To choose a compatible ink or toner cartridge, confirm your printer’s exact model, pick a cartridge listed for that model, check the page yield shown on the product page, and read the retailer’s warranty and return terms. Compatible cartridges are made by other companies to fit your printer; most are brand-new, while remanufactured ones reuse a cleaned and refilled cartridge shell.
Once those checks are done, what is left is usually a choice between black and colour, standard and high-yield (XL) sizes, and single cartridges or multi-packs.
What “Compatible” and “Remanufactured” Mean
“Compatible” cartridges are manufactured by a third party specifically to fit a given printer model. Most compatible cartridges sold today are new, built-from-scratch units. “Remanufactured” cartridges reuse a cleaned and refilled cartridge shell. Both kinds are sold for specific printer models, so matching the model matters more than the label.
Step 1: Match the Cartridge to Your Exact Printer Model
Find the model number on the front panel or on a sticker on the top or back of the printer (for example “ENVY 6055,” “HL-L2350DW,” “PIXMA TS3400”). Then choose a cartridge whose listing names your exact model, including letters such as “DW”. The cartridge number printed on your current cartridge (for example “67,” “TN730,” “PG-245”) is another reliable way to match.
Step 2: Check the Page Yield on the Product Page
Page yield is the number of pages a cartridge is rated to print. Yield is stated separately on each product page and differs from product to product, so check the figure shown for the exact cartridge you are considering. Within the same cartridge family, an XL (high-yield) version holds more ink or toner than the standard version, so it costs more upfront but can lower the cost per page.
Step 3: Read the Warranty and Return Terms
Each product page shows its warranty period. Under 123ink.ca’s current policy (see our 365 Day Guarantee page), unopened compatible and remanufactured cartridges can be returned within 3 months; always check the specific product listing.
Does Using a Compatible Cartridge Void My Printer Warranty?
In general, simply using a non-OEM cartridge does not by itself void your printer’s warranty. However, if a cartridge causes damage to your printer, that damage may not be covered by the printer maker’s warranty — check your printer manufacturer’s warranty terms if you’re unsure.
Step 4: Watch for Chips and Firmware Updates
Some toner cartridges are listed in “with chip” and “no chip” versions; choose the version the product page lists for your printer model. Some printers may stop recognising third-party cartridges after a firmware update, so check your model’s notes before updating, and don’t assume a cartridge will work forever.
Is Print Quality Good Enough for My Needs?
For everyday documents, emails, invoices and black-and-white text, many customers find well-made compatible cartridges give clear, sharp results. For colour-critical work — photo printing, design proofs, or marketing materials where exact colour matching matters — results can vary between brands, so it’s worth testing a cartridge on a less critical job first. See each product page for details.
What About the Environment?
Remanufactured cartridges reuse a cleaned and refilled cartridge shell, which keeps that shell out of landfill; check each product page for details.
When a Compatible Cartridge Is a Good Fit
- You print mostly text and everyday documents.
- Cost per page matters to you.
- You want a replacement cartridge that carries a retailer warranty.
- If colour accuracy is central to your work, test a cartridge on a less critical job first.
Examples: Moustache and Eco-Saver Cartridges at 123ink.ca
Moustache® and Eco-Saver are 123ink.ca’s own brands. Here are examples for a few common printer models; prices are what you would pay today, and special prices show the date they end.
- Brother TN730 / TN760 (HL-L2350DW and similar models)
- Moustache® Black Toner Cartridge, with chip — compatible with Brother TN730 — $29.95
- Moustache® Black Toner Cartridge, high yield, with chip — compatible with Brother TN760 — $34.95
- Eco-Saver Black Toner Cartridge, with chip — compatible with Brother TN730 — $19.95
- Eco-Saver Black Toner Cartridge, high yield, with chip — compatible with Brother TN760 — $19.95 (sale price until Oct 13, 7:59 a.m. ET; regular $21.95)
- HP 67XL (ENVY and DeskJet printers)
- Moustache® Black Ink Cartridge, high yield, remanufactured — for HP 67XL — $27.95
- Moustache® Colour Ink Cartridge, high yield, remanufactured — for HP 67XL — $27.95
- Eco-Saver Black Ink Cartridge, high yield, remanufactured — for HP 67XL — $23.99
- Eco-Saver Colour Ink Cartridge, high yield, remanufactured — for HP 67XL — $23.95
- Canon PG-245XL / CL-246XL
- Moustache® Black Ink Cartridge, high yield, remanufactured — for Canon PG-245XL — $29.95
- Moustache® Colour Ink Cartridge, remanufactured — for Canon CL-246XL — $25.95 (sale price until Oct 13, 7:59 a.m. ET; regular $31.95)
- Eco-Saver Black Ink Cartridge, high yield — compatible with Canon PG-245XL — $19.95 (sale price until Oct 13, 7:59 a.m. ET; regular $23.95)
- Eco-Saver Colour Ink Cartridge, high yield — compatible with Canon CL-246XL — $23.95 (sale price until Oct 13, 7:59 a.m. ET; regular $25.95)
FAQ
Are compatible ink cartridges good?
Yes, for most everyday printing. Compatible cartridges are a popular option for home and small-office use; see each product page for its rated yield.
Will a compatible cartridge damage my printer?
Most customers use compatible cartridges without problems. Buy from an established supplier, follow the installation instructions, and check your printer maker’s warranty terms if you have concerns.
Does using compatible ink void my printer’s warranty?
In general, using a non-OEM cartridge does not by itself void your printer’s warranty, but damage caused by a cartridge may not be covered — the printer maker’s warranty terms apply.
How do I know a cartridge fits my printer?
Choose a cartridge whose listing names your exact printer model and cartridge number, and match the full model number including letters such as “DW” or “XL”.
Can I use cartridges from different brands in the same printer?
Most printers with a separate cartridge for each colour let you mix brands; a few models (for example after some firmware updates) may not recognise third-party cartridges, so check your model.
Which type suits a home office printer?
For typical home-office use — documents, emails, forms — compatible cartridges suit most text and standard graphics. Choose the yield that matches how much you print.
HP, Canon and Brother are trademarks of their respective owners. 123ink.ca is not affiliated with or endorsed by these companies; brand names are used only to identify compatible printers and cartridges.
