E-Z Ink Canon PGI-220/CLI-221 Review: Conditional Buy
4 years after their first purchase, some owners are still using the E-Z Ink Compatible Cartridge for Canon PGI-220/CLI-221 (20 Pack) without drying or leaking—an unusually positive sign for a budget-friendly printer consumable. Scoring an 8.7/10 from aggregate feedback, it’s hailed for near-OEM print quality and huge cost savings, but there’s a cautionary undercurrent from those whose printers were sidelined by the dreaded Canon B200 error soon after installation.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent print quality, close to OEM | Reports of B200 printhead error after installation |
| Massive price savings (up to 75% vs OEM) | Occasional cartridge leaks (mostly large black) |
| Fits and works in listed Canon Pixma models | Color intensity sometimes ~80% of OEM |
| Long shelf life – cartridges don’t dry out | Slight risk to older printers when swapping cartridges |
| Fast shipping and good packaging | No CLI-221 gray included in multi-pack |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing promises "premium quality ink delivers crisp text and graphics" and "lasting performance equal to Canon originals". Many buyers echo this almost verbatim. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: "I just printed a picture and was amazed… print quality seems fine… for multi color text I don't see any difference from Canon branded inks."
The manufacturer rates black yield at 490 pages and color at 400 (5% coverage). While users rarely cite exact counts, some speak of multi-month use without replacement. Reddit user feedback revealed one set lasted as long as their OEM Canon set, supporting the claim. "... so far they are lasting as long as 'brand' cartridges," one commented.
However, the "no risk of clogging" implication faces scrutiny. While many report "no problems encountered & the print quality is excellent," others highlight printer failures. On Trustpilot-like logs, one Amazon user recounted: "shortly after installing a few cartridges, I got the dreaded B200 error… ended up having to buy a new printer." This suggests that while the ink itself may be fine, certain Canon models prone to head errors might react badly.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Cost savings dominate praise. Reports cite OEM Canon sets at $65–$80, compared with under $30 for the EZ Ink 20-pack. One Amazon review marveled: "I paid $15 for twenty cartridges… printed high quality photos as good as Canon brand." For small office owners and home crafters, this scale of savings changes usage habits, allowing more photo prints without guilt.
Fit and compatibility is another standout. Photographers and casual users alike confirm precise fit with listed models. "Perfect fit for my Canon printer," posted one Best Buy customer switching from OEM. Packaging earns almost as much fanfare—an Amazon customer stated: "The packaging is great in its little box"—making storage easier for those buying in bulk.
Long-term shelf life is repeatedly noted. One Amazon verified buyer, still using a batch bought in 2019, said: "they have not dried out while sitting in the box." For infrequent printers, this is critical.
Common Complaints
The most serious issue is the B200 or U052 error code. These are Canon hardware faults potentially triggered by non-OEM inks. On Reddit, one frustrated owner wrote: "The blue ink cartridge was the first to get used, and within a month I got a B200 error message—unplug and call service." Because these errors render printers unusable without costly repairs, the risk looms largest for older Pixmas.
Color output variability is more subtle but noted—especially in photo work. While text printing matches OEM, some spotted slightly lower black density or weaker saturation. Reddit users quantified it at 80% of OEM intensity: *"While the black and color quality may be slightly lower (80%)… the price is unbeatable."*
Leaks, though rare, occur primarily with large black cartridges. A Reddit poster complained: "large black cartridge did leak onto my hand" during installation.
Divisive Features
Color vibrancy divides opinion. Some hobbyists, like a Trustpilot reviewer, praise "very vibrant" vinyl transfers printed with EZ Ink, while others in mixed-use offices say it’s “decent” but not perfect for detailed imagery.
Another split concerns installation. For most, it’s "super easy to use and a lot in the package", but a handful faced alignment challenges post-installation or needed to run multiple cleaning cycles before sharp output returned.
Trust & Reliability
Patterns in verified reviews show strong repeat purchasing for years without failures. One long-term Reddit user: "I have been buying their carts for quite a while" and Amazon buyers attest to cartridges lasting until the last drop with no drying.
Yet, the specter of sudden printer failure tempers confidence. On Amazon, a decade-long Canon owner avoiding third-party inks was burned: "worked great until installing these cartridges… ended up buying a new printer." Whether causation or correlation, the B200 tie-in remains a red flag for cautious buyers.
Customer service earns positive notes. One Trustpilot-like log records a cartridge replaced 5 months after purchase at no cost: "great value… replaced one faulty cart quickly without mailing charge." This responsiveness helps offset product reliability doubts.
Alternatives
Within the data, only OEM Canon brand emerges for comparison. OEM offers flawless compatibility and minimal risk but at up to 8x the price per cartridge. Best Buy buyers praise the "sharp, crisp color" and long life of genuine CLI-221 cyan, but balk at cost.
For budget seekers, EZ Ink remains the more appealing—especially if printer replacement cost is manageable relative to ink savings. Users previously using Costco refills have shifted to EZ Ink without noticing quality loss.
Price & Value
Current Amazon pricing hovers around $29–$30 for the 20-pack, with occasional eBay open-box deals closer to $24. That’s about $1.45 per cartridge. Compared to $15 each for OEM 221 cartridges, EZ Ink delivers roughly 90% of the performance for under 10% of the cost.
Resale value isn’t relevant—these are consumables—but stockpiling is viable thanks to proven shelf stability over 4+ years. Reddit bargain hunters recommend timing purchases with seasonal sales to stack savings, cautioning to confirm printer model before ordering.
FAQ
Q: Is the EZ Ink 20-pack compatible with my Canon Pixma MP560?
A: Yes. It’s listed as compatible with Pixma MP560 along with several other MP, MX, and IP series models.
Q: Does this bundle include the CLI-221 gray cartridge?
A: No. The pack contains only large black, small black, cyan, magenta, and yellow—four of each.
Q: How does print quality compare to Canon OEM ink?
A: Text and general color prints are often indistinguishable, though some users note ~80% color intensity for blacks and certain hues in photos.
Q: Can these cartridges cause printer errors?
A: Some users experienced Canon B200 or U052 errors after installation; while not universal, it’s a documented risk.
Q: Do cartridges dry out if stored for years?
A: Multiple buyers report no drying even after 4 years in storage when kept sealed in original packaging.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a home or small office user seeking major savings and willing to accept a small risk of hardware error. Avoid if your printer is on its last legs or mission-critical—OEM may be safer. Pro tip from the community: store spare cartridges in their sealed packaging away from heat for multi-year shelf life.
