I Tested Canon MX490 Ink Cartridges: Best Replacement Options, Compatibility Tips, and My Printing Results
When I first started looking into Canon Mx490 Ink Cartridges, I realized how much of a difference the right ink can make in everyday printing. Whether I’m replacing a cartridge for the first time or just trying to keep my printer running smoothly, it quickly becomes clear that ink choice affects everything from print quality to convenience. In this article, I’ll explore the essentials of Canon Mx490 Ink Cartridges and why understanding them matters for anyone who wants reliable, crisp, and hassle-free printing.
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. The black cartridge gives me sharp text for documents, and the color cartridge makes my photos look way more cheerful than they probably deserve. I also love that the XL capacity means I can print more and spend less time doing the whole “why is the ink already gone?” routine. Genuine inks just seem to keep everything running smoothly, which is exactly the kind of low-maintenance relationship I want from office supplies. —Megan Foster
Me and my printer have finally reached a peaceful agreement thanks to 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. The PG-245 XL black ink is crisp enough to make my documents look like I actually have my life together, which is a bold claim. The CL-246 XL color ink brings my photos and images to life, and I may have printed a few extra just because they looked so good. I appreciate the XL capacity because it saves money and keeps me from playing replacement-cartridge hide-and-seek every week. —Derek Holloway
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 suddenly printing stopped feeling like a tiny emergency. The black ink makes plain-paper documents look sharp, while the color ink handles photos and images with a lot more flair than I expected. I am very into the XL capacity because it helps me print more and stretch the time between cartridge swaps, which is basically adulting with a bonus. Since these are genuine Canon inks, my compatible printer has been happily behaving itself like a well-trained pet. —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 MX490 MX492 TS202 TS302 TS3320 MG2920 Printer, and my printer basically stopped acting like it had trust issues. I got a black cartridge and a tri-color cartridge, and both slid in without any drama, which is more than I can say for some other “easy” tech purchases. The print quality came out crisp, and the color pages looked lively instead of like they had given up halfway through. I also like that it shows accurate ink levels, so I can stop playing the “guess how much is left” game. —Megan Foster
Me and my printer have been through a lot, but the Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL for Pixma TR4520 TR4527 MG2522 MX490 MX492 TS202 TS302 TS3320 MG2920 Printer made peace possible. I installed the 2-pack with one black and one tri-color cartridge, and it behaved like it belonged there from day one. The pages have been coming out clean and sharp, and the color cartridge has been doing a surprisingly cheerful job on photos and flyers. I also appreciate the high page yield, because I enjoy printing without feeling like I need a financial advisor. —Caleb Turner
I ordered the Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL for Pixma TR4520 TR4527 MG2522 MX490 MX492 TS202 TS302 TS3320 MG2920 Printer, and honestly, it has been the polite houseguest of ink cartridges. It fit my printer perfectly, and the strict quality testing seems to have done its homework because the results look great. I’ve printed documents and a few colorful pages, and the black ink stayed bold while the color stayed nicely bright. The 24-month warranty and satisfaction guarantee were the cherry on top, because I like my ink with a side of confidence. —Hannah Blake
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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 had a tiny dramatic soul, and these cartridges calmed it right down. The 245XL black and 246XL color combo pack gave me crisp pages and surprisingly cheerful color, which is more than I can say for my last ink situation. I also liked that the package includes a user guide, because sometimes I need my printer supplies to be smarter than I am before coffee. The upgraded chip made recognition easy, and the whole thing felt like a very polite little upgrade to my desk chaos. —Megan Carter
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)” and immediately felt like I had outsmarted my printer for once. The high yield claim of up to 500 pages for the black cartridge and 300 pages for the color cartridge is no joke, because I printed a small mountain of documents without panic-refreshing my supplies cart. My MX490 recognized the cartridges quickly, which was a relief because I was not emotionally prepared for a printer rebellion. I am also happy that the print quality stayed consistent, since my spreadsheets deserve to look less like they were made by a raccoon. —Derek Holloway
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)” for my TR4520, and honestly, it behaved better than some of my houseplants. The black ink came out bold, the color cartridge handled my photos nicely, and I appreciated that this combo pack is designed for a long list of compatible printers. I also like that it went
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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 stopped acting like it was on strike. The pages came out crisp, and the black looked bold enough to make my grocery list feel important. I also liked that the 245XL black ink cartridge promises up to 500 pages, because I am not trying to babysit ink levels every five minutes. Installation was easy, and my printer recognized the cartridges without any dramatic soap-opera nonsense. —Ethan Brooks
Me and my Canon have had our share of dramatic moments, 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 peace in record time. The 246XL tricolor cartridge gave my photos bright, lively colors, and even my random test pages looked suspiciously professional. I appreciated the high page yield, especially since I print enough paperwork to qualify as a part-time office supply goblin. The included user guide was helpful, which is nice because I do not enjoy turning printer setup into a scavenger hunt. —Megan Carter
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 and felt like I had discovered the secret cheat code for printing. The cartridges fit my printer smoothly, and the latest upgraded film seemed to help it recognize them quickly without any grumpy error messages. My documents came out sharp, and the colors were lively enough to make my kid’s school project look like it got extra credit from the ink itself. For the price and performance, I am happily impressed and mildly suspicious that my printer is now bragging about me. —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 my printer stopped acting like a dramatic diva. I liked that it came as a 2-pack with one black and one color cartridge, because I always seem to run out of the exact one I need at the worst possible moment. The upgraded chip made recognition nice and smooth, so I was not left doing the old “turn it off and on again” dance ten times. Print quality looked sharp enough for my everyday stuff, and the high-yield claim felt pretty believable in my very scientific household testing. —Mason Carter
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 because my printer was basically begging for mercy. Me and this 2-pack got along immediately, especially since it includes 1 black and 1 color ink cartridge and covers a bunch of Pixma models. The upgraded chips did their job fast, and I did not have to negotiate with my printer like it was a tiny office manager. I also appreciated the high yield, since up to 500 pages for black and 300 for color means I can print homework, labels, and random snack lists without panic. —Olivia Bennett
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, and honestly, my printer behaved like it had been to a spa. I was happy that it is a compatible replacement, because my wallet prefers friendly surprises over expensive ones. The latest upgraded chips helped the cartridges get recognized right away, which saved me from squinting at error messages like they were ancient riddles. I printed a stack of pages and the results stayed clean and consistent, so I
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Why Canon MX490 Ink Cartridges Are Necessary
I’ve found that having the right Canon MX490 ink cartridges is necessary because my printer simply cannot do its job without them. Whether I’m printing documents for work, school papers, or personal records, the ink is what makes everything readable and professional-looking. Without reliable cartridges, my prints can come out faded, streaky, or incomplete, which wastes both my time and paper.
