Canon PG-240 Ink Cartridge Review: Trusted But Pricey
Digging into user reports, the Canon PG-240 Genuine Black Ink Cartridge emerges as a widely trusted choice for everyday and photo printing, consistently earning ratings between 4.7 and 4.8 out of 5 across Amazon, Reddit, and specialist review platforms. With an aggregated score of 9.1/10, its strengths lie in sharp print quality, ease of installation, and compatibility with a broad range of Canon Pixma printers. However, long-term users caution that page yield for the standard version can feel limited, especially for heavy print environments.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sharp, smudge-resistant text output | Short ink life on standard 180-page yield |
| Easy installation with clear OEM labeling | Higher price compared to some third-party options |
| Broad Canon Pixma compatibility | Limited color range for certain print jobs |
| Access to Creative Park Premium content | Frequent replacements for high-volume users |
| Consistent quality due to OEM manufacturing in Japan | Not ideal for demanding full-color photo printing |
| Reliable nozzle engineering prevents clogs |
Claims vs Reality
Canon’s marketing emphasizes “exceptional quality, remarkable durability” and “smudge-resistant professional text,” supported by genuine OEM pigment-based ink and Fine (full photolithographic inkjet nozzle engineering) technology. While many Amazon buyers confirm these claims, several point out nuances.
For example, while Canon lists the standard PG-240’s yield at 180 pages, Reddit user feedback notes that “with moderate daily printing, I was replacing it in under three weeks.” This aligns with multiple Amazon reviews reporting faster depletion than expected, particularly for office users printing dense text.
Canon also promotes access to Creative Park Premium—exclusive content for genuine ink users. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “It’s a nice bonus for crafting projects, though I bought it mainly for work documents.” This suggests the feature resonates more with home creatives than business professionals.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Reddit, Trustpilot, and BestViewsReviews, the ease of installation is a standout. Reddit user feedback describes it as “pop it in, close the lid, and it’s ready,” a sentiment echoed by countless Amazon reviews calling the process “idiot-proof.” For home users, this means less troubleshooting and more immediate printing.
Print quality garners consistent praise. A verified Amazon buyer shared: “Text comes out crisp and deep black every time—no smearing.” Twitter reactions from Canon Canada emphasize that combining the PG-240 with Canon paper “produces monochrome prints of high quality and uniform dark tones.” This reliability benefits students, office workers, and photo hobbyists alike.
Compatibility breadth is another often-highlighted advantage. BestViewsReviews notes it “makes it compatible with different printers,” while Reddit users appreciate that a single cartridge works across MG2120, MG3120, MG4120, and more—critical for households with multiple devices.
Common Complaints
The most frequent complaint is short ink life in the standard model. While XL and XXL variants extend yield to 600 pages, heavy users find even these deplete quickly with graphics or full-page documents. Provantage analysis cautions: “Limited capacity—requires frequent replacements for heavy users.”
Price sensitivity surfaces often. BestViewsReviews labels it “high on the price,” and Reddit users compare costs unfavorably to third-party refills, though many stick with OEM due to quality and printer longevity.
Color range limitations are mentioned by BestViewsReviews as “inadequate color range,” relevant mostly for users printing detailed color images, though this is a black-only cartridge.
Divisive Features
Creative Park Premium divides opinion. Casual home printers enjoy the extra content; office users often ignore it. Similarly, while OEM branding and “easy to recognize” labels assure authenticity, some price-conscious buyers prefer remanufactured cartridges despite warnings about potential printer damage.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Reddit feedback consistently affirm OEM reliability. A verified review on BestChoice.com notes: “Easy to recognize labels make it simple to know if what you’re buying is genuine.” This safeguards against counterfeit concerns—a recurring issue in third-party markets.
Long-term durability stories are positive. One Reddit user reported: “Six months later, no clogs, prints still sharp.” Canon Canada warns that non-genuine inks can cause fading and paper warping, reinforcing why many users opt for OEM despite higher costs.
Alternatives
Alternatives mentioned in community discussions include third-party remanufactured cartridges, which can cost significantly less. eBay listings show Doorstep Ink remanufactured PG-240XXL at $16.99 compared to OEM prices often above $30. However, Canon’s own communications and user reports caution that these may lead to nozzle clogs or reduced print quality over time.
Another alternative is upsizing to XL or XXL models for better yield. Reddit feedback suggests the XXL is “worth it if you print more than a few pages a day,” minimizing replacement frequency.
Price & Value
Current eBay trends place genuine PG-240XXL between $27 and $40, with occasional open-box deals under $25. Amazon’s standard PG-240 lists at around $19–$20, while the XXL can reach $40. Community buying tips include monitoring Staples or Canon direct store promotions, and purchasing bundles with color cartridges to save per-unit cost.
Resale value for unopened OEM cartridges remains strong, as they are compatible across multiple printer generations, with sellers reporting quick turnover on eBay.
FAQ
Q: What printers are compatible with the PG-240?
A: It works with a wide range of Canon Pixma models including MG2120, MG3120, MG4120, MX432, MX512, and more. Always confirm your specific model before purchase.
Q: What is the page yield?
A: The standard PG-240 yields approximately 180 pages; the XL and XXL variants offer up to 600 pages depending on print density.
Q: Is the ink pigment-based or dye-based?
A: The PG-240 uses pigment black ink, designed for sharp, smudge-resistant text.
Q: Does it work for color printing?
A: No, this is a black-only cartridge. For color printing, you’ll need a compatible Canon CL-series cartridge.
Q: What’s Creative Park Premium?
A: It’s Canon’s exclusive content platform for genuine ink users, offering downloadable templates, photos, and crafts.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a home or office user who values sharp monochrome prints, easy installation, and guaranteed OEM quality. Avoid if you’re a heavy-volume user unwilling to invest in XL/XXL yields or if price is your top priority. Pro tip from the community: “If you print daily, skip straight to the XXL—saves money and frustration over time.”
