Ink Cartridges: Finding the Right Ink for Your Printer Model

Your printer is low on ink, right when you need to print an important document. Finding the right replacement ink cartridges can be a hassle. Which number do you need? Is a multipack more cost-effective? And what's the difference between all the options?

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I'm here to help you make the right choice. In this article, we'll provide practical tips for choosing printer ink and highlight some popular ink cartridges for widely-used printers. This way, you can get back to printing in no time.

What to Look for When Buying Ink Cartridges?

The right cartridge choice depends on your printer, your printing habits, and your budget. Here are a few key points to get you started.

1. Genuine Cartridges or an Alternative?

Printer manufacturers like Canon, Brother, and Epson produce their own genuine cartridges. These are specifically designed for their printers and, according to the manufacturers, offer the most reliable performance and consistent print quality. For example, Canon states that its genuine cartridges deliver an average of 35% more high-quality prints than imitation cartridges. While alternatives are available, we will focus here on the original options recommended by the printer manufacturer for hassle-free operation.

2. Finding the Right Cartridge Number

The most common mistake is buying a cartridge that isn't compatible with your printer. Each printer series uses specific cartridge numbers. You can find the correct number in several places:

• On the old cartridge you are replacing.
• In your printer's user manual.
• Often on a sticker inside the printer's cover.

Always double-check this number before making a purchase. Our product descriptions provide a clear list of compatible printer models.

3. Multipack or Individual Ink Cartridges?

If you print regularly and multiple colours run out at the same time, an ink multipack is often a cost-effective choice. These packs contain all the necessary colours (black, cyan, magenta, and yellow) and are typically cheaper than buying each cartridge individually. Do you primarily print in one colour, like black for text documents? Then a single cartridge or a high-capacity XL cartridge might be a smarter investment. Products like the Epson 405XL offer individual inks, which the manufacturer claims can be up to 50% more efficient than tri-colour cartridges.

Popular Ink Cartridge Choices

Based on product specifications and compatibility, we've compiled a few recommendations for you.

Canon 8287B008 Multipack (PG-545/CL-546)

Why It Stands Out This Canon ink cartridge multipack is a complete solution for home users. It includes not only a black (PG-545) and a colour (CL-546) cartridge but also 50 sheets of glossy photo paper. According to Canon, the genuine ink delivers reliable results and vibrant colours, ideal for both documents and printing lab-quality photos.

Pros

• Complete Set: Black and colour ink plus photo paper in one package.
• Print Yield: Each cartridge is good for approximately 180 pages.
• Reliability: Designed by Canon for consistent quality in PIXMA printers.

Who Is It For? This pack is ideal for home users with a compatible Canon PIXMA printer who are looking for an all-in-one solution for printing documents, schoolwork, and the occasional photo.

View the Canon 8287B008 Multipack

Brother LC985VALBP Multipack

Why It Stands Out This Brother ink cartridge set is a value pack containing four individual cartridges (black, cyan, magenta, yellow). Brother states that its 'Colour Rich Innobella' technology ensures vibrant colours and high print quality. According to the brand, using genuine Brother ink guarantees optimal performance and protects your printer. It's a cost-effective solution for those who print regularly.

Pros

• Cost-Effective: An ink multipack offers a lower cost per page than individual cartridges.
• Quality: 'Colour Rich Innobella' technology for crisp prints.
• Authenticity: Features a holographic security label.

Who Is It For? Suitable for users of compatible Brother printers in a small office/home office (SOHO) or at home, who need reliable performance and excellent value for their print volume.

View the Brother LC985VALBP Multipack

Epson 405XL Multipack (DURABrite Ultra Ink)

Why It Stands Out The Epson ink cartridge 405XL set is designed for users who print frequently and demand high-quality documents. The DURABrite Ultra ink is pigment-based, which, according to Epson, results in documents that are water, smudge, and highlighter resistant. The XL capacity means you can print up to 1,100 pages, lowering the cost per page. Since these are individual ink cartridges, you only replace the colour that has run out.

Pros

• High Capacity: XL size for a large print volume (up to 1,100 pages).
• Durable Prints: The ink is water and smudge-resistant, ideal for important documents.
• Efficient: Individual cartridges, so you only replace the colour that's empty.

Who Is It For? Perfect for business users and demanding home users with a compatible Epson WorkForce printer who are looking for long-term savings on ink cartridges without compromising on professional document quality.

View the Epson 405XL Multipack

Looking for a Different Colour or Brand?

Don't see your specific cartridge, or are you looking for an individual colour like yellow ink? No problem. We have a wide range of ink cartridges for various brands and models. Discover more options that suit your printer and printing needs.

View our full range, from Yellow Ink to complete multipacks

Frequently Asked Questions About Printer Ink

What is the difference between genuine and third-party ink cartridges?

Genuine cartridges are produced by your printer's manufacturer (like Canon, HP, Epson). They are designed to work seamlessly with that brand's specific models. Manufacturers state this guarantees the best performance, reliability, and print quality. Third-party cartridges are made by other companies and can be a cheaper alternative, but their compatibility and quality may vary.

How do I know which ink cartridge fits my printer?

The easiest way is to check your printer's model number and compare it with the cartridge's compatibility list. You can also look at the number on the old cartridge you are replacing. This information is always clearly listed on the product page.

Can I replace only the empty colour?

Yes, with most modern inkjet printers. Printers that use individual ink cartridges for cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (like the Brother and Epson models above) allow you to replace only the cartridge that is actually empty. This is more efficient and economical than printers with a single tri-colour cartridge, which require you to replace the entire cartridge as soon as one colour runs out.