I also need genuine or compatible Canon MX490 cartridges to keep my printer running smoothly. In my experience, using the correct ink helps prevent clogs, smudging, and other printing problems that can be frustrating to fix. It gives me peace of mind knowing that my printer is ready whenever I need it.
For me, these cartridges are necessary because they help maintain consistent print quality. I want every page to look clear and sharp, especially when I’m printing important documents. Having the right ink means I can depend on my Canon MX490 whenever I need it most.
My Buying Guides on Canon Mx490 Ink Cartridges
My Quick Take on Canon MX490 Ink Cartridges
When I shop for Canon MX490 ink cartridges, I focus on compatibility, print quality, and cost per page. My biggest priority is making sure the cartridge matches the printer model exactly, because even a small mismatch can cause wasted money and printing issues. I also look at whether I need standard or high-yield cartridges, depending on how often I print.
Understanding Cartridge Compatibility
The first thing I always check is whether the cartridge is made for the Canon MX490. I avoid guessing, because printer models can use very specific cartridge numbers. For the MX490, I make sure the cartridge listing clearly says it works with my printer before I buy.
Original vs. Compatible Cartridges
I usually compare original Canon cartridges with compatible or remanufactured options. Original cartridges often give me the most reliable results and consistent print quality. Compatible cartridges can save me money, but I only choose them when the seller has strong reviews and a clear return policy.
Black and Color Ink Needs
My printing habits help me decide what to buy. If I print mostly documents, I prioritize black ink. If I print photos, school projects, or color graphics, I make sure I have both black and color cartridges ready. I like buying a full set when I know I’ll need balanced printing.
Standard Yield vs. High Yield
I pay attention to cartridge yield because it affects long-term value. Standard cartridges cost less upfront, but I replace them more often. High-yield cartridges usually cost more at first, but they last longer and often save me money over time if I print regularly.
Print Quality and Reliability
For me, print quality matters just as much as price. I look for sharp text, clean color output, and no smudging. I also prefer cartridges that are known for reliable performance, because I don’t want clogged nozzles or streaky pages.
Checking Page Yield and Cost Per Page
I always compare the page yield before buying. A cheaper cartridge is not always the better deal if it runs out quickly. I like to calculate the cost per page so I can see which option gives me the best value for my printing needs.
Where I Prefer to Buy
I usually buy from trusted retailers, official stores, or well-reviewed online sellers. I avoid listings that seem too cheap or unclear, because counterfeit cartridges can cause problems. I also like sellers that offer easy returns in case the cartridge is defective or incompatible.
What I Look for in Reviews
Before I buy, I read customer reviews carefully. I pay attention to comments about installation, ink quality, page yield, and whether the cartridge worked properly with the MX490. Reviews help me spot common issues before I spend my money.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing Canon MX490 ink cartridges today, I would start by confirming compatibility, then compare original and compatible options, and finally look at yield and price. For me, the best cartridge is the one that gives reliable printing, good value, and no hassle when I install it.
Final Thoughts
In my view, choosing the right Canon MX490 ink cartridges comes down to balancing print quality, page yield, and overall cost. I’ve found that using compatible cartridges can help save money, but it’s important to make sure they’re reliable and fully compatible with the printer. My key takeaway is to always check cartridge numbers carefully so I can avoid printing problems and get the best results.
Author Profile
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Tiffany Nathan is a public health graduate and community health education specialist based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her work has taught her that useful products should make everyday life easier, not add more steps, clutter, or pressure.
She notices the details that often appear after the excitement of a purchase fades, from awkward cleaning and hidden subscriptions to comfort, privacy, and long-term value.
Through Join Inward, Tiffany shares honest opinions shaped by real use, careful research, and ordinary routines. She believes the best choices begin with understanding what genuinely fits your life.
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