Canon PG-545 / CL-546 Cartridge Buying Guide: Choose the Right One

Is the light on your Canon PIXMA printer flashing? Panic stations: the ink cartridges are empty. It's a classic problem that, of course, always happens at the worst possible time. Whether it's for an urgent report, your child's homework, or your holiday photos, finding the right replacement becomes a critical mission. Between standard sizes, XL versions, and multi-packs, it can be tough to navigate the options.

Our mission: to help you make sense of it all. This guide is here to help you choose the perfect Canon PG-545 / CL-546 cartridge for your needs and budget, while ensuring flawless compatibility with your hardware, like the Canon PIXMA MG2450 printer.

Our Tips for Making the Right Choice

Before we get to our top picks, here are a few essential criteria for a smart purchase with no regrets.

1. Standard or High-Capacity (XL) Cartridge?

The first question to ask yourself is: what's your printing volume? Canon offers its cartridges in two sizes:

• Standard (PG-545 and CL-546): Perfect for occasional use. If you only print a few pages a month, this size is more than enough and is easier on your wallet upfront.
• High-Capacity (Canon PG-545XL and CL-546XL cartridge): Designed for heavy ink users. While they cost more upfront, XL cartridges contain significantly more ink and print a much higher volume of pages. The result: the cost per page plummets, making them far more cost-effective in the long run for families, students, or small offices.

2. Multi-Packs and Bundles: The Smart Move

Have both your black and colour cartridges run out at the same time? Opting for a Canon PG-545 / CL-546 cartridge pack is often the most economical choice. Not only is it more convenient, but the price is also generally more affordable than buying the two cartridges separately.

Some packs also include 10x15 photo paper, which is ideal if you love to immortalise your memories. It's a turnkey solution for total peace of mind.

3. Why Stick with Genuine Cartridges?

Using genuine Canon ink cartridges is your guarantee of perfect compatibility with your PIXMA printer. This helps you avoid nasty surprises like malfunctions, ink leaks, or poor-quality prints. Official inks are tailor-made for Canon print heads. The result: impeccably sharp text, vibrant colours, and a longer lifespan for your hardware.

Our Top Product Picks

Discover our selection of compatible products, designed for every use, from everyday documents to high-end photo prints.

Canon PIXMA Value Pack with PG-545/CL-546 Cartridges + Photo Paper

Why we love it

This pack is simply the most complete and convenient solution to get you back up and running. It contains not only the genuine black (PG-545) and colour (CL-546) ink cartridges but also a pack of 50 sheets of photo paper. An all-in-one kit to resume printing without missing a beat.

Highlights

• All-in-one solution: Includes both black and colour cartridges for a complete replacement.
• Ideal for photos: Contains 50 sheets of quality 10x15 cm photo paper.
• The genuine guarantee: Canon consumables for optimal quality and compatibility.
• Excellent value for money: Often more economical than buying the items separately.

Who is it for?

This pack is aimed at all-rounders who juggle printing documents and photos. If you have a Canon PIXMA MG2450 or MG2550 and are looking for a simple, reliable solution, look no further.

Canon PG-545XL High-Capacity Black Ink Cartridge

Why we love it

The Canon PG-545XL cartridge is the obvious choice for those who print one black and white document after another. Its high capacity allows you to print longer between replacements and, most importantly, dramatically lowers the cost per page. It's the performance choice for moderate to heavy printing volumes.

Highlights

• High capacity: Prints a significantly higher number of pages than the standard version.
• Cost-effective over time: Reduces the cost per page, ideal for frequent printing.
• Ultra-sharp text: Pigmented black ink for perfect readability.
• Canon performance and durability: Designed by the manufacturer for rock-solid reliability.

Who is it for?

We highly recommend it for students, remote workers, and small businesses that regularly print reports, invoices, coursework, and other documents. If you use a lot of black ink, the XL size will quickly pay for itself.

KODAK Fine Art Photo Paper, Smooth Matte Finish, 10 x 15 cm

Why we love it

Want to add a more artistic touch to your prints? This Kodak photo paper is an excellent alternative to the traditional glossy finish. Its matte surface and substantial 180 g/m? weight give photos a professional and elegant look, without the distracting glare of glossy paper.

Highlights

• Artistic matte finish: Ideal for portraits and art photos, with a soft, reflection-free look.
• Quality weight: The 180 g/m? thickness ensures a substantial feel and a high-quality impression.
• Universal for inkjet: Designed for most inkjet printers, including Canon PIXMA models.
• Classic 10x15 cm format: Perfect for photo albums and frames.

Who is it for?

This paper is perfect for photo enthusiasts and creatives who like to stray from the beaten path. If you're looking for a more personal, less conventional look for your photos, this matte paper is the ideal companion to your Canon cartridges.

Looking for Other Options?

If our selection doesn't perfectly match your needs or if you have a different printer model, feel free to browse our full catalogue. There you'll find a vast choice of consumables for all brands and models.

Explore all our options in the inkjet printer ink category.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Canon PG-545 vs PG-545XL: what's the difference?

It's all about capacity. The PG-545XL (high-capacity) cartridge holds significantly more ink than the standard PG-545 version. Therefore, it prints a much higher volume of pages. Even though it's more expensive to buy, its cost per page is much lower, making it more cost-effective if you print often.

2. Is my printer compatible with PG-545 and CL-546 cartridges?

These cartridges work with a wide range of Canon PIXMA printers, including the very popular PIXMA MG2450, MG2550, MG2950, MG3050, MX495, iP2850, TS3150, and TS3350. To be absolutely sure, the easiest way is to check your printer's manual or look at the model number on your old cartridges.

3. Can I print in black if the colour cartridge is empty?

Yes, on most Canon PIXMA models, it's possible to force printing in black and white. You usually just need to go into your computer's print settings and check the "Greyscale" option or specify to use only the black cartridge. Be aware, however, that it is highly recommended to replace the empty cartridge as soon as possible to ensure the proper functioning and longevity of your printer.