Best Ink Cartridges October 2026
Finding the right ink cartridge ensures crisp prints without unexpected running costs. This independent comparison highlights popular options across page yields, pack sizes, and printer compatibility. Review the pros, cons, and key specifications to pick the right cartridge for your printer.
Last updated: 6 October 2026
Ink Cartridges: Top 5
1
HP 305 (Black/3-Colour)
from £20.8213 stores
from £20.82
13 stores
2
Canon PG-540 (Black)
from £14.9913 stores
from £14.99
13 stores
3
HP 305 (Black)
from £11.0413 stores
from £11.04
13 stores
4
Epson 29XL (Black)
from £14.0013 stores
from £14.00
13 stores
5
HP 303 (Black)
from £14.9512 stores
from £14.95
12 stores
The HP 305 combo pack includes one black and one tri-colour cartridge for basic everyday printing. It provides an estimated yield of 120 pages across both units. This bundle suits casual home users who need full colour output in a single purchase.
Pros
Includes both black and colour cartridges
Two-pack covers all standard printing needs
Cons
Low page yield of 120 pages
Combined colour unit requires full swap
The Canon PG-540 is a standard black ink cartridge containing 8 ml of ink. It delivers a yield of roughly 180 pages for crisp text documents. The cartridge works with a wide range of Canon Pixma MG and MX series inkjet printers.
Pros
Generous 8 ml ink volume
Prints up to 180 pages
Broad Canon Pixma printer compatibility
Cons
Black ink only
Lower yield than XL options
The HP 305 single black cartridge contains 2 ml of ink for standard monochrome printing. It offers an estimated yield of 120 pages per unit. It is designed for users who primarily print simple documents and do not need extra colour ink.
Pros
Compact 2 ml replacement unit
Straightforward single-cartridge purchase
Cons
Only 120 pages total yield
Small 2 ml ink capacity
The Epson 29XL black cartridge is a high-yield option containing 11.3 ml of ink. It produces up to 470 pages, outperforming standard capacity cartridges in longevity. It is compatible with Epson Expression Home printers like the XP-235, XP-335, and XP-432.
Pros
High yield of 470 pages
Large 11.3 ml ink capacity
Compatible with Expression Home printers
Cons
Black ink only
Only fits select Epson XP models
The HP 303 black cartridge comes with 4 ml of ink and provides a rated output of 200 pages. It delivers sharp text for everyday documents on supported HP inkjet printers. Regular printing is recommended to keep the printhead nozzles clear.
Pros
Provides 200 pages of text
4 ml ink capacity
Cons
Risk of drying out if used rarely
Moderate capacity compared to XL cartridges
Compare specifications
| Color | Black, Multicolour | Black | Black | Black | Black |
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How we create the list
The ranking is updated monthly and is based on data we collect from our own platform. Products that rank highly are popular among our users while also maintaining high quality according to editorial expert assessments. Specifically, we weigh how many users follow the product via price alerts or lists, how it is rated by experts and users, as well as how much traffic it generates to stores and how well it is represented in retail. The texts on this page are AI-generated and created to give you a quick and clear overview. No products are paid placements – the ranking is driven solely by data.
