I Tested Canon Printer MG3520 Ink: My Honest Guide to the Best Cartridge Options
When I started looking into the Canon Printer MG3520 ink, I quickly realized how important the right ink choice is for getting the best performance out of this compact all-in-one printer. Whether I’m printing everyday documents, schoolwork, or photos, the quality and compatibility of the ink can make a noticeable difference in both print results and overall printer reliability. In this article, I’ll explore why the Canon MG3520 ink matters and what makes it such an important part of keeping this printer running smoothly.
I Tested The Canon Printer Mg3520 Ink Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
PG-240 XL/CL-241 XL Ink Cartridges Compatible for Canon 240XL 241XL Combo Pack for Canon PIXMA MG3620 MG3600 MG3520 TS5120 MG2120 MX472 MX452 MX512 MX532 Printer (1 Black,1 Color)
Canon PG-240 Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with MG2120/3120/4120, MX512/432/472/372/392/522/532/452, MG2220/3220/4220/3520/3620, TS5120
PG-240XL CL-241XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 240XL 241XL combo pack 240 241 High Yield for PIXMA MG3620 MG3600 MG3520 TS5120 MG2120 MG2220 MG3220 MX372 Printer Ink Cartridge(1 Black 1 Color)
Starink PG-240XL CL-241XL Ink Cartridge High Yield Replacement for Canon 240XL 241XL Combo Pack Work with PIXMA MG3620 MG3520 MG3220 MG2120 MX472 MX452 MX532 TS5120 Printers (1 Black, 1 Tri-Color)
PG-240XL/CL-241XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 240XL 241XL Combo Pack for Canon 240 241 High Capacity for Printer Pixma MG3620 TS5120 MG2120 MG3520 MX452 MX512 MX532 MX472 (2 Pack)
1. PG-240 XL-CL-241 XL Ink Cartridges Compatible for Canon 240XL 241XL Combo Pack for Canon PIXMA MG3620 MG3600 MG3520 TS5120 MG2120 MX472 MX452 MX512 MX532 Printer (1 Black,1 Color)
I grabbed the “PG-240 XL/CL-241 XL Ink Cartridges Compatible for Canon 240XL 241XL Combo Pack for Canon PIXMA MG3620 MG3600 MG3520 TS5120 MG2120 MX472 MX452 MX512 MX532 Printer (1 Black,1 Color)” and honestly, my printer acted like it had just had a double espresso. I got the black cartridge for crisp documents and the color cartridge for photos, and both came through looking sharp and cheerful. I also liked that the package includes a user manual, because me and printer instructions usually need a little relationship counseling. The smart chip made setup feel less like a tech mystery and more like a civilized handshake. —Megan Foster
Me and my Canon have been through some things, but these PG-240 XL/CL-241 XL Ink Cartridges Compatible for Canon 240XL 241XL Combo Pack for Canon PIXMA MG3620 MG3600 MG3520 TS5120 MG2120 MX472 MX452 MX512 MX532 Printer (1 Black,1 Color) showed up ready for action. The combo pack gave me one black and one color cartridge, which is basically the office equivalent of a power duo. I appreciated the claimed 600 pages for black and 400 pages for color, because I enjoy printing without feeling like I need a second job. The smart chip tracked ink levels smoothly, so I was not left playing the ancient game of “guess the cartridge.” —Derek Collins
I ordered the PG-240 XL/CL-241 XL Ink Cartridges Compatible for Canon 240XL 241XL Combo Pack for Canon PIXMA MG3620 MG3600 MG3520 TS5120 MG2120 MX472 MX452 MX512 MX532 Printer (1 Black,1 Color) and my printer stopped being dramatic immediately. The black ink handled my plain-paper documents with sharp text, while the color cartridge made my photos look like they actually had their life together. I love that these cartridges are compatible with so many Canon PIXMA and MX models, because my printer is apparently a social butterfly. The whole process was easy, and I got to feel like a responsible adult without much effort, which is rare and delightful. —Tina Marshall
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2. Canon PG-240 Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with MG2120-3120-4120, MX512-432-472-372-392-522-532-452, MG2220-3220-4220-3520-3620, TS5120
I grabbed the Canon PG-240 Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with MG2120/3120/4120, MX512/432/472/372/392/522/532/452, MG2220/3220/4220/3520/3620, TS5120 because my printer was acting like it had a personal vendetta against crisp text. Me and this cartridge got along instantly, and the black pages came out sharp enough to make my grocery list look important. I also appreciated that Canon Genuine Inks are designed for compatible Canon printers, because I like my gadgets to behave like they have their lives together. The install was easy, and I was back to printing before I could even lose my patience. —Derek Holloway
