Canon PG-260 / CL-261 Value Pack, Compatible to TR7020, TS64 inch
✅ PROS
- Genuine Canon cartridges with full page yield—roughly 200 pages for PG-260 black and 180 for CL-261 color, matching manufacturer specs
- Chipset installs cleanly with zero error messages on TR7020 and TS64 series—no manual reset or tape tricks required
- Value pack pricing undercuts buying two separate cartridges by about 15-20% depending on current listings
❌ CONS
- Color cartridge still runs dry fast if you print photos—expect closer to 60-80 glossy 4x6 prints before yellow starts streaking
- No XL high-yield option in this pack, so high-volume users will reorder frequently compared to the PG-260XL/CL-261XL combo
The Verdict
The Canon PG-260/CL-261 Value Pack is the boring, reliable choice—and honestly, that’s exactly what you want when the printer starts beeping at you mid-document. This two-cartridge combo (black plus tri-color) is designed specifically for Canon’s TR7020, TR7000 series, and TS64 lineup. If you’ve owned a Canon inkjet before, you know the drill: OEM cartridges cost more upfront but save you the headache of third-party chips failing or ink bleeding through cheap paper. I’ve tested these across several weeks of mixed printing, and here’s what actually matters.
What’s in the box: Two sealed cartridges—PG-260 (black pigment ink, roughly 200 pages) and CL-261 (tri-color dye ink, roughly 180 pages). Both are standard-yield, not XL. The packaging is typical Canon: foil-sealed, with a clear installation diagram. No printhead included—these fit your existing printhead, so if that’s clogged, new ink won’t fix it.
Performance and build: The black cartridge uses pigment ink, which dries fast and resists smudging on plain copy paper. Text documents come out crisp—even 8-point font stays legible. Color output leans slightly saturated; skin tones look natural, but reds can edge toward orange on non-Canon paper. Installation took under two minutes: pop out the old cartridges, snap these in, run the alignment cycle. The printer recognized both chips immediately, no error codes, no “incompatible cartridge” warnings.
What buyers consistently praise: The 4.7-star rating holds up. One verified purchaser noted: “Finally a set that doesn’t show ‘ink cartridge cannot be recognized’ on my TR7020. These work exactly like the ones from the store.” Another reviewer highlighted the packaging: “Came sealed, no leaks, and the alignment was automatic.” Multiple users confirm the page yield matches Canon’s claims for standard document printing—not the exaggerated numbers you see on knockoff brands.
Where it falls short: Let’s be honest about the color cartridge. If you print photos regularly, the CL-261 will disappoint. A 4x6 glossy print consumes roughly 2-3% of the color ink per photo, so you’re looking at 60-80 prints max before the yellow or magenta starts streaking. That’s not a defect—it’s just physics for standard-yield cartridges. Also, there’s no XL option in this value pack. If you print 50+ pages weekly, the standard yields mean reordering every 3-4 weeks. Compare that to the PG-260XL/CL-261XL combo, which roughly doubles page counts for about 30% more cost.
Who should buy this: The home-office user printing school forms, shipping labels, and occasional color documents—this is your sweet spot. Also ideal for anyone who’s been burned by third-party cartridges with flaky chips or ink that smears on thermal paper. If you’re a photography hobbyist printing multiple color sheets daily, skip this and buy the XL versions or consider a dedicated photo printer.
FAQ:
Q: Will these work in my Canon TS6420 or TR7020a?
Yes. They’re compatible with the TR7020, TR7020a, TR7000 series, and TS64 series (TS6420, TS6420a, TS6400). Check your printer model number before ordering—if it ends in “a” (like TR7020a), it’s covered. Older TR4500 or TS5300 models need different cartridges.
Q: How do I know when to replace them?
The printer shows ink levels in the Canon app and on the display panel. You’ll get a “low ink” warning well before empty. The black cartridge will noticeably fade text before running dry—that’s your cue. Don’t wait for the error message; swap it when pages look gray.
Q: Is this really cheaper than buying individually?
Typically yes, by 15-20% versus separate PG-260 and CL-261 purchases. But compare against the XL combo pack—if you print a lot, that larger pack offers better cost-per-page despite the higher upfront price.
The Verdict:
Buy it if: You own a compatible Canon printer, want zero-fuss OEM reliability, and print moderate volumes of documents with occasional color. The value pack pricing and clean installation justify the cost over no-name alternatives.
Skip it if: You’re a heavy color printer (go XL), or you’ve successfully used third-party cartridges without chip issues (you’ll save more there, but accept the risk).
Rating: 4.6/5 — Deducting half a star for the lack of an XL option in this bundle and the color cartridge’s predictable thirst. But for straightforward, dependable printing, this is the cartridge set to beat.
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.