Canon PG-245 XL / CL-246 XL Ink Review & Verdict
Starting with a surprising consistency across platforms, the Canon PG-245 XL / CL-246 XL Genuine Ink Value Pack earns a strong 9/10 from long-term users who praise its print quality and compatibility. The standout pattern is reliability—multiple buyers across Amazon, Best Buy, and Office Depot report years of flawless operation—though some note the high retail price compared to wholesale or third-party alternatives.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy for genuine ink seekers who prioritize quality over cost.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Crisp, vibrant print quality for text and photos | Higher retail price than wholesale or compatible options |
| XL capacity lasts longer between replacements | Some smearing reported during printing |
| Wide compatibility with Canon Pixma models | Occasional mismatch between printer ink level readings and actual remaining ink |
| Genuine Canon ink ensures peak printer performance | Packaging damage in shipping from certain retailers |
| Includes 50 sheets of glossy photo paper | Limited cost-effectiveness for high-volume users without wholesale access |
| Easy installation and reliable operation | Color cartridge lifespan shorter for heavy photo printing |
| Environmentally conscious packaging | — |
Claims vs Reality
Canon advertises “exceptional quality & remarkable durability” through its FINE (Full Photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) technology. Digging deeper into user reports, this claim largely holds up. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “Images are crisp, clean, and vibrant as well as documents with sharp text,” echoing Canon’s marketing. Best Buy reviewers repeatedly mention “high quality Canon replacement ink cartridges” that “last longer than the regular cartridges.”
Another core claim is compatibility across a large range of Pixma printers. On Reddit, users confirm seamless installation in models like MG2522, MX490, and TS3122. “Never had any issues with leaks or smears,” one Best Buy customer wrote, underscoring the plug-and-play nature Canon promises.
Where marketing and reality diverge is in longevity claims. While officially rated for 300 pages per cartridge, a few Best Buy reviewers report faster depletion, particularly for the tri-color cartridge when used for photo printing. One customer admitted: “Smooth but not long lasting… I’ll continue to purchase until my printer croaks,” suggesting satisfaction despite shorter-than-expected lifespan.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Walmart, and Office Depot, genuine Canon ink quality is the most consistent praise point. For home photo enthusiasts, the included 50 sheets of GP-601 glossy paper elevate the value proposition. A Walmart reviewer highlighted “vibrant, clear pictures… high quality without the high cost” when compared to lab printing. Office Depot customers appreciate “peak performance that is specifically designed for compatible Canon printers,” especially for projects requiring accurate color reproduction.
Ease of use is another universal positive. Best Buy buyers repeatedly describe effortless installation: “Snaps right in… long lasting cartridge for home use.” For older printers, reliability is key—one customer explained how Best Buy remains their “older printer ink source,” avoiding wasted trips to stores without stock.
Common Complaints
Price is the dominant concern. Multiple Best Buy and Trustpilot reviewers point out cheaper wholesale bundles. “Same XL cartridges available at wholesale price for a pack of 3 for just $7 more,” one user advised. For high-volume office users, this difference adds up quickly. Some also mention smearing during printing, potentially linked to printer rollers rather than ink formulation.
Another recurring frustration is with packaging during shipping. One Best Buy reviewer noted: “Packing shipped in was not in the best condition nor was the packaging of the cartridges. Need to rethink carrier.” While the cartridges themselves remained functional, presentation and protection matter to some buyers.
Divisive Features
The XL capacity is praised for longevity, but heavy photo printers find the color cartridge depletes faster. For casual home users printing mostly documents, the high yield is a clear win. However, for creative professionals printing large photo batches, third-party high-capacity alternatives are sometimes preferred for cost efficiency. This divide reflects usage patterns more than product flaws—Canon’s yield ratings are accurate for standard mixed printing but less so for photo-heavy workloads.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and retail reviews show minimal concern about counterfeit or defective units when purchased from authorized sellers. Genuine Canon branding and secure packaging reassure buyers. Long-term durability stories are common—Best Buy customers often mention purchasing the same pack for years without performance drop. “Flowing freely every time… economical and dependable,” one user wrote, underscoring trust built over repeated purchases.
On Reddit, discussions about warranty concerns clarify that using genuine Canon ink fully protects printer coverage, while compatible alternatives legally cannot void warranties in the US. This assurance resonates with users wary of cheaper substitutes that might risk hardware.
Alternatives
The most frequently mentioned alternatives are wholesale bundles of the same genuine cartridges, offering lower cost per unit, and compatible high-yield replacements from brands like YB Toner. These alternatives appeal to high-volume users; Reddit threads praise YB Toner for “perfect compatibility & reliable performance” at a fraction of Canon’s price. However, professional photo printers still lean toward Canon originals for color accuracy and FINE head protection.
Price & Value
Retail pricing for the Canon PG-245 XL / CL-246 XL combo pack ranges from $54.95 to $74.99 depending on store, with photo paper bundles often at the higher end. eBay data shows resale prices for genuine sealed packs holding steady, often between NZD 51 and NZD 85 plus shipping, reflecting stable demand.
Community tips to maximize value include buying during sales, using store rewards, or sourcing from wholesale clubs like BJ’s. High-volume users suggest stocking multiple packs to avoid mid-project depletion, while casual home users find single packs lasting several months.
FAQ
Q: Will using this genuine Canon ink protect my printer warranty?
A: Yes. Genuine Canon cartridges are fully supported and ensure optimal performance, protecting your printer’s warranty.
Q: How many pages can I expect per cartridge?
A: Officially rated at 300 pages per XL cartridge, but heavy photo printing may reduce yield, especially for the color cartridge.
Q: Does the included photo paper make a difference?
A: Yes. Users report brighter, more accurate colors on the GP-601 glossy paper compared to generic sheets.
Q: Are there cheaper options with similar quality?
A: Wholesale bundles and certain compatible brands offer lower prices, but may not match Canon’s color accuracy or printer head protection.
Q: Is installation difficult for older Pixma models?
A: No. Multiple users confirm “snaps right in” installation across older and newer Pixma models.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a home or small office user prioritizing print quality, reliability, and wide Canon compatibility. Avoid if you’re a high-volume photo printer sensitive to ink costs—wholesale or compatible alternatives may suit better. Pro tip from community: “Always try to buy on sale or when I have members rewards” to offset the premium price.
