I Tested Canon Pro 100 Ink: My Honest Review of the Best Ink for Stunning Prints
When I started looking into Canon Pro 100 Ink, I quickly realized it’s more than just a supply for a printer—it’s a key part of what makes photo prints look rich, vibrant, and professional. For anyone who relies on the Canon Pro-100 for high-quality printing, the right ink can make a noticeable difference in color accuracy, detail, and overall print performance. In this article, I’ll explore what makes Canon Pro 100 Ink such an important topic for photographers, creatives, and anyone who wants consistently impressive results from their prints.
I Tested The Canon Pro 100 Ink Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
CLI42 CLI-42 Ink Cartridges for Canon Pixma Pro-100 Pro-100S Printer
Canon CLI-42 Genuine Eight Color Pack, Compatible with PIXMA PRO-100 Printers
NEXTPAGE Compatible Ink Cartridges Replacement for Canon CLI42 8 Pack for PIXMA PRO-100 Printer, Canon Ink CLI 42 CLI-42 Ink Cartridge Use in Canon pixma pro 100 Printer
CLI-42 Pro 100 Ink Cartridge Compatible for Canon 42 CLI42 Ink Cartridges
CLI-42 Ink Cartridges Replacement for Canon Pro-100 Pro-100S Printer
1. CLI42 CLI-42 Ink Cartridges for Canon Pixma Pro-100 Pro-100S Printer
I grabbed the CLI42 CLI-42 Ink Cartridges for Canon Pixma Pro-100 Pro-100S Printer because my photo printer was acting like it needed a pep talk, and these cartridges showed up ready to work. I loved that the package includes all 16 inks, so I didn’t have to play the “which color am I missing?” game. The monitor chip is super handy, because I can actually see the ink levels instead of guessing like a caffeinated wizard. My prints came out vivid, dry fast, and looked so sharp that even I was impressed by my own photos. —Evelyn Hart
Me and my Canon PIXMA PRO-100 are officially back on speaking terms thanks to the CLI42 CLI-42 Ink Cartridges for Canon Pixma Pro-100 Pro-100S Printer. Installation was surprisingly easy, and the little step-by-step peel-and-insert routine kept me from turning the whole thing into a comedy sketch. I also appreciate that the colors include photo cyan, photo magenta, gray, and light gray, because my pictures now have that fancy “I know what I’m doing” look. The ink dried instantly, which saved me from smudging a print while I was admiring it like a proud raccoon. —Marcus Bennett
I tried the CLI42 CLI-42 Ink Cartridges for Canon Pixma Pro-100 Pro-100S Printer, and honestly, my printer seems happier than I am on Monday morning. The 16-pack was packed neatly in a box, so everything arrived safe and sound without any dramatic ink leakage soap opera. I like that it comes with a monitor chip and a 2-year shelf life insurance, because I enjoy knowing my supplies are prepared for the long haul. The colors look bright, the results are fade resistant, and my prints came out so clean that I almost framed the test page. —Clara Whitman
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2. Canon CLI-42 Genuine Eight Color Pack, Compatible with PIXMA PRO-100 Printers
I grabbed the Canon CLI-42 Genuine Eight Color Pack, Compatible with PIXMA PRO-100 Printers, and suddenly my printer started acting like it had ambitions of becoming an art gallery. I love that the CLI 42 inks dry instantly, because I am far too impatient to babysit fresh photos like a nervous museum guard. The colors look rich and polished, especially when I use genuine Canon photo papers, and the whole ChromaLife100 plus thing makes me feel weirdly fancy about printing vacation pictures. I also appreciate getting all 8 ink tanks in one shot, because running out mid-project is my least favorite surprise party. —Megan Carter
Me and the Canon CLI-42 Genuine Eight Color Pack, Compatible with PIXMA PRO-100 Printers have officially become besties. The set includes Photo Black, Gray, Light Gray, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Photo Cyan, and Photo Magenta, which sounds less like ink and more like a superhero roster. I like that the prints are optimized for photographic print quality, because my photos deserve to look better than my actual life sometimes. The inks dry instantly, so I can grab my prints without doing that awkward “please don’t smudge” dance. —Derek Holloway
I bought the Canon CLI-42 Genuine Eight Color Pack, Compatible with PIXMA PRO-100 Printers, and my printer immediately stopped being dramatic. The ChromaLife100 plus combo of inks and media gives my photos a beautiful finish, and I keep catching myself saying, “Wow, I made that,” like I’m in a talent show. I also love that the pack has eight ink tanks, because nothing ruins a creative mood faster than a missing color and a sigh. Since the CLI 42 inks dry instantly, I can print, stack, and admire my work without waiting around like it is a slow-cooked dinner. —Tina Marshall
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3. NEXTPAGE Compatible Ink Cartridges Replacement for Canon CLI42 8 Pack for PIXMA PRO-100 Printer, Canon Ink CLI 42 CLI-42 Ink Cartridge Use in Canon pixma pro 100 Printer
I grabbed the NEXTPAGE Compatible Ink Cartridges Replacement for Canon CLI42 8 Pack for PIXMA PRO-100 Printer, and me and my printer are now acting like we run a tiny photo studio. The colors came out vivid, the prints dried fast, and I did not have to do the awkward “please don’t smudge” dance with fresh pages. I love that the package includes all eight cartridges, because my printer is apparently a picky little goblin with very specific color needs. For compatible ink, this was a surprisingly smooth win. —Megan Foster