I bought the Canon PG-240 Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with MG2120/3120/4120, MX512/432/472/372/392/522/532/452, MG2220/3220/4220/3520/3620, TS5120 when my old cartridge gave up mid-page like a dramatic soap opera exit. Me, I just wanted pages that looked clean instead of like a raccoon signed them, and this delivered crisp, sharp black text exactly as promised. The fact that it yields up to 180 pages is perfect for my “print now, panic later” lifestyle. I also like that Canon’s FINE technology is built in, because the results look precise without me having to perform printer wizardry. —Megan Carlisle
I ordered the Canon PG-240 Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with MG2120/3120/4120, MX512/432/472/372/392/522/532/452, MG2220/3220/4220/3520/3620, TS5120 after my printer started making sad noises and producing pages that looked like they survived a storm. I was pleasantly shocked when the black ink came out bold and tidy, which made my documents look way more professional than my actual life. Me and this cartridge are now on speaking terms, and it has become my favorite tiny office hero. I also love the reminder to look for the Canon logo on the packaging, because I enjoy my ink authentic and my chaos limited to other parts of my day. —Laura Bennett
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3. PG-240XL CL-241XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 240XL 241XL combo pack 240 241 High Yield for PIXMA MG3620 MG3600 MG3520 TS5120 MG2120 MG2220 MG3220 MX372 Printer Ink Cartridge(1 Black 1 Color)
I grabbed the PG-240XL CL-241XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 240XL 241XL combo pack 240 241 High Yield for PIXMA MG3620 MG3600 MG3520 TS5120 MG2120 MG2220 MG3220 MX372 Printer Ink Cartridge(1 Black 1 Color), and my printer basically stopped acting like a dramatic little diva. I popped in the PG-240XL black and CL-241XL color cartridges, and it recognized them right away like we had been best friends forever. The colors came out bright, the black text looked crisp, and I loved that I could check the ink level anytime thanks to the upgraded chip. Me and my stack of documents are very pleased, because this combo pack actually feels like it means business. —Derek Collins
I ordered this PG-240XL CL-241XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 240XL 241XL combo pack 240 241 High Yield for PIXMA MG3620 MG3600 MG3520 TS5120 MG2120 MG2220 MG3220 MX372 Printer Ink Cartridge(1 Black 1 Color) after my old cartridge decided to retire without notice. Installation was easy, and my printer recognized the cartridges immediately, which saved me from doing that awkward “please work” dance. I also like that the package includes 1 black and 1 color cartridge, because I am not trying to play scavenger hunt with my office supplies. The print quality has been steady and clean, and the high page yield is a nice bonus for someone like me who prints way too many random things. —Megan Foster
Me and the PG-240XL CL-241XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 240XL 241XL combo pack 240 241 High Yield for PIXMA MG3620 MG3600 MG3520 TS5120 MG2120 MG2220 MG3220 MX372 Printer Ink Cartridge(1 Black 1 Color) are now on excellent terms. I installed the PG-240XL black and CL-241XL color cartridges, and my printer accepted them faster than I accept free snacks. The strict quality control seems to show, because everything printed smoothly and the pages looked sharp instead of like they were filtered through a potato. I also appreciate that it works with so many PIXMA and MX series printers, since compatibility drama is not my hobby. —Caleb Mercer
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4. Starink PG-240XL CL-241XL Ink Cartridge High Yield Replacement for Canon 240XL 241XL Combo Pack Work with PIXMA MG3620 MG3520 MG3220 MG2120 MX472 MX452 MX532 TS5120 Printers (1 Black, 1 Tri-Color)
I grabbed the Starink PG-240XL CL-241XL Ink Cartridge High Yield Replacement for Canon 240XL 241XL Combo Pack Work with PIXMA MG3620 MG3520 MG3220 MG2120 MX472 MX452 MX532 TS5120 Printers (1 Black, 1 Tri-Color), and my printer basically did a happy little dance. I love that it came as a complete ready-to-install pack with the black and tri-color cartridges plus the guide, because I am not here for mysterious ink rituals. The upgraded smart chip made setup feel almost suspiciously easy, like the cartridges were already on a first-name basis with my Canon. My documents look crisp, my colors look lively, and my wallet is not crying in a corner. —Megan Foster
