I Tested Canon Pro 100 Ink: My Honest Review, Print Quality Results, and Best Ink Tips
When I first started looking into the Canon Pro 100 Ink, I quickly realized it’s more than just a set of cartridges—it’s the heart of what makes this printer deliver such striking, professional-quality results. Whether I’m printing vivid photos, rich color graphics, or detailed black-and-white images, the ink plays a huge role in achieving the depth, clarity, and consistency that Canon Pro 100 users expect. In this article, I’ll explore why this ink matters, what makes it stand out, and why choosing the right option can make such a difference in print quality and overall performance.
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 printer was acting like a dramatic diva, and these cartridges brought it back to life. I loved that the 16-pack included every color I needed, especially the black, cyan, magenta, yellow, and the fancy photo shades that make my prints look like they actually know what they’re doing. The monitor chip was super handy, since I could see ink levels instead of playing the thrilling game of “will it run out mid-print?” Installation was easy enough that even I didn’t manage to mess it up, which is basically a miracle. —Derek Collins
Me and my Canon PIXMA PRO-100 are officially friends again thanks to these CLI42 ink cartridges. The colors came out vivid, dry fast, and looked so good that I briefly considered framing a grocery list. I also appreciated the protective box, because my package arrived looking neat instead of like it had been through a wrestling match in a delivery truck. The two-year shelf life is a nice bonus, since I am not always the most organized person and like a little wiggle room. —Megan Foster
I ordered the CLI42 CLI-42 Ink Cartridges for Canon Pixma Pro-100 Pro-100S Printer and felt like I had discovered a secret level of printer success. The chip made it easy for me to keep an eye on ink levels, and the prints came out clean with no streaks or smudges, which is basically the holy grail of home printing. I followed the simple setup steps, peeled, popped, and printed, and the whole process was way less annoying than I expected. My photos looked bright and crisp, and I was weirdly proud of myself for choosing such a solid ink set. —Laura Bennett
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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 a fancy art degree. I love that the ChromaLife100 plus inks are built for beauty and longevity, because my photos deserve more than a short and tragic shelf life. The colors come out rich and lively, and when I use genuine Canon photo papers, the results look extra polished without me pretending to be a professional. The CLI 42 inks dry instantly, which means I can admire my prints right away instead of performing the awkward “don’t touch that” dance. —Megan Foster
Me and the Canon CLI-42 Genuine Eight Color Pack, Compatible with PIXMA PRO-100 Printers, are now in a committed relationship based on excellent photo prints. I like that it includes 8 ink tanks, because nothing says “serious printing” like having Photo Black, Gray, Light Gray, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Photo Cyan, and Photo Magenta all ready to go. My PIXMA PRO-100 has been churning out gorgeous prints that look crisp, balanced, and way too nice for my fridge. The instant-dry feature is a lifesaver, since I am not exactly known for my patience or my clean fingers. —Derek Collins
I bought the Canon CLI-42 Genuine Eight Color Pack, Compatible with PIXMA PRO-100 Printers, and my photos went from “nice” to “whoa, did a wizard do this?” The optimized photographic print quality really shows, especially when I pair it with genuine Canon Photo Papers. I appreciate that the inks dry instantly, because I can stack prints, show them off, and avoid smudging my masterpieces into abstract regret. The whole pack makes my printer feel like it has been upgraded from a hobby machine to a tiny studio assistant with excellent taste. —Lauren Mitchell
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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, Canon Ink CLI 42 CLI-42 Ink Cartridge Use in Canon pixma pro 100 Printer, and honestly, my printer acted like I had just fed it a gourmet meal. I got all eight cartridges, including the black, cyan, magenta, yellow, photo cyan, photo magenta, gray, and light gray, so I felt oddly powerful holding my tiny rainbow arsenal. The prints came out vivid, dry fast, and looked so sharp that I half expected them to ask for autographs. Me and my photo stack are officially having a glow-up. —Megan Foster
