Are you looking for the cheapest Canon ink cartridges to save money without compromising print quality? You're in luck! Today, we'll discuss five of the cheap ink for Canon printers.
In this guide, we will discuss the following:
- Making Informed Choices: Going Beyond the Basics
- Top 5 Cheapest Ink Cartridges for Your Needs
- Exploring Third-Party Ink Cartridges for Maximum Savings
So, let's get started and explore the cost-saving opportunities of Canon ink!
Making Informed Choices: Going Beyond the Basics
When it comes to picking the right Canon printer ink that doesn't drain your wallet, there's more to consider than just the starting price. Before we discuss the top 5 cheapest Canon ink, check first the three factors that will help you choose the cheap ink cartridges suitable for your needs.
1. Understanding Your Cheapest Canon Ink Cartridge Options
When finding the cheapest Canon ink cartridges, understanding the various ink cartridge options available is crucial in making the best decision. The two main ink cartridges that Canon offers are standard and high-yield cartridges.
- Standard Ink Cartridges:
These ink cartridges tend to be the cheaper option upfront but may not be the best fit for heavy users. For example, a standard ink cartridge might be the ideal choice if your household has a printer primarily used to print out school assignments.
- High-Yield Ink Cartridges
Also known as XL or XXL cartridges, these higher-yield cartridges contain more ink and are specifically designed for frequent and high-volume printing.
Despite a slightly higher initial cost, they offer a better cost-per-page ratio, making them cost-effective in the long run—especially valuable for businesses with regular printing needs.
2. Calculating Cost Per Page
To find out if the ink cartridge is truly cheap based on your printing needs, you need to learn how to calculate the ink cartridge's cost per page. Understanding the cost per page is essential for efficient print expense management. It enables you to gauge the actual cost of each printed page, considering both the cartridge price and page yield. This knowledge empowers you to make cost-effective ink choices aligned with your budget and printing frequency.
Here's what you need to consider:
- Cost: The cost of the ink cartridge is the upfront price you pay to purchase it. Depending on your printing needs, you might opt for the lower upfront cost if you don't print frequently, or you may prefer to invest in a cartridge with a slightly higher initial cost for long-term savings if you print often.
- Page Yield: This tells you how many pages an ink cartridge can print before you need a new one. While cartridges with higher page yields cost a bit more upfront, they're a better deal for businesses overall because they print more pages before running out. If you don't print a lot, standard ink cartridges will be the best choice for you.
Now, let's figure out the cost per page using this formula:
Cost per page = Ink cartridge price / Number of pages it can print (page yield)
Let's use standard HP 60 black ink, for example, to see the cost per page difference between this standard yield and its higher yield counterpart HP 60XL black ink cartridge:
| Ink Cartridge Type | Page Yield | OEM Price | Cost per Page |
| HP 60 Black (Standard) | Up to 200 | $24.99 | $0.125 |
| HP 60XL Black (High-Yield) | Up to 600 | $51.99 | $0.08665 |
3. Choosing the Most Cost-Effective Ink for Your Needs
Think about how you use your printer and what aligns with your budget. As you ponder these aspects, keep these five essential factors in mind:
- Printing Frequency
Reflect on how often you print—daily, weekly, or monthly. If your printing is frequent, high-yield cartridges could save you more money in the long run. If you print less often, standard ink might suit you better. - Print Volume
Monitor how much you print each time you use your printer. If you often print many pages at once, it's smart to go for high-yield cartridges. These cartridges have more ink and are better for large print tasks, offering efficiency and cost savings compared to cartridges with less ink. - Color vs. Monochrome Printing
If your printing involves a lot of black and white with occasional color, consider choosing tricolor cartridges instead of individual ones. This choice can lead to more cost-effective use. - Types of Documents
Know what you primarily print—documents, photos, or graphics. If your printing includes high-quality images, leaning towards high-yield cartridges could be a great way to save on costs. - Quality Requirements
Consider the level of print quality you need. If quality matters, even if it means a slightly higher cost, a high-yield option might give you better value in the end.
So, What are the Top 5 Cheap Ink for Canon Printer?
At this point, you might already know which type of cheap ink for Canon printers is the right fit for your printing needs. Now, let's move forward and talk about the five most affordable ink cartridges based on your printing needs.
Standard: Top 5 Cheapest Canon Printer Ink
1. Canon PG-245 Black, CL-246 Tri-Color Ink Cartridge
- Price: $42.98
- Ink Type: Pigment-based black and dye-based tricolor
- Page Yield: 180 pages black and 180 pages tricolor
- Cost per Page: $0.119
- Best for: Home use, black and white documents, color documents, or photos.
2. Canon PG-240 Black, CL-241 Tri-Color Ink Cartridge
- Price: $19.99 (black), $25.99 (tri-color)
- Ink Type: Pigment for black and dye-based for tri-color
- Page Yield: 180 pages for black and 180 pages for tri-color
- Cost per Page: $0.11 for black and $0.144 for tri-color
- Best for: Home and home-office use for black and white documents, color documents, and photos.
