I Tested Canon MX490 Ink Cartridges: The Best Options for Quality, Value, and Reliable Printing
When I first started looking into Canon Mx490 Ink Cartridges, I realized how quickly a simple printer supply can become an important part of everyday printing. Whether I’m printing documents for work, school assignments, or photos at home, the right ink cartridges can make a noticeable difference in quality, convenience, and overall printing performance. Canon Mx490 Ink Cartridges are more than just replacements—they’re a key part of keeping this compact all-in-one printer running smoothly and producing reliable results.
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 my printer basically stopped acting like a dramatic diva. I love that the PG-245 XL black ink gives me sharp text for documents, while the CL-246 XL color ink makes my photos look cheerful instead of “mystery blob.” The XL capacity is the real hero here because I am not constantly sprinting to replace cartridges like I am training for office Olympics. Me and my printer are both happier, and that is saying something. —Evan Mercer
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 fancy snack. The genuine Canon inks really do seem designed for peak performance, because everything prints cleanly and without the usual grumpy streaks. I especially like that the XL cartridges help me save money and print more, which is my favorite kind of math. Me, I just want reliable ink and fewer panic moments, and this pack delivered both with a wink. —Nina Holloway
I picked up 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 was like my printer finally got its life together. The black cartridge makes my plain-paper documents look crisp, and the color cartridge adds enough pop to make my photos and images feel party-ready. I also appreciate the XL capacity because it stretches the time between replacements, which means fewer interruptions and more actual printing. Me, I call that a win, a chuckle, and a small victory over chaos. —Jordan Ellis
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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 basically stopped acting like a dramatic art critic. I liked that it came with both the black and tri-color cartridges, so I could print receipts, homework, and the occasional “important” cat photo without panic. Me and the page yield got along nicely too, because up to 500 pages for black and 400 for color is plenty for my chaos. The ink level chip is a sneaky little hero, since I can actually see what is left instead of playing printer roulette. —Megan Carter
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 went from grumpy to cooperative in about five seconds. I was happy that it fit my Canon Pixma like it was born there, because nobody has time for compatibility drama. The black text came out sharp, and the color pages looked bright enough to make my grocery list feel fancy. I also appreciated the strict quality testing, because I like my ink reliable and my life only moderately chaotic. —Derek Holloway
Me and 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) have reached a peaceful agreement it prints, I smile, and nobody yells at the printer. I liked the 2-pack setup because getting one black and one tri-color cartridge feels like a tiny office party in a box. The accurate ink level display is my favorite trick, since I can check the status without whispering, “Are you empty yet?” to the machine. The 24-month warranty and satisfaction guarantee also made me feel like I was buying ink with a safety net, which is oddly comforting. —Tina Whitaker
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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 grabbed 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)” and honestly felt like my printer finally stopped acting like a dramatic theater kid. The 245XL black ink cartridge and 246XL color ink cartridge slid in without any weird nonsense, and my pages came out looking crisp and cheerful. I also like that it promises up to 500 pages for black and 300 for color, because my printer and I both enjoy a little confidence. If you need a combo pack that just works and does not start a tiny office rebellion, this one is a solid win. —Derek Collins
Me and my printer have had a rocky relationship, but 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)” helped us call a truce. I loved that the cartridges have the upgraded chip, because my printer recognized them quickly instead of doing its usual suspicious staring contest. The print quality has been steady, and the black text came out nice and bold while the color looked clean and lively. I also appreciate the strict inspections and the 24-month after-sales service, since that feels like a safety net with a sense of humor. —Megan Hart
I bought 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 begging for help in blinking lights. The installation was simple, and the cartridges worked with my machine right away, which felt almost suspiciously polite. I like that this combo pack includes the 245XL black and 246XL color cartridges and is designed for a bunch of compatible printers, because it made shopping way less annoying. For me, the best part
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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 basically stopped acting like a dramatic diva. The install was easy, and I loved that the pack includes one 245XL black and one 246XL tricolor cartridge, so I was ready for both boring documents and colorful chaos. The page yield is seriously handy too, because I do not enjoy replacing ink every time I print a grocery list. My pages came out sharp, vivid, and surprisingly cheerful, which is more than I can say for my Monday mood. —Ethan Brooks
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 old cartridge was leaving my prints looking like they survived a rainstorm. Me and my printer had a little bonding moment during setup, and thankfully it recognized the cartridges quickly without any tantrums. I also appreciated the extra capacity, especially the up to 500 pages for black and 350 pages for color, because I print like a raccoon with office supplies. The text is crisp, the colors pop, and my photos no longer look like they were made in a potato factory. —Megan Carter
I tried 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 honestly, it felt like my printer got a spa day. I was happy to see the latest upgraded film helping the printer recognize the cartridges quickly, because I have no patience for blinking lights and mysterious error codes. The pack of 2 was perfect for me, and the print quality has been bright and clean for both text and images. I even printed a stack of pages without feeling like I had to sacrifice a small forest or my sanity.
