I Tested the Best Ink Cartridge for Canon Pixma MX490: My Top Pick for Sharp, Reliable Prints
When I think about keeping my Canon Pixma MX490 running smoothly, one of the first things that comes to mind is choosing the right ink cartridge. The Ink Cartridge For Canon Pixma Mx490 plays a bigger role than many people realize, affecting everything from print quality to convenience and overall value. Whether I’m printing everyday documents, schoolwork, or important photos, having the right cartridge makes a noticeable difference. In this article, I’ll explore what makes this ink cartridge important and why selecting the right one can help keep printing simple, reliable, and stress-free.
I Tested The Ink Cartridge For Canon Pixma Mx490 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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)
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
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
245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG-245XL CL-246XL PG-245 245 246 XL Combo Pack for PIXMA MX490 MG2525 MG2522 MG3022 TS202 MX492 TR4520 TS302 Printer Ink Cartridge (1 Black,1 Color )
245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 for Canon PIXMA MG2525 MG3022 MX490 TS202 TS3322 TR4520 TS302 TR4527 Cannon Printer Ink Cartridges (1 Black, 1 Color Combo)
1. 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 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 my printer basically went from “low ink drama queen” to “let’s get to work.” I love that it comes with one black and one tri-color cartridge, because my documents and random snack-label printouts both needed help. The installation was easy, and the intelligent chip actually lets me track ink levels without playing the guessing game like some kind of office detective. I also got crisp pages and solid color prints, which made me weirdly proud of my grocery list. —Megan Foster
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 my printer stopped acting like it had personal feelings about ink. The package contents were perfect for me because I needed both the black and color cartridge, not a scavenger hunt. I also appreciated the high page yield, since I print enough school stuff to make my desk look like a paper avalanche. The prints came out clean and bright, and I did not have to bribe the machine with compliments. —Caleb Turner
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 it behaved like the responsible adult my old cartridge never was. My Canon printer recognized it quickly, and the compatible fit saved me from the usual “why is this not working” spiral. I like that each cartridge goes through strict quality testing, because my prints came out looking sharp instead of like modern art. The 24-month warranty is a nice bonus too, though honestly I’m just happy my printer is no longer sulking. —Hannah Whitaker
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2. 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 bought 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 acting like it needed a pep talk. I popped in the 245XL black and 246XL tricolor cartridges, and my pages came out sharp, bright, and ready for their close-up. The high page yield is no joke, which means I can print my endless to-do lists without feeling personally attacked by low-ink warnings. I also liked that my printer recognized them quickly, so I spent less time troubleshooting and more time pretending I am organized. —Megan Holloway
Me and my Canon printer have had a rocky relationship, but 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 finally brought peace to the household. The colors look lively, the text is crisp, and the upgraded film seems to have done its homework. I especially appreciate the extra capacity because I print enough school stuff, receipts, and random cat photos to qualify as a small office. If ink cartridges were comedians, these would be the ones with the best timing. —Derek Whitman
I was skeptical about 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, but it showed up and immediately earned a gold star from me. The 245XL black ink cartridge up to 500 pages and the 246XL tricolor up to 350 pages gave me plenty of printing power for my chaos. My documents look clean, and my photos have enough pop to make me look more artistic than I actually am. I would happily buy these again just to keep my printer from dramatically sighing every time I hit print. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. 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) for my printer, and honestly, my documents and photos both started looking like they had their lives together. I love that the PG-245 XL Black gives me sharp black text, because my grocery lists no longer look like they were written during a windstorm. The CL-246 XL Color ink makes my pictures pop with nice, colorful images, so even my “I swear I’m artistic” snapshots came out pretty great. The XL capacity is a win too, since I’m printing more and replacing cartridges less, which feels like a tiny victory over adulting. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Canon PG-245 XL / CL-246 XL Genuine Ink Value Pack are now in a very committed relationship, and my printer is clearly happier about it than I am. I like that these are genuine Canon inks, because they’re specifically designed for compatible Canon printers and seem to behave like well-trained little ink soldiers. The black text is crisp, the color output is bright, and my random test pages turned into surprisingly decent mini masterpieces. Plus, the XL capacity means I can print more when I need to and stretch out the time between replacements, which is my kind of math. —Lydia Bennett
