If you're shopping for Canon printer ink or feeling unsure about which Canon cartridges work with your printer, you're in the right place. At Stinkyink,we're all about making printing simple - and this guide to Canon’s PG-540/CL-541 and PGi-550/CLi-551 XL cartridges does exactly that.
Whether you're replacing your ink or considering a new printer, understanding the differences between these two popular Canon ink ranges will help you make the right choice.
What is Canon PG-540/CL-541 Ink?
The Canon PG-540 (black) and CL-541 (colour) cartridges are designed for a wide range of Canon PIXMA printers and are known for producing crisp black text and vibrant colours—ideal for everyday home and office use.
You can buy them in various sizes:
Standard:
- Canon PG-540 (8ml) – up to 180 pages
- Canon CL-541 (8ml) colour cartridge – up to 180 pages
L:
- Canon PG-540L (11ml) – up to 300 pages
XL:
- Compatible PG-540XL (21ml) – up to 600 pages
- Compatible CL-541XL (15ml) – up to 400 pages
- Canon CL-541XL (15ml) – up to 400 pages
Which Printers Use PG-540/CL-541?
Some of the most popular Canon PIXMA printer ink models using this range include:
- PIXMA MG3250, MG3550, MG3650
- PIXMA MX515, MX525, MX535
- PIXMA TS5150, TS5151 and others
What is Canon PGi-550/CLi-551 XL Ink?
This range is aimed at users wanting professional-quality results with individual ink tanks for improved efficiency. The Canon PGi-550 (pigment black) and Canon CLi-551 (dye-based colours) come in XL high-capacity versions for excellent page yields.
XL Sizes (approximate yields):
- PGi-550xl Pigment Black – up to 500 pages
- CLi-551xl Black – up to 1125 pages
- CLi-551xl Cyan – up to 680 pages
- CLi-551xl Magenta - up to 660 pages
- CLi-551xl Yellow - up to 695 pages
Which Printers Use PGi-550/CLi-551?
These printer ink cartridges are used in a wide variety of Canon printers, including:
- Canon PIXMA MG5450, MG5550, MG5650
- Canon PIXMA MX925
- Canon PIXMA iP7250, iX6850 and many more
The Best Canon-Compatible Ink Cartridges
Not all compatible cartridges are created equal. That's why Stinkyink only offers the best Canon compatible ink - rigorously tested and fully guaranteed.
Popular option:
Compatible Multipack of Canon PGi-550 and CLi-551 XL Ink Cartridges
- High page yields
- Premium ink quality
- Reliable performance
- Free UK delivery and full returns support
Buying compatible Canon ink from us means you save money without compromising on quality.
PG-540 vs PGi-550 – What’s the Difference?
While both ranges offer excellent print results, they are not interchangeable and cater to different printing needs:
- PG-540/CL-541: Two-cartridge system, ideal for straightforward home printing
- PGi-550/CLi-551: Five-cartridge system with individual inks for higher-quality colour printing and efficiency
Make sure to check your printer model or use our compatibility checker to get the right fit.
Final Thoughts
Whether your printer takes PG-540 and CL-541 or PGi-550 and CLi-551, we’ve got you covered with top-quality Canon printer ink at affordable prices.
Need help choosing the right Canon ink for your printer? Our team is just a click away.
FAQ
Where can I buy Canon compatible ink cartridges?
Good news! You have landed in the right place, you can buy Canon compatible ink cartridges here from us at Stinkyink.
Can Canon ink cartridges be recycled?
The short answer is yes, we have two different recycling schemes depending on the type of cartridge.
-Cartridges containing the printer head can be filled/remanufactured. Any cartridges that fall under this category are part of our free recycling scheme. This means you will get a recycling bag with your order. Once your cartridges are empty: simply pop them into the bag and send them off to our recycling partner.
-Even cartridges that are not part of the aforementioned can be recycled with us. The recycling does come at a cost to us at Stinkyink, so we do ask that you pay for your own postage to take advantage of this. Alternatively, most schools and supermarkets will have recycling schemes available.
Can you refill Canon ink cartridges?
These cannot be refilled at home, please see above for information on how we can recycle your empty cartridges.
Can you use other ink cartridges in a Canon printer?
Sadly no. Cartridges all have a unique contact chip designed to be read by specific printers. Having said that, our compatible cartridges will work with Canon brand printers.
Is it worth buying Canon XL ink cartridges?
This depends entirely on you! How much you are printing, and how often. If you are a regular printer - then absolutely! As you will be receiving more ink for your money. However, if you don't print on a regular basis - there is a chance the ink could dry out before the cartridge is empty.