243XL Black Ink Cartridges Replacement for Canon Ink 243 PG-
✅ PROS
- Genuine page yield of roughly 600 pages per cartridge in standard mode — actually hits the XL rating
- Chip installs without firmware errors on current Canon PIXMA models, no reset headaches
- Solid black density on plain paper — text stays crisp down to 8-point font without smudging
❌ CONS
- No color matching guarantee if you're pairing with a third-party color cartridge — stick to OEM for photo work
- Cartridge shell feels slightly lighter than Canon OEM — handle carefully during installation
The Verdict
243XL Black Ink Cartridges Replacement for Canon Ink 243 PG-: A Budget Lifeline for PIXMA Owners
Let me save you the research time: if you own a Canon PIXMA that takes the PG-243/PG-243XL cartridge, this third-party replacement is one of the few aftermarket options that doesn’t make you feel like you’re gambling with your printer. With a 4.5-star average across 225 ratings, it’s clearly earning its keep in home offices and student dorms alike. But “good for a generic” and “actually good” are different bars — here’s where this one lands.
What’s Actually in the Box
You’re getting a single PG-243XL black ink cartridge, rated for approximately 600 pages at 5% coverage. That’s double the standard PG-243’s 300-page yield, which is the real reason anyone buys the XL version. The cartridge comes sealed in foil, with the chip pre-installed and ready to drop into your printer. No adapters, no tools, no firmware-flashing nonsense. It’s compatible with the PIXMA MG3620, MG3622, MG3625, TR4520, TR4720, TR4722, and TS3520 series — basically the budget-to-midrange Canon lineup that dominates dorm rooms and small offices.
Performance: Where It Matters
I tested this against OEM Canon ink in a TR4720. The black density is noticeably good — solid, deep blacks on standard copy paper, with no banding or streaking on text documents. At 8-point font, letterforms stayed sharp enough for legal paperwork. Dry time is on par with OEM, which means no smudging when you grab a page immediately after printing.
The chip integration is the quiet hero here. Aftermarket cartridges often trigger “ink not recognized” errors or refuse to report ink levels correctly. This one installed cleanly, registered immediately, and reported ink levels accurately through the Canon app. That’s worth paying a slight premium over the cheapest generics for, because nothing wastes time like a printer that decides to hold your document hostage mid-job.
What Buyers Are Saying
The 225 ratings tell a consistent story. One verified buyer noted, “I’ve bought these three times now — they last as long as the Canon brand ones and cost half as much.” Another mentioned, “No leaks, no errors, and my MG3620 recognized it instantly.” The recurring themes are reliability, consistent page yield, and zero installation drama. That’s the trifecta most generic cartridges stumble on.
Where It Falls Short
Two honest caveats. First, if you’re also using a third-party color cartridge in the same printer, don’t expect perfect color calibration — this black cartridge won’t compensate for an off-brand color cartridge’s tint shift. For photo printing, stick with OEM across the board. Second, the plastic shell feels slightly less substantial than Canon’s own cartridge. It’s not fragile, but if you’re clumsy during installation, be careful with the chip contacts on the underside.
Who Should Buy This
- Home office users who print 50-200 pages a month of documents, forms, and shipping labels
- Students running through lecture notes and assignments who want to cut ink costs without sacrificing legibility
- Budget-conscious families with a PIXMA MG3600 or TR4500 series who print school projects and occasional photos (but keep OEM for photo paper)
FAQ: What Shoppers Actually Ask
Q: Will this void my Canon warranty? A: No. In the U.S., using third-party ink doesn’t void your printer warranty under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Canon can’t refuse service just because you used a compatible cartridge, though they may blame ink-related issues on the cartridge itself.
Q: How does the page yield compare to OEM? A: In real-world testing, it’s essentially identical — around 600 pages at standard coverage. Some users report hitting 650+ with draft mode enabled. The XL designation is accurate here.
Q: Does it work in the TR4720? A: Yes. It’s compatible with the TR4720, TR4722, TR4520, MG3620, MG3622, MG3625, and TS3520. Check your printer’s cartridge slot to confirm the PG-243 shape fits before ordering.
The Verdict
Buy it if: You own a compatible PIXMA, print regularly, and want to cut ink costs by roughly 40-50% without sacrificing print quality or dealing with installation headaches.
Skip it if: You’re doing professional photo printing, or you’ve had bad luck with third-party cartridges in the past and value the peace of mind of OEM ink above all else.
Rating: 4.6/5 — a genuinely reliable budget alternative that respects your printer and your wallet.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.