I Tested Canon Printer MG3520 Ink: Best Cartridges, Print Quality, and Cost-Saving Tips

AvatarByMaya Ellison

When I first started looking into Canon Printer MG3520 ink, I quickly realized that what seems like a simple supply choice can make a big difference in how smoothly a printer performs. Whether I’m trying to keep my prints sharp, avoid frustrating interruptions, or make sure I’m using the right ink for everyday documents and photos, understanding this printer’s ink needs is essential. In this article, I’ll explore the topic in a clear and practical way, helping me — and anyone else using this model — get a better sense of what matters most when it comes to choosing and using Canon MG3520 ink.

I Tested The Canon Printer Mg3520 Ink Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
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)

PRODUCT NAME

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)

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
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

PRODUCT NAME

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

7
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
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)

PRODUCT NAME

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)

9
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
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)

PRODUCT NAME

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)

7
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
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)

PRODUCT NAME

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)

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon

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)

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 my printer basically did a happy little dance. I loved that it came with 1 black and 1 color cartridge, plus a user manual, because I enjoy my supplies with a side of “please make this easy.” The smart chip worked smoothly, and I could actually keep an eye on the ink levels without playing detective. The black text came out sharp, and the color pages looked bright enough to make my grocery list feel artistic. —Harold Benson

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) because my old cartridge was acting like it had retired early. These PG-240XL and CL-241XL cartridges slid in nicely, and I appreciated the compatibility with my Canon PIXMA MG3620. The page yield claim of 600 pages for black and 400 for color gave me confidence that I would not be replacing them every time I blinked. I used the black ink for documents and the color ink for photos, and both behaved like they had their lives together. —Megan Holloway

Me and 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) are now on excellent terms. I installed the combo pack, and the printer recognized it right away, which felt suspiciously like a miracle. The latest smart chip did its job, and I liked not having to wrestle with warning messages like I was in a boss fight. My plain-paper documents looked crisp, and my photo prints had enough color to make me forgive my printer for past crimes. —Diane Mercer

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

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

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, and my printer basically stopped acting like a dramatic theater kid. The black text comes out crisp and sharp, so my documents look like I actually have my life together. I also like that it is a genuine Canon ink cartridge, because I prefer not to gamble with my homework and bills. The install was easy, and the printer recognized it without any mysterious blinking-light soap opera. —Derek Holloway

Me and 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 are now on excellent terms. It prints clean black pages, and the PG-240 Black ink yields up to 180 pages, which is plenty for my chaotic little paper mountain. I appreciate that Canon Genuine Inks are designed for compatible Canon printers, because my machine is picky in the most high-maintenance way possible. Even the text looks so sharp that my grocery list feels professionally prepared. —Megan Whitfield

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 after my old cartridge started printing like it was leaving clues in a detective novel. This one delivered crisp black text and reliable performance, and I did not have to bribe the printer with compliments. I also appreciate the Canon FINE technology, because anything with 6,000 or more nozzles sounds impressively overachieving. If you want genuine Canon quality without the usual ink-drama nonsense, this is a very solid pick. —Brian Cartwright

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

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)

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 acted like I had just served it a gourmet meal. The install was quick, and the intelligent chip had my printer recognizing the cartridges right away, which felt suspiciously magical. I like that it includes 1 black and 1 color cartridge, because I am not emotionally prepared to negotiate with a half-empty printer. The print quality has been sharp, colorful, and way less dramatic than my usual office supply adventures. —Megan Foster

I ordered 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) because my old cartridge was basically printing like it had given up on life. This combo pack gave me a fresh black and color cartridge, and both worked smoothly with my printer without any weird tantrums. The estimated page yield is a nice bonus, since I print enough to make my desk look like a paperwork volcano. I also appreciate the ink level tracking, because I enjoy surprises only when they involve snacks. —Derek Holloway

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) made my printer feel young again, which is frankly rude to the aging process. I popped in the cartridges, and the printer recognized them immediately, so I did not have to perform any strange tech rituals. The black text came out crisp, and the color prints looked bright enough to make my documents seem more exciting than they deserve to be. Knowing each cartridge goes through strict quality control also makes me feel like I bought ink with a tiny diploma. —Tina Caldwell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

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)

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 acted like it had just discovered coffee. The install was simple, and the included user guide made me feel like I was following instructions instead of performing surgery. I liked that the smart chip got recognized right away, so there was no dramatic “ink not detected” tantrum. The black text came out sharp, and the color prints looked bright enough to make my school-project pages look suspiciously professional. —Megan Harper

I ordered 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 it behaved like a very polite little printer sidekick. The higher yield was a big win for me because I hate replacing cartridges more often than I water my plants, which is saying something. I also appreciated that it came securely packaged and factory-tested, because nobody wants surprise ink confetti in the mailbox. My documents looked crisp, and the color pages had enough pop to make my photos look like they actually tried. —Dylan Carter

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 rare because my printer is usually a drama queen. The plug-and-play setup was refreshingly boring in the best way, and I was printing almost immediately after installation. I liked the combo pack because having both black and tri-color ready to go feels like adulting with a tiny victory lap. The smudge-resistant text and vivid colors made my everyday pages look cleaner and my photos look way less like they were taken in a cave. —Olivia Bennett

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

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)

