E-Z Ink 270 271 XL Review: Affordable Canon Alternative
A verified buyer summed it up simply: “You can’t beat the price — works just like the OEM cartridges.” The E-Z Ink 270 271 XL Ink Cartridges 6 Color Value Pack for Canon scores an impressive 8.8/10 in user sentiment, blending affordability with dependable performance for most Canon Pixma users. While genuine Canon cartridges still win praise for their photo quality and consistent output, this aftermarket option has built a loyal following by sidestepping the high OEM price tag without introducing the error messages or leaks that usually plague third-party ink.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — buy if cost savings matter more than OEM branding
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Significant cost savings over OEM | Occasional reports of cartridge leaks |
| Compatible with multiple Canon Pixma models | Slight risk of variation in longevity |
| Easy installation, no error messages | Some prefer OEM for high-end photo work |
| Crisp text and vibrant colors | Shipping delays reported by a few users |
| Reliable vendor communication | Price slightly creeping up over time |
| XL capacity reduces frequency of replacement | Not available with “Gray” cartridge in all packs |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing materials promise “premium quality ink delivers crisp text and graphics” with “500 pages per black cartridge and 300 pages per color cartridge at 5% coverage.” Digging deeper into user reports reveals this is largely true — Amazon buyers repeatedly mention vibrant output and smooth operation in Pixma TS and MG series printers. One Trustpilot reviewer noted: “My printer recognized it as genuine Canon — worked right away without a hitch.”
But while the yield figures look good on paper, not all experiences align perfectly. A verified Amazon buyer acknowledged the cartridges last long for everyday printing but observed, “For high-res photo work, OEM still feels richer in depth.” That gap matters to photographers who require perfect color fidelity, even if 90% of office users won’t notice.
Another claim is cross-compatibility with multiple Canon models. Here, the reality exceeded expectations: even users wary of third-party ink reported seamless installation. One Reddit participant explained, “Finally found cartridges cheaper than my printer — no leaks, works just fine with my Canon MG5720.” Those avoiding third-party ink often fear firmware rejection; it’s telling that numerous buyers had zero installation errors.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised:
The most consistent praise centers on cost savings and performance parity with OEM ink for routine printing. Amazon buyers share stories of halving ink expenses overnight. “I have 4 sets of everything for half the price I’d pay in-store for one set,” wrote one reviewer who prints on a Canon TS6020. For heavy home office users, the XL capacity means fewer interruptions. A Reddit user happily reported, “No more spending $60+ on ink!” — underlining the sentiment across forums that these are worth buying in bulk.
Compatibility is another win. Multiple reports from Trustpilot and Quora confirm printers identifying the cartridges as “genuine Canon,” avoiding error codes. That reliability benefits teachers, small businesses, and home offices where downtime hurts productivity. One Amazon buyer even joked that the ease of purchase “made me not hate our printer anymore.”
Common Complaints:
Not all stories are perfect. A few buyers encountered leaks — ink spilling when removing protective covers, sometimes staining trays. One shopper theorized Phoenix heat worsened the problem before installation. Others pointed to slower-than-expected shipping, as in: “Only drawback was it took weeks to receive.” For high-demand environments or critical print runs, these hiccups can be deal-breakers.
Another weak point is in high-end photo printing. Canon OEM cartridges still lead among photographers for consistency in skin tones and shadow detail. “Photos look great… just wish OEM prices were better,” a Best Buy reviewer lamented, highlighting why pros seldom switch completely.
Divisive Features:
The absence of the gray CLI-271 in certain E-Z Ink packs is divisive. While office users don’t miss it, those printing monochrome or nuanced photo work do. Some call the omission “no big deal” while others, like a Best Buy buyer, feel hunting for extra cartridges breaks the convenience promise. Even the generous XL capacity draws mixed feelings — light users appreciate longevity, but heavier workloads may still burn through color tanks faster than black.
Trust & Reliability
Long-term reliability emerges as a strength. Multiple Amazon accounts mention years of repeat purchasing without changes in quality. “Been using these for a couple of years… can’t see a big difference between these and factory ink,” explained one satisfied buyer. This contrasts with the “trial and error” frustration often voiced about other third-party brands.
Trust is enhanced by vendor responsiveness. Buyers describe consistent delivery of advertised packs and responsive customer service when issues occur. While an occasional cartridge leak is disruptive, users report sellers replacing affected units without resistance, maintaining confidence in future purchases.
Alternatives
The most direct competitor is Canon’s own PGI-270XL/CLI-271XL OEM set, widely praised on Reddit and Best Buy for “vibrant” and “true-to-life” prints. However, these carry a significant price premium — sometimes five to eight times the E-Z Ink equivalent. GPC Image also appears in user discussions as “best non-manufacturer cartridges” for similar Pixma models, making it a viable alternative for those seeking this balance of price and reliability.
Price & Value
At $18.99 for the 6-pack — or under $0.20 per ml — the value proposition is hard to beat, especially against OEM sets approaching $65 without the gray cartridge. eBay resale listings hover between $10 and $20 for unopened packs, suggesting stable secondary market interest. Community tips consistently advise buying in larger quantities to lock in current pricing before any vendor increases, and storing extras in cool, dry settings to prevent premature degradation.
FAQ
Q: Will these cartridges work in my Canon Pixma TS6020?
A: Yes. Users reported flawless compatibility with TS6020, TS9020, MG7720, and several MG and TS series printers, avoiding error codes entirely.
Q: Is print quality equal to Canon OEM ink?
A: For everyday documents and casual photos, most buyers see no difference. Professional photographers may still prefer OEM for subtle tonal accuracy.
Q: Do these cartridges include the gray CLI-271XL?
A: Not all packs include gray. Check the package contents — office-centric value packs often omit it, while photo-oriented sets include it.
Q: How many pages can each cartridge print?
A: XL black yields about 500 pages; color cartridges around 300 pages at standard coverage.
Q: Any risk of leaks?
A: A few reports mention ink leakage on removal of protective covers. Handle carefully during installation to minimize mess.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re an office or home user wanting major savings without sacrificing print reliability. Avoid if gray ink is crucial for your photo workflow or if you can’t risk occasional shipment delays. Pro tip from community: Stock up while prices are low — one Amazon buyer’s year-long supply cost less than a single OEM set.
