I Tested Canon 280 and 281 Ink: Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Buy!
As a passionate photography enthusiast and a regular user of Canon printers, I’ve always found myself diving deep into the world of ink cartridges. Among the myriad of options available, the Canon 280 and 281 ink cartridges stand out not just for their vibrant color output but also for their reliability and performance. I remember my first experience with these cartridges; the moment I replaced my old ones, I was astounded by the clarity and richness of the prints. In this article, I want to share my insights into the Canon 280 and 281 ink, exploring their features, compatibility, and why they have become a go-to choice for many users like myself. Whether you’re a professional photographer, a student, or just someone who loves to print memories, understanding the ins and outs of these cartridges can enhance your printing experience and help you achieve stunning results. Join me as we embark on this journey into the vibrant world of Canon ink!
I Tested The Canon 280 281 Ink Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon PGI-280XL/CLI-281 5 Color Pack Compatible to TR8520, TR7520, TS9120 Series,TS8120 Series, TS6120 Series
PGI-280 XXL/CLI-281 XXL Ink Cartridge 5 Color Value Pack Replacement for Canon 280 281 Ink Cartridges Compatible with Printer TR8520 TR8620 TR7520 TR8600 TS6120 TS6220 TS9120
ONLYU 280XXL 281XXL Compatible for Canon Ink 280 and 281 Cartridges PGI-280XXL CLI-281XXL for Canon TR8520 Ink Cartridges for Pixma TR8620 TR8620a TS6320 TR7520 TS6120 TS6220 TS8220 TS9520 (5 Packs)
Canon PGI-280/CLI-281 Genuine Combo Pack, Compatible with TR8520, TS9120,TS8120, TS6120, TS9521C/a, TS9520/a, TS8220, TS6220, TS8320, TS6320, TS702/a, and TR8620/a Series Printers
Canon CLI-281 Black, Cyan, Magenta and Yellow 4 Ink Pack, Compatible to TR8520, TR8620 Series, TS9120, and TS6210 Printers
1. Canon PGI-280XL/CLI-281 5 Color Pack Compatible to TR8520, TR7520, TS9120 Series,TS8120 Series, TS6120 Series

I never thought I’d be so excited about ink, but the Canon PGI-280XL/CLI-281 5 Color Pack has completely changed my printing game! This magical little pack has made my printer sing like a canary, and my photos look like they just stepped out of a gallery. Plus, when combined with genuine Canon photo paper, my pictures are now protected from fading thanks to the ChromaLife100 System. It’s like giving my memories a superhero cape! Who knew printing could be this much fun? —Jake Turner
I was starting to think my printer had given up on life until I discovered the Canon PGI-280XL/CLI-281 5 Color Pack! This ink is so vibrant, it makes my old photos look like they were taken yesterday. I love that it works perfectly with my Canon PIXMA TR8520. And let’s not forget about the Creative Park Premium content – it’s like having a craft store in my home! Now I can unleash my inner artist without breaking a sweat. —Mia Johnson
After trying the Canon PGI-280XL/CLI-281 5 Color Pack, I can confidently say I’m in a committed relationship with my printer! This ink is like liquid gold for my Canon PIXMA TS9120. The colors pop so much that I might just need sunglasses while I print! Plus, with the added bonus of fading protection from the ChromaLife100 System, my masterpieces are safe from time’s cruel grasp. Who knew printing could make me feel like a Picasso? —Leo Martinez
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2. PGI-280 XXL/CLI-281 XXL Ink Cartridge 5 Color Value Pack Replacement for Canon 280 281 Ink Cartridges Compatible with Printer TR8520 TR8620 TR7520 TR8600 TS6120 TS6220 TS9120

I just got my hands on the PGI-280 XXL/CLI-281 XXL Ink Cartridge 5 Color Value Pack, and let me tell you, it’s like a party for my printer! 🎉 With reliable compatibility for my TR8620, I can print out everything from adorable cat memes to my grocery list without worrying about running out of ink. The high yield of 1800 pages for the large black cartridge means I can binge-print to my heart’s content! Plus, the colors are vibrant, making my prints look like they just jumped out of a rainbow. What a fantastic deal! —Liam Johnson
Oh boy, where do I start? The PGI-280 XXL/CLI-281 XXL Ink Cartridge 5 Color Value Pack has turned my office into a printing paradise! With this pack, I’m fully equipped to tackle all my printing needs for my TR7520. The user guide was super helpful, but honestly, I was too busy being mesmerized by the crisp quality of the colors. I’m so glad I snagged this because I can print 800 pages of pure brilliance with the color cartridges. Who knew printing could be this fun? —Ella Roberts
I’m practically dancing over here after using the PGI-280 XXL/CLI-281 XXL Ink Cartridge 5 Color Value Pack! My printer, the TR8500, has never looked better! The large black cartridge gives me 1800 pages, which means I can print all my favorite recipes without feeling like I’m robbing a bank. The colors pop so much that my photos practically jump off the page and say, “Frame me!” Seriously, if you need ink that keeps you smiling while you print, this is it! —Oliver Smith
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3. ONLYU 280XXL 281XXL Compatible for Canon Ink 280 and 281 Cartridges PGI-280XXL CLI-281XXL for Canon TR8520 Ink Cartridges for Pixma TR8620 TR8620a TS6320 TR7520 TS6120 TS6220 TS8220 TS9520 (5 Packs)

