Canon PGI-250/CLI-251 Review: Quality vs Cost Verdict
A surprising trend emerged while digging into user feedback for the Canon PGI-250/CLI-251 5 Color Amazon Pack – while Canon’s own marketing leans heavily on promises of “exceptional quality” and “long-lasting performance,” the real-world consensus is that print quality is indeed excellent, but issues around price, cartridge capacity, and even misleading packaging are frequent sticking points. Across platforms, it averages between 4.3 and 4.7 stars, suggesting strong satisfaction for those willing to pay the premium. Based on aggregated sentiment, it scores 8.1/10.
Quick Verdict: Conditional – buy if you value OEM quality and have a compatible PIXMA printer, but be prepared for high running costs and occasional packaging quirks.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Crisp, vibrant prints on text and photos | High price per page vs. competitors |
| Reliable printer recognition, minimal clogging | Only one XL cartridge in some “XL” packs |
| Long-term color stability with Canon photo paper | Reports of damaged/missing cartridges on arrival |
| Individual color replacement reduces waste | Shorter lifespan than expected for heavy users |
| Fast, reliable shipping from Amazon | Risk of confusion with compatible/knockoff listings |
Claims vs Reality
Canon’s marketing highlights “smudge-resistant text” and “exceptionally vibrant colors,” alongside the claim that “Chromalife 100+ ink technology creates long-lasting beautiful photos when used with genuine Canon photo paper.” Users generally confirm this. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “Works equally well for text, pictures and general printing!” and Reddit users repeatedly praised the colors as “just as vibrant” as day one.
However, the claim of “high-yield” performance draws more scrutiny. While Canon lists yields of “up to 500 black and 400 colour prints,” some long-time buyers feel this is overly optimistic. One Amazon reviewer wrote: “Have bought this same thing for years — does not print near as many pages as it used to — less quantity of ‘ink’??” This aligns with multiple Reddit comments about cartridges running dry sooner than expected, especially for frequent printers.
Another marketing point is that the “XL” packs offer better value. In reality, several users were caught off guard that only the pigment black (PGBK) cartridge was XL, with the rest standard size. On Trustpilot and Revain, buyers called this “very, very deceptive” and urged others to read the fine print.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
For photographers and home-office users, the standout benefit is consistent, high-quality output. A Reddit user wrote: “When comparing this ink product to Canon’s, I see no difference except for the price… no clogging, streaking, bleeding. The colors are just as vibrant.” This aligns with Amazon reviews praising OEM reliability: “Canon on Canon is the way to go. My equipment is not allowed to fail.”
Canon’s FINE printhead technology and compatibility with genuine photo paper also win praise from those printing large-format images. One detailed Amazon review explained that for professional-size prints, “there is no substitute for the real Canon ink.” This is particularly relevant for creative professionals who can’t afford to risk color shifts with third-party ink.
Printer recognition is another shared positive. Users report that these cartridges are “recognized instantly” without error messages, avoiding the frustration common with generics. For occasional users, the long shelf life of sealed OEM cartridges means stocking up during sales is a viable strategy.
Common Complaints
Price remains the dominant complaint. Even satisfied customers describe the cost as “astronomical” and “ridiculously expensive.” A Twitter/X reviewer even calculated cost per page, finding that while XL tanks are marginally cheaper per page than standard, both are still “pretty pricey” at over 12 cents per page.
Packaging and shipping issues are another recurring frustration. Multiple Trustpilot and Reddit reports mention receiving cartridges with broken clips or leaking ink. One buyer recounted: “When I opened the box, a black piece of plastic fell out… because that part broke, the cartridge didn’t click and the printer didn’t recognize it.”
Misleading product images add to the irritation. Several buyers assumed all five cartridges in the “XL” pack were high-capacity based on the photo, only to find four were standard size. This mismatch between imagery and contents led some to return the product unused.
Divisive Features
Third-party compatible cartridges split the community. Budget-conscious users praise them as “a tiny fraction of the cost of Canon cartridges” with “print quality just as good,” while others warn of catastrophic failures. One Reddit reviewer shared that knockoff cartridges “destroyed the print head in my Canon MG7520” after only a few prints, resulting in a costly DIY repair.
There’s also debate over yield accuracy. Light users often find the cartridges last months, while heavy photo printers feel they burn through them quickly. The “replace only the color that runs out” feature is appreciated in theory, but in practice some colors deplete disproportionately, forcing early repurchases.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot patterns show a mix of high praise for OEM reliability and cautionary tales about misleading listings. The Fakespot analysis suggests around 69.6% of reviews are reliable, with some indication of review manipulation on Amazon — a reminder for buyers to cross-check seller credibility.
Long-term durability stories from Reddit indicate that using genuine Canon ink can extend printer lifespan. One user explicitly linked their choice of OEM ink to avoiding clogs and maintaining printhead health over years of use. Conversely, those who experimented with cheaper brands sometimes faced irreversible damage, reinforcing the “you get what you pay for” sentiment.
Alternatives
While the data contains no deep dives on competitors, some reviewers mention switching to Epson or HP printers in search of lower ink costs, or using Costco refills for casual printing. Others stick with Canon but opt for individual XL tanks rather than multipacks for better yield-to-cost ratios.
The starkest “alternative” in the feedback is between OEM and third-party cartridges. The latter can save money upfront but carry a risk of leaks, recognition errors, or printhead damage — making them a gamble for high-value printers.
Price & Value
At the time of writing, Amazon lists the Canon PGI-250/CLI-251 5-pack around $73.95, with eBay prices for genuine sets ranging from $29.99 to $51.95 depending on condition and inclusion of photo paper. eBay resale trends suggest unopened OEM packs hold value well, especially as certain colors become harder to find in stores.
Community buying tips include watching for Prime Day or holiday deals, purchasing XL cartridges individually for the best cost per page, and verifying that listings are genuine OEM — particularly when buying from third-party sellers online.
FAQ
Q: Are all cartridges in the “XL” multipack high capacity?
A: No. Multiple users report that only the pigment black (PGBK) is XL, while the others are standard. Buyers should read the product description carefully to avoid disappointment.
Q: Do these work with all Canon PIXMA printers?
A: No. They are compatible with select models such as MG6320, MX922, iP7220, and others listed in Canon’s specs. Always verify compatibility before purchase.
Q: How long do they last for regular printing?
A: Light users report several months of use per cartridge, while heavy photo printers may deplete certain colors in weeks. Yield is also influenced by paper type and print settings.
Q: Is the print quality better than third-party ink?
A: Many users say yes, especially for photo printing on Canon paper. OEM ink is also less likely to cause clogging or recognition errors, though some find third-party quality acceptable for everyday documents.
Q: Are there common defects to watch for?
A: Yes. Reports mention leaking ink, broken clips, and damaged packaging. Inspect cartridges on arrival and contact the seller immediately if issues are found.
Final Verdict: Buy if you own a compatible Canon PIXMA printer and prioritize consistent, high-quality output — particularly for photo printing. Avoid if you print heavily on a budget or are unwilling to pay premium prices for OEM ink. Pro tip from the community: purchase individual XL cartridges for the colors you use most to maximize value while minimizing waste.