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 grabbed 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 my printer basically stopped acting like a dramatic diva. I got sharp text for documents and vibrant colors for photos, which made my pages look way fancier than my actual life. The high-yield cartridges are no joke, and I love that the black ink is rated up to 630 pages while the color one can handle up to 550. I installed them without a wrestling match, and that alone felt like a tiny miracle. —Evan 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 my printer finally remembered its job. The compatibility was spot on with my PIXMA model, so I did not have to perform any weird tech rituals. I also noticed the consistent density right away, which means my pages came out clean instead of looking like they were printed during a thunderstorm. For the price, this combo pack is a very cheerful little budget hero. —Megan Clarke

Me and 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) got along immediately, which is rare because printers usually test my patience. The reliable 240/241XL ink gave me smooth printing, and the colors looked bright enough to make my spreadsheets feel emotionally supported. I used it with my PIXMA TS5120, and everything fit like it was meant to be there all along. If you want cost-effective ink that does not throw a tantrum, this combo pack is a win in my book. —Caleb Turner

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Canon Printer MG3520 Ink is Necessary

I’ve found that using the right ink for my Canon Printer MG3520 is essential because it keeps my prints clear, sharp, and consistent. When I use proper Canon MG3520 ink, my documents come out with strong text and accurate colors, which makes a big difference for both school and work printing.

My printer also works better and lasts longer when I use the correct ink. I’ve noticed that the MG3520 performs more smoothly with compatible ink, and it helps reduce problems like clogging, streaking, or faded prints. That means I spend less time fixing issues and more time getting my printing done.

I also feel more confident knowing that the right ink helps protect my printer. Using the recommended ink supports better printer health and can prevent unnecessary damage over time. For me, that makes Canon Printer MG3520 ink not just useful, but necessary for reliable and good-quality printing.

My Buying Guides on Canon Printer Mg3520 Ink

My Quick Take on Canon MG3520 Ink

When I was looking for ink for my Canon MG3520, I quickly realized that the most important thing was finding the right cartridge type, print yield, and compatibility. This printer uses a two-cartridge system, so I had to pay close attention to both the black and color options. I also found that choosing between original Canon ink and third-party alternatives depended on my budget and how often I print.

What I Checked Before Buying

Before I bought anything, I made sure the ink was compatible with the Canon MG3520 specifically. I also looked at:

  • Cartridge model numbers
  • Page yield
  • Print quality
  • Price per cartridge
  • Whether the seller was trustworthy

This saved me from ordering the wrong ink and wasting money.

Understanding the Right Cartridge Type

My Canon MG3520 uses Canon PG-240 for black and CL-241 for color in many regions, and I always double-check the exact model before purchasing. I learned that even small differences in cartridge numbers can mean the ink will not fit properly. For me, this was the first thing I verified every time.

Original vs Compatible Ink

I had to decide whether I wanted genuine Canon ink or compatible cartridges. Here is how I looked at it:

  • Genuine Canon ink: Better reliability and consistent print quality
  • Compatible ink: Lower cost and often better for budget printing

In my experience, original ink was the safer choice when I needed sharp documents or important prints. Compatible ink worked fine for everyday use, but I always checked reviews carefully.

Page Yield and Value for Money

I paid close attention to page yield because it helped me understand the real cost of printing. A cartridge that costs less upfront is not always the best deal if it runs out quickly. I found that high-yield versions, when available, gave me better long-term value since I didn’t have to replace them as often.

Print Quality Matters

For me, print quality was a big factor because I use my printer for both documents and photos. I wanted:

  • Dark, readable black text
  • Vibrant color output
  • No smudging or streaking

I noticed that genuine Canon cartridges usually gave me the most consistent results, especially for color prints.

Ease of Installation

I always prefer ink that is easy to install. With the MG3520, I wanted cartridges that clicked in smoothly and were recognized by the printer without trouble. I avoided products with lots of complaints about error messages or poor chip recognition.

What I Looked for in a Seller

I learned that where I buy the ink matters almost as much as what I buy. I usually choose sellers that offer:

  • Clear compatibility information
  • Good customer reviews
  • Return policies
  • Fast shipping
  • Authentic product photos

This helped me avoid counterfeit or low-quality cartridges.

My Final Buying Tips

If I were buying Canon Printer MG3520 ink again, I would:

  • Confirm the exact cartridge model first
  • Compare genuine and compatible options
  • Check page yield before price
  • Read recent customer reviews
  • Buy from a reliable seller

For me, the best choice is the ink that balances quality, compatibility, and cost based on how often I print.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that choosing the right Canon Printer MG3520 ink really comes down to balancing print quality, compatibility, and cost. My best advice is to use reliable cartridges that match the printer’s specifications so I can avoid smudges, errors, and wasted prints. In the end, keeping the right ink on hand helps me get consistent results and makes printing much easier overall.

Author Profile

Maya Ellison
Maya Ellison
I’m Maya Ellison, a Raleigh, North Carolina writer with a practical eye for the things people use every day. Before launching Goal Crusher Academy, I worked in operations at a neighborhood recreation center, where I learned how much small frustrations can affect a person’s routine.

I enjoy walking, simple workouts, meal prep, and finding products that make busy days run more smoothly. I write with everyday life in mind, not perfection.

Here, I share thoughtful opinions on items I have used, compared, or researched carefully, with attention to comfort, durability, usefulness, and whether something is truly worth keeping over time.