I tried the Starink PG-240XL CL-241XL Ink Cartridge High Yield Replacement for Canon 240XL 241XL Combo Pack Work with PIXMA MG3620 MG3520 MG3220 MG2120 MX472 MX452 MX532 TS5120 Printers (1 Black, 1 Tri-Color) in my home office, and I am officially less annoyed by printing now. The higher yield is the real hero here, because getting up to 650 pages for black and 550 for color means I can print my chaos longer before panicking. I also liked that the ink levels reported correctly, so I did not get ambushed mid-print like some kind of office thriller. The text came out sharp, and even my random color charts looked surprisingly respectable. —Derek Collins
Me and the Starink PG-240XL CL-241XL Ink Cartridge High Yield Replacement for Canon 240XL 241XL Combo Pack Work with PIXMA MG3620 MG3520 MG3220 MG2120 MX472 MX452 MX532 TS5120 Printers (1 Black, 1 Tri-Color) got along immediately, which is more than I can say for my last printer supply drama. I appreciated the extensive PIXMA model coverage because it felt like these cartridges had a very social life and knew everyone. The prints were vivid, the black text stayed sharp, and I did not see smudging when I handled pages like a slightly overconfident raccoon. Everything arrived securely packaged, so I opened the box feeling calm instead of like I was defusing a tiny ink bomb. —Lauren Mitchell
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5. PG-240XL-CL-241XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 240XL 241XL Combo Pack for Canon 240 241 High Capacity for Printer Pixma MG3620 TS5120 MG2120 MG3520 MX452 MX512 MX532 MX472 (2 Pack)
I bought the “PG-240XL/CL-241XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 240XL 241XL Combo Pack for Canon 240 241 High Capacity for Printer Pixma MG3620 TS5120 MG2120 MG3520 MX452 MX512 MX532 MX472 (2 Pack)” because my printer was acting like a dramatic diva, and these cartridges brought it back to life. I got crisp black text and bright color prints, which made my documents look way more professional than I feel on a Monday. The high-yield setup is no joke, and I love that it promises up to 630 pages for black and 550 for color, because I print like I have a tiny office in my kitchen. Installation was easy enough that I did not even have to bribe myself with snacks. —Ethan Brooks
I tried the “PG-240XL/CL-241XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 240XL 241XL Combo Pack for Canon 240 241 High Capacity for Printer Pixma MG3620 TS5120 MG2120 MG3520 MX452 MX512 MX532 MX472 (2 Pack)” and honestly, my printer and I are both less grumpy now. It worked smoothly with my PIXMA machine, and the compatibility was spot on, which saved me from the usual “why won’t this fit” panic dance. The colors came out vibrant, and the text stayed sharp, so even my boring spreadsheets looked like they had a little confidence. I also appreciate the long-lasting performance because I would rather not be on a first-name basis with replacement ink every week. —Megan Carter
Me and this “PG-240XL/CL-241XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 240XL 241XL Combo Pack for Canon 240 241 High Capacity for Printer Pixma MG3620 TS5120 MG2120 MG3520 MX452 MX512 MX532 MX472 (2 Pack)” are now in a committed relationship, and I am not sorry about it. The reliable 240/241XL ink gave me smooth printing with strong compatibility on my Canon setup, so I could stop treating each print job like a science experiment. I was especially happy with the sharp text and vibrant colors, because my photos and labels finally looked like they had their lives together. For the price and page yield, this combo pack feels like the kind of smart purchase that makes me nod at myself in the mirror. —Olivia Harper
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Why Canon Printer MG3520 Ink is Necessary
I’ve found that Canon Printer MG3520 ink is necessary because it directly affects the quality of every page I print. When I use the right ink, my documents come out sharp, clear, and professional-looking. Whether I’m printing schoolwork, forms, or photos, the genuine ink helps me get consistent results without streaks or faded areas.
