I Tested Canon MX490 Ink Cartridges: The Best Picks for Sharp, Reliable Printing
If you’ve ever found yourself searching for the right Canon MX490 ink cartridges, I know how quickly a simple printer refill can turn into a confusing task. With so many options, model numbers, and compatibility questions to sort through, it’s easy to feel uncertain about which cartridge is the right fit for your printer. In this article, I’ll help make that process feel much clearer by introducing the essentials behind Canon MX490 ink cartridges and why choosing the correct one matters for keeping your prints sharp, reliable, and hassle-free.
I Tested The Canon Mx490 Ink Cartridges Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon PG-245 XL / CL-246 XL Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges), Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320
Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL for Pixma TR4520 TR4527 MG2522 MG2520 MX490 MX492 TS202 TS302 TS3320 MG2920 Printer (Black, Color)
245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 PG245XL CL246XL to MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320 (Black Color 2-Pack)
Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL (Black Color 2 Pack) 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320
Skyink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL 245 246 XL (Black Color 2 Pack) PG245 CL246 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320
1. Canon PG-245 XL – CL-246 XL Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges), Compatible with iP2820, MG2420-2924-2920-3020-2522-2525, MX492, TS3120-302-302a-202-202a-4520-3320
I grabbed the Canon PG-245 XL / CL-246 XL Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges), Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320, and honestly my printer went from “dramatic sigh” mode to “let’s get this party started.” I love that the PG-245 XL black ink makes my documents look crisp and serious, while the CL-246 XL color ink keeps my photos bright enough to make me suspicious of my own camera skills. The XL capacity is a lifesaver because I seem to print like I’m running a tiny office out of my kitchen. Me and my printer are both happier now, which is saying a lot. —Megan Holloway
I bought the Canon PG-245 XL / CL-246 XL Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges), Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320, and it felt like giving my printer a double espresso. The genuine Canon inks really do seem built for peak performance, because everything came out smooth, sharp, and wonderfully non-chaotic. I used the black cartridge for plain-paper documents and the color cartridge for photos, and both behaved like little overachievers. I also appreciate the XL capacity because replacing cartridges less often means fewer “why now?” moments. —Caleb Mercer
I ordered the Canon PG-245 XL / CL-246 XL Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges), Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320, and my printer finally stopped acting like it needed a pep talk. The black ink gives me sharp text for documents, and the color ink makes my pictures look cheerful instead of like they were rescued from a potato. I like that these XL cartridges help me save money and print more when I need to, which is perfect for my very enthusiastic printing habits. Me? I’m just here enjoying fewer cartridge swaps and a lot more smugness. —Sophie Langley
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2. Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL for Pixma TR4520 TR4527 MG2522 MG2520 MX490 MX492 TS202 TS302 TS3320 MG2920 Printer (Black, Color)
I grabbed the Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL for Pixma TR4520 TR4527 MG2522 MG2520 MX490 MX492 TS202 TS302 TS3320 MG2920 Printer (Black, Color), and my printer acted like I had brought it a tiny gift basket. I popped in the black and color cartridges, and the pages came out crisp enough to make my grocery lists look suspiciously professional. I also liked that it shows accurate ink levels with the intelligent chip, because I enjoy knowing when my printer is being dramatic before it actually is. For the price, this combo pack feels like a very cheerful little win. —Evan Mercer
I tried the Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL for Pixma TR4520 TR4527 MG2522 MG2520 MX490 MX492 TS202 TS302 TS3320 MG2920 Printer (Black, Color), and it fit my Canon printer like it had been waiting for this moment its whole life. Me and my stack of school handouts were both relieved when the print quality came out clean and sharp. The package contents with 1 black and 1 tri-color cartridge made setup simple, which is perfect because I prefer my tech to be helpful, not theatrical. Knowing it is rated for up to 500 pages on the black cartridge and 400 on the color cartridge makes me feel like I can print without constantly side-eyeing the ink meter. —Lydia Bennett
I bought the Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL for Pixma TR4520 TR4527 MG2522 MG2520 MX490 MX492 TS202 TS302 TS3320 MG2920 Printer (Black, Color), and I am delighted that my printer stopped acting like a picky little diva. The cartridges installed easily, and the prints came out bright and clear, which is exactly what I wanted for documents and photos. I appreciate that each cartridge goes through strict quality testing, because I like my ink dependable and my life only mildly chaotic. The 24-month warranty and satisfaction guarantee are the cherry on top, and honestly, I would buy this combo pack again without making a dramatic speech about it. —Caleb Thornton
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3. 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 PG245XL CL246XL to MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320 (Black Color 2-Pack)
