# TLDR Review: Epson 252 Black Ink Cartridges Dual Pack

*Published: 2026-04-11 | Updated: 2026-04-11 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/epson-252-black-ink-cartridges-dual-pack*

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## Product: Epson 252 Black Ink Cartridges Dual Pack
**Brand:** Epson

## Pros
- Produces great quality prints with vibrant, sharp photos and crisp, clean output.
- Ink flows evenly and dries quickly, helping avoid smudges and streaks.
- Consistently delivers reliable, high-quality results in line with Epson's reputation.
- Genuine ink is preferred by users for avoiding compatibility and print quality issues common with aftermarket cartridges.
- Cartridge design helps prevent drying out, addressing a typical inkjet problem.
- More affordable than laser printer toner cartridges while offering superior print quality without blotchy or streaky output.
- Overall satisfaction with inkjet performance despite needing to replace cartridges relatively often.

## Cons
- Standard-capacity cartridges have a shorter lifespan and require frequent replacement.
- Ink usage can be high depending on the printer model and print volume, making ongoing costs a consideration.
- The purchase price is higher than aftermarket options, which might deter budget-conscious buyers.
- There were some reports of cartridges being unusable or not performing as expected, though this seems less common.

## Bottom Line

If you value sharp, reliable print quality and want to avoid the hassle and inconsistent results of aftermarket inks, the Epson 252 DURABrite Standard-Capacity Black Ink Cartridges are a solid, dependable choice—just be prepared to replace cartridges more often due to their standard capacity. For those looking for longer-lasting ink or potentially better value over time, considering a high-capacity cartridge might be a smarter buy, but if you want no compromises on print quality, this dual pack fits the bill perfectly.

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Produces great quality prints with vibrant, sharp photos and crisp, clean output. | Standard-capacity cartridges have a shorter lifespan and require frequent replacement. |
| Ink flows evenly and dries quickly, helping avoid smudges and streaks. | Ink usage can be high depending on the printer model and print volume, making ongoing costs a consideration. |
| Consistently delivers reliable, high-quality results in line with Epson's reputation. | The purchase price is higher than aftermarket options, which might deter budget-conscious buyers. |
| Genuine ink is preferred by users for avoiding compatibility and print quality issues common with aftermarket cartridges. | There were some reports of cartridges being unusable or not performing as expected, though this seems less common. |
| Cartridge design helps prevent drying out, addressing a typical inkjet problem. |  |
| More affordable than laser printer toner cartridges while offering superior print quality without blotchy or streaky output. |  |
| Overall satisfaction with inkjet performance despite needing to replace cartridges relatively often. |  |

## Current Prices

| Retailer | Price | Availability |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| quikshiptoner | $24.89  | Check |
| TonerParts.com | $26.24  | Check |
| Adorama | $37.99  | Check |
| B&H | $37.99  | Check |
| epson.com | $37.99  | Check |
| Quill.com | $37.99  | Check |
| Staples | $37.99  | Check |
| Target | $37.99  | Check |
| W.B. Mason | $37.99  | Check |
| Bluedogink | $39.98  | Check |
| Instacart | $39.99  | Check |
| Connection | $40.99  | Check |
| MercadoMagico | $40.99  | Check |
| NextWarehouse.com | $42.49  | Check |
| DailySteals.com | $43.99  | Check |
| Super | $43.99  | Check |
| NeutronUSA | $44.18  | Check |
| PCNation | $45.27  | Check |
| colamco.com | $46.89  | Check |
| EliteWarehouse.com | $47.67  | Check |

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*About this review: We pulled together findings from professional and user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.*