Canon CLI-221 Genuine Four Color Pack, Compatible with MP980 inch
✅ PROS
- Genuine Canon formulation delivers accurate color matching, especially for photo papers, with no clogs or head-cleaning cycles reported by buyers
- Four individual cartridges (CLI-221 BK, C, M, Y) mean you replace only the empty color, not a wasteful tri-color block
- Consistent 4.7/5 rating across 235 reviews — users repeatedly cite zero compatibility issues with MP980 and MP620 series
❌ CONS
- Low page yield per cartridge (roughly 295 pages at 5% coverage) makes this an expensive option for high-volume document printing
- No pigment-based black included — the CLI-221 BK is dye-based, so text on plain paper can smear if not allowed to dry fully
The Verdict
Is the Canon CLI-221 Genuine Four Color Pack worth the premium over third-party ink? For owners of the Pixma MP980 — a printer that’s now well over a decade old — this question matters more than you’d think. Amazon’s 4.7/5 rating with 235 reviews tells you most buyers are satisfied. But “most” doesn’t mean “all,” and the fine print matters here.
What’s actually in the box: You get four individual CLI-221 cartridges — dye-based black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. These are the standard-size cartridges (not the high-yield XL versions, which Canon confusingly doesn’t make for this series). Each cartridge is sealed in its own foil pack with a vacuum-sealed port. The packaging is straightforward: no adapters, no instructions needed, just snap them into the print head carriage. As shown in the product image, the four cartridges are clearly labeled, so there’s zero confusion about where each one goes.
Performance and real-world output: On the MP980, these cartridges produce genuinely excellent photo prints. The dye-based inks lay down smooth gradients with no visible banding on Canon’s Photo Paper Pro — skin tones look natural, skies don’t posterize. Text quality is sharp for a dye-based ink, though it doesn’t match the crispness of pigment-based inks on cheap copy paper. One reviewer noted, “Prints are vibrant and the colors are true to what’s on screen. I’ve had zero clogs even after leaving the printer idle for three weeks.” That’s a common theme in the reviews — reliability. Multiple buyers mention getting 40+ prints from a set before needing a replacement, which tracks with Canon’s rated yield of roughly 295 pages per cartridge at 5% coverage.
Where this pack falls short: The elephant in the room is cost per page. At typical retail pricing, this four-pack runs $60–$75, which works out to roughly 5–6 cents per page for black-and-white documents. That’s not terrible, but it’s not cheap either. The bigger complaint from owners: the dye-based black ink smears if you handle prints immediately. One Amazon reviewer put it bluntly: “Great for photos, but I’ve learned to wait a minute before touching text documents. Not a dealbreaker, just something to know.” Also worth noting — this pack doesn’t include the PGI-220 pigment black cartridge that the MP980 also requires. If you print documents with the “black” setting, you’ll burn through the CLI-221 black quickly since it’s only dye-based.
Who should buy this: The MP980 is a photo-centric all-in-one, and this ink matches that purpose. Buy it if you’re printing family photos, school projects, or anything where color accuracy matters. It’s also the safe choice if you’ve been burned by third-party cartridges that leak or trigger error messages. Skip it if you’re doing high-volume document printing — at that point, a laser printer or a newer ink tank model is more economical.
FAQ
Can I use these in the MP620 or MP560? Yes, the CLI-221 cartridges are cross-compatible with those models, plus several others in Canon’s Pixma line. The Amazon listing confirms compatibility, and reviewers report success across multiple printers.
Do these expire? Canon doesn’t print a strict expiration date, but sealed cartridges should last 2–3 years if stored in a cool, dry place. Once installed, use them within six months to avoid dried print heads.
Will my MP980 show a “low ink” warning prematurely? Some users report the printer warns early, but the cartridge continues printing normally. If you’re mid-print and see the warning, you can safely continue — just don’t ignore it for weeks.
The Verdict: The Canon CLI-221 Genuine Four Color Pack is the right choice for MP980 owners who value print quality and reliability over saving a few dollars. It’s not the cheapest option — third-party cartridges cost half as much — but genuine Canon ink eliminates the risk of clogs, head damage, and warranty headaches. The dye-based black is the only real compromise, and it’s a minor one for photo-focused users.
Buy it if: You’re printing photos or color documents on a Canon Pixma MP980/MP620 and want zero compatibility drama. Skip it if: You primarily print text documents and care more about cost per page than color fidelity.
Rating: 4.6/5 — Genuine quality, honest limitations.
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.