Compact Ink Cartridges for On the Go Printing
For most travelers, the HP 903XL high yield black cartridge is the top pick because it pairs with the HP Tango and OfficeJet 200 mobile printers, offering the highest page yield in a compact size. Its main limitation is that it is only compatible with select HP mobile printers, so it may not fit other travel printers.
Traveling professionals and students often need to print documents while away from home. A reliable ink cartridge is essential for producing crisp, smudge-free pages without adding bulk to your luggage.
We compared cartridges designed for portable printers, prioritizing high page yields, quick-drying inks, and sturdy construction to prevent leaks in transit.
The shortlist, ranked
HP 903XL High Yield Black Ink Cartridge
This cartridge delivers up to 600 pages, making it a solid choice for long trips. Owners report consistent performance and no leaks during travel. It uses pigment-based ink that resists smudging on plain paper.
Pros
- High page yield reduces need for backups
- Pigment ink dries quickly and resists smudges
- Compact size fits easily in a laptop bag
Cons
- Only works with select HP mobile printers
- Price per page is higher than some third-party options
Canon PG-245 XL Black Ink Cartridge
Canon’s PG-245 XL yields up to 300 pages of sharp black text. Its dye-based ink is quick to dry, and the cartridge is designed to fit snugly in the printer, reducing risk of shifting during travel.
Pros
- Reliable performance with Canon portable printers
- Quick-drying ink prevents smears on documents
- OEM quality ensures consistent color
Cons
- Page yield lower than HP 903XL
- May be pricier than compatible alternatives
Epson 212 (T212) Black Ink Cartridge
This cartridge offers up to 250 pages for Epson’s mobile WorkForce series. Its pigment ink is water-resistant, which is a plus for documents that might encounter moisture. Users note it installs easily and produces clean text.
Pros
- Water-resistant prints
- Genuine Epson quality
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Lower page yield than some competitors
- Limited to Epson mobile printers
Brother LC404BK Extra High Yield Black Ink Cartridge
Brother’s LC404BK yields about 800 pages, an impressive number for a mobile cartridge. It works with the PocketJet 700 series and some RJ models. The ink is pigment-based, producing durable prints that resist fading.
Pros
- Exceptional page yield for travel
- Durable, fade-resistant prints
- Genuine Brother quality
Cons
- Heavier than other travel cartridges
- Limited to Brother mobile printers
HP 62XL Black Ink Cartridge
This cartridge provides about 400 pages and is a common backup for travel printers. It is slightly larger than the 903XL but still fits in most bags. Users report good performance, though some note it can run out faster if printing photos.
Pros
- Good page yield for its size
- Works with popular HP travel printers
- Easy to find in stores
Cons
- Not as high yield as 903XL
- May be overkill for short trips
Canon CLI-271 XL Black Ink Cartridge
This cartridge is part of a set that includes color inks, but the black cartridge alone yields about 300 pages. It is dye-based, which produces vivid colors but is less water-resistant. Travelers who need occasional color prints might prefer this.
Pros
- Compatible with Canon’s color ink system
- Lightweight and compact
- Good for printing graphics
Cons
- Dye ink may smudge if wet
- Requires multiple cartridges for color prints
Epson 212 (T212) Color Ink Cartridge
This color cartridge pairs with Epson’s black cartridge for full-color printing. It yields about 200 pages of color. The dye-based ink offers vibrant colors, but it is not waterproof. It is a compact option for travelers who need occasional color.
Pros
- Vivid color output
- Compact and easy to pack
- Genuine Epson quality
Cons
- Low page yield for color
- Not water-resistant
What to look for
The lineup, side by side
| # | Model | Page Yield | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HP 903XL High Yield Black Ink Cartridge | 600 pages | High volume printing on HP Tango and OfficeJet 200 mobile printers | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Canon PG-245 XL Black Ink Cartridge | 300 pages | Canon Pixma TR150 and iP110 users needing reliable black text | 9.1 | Check price |
| 3 | Epson 212 (T212) Black Ink Cartridge | 250 pages | Epson WorkForce WF-100 and WF-110 owners | 8.9 | Check price |
| 4 | Brother LC404BK Extra High Yield Black Ink Cartridge | 800 pages | Brother PocketJet and RJ series owners who print frequently | 8.7 | Check price |
| 5 | HP 62XL Black Ink Cartridge | 400 pages | HP OfficeJet 200 and Tango users needing a standard yield backup | 8.5 | Check price |
| 6 | Canon CLI-271 XL Black Ink Cartridge | 300 pages | Canon Pixma TR150 and iP110 users who also print color documents | 8.2 | Check price |
| 7 | Epson 212 (T212) Color Ink Cartridge | 200 pages | Epson WorkForce WF-100 owners who need to print color occasionally | 8.0 | Check price |
Frequently asked questions
Can I carry ink cartridges on a plane?
Yes, ink cartridges are allowed in carry-on luggage. The TSA does not restrict them, but pressure changes could cause leaks. Seal them in a plastic bag to protect your belongings.
How do I prevent my ink cartridge from drying out during travel?
Keep the cartridge in its original sealed packaging until you need it. If you have already installed it, run a nozzle check periodically to keep the ink flowing. Store the printer in a cool, dry place.
What is the average page yield for travel ink cartridges?
Travel cartridges typically yield between 200 and 800 pages, depending on the model. High-yield cartridges like the Brother LC404BK offer more pages but may be larger and heavier.
Are third-party ink cartridges safe for travel printers?
Third-party cartridges can be safe if they are well-reviewed and guarantee compatibility. However, they may not be as reliable as OEM cartridges. For important travel documents, OEM cartridges are recommended.
How much do travel ink cartridges weigh?
Most travel ink cartridges weigh between 0.15 and 0.25 pounds. Heavier cartridges often have higher page yields but add bulk to your luggage.
Can I use a regular ink cartridge in a travel printer?
No, travel printers require specific cartridge models. Using a regular cartridge will not fit or may cause damage. Always check compatibility with your printer model.
Do travel ink cartridges expire?
Ink cartridges have a shelf life of about two years if unopened. Once opened, they should be used within six months to prevent drying or clogging. Check the expiration date on the package.
What should I do if my ink cartridge leaks during travel?
If a cartridge leaks, remove it carefully and place it in a sealed plastic bag. Clean the affected area with a damp cloth. Do not use the cartridge if it is damaged. Always carry spare cartridges in a separate bag.
Are there all-in-one ink cartridge sets for travel printers?
Some printers use a single cartridge containing both black and color inks, but most travel printers use separate black and color cartridges. For example, the Canon Pixma TR150 uses separate cartridges for each color.
Can I print photos with a black ink cartridge only?
No, photos require color inks. If you need photo printing, you must carry the appropriate color cartridges. Some printers support photo printing with a dedicated photo black cartridge, but not all.
The verdict
For most frequent travelers, the HP 903XL high yield black cartridge is the best choice because it offers a high page yield and pairs with popular HP mobile printers. But if you own a Brother PocketJet, the Brother LC404BK provides even more pages per cartridge, reducing the need to carry spares. Canon and Epson users should stick with their respective OEM cartridges for guaranteed compatibility and performance. Ultimately, the best cartridge is the one that matches your printer and printing frequency.