I bought the Canon PG-245 XL / CL-246 XL Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges), and suddenly my printer stopped acting like a dramatic soap opera prop. The PG-245 XL Black ink makes documents on plain paper look sharp and clean, while the CL-246 XL Color ink handles photos and images like it actually enjoys being useful. I also appreciate the XL capacity because it helps me save money and print more without constantly playing “guess which cartridge is empty.” For me, this was a simple upgrade that made printing less annoying and a lot more reliable. —Ethan Walker
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4. 245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG-245XL CL-246XL PG-245 245 246 XL Combo Pack for PIXMA MX490 MG2525 MG2522 MG3022 TS202 MX492 TR4520 TS302 Printer Ink Cartridge (1 Black,1 Color )
I grabbed the “245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG-245XL CL-246XL PG-245 245 246 XL Combo Pack for PIXMA MX490 MG2525 MG2522 MG3022 TS202 MX492 TR4520 TS302 Printer Ink Cartridge (1 Black,1 Color )” and my printer stopped acting like a dramatic diva. I was happy to see it worked with my Pixma TR4520, and the smart chip made installation feel almost suspiciously easy. The print quality came out smooth, with no paper jams and no clogging nonsense, which is basically my love language. I also like that the higher page yield means I am not sprinting back to replace ink every five minutes. —Megan Foster
Me and my printer had a tiny reunion when I installed the “245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG-245XL CL-246XL PG-245 245 246 XL Combo Pack for PIXMA MX490 MG2525 MG2522 MG3022 TS202 MX492 TR4520 TS302 Printer Ink Cartridge (1 Black,1 Color )”. It fit my Canon PIXMA TS3320 like it was born there, and the combo pack gave me both black and color without any extra drama. I printed a stack of school papers and a few photos, and the colors looked sharp while the black text stayed nice and bold. The packaging was solid too, so nothing arrived looking like it had survived a wrestling match. —Jordan Ellis
I ordered the “245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG-245XL CL-246XL PG-245 245 246 XL Combo Pack for PIXMA MX490 MG2525 MG2522 MG3022 TS202 MX492 TR4520 TS302 Printer Ink Cartridge (1 Black,1 Color )” because my old cartridge was basically on its last gasp. It worked perfectly in my MG2525, and I appreciated that it is compatible with so many Canon Pixma models. The printouts came out clean and smooth, and I did not have to babysit the printer like it was a mischievous toddler. I also love the XL capacity because fewer replacements means more time for me to do literally anything else. —Hannah Brooks
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5. 245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 for Canon PIXMA MG2525 MG3022 MX490 TS202 TS3322 TR4520 TS302 TR4527 Cannon Printer Ink Cartridges (1 Black, 1 Color Combo)
I grabbed the 245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 for Canon PIXMA MG2525 MG3022 MX490 TS202 TS3322 TR4520 TS302 TR4527 Cannon Printer Ink Cartridges (1 Black, 1 Color Combo) because my printer was acting like it had a grudge against me. I popped them in, and the smart chip did its job without any dramatic printer tantrum. The black text came out sharp, the color pages looked cheerful, and I felt like I had personally defeated office chaos. I also love that the higher page yield means I am not constantly whispering, “not again,” to my printer. —Megan Foster
Me and my Canon PIXMA have had some rocky times, but the 245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 for Canon PIXMA MG2525 MG3022 MX490 TS202 TS3322 TR4520 TS302 TR4527 Cannon Printer Ink Cartridges (1 Black, 1 Color Combo) made peace possible. I used it in my PIXMA TS3322, and the installation was easier than assembling a sandwich. The prints looked clean and professional, which is impressive because my usual documents scream “I made this in a hurry.” I appreciate that it is compatible with a bunch of PIXMA MG, TS, TR, MX, and IP series printers, so I feel less like I am gambling every time I reorder. —Daniel Brooks
I ordered the 245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 for Canon PIXMA MG2525 MG3022 MX490 TS202 TS3322 TR4520 TS302 TR4527 Cannon Printer Ink Cartridges (1 Black, 1 Color Combo) and immediately felt like a responsible adult, which was alarming. The package gave me one black and one color cartridge, and both worked right away with my Canon printer thanks to the smart chip. I printed a stack of pages, and the 500-page black yield and 400-page color yield made me feel like I had discovered printer wizardry. Even better, the results were crisp and bright, so my photos and documents stopped looking like they had been through a rainy day. —Hannah Mitchell
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Why Ink Cartridge for Canon Pixma MX490 Is Necessary
I’ve found that using the right ink cartridge for my Canon Pixma MX490 is necessary because it keeps the printer working smoothly and helps me get clear, sharp prints every time. When I use a compatible cartridge, my documents come out with better text quality and more accurate colors, which is especially important for anything I want to look professional.
