Joybuy Insights

Ink Cartridges: A Complete Guide to Confident, Cost-Effective Printing

By the Joybuy editorial team, published on 07/09/2026

The printer light is flashing. The "Low Ink Level" message pops up. Of course, it never happens at a good time, especially when an important document needs to be printed urgently. Finding the right ink cartridge pack can quickly become a headache when navigating the jungle of part numbers.

Don't panic. This guide is here to help you make sense of it all. We've compiled the essential information to help you make the right choice and selected original ink cartridges for leading brands like Canon, HP, and Epson. The goal: to ensure high-quality, uninterrupted printing.

How to Choose the Right Ink Cartridges

Before you buy ink for your printer, a few points deserve your attention to avoid compatibility errors and optimise your budget.

1. Compatibility: The #1 Criterion

This is the most important step: verifying the cartridge's compatibility with your printer model. Each machine uses a very specific series of cartridges. To find the right part number, you have several options:

  • Consult your printer's manual.
  • Open the cover and write down the part number printed on the cartridges already inside.
  • Search online with your printer's model (for example, "ink for Canon PIXMA TS5050").

A simple mistake in the part number, and your new cartridge is headed for the bin. Be careful!

2. Original Cartridges: The Reliable Choice

Opting for original ink cartridges—meaning those made by your printer's manufacturer—offers key benefits. They are designed to work in perfect harmony with your hardware, which ensures:

  • Consistent print quality and true-to-life colours.
  • A virtually zero risk of clogging the print heads.
  • Your printer's manufacturer warranty remains valid.

Even though compatible cartridges may seem tempting due to their price, original models are the safe bet for preserving your equipment in the long run.

3. Pack Format: The Smart Way to Save

Cartridges are sold individually or in a multipack. The latter is generally more economical than buying each colour separately. A standard 4-colour ink cartridge pack (black, cyan, magenta, yellow) allows you to replace all your consumables at once and always have a spare on hand.

Recommended Ink Cartridge Packs

Here are a few original cartridge packs we recommend for the most common printer models.

Canon 0386C009 Original Ink Cartridge 4-Pack

Pack of 4 original Canon BCI-370 and BCI-371 ink cartridges

Its standout feature: This pack combines a pigment-based black ink, ideal for crisp and durable text, with dye-based colour inks that enhance photos. It's the ultimate all-in-one solution for everyday needs.

Key features:

  • 4-Colour Pack: Contains BCI-370 (Pigment Black) and BCI-371 (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow) cartridges.
  • FINE Technology: Individual cartridges with an LED ink level indicator for simple, error-free replacement.
  • Broad Compatibility: Designed for Canon PIXMA printers in the TS5050, TS6050, MG5750 series, and more.
  • Standard Yield: Page yield is estimated at approximately 300 pages for black and an average of 310 pages for colours (ISO/IEC 24711 standard).

Who is it for? Individuals and students who use their Canon printer for a variety of tasks, from printing homework to family photos.

See the product on Joybuy.fr

HP 937 (6C400NE) Original Ink Cartridge 4-Pack

Pack of 4 original HP 937 ink cartridges

Its standout feature: This pack relies on 100% pigment-based inks (EvoPlus) for all four colours. HP thus promises excellent resistance to water and highlighters, a major asset for professional documents.

Key features:

  • 100% Pigment-Based Inks: Perfect for long-lasting documents with deep blacks and vibrant colours.
  • High Yield: Page yield is estimated at approximately 1,450 pages for the black cartridge and 800 pages for each colour (ISO/IEC 24711 standard).
  • HP Technology: Integrates an RFID chip for seamless communication with the printer.
  • Professional Compatibility: Suitable for HP OfficeJet Pro printers in the 9110b, 9120e, 9130e series, and more.

Who is it for? SMEs/SMBs and freelancers who regularly print reports, invoices, or presentations and demand professional quality and excellent durability.

See the product on Joybuy.fr

Epson 603XL Black & 603 CMY Original Multipack

Multipack of original Epson 603XL and 603 ink cartridges

Its standout feature: This clever pack combines a high-capacity (XL) black cartridge to reduce the monochrome cost per page, with standard-capacity colour cartridges. An economical choice for those who primarily print text.

Key features:

  • Mixed Format: Contains one 603XL black (high capacity) cartridge and three 603 colour (standard capacity) cartridges.
  • Pigment-based black ink: Ensures crisp, water-resistant text.
  • Optimised Yield: The XL black cartridge offers a yield of approximately 500 pages, while the standard colours are rated for about 130 pages each (ISO/IEC 24711 standard).
  • Wide Compatibility: Works with many models in the Epson Expression Home (XP-2100, XP-3100, XP-4100) and WorkForce (WF-2810DWF, WF-2830DWF) ranges.

Who is it for? Home users and small offices that print a lot of text documents and, occasionally, colour graphics or photos.

See the product on Joybuy.fr

Looking for a different model?

Every need is unique, and your printer may require a different type of consumable, such as a single black ink cartridge or a six-colour pack for photos.

To discover a wider range of solutions, feel free to browse our complete category.

Explore all ink cartridges on Joybuy.fr


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I know which ink cartridge pack to buy?

The easiest way is to note your printer's exact model number (usually found on the front or back) or to look at the number on the old cartridges. This reference will guarantee you find the compatible ink cartridge set.

Q2: Why choose an ink cartridge multipack?

Buying a multipack is almost always cheaper than buying each colour separately. It's also more convenient: you have a full replacement set on hand, which prevents you from running out if another colour is depleted right after you've replaced one.

Q3: Can I use a cartridge from a brand other than my printer's?

Yes, there are so-called "compatible" or "remanufactured" cartridges, which are often cheaper. However, using them is not without risk: recognition problems with the printer, unpredictable print quality, and even damage to the print heads. Furthermore, most manufacturers state that using non-official cartridges may void the warranty in case of a malfunction. Opting for original ink cartridges remains the choice for peace of mind.