Canon PGI 525 Ink & Canon CLI 526 Ink Cartridges
Canon PGI 525 ink and CLI 526 ink cartridges use a dual-black ink structure alongside dye colour tanks to handle both photo rendering and standard text printing. Available in individual genuine tanks, budget-friendly compatible options, and complete multi-cartridge bundles, this system ensures balanced ink consumption across photo black, pigment black, and colour channels. Our 4.8 Google Star rating shows that our customers consistently receive high-quality cartridges backed by reliable performance.
Printers Compatible with Canon PGI 525 Ink & Canon CLI 526 Ink Cartridges
Compare Canon PGI-525 & CLI-526 Ink Cartridge Options
Choose a Full Colour Multipack
Need to replace every colour at once? The 5-Pack PGI-525/CLI-526 Genuine (from $115.51) gives you a complete set in a single order and qualifies for free delivery.
Replace Just One Colour
Only one cartridge empty? A single Genuine CLI-526 Black cartridge (from $23.57) lets you top up just that colour.
Save with Compatible Cartridges
Compatible cartridges are a lower-cost alternative to genuine ink, with prices from $8.96 for a single CLI-526 Black cartridge or 5-pack PGI-525/CLI-526 for $40.29.
Stock Up for Frequent Printing
Higher print volumes call for a larger pack, reducing how often you need to reorder - the 6-Pack PGI-525/CLI-526 Compatible (from $48.35) provides a lower-cost compatible alternative for frequent printing, while the 12-Pack PGI-525/CLI-526 Genuine (from $274.39) is the equivalent option if you'd rather stick with official ink. The genuine pack qualifies for free delivery.
Expected page output and replacement cycles
Page yield ratings for Canon PGI-525 and CLI-526 ink cartridges are measured under ISO/IEC 24711 standard testing conditions. Because pigment black PGI-525 handles plain paper document text while CLI-526 dye inks render graphics and photos, actual cartridge life depends heavily on your document mix and printing frequency.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLI-526BK | Standard | Black | 2,185 | $0.011 |
| PGI-525BK | Standard | Black | 311 | $0.076 |
| CLI-526C | Standard | Cyan | 462 | $0.051 |
| CLI-526M | Standard | Magenta | 437 | $0.054 |
| CLI-526GY | Standard | Yellow | 1,480 | $0.016 |
| CLI-526Y | Standard | Yellow | 450 | $0.052 |
Cost Per Page = Total Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield (at 5% coverage). Prices based on Genuine cartridges.
Choosing between genuine and compatible options
Compatible PGI-525 and CLI-526 cartridges offer significant savings while maintaining vibrant photo output and crisp text. Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. Read our guide comparing genuine and compatible cartridges to determine which option best fits your setup.
Choosing the right cartridge setup
If you primarily print text documents, ensure you have sufficient PGI-525 pigment black inventory. For photo printing, keeping spare CLI-526 dye inks on hand prevents running out mid-job. Opting for compatible cartridges provides a budget-friendly solution backed by our money back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied. Review our returns policy for total peace of mind. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99, dispatched quickly from our warehouses in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Explore our full range of Canon ink cartridges today.
Pro Tip for Canon PGI-525 and CLI-526 Users
Do not confuse the PGI-525 pigment black and CLI-526 photo black cartridges during installation. The PGI-525 is physically wider and uses pigment ink specifically formulated for sharp, water-resistant text on plain paper, whereas CLI-526BK uses dye ink formulated for glossy photo paper and smooth monochrome shading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Canon printer have two different black cartridges?
The PGI-525BK contains pigment ink dedicated to printing sharp text on standard copy paper. The CLI-526BK contains dye ink formulated to blend with cyan, magenta, yellow, and grey inks on photo paper to produce rich contrast and detailed shading.
Can I print if one of the CLI-526 colour cartridges is completely empty?
No, Canon PIXMA printers using the PGI-525 and CLI-526 ink system require all installed cartridges to contain a minimum level of ink to protect the printhead from overheating and thermal degradation during operation.
Why does grey ink run out faster when printing black and white photos?
In six-ink PIXMA models, the CLI-526GY grey cartridge is actively used to render smooth neutral tones and reduce graininess in monochrome prints, causing it to deplete faster during photo-heavy print runs.
Is PGI-525BK the same as PGI 525BK?
Yes, PGI-525BK and PGI 525BK refer to the exact same Canon pigment black ink cartridge; the hyphen is simply a formatting variation used interchangeably across retail catalogues.
