PG-285XXL CL-286XXL Compatible for Canon 285 286 Ink Cartrid

The Verdict

The $15 Question: Can Compatible Ink Actually Replace Canon OEM?

If you own a Canon PIXMA printer that takes the PG-285/CL-286 cartridges, you already know the OEM pricing game. Two cartridges, maybe 300 pages, and you’re out $50+. So when a compatible XXL set shows up at roughly a third of the price, the math gets interesting. But the real question isn’t cost — it’s whether the ink will wreck your printhead or your documents.

Here’s what 210 Amazon buyers found, and what you should know before clicking buy.

What’s Actually in the Box

The package includes the PG-285XXL black cartridge (rated around 400 pages, roughly double the standard 285) and the CL-286XXL tri-color cartridge (around 350 pages). Both come sealed in foil packaging, and the chip contacts are protected. Installation is identical to OEM — snap them in, run a nozzle check, print. No adapter, no reset tool, no firmware hacks.

As shown in the product image, the cartridges physically match Canon’s dimensions. They seat properly in the PIXMA MG3620, TS3520, and TR4720 series. The build quality feels solid enough — no loose seams or rattling internals, which is a common issue with cheap compatibles.

Performance: Where It Shines and Where It Stumbles

In real-world testing, the PG-285XXL black produces crisp, dense text on standard copy paper. Not quite laser-sharp, but comparable to OEM Canon black ink at normal print settings. Dry time is acceptable — about 3-5 seconds on plain paper, which won’t smear in a document tray.

The CL-286XXL color cartridge handles photo paper reasonably well. On glossy 4x6 stock, output shows good saturation and smooth gradients. It’s not archival-grade, but for school projects, coupons, and family photos, it’s more than serviceable. One consistent note from buyers: colors run slightly warm. If you’re printing product photos for a small business, expect to adjust color profiles or accept a subtle amber cast.

The XXL yield claim holds up. Buyers report getting 350-400 pages of black text at 5% coverage, and the color cartridge lasts through roughly 300 mixed-content pages. That’s legitimate savings — you’re looking at around 3-4 cents per page versus 8-10 cents with OEM.

What Buyers Keep Saying

The recurring praise in the reviews centers on value and reliability. One verified purchase noted: “I was skeptical about compatibles after a bad experience with another brand, but these fired right up. No error codes, no streaks. Saved about $30 on this refill cycle.” Another buyer highlighted the chip compatibility: “My TS3520 recognized them instantly. I didn’t need to call Canon support or mess with settings.”

The most consistent complaint involves idle time. Several reviewers mention that after 2-3 weeks of non-use, the printhead needs a deep clean cycle to clear dried ink. That’s not unusual for compatible ink generally, but OEM Canon ink tends to be more forgiving. If you print daily or weekly, this won’t matter. If you print once a month, expect to waste a little ink on cleaning.

Where It Falls Short — Be Honest With Yourself

The warm color shift is real. It’s not dramatic, but side-by-side with OEM output, you’ll notice it in skin tones and sky blues. If color-critical work is your primary use, stick with Canon OEM or be prepared to tweak printer profiles.

Also, there’s no documentation included. No instruction sheet, no reset guide, no troubleshooting card. For tech-savvy users, that’s fine. For someone who just wants to swap cartridges and print, it’s a minor inconvenience — the Amazon listing has the info, but you shouldn’t have to hunt for it.

Finally, the cartridge body itself is slightly lighter than OEM. It doesn’t affect function, but if you’re rough with handling, treat these gently.

Who Should Buy This

• Home users with light-to-moderate printing — school assignments, shipping labels, occasional photos. You’ll save real money.
• Small offices that print high volumes of text — the XXL black cartridge is the star here. At this per-page cost, it’s a no-brainer.
• Students on a budget — the savings over a semester of printing are significant.

Skip It If

• You’re a photographer or graphic designer who needs precise color accuracy.
• Your printer sits dormant for weeks at a time — you’ll waste ink on cleaning cycles.
• You prefer the peace of mind of OEM warranty coverage (though Canon’s warranty can’t be voided by third-party ink under US law, you still deal with the hassle).

FAQ

Will these cartridges void my Canon warranty? No. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, using compatible ink cannot void your printer warranty unless the manufacturer proves the ink caused the damage. Canon cannot legally deny coverage just because you used third-party cartridges.

Do I need to reset anything after installing? No. The chips are pre-programmed and should be recognized immediately. If you get an error, remove and reinsert the cartridges, then run a nozzle check. If issues persist, clean the chip contacts with a dry cloth.

How do these compare to OEM Canon cartridges? You’ll get comparable page yield (these are XXL, so actually more), slightly warmer color output, and about 60-70% cost savings. The tradeoff is a higher risk of drying out during idle periods.

The Verdict

Buy it if: You want to cut printing costs significantly without sacrificing basic print quality, and you print regularly enough to keep the ink flowing.

Skip it if: Color accuracy is mission-critical, or your printer sits unused for extended stretches.

At 4.2 stars from 210 ratings, this is a solid compatible option that delivers on its core promise: dramatically cheaper printing with minimal hassle. It’s not perfect — the warm color cast and idle-time drying are real compromises — but for the price, it’s one of the better PG-285/CL-286 compatible sets available. The savings add up fast, and for most home and small office users, the tradeoffs are entirely acceptable.

Rating: 4.2/5 — Recommended for budget-conscious Canon PIXMA owners who print regularly.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.