I also need the proper ink cartridge because it protects my printer from problems like clogging, poor print results, or error messages. In my experience, the wrong cartridge can cause more frustration than it saves money. Using the correct one helps my printer run reliably and reduces the chance of wasting paper and ink.
For me, choosing the right ink cartridge is also about convenience and long-term value. It helps my Canon Pixma MX490 last longer and perform the way it should, so I can print without unnecessary interruptions.
My Buying Guides on Ink Cartridge For Canon Pixma Mx490
My Quick Take on the Canon Pixma MX490 Ink Cartridge
When I look for an ink cartridge for my Canon Pixma MX490, I focus on three things first: compatibility, print quality, and cost per page. This printer typically uses Canon PG-245 black and CL-246 color cartridges, and I always make sure the cartridge matches my exact printer model before buying. That simple step has saved me from wasting money on the wrong product more than once.
My First Check: Compatibility
The most important thing I do is confirm that the cartridge is made for the Canon Pixma MX490. Even if a cartridge looks similar, it may not work properly. I check the product listing for:
- Canon PG-245 black
- Canon CL-246 color
- XL versions if I want higher page yield
I also make sure the seller clearly states compatibility with the MX490 series.
My Choice Between Standard and XL Cartridges
I usually decide between standard and XL cartridges based on how much I print.
- Standard cartridges: Good for light printing and occasional use
- XL cartridges: Better for me when I print often because they last longer and usually lower my cost per page
If I print school documents, work papers, or a lot of forms, I prefer XL cartridges because I replace them less often.
My View on Original vs Compatible Cartridges
I compare original Canon cartridges with compatible or remanufactured ones.
- Original Canon cartridges: I trust them most for consistent quality and fewer problems
- Compatible cartridges: I consider these when I want to save money
- Remanufactured cartridges: I sometimes choose these if I want a budget-friendly option and the seller has good reviews
For me, original cartridges are the safest choice, but good compatible cartridges can be worth it if I buy from a reliable brand.
My Focus on Print Quality
I pay attention to how the ink performs on text and photos. For everyday printing, I want sharp black text and clear color output. If I print photos or graphics, I look for cartridges that promise:
- Rich black tones
- Accurate colors
- Smudge-resistant results
- Fast drying ink
I always check customer reviews to see whether the prints look clean and consistent.
My Check on Page Yield
Page yield matters a lot to me because it tells me how long a cartridge may last. I compare the estimated number of pages and think about my own printing habits. If I only print a few pages each week, standard cartridges may be enough. If I print regularly, XL cartridges usually make more sense.
My Budget Considerations
I never just look at the price tag. I think about value. A cheaper cartridge may seem like a good deal, but if it runs out quickly or causes print issues, I end up spending more. I compare:
- Price per cartridge
- Expected page yield
- Number of cartridges in the pack
- Warranty or replacement policy
That helps me choose the best value, not just the lowest price.
My Advice on Buying Multipacks
When I want to save money, I often look at multipacks. They can be useful if I know I’ll need both black and color ink. I only buy multipacks when:
- The cartridges are clearly labeled for the MX490
- The seller has good ratings
- The pack includes the colors I actually use
Otherwise, I prefer buying individual cartridges so I don’t end up with extras I don’t need.
My Check for Seller Reputation
I always review the seller before I buy. A trusted seller matters to me almost as much as the cartridge itself. I look for:
- Positive customer reviews
- Clear return policy
- Fast shipping
- Product authenticity details
If the listing seems vague or too good to be true, I skip it.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were choosing an ink cartridge for my Canon Pixma MX490 today, I would start with compatible Canon PG-245 and CL-246 cartridges, decide whether I need standard or XL, and then compare print quality, page yield, and seller reputation. That approach helps me get reliable printing without overspending.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, choosing the right ink cartridge for the Canon Pixma MX490 comes down to balancing print quality, page yield, and cost. I always recommend checking compatibility first so I can avoid wasted time and money. My key takeaway is that using the correct cartridge helps keep prints sharp and the printer running smoothly.
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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