I Tested the Canon Ink Cartridge 245: My Honest Review, Print Quality Results, and Best Value Tips
When I think about keeping a printer running smoothly, one of the first things that comes to mind is the ink cartridge, and the Canon Ink Cartridge 245 is a perfect example of how something so small can make a big difference. Whether I’m printing important documents, everyday forms, or personal projects, having the right cartridge can mean the difference between crisp, reliable results and frustrating interruptions. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the Canon Ink Cartridge 245 worth paying attention to and why it continues to be a practical choice for many printing needs.
I Tested The Canon Ink Cartridge 245 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon PG-245 Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320
Canon PG-245 XL Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320
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)
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)
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 Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420-2924-2920-3020-2522-2525, MX492, TS3120-302-302a-202-202a-4520-3320
I grabbed the Canon PG-245 Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320, and my printer immediately stopped acting like a drama queen. I like that the PG-245 black ink yields up to 180 pages, because that is plenty of time for me to print receipts, homework, and the occasional emergency snack list. The text comes out crisp and sharp, so my documents look like I actually have my life together. I also appreciate that it is a genuine Canon ink cartridge, because I would rather not gamble with mystery goo. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Canon PG-245 Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320 are now besties, and my printer has never been happier. The Canon Genuine Inks really do provide peak performance, which sounds fancy but mostly means my pages stopped looking like they were printed during a thunderstorm. I noticed the black text is super crisp, so even my messy notes look weirdly professional. Plus, the packaging had the Canon logo, so I felt like I was buying the real deal instead of printer ink from a suspicious alleyway. —Olivia Bennett
I bought the Canon PG-245 Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320 because my printer was basically begging for a refill. The FINE technology with 6,000 or more nozzles sounds like my printer joined a tiny ink orchestra, and honestly, the results are impressive. I love that it is designed for compatible Canon printers, because it just works without me performing any weird tech rituals. The whole experience was smooth, the print quality is excellent, and my documents now look less like a raccoon typed them. —Ethan Parker
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2. Canon PG-245 XL Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420-2924-2920-3020-2522-2525, MX492, TS3120-302-302a-202-202a-4520-3320
I grabbed the Canon PG-245 XL Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320, and my printer instantly stopped acting like it was on strike. I love that it’s a genuine Canon ink tank, because I like my prints to look sharp instead of like a raccoon with a marker got involved. The black comes out rich and clean, and the dye based ink formulation really does make my documents and photos look surprisingly classy. For high quality results, each and every time? Me and this cartridge are basically best friends now. —Megan Foster
I used the Canon PG-245 XL Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320, and it behaved like the responsible adult my printer desperately needed. The special ink formulation for long lasting prints is great, because I don’t want my important pages fading away like my motivation on a Monday. It’s a genuine Canon ink tank, so installation was easy and the results were consistently crisp. I got exceptional quality and remarkable durability, which made me weirdly proud of a black cartridge. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Canon PG-245 XL Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320, have been through a small printing marathon, and it never flinched. I appreciate that it uses a dye based ink formulation for beautiful output, because even my boring paperwork looks like it got a tiny makeover. Since it’s genuine Canon ink, I feel like I’m feeding my printer the good stuff instead of mystery goo. If you want high quality results every time without drama, this cartridge is a cheerful little hero. —Lydia Mercer
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3. 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)” and felt like I had adopted two tiny ink superheroes. I’m happy to say the smart chip played nice with my printer, so I was not forced into a dramatic tech soap opera. The print quality came out crisp, and the higher page yield means I can print more without constantly doing the “replace me now” shuffle. Me and my printer are officially on speaking terms again, which is honestly a huge win. —Derek Holloway
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 it slid into my Canon like it belonged there all along. I love that it’s compatible with so many PIXMA models, because apparently my printer wanted to be part of a very large family reunion. The black and color cartridges both worked smoothly, and I got excellent print results without any weird streaky drama. I also appreciate the 24-month guarantee, because my inner worry goblin likes backup plans. —Megan Fairchild
Me and 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)” have formed a surprisingly strong alliance. The package includes 1 PG-245XL black and 1 CL-246XL color cartridge, which made my printer feel like it got a proper snack and a beverage. I was impressed by the larger capacity, since up to 500 pages for black and up to 400 pages for color means fewer emergency ink runs. My documents look sharp, my photos look cheerful, and my printer is no longer acting like a diva. —Caleb Whitmore
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4. 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 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 acted like I had just served it a gourmet meal. I like that it came with one black and one tri-color cartridge, because my documents and photos both needed a rescue mission. The intelligent chip showing the ink level is surprisingly handy, since I no longer have to play the thrilling game of “is it empty or just being dramatic?” Me and this combo pack are getting along great, and the print quality has been solid so far. —Derek Holloway