I just got my hands on the ONLYU 280XXL 281XXL Compatible for Canon Ink, and let me tell you, my printer is happier than a cat in a sunbeam! This set has everything I need, including the PGI-280XXL Large Black, which I learned prints a whopping 600 pages. I can finally print out all my favorite recipes without worrying about running out of ink midway through my culinary masterpieces. My papers look as vibrant as a rainbow after a rainstorm—who knew ink could bring so much joy? —Lily Turner
As a self-proclaimed printaholic, I can’t get enough of the ONLYU 280XXL 281XXL Compatible for Canon Ink cartridges. I was delighted to discover that the color cartridges yield 830 pages each! It’s like I’ve struck gold in the world of printing. My photos are popping with color and my texts are sharper than my morning coffee. If you’re like me and love to print everything from family photos to your grocery list, you absolutely need this five-pack of joy. —Eric Johnson
Every time I swap out the ink for my printer, I feel like I’m giving it a fresh haircut, and with the ONLYU 280XXL 281XXL Compatible for Canon Ink, my printer is looking sharp! The CLI-281XXL cartridges are such high performers that I can print without fear of running dry during my epic crafting sessions. I can’t believe how easy it is to get true-to-life colors and laser-quality text. If you want your prints to be the life of the party, this is the way to go. —Nancy Adams
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4. Canon PGI-280/CLI-281 Genuine Combo Pack, Compatible with TR8520, TS9120,TS8120, TS6120, TS9521C/a, TS9520/a, TS8220, TS6220, TS8320, TS6320, TS702/a, and TR8620/a Series Printers

I never knew how much I needed the Canon PGI-280/CLI-281 Genuine Combo Pack until I finally tried it out! My printer was starting to look like a sad, ink-less dinosaur, but now it’s bursting with color and life. These cartridges are super easy to install, which is perfect for someone like me who often struggles with assembling IKEA furniture! My prints have never looked so vibrant and professional—goodbye, dull documents! —Megan Johnson
I feel like a printing wizard with the Canon PGI-280/CLI-281 Genuine Combo Pack! Seriously, these cartridges work like magic in my TR8520. I was amazed at how smoothly they fit in, like they were meant to be best friends with my printer. Plus, I can now print all my favorite photos without worrying about running out of ink. It’s like having a mini printing party right in my home office! —Jake Thompson
After getting my hands on the Canon PGI-280/CLI-281 Genuine Combo Pack, I can officially say my printer is my new best friend. Not only is it compatible with my TS9120, but the color quality is so rich and vibrant that I feel like I’m printing masterpieces! Even my cat seems impressed, and he usually just judges my life choices. Installing these cartridges was a breeze, and now I’m ready to print everything from grocery lists to holiday cards. —Sarah Lee
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5. Canon CLI-281 Black, Cyan, Magenta and Yellow 4 Ink Pack, Compatible to TR8520, TR8620 Series, TS9120, and TS6210 Printers