3. Canon PG-40/CL-41 Combo Ink Pack
- Price: $57.98
- Ink Type: Pigment for black and dye-based for tri-color
- Page Yield: 329 pages for black and 312 pages for tri-color
- Cost per Page: $0.09
- Best for: Home and home-office use for black and white documents, color documents and photos.
4. Canon PG-275 Black, CL-276 Tri-Color Ink Cartridge
- Price: $29.99
- Ink Type: Pigment for black and dye-based for tri-color
- Page Yield: 180 pages for black and 180 pages for tri-color
- Cost per Page: $0.083
- Best For: Home and home-office use for black and white documents, color documents and photos
5. Canon PG-260 Black & CL-261 Tri-color Ink Cartridge
- Price: $39.99
- Ink Type: Pigment for black and dye-based for tri-color
- Page Yield: 180 pages for black and 180 pages for tri-color
- Cost per Page: $0.11
- Best For: Home and home-office use for black and white documents, color documents and photos.
High-Yield: Top 5 Cheap Ink for Canon Printer
1. Extra High-Yield Canon PGI-280XXL Black, CLI-281XXL (CMYK) Ink
- Price:
$37.99 for black and $30 for each color - Ink Type:
Pigment ink for black PGI-280 and dye-based for the CLI-281 combo - Page Yield:
600 pages for black pigment, 4,590 pages (regular black), 830 pages (cyan), 747 pages (magenta), 1,660 pages (photo blue), 830 pages (yellow) - Cost per Page:
$0.063 for black pigment, $0.0065 for regular black, $0.036 for cyan, $0.040 for magenta, $0.018 for photo blue and $0.036 for yellow. - Best For:
Home office, black and white text documents, and business documents.
2. High Yield Canon PG-245XL Black, CL-246XL (CMY) Color Ink
- Price: $56.99
- Ink Type: Pigment-based for black, dye-based for color
- Page Yield: 300 pages for black and 300 pages for color
- Cost per Page: $0.094
- Best For: Home office, black and white text documents, education materials, color documents, and photos
3. High Yield Canon PGI-250XL Pigment Black Ink, CLI-251 (CMY) Color Ink
- Price:
$27.99 for black pigment and $21.99 for each color - Ink Type:
Pigment ink for black and dye-based for color - Page Yield:
500 pages for black pigment, 5000 pages (black), 705 pages (cyan), 690 pages (magenta), 675 pages (yellow), and 660 pages (gray) - Cost per Page:
$0.056 for black pigment, $0.0043 for black, $0.031 for cyan, $0.031 for magenta, $0.032 for yellow and $0.033 for gray - Best For:
Home or home office, black and white text documents, business documents, color documents, and photos
4. High Yield Canon PG-260XL CLI-261XL Value Pack
- Price: $58.99
- Ink Type: Pigment-based for black, dye-based for color
- Page Yield: 400 pages for black and 400 pages for color
- Cost per Page: $0.0562
- Best For: Home, black and white text documents, education materials, color documents, and photos
5. High Yield Canon PG-240XL CL-241XL Value Pack
- Price: $58.98
- Ink Type: Pigment-based for black, dye-based for color
- Page Yield: 300 pages for black and 400 pages for color
- Cost per Page: $0.0628
- Best For: Home, black and white text documents, education materials, color documents, and photos.
Exploring Third-Party Ink Cartridges for Maximum Savings
Did you know that when it comes to getting the most out of your savings, there's a secret that's even more wallet-friendly than the others? It's third-party ink cartridges!
These cartridges offer the same quality as original Canon cartridges but come at a fraction of the cost. If you're looking to reduce your printing expenses while enjoying the same print results, third-party ink cartridges are your perfect choice.
Benefits of Third-Party Ink: Quality, Savings, and Sustainability
- Cost Savings
One of the standout advantages of third-party ink cartridges is their affordability. They are often more budget-friendly than OEM (original equipment manufacturer) cartridges, allowing you to save significantly on your printing expenses. - Comparable Quality
Despite their lower price, third-party ink cartridges deliver comparable print quality. Whether you choose standard or high-yield options, you can expect results that rival those of original Canon ink cartridges. - Environmentally Friendly
These cartridges follow an eco-friendly path to savings. They are remanufactured using recycled OEM cartridges, minimizing waste while being refilled with the same high-quality ink formula. This sustainable approach not only saves you money but also contributes to a greener planet. - Diverse Options
These ink cartridges come in a wide range of options, including remanufactured and compatible cartridges, giving consumers more choices to meet their specific needs and preferences. - Access to Discontinued Cartridges
Finding cartridges for older printer models can be challenging at brand stores. Fortunately, many third-party ink suppliers offer cartridges that are no longer available elsewhere, ensuring you can continue using your trusted printer.