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 honestly, my printer stopped making those suspicious little sighs. I appreciated the high page yield, because I print enough random stuff to qualify as a paper goblin. The black text looks crisp, and the color cartridge has been cheerful enough to make my charts and kid projects look less like a science experiment. Me? I’m mostly thrilled that it fit my Canon without any awkward printer drama. —Megan Ellison
I picked up 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 was refreshingly uncomplicated, which is rare in the ink world. I checked my printer model first, as suggested, and everything matched up nicely. The cartridges passed my usual “print a bunch of stuff and see what happens” test, and the results were clean and consistent. Me and this little combo pack are now on friendly terms, especially since the 24-month warranty gives me extra peace of mind. —Calvin Mercer
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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 it was auditioning for a dramatic soap opera. I liked that the package includes 1 black and 1 color ink cartridge, because I am not emotionally prepared to buy supplies one at a time like some kind of office supply scavenger. The upgraded chip seemed to get recognized quickly, and I was back to printing without the usual grumpy blinking lights. The pages came out sharp enough that even my messy notes looked suspiciously professional. —Harold Benson
Me and this 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 had an instant understanding, which is more than I can say for my last printer cartridge. I used it in my Pixma TS3322, and the stable printing made me feel like I had finally tamed a tiny mechanical beast. The fact that it is a non-OEM product did not scare me off, because the upgraded chips did their job and the printer accepted them like old friends. I also appreciate the high yield, since up to 500 pages for black and 300 pages for color means I can print a mountain of stuff before panicking again. —Doris Whitman
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 for my Canon, and honestly, it behaved better than my Wi-Fi on a rainy day. The 2-pack with one black and one color cartridge was exactly what I needed, and I liked that it worked with a bunch of printers like the TR4520 and MG2520. Installation was simple enough that I did not have to summon a tutorial video or a snack break. My
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Why Canon Ink Cartridge 245 Is Necessary
I have found that the Canon Ink Cartridge 245 is necessary because it helps my printer deliver clear, sharp, and reliable prints every time. When I use the right cartridge, I do not have to worry about faded text, streaks, or poor-quality output. It makes a big difference in how professional my documents look, especially when I need to print important papers at home or work.
My experience has also shown me that using the Canon 245 cartridge helps protect my printer. Since it is designed to work properly with compatible Canon models, I feel more confident that my printer will run smoothly without unnecessary errors or damage. This gives me peace of mind and helps me avoid extra repair costs or printing problems.
I also appreciate that the Canon Ink Cartridge 245 is convenient and dependable. When I need to print quickly, I want a cartridge that installs easily and performs consistently. For me, that reliability is one of the main reasons it is necessary—I can trust it to do the job well whenever I need it.
My Buying Guides on Canon Ink Cartridge 245
What I Look for Before Buying Canon Ink Cartridge 245
When I buy a Canon Ink Cartridge 245, I first make sure it is compatible with my printer model. I always check the printer manual or the cartridge label because buying the wrong one can waste both time and money. I also look at whether I need the standard version or a higher-yield option, depending on how often I print.
Why I Pay Attention to Page Yield
For me, page yield is one of the most important things to compare. If I print only occasionally, a standard cartridge usually works fine. But if I print a lot of documents, I prefer a cartridge that lasts longer so I do not have to replace it too often. This helps me manage printing costs better over time.
How I Judge Print Quality
I always want crisp text and clear images, especially for school or office work. When I choose a Canon Ink Cartridge 245, I look for consistent ink flow and good color quality. In my experience, a reliable cartridge makes a big difference in avoiding streaks, faded prints, or smudging.
Why I Consider Genuine vs Compatible Cartridges
I usually compare genuine Canon cartridges with compatible ones. Genuine cartridges often give me better reliability and peace of mind, while compatible cartridges may cost less. I think about how important print quality and printer safety are before deciding. If I want fewer risks, I lean toward the original cartridge.
What I Check for Packaging and Authenticity
I always inspect the packaging carefully before buying. I look for sealed boxes, clear labels, and signs that the product is authentic. This helps me avoid counterfeit cartridges, which can damage my printer or give poor results. Buying from trusted sellers matters a lot to me.
How I Think About Price and Value
I do not just look at the lowest price. I compare the cost with how many pages I expect to print and how dependable the cartridge is. In my experience, a slightly more expensive cartridge can actually be a better deal if it lasts longer and prints more consistently.
My Tips for Storage and Use
Once I buy the cartridge, I store it in a cool, dry place until I need it. I also install it carefully and follow the printer instructions to avoid leaks or recognition issues. If I print regularly, I find that using the printer often helps keep the ink flowing smoothly.
My Final Buying Advice
When I choose a Canon Ink Cartridge 245, I focus on compatibility, page yield, print quality, authenticity, and overall value. For me, the best cartridge is the one that fits my printer, meets my printing needs, and gives me reliable results every time.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, the Canon Ink Cartridge 245 is a reliable choice for everyday printing, especially when I want consistent text quality and easy installation. I think it’s a practical option for home or small office use, as long as I keep an eye on page yield and overall printing costs. My main takeaway is that it offers solid performance for routine tasks without adding unnecessary hassle.
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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