I tried the 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, and my Canon pixma pro 100 printer suddenly remembered how to show off. The fade resistant and instant dry feature was a lifesaver because I am impatient and do not enjoy smudgy masterpieces. I also liked that these compatible cli42 ink cartridges are made in an ISO9001 and ISO14001 certified facility, which made me feel like my printer was on a respectable spa retreat. My photos looked crisp, colorful, and way too fancy for something I printed in my living room. —Derek Holloway
I ordered the 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, and my printer went from wheezy to wow in record time. The package contents gave me every color I needed, including the light gray and photo black, so I did not have to play detective with missing ink. I was impressed by the ChromaLife 100+ claim because my prints looked bright, polished, and ready to survive my questionable handling. If my printer could smile, it absolutely would have. —Tina Caldwell
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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” for my Canon Pixma Pro-100, and honestly, I felt like I gave my printer a tiny spa day. I’m not even exaggerating when I say the colors came out vivid and punchy, especially with the photo black and magenta doing their dramatic little thing. The 8-pack combo was super handy, because I like having every color ready instead of playing cartridge roulette. I also appreciated that the ink dried fast, so I could admire my prints without smudging them into modern art. —Megan Foster
Me and this “CLI-42 Pro 100 Ink Cartridge Compatible for Canon 42 CLI42 Ink Cartridges” combo pack got along like old friends who finally decided to be useful. I loaded it into my Canon Pixma Pro-100, and the whole process was smoother than I expected for a non-genuine cartridge. The package content is awesome because it includes photo cyan, light gray, gray, and all the other color heroes I need for clean photo prints. My pictures came out sharp, colorful, and ready to show off before I could even set the printer lid down. —Derek Collins
I ordered the “CLI-42 Pro 100 Ink Cartridge Compatible for Canon 42 CLI42 Ink Cartridges” because my printer was basically giving me the silent treatment, and this pack brought it back to life. The high page yield is a big win for me, since I like printing without feeling like I’m funding a tiny ink empire. I used it with my Canon Pixma Pro-100, and the results were bright, professional-looking, and surprisingly fancy for something that did not come from the original brand. The colors had great longevity too, which makes me feel like my photos are going to outlast my questionable haircut choices. —Tina Marshall
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5. CLI-42 Ink Cartridges Replacement for Canon Pro-100 Pro-100S Printer

I bought the “CLI-42 Ink Cartridges Replacement for Canon Pro-100 Pro-100S Printer” because my printer was acting like a drama queen, and I’m happy to report that these cartridges got it back to work. I loved that the combo pack includes all 8 colors, so I didn’t have to play detective hunting down each one separately. The monitor chip is a nice touch because I can actually see the ink levels instead of guessing like some kind of office wizard. My prints came out vivid, dry fast, and looked ready for a gallery wall instead of my kitchen table. —Megan Foster
Me and my Canon PIXMA PRO-100 are officially back on speaking terms thanks to the “CLI-42 Ink Cartridges Replacement for Canon Pro-100 Pro-100S Printer.” Installation was surprisingly easy, and I appreciated the clear steps because I am not trying to earn a degree in cartridge wrestling. The colors look bright and the photos dry instantly, which is great because I am impatient and I like my prints to behave. I also like that the cartridges are designed to be fade resistant, so my masterpieces may outlast my plant collection. —Derek Langston
I grabbed the “CLI-42 Ink Cartridges Replacement for Canon Pro-100 Pro-100S Printer” and honestly felt like I had outsmarted the printer for once. The package gave me every color I needed, including the photo cyan, photo magenta, gray, and light gray, which made my test prints look ridiculously polished. I noticed the ink level monitoring chip right away, and it is very satisfying to know the printer is not hiding secrets from me. The prints came out clean with no streaks or smudges, and I am now suspicious that this ink is nicer than my actual handwriting. —Tara Whitfield
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Why Canon Pro 100 Ink Is Necessary
I found that Canon Pro 100 ink is necessary because it helps me get the kind of print quality I want without constant frustration. My photos come out with rich colors, smooth gradients, and sharp details, which makes a big difference when I print family pictures, artwork, or professional-looking images. For me, the ink is not just an accessory—it is a key part of getting reliable results from the printer.
