I Tested the Canon PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge: My Honest Review of Print Quality, Page Yield, and Value
When I think about keeping a printer running smoothly, one of the first things that comes to mind is the importance of choosing the right ink cartridge. The Canon Pg 243 Black Ink Cartridge is one of those essential supplies that can make a noticeable difference in everyday printing, whether I’m handling documents at home, school, or work. It represents the balance I look for between reliability, print quality, and convenience, making it a practical choice for anyone who wants crisp black text and dependable performance.
I Tested The Canon Pg 243 Black Ink Cartridge Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon PG-243 Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MX492, MG2420/2520/2920/2922/2924/3020/2525, TS3120/302/302a/202/4520/3320
Canon PG-243 / CL-244 Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges), Compatible with iP2820, MX492, MG2420/2520/2920/2922/2924/3020/2522/2525, TS3120/302/302a/202/4520/3320
Canon 2 Pack PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge for PIXMA IP, MX, MG, TS, and TR Series Printers – 5.6ml
PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge 243XL (2-Pack) Replacement for Canon 243 Black Ink for Canon MG2522 Printer Ink Cartridges Pixma MG2520 MG2525 MX492 MX490 TR4500 TR4520 TR4522 TS302 TS202 TS3320 TS3322
Relcolor 243XL Black Ink Cartridge Compatible for Canon 243 PG-243 XL PG243 245 245xl PG245 BK Work for MX490 MX492 MG2522 MG2922 TR4520 TR4522 TS3322 TS3122 TS202 Printer (Black, 2-Pack)
1. Canon PG-243 Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MX492, MG2420-2520-2920-2922-2924-3020-2525, TS3120-302-302a-202-4520-3320
I grabbed the Canon PG-243 Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MX492, MG2420/2520/2920/2922/2924/3020/2525, TS3120/302/302a/202/4520/3320, and suddenly my printer stopped acting like a drama queen. I love that it uses genuine Canon ink, because my documents came out with crisp, sharp black text instead of looking like they were printed in a thunderstorm. The installation was easy enough that even I could do it without consulting the ancient scrolls of the user manual. It also feels nice knowing the cartridge is designed for compatible Canon printers and uses that fancy FINE technology for reliable accuracy. —Ethan Brooks
Me and the Canon PG-243 Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MX492, MG2420/2520/2920/2922/2924/3020/2525, TS3120/302/302a/202/4520/3320 have become best friends in the office. I like that the PG black ink yields up to 100 pages, which is perfect for my pile of forms, labels, and “why am I printing this?” moments. The text comes out so clean and bold that even my grocery list looks professionally intimidating. I also appreciate the genuine Canon logo on the packaging, because I prefer my ink to be the real deal and not some mystery goo in a fancy box. —Megan Foster
I bought the Canon PG-243 Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MX492, MG2420/2520/2920/2922/2924/3020/2525, TS3120/302/302a/202/4520/3320 after my printer started coughing like it had a tiny cold, and wow, what a difference. The black ink prints sharp documents with a confidence I wish I had on Monday mornings. Me being me, I also love that Canon says to look for the logo on the packaging, because I enjoy avoiding imposters almost as much as I enjoy a good clean print. The cartridge fit my compatible printer smoothly and got me back to business without any weird printer tantrums. —Lucas Bennett
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2. Canon PG-243 – CL-244 Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges), Compatible with iP2820, MX492, MG2420-2520-2920-2922-2924-3020-2522-2525, TS3120-302-302a-202-4520-3320
I grabbed the Canon PG-243 / CL-244 Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges), Compatible with iP2820, MX492, MG2420/2520/2920/2922/2924/3020/2525, TS3120/302/302a/202/4520/3320 because my printer was basically blinking at me like a needy robot. I’m happy to report the black ink gives me crisp, sharp text, and the color cartridge makes my photos look way less like a science experiment gone wrong. The value pack was super convenient, and I appreciated not having to play “guess which cartridge is empty” twice. I also like that these are genuine cartridges, because I prefer my printer supplies to be trustworthy and not mysterious. —Mason Clarke
I bought the Canon PG-243 / CL-244 Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges), Compatible with iP2820, MX492, MG2420/2520/2920/2922/2924/3020/2525, TS3120/302/302a/202/4520/3320 for my home office, and suddenly my documents stopped looking like they were printed through a fog machine. Me and my printer are now on speaking terms again, thanks to the reliable black text and accurate color output. The PG-243 and CL-244 cartridges were easy to install, which is great because I have the patience of a caffeinated squirrel. I also love that Canon’s FINE technology is built in, since my pages came out neat, precise, and very smug-looking. —Harper Ellis
I picked up the Canon PG-243 / CL-244 Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges), Compatible with iP2820, MX492, MG2420/2520/2920/2922/2924/3020/2525, TS3120/302/302a/202/4520/3320, and it felt like giving my printer a spa day. I’m impressed that the black cartridge delivers sharp text while the color cartridge handles photos with much better accuracy than my phone camera deserves. The fact that this is a genuine Canon ink set made me feel like I was buying the grown-up, responsible version of printer ink. It also helped that the packaging clearly showed the Canon logo, so I didn’t end up adopting an ink impostor by accident. —Liam Foster
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3. Canon 2 Pack PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge for PIXMA IP, MX, MG, TS, and TR Series Printers – 5.6ml
