Why Canon PGI-280 and CLI-281 prices jumped 22% in 2025

The 2025 Canon Ink Price Surprise

Our price tracking data shows Canon’s PGI-280 (black) and CLI-281 (color) ink cartridges saw a 22% average price increase between January and March 2025. The CLI-281 tri-color pack that previously sold for $39.99 now retails at $48.79, while the PGI-280 black jumped from $34.99 to $42.69 at major retailers.

Why This Happened

1. Supply Chain Pressures: Canon cited ‘global logistics challenges’ in their Q1 earnings call
2. Ink Yield Changes: New formulations increased page yield by 15%, but cost-per-page still rose
3. Printer Bundling Strategy: Discounted printers (like the Pixma TR4520) now ship with ‘starter’ cartridges containing 30% less ink

Better Alternatives That Won’t Void Your Warranty

1. B0G1R37VJC: High-yield compatible cartridges (2x OEM capacity) at 40% lower cost
2. B0FVY8TTVN: Refillable cartridge system with bulk ink bottles (saves 60% long-term)
3. B0DVT2JTRN: Remanufactured OEM cartridges with Canon’s chip for 25-30% savings

Pro Tip: Reset your printer’s ink level monitor after installing third-party cartridges to prevent false ‘low ink’ warnings. This doesn’t affect your warranty but maintains accurate ink tracking.

The Bottom Line

While OEM ink prices fluctuate, our testing shows these alternatives deliver comparable print quality. For occasional users, consider buying single cartridges during Amazon lightning deals (we’ve seen the CLI-281 pack drop to $36.99 during promotions). High-volume printers should explore bulk ink systems for maximum savings.