Canon PG-245 Ink Cartridge Review: Quality vs Yield
Starting with a surprising consensus across multiple platforms, the Canon PG-245 Genuine Black Ink Cartridge earns a strong 8.5/10 from verified buyers and community discussions. While marketed as a crisp, smudge-resistant pigment ink solution for Canon Pixma printers, user feedback reveals a blend of praise for print quality and ease of installation, tempered by recurring concerns over page yield and cost.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — excellent for users prioritizing print quality and compatibility, but heavy or high-volume users may find the yield limiting.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Crisp, smudge-resistant print quality | Limited page yield (~180 pages) |
| Easy installation, user-friendly design | High cost relative to yield |
| Reliable compatibility with Pixma printers | Ink can run out quickly for frequent printing |
| Superior performance over generic alternatives | Some reports of uneven ink flow |
| Long-lasting in printer without drying out | XL version still seen as expensive |
Claims vs Reality
Canon promotes the PG-245 as delivering “professional quality text” with FINE (Full Photolithographic Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) technology, ensuring sharpness and detail. Many users confirm this claim. A Best Buy reviewer, treniecet, praised the cartridge for producing “sharp and clear text as well as vibrant graphics with every print,” adding that installation was “a breeze.”
The brand also claims up to 180 pages yield. While technically accurate under ISO standards, users printing spreadsheets or art found this limiting. Derekc reported that he “had issues with it not coming out evenly and losing the ink prematurely.” Heavy users, such as office settings or artists, often see yields well below the stated figure.
Another claim is that genuine Canon ink prevents printer damage and maintains performance longer than third-party inks. This is largely supported by feedback — Geraldw noted, “Better than clones. Canon is the best. No problems with this ink.” However, the premium price point is a sticking point even for loyal buyers, as richards commented, “Sure wish it was a little cheaper.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Best Buy, and Trustpilot, print quality emerges as the most consistently praised feature. Users from home offices to small businesses value the cartridge’s ability to produce clean, legible documents without smearing. Lyn Valer shared that “ink does not dry out even not used (inside printer) for a while,” highlighting its stability for intermittent printing.
Ease of installation is another universal win. Heather described it as “very easy” to load into her Canon Pixma, while lenca confirmed it “works on my Canon TR450” without issue. The cartridge’s compatibility with a wide array of Pixma models makes it a dependable choice for owners of older and newer printers alike.
Durability inside the printer also stands out. Color expert appreciated the XL version’s extended lifespan, stating, “I go through the black ink much faster than the color” but valued that the high-yield option “lets me go longer between changing cartridges.”
Common Complaints
The most frequent frustration surrounds yield and cost. Even in XL form, some buyers feel the cartridge empties too quickly for the price. BBBB noted, “I keep re-buying this cartridge… I barely print documents and I’m the only one using my printer.”
Pricing complaints are echoed across platforms. Joshuag lamented that “the ink will soon surpass the initial price” of his printer, a sentiment that resonates among budget-conscious buyers. While many admit the quality is higher than generics, they still question the value when replacements are frequent.
Technical issues are less common but noteworthy. Nk Creations on Best Buy reported the cartridge “did not work in my Pixma Canon,” highlighting occasional compatibility hiccups despite broad official support.
Divisive Features
The XL variant polarizes opinions. Some, like treniecet, find it a “huge time and money saver” thanks to fewer replacements. Others see the price difference as unjustified, given their print volume.
Third-party alternatives also divide users. While Geraldw insists “Canon is the best,” other buyers experiment with generics for cost savings at the risk of reduced quality or printer errors.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot feedback and long-term user reports suggest the PG-245 maintains performance over time. Repeat buyers like dizzy sman have “purchased this ink many times” and recommend it for consistent quality.
There’s little evidence of counterfeit or scam concerns when purchasing from reputable retailers. However, some community members warn about “bootlegs” from less reliable online sources, preferring brick-and-mortar stores like Best Buy for guaranteed authenticity.
Durability in storage and inside the printer is a recurring positive — Lyn Valer’s experience of no drying even after periods of inactivity reassures occasional users.
Alternatives
Within Canon’s own lineup, the PG-245XL offers more prints per cartridge but at a higher upfront cost. Users comparing the two often opt for XL when print volume is moderate to high, as lspencer81 noted it’s “long lasting” for heavy printing.
Third-party replacements are available at lower prices on eBay, but user accounts caution against lower quality output and potential printer errors. Many still return to genuine Canon after trials with generics.
Price & Value
On Amazon, the PG-245 two-pack sells for around $38.34, while single cartridges on eBay range from $15 to $21. XL versions run higher, often $27–$38. Resale value is negligible, as cartridges are consumables, but bulk purchasing can yield small savings.
Community buying tips include stocking up when sales occur due to occasional shortages, as color expert suggested, and purchasing XL to extend replacement intervals.
FAQ
Q: How many pages can the PG-245 print?
A: Officially around 180 pages under ISO standards, but heavy users often report fewer, especially with graphics or dense text.
Q: Is the PG-245 compatible with all Pixma printers?
A: No, but it fits a wide range of models including MG2420, MG2520, MX492, and TS3320. Always check your printer’s manual before purchasing.
Q: Does the ink dry out if unused?
A: Many users, like Lyn Valer, report it remains usable even after periods of inactivity in the printer.
Q: Is the XL version worth the extra cost?
A: For frequent printing, yes — it reduces replacement frequency. For light users, the standard may be more cost-effective.
Q: Can generics match Canon’s quality?
A: Some buyers find them acceptable, but many report better print quality and fewer errors with genuine Canon cartridges.
Final Verdict: Buy if you own a compatible Canon Pixma and value sharp, smudge-resistant prints with hassle-free installation. Avoid if you print in very high volumes and are sensitive to per-page cost. Pro tip from community: opt for the XL version during sales to maximize lifespan and minimize replacements.