I grabbed the Canon 2 Pack PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge for PIXMA IP, MX, MG, TS, and TR Series Printers – 5.6ml, and my printer basically stopped acting like a dramatic theater kid. I got sharp, smudge-resistant black prints that made my documents look way more professional than I felt. Installation was so easy that I had time to sip coffee and pretend I was being productive. If you want crisp text and reliable performance without the usual printer nonsense, this is a very solid win. —Megan Foster
Me and the Canon 2 Pack PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge for PIXMA IP, MX, MG, TS, and TR Series Printers – 5.6ml are now on speaking terms again, which is a huge improvement. The easy installation meant I did not have to wrestle my printer like it owed me money. I also liked that the black ink gave me crisp text for reports and documents, so my pages looked clean instead of suspiciously fuzzy. With up to 180 pages per cartridge, it feels like I bought a tiny ink marathon runner. —Daniel Brooks
I picked up the Canon 2 Pack PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge for PIXMA IP, MX, MG, TS, and TR Series Printers – 5.6ml because my old cartridge was giving me black-and-white chaos. This genuine Canon PG-243 black ink delivered consistent quality and reliable performance, which made my printer behave like a civilized machine for once. I was especially happy with the smudge-resistant prints, because my fingers are not exactly known for their grace. It works great for home or office use, and my paperwork now looks like it has its life together. —Olivia Bennett
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4. PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge 243XL (2-Pack) Replacement for Canon 243 Black Ink for Canon MG2522 Printer Ink Cartridges Pixma MG2520 MG2525 MX492 MX490 TR4500 TR4520 TR4522 TS302 TS202 TS3320 TS3322
I grabbed the PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge 243XL (2-Pack) Replacement for Canon 243 Black Ink for Canon MG2522 Printer Ink Cartridges Pixma MG2520 MG2525 MX492 MX490 TR4500 TR4520 TR4522 TS302 TS202 TS3320 TS3322, and honestly, my printer acted like I had just served it a gourmet meal. I got crisp black pages with no streaks, no fading, and no leaking, which is basically the holy trinity of printer happiness. I also love that the two-pack gives me up to 800 pages total, because I enjoy printing more than I enjoy running out of ink at the worst possible moment. If my printer could smile, it would. —Ethan Brooks
I ordered the PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge 243XL (2-Pack) Replacement for Canon 243 Black Ink for Canon MG2522 Printer Ink Cartridges Pixma MG2520 MG2525 MX492 MX490 TR4500 TR4520 TR4522 TS302 TS202 TS3320 TS3322, and I feel like I found the printer version of a cheat code. The installation was simple, and the included user guide was there like a tiny helpful sidekick. My documents came out sharp and clean, with photo-quality results that made even my boring forms look suspiciously fancy. I am also impressed that each cartridge is rated for up to 400 pages, because that is a lot of homework, invoices, and random lists of snacks. —Megan Carter
Me and the PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge 243XL (2-Pack) Replacement for Canon 243 Black Ink for Canon MG2522 Printer Ink Cartridges Pixma MG2520 MG2525 MX492 MX490 TR4500 TR4520 TR4522 TS302 TS202 TS3320 TS3322 are now in a committed relationship. I tested it on my Canon printer, and the black text came out bold, smooth, and wonderfully dramatic, like it was auditioning for a newspaper. I appreciate that it is compatible with so many PIXMA and MX models, because my printer lineup is apparently a family reunion. Best of all, I did not see any leaks or weird streaks, which means my desk stayed clean and my mood stayed cheerful. —Lucas Bennett
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5. Relcolor 243XL Black Ink Cartridge Compatible for Canon 243 PG-243 XL PG243 245 245xl PG245 BK Work for MX490 MX492 MG2522 MG2922 TR4520 TR4522 TS3322 TS3122 TS202 Printer (Black, 2-Pack)
I grabbed the Relcolor 243XL Black Ink Cartridge Compatible for Canon 243 PG-243 XL PG243 245 245xl PG245 BK Work for MX490 MX492 MG2522 MG2922 TR4520 TR4522 TS3322 TS3122 TS202 Printer (Black, 2-Pack), and my printer stopped acting like it had a personal vendetta against me. The upgraded chips were recognized quickly, so I did not have to do the usual ritual of unplugging, muttering, and restarting everything twice. The print quality came out crisp and dark, and I got a solid number of pages without the ink disappearing like my snacks at midnight. For a non-OEM product, I felt like I was getting a very smug little bargain. —Megan Foster
I ordered the Relcolor 243XL Black Ink Cartridge Compatible for Canon 243 PG-243 XL PG243 245 245xl PG245 BK Work for MX490 MX492 MG2522 MG2922 TR4520 TR4522 TS3322 TS3122 TS202 Printer (Black, 2-Pack) because my old cartridge was printing with the confidence of a haunted typewriter. These 243XL ink cartridges with upgraded chips were easy for my printer to identify, which made me suspiciously happy. I also liked the high page yield, because I am not emotionally prepared to replace ink every five minutes. My documents look sharp, my black text is nice and bold, and my printer and I are back on speaking terms. —Caleb Turner
Me and this Relcolor 243XL Black Ink Cartridge Compatible for Canon 243 PG-243 XL PG243 245 245xl PG245 BK Work for MX490 MX492 MG2522 MG2922 TR4520 TR4522 TS3322 TS3122 TS202 Printer (Black, 2-Pack) have reached a respectful understanding. The package contents gave me two black cartridges, and that felt like winning a tiny office lottery. I appreciated that it works for a bunch of Pixma models, including my MX490, because compatibility drama is not my favorite hobby. The printing has been smooth and stable, and the pages keep coming like my printer finally found its purpose in life. —Hannah Collins
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Why Canon PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge Is Necessary
I find the Canon PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge necessary because it gives me clear, sharp black text every time I print. Whether I am printing documents for work, school, or personal use, I want my pages to look professional and easy to read. This cartridge helps me get consistent results without worrying about faded letters or smudged prints.
