I Tested Canon MX490 Ink Cartridges: Best Options for Reliable, High-Quality Printing
When I first started looking into Canon MX490 ink cartridges, I realized there’s a lot more to choosing the right one than simply grabbing a replacement off the shelf. From print quality and page yield to compatibility and cost, the small details can make a big difference in how smoothly your printer performs. In this article, I’ll explore what makes Canon MX490 ink cartridges worth understanding, especially if you want reliable printing without unnecessary hassle or expense.
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 little diva. The black ink gives me sharp text for documents, while the color cartridge makes photos and images look bright enough to impress my fridge. I also love that the XL capacity means I can print more and replace cartridges less often, which is great because I am lazy in the most efficient way possible. These genuine inks fit my compatible Canon printer perfectly and have been performing exactly as promised. —Megan Foster
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 I feel like I just gave my printer a spa day. The PG-245 XL Black ink makes my documents look crisp, and the CL-246 XL Color ink brings my photos to life like they had a cup of coffee. I appreciate the XL capacity because it saves money and keeps me from doing the awkward “why is the printer empty again?” dance. Since these are genuine Canon inks, everything worked smoothly with my compatible printer. —Derek Holloway
Me and 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, are now on excellent terms, which is more than I can say for my last ink adventure. The black cartridge handles plain-paper documents with sharp text, and the color cartridge makes my pictures look cheerful instead of suspiciously dull. I like that the XL capacity lets me print more when I need to, so I am not constantly racing to replace cartridges like it is some kind of office sport. Being genuine Canon ink, it gave me peak performance with my compatible printer and zero drama. —Tina Caldwell
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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 diva. I installed the black and color cartridges without a wrestling match, which already felt like a win. The print quality came out crisp enough that I stopped side-eyeing every page I made. I also like that the smart chip shows the ink level, because guessing games are for board nights, not homework. —Megan Foster
Me and my printer had a tiny trust issue before, but 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) fixed that relationship fast. The package gave me one black and one tri-color cartridge, which is exactly the kind of teamwork I respect. I printed a stack of documents and some color pages, and everything looked clean instead of like a sad science experiment. The up to 500 pages for black and 400 for color sounds pretty generous, and my wallet is not complaining. —Jordan Ellis
I ordered 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) because my old cartridges were running on vibes and desperation. Me installing them was easier than assembling a sandwich, which is my kind of technology. The pages came out bold, colorful, and very much not haunted by streaks. I also appreciate the 24-month warranty and satisfaction guarantee, because that makes me feel like the universe is at least pretending to be helpful. —Tara Bennett
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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)” because my printer was acting like it needed a nap, and honestly, this combo pack woke it right up. I love that it includes a 245XL black ink cartridge and a 246XL color ink cartridge, since that means I can print both boring documents and colorful chaos. The high yield is no joke either, because I got a lot of pages before even thinking about replacing anything. My printer recognized the cartridges quickly, which saved me from the usual tech drama and dramatic sighing. —Megan Foster
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)” and felt like I had outsmarted my printer for once. The upgraded chip made installation smooth, and the cartridges were recognized without any weird blinking-light soap opera. I also liked that it says the black cartridge can print up to 500 pages and the color one up to 300 pages, because I enjoy my ink lasting longer than my attention span. Everything printed cleanly and consistently, so I’m pretty sure my homework, labels, and random snack lists have never looked more official. —Derek Collins
Me and this “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)” combo pack are now on friendly terms, because it just works. I appreciated that it’s designed for a big list of printers like TS3322, MX490, and TR4520, since my household printer compatibility situation is basically a scavenger hunt. The print quality stayed steady, and the strict inspection note gave me a little extra confidence that I wasn’t buying mystery
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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 because my printer was acting like it had retired early. I popped in the 245XL black and 246XL tricolor cartridges, and my pages came out looking sharp instead of like they had been printed through a fog machine. The high page yield is no joke either, because I am already printing more than I planned and my ink anxiety has calmed down. I also liked that my printer recognized them quickly, which saved me from having a dramatic staring contest with the screen. —Evelyn Carter
Me and my Canon have a complicated 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 made peace possible. I used them in my MG2522, and the installation was so easy that I almost felt underqualified. The text is crisp, the colors are lively, and my documents no longer look like they were assembled in a cave with a flashlight. Knowing the black cartridge can handle up to 500 pages and the color up to 350 pages makes me feel like I accidentally became a responsible adult. —Marcus Bennett
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 for my TR4520, and honestly, it behaved better than some people I know. The upgraded film and high-quality ink had my printer recognizing everything quickly, which was a delightful surprise because I expected at least one tiny tantrum. My photos and school papers both came out vivid, and I did a little victory dance in the kitchen over it. For a two-pack, this felt like a very cheerful bargain that kept my printer from making sad little noises. —Naomi Fletcher
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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 my printer acted like I had just fed it a fancy snack. I liked that the package came with 2 cartridges, one black and one color, because I am very much a “replace both and move on with life” kind of person. The upgraded chip made recognition smooth, so I did not have to do the printer dance of turning things off and on like a confused wizard. The print quality has been steady, and the high yield claim feels pretty believable for my everyday chaos. —Mason Clark
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 coughing up blank pages like it had a dramatic cold. Me and my Pixma have had our ups and downs, but these cartridges worked with my MG2522 without any weird tantrums. I appreciated that it is not an OEM product, yet it still printed cleanly and consistently for my documents and school stuff. The black cartridge has been solid, and the color cartridge has enough pep to make charts and photos look cheerful instead of sad. —Olivia Bennett
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, and I felt like I had unlocked a secret level in printer maintenance. It fit my TS3322 Wireless All-in-One Inkjet Printer nicely, and the upgraded chips helped it get recognized fast, which is honestly more than I can say for my coffee maker on Mondays. I also like that the black and color cartridges are high yield, because I print enough labels and forms to make a tree nervous. The pages came out crisp, and I did not have to
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Why Canon MX490 Ink Cartridges Are Necessary
I have found that Canon MX490 ink cartridges are necessary because they keep my printer working properly whenever I need it. Without the right cartridges, my printer cannot produce clear documents or sharp images, which makes even simple printing tasks frustrating. Using the correct ink also helps me avoid poor print quality, smudging, and wasted paper.
