What ink does the Canon PIXMA MG3650S use?
Running costs are competitive for its class. On a typical 80 pages/month, the 2‑year total could be £80.92 (keep) vs £108.94 (upgrade incl. hardware).
The Canon PIXMA MG3650S uses Canon CL-541 and PG-540 ink cartridges.
Running costs at a glance
| Variant | Cost | Yield | Est. p/page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black (standard) | £11.99 | 180 pages | 6.7p |
| Black (XL) | £21.99 | 600 pages | 3.7p |
| Colour (standard) | £14.99 | 180 pages | 8.3p |
| Colour (XL) | £21.99 | 400 pages | 5.5p |
What would you save by switching?
Comparison uses a simple 2‑year estimate at 80 pages/month (based on this model’s recommended volume).
| Option | Printer cost | Ink cost (2 years) | Total (2 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keep Canon PIXMA MG3650S | You own this printer | £80.92 | £80.92 |
| Upgrade to HP DeskJet 2710e | £45.00 | £63.94 | £108.94 |
Explore this printer
Best ink and cartridge options
Compare standard vs XL and see the best value options for this printer.
Cost per page
Check approximate running costs for black, colour, and XL cartridges.
Keep or upgrade?
See whether this model is still good value or has become expensive to run.
Common printer problems
Open the troubleshooter for print quality, paper, and connection issues.
Further reading
Canon PIXMA MG3650S ink costs explained: is it worth keeping?
PG-545/CL-546 cartridges are the running-cost bottleneck. This guide turns that into a clear “keep vs upgrade” decision for MG3650S owners.
More printers that use the same cartridges
Cartridge Compatibility Chart
| Cartridge Name | Colour | Type | Est. Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon PG-540 Black | black | Standard | ~180 pages |
| Canon PG-540XL Black | black | XL / High Yield | ~600 pages |
| Canon CL-541 Colour | colour | Standard | ~180 pages |
| Canon CL-541XL Colour | colour | XL / High Yield | ~400 pages |
Original vs. Compatible Cartridges
When buying ink for your Canon PIXMA MG3650S, you typically have two main options:
Original (OEM) Cartridges
Manufactured by Canon. These offer guaranteed reliability and print quality but typically come at a higher price point. They are the best choice for printing high-resolution photos or archival documents.
Compatible / Remanufactured
Made by third-party companies. These are often significantly cheaper than original cartridges. Quality can vary between brands, but reputable suppliers offer guarantees. These are often a cost-effective choice for everyday document printing.
When to Replace Your Ink
You should look into replacing your cartridges when print quality begins to fade, colors appear missing, or your printer displays a "Low Ink" warning. For inkjet printers like this, it is recommended to replace cartridges as soon as quality drops to prevent the printhead from drying out or clogging.
Tip: If you print infrequently, run a print head cleaning cycle once every few weeks to keep the ink flowing smoothly and prevent blockages.
Available Cartridges
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Frequently Asked Questions
What ink does the Canon PIXMA MG3650S use?
It uses the Canon CL-541 and PG-540 range. Standard and high-yield (XL) variants may be available depending on the cartridge set.
Is the Canon PIXMA MG3650S expensive to run?
Estimated running cost is around 3.7p per black page and 5.5p per colour page. Whether it feels expensive depends on your monthly volume and whether you use standard or XL supplies.
What's the cheapest ink for the Canon PIXMA MG3650S?
For black printing, the best value is typically the high-yield (XL) option — it costs more upfront but usually works out cheaper per page.