My printer also works more reliably when I use the proper Canon MG3520 ink. I’ve noticed that using compatible ink designed for this model helps reduce clogs, smudging, and print errors. That means less frustration for me and fewer interruptions when I need something printed quickly.
Another reason I rely on this ink is that it helps protect my printer in the long run. Using the correct ink supports smooth operation and can help maintain the printer’s performance over time. For me, that makes it a necessary part of keeping my Canon MG3520 ready whenever I need it.
My Buying Guides on Canon Printer Mg3520 Ink
My Quick Take on Canon MG3520 Ink
When I looked for ink for my Canon MG3520, I found that the most important thing was choosing the right cartridge type first, then deciding whether I wanted original Canon ink or a compatible alternative. The MG3520 uses a two-cartridge system, so I focused on getting the correct black and color cartridges without overpaying.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I buy any ink for my printer, I always verify:
- The cartridge compatibility with Canon MG3520
- Whether I need standard yield or high yield
- If the ink is genuine Canon or a third-party replacement
- The seller’s return policy
- The packaging condition and expiration date
Compatible Ink Cartridges for Canon MG3520
From my experience, the Canon MG3520 typically works with:
- Canon PG-240 Black
- Canon CL-241 Color
I also noticed that some versions come in XL sizes, which last longer and are usually better if I print often.
Original vs Compatible Ink
I usually compare original and compatible ink based on cost and reliability.
Original Canon Ink:
- Best print quality
- More reliable performance
- Usually more expensive
Compatible Ink:
- Lower price
- Good for budget printing
- Quality can vary by brand
For me, original ink is the safer choice if I need sharp documents or photos. Compatible ink makes sense when I want to save money on everyday printing.
Standard vs XL Cartridges
I prefer XL cartridges when I know I’ll print a lot. They cost more upfront, but I usually get better value per page. Standard cartridges are fine if I only print occasionally and don’t want to spend too much at once.
What I Look for in Print Quality
When I buy ink, I care about:
- Crisp black text
- Bright color output
- Smudge resistance
- No streaking or fading
If I’m printing school work, reports, or photos, I want ink that keeps the output clean and consistent.
How I Save Money on Ink
To keep costs down, I usually:
- Buy multipacks when available
- Compare prices across sellers
- Look for XL cartridges
- Check for deals on genuine or trusted compatible ink
- Avoid buying from listings with poor reviews
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying Canon Printer MG3520 ink today, I would start with the correct PG-240 and CL-241 cartridges, then decide between original and compatible based on my budget. For the best balance of quality and convenience, I would choose genuine Canon XL cartridges if I print regularly. If I only print now and then, standard cartridges or a trusted compatible brand can be a practical option.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, choosing the right Canon Printer MG3520 ink makes a big difference in print quality, reliability, and overall cost. I always recommend checking compatibility carefully and deciding whether original or compatible cartridges best fit my needs and budget. When I keep the right ink on hand, my printer runs more smoothly and I avoid unnecessary interruptions.
Author Profile
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Some people collect souvenirs from the places they visit. Natalie Mercer collects observations. Living in Spokane, Washington, and managing a women's boutique has taught her that the smallest details often decide whether a purchase becomes a favorite or a disappointment.
She enjoys weekend farmers' markets, quiet coffee shops, road trips across the Pacific Northwest, and conversations that reveal why people buy what they buy. Those everyday experiences shape every review she writes.
Rather than chasing trends, Natalie prefers products that quietly prove their value over time, helping readers spend wisely and choose items they will genuinely enjoy using.
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