Canon PIXMA MX860 Ink Cartridges
Shop ink cartridges for your Canon PIXMA MX860, which uses the Canon CLI-521 / PGI-520 ink cartridges series. Ink Depot has been supplying reliable consumables for this printer since Jan 2009. Designed as an all-in-one home office printer, the PIXMA MX860 relies on a hybrid 5-cartridge system where the PGI-520BK pigment black cartridge handles everyday text documents, while CLI-521BK, CLI-521C, CLI-521M, and CLI-521Y dye inks produce sharp graphics and photos. Our 4.8 Google rating reflects a long-standing track record of premium cartridge performance.
Expected Output and Cartridge Yield
Page yields for Canon PGI-520 and CLI-521 cartridges are measured in accordance with ISO/IEC 24711 testing standards. Document text yields depend primarily on PGI-520BK consumption, whereas photo and graphic printing distributes ink wear across the four CLI-521 dye-based cartridges.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLI-521BK | Standard | Black | 1,875 | $0.012 |
| PGI-520BK | Standard | Black | 350 | $0.067 |
| CLI-521C | Standard | Cyan | 505 | $0.046 |
| CLI-521M | Standard | Magenta | 471 | $0.049 |
| CLI-521Y | Standard | Yellow | 505 | $0.046 |
Cost Per Page = Total Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield (at 5% coverage). Prices based on Genuine cartridges.
Choosing Between Genuine and Compatible Options
Opting for compatible PGI-520BK and CLI-521 cartridges significantly lowers per-page printing costs without compromising document clarity. Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. Every compatible unit is thoroughly tested to ensure proper recognition and reliable ink flow. Learn more in our guide comparing genuine vs compatible cartridges.
Smart Buying Strategies and Delivery
If you print mainly text documents, keep extra PGI-520BK pigment black cartridges on hand, as routine paperwork depletes this cartridge fastest. If you print photos or colour graphics, multipacks containing all five inks offer better overall value. Compatible options include a money-back guarantee if they do not work. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99, dispatched quickly from our warehouses in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Browse our complete selection of Canon ink cartridges, and check our Returns policy for complete guarantee details.
Consumable Buying Advice
Always verify whether you need to replace PGI-520BK or CLI-521BK, as they serve entirely different roles: PGI-520BK is a high-capacity pigment black cartridge meant solely for plain paper text, whereas CLI-521BK is a dye black cartridge used for photo shading and graphics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Canon PIXMA MX860 take two different black cartridges?
The printer uses a dual-black ink system. The large PGI-520BK cartridge contains pigment-based black ink for crisp, smudge-resistant text on plain paper. The smaller CLI-521BK cartridge contains dye-based black ink designed for contrast and smooth tonal transitions when printing photos on glossy paper.
What happens if one colour CLI-521 cartridge runs empty while printing text documents?
Even when printing plain text, the printer may pause operation if any CLI-521 colour cartridge is completely exhausted. Replacing the depleted cyan, magenta, or yellow tank immediately ensures uninterrupted printing across both document and photo queues.
Can I mix genuine PGI-520BK with compatible CLI-521 colour cartridges?
Yes, you can freely mix genuine and compatible cartridges in the PIXMA MX860. The printer reads each cartridge chip independently, so installing a compatible CLI-521 colour cartridge alongside a genuine PGI-520BK black cartridge will function without issues.