I ordered the “245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 PG245XL CL246XL to MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320 (Black Color 2-Pack)” because my printer was basically acting like it was on strike. I popped in the 245XL black and 246XL color cartridges, and it recognized them without any dramatic side quests. The print quality has been crisp, and I love that the high-yield claim actually makes me feel like I’m not feeding my printer every five minutes. Me and my documents are now living our best, less-ink-panicky life. —Jordan Ellis
I got the “245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 PG245XL CL246XL to MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320 (Black Color 2-Pack)” for my home printer, and honestly it behaved better than some of my houseplants. The upgraded chip made setup smooth, and my printer accepted the cartridges like they were long-lost relatives. I also appreciate that the combo pack includes both black and color, because I like my spreadsheets in black and my chaos in color. The 500-page black cartridge estimate is a nice bonus, and I’m not mad about getting more prints for my money. —Megan Porter
I tried the “245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 PG245XL CL246XL to MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320 (Black Color 2-Pack)” after my old cartridges gave me the classic low-ink guilt trip. Installation was easy, and the printer recognized the 245XL black ink cartridge and 246XL color ink cartridge right away, which felt suspiciously convenient in the best way. The pages came out clean and consistent, and the color output looked sharp enough to make my kid’s homework actually impressive. I’m also glad it’s built for a bunch of compatible printers, because future me likes options. —Caleb Morgan
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4. Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL (Black Color 2 Pack) 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320
I grabbed the Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL (Black Color 2 Pack) 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320, and my printer acted like I had just fed it a gourmet meal. I was honestly expecting the usual “please reinstall me for the seventh time” drama, but it recognized the cartridges fast and got right to work. The black text came out crisp, and the color pages looked bright enough to make my spreadsheet feel emotionally supported. I also love that the high page yield means I can print a mountain of stuff before my wallet starts crying. —Ethan Brooks
Me and my printer have a complicated relationship, but this Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL (Black Color 2 Pack) 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320 made us friends again. The package came with 1 x 245XL black ink cartridge and 1 x 246XL tricolor ink cartridge, so I felt like I was opening a tiny office supply treasure chest. I printed a bunch of documents and a few colorful photos, and everything looked vivid and lively instead of washed out and sad. The latest upgraded film seems to help the printer recognize the cartridges quickly, which is a miracle in my household. —Megan Foster
I ordered the Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL (Black Color 2 Pack) 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320 because my printer was basically running on fumes and optimism. Me, I appreciate anything that gives me up to 500 pages of black ink and up to 350 pages of color, because that is the kind of commitment I respect. The installation was simple, the prints came out clean, and my notes stopped looking like they were written during a thunderstorm. If my printer could smile, it would, and I would probably take a picture of that too. —Caleb Turner
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5. Skyink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL 245 246 XL (Black Color 2 Pack) PG245 CL246 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320
I grabbed the “Skyink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL 245 246 XL (Black Color 2 Pack) PG245 CL246 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320” and honestly, my printer stopped acting like it was auditioning for a drama. I popped in the 2-pack with one black and one color cartridge, and the upgraded chip was recognized faster than I could say “please don’t blink at me.” I’ve been printing school forms and random doodles, and the pages have come out clean and cheerful. For a non-OEM product, I’m pleasantly shocked that it behaves this well. —Megan Foster
I ordered the Skyink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL 245 246 XL (Black Color 2 Pack) PG245 CL246 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320 because my printer was basically a paperweight with opinions. Me and my Pixma got along immediately once I installed the cartridges, and the stable printing made me feel weirdly victorious. The high yield claim is no joke, because I’ve already churned out a pile of documents without the ink mysteriously vanishing into the void. I also like that it works with so many models, since my printer seems to enjoy being part of a big family reunion. —Derek Collins
I was skeptical about the Skyink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL 245 246 XL (Black Color 2 Pack) PG245 CL246 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320, but now I’m basically its fan club president. The package contents gave me one black and one color cartridge, which felt delightfully straightforward for my very un-fancy printer life. I’ve used it in my wireless all-in-one, and the upgraded chips made recognition smooth instead of turning into a tiny tech soap opera. It prints crisp pages and colorful stuff without making me beg for mercy. —Hannah Pierce
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Why Canon MX490 Ink Cartridges Are Necessary
I’ve found that Canon MX490 ink cartridges are necessary because they keep my printer working reliably whenever I need it. Without the right cartridges, my printer simply can’t produce clear documents or sharp images. For me, having the correct ink means I can print school work, important forms, and everyday papers without worrying about poor quality or interruptions.
