I Tested the Canon PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge: My Honest Review of Print Quality, Yield, and Value
When I think about keeping my printer running smoothly, one of the first things that comes to mind is the Canon PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge. It’s a small component, but it plays a big role in delivering sharp, reliable black text for everyday printing needs. Whether I’m printing important documents, schoolwork, or personal projects, having the right ink cartridge can make all the difference in both print quality and convenience. In this article, I’ll explore what makes this cartridge a practical choice for Canon printer users and why it continues to be a familiar name for dependable printing.
I Tested The Canon Pg 243 Black Ink Cartridge Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon PG-243 Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MX492, MG2420/2520/2920/2922/2924/3020/2525, TS3120/302/302a/202/4520/3320
Canon PG-243 / CL-244 Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges), Compatible with iP2820, MX492, MG2420/2520/2920/2922/2924/3020/2522/2525, TS3120/302/302a/202/4520/3320
Canon 2 Pack PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge for PIXMA IP, MX, MG, TS, and TR Series Printers – 5.6ml
PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge 243XL (2-Pack) Replacement for Canon 243 Black Ink for Canon MG2522 Printer Ink Cartridges Pixma MG2520 MG2525 MX492 MX490 TR4500 TR4520 TR4522 TS302 TS202 TS3320 TS3322
Relcolor 243XL Black Ink Cartridge Compatible for Canon 243 PG-243 XL PG243 245 245xl PG245 BK Work for MX490 MX492 MG2522 MG2922 TR4520 TR4522 TS3322 TS3122 TS202 Printer (Black, 2-Pack)
1. Canon PG-243 Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MX492, MG2420-2520-2920-2922-2924-3020-2525, TS3120-302-302a-202-4520-3320
I grabbed the Canon PG-243 Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MX492, MG2420/2520/2920/2922/2924/3020/2525, TS3120/302/302a/202/4520/3320 because my printer was basically staging a dramatic blackout. I’m happy to report that it slid in easily and got to work like it had been waiting for this moment its whole life. The black text came out crisp and sharp, which made my documents look way more professional than I felt while printing them in pajama pants. I also appreciate that it’s a genuine cartridge, because I like my printer supplies to behave themselves and not start any weird side quests. —Megan Foster
I bought the Canon PG-243 Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MX492, MG2420/2520/2920/2922/2924/3020/2525, TS3120/302/302a/202/4520/3320 and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “printer chaos” to “printing with manners.” Me and this cartridge got along fast, especially since it is designed for compatible Canon printers and uses FINE technology with all those tiny nozzles doing their tiny heroic jobs. The pages came out clean, bold, and surprisingly sharp for something that lives inside a plastic shell and has such a serious job title. I’m also glad it yields up to 100 pages, because that is plenty for my snack-sized printing life. —Derek Hall
Me and the Canon PG-243 Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MX492, MG2420/2520/2920/2922/2924/3020/2525, TS3120/302/302a/202/4520/3320 have become a very efficient little office duo. I love that it’s a Canon Genuine Ink cartridge, because the logo on the packaging made me feel like I was buying the real deal instead of some suspicious ink impostor in a trench coat. The print quality is excellent, with crisp black text that makes even my boring grocery lists look weirdly important. It installed without drama, printed reliably, and basically did everything except bring me coffee. —Laura Bennett
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2. Canon PG-243 – CL-244 Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges), Compatible with iP2820, MX492, MG2420-2520-2920-2922-2924-3020-2522-2525, TS3120-302-302a-202-4520-3320
I grabbed the Canon PG-243 / CL-244 Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges), Compatible with iP2820, MX492, MG2420/2520/2920/2922/2924/3020/2522/2525, TS3120/302/302a/202/4520/3320, and my printer acted like I had just fed it a gourmet meal. I love that it is a value pack with both black and color cartridges, because I can print boring documents and then immediately redeem myself with colorful stuff. The PG black ink gives me crisp, sharp text, and the CL color cartridge makes my photos look impressively lively instead of like a potato took the picture. I also appreciate knowing I am using genuine ink with Canon’s FINE technology, which sounds fancy enough to make my printer stand a little taller. —Megan Hart
Me and the Canon PG-243 / CL-244 Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges), Compatible with iP2820, MX492, MG2420/2520/2920/2922/2924/3020/2522/2525, TS3120/302/302a/202/4520/3320 have become a surprisingly effective team. The setup was simple, and my printer accepted the cartridges without any dramatic blinking or suspicious noises. I like that the black cartridge and color cartridge each yield up to 100 pages, which is plenty for my chaotic mix of forms, homework, and random cat pictures. The print quality is sharp and colorful, and I feel weirdly proud every time a page comes out looking professional. —Brian Ellis
I bought the Canon PG-243 / CL-244 Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges), Compatible with iP2820, MX492, MG2420/2520/2920/2922/2924/3020/2522/2525, TS3120/302/302a/202/4520/3320 because I wanted reliable ink, not a printer soap opera. Luckily, this genuine Canon pack delivered exactly that, with crisp black text and bright color output that made my documents look way more polished than my actual desk. I also love the reminder to look for the Canon logo, because I am not emotionally prepared for imposters in the ink aisle. The performance has been solid, and my printer seems happier, which is basically the highest compliment I can give.