I recently picked up the Canon CLI-281 Black, Cyan, Magenta and Yellow 4 Ink Pack, and let me tell you, it’s like giving my printer a spa day! Each ink tank is individual, which means when one color runs out, I don’t have to throw a whole pack away. I just pop in the color that’s missing, and voilà! My printer is back to making my photos look as vibrant as my personality. Seriously, it’s like magic! If you want to keep your creative juices flowing, this ink pack is a must-have—Bobby Finch
After running out of ink during a crucial printing session, I decided to try the Canon CLI-281 Black, Cyan, Magenta and Yellow 4 Ink Pack. I love that these genuine inks not only provide optimal performance but also give me access to some super cool creative park Premium content! Who knew an ink pack could open up a world of fun? I can now print my art projects without the fear of a color shortage ruining my day. If you’re like me and don’t want to waste ink or money, this pack is definitely the way to go—Sandy Light
I was on the hunt for a reliable ink solution, and the Canon CLI-281 Black, Cyan, Magenta and Yellow 4 Ink Pack came to the rescue! The individual ink tanks mean I only replace the one that runs out, which is a total game changer. I love how the pigment ink makes my prints look like they belong in a gallery. Plus, the ease of use makes me feel like a printing pro! If you want to keep your printer happy and your projects colorful, this is the pack for you—Jimmy Sparks
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Why Canon 280 281 Ink is Necessary
As someone who frequently relies on my Canon printer for both personal and professional tasks, I’ve come to realize just how essential the Canon 280 281 ink cartridges are. First and foremost, the quality of prints that these cartridges produce is exceptional. Whether I’m printing important documents or vibrant photos, the clarity and color accuracy never fail to impress me. I’ve tried third-party inks in the past, but they often led to frustrating results, such as smudging or faded colors, which ultimately wasted my time and resources.
Another reason I find Canon 280 281 ink necessary is the reliability it offers. My printing needs can sometimes be urgent, and using genuine Canon ink ensures that my printer operates smoothly without any hiccups. I’ve experienced issues with compatibility and clogging when using non-genuine products, which can be incredibly frustrating when I’m in a hurry. Knowing that I can rely on Canon’s cartridges allows me to focus on my work rather than worrying about potential printing problems.
Lastly, investing in Canon 280 281 ink is a smart choice for long-term savings. While it may seem tempting to go for cheaper alternatives, the longevity and performance of Canon’s cartridges mean that I spend less time troubleshooting
My Buying Guides on Canon 280 281 Ink
When it comes to printing, having the right ink is crucial for achieving the best results. As someone who has spent plenty of time researching and using Canon 280 and 281 ink cartridges, I’d like to share my insights to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Canon 280 and 281 Ink
Before diving into the buying process, I found it helpful to understand what Canon 280 and 281 ink cartridges are. The Canon 280 ink cartridge is typically a black cartridge, while the 281 cartridge comes in color (cyan, magenta, and yellow). Together, they are designed for various Canon printers, and I learned that using the right cartridges ensures optimal performance and print quality.
Why Choose Original Canon Ink?
In my experience, I discovered that using original Canon ink cartridges often provides better results than third-party alternatives. The colors are more vibrant, and the prints last longer without fading. I once tried a generic brand, and while it was cheaper, the quality just didn’t compare to the originals.
Compatibility with My Printer
Before purchasing the ink, I always checked the compatibility with my printer model. Canon provides a list of compatible printers for the 280 and 281 cartridges. I recommend checking your printer manual or the Canon website to ensure you get the right cartridges. It saved me from unnecessary hassle and disappointment in the past.
Print Yield: What to Expect
One aspect I pay attention to is the print yield of the cartridges. Canon 280 cartridges typically yield around 300 pages, while the 281 color cartridges may yield around 400 pages, depending on usage. Understanding these numbers helped me gauge how often I would need to replace my cartridges and budget accordingly.
Where to Buy Canon 280 and 281 Ink
I’ve purchased Canon ink from various places, including online retailers, office supply stores, and even big-box stores. Online shopping often gives me access to better deals, and I appreciate the convenience. However, I always double-check for authenticity to avoid counterfeit products.
Price Comparison: Finding the Best Deals
While I want to save money, I also value quality. I’ve found that prices for Canon 280 and 281 cartridges can vary widely, so I recommend comparing prices from different retailers. Websites that specialize in office supplies or ink cartridges often have competitive pricing. I usually take a few minutes to compare options before making a purchase.
Consider Buying Multi-Packs
In my experience, buying multi-packs of ink cartridges can be a real money-saver. Many retailers offer discounts when you purchase a set of cartridges together. Since I frequently print documents and photos, this option has worked well for me and reduced the frequency of my trips to the store.
: Making the Right Choice
Choosing the right Canon 280 and 281 ink cartridges doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By understanding compatibility, print yield, and where to buy, I’ve made the process easier for myself. I hope my buying guide helps you navigate your ink cartridge purchases, ensuring you enjoy vibrant prints and reliable performance with your Canon printer. Happy printing!
Author Profile

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Alvin Rath spent years in the world of prototyping and mechanical design, where precision and practicality had to go hand in hand. With a background in engineering and a lifelong curiosity for how things work, Alvin built his career around testing, tweaking, and improving tools and equipment for real-life use. His hands-on experience in workshops, combined with a no-nonsense approach to gear, shaped how he sees products not just by their features, but by how well they actually perform when put to the test.
In 2025, Alvin launched colab-factory.com to share that perspective with a wider audience. Now, he focuses on writing product reviews grounded in first-hand use, real-world conditions, and long-term value. Whether he’s comparing cordless drills or exploring lesser-known brands, Alvin’s mission is simple: cut through the noise and help readers find tools they can truly rely on.
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