Canon Printer Ink

Canon Ink Cartridges - Find the Right Ink for your Printer

Canon ink cartridges are grouped across several printer ecosystems, each designed for different printing needs:

Canon Pixma printers (Home & Photo Printing)

Canon Pixma printers are ideal for home users and photo printing. They commonly use cartridge families such as PG-545 / CL-546 or PGI-580 / CLI-581 (check your precise printer model to be absolutely sure), they offer a balance of quality and affordability for everyday printing tasks.

Canon Maxify Printers (Small Business & Office Use)

Designed for higher-volume printing, Canon Maxify printers use pigment-based ink systems that produce durable, professional documents. These are ideal for offices needing reliable, cost effective printing at scale.

Canon imagePROGRAF Printers (Professional & Large Format)

Used in design, photography, and graphics industries, image PROGRAF printers require specialist ink systems engineered for precision, colour accuracy, and long-lasting output.

Understanding your Canon printer range helps you quickly identify the correct ink family and avoid ordering errors, if in doubt speak to us.

Canon Ink Cartridge Families

Canon ink systems are typically divided into two main cartridge families:

PG / CL series - standard ink cartridges used in many Pixma printers for everyday document and colour printing.

PGI / CLI series - High-capacity ink systems designed for improved photo quality and higher page yields.

Choosing the right cartridge family ensures optimal performance and helps you get the best value from your printer.

Genuine vs Compatible Canon Ink Cartridges

When replacing your Canon ink, you can choose between:

Genuine Canon Ink Cartridges (OEM)

Manufactured by Canon, these cartridges offer original print quality and full compatibility with your printer.

Compatible Canon Ink Cartridges

A cost-effective alternative designed to match OEM performance, offering significant savings without compromising reliability. 

Both options are fully tested for compatibility, giving you flexibility based on your printing needs and budget.

We stock all major Canon ink cartridges, including the most commonly searched and purchased models. These cartridges are widely used across Canon printer models, and remain among the most in-demand replacements for home and office users.

Choosing the Right Canon Ink - Quick Buying Guide

To ensure you select the correct Canon ink cartridge:

1. Check your printer model on the front or inside of your device

2. Utilise our website search bar, or the filters on the left-hand side of the product grid above

3. Match your model to the compatible ink range listed 

4. Select either standard or XL cartridges depending on print volume

5. Choose genuine or compatible ink based on budget and preference

XL cartridges are recommended for higher-volume printing, offering better value per page and fewer replacements, however, they are not recommended if you print infrequently.

Canon Ink Cartridges - Frequently Asked Questions

Which Canon ink cartridge do I need for my printer?

You can find the correct cartridge by checking your printer model (e.g. Pixma TS5150) or your existing cartridge code (e.g. PG-545, CL-546). Matching either of these will show you compatibility.

What is the difference between PG and CL Canon cartridges?

PG cartridges contain black pigment ink for sharp text printing, while CL cartridges contain colour dye-based inks used for images and graphics.

Are compatible Canon ink cartridges safe to use?

Yes. Compatible Canon in cartridges are designed to meet OEM specifications and are fully tested for use in Canon printers, offering a cost-effective alternative to genuine ink.

What does XL mean on Canon ink cartridges?

XL cartridges contain more ink than standard versions, providing a higher page yield and reducing the frequency of replacments.

How long does Canon ink last?

Canon ink longevity depends on usage, but sealed cartridges typically last for several years. Once installed, usage varies based on print volume and type of documents printed.