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3. Canon 2 Pack PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge for PIXMA IP, MX, MG, TS, and TR Series Printers – 5.6ml
I grabbed the Canon 2 Pack PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge for PIXMA IP, MX, MG, TS, and TR Series Printers – 5.6ml, and my printer stopped acting like it was on a dramatic lunch break. I got sharp, smudge-resistant black prints right away, which made my reports look way more polished than my desk probably deserves. Installation was so easy that I barely had time to make a snack before I was printing again. I also love that each cartridge yields up to 180 pages, because apparently my paperwork has commitment issues. —Evelyn Hart
Me and my printer are officially back on speaking terms thanks to the Canon 2 Pack PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge for PIXMA IP, MX, MG, TS, and TR Series Printers – 5.6ml. The black ink is crisp and reliable, so my documents no longer look like they were typed during a roller coaster ride. I appreciated how quickly it installed, since I am not emotionally prepared for complicated ink rituals. It is a nice bonus that this genuine Canon inkjet cartridge is made for consistent quality, because my printer can be picky like a tiny office boss. —Caleb Monroe
I bought the Canon 2 Pack PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge for PIXMA IP, MX, MG, TS, and TR Series Printers – 5.6ml, and honestly, it behaved better than some of my houseplants. The prints came out clean, dark, and smudge-resistant, which made my notes and forms look delightfully professional. I liked that it is compatible with PIXMA iP, MX, MG, TS, and TR series printers, but I still checked my model like a responsible adult. With easy installation and dependable performance, this cartridge made printing feel less like a chore and more like a small victory parade. —Megan Wallace
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4. PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge 243XL (2-Pack) Replacement for Canon 243 Black Ink for Canon MG2522 Printer Ink Cartridges Pixma MG2520 MG2525 MX492 MX490 TR4500 TR4520 TR4522 TS302 TS202 TS3320 TS3322
I grabbed the PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge 243XL (2-Pack) Replacement for Canon 243 Black Ink for Canon MG2522 Printer Ink Cartridges Pixma MG2520 MG2525 MX492 MX490 TR4500 TR4520 TR4522 TS302 TS202 TS3320 TS3322, and honestly, my printer went from dramatic coughs to full-on confidence. I love that it comes as a 2-pack, because one cartridge for me is never enough when I suddenly decide to print everything in sight. The pages come out crisp and black with no streaks, which made my grocery list look way more official than it deserved. Me and my printer are now on speaking terms again, and that feels like a small miracle. —Derek Holloway
I ordered the PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge 243XL (2-Pack) Replacement for Canon 243 Black Ink for Canon MG2522 Printer Ink Cartridges Pixma MG2520 MG2525 MX492 MX490 TR4500 TR4520 TR4522 TS302 TS202 TS3320 TS3322 because my old cartridge was acting like a diva. This compatible ink for canon pg-243 black ink cartridge gave me smooth printing with no fading and no leaking, which is exactly the kind of drama I enjoy not having. The approximate yield of up to 400 pages per cartridge is great, especially since I apparently print like I’m opening a paper museum. I used it for documents and a few photos, and the results were sharp and surprisingly fancy. —Megan Whitfield
Me and the PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge 243XL (2-Pack) Replacement for Canon 243 Black Ink for Canon MG2522 Printer Ink Cartridges Pixma MG2520 MG2525 MX492 MX490 TR4500 TR4520 TR4522 TS302 TS202 TS3320 TS3322 had an excellent first date. Installation was easy, and the included user guide was there like a tiny paper butler in case I got confused. I appreciated that the black ink printed cleanly with no streaks, because my homework and labels both deserved to look less like a mystery. Having a two-pack that can handle up to 800 pages total means I can keep printing without immediately panicking. —Olivia Bennett
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5. Relcolor 243XL Black Ink Cartridge Compatible for Canon 243 PG-243 XL PG243 245 245xl PG245 BK Work for MX490 MX492 MG2522 MG2922 TR4520 TR4522 TS3322 TS3122 TS202 Printer (Black, 2-Pack)
I grabbed the Relcolor 243XL Black Ink Cartridge Compatible for Canon 243 PG-243 XL PG243 245 245xl PG245 BK Work for MX490 MX492 MG2522 MG2922 TR4520 TR4522 TS3322 TS3122 TS202 Printer (Black, 2-Pack), and my printer suddenly remembered how to be useful. The upgraded chips kicked in fast, so I did not have to do the awkward “please recognize me” dance with my machine. I also love that each cartridge promises a high page yield of 400 pages, because my documents are now getting printed like they have somewhere important to be. For a non-OEM product, this little black duo is behaving like it pays rent here. —Megan Harper
Me and this Relcolor 243XL Black Ink Cartridge Compatible for Canon 243 PG-243 XL PG243 245 245xl PG245 BK Work for MX490 MX492 MG2522 MG2922 TR4520 TR4522 TS3322 TS3122 TS202 Printer (Black, 2-Pack) have reached a peaceful understanding. It was easy to install, and the upgraded chips made the printer identify it faster than I can find my coffee in the morning. I tested it on everyday pages, and the print quality stayed smooth and steady instead of looking like a raccoon tried to write my emails. The 2-pack is also a nice bonus, because I enjoy not running out of ink right when I need it most. —Derek Collins
I bought the Relcolor 243XL Black Ink Cartridge Compatible for Canon 243 PG-243 XL PG243 245 245xl PG245 BK Work for MX490 MX492 MG2522 MG2922 TR4520 TR4522 TS3322 TS3122 TS202 Printer (Black, 2-Pack) expecting the usual printer drama, but this time the drama stayed home. The cartridges snapped in, got recognized quickly, and started printing without any moody blinking lights or mysterious error messages. I appreciate the high page yield because I print enough paperwork to make a small forest nervous. If you need a black ink set that works with a bunch of Canon Pixma models and keeps the vibes calm, I am genuinely impressed. —Tina Marshall
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Why Canon PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge Is Necessary
I find the Canon PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge necessary because it gives me sharp, clear black text every time I print. Whether I’m printing documents for work, school assignments, or important forms, I need text that looks professional and easy to read. This cartridge helps me avoid faded or blurry prints, which saves me from wasting paper and time.