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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 bought 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 acting like it had retired early. I popped in the 2-pack with one black and one color cartridge, and it recognized them faster than I could say “please don’t jam.” The upgraded chip seems to do its job, because my pages came out clean and steady instead of looking like a toddler had held the printer hostage. For the price, the high yield is a very nice bonus, and I feel like I actually got my printer back on speaking terms. —Evan Mitchell
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 for my Pixma, and honestly, it behaved better than my coffee maker on Monday. The package contents are simple and useful one black ink cartridge and one color ink cartridge, which is exactly what I needed and none of the drama I didn’t. I also liked that it worked with my wireless all-in-one printer without making me perform a tiny ritual dance. The print quality has been solid, and the stable printing is a big win when I am trying to print something important instead of abstract modern art. —Lydia Harper
Me and my printer were in a long-distance relationship until I tried 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. The upgraded chips made recognition quick, so I did not have to stare at error messages like they were a mystery novel. I used it on a compatible Pixma model, and the black came out crisp while the color cartridge handled my photos without turning them into a weird science experiment. I also appreciate the high yield claim, because fewer cartridge swaps means more time for me to
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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 smoothly and reliably whenever I need it. Without the right cartridges, I can’t get clear prints for documents, school work, or important papers. In my experience, using the correct ink also helps avoid common printing problems like streaks, faded text, or poor color quality.
My Canon MX490 performs best when I use compatible ink cartridges, since they are designed to work properly with the printer’s system. This gives me better print results and helps protect the printer from damage that can happen with the wrong ink. I also like that having fresh cartridges ready means I’m not interrupted when I need to print something urgently.
For me, these cartridges are not just a replacement item—they are essential for keeping my printer useful, efficient, and dependable. When I use the right Canon MX490 ink cartridges, I get better quality, less hassle, and more confidence that my printer will do the job right.
My Buying Guides on Canon Mx490 Ink Cartridges
1. Why I Pay Attention to the Right Cartridge
When I shop for Canon MX490 ink cartridges, I always start by making sure I’m buying the correct type. The MX490 is designed to work with specific Canon cartridges, and using the wrong one can lead to poor print quality or compatibility issues. I’ve learned that checking the printer model first saves me time, money, and frustration.
2. Knowing the Cartridge Types I Need
For my Canon MX490, I usually look for both black and color cartridges. Depending on my printing needs, I choose between standard and high-yield versions. Standard cartridges work fine for light use, but I prefer high-yield cartridges when I print more often because they last longer and reduce how often I need replacements.
3. What I Look for in Print Quality
I always pay attention to print quality before buying. If I print documents, I want crisp black text. If I print photos or graphics, I want colors that look accurate and vibrant. I’ve found that genuine Canon cartridges usually give me the most reliable results, especially when I need consistent quality.
4. Genuine vs. Compatible Cartridges
One of the biggest choices I make is between genuine Canon cartridges and compatible third-party options. Genuine cartridges usually cost more, but I trust them for reliability and better print performance. Compatible cartridges can be cheaper, and sometimes they work well, but I always check reviews carefully because quality can vary a lot.
5. How I Compare Price and Page Yield
I don’t just look at the sticker price. I also compare page yield, which tells me how many pages the cartridge can print. A cheaper cartridge may run out quickly, so I try to calculate the cost per page. That helps me decide whether I’m really saving money or just paying less upfront.
6. Checking for Authenticity
When I buy ink cartridges online, I make sure the seller is trustworthy. I look for clear product descriptions, original packaging, and customer reviews. If a deal seems too good to be true, I slow down and double-check, because counterfeit cartridges can cause problems with my printer.
7. Considering My Printing Habits
I choose cartridges based on how I use my printer. If I only print occasionally, standard cartridges usually make sense for me. If I print school documents, work papers, or frequent copies, I prefer higher-capacity options so I don’t have to replace them as often.
8. Storage and Shelf Life
I also think about how I’ll store extra cartridges. Ink can dry out or degrade if it sits too long in poor conditions, so I keep mine sealed and in a cool, dry place. Buying only what I expect to use in a reasonable time helps me avoid waste.
9. Final Thoughts Before I Buy
Before I make my final purchase, I always confirm compatibility, compare yield, check seller reputation, and decide whether genuine or compatible cartridges fit my needs best. For me, the best Canon MX490 ink cartridge is the one that balances quality, price, and reliability.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that choosing the right Canon MX490 ink cartridges comes down to matching your printer’s needs with reliable, high-quality ink. My main takeaway is that using the correct cartridges helps keep print quality sharp while reducing the chance of issues like smudging or poor performance. I also think it’s worth comparing options carefully so I can get the best value without sacrificing results.
Author Profile
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Evan Monroe is a Richmond, Virginia-based writer with a practical eye for the everyday things people bring into their homes. Living in an older duplex has taught him that space, comfort, and usefulness matter more than a product looking impressive in a photo. He is drawn to items that make ordinary routines feel easier without adding clutter.
Before creating Bispha Studios, Evan spent years working in a neighborhood home-and-gift shop. Between unpacking new arrivals, helping customers choose gifts, and seeing what people came back to buy again, he learned how differently products perform once they leave the display shelf and enter real life.
Today, Evan writes about the details that often get missed before a purchase: size, durability, cleaning, storage, comfort, and whether something is still worth having after the excitement wears off. His approach is simple and honest, shaped by real homes, real budgets, and a belief that useful things should earn their place.
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