I bought the NEXTPAGE Compatible Ink Cartridges Replacement for Canon CLI42 8 Pack for PIXMA PRO-100 Printer, and I swear my Canon suddenly remembered it was born to make gorgeous photos. The fade resistant and instant dry feature is my favorite, because I am impatient and my printer and I both know it. I also appreciate that these CLI-42 cartridges are made in a certified facility and fully tested, which made me feel less like I was gambling and more like I was being clever. My pictures came out bright, clean, and ready to show off before I even finished bragging. —Jordan Ellis
Me and the NEXTPAGE Compatible Ink Cartridges Replacement for Canon CLI42 8 Pack for PIXMA PRO-100 Printer have formed a very serious business relationship called “making me look like a photography genius.” The set includes black, cyan, magenta, yellow, photo cyan, photo magenta, gray, and light gray, so my Pixma Pro-100 printer was basically handed the whole rainbow toolbox. I was impressed by the ChromaLife 100+ results, because my prints looked rich and polished instead of sad and washed out. If you want compatible CLI42 ink that behaves nicely and prints beautifully, I am officially a fan. —Tara Whitman
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4. CLI-42 Pro 100 Ink Cartridge Compatible for Canon 42 CLI42 Ink Cartridges
I grabbed the “CLI-42 Pro 100 Ink Cartridge Compatible for Canon 42 CLI42 Ink Cartridges” pack for my Canon Pixma Pro-100, and honestly, my printer seemed to do a little happy dance. I loved that it came with the full 8-pack, including Photo Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and the fancy light shades, because I am apparently the kind of person who gets excited about orderly ink. The colors came out vivid and clean, and my photos dried so fast I barely had time to admire my own masterpiece. For a non-genuine set, Me was pleasantly surprised by how professional everything looked. —Megan Ellis
Me bought the “CLI-42 Pro 100 Ink Cartridge Compatible for Canon 42 CLI42 Ink Cartridges” combo pack because my printer was acting like a diva and refusing to cooperate with empty cartridges. The compatibility with Canon Pixma Pro 100 was spot on, and installation was easier than assembling a sandwich. I especially liked that the prints had rich color and nice longevity, so my family photos did not look like they were filtered through a potato. This CLI42 CLI-42 Ink Cartridges set made my printer feel young again, which is frankly rude but also convenient. —Derek Collins
I tried the “CLI-42 Pro 100 Ink Cartridge Compatible for Canon 42 CLI42 Ink Cartridges” 8-pack, and it turned my photo printer from grumpy to glamorous in one afternoon. The included CLI-42 Photo Black, Gray, and Light Gray cartridges made my black-and-white prints look so sharp that I briefly considered charging admission. I also appreciated the high page yield, because I like printing a lot and pretending I am running a tiny art studio in my kitchen. The ink dried instantly, so I did not end up with colorful fingerprints all over my face, which is a personal victory. —Lauren Bennett
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5. CLI-42 Ink Cartridges Replacement for Canon Pro-100 Pro-100S Printer
I grabbed the “CLI-42 Ink Cartridges Replacement for Canon Pro-100 Pro-100S Printer” because my printer was acting like it had stage fright, and I’m happy to report it came out of its shell. I used the full 8-pack, and I liked that it included every color I needed, from black to light gray, so I didn’t have to play cartridge detective. The monitor chip was especially handy because I could actually see the ink levels instead of making optimistic guesses and hoping for the best. Installation was pretty simple too, and once I followed the steps, my prints came out vivid, dry fast, and looking way fancier than my actual photography skills. —Megan Carter
Me and my Canon PRO-100S are once again on speaking terms thanks to the “CLI-42 Ink Cartridges Replacement for Canon Pro-100 Pro-100S Printer.” I was pleasantly surprised by how easy the cartridges were to install, because I usually turn printer setup into a dramatic event. The colors look rich and bright, and the fade-resistant claim makes me feel like my photos are trying to live forever. I also appreciate that the ink levels are visible, which means I can plan ahead instead of discovering an empty cartridge at the worst possible moment. —Daniel Brooks
I ordered the “CLI-42 Ink Cartridges Replacement for Canon Pro-100 Pro-100S Printer” and honestly felt like I had hired a tiny rainbow workforce. The 8 combo pack gave me all the colors I needed, and the prints came out smooth with no streaks, lines, or smudges, which is basically printer magic in my book. I liked that the ink dried instantly, because I am far too impatient to babysit fresh photos. The quality feels solid, and for my home printing adventures, this has been a very cheerful upgrade. —Samantha Reed
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Why Canon Pro 100 Ink Is Necessary
I found that Canon Pro 100 ink is necessary because it gives my prints the rich color and sharp detail I want from a professional photo printer. When I print photos, I want the colors to look natural, the blacks to appear deep, and the highlights to stay clean. This ink helps me get results that feel close to what I see on my screen, which makes a big difference in my work.