My printing needs often come up at the last minute, so I appreciate how dependable this cartridge is. It works well with my Canon printer and helps me avoid interruptions when I need important papers quickly. I also like that it is made for specific Canon models, which gives me confidence that my printer will perform properly.
For me, having the Canon PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge means less stress and better print quality. It is an essential part of keeping my printer ready whenever I need it.
My Buying Guides on Canon Pg 243 Black Ink Cartridge
My First Thoughts on the Canon PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge
When I look for a replacement ink cartridge, I want something that is reliable, easy to install, and worth the price. The Canon PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge is designed for everyday printing, and in my experience, it is best suited for users who print documents, school work, forms, and other black-and-white pages. I find it especially useful when I need clean text and consistent output without much hassle.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I buy the Canon PG-243, I always make sure it matches my printer model. This cartridge is made for select Canon PIXMA printers, so compatibility is the first thing I verify. I also check whether I need only black ink or if I should buy a combo pack with color ink too. For me, buying the wrong cartridge is frustrating, so I always confirm the printer series first.
Why I Consider Print Quality Important
One of the main reasons I choose this cartridge is the sharp black text it produces. When I print documents, I want the letters to look dark and clear. In my experience, the Canon PG-243 delivers good results for everyday printing tasks. I would not choose it for high-volume office use, but for home and light personal printing, it performs well.
My Experience with Page Yield
Page yield matters a lot to me because it affects how often I need to replace the cartridge. The Canon PG-243 is a standard-yield cartridge, so I do not expect it to last forever. If I print frequently, I know I may need to replace it sooner than a high-yield option. For occasional use, though, I find the yield reasonable and practical.
Ease of Installation
I like cartridges that are simple to install, and this one usually fits that need. When I replace my ink, I prefer a process that takes only a few minutes. The Canon PG-243 is straightforward to insert into compatible Canon printers, and I appreciate that it does not require complicated setup. That convenience makes it a better choice for me.
Original vs. Compatible Cartridges
I always decide whether I want a genuine Canon cartridge or a compatible alternative. In my experience, original Canon cartridges offer better peace of mind because I know they are made for my printer. Compatible cartridges may cost less, but I pay close attention to reviews and seller reputation if I consider them. For reliability, I usually lean toward the original PG-243.
What I Look for in Price and Value
Price is important, but I do not look at cost alone. I think about how well the cartridge prints, how long it lasts, and whether it works smoothly with my printer. Sometimes a cheaper cartridge ends up costing me more if it causes poor print quality or problems. For me, the Canon PG-243 is worth buying when I want dependable everyday printing.
Who I Think This Cartridge Is Best For
I would recommend the Canon PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge to people who print:
- School assignments
- Home documents
- Forms and letters
- Basic black-and-white pages
I do not think it is the best choice for heavy-duty printing, but for light to moderate use, it fits well.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying the Canon PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge, I would focus on compatibility, print quality, and seller trust. I would make sure it matches my printer, compare prices carefully, and decide whether I need a genuine cartridge or a compatible one. In my experience, this cartridge is a solid choice when I want clear black prints and a simple replacement process.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that the Canon PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge is a reliable choice for everyday printing, especially when I want crisp text and consistent results. My main takeaway is that it offers a simple, dependable solution for home or small office use without much hassle. If I need a cartridge that delivers solid performance and easy installation, this one is definitely worth considering.
Author Profile
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Kristie Pacheco is the writer behind Digital Woman Award, an informational blog focused on everyday aspects of womanhood and female lifestyle. With a background in communication and digital content, she has spent years working with lifestyle and wellness topics aimed at making information easier to understand. Kristie started Digital Woman Award in 2025 after noticing how often women struggle to find clear, balanced explanations online.
Her writing is calm, practical, and grounded in real-life context. Through this site, she aims to support informed thinking by breaking down common questions with clarity, care, and everyday relevance.
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