Cheapest Canon Ink Cartridges: OEM vs. CompAndSave Price
High-Yield Ink Cartridges:
- Canon PGI-280XXL Black Pigment, Canon CLI-281XXL (CMYK) Extra High-Yield Ink Cartridges
OEM Price CompAndSave
Price$37.99 for Black Pigment +
$30 each of the 5 Colors ($150 total)$59.99 for the whole set of 6 - Canon PG-245XL Black, CL-246XL Color High-Yield Ink Cartridge
OEM Price CompAndSave
Price$56.99 $39.90 - Canon PGI-250XL Pigment Black Ink, CLI-251BK XL High-Yield color Cartridges
OEM Price CompAndSave
Price$27.99 for Black Pigment +
$21.99 each of the 5 Colors ($109.99 total)$28.50 for the whole set of 6 - Canon PG-260 XL / CLI-261 XL Value Pack
OEM Price CompAndSave
Price$58.99 $44.98 - Canon PG-240 XL / CL-241 XL Value Pack
OEM Price CompAndSave
Price$58.98 $43.98
For us to easily check the price difference, let's compare the OEM price versus CompAndSave price side by side.
| Cartridge Model | OEM Price | CompAndSave Price |
| Extra High-Yield Canon PGI-280XXL Black, CLI-281XXL (CMYK) Color | $187 | $59.99 (save $127.01) |
| High-Yield Canon PG-245XL Black, CL-246XL Color | $56.99 | $39.90 (save $17.09) |
| High-Yield Canon PGI-250XL Black, CLI-251BK XL Color | $137.98 | $28.50 (save $109.48) |
| High-Yield Canon PG-260XL Black, CLI-261XL Color | $58.99 | $44.98 (save $14.01) |
| High-Yield Canon PG-240XL Black, CL-241XL Color | $58.98 | $43.98 (save $15) |
In the end, third-party ink cartridges are a great option for cost-conscious consumers looking to save money while also helping the environment.
Parting Words:
To wrap things up, when it comes to choosing ink cartridges, consider your printing habits. If you don't print frequently, standard cartridges will serve you well. However, opt for high-yield cartridges for better value if you're a frequent or high-volume printer.
Exploring third-party ink cartridges is another smart move. They offer similar quality to Canon's originals but at a notably lower cost, contributing to a greener environment through cartridge recycling.
Determining the right cartridge for your needs is as easy as assessing your print frequency and volume. And with CompAndSave, you not only save money but also promote sustainability.
For additional articles and helpful tips, please explore our website. Should you have any questions or concerns, our toll-free support line, 1-833-465-6888, is available Monday to Friday from 6am-4pm PT. Happy printing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it OK to use cheap ink cartridges for Canon printers?
Using cheap ink cartridges for Canon printers may save you some money upfront, but it's important to consider the quality and performance of these cartridges. Low-quality cheap cartridges may produce poor-quality printouts, clog your printer's printhead, or potentially void your printer's warranty.
It's always best to weigh the savings against potential long-term issues and choose high-quality, compatible cartridges from reliable suppliers. Third-party sellers like CompAndSave can be trusted for your cheap Canon cartridge needs as we're highly reputable and offer 10-day money back and 365-day replacement guarantee.
Is Canon Pixma ink expensive?
Canon Pixma ink cartridges can be more expensive than other brands due to their high-quality inks and patented printing technologies. However, the cost varies depending on the specific Canon Pixma model and the type of cartridge being purchased. Compatible and remanufactured ink cartridges are available at lower prices and can offer an affordable alternative while still providing high-quality prints.
Can you reuse empty ink cartridges?
Yes, empty ink cartridges can be refilled and reused, provided they have not been damaged. This can be an eco-friendly and cost-effective option, but it might require some expertise or the assistance of a professional.
Many local and online ink retailers offer ink-refill kits or refilling services. However, keep in mind that refilling cartridges more than a few times may decrease the print quality and the overall performance of the cartridge.
Will using cheap or compatible ink cartridges void my Canon printer's warranty?
Using compatible or remanufactured ink cartridges does not void your Canon printer's warranty. The warranty should remain valid as long as the cartridges do not cause damage to your printer. Nonetheless, it's essential to choose high-quality, compatible cartridges from a reliable supplier, as low-quality ink and cartridges can potentially harm your printer or use up more ink, eventually costing you more in repairs or replacements.
How can I find the cheapest Canon ink cartridges without compromising quality?
To find the cheapest Canon ink cartridges without sacrificing quality, consider the following:
- Compare prices online and at local retailers to find the best deals.
- Look for discounts, promotions, or bulk prices on compatible or remanufactured cartridges from reputable suppliers. CompAndSave offers various discounts found at out coupon page here.
- Consider purchasing high-quality third-party compatible cartridges that are designed to work with your specific Canon printer model.
- If you print frequently, opt for high-yield cartridges that offer more ink volume at a relatively lower cost per printed page.
- Lastly, always read reviews and ensure that the supplier offers a satisfaction guarantee or return policy if the cartridges do not meet your expectations.