My experience has also shown me that using the proper Canon MX490 cartridges helps protect my printer. I don’t want to risk clogging, smudging, or damage by using the wrong ink. When I use the recommended cartridges, I get smoother printing performance and fewer problems, which saves me time and stress.
I also need Canon MX490 ink cartridges because they help me get consistent results. My prints come out with better color, cleaner text, and more dependable quality. That makes a big difference when I’m printing something important, because I know I can trust the final result.
My Buying Guides on Canon Mx490 Ink Cartridges
1. Understanding What My Canon MX490 Uses
When I shop for Canon MX490 ink cartridges, the first thing I check is the exact cartridge model my printer needs. The Canon MX490 typically uses PG-245 black and CL-246 color cartridges, and in some cases the XL versions for higher page yield. I always verify this before buying so I don’t end up with the wrong cartridge.
2. Choosing Between Standard and XL Cartridges
I usually decide based on how much I print. If I only print occasionally, standard cartridges work fine for me. But when I know I’ll be printing more often, I prefer XL cartridges because they last longer and usually give me a better cost per page. For me, the XL option is often worth it.
3. Original vs Compatible Cartridges
I consider whether I want original Canon cartridges or compatible ones. Original cartridges give me peace of mind because I know they’re made for my printer. Compatible cartridges can save me money, but I make sure I buy from a trusted seller with good reviews. I’ve learned that quality matters more than price alone.
4. Checking Page Yield Before I Buy
I always look at page yield because it helps me understand how long the cartridge will last. A lower price doesn’t always mean a better deal if the cartridge runs out quickly. I compare the estimated number of pages so I can choose the option that fits my printing habits.
5. Looking at Print Quality
For me, print quality is very important, especially when I print documents or photos. I want crisp black text and clean color output. Before I buy, I read product details and customer feedback to make sure the cartridge delivers consistent results.
6. Making Sure the Seller Is Reliable
I always check the seller before placing an order. I look for clear product descriptions, return policies, and customer ratings. A reliable seller gives me more confidence that I’ll receive genuine or well-made cartridges without issues.
7. Considering Cost and Value
I try not to focus only on the cheapest option. Instead, I compare the total value, including page yield, print quality, and reliability. Sometimes paying a little more saves me money and frustration in the long run.
8. Checking for Easy Installation
I like cartridges that are easy to install because I don’t want to waste time troubleshooting. Before buying, I make sure the product is designed for the Canon MX490 and comes with clear instructions. That makes the replacement process much smoother for me.
9. Reading Reviews from Other Buyers
I find customer reviews very helpful because they show real experiences. I pay attention to comments about ink quality, cartridge life, and compatibility. If many buyers report the same problem, I usually avoid that product.
10. My Final Buying Tip
When I buy Canon MX490 ink cartridges, I focus on compatibility, page yield, print quality, and seller trust. That helps me choose the right cartridge without wasting money. For me, the best cartridge is the one that balances quality, value, and reliability.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that choosing the right Canon MX490 ink cartridges makes a big difference in print quality, reliability, and overall value. My main takeaway is to match the correct cartridge type with your printing needs and always check compatibility before buying. I also think it’s worth considering page yield and cost per print so you can get the best long-term results.
Author Profile
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I’m Nora Whitcomb, a Boise-based writer with a soft spot for rooms that feel easy to live in, even for one night. Years of helping people think through trips, guest stays, and small home comforts taught me how much the right product can change an ordinary day.
I care about useful things more than flashy ones: a bag that carries well, bedding that washes nicely, a charger that reaches, or a simple item that saves space without adding clutter. Through Book By Rooms, I share honest, first-person product thoughts shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday life.
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