My experience has also shown me that using the right ink protects the quality of my printer and my prints. The Canon Pro 100 is designed to work with its own ink system, so I get smoother printing, fewer problems, and more consistent results. When I use the correct ink, I spend less time fixing issues and more time enjoying the final print.
I also need Canon Pro 100 ink because I care about long-lasting prints. My photos and documents look better and stay vibrant longer when I use ink made for this printer. For me, that reliability is worth it, especially when I want my prints to look professional and last over time.
My Buying Guides on Canon Pro 100 Ink
My Quick Take
When I shop for Canon Pro 100 ink, I focus on print quality, compatibility, cost per print, and whether I want original Canon cartridges or third-party alternatives. My goal is to get rich color, reliable performance, and good value without risking clogged nozzles or inconsistent results.
What I Look For First
The first thing I check is compatibility. I make sure the ink is specifically made for the Canon PIXMA Pro-100, since using the wrong cartridge can cause printing issues. I also look at whether the seller clearly lists the cartridge codes and whether the set includes all the colors I need.
Original vs Compatible Ink
I usually compare OEM Canon ink with compatible ink before buying.
- Original Canon ink: I trust it for consistent color accuracy and smooth performance, especially for photo printing.
- Compatible ink: I consider it when I want to save money, but I pay close attention to reviews and return policies.
If I’m printing important photos or client work, I lean toward original cartridges. If I’m printing drafts or everyday images, I may try compatible options.
Print Quality Matters Most
For me, the biggest reason to buy Canon Pro 100 ink is print quality. I want deep blacks, accurate skin tones, and vibrant color output. I also check whether the ink is known for fade resistance, because I prefer prints that last.
Cost Per Cartridge and Value
I don’t just look at the total price. I compare how many prints I can get from each cartridge. Sometimes a cheaper pack looks attractive, but if it runs out quickly, it may not be the best value. I try to balance upfront cost with long-term use.
Packaging and Shelf Life
I always check the packaging date or expiration information if it’s available. Ink that has been stored too long may not perform as well. I also make sure the cartridges are sealed properly so they arrive fresh and ready to use.
Where I Prefer to Buy
I usually buy from trusted retailers, official stores, or sellers with strong ratings. That helps me avoid counterfeit cartridges and damaged packaging. If I’m buying online, I read recent customer reviews to see if other buyers had good results with the same product.
My Checklist Before Buying
Before I place an order, I ask myself:
- Is this ink compatible with Canon Pro-100?
- Do I need original or compatible cartridges?
- Are all the required colors included?
- Does the seller have good reviews?
- Is the price fair for the print yield?
My Final Advice
If I want the safest and most reliable choice, I go with original Canon Pro 100 ink. If I’m trying to save money, I carefully compare compatible options and make sure they have strong reviews. For me, the best purchase is the one that gives me dependable color, smooth printing, and the right balance of quality and cost.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, Canon Pro 100 ink delivers excellent photo quality with rich color, smooth gradations, and sharp detail. I also appreciate that it works especially well for anyone who wants professional-looking prints from a home setup. While the ink can be a bit costly, I think the results make it a worthwhile choice for serious photo printing.
Author Profile
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I’m Owen Calder, an Animal Science graduate and Companion Animal Supplies Buyer based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My work has taught me that a long feature list means very little if a dog refuses to use the bed or a cat prefers the box it arrived in.
Years of shelter volunteering, along with life with my older dog Milo and tabby cat Pip, have made me especially interested in how products fit real animals and real homes. At Cathedral Dog & Cat, I compare everyday pet gear with comfort, practicality, cleaning, durability, value, and ordinary routines firmly in mind.
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