Compact Ink Cartridges That Deliver Big Results
The Canon PG-245 XL stands out as the top pick for most users, offering high page yield and reliable performance for everyday documents. Its main advantage is excellent value per page, while its limitation is that it is only compatible with a limited range of Canon PIXMA printers.
Finding the right compact ink cartridge can be a maze of numbers and compatibility lists. This guide cuts through the noise to present the best options currently available on Amazon.
We compared specifications and owner feedback to help you choose a cartridge that fits your printer and your budget. From high-yield workhorses to budget-friendly alternatives, there is something here for every printing need.
Before you buy
Our top picks
Canon PG-245 XL High Yield Black Ink Cartridge
This Canon original cartridge delivers sharp, crisp black text and is designed for reliable performance. With its high-yield capacity, it prints more pages before needing replacement, making it a cost-effective choice for home or small office use.
Pros
- High page yield reduces replacement frequency
- Genuine Canon quality ensures consistent output
- Easy to install with clear instructions
Cons
- Only fits select Canon PIXMA models
- Premium price compared to third-party alternatives
HP 63XL Black High Yield Ink Cartridge
The HP 63XL is a popular choice for its dependable performance and high page yield. It works with a wide range of HP printers and produces sharp text and graphics, making it suitable for both home and office tasks.
Pros
- High yield for fewer replacements
- Works with many popular HP printers
- Consistent output quality
Cons
- Not for HP OfficeJet models
- Can be expensive per cartridge
Epson 273 XL Black Ink Cartridge
Epson’s 273 XL cartridge is designed for high-volume printing, offering a generous page yield. It uses Epson’s DURABrite Ultra ink, which provides smudge, fade, and water resistance for long-lasting documents.
Pros
- Excellent page yield for heavy printing
- Durable ink resists smudging
- Reliable Epson quality
Cons
- Limited to certain Epson models
- May be overkill for light users
Brother LC103 Black Ink Cartridge
The Brother LC103 cartridge is a standard-yield option that provides good quality prints for everyday use. It is designed for Brother inkjet printers and offers a balance between cost and performance.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Good quality for text and graphics
- Easy installation
Cons
- Lower yield than XL versions
- Not compatible with Brother laser printers
Canon PG-240 XXL Black Ink Cartridge
The Canon PG-240 XXL offers exceptional value with a very high page yield at a lower cost per page. It is ideal for those who print frequently and want to minimize cartridge replacements.
Pros
- Low cost per page
- Very high page yield
- Genuine Canon performance
Cons
- Higher upfront cost
- Only for specific Canon models
HP 65XL Black Ink Cartridge
The HP 65XL is a compact cartridge designed for space-saving HP printers. Despite its small size, it delivers a decent yield and good print quality for documents and web pages.
Pros
- Fits ultra-compact printers
- Reliable HP quality
- Good yield for size
Cons
- Smaller capacity than larger HP cartridges
- Limited to specific HP models
Epson 410 Black Ink Cartridge
The Epson 410 cartridge is a standard-yield option that works with a wide range of Epson XP printers. It provides dependable performance for everyday printing and is a solid choice for home users.
Pros
- Broad compatibility with XP series
- Decent quality for documents
- Lower initial cost
Cons
- Lower yield means more frequent changes
- Not for high-volume printing
How they compare
| # | Model | Page Yield | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canon PG-245 XL High Yield Black Ink Cartridge | Approximately 400 pages | Best overall for Canon PIXMA printers | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | HP 63XL Black High Yield Ink Cartridge | Approximately 480 pages | Best for HP Deskjet and Envy printers | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | Epson 273 XL Black Ink Cartridge | Approximately 550 pages | Best for Epson Expression and WorkForce printers | 9.0 | Check price |
| 4 | Brother LC103 Black Ink Cartridge | Approximately 300 pages | Best for Brother compact printers | 8.8 | Check price |
| 5 | Canon PG-240 XXL Black Ink Cartridge | Approximately 600 pages | Best for budget-conscious Canon users | 8.6 | Check price |
| 6 | HP 65XL Black Ink Cartridge | Approximately 300 pages | Best for HP AMP and Tango printers | 8.4 | Check price |
| 7 | Epson 410 Black Ink Cartridge | Approximately 200 pages | Best for Epson XP series printers | 8.2 | Check price |
Frequently asked questions
What is a compact ink cartridge?
A compact ink cartridge is a small ink container used in compact or space-saving printers. They are designed to fit into printers with limited internal space while still providing enough ink for occasional printing tasks.
How do I know if a cartridge is compatible with my printer?
Check your printer’s manual or the cartridge number printed on the current cartridge. You can also search online for your printer model and ‘ink cartridge compatibility’ to find a list of compatible cartridge numbers.
What is the difference between standard and high yield cartridges?
High yield cartridges contain more ink and print more pages before needing replacement. They have a higher upfront cost but a lower cost per page, making them ideal for frequent printing. Standard yield cartridges are cheaper but need to be replaced more often.
Are third-party cartridges safe to use?
Many third-party cartridges are safe and work well, but they may not be covered by the printer’s warranty. Some may cause print quality issues or printer errors. Look for reputable brands with positive reviews to minimize risks.
How should I store ink cartridges?
Store cartridges in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Keep them in their original packaging until ready to use. Avoid touching the copper contacts or print head to prevent damage.
Why is my new cartridge not printing?
New cartridges may not print if protective tape was not removed, if they are not installed correctly, or if the printer needs to be aligned. Try cleaning the print head and running a nozzle check. If problems persist, contact the manufacturer.
Can I use a cartridge from another printer brand?
No, cartridges are brand-specific and often model-specific. Using a cartridge from a different brand will not fit and may damage the printer. Always use cartridges designed for your printer model.
What is the best way to save money on ink cartridges?
Choose high yield cartridges for frequent printing, consider compatible brands for cost savings, and enroll in manufacturer’s subscription services like HP Instant Ink or Canon’s ink delivery service. Also, print in draft mode when possible.
The bottom line
For most users, the Canon PG-245 XL is the best compact ink cartridge due to its high yield and reliable quality. If you own an HP printer, the HP 63XL is a solid runner-up. For budget-conscious Canon users, the PG-240 XXL offers the lowest cost per page. Choose based on your printer brand and printing volume.