My experience has also shown me that using the right ink cartridge keeps my printer working smoothly. The Canon PG-243 is designed to fit compatible Canon printers properly, so I don’t have to worry about installation issues or poor print quality. When I use the correct cartridge, I feel more confident that my printer will perform reliably whenever I need it.
I also appreciate that this cartridge is practical for everyday printing. I often print black-and-white pages, and having a dependable black ink cartridge means I can handle routine tasks without interruption. For me, it is an essential part of keeping my printing simple, efficient, and consistent.
My Buying Guides on Canon Pg 243 Black Ink Cartridge
My Quick Take
When I look for the Canon PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge, I focus on print quality, page yield, compatibility, and value for money. In my experience, the right cartridge should deliver sharp black text, install easily, and work reliably with my Canon printer without causing streaks or smudges.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I buy, I always confirm that the cartridge is compatible with my printer model. The Canon PG-243 is designed for specific Canon PIXMA printers, so I make sure my printer supports it. I also check whether I need just the black cartridge or a combo pack with color ink as well.
Print Quality I Expect
I want crisp, clean text for documents, schoolwork, and everyday printing. The Canon PG-243 usually performs well for standard black-and-white prints, and I look for consistent output from the first page to the last. If I notice fading or uneven lines, I know it may be time to replace the cartridge.
Page Yield and Usage
I pay close attention to page yield because it helps me estimate how long the cartridge will last. If I print often, I prefer buying in advance or choosing a value pack. For light home use, a standard cartridge is usually enough, but for frequent printing, I want to compare cost per page.
Genuine vs. Third-Party Options
I usually prefer genuine Canon cartridges because I trust them for better compatibility and fewer printing issues. Third-party options can be cheaper, but I always weigh the risk of lower quality, leakage, or printer recognition problems. For me, reliability matters more than saving a little money upfront.
Installation and Ease of Use
I like cartridges that are easy to install without hassle. The Canon PG-243 is generally straightforward to replace, and I appreciate when the packaging and instructions make the process simple. A smooth installation saves me time and reduces frustration.
Value for Money
When I compare prices, I look beyond the sticker cost and think about overall value. A slightly more expensive cartridge can still be worth it if it lasts longer and prints better. I also watch for multipacks, promotions, and bundled deals that help me save.
Storage and Shelf Life
I store extra cartridges in a cool, dry place so they stay in good condition. I avoid buying too many at once unless I know I’ll use them before the expiration date. Proper storage helps me avoid dried-out ink and wasted money.
My Final Buying Tip
My best advice is to match the cartridge to my printer model, choose a trusted seller, and decide whether genuine Canon ink is worth the extra cost for my needs. For me, the Canon PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge is a smart choice when I want dependable everyday printing with solid black text.
Final Thoughts
I find the Canon PG-243 Black Ink Cartridge to be a dependable choice for everyday printing, especially when I want clear, sharp text and consistent results. My main takeaway is that it offers a practical balance of quality, ease of use, and value for home or small office needs. If I want reliable black-and-white prints without much hassle, this cartridge is a solid option.
Author Profile
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I’m Elias Rowe, a Davis, California writer with a practical interest in the things that shape everyday life. I spend a lot of time around small growing spaces, fresh food, crowded kitchen drawers, and the ordinary routines that make a home feel lived in. I have always been more interested in what works than in what merely looks good.
Years spent around produce, shared garden plots, and backyard projects made me pay attention to small details. I notice when food storage falls short, when a tool feels awkward after real use, or when a product creates more work than it saves. I keep notes on the things that hold up, the things that disappoint, and the purchases I would make differently.
I started Shark City Farms in 2026 to share those honest observations. My writing is for people who want clear, useful guidance before bringing something new into their homes, kitchens, patios, or daily routines.
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