E-Z Ink Remanufactured Ink Cartridge Replacement for 252XL C
✅ PROS
- Consistently clean cyan output with no banding or streaks across standard and photo paper
- Chip resets properly — printer recognizes cartridge immediately, no error codes or firmware hiccups
- Yield matches or exceeds OEM 252XL ratings for most mixed document printing
❌ CONS
- Color accuracy skews slightly cooler than Canon OEM — noticeable only in photo prints
- Packaging varies between orders; some units arrive with loose protective tabs that pop off during install
The Verdict
Let’s be blunt: OEM Canon 252XL cartridges cost roughly double what this E-Z Ink remanufactured cyan cartridge runs. The question isn’t whether third-party ink saves money — it’s whether the savings come with headaches. After working through two full cartridges and checking 215 Amazon ratings, here’s the real picture.
What’s in the box
You get one remanufactured 252XL cyan cartridge with the chip pre-installed. The packaging is functional — a sealed foil pouch with a plastic protective cap over the print head. No instruction manual, but you don’t need one. Remove the orange tab, align the cartridge in your Canon PIXMA (compatible with MG3620, MG3620, TS5320, TS6320, and other 252XL models), and press down until it clicks. The printer recognizes it within seconds.
Performance and print quality
I tested this cyan cartridge on standard copy paper, presentation matte, and glossy photo paper. Text and graphics render cleanly — no streaking, no banding, no misaligned nozzles. The ink dries quickly and resists smudging on standard office documents. On photo paper, colors lean slightly cool; a cyan-heavy sky or ocean will look a touch more turquoise than with Canon’s genuine ink. For everyday documents, graphs, and school projects, the difference is imperceptible.
Page yield is the real story. E-Z Ink rates this for 400 pages at 5% coverage, matching OEM specs. My mixed testing (about 60% text, 30% graphics, 10% photos) produced roughly 350 pages before the low-ink warning appeared — acceptable given the heavier coverage. The chip reports ink levels accurately, and the printer never threw a false “empty” error.
What buyers consistently praise
The 4.3-star average holds up in the comment section. One verified purchaser noted, “I’ve bought three of these over the past year for my TS5320 and never had a single clog or error message. The printer just works.” Another reviewer highlighted the value: “Half the price of the Canon brand and I can’t tell the difference on my son’s homework assignments.”
Reliability is the recurring theme. Multiple reviewers mention installing these in office settings with high-volume printing and experiencing zero firmware rejection issues — a common problem with cheaper remanufactured cartridges.
Where it falls short
The color temperature shift is real. Photo enthusiasts will notice it; if you print family portraits or sell prints, stick with OEM. Also, packaging consistency is an issue. One of my two units arrived with the protective tab partially dislodged, which risks drying the print head before installation. It worked fine, but it’s a quality-control gap worth mentioning.
Some users report occasional “ink level cannot be detected” warnings after the cartridge sits unused for 3-4 weeks. A quick head-cleaning cycle resolves it, but it’s an annoyance if you print sporadically.
Who should buy this
This cartridge is ideal for home offices, students, and small businesses that print volume documents — worksheets, contracts, drafts, shipping labels. If you go through a cyan cartridge every 6-8 weeks, the savings add up to $40-60 annually per color. It’s also a solid choice for secondary printers that don’t need perfect color fidelity.
Skip it if you’re a photographer, graphic designer, or anyone whose income depends on exact color reproduction. The slight cool shift isn’t worth the savings in those cases.
FAQ
Q: Will this void my Canon printer warranty? A: No. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act prevents manufacturers from voiding warranties solely for using third-party consumables. However, if the cartridge physically damages the printer (rare), Canon may deny coverage.
Q: Does the chip report ink levels correctly? A: Yes, in my testing and per most reviews. It registers accurately and triggers the low-ink warning at the right time. No false empties.
Q: How does it compare to Canon’s genuine 252XL cyan? A: You’ll save 40-50% per cartridge. Print quality is identical for standard documents; photos are slightly cooler in tone. Yield is comparable.
The Verdict
Buy it if you want OEM-comparable print quality at half the price and don’t need perfect color accuracy for photos. Skip it if you’re a professional photographer or want zero variability in packaging.
Rating: 4.2/5 — A reliable, cost-effective alternative that delivers on its promises, with minor caveats around color fidelity and packaging QC.
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.