Canon PG-275XL Ink Cartridge Review: Worth the Price?
Digging into real-world feedback, the Canon PG-275XL Black Ink Cartridge earns a solid 8.7/10 from users across multiple platforms. Marketed as a high-yield, crisp-print solution for Canon PIXMA printers, it has built a reputation for reliability and ease of use, though page yield inconsistencies and high cost per cartridge remain sticking points for some.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — excellent for high-volume black printing if you can absorb the higher upfront cost.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Long-lasting print quality with deep blacks | Expensive compared to non-OEM |
| Easy installation and reliable compatibility | Mixed reports on actual page yield |
| Reduced cartridge changes for regular users | Limited to black-only printing |
| Works seamlessly with supported Canon PIXMA models | Some complaints about ink usage rate |
| Strong brand trust and customer service | Occasional compatibility issues reported |
Claims vs Reality
Canon’s official claim is that the PG-275XL delivers “crisp, sharp black text” and “high yield” performance. While the technical rating suggests around 400–450 pages at 5% coverage, user reports vary. A verified buyer on Best Buy said: “The black ink cartridge is a long lasting product,” noting consistent quality over time. However, another Best Buy customer warned: “Get the larger ink size, the smaller one will only get less than 100 pages,” suggesting yield depends heavily on print type.
Marketing also emphasizes “100% compatibility” with supported PIXMA printers. This holds true for most, yet Reddit’s Provantage thread cautioned: “May not work with all printer models as expected,” highlighting the importance of checking printer model numbers before purchase.
The cartridge is pitched as “cost-effective” in the long run, due to fewer replacements. While regular users like Best Buy’s "kevinh" found this beneficial during tax season — “My printer says it’s still full and I’ve printed a lot” — others, like a Trustpilot reviewer, felt the high upfront price offset the savings: “These cartridges are garbage… worked great for about 1 month and maybe 200 pages before running out.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Ease of installation comes up in nearly every review. Best Buy’s "ari thief" described it as “open the package, take off the protective tape, and click into place… then just keep printing.” This frictionless setup appeals especially to non-technical users who value straightforward maintenance. Print quality is another point of agreement — the pigment-based ink produces deep, sharp blacks that business users appreciate. One Best Buy customer summed it up: “Ink cartridge is easy to install and provides excellent copies until the last copy.”
Regular users who print daily or in batches see the XL capacity as a clear benefit. Reddit user reports confirm the cartridge’s ability to “support more extensive print jobs while providing bold, sharp black for text and documents.”
Common Complaints
Cost is the leading complaint. Trustpilot feedback bluntly states: “The ink in a Canon-brand cartridge is more expensive than a similar weight of gold.” Even satisfied buyers sometimes mention the price, with one Best Buy reviewer noting, “Does the job well, but this stuff is always overpriced.” Yield inconsistency is the second major frustration — while official specs promise high capacity, some users only achieve about 100–200 pages. A CompAndSave customer lamented: “These only last about 100 pages,” which contrasts sharply with OEM claims.
Divisive Features
Compatibility perceptions vary. While many confirm seamless integration with supported PIXMA models, Reddit posts caution about potential mismatches. Also divisive is the value factor — dedicated Canon users feel the quality justifies the price, while budget-conscious buyers see aftermarket alternatives as equally viable for less.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Fakespot analysis suggest minimal review manipulation, with over 80% high-quality reviews detected. Long-term reliability stories surface on Best Buy and Reddit, such as “I’ve been using this ink for awhile. Canon is a brand I trust and it’s always been great quality ink.” Yet, some report early depletion, hinting at possible variability in manufacturing or usage patterns.
The cartridge’s durability scores well when stored — Amazon lists a 24-month shelf life, making it viable for backup stocking. There are also strong service guarantees: Amazon promises “new 275XL replacements if you have any printing quality issue.”
Alternatives
The Inktopia 275XL/276XL combo pack surfaces as a notable competitor, offering both black and color at similar page yields for less. While Inktopia’s ink quality is praised (“superb quality prints… clear and crisp text”), it lacks brand prestige and OEM guarantee. Budget alternatives from CompAndSave and YB Toner also promise comparable performance at reduced cost, appealing to those prioritizing price over branding.
Price & Value
eBay listings show wide price variation — genuine Canon PG-275XL black ranges from $27.99 to $69.00, depending on bundle and seller. This volatility means timing purchases can yield significant savings. Community advice often stresses buying during sales or bundled with color cartridges to offset shipping costs. A Best Buy customer noted: “Best Buy had the best price,” underscoring that retail comparison shopping is still relevant.
FAQ
Q: How many pages can the Canon PG-275XL print?
A: Officially, around 400–450 pages at 5% coverage, but user reports vary from under 200 to well over 400 depending on print type and density.
Q: Is it compatible with my Canon printer?
A: Works with PIXMA TS3500, TS3520, TS3522, TR4700, TR4720, TR4722, and TS3720 series. Always verify your model before purchase to avoid compatibility issues.
Q: Does the ink dry out if not used often?
A: Users generally report good longevity, with one noting “this ink lasts a long time and does not dry out,” even with intermittent use.
Q: Is it worth buying the XL instead of the standard PG-275?
A: For frequent printers, yes — fewer cartridge changes and lower cost per page. Occasional users may find the standard size more cost-effective.
Q: Are aftermarket cartridges a good alternative?
A: Some budget-friendly brands match OEM performance for less, but compatibility and quality can vary. OEM remains the safer choice for guaranteed results.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a regular Canon PIXMA user who values consistent black text quality and minimal cartridge swaps. Avoid if your printing is infrequent or you need color output — there are cheaper mixed-color bundles available. Pro tip from the community: verify printer compatibility on Canon’s site before buying to avoid costly returns.
