Canon PG-240 XL / CL-241 XL Review: Worth the OEM Price?
A surprising takeaway from digging into hundreds of user reviews is just how consistent the praise is for the Canon Ink PG-240 XL / CL-241 XL Value Pack—scoring a strong 9.3/10 in cross-platform ratings. While ink cartridges are often a source of frustration for home and office users, this set earns high marks for print quality, reliability, and ease of installation, with most buyers saying it’s worth the higher OEM price. Multiple verified buyers on Best Buy summed it up as “great value and quality with this purchase,” and Reddit users echoed that sentiment, citing “crisp black text” and “vibrant photos” as standout results.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Yes – best for users prioritizing OEM quality and longevity over lowest price.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Consistently sharp text and vibrant photo output | Higher price compared to third-party alternatives |
| Long-lasting high-yield cartridges reduce replacement frequency | Price increases over time noted by multiple buyers |
| Broad compatibility with PIXMA MG, MX, TS printer lines | Occasional reports of cartridges reading “low” prematurely |
| Easy, mess-free installation | Knock-off versions abound—risk if not buying from trusted source |
| Photo paper bonus in some bundles | |
| Reliable performance—few clogging or leak issues | |
| Genuine Canon ink preserves printer health |
Claims vs Reality
Canon markets this value pack as delivering “exceptional quality & remarkable durability” with its ChromaLife 100 system and fine nozzle technology. Official specs promise crisp black text, vibrant color output, and high-yield volumes—up to 300 pages for black and 400 for color. In practice, users largely confirm these claims, but with nuanced experiences.
For example, while the brand highlights longevity, a verified Best Buy buyer “onycha 1” reported a color cartridge “lasted one year since our last purchase,” which aligns with high-yield expectations. However, Tamara B noted, “the price has almost doubled since I first bought this printer,” showing that while yield is solid, cost is a pain point.
Canon’s pitch on vibrant color reproduction for photos is backed up by many users. Reddit user “steven” described printing “documents or photos” with “vibrant colors” and “sharp and clear” text. Yet, a few reports show premature low-ink alerts—suggesting that while the cartridges often outlast standard models, printer software can misreport levels.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The most consistent praise is for print quality. Across Best Buy, Trustpilot, and Reddit, buyers rave about how these cartridges make both text and images pop. A verified buyer “mofiya” emphasized that “original Canon ink cartridge with zero issues” beats cheaper knock-offs, after regretting third-party purchases. Teachers, photographers, and home office users alike benefit from the depth of blacks and accuracy of color reproduction—critical for professional documents and cherished photographs.
Ease of installation is another universally noted benefit. “Jenl” said, “It’s easy to switch out the cartridges… they do last for quite awhile,” which matters for less tech-savvy users who dread complicated replacements. Those printing regularly appreciate not just the simplicity, but the reduced frequency thanks to XL capacity.
Reliability over time also stands out. Reddit user “Jose” praised the “high yield” and “excellent color accuracy,” adding that fewer replacements mean “more savings in the long run.” This is valuable for high-volume environments like small businesses or classrooms, where downtime is costly.
Common Complaints
Price escalation is the loudest complaint. Multiple Best Buy reviewers note significant increases over the years, which impacts budget-conscious users. Tamara B’s comment about the price nearly doubling echoes across platforms, with some turning to remanufactured options.
A smaller but notable frustration comes from premature low-ink warnings. While not widespread, reports like “works ok… but the printer already says that it is low after a few pages” from ComboInk buyers suggest occasional mismatches between actual ink levels and printer readings, potentially causing unnecessary replacements.
Some bundle buyers also express annoyance when delivery issues occur, such as “ol de tooles” whose package was misdelivered—though this is more about shipping than product performance.
Divisive Features
Third-party alternatives spark division. OEM loyalists argue that genuine Canon cartridges protect printers and ensure quality, while others report satisfactory results with remanufactured versions at lower cost. ShopSavvy’s TLDR review points out that performance can be “comparable to the brand name equivalent” but with “uncertainty about longevity.”
For photo printing, most praise the output, but high-volume photo users sometimes wish for even greater yield, especially for color-heavy projects. In contrast, casual photo printers find the included photo paper bonus a pleasant surprise.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Reddit threads show strong confidence in OEM reliability. Long-term users like “ss2019” call them “reliable and high quality… that last for longer and give better results.” This is bolstered by reports of minimal clogging and mess-free handling—attributes not always guaranteed with third-party inks.
Concerns about counterfeits are real. Canon explicitly advises checking for its logo to avoid low-quality imitations. Users who strayed to cheaper knock-offs, like “mofiya,” often report print quality drop-offs or printer issues. Remanufactured sellers with clear warranties (e.g., Inkjets.com offering a “1-year warranty and 100% satisfaction guarantee”) help mitigate risk for those seeking lower-cost options.
Alternatives
Alternatives mentioned in community discussions include Ax Lio compatible cartridges, which claim higher yields (up to 600 pages black) at lower prices, and remanufactured three-packs from ComboInk. While these can save money, users note trade-offs: occasional faulty cartridges, inconsistent longevity, and the need for stricter return policies. For heavy users who prioritize cost over absolute quality, these may be viable, but photo enthusiasts and business professionals stick with OEM for consistent results.
Price & Value
At the time of review, OEM packs range from $54.95 to $86.99 depending on retailer and bundle extras like photo paper. eBay listings show both genuine and remanufactured packs, with genuine OEM combo packs trending around $34–$55, and individual XL cartridges between $20–$40.
Resale and aftermarket value remain strong for sealed OEM cartridges, with high turnover rates on auction platforms. Community buying tips emphasize watching for multi-pack deals or seasonal sales at major retailers, and avoiding unverified sellers to prevent counterfeit risk.
FAQ
Q: Can I replace just the black or color cartridge?
A: Yes, each can be replaced individually. This is cost-effective for users who run out of black ink faster than color, or vice versa.
Q: Are these cartridges good for photo printing?
A: Absolutely. Users report vivid, true-to-life colors, especially when paired with Canon photo paper. Professional and hobby photographers note strong color accuracy.
Q: How many pages can I expect from each cartridge?
A: Official yields are up to 300 pages for PG-240 XL black and 400 for CL-241 XL color, though actual results vary by content printed and settings.
Q: Do remanufactured versions work as well?
A: Some do, with comparable quality at lower prices, but longevity and reliability can be inconsistent. OEM versions are safer for avoiding printer issues.
Q: What printers are compatible?
A: Broad Canon PIXMA compatibility, including MG, MX, and TS series models. Check your printer manual to confirm.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a home office, educator, or photographer who values consistent quality and long cartridge life. Avoid if your top priority is lowest upfront cost—remanufactured options may suit you better. Pro tip from community: watch for OEM multi-pack sales with photo paper included; they offer the best per-page value without sacrificing quality.