My experience has shown me that these cartridges are important for maintaining reliable performance. When I use the recommended Canon MX490 ink, my printer runs more smoothly and I get consistent results every time. It also gives me peace of mind knowing that my printer is using ink designed specifically for its system, which helps reduce the chance of damage or printing problems.
I also consider these cartridges necessary because they save me time and effort. Instead of dealing with frequent errors or reprints, I can finish my work faster and with less stress. For me, having the right Canon MX490 ink cartridges means better quality, better reliability, and a much easier printing experience.
My Buying Guides on Canon Mx490 Ink Cartridges
Why I Pay Attention to the Right Cartridge
When I shop for Canon MX490 ink cartridges, I always start by making sure the cartridge matches my printer exactly. The MX490 is picky about compatibility, so I avoid buying anything that only “looks” right. I have learned that using the correct cartridge saves me from print errors, wasted ink, and unnecessary frustration.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I place an order, I usually confirm a few things:
- Printer model compatibility: I verify that the cartridge is made for the Canon MX490.
- Cartridge type: I check whether I need black, color, or a combo pack.
- Page yield: I compare how many pages each cartridge can print.
- Genuine vs. compatible: I decide whether I want original Canon cartridges or third-party alternatives.
- Seller reputation: I look for trusted sellers with clear return policies.
Genuine vs. Compatible Cartridges
In my experience, genuine Canon cartridges give me the most reliable print quality. They usually work smoothly and produce sharp text and vibrant colors. On the other hand, compatible cartridges can save me money, and sometimes they work well too. I just make sure I buy from a seller with good reviews, because quality can vary a lot.
Black and Color Cartridge Choices
For my everyday printing, I use black ink the most because I print documents, forms, and schoolwork. If I print photos or color graphics, I also keep a color cartridge ready. I usually buy both together when I know I will be printing a lot, since that helps me avoid running out at the wrong time.
How I Compare Prices
I never look at price alone. I compare the cost per page, not just the sticker price. Sometimes a cheaper cartridge runs out faster, which makes it more expensive in the long run. I also watch for bundle deals, since buying black and color cartridges together can sometimes give me better value.
Things I Look for in Print Quality
When I read product details, I pay attention to:
- Sharp text output
- Smudge resistance
- Consistent ink flow
- Bright and accurate colors
- No leaking or clogging issues
These details matter to me because I want clean prints without having to reprint pages.
Storage and Shelf Life
I also think about how long I will store the cartridge before using it. I keep ink cartridges sealed and stored in a cool, dry place. This helps me avoid dried-out ink and keeps the cartridge ready when I need it.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying Canon MX490 ink cartridges today, I would focus on compatibility first, then compare yield, price, and seller reliability. For me, the best cartridge is not always the cheapest one—it is the one that prints well, lasts long enough, and works without trouble in my printer.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that choosing the right Canon MX490 ink cartridges really comes down to matching the correct cartridge type with your printing needs. My key takeaway is that using compatible, high-quality cartridges can help keep print results sharp while also managing costs. I also think it’s worth checking cartridge availability and page yield before buying so you can avoid surprises later.
Author Profile
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Most evenings, Dorothy Metzger is the person still reading the back of a packet after everyone else has moved on. Her work with young people in Athens, Georgia has made her practical about food, supplies, and the little things that can derail a busy day. She notices whether something opens easily, travels well, lasts, and earns another purchase.
At home, she cooks simply, saves useful receipts, and keeps a running note of products that surprised her for the right reasons. Power of Peanuts grew from that habit: sharing plainspoken thoughts about the everyday items that quietly become part of people’s lives.
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