge by pages printed, not by ink used, so heavy color pages cost the same as a light black-and-white page. If you print regularly and want to avoid running out mid-project, it's often cheaper than buying cartridges retail. Occasional users may still save money buying XL cartridges outright.
HP 2640 vs Canon PIXMA TR4720 — which is better?
The Canon PIXMA TR4720 adds an automatic document feeder and fax at a similar price, making it a better small-office pick. The HP 2640 wins on app polish, ChromeOS integration, and a slightly more compact footprint. For pure home use with occasional printing, the HP is simpler; for multi-page scanning and copying, the Canon is the smarter buy.
Conclusion
The HP 2640 remains a sensible entry-level all-in-one in 2026 — cheap, compact, easy to set up, and well supported across operating systems. Its weaknesses are the same as every budget inkjet: slow color speeds, no ADF or auto-duplex, and cartridge costs that quickly outpace the printer's price if you print often. Buy it for light household duty and it will do the job for years; pass on it if you're a heavier printer and shift budget toward an ink tank model instead. Whatever you decide, compare live prices before checkout — the difference between retailers can easily fund a spare cartridge.
The Verdict
The HP 2640 is a solid, low-risk pick for occasional home printing in 2026. Confirm the current price, factor in ink cost per month, and only buy if your workload stays light. For heavier printing, choose an ink tank alternative instead.
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