Cheapest Ink for the Canon PIXMA TR8620 (and TR8620a, TR8622): 2026 Price Guide

Last updated: September 25, 2026.

Quick answer: The cheapest way to run a Canon PIXMA TR8620, TR8620a or TR8622 is with remanufactured PGI-280XXL / CLI-281XXL cartridges. The TR8620 uses five: PGI-280 pigment black plus CLI-281 black, cyan, magenta and yellow. Castle Ink's XXL 5-pack is $59.95, versus roughly $100–$125 for the same set from Canon, and single remanufactured XXL cartridges start under $10. Always choose XXL: it has the lowest cost per page.

Canon's PIXMA TR8620 is a popular home-office all-in-one, and an expensive one to feed with original ink. A full set of Canon XXL cartridges can cost more than half what the printer did. Here's what to buy instead in 2026, how much you'll save, and what to watch out for. (Just need the cartridge list? See what ink does the Canon PIXMA TR8620 use?)

What Ink Cartridges Does the Canon TR8620 Use?

The TR8620 does not use the CLI-281 Photo Blue cartridge; that's only for six-ink models like the TS8120, TS8220 and TS9120.

Which Printers Use the Same Ink as the TR8620?

The TR8620, TR8620a and TR8622 all use identical cartridges; the "a" and "2" suffixes are minor variants. The PGI-280/CLI-281 family also fits the TR7520, TR8520, TR8522, TS6120, TS6220, TS6320, TS702, TS702a, TS8120, TS8220, TS8320, TS9120, TS9520 and TS9521C. Five-ink models use the same five cartridges as the TR8620; six-ink models (TS8120/8220/8320, TS9120) add Photo Blue.

What Is the Cheapest Ink for the Canon TR8620?

Canon prices vary by retailer and change often; Castle Ink prices checked September 2026. Because each color is a separate cartridge, the cheapest long-term approach is to replace only the color that's empty rather than the whole set.

Should I Buy Standard, XL or XXL Cartridges for the TR8620?

XXL, almost always. The TR8620 accepts three yield sizes in the same slots:

• Standard (PGI-280 / CLI-281): lowest yield, worst cost per page
• XL (PGI-280XL / CLI-281XL): a middle option
• XXL (PGI-280XXL / CLI-281XXL): highest yield: about 600 pages for the pigment black and about 820 pages per color cartridge

XXL cartridges print roughly two to three times as many pages as standard for far less than two to three times the price. Only choose standard if you print so rarely that ink might dry out first.

How Much Does It Cost Per Page to Run a TR8620?

With original Canon XXL cartridges, black text typically costs around 5 cents a page and color pages considerably more. With remanufactured XXL cartridges, black text drops to about 1–2 cents a page. For a household printing 150 pages a month, that difference is easily $50–$100 a year. Try your own numbers in our printer ink cost calculator.

Why Does the TR8620 Have Two Black Cartridges?

The PGI-280 pigment black sits on top of plain paper for crisp, smudge-resistant text. The CLI-281 dye black blends with the color inks for photos and graphics on glossy paper. The printer uses both, so replace each when it runs low; it won't print normally with an empty or missing cartridge.

Will Remanufactured Ink Work in the Canon TR8620?

Yes. Canon has historically been much less aggressive than HP about blocking third-party cartridges. Quality PGI-280/CLI-281 cartridges install normally. You'll see a message that a non-genuine or refilled cartridge is installed; tap OK or Yes to continue. Some remanufactured cartridges may not report exact ink levels, so keep a spare of the colors you use most. If the printer says a cartridge can't be recognized, see how to fix "ink cartridge not recognized". Using third-party ink won't void your warranty; here's the legal answer.

How Do I Replace the Ink in a Canon TR8620?

1. Turn the printer on and open the scanner unit/cover; the print head holder moves to the replacement position.
2. Press the tab on the empty cartridge and lift it out.
3. Remove the new cartridge from its packaging and peel off the orange protective cap and any tape.
4. Insert the cartridge into its matching color slot and press down on the "PUSH" mark until it clicks. The cartridge's lamp should light.
5. Close the cover. If prompted about a non-genuine cartridge, confirm to continue.

How Long Does TR8620 Ink Last?

For a typical home office printing 100–200 pages a month, a set of XXL cartridges usually lasts about six to nine months, with the pigment black running out first. Printing at least once a week keeps the nozzles from drying out and cuts ink wasted on cleaning cycles.

Canon TR8620 Ink FAQs

Can I use PGI-280XL instead of PGI-280XXL in the TR8620?

Yes. Standard, XL and XXL cartridges all fit the same slots. Only the ink volume differs.

Can I print with only black ink on the TR8620?

Not if a color cartridge is empty or missing. Canon printers generally require all cartridges installed to print, though you can often continue briefly after a "low ink" warning.

Does the TR8620 use Photo Blue ink?

No. Photo Blue (CLI-281 PB) is only for six-ink PIXMA models.

Why is my TR8620 printing faded or streaky after new ink?

Run a nozzle check from the Maintenance menu, then one cleaning cycle. See how to clean Canon printer heads.

Does the TR8620 work with Canon's ink subscription?

Some newer Canon models support Canon's auto-replenishment programs. If you enroll, you're buying original Canon ink; remanufactured cartridges are the cheaper route for most households.

Not sure which cartridge you need? Look up your printer or contact us. We'd rather answer questions before you order than after. Orders placed by 4 PM ET Monday–Friday ship the same day, with free shipping over $50.