I also need Canon Pro 100 ink because it works well with the printer’s design. When I use the right ink, I get fewer printing issues like streaks, dull colors, or wasted paper. That saves me time and money in the long run. My prints look more consistent, and I feel more confident that each page will turn out the way I expect.
Another reason I consider it necessary is longevity. I want my prints to last, especially when I am printing memories or important work. Using the proper Canon ink helps me preserve color accuracy and print durability, which matters a lot to me. In my experience, it is worth using the recommended ink to protect both my printer and the quality of my prints.
My Buying Guides on Canon Pro 100 Ink
Why I Pay Attention to Canon Pro 100 Ink
When I buy ink for my Canon Pro 100, I focus on print quality, reliability, and color accuracy. This printer is known for producing rich photo prints, so I want ink that keeps those results consistent. In my experience, choosing the right ink makes a big difference in how sharp, vibrant, and long-lasting my prints look.
What I Look for Before Buying
Before I purchase Canon Pro 100 ink, I always check a few important things. I make sure the cartridges are compatible with my printer model, since even small differences can cause problems. I also look at page yield, because I prefer ink that lasts longer and gives me better value. For me, it is also important that the ink is fresh and properly sealed so I do not run into clogging or print quality issues.
Original vs. Compatible Ink
I usually compare original Canon ink with compatible alternatives. Original ink gives me peace of mind because I know it is made for the printer and usually delivers the most dependable results. Compatible ink can be more affordable, but I pay close attention to reviews and seller reputation before trying it. In my experience, if I am printing important photos, I lean toward original ink for the best color performance.
Color Performance Matters
Since the Canon Pro 100 is a photo printer, I care a lot about color quality. I look for ink that produces accurate skin tones, deep blacks, and smooth gradients. I have found that good ink helps avoid dull prints and keeps my photos looking professional. If I am printing artwork or high-detail images, this becomes even more important.
Cost and Value
I always balance price with performance. A cheaper cartridge is not always a better deal if it runs out quickly or affects print quality. I compare the cost per cartridge and think about how often I print. For me, the best value comes from ink that lasts, prints well, and does not cause wasted paper or reprints.
Storage and Shelf Life
I also think about how I will store the ink. I prefer buying from sellers that keep cartridges in good condition and provide clear expiration or manufacture dates when possible. If I am not using the ink right away, I store it in a cool, dry place. This helps me avoid dried-out cartridges and keeps the ink ready when I need it.
My Final Buying Advice
When I shop for Canon Pro 100 ink, I choose based on compatibility, print quality, yield, and trust in the seller. If I want the safest option, I go with original Canon ink. If I want to save money, I only consider compatible ink from a source I trust. In the end, I buy the ink that gives me the best mix of quality, reliability, and value for my printing needs.
Final Thoughts
In my view, Canon Pro 100 Ink stands out for delivering rich color, sharp detail, and reliable photo-quality results. My takeaway is that it’s a strong choice for anyone who wants professional-looking prints from the Canon PIXMA Pro-100. While the ink can be a bit costly, I think the quality and performance make it worth it for serious printing needs.
Author Profile

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Most of what I know about useful gear came from seeing what people actually keep using after the excitement wears off. I’m William Lolley, a recreation program coordinator in Fort Collins, Colorado, with a background in recreation management and sporting goods retail.
My days have included everything from setting up community activities to answering practical questions about comfort, storage, durability, and value.
Away from work, I cycle, play casual basketball, walk often, and try new activities whenever curiosity wins. Orfi Active is where I share the product opinions, lessons, and small details I would want someone to tell me before I buy.
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