How Good Are Compatible Cartridges for Canon Printers?

Like HP and other big manufacturers, Canon offers relatively expensive supplies, particularly if you consider the prices for inkjet printers. As a cartridge may cost as much as the equipment, consumers look beyond the OEM market and buy refilled or generic products instead. They are more accessible than ever, but are they safe? Will your printer work just as well with third-party ink? Read on to find out.

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Thanks to the advent of alternative products, the price range in the UK is broad. The Canon 581 ink compatible multipack from Smart Ink costs £26.99, while an original set of five cartridges costs around £46. As you can see, you can easily save hundreds of pounds annually by switching to cheaper supplies. Certified quality and money-back guarantees give peace of mind, but not every shop provides them.

Is Print Quality the Same?

Trusted independent shops offer the best value for money. Top-rated products provide print quality comparable to OEM ink, so you will not notice any differences. Why pay more if you can get the same benefits more affordably?

Naturally, substandard products also exist. A faulty cartridge can cause smudges or damage your print heads, the ink may leak, etc. To make the right choice, focus on certified quality and excellent ratings on platforms like Trustpilot. The majority of cheaper ink cartridges are perfectly safe to use.

Will I Lose Printer Warranty?

No, as long as you shop smartly. Canon and other big brands have tried and failed to outlaw cheaper cartridges in the past. They can only emphasise the dangers of bad ink and release firmware updates preventing their machines from recognising non-original cartridges. You can disable these updates and use any products of your choice without nulling the printer warranty.

What Is the Difference Between “Compatible” and “Remanufactured”?

Compatible cartridges are entirely designed and produced by independent brands. Remanufactured cartridges are original items that have been cleaned, refilled and fixed if necessary. This process involves the replacement of any worn parts, so refilled cartridges work as well as new and let you make substantial savings.

How to Choose a Shop?

To make sure your provider is trustworthy, pay attention to quality certificates, warranties, and reputation. Ideally, you should see the following advantages:

Certified quality (under standards like ISO, CE, etc.);
An impressive money-back guarantee (for example, it covers 2 years at Smart Ink);
The latest version of the chip in all cartridges (this guarantees recognition);
Ink level tracking on specific models;
Eco-friendly production;
Reliable packaging;
Free shipping.

Whether you buy compatible accessories or refilled cartridges, you should get the same benefits. Do some homework before buying ink online. Once you find a reliable provider, you can enjoy high-quality printing at a low cost for years! In the long run, you will save thousands of pounds.

Author Profile

Adam Regan

Deputy Editor

Features and account management. 3 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

Email Adam@MarkMeets.com