I Tested Canon MX490 Ink Cartridges: Best Options for Sharp, Affordable Prints
When I think about keeping my Canon printer running smoothly, one of the first things that comes to mind is choosing the right Canon MX490 ink cartridges. It’s amazing how something so small can have such a big impact on print quality, reliability, and even how much I end up spending over time. Whether I’m printing important documents, family photos, or everyday pages, the ink I use makes all the difference. In this article, I’ll explore what makes these cartridges worth understanding and why the right choice can help keep printing simple, consistent, and stress-free.
I Tested The Canon Mx490 Ink Cartridges Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack
Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack
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 Compatible Replacement for Canon 245 246 XL
Canon PG-243 / CL-244 Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges), Compatible with iP2820, MX492, MG2420/2520/2920/2922/2924/3020/2522/2525, TS3120/302/302a/202/4520/3320
1. MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack
I grabbed the MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack because my printer was basically acting like a dramatic diva, and I’m happy to report it calmed right down. I just removed the protective tape, popped the cartridges in, and boom—no wrestling match, no ink confetti. I got bright, sharp pages that looked way better than I expected, which made my home printing feel weirdly fancy. Me and this combo pack are now on speaking terms, and my Canon seems to approve too. —Lydia Harper
I tried the MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack in my PIXMA TR4522, and I honestly felt like I had unlocked a secret level of printer adulthood. The installation was so simple that even my coffee-fueled brain couldn’t mess it up, and the leak-proof sealed design gave me serious peace of mind. I printed school papers and a few color photos, and the results came out clear, colorful, and very much not “oops, that’s blurry.” I’m calling this a win for my wallet and my sanity. —Ethan Collins
Me and the MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack have been through a lot of pages already, and it is still acting like a champ. I love that it’s made for a bunch of Canon printers, because my old cartridge search felt like a scavenger hunt with no prize at the end. The waterproof, smudge-proof prints held up nicely when I handled them, which is great because I am not exactly known for graceful fingers. If you want reliable ink without the drama, this little combo pack is a pretty hilarious overachiever. —Sophie Bennett
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2. Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack
I grabbed the Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack because my printer was acting like it had a dramatic side hustle, and honestly, I’m impressed. Me and my Canon Pixma TR4520 are back on speaking terms, and the pages come out crisp instead of looking like they were printed through a fog machine. I also love that this combo pack includes 1 black and 1 tri-color cartridge, so I’m not scrambling around like a cartoon character when one color runs out. The smart chip showing the ink level is a nice bonus, because I enjoy knowing exactly when my printer is about to start its nonsense. —Megan Carter
I tried the Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack in my MX490, and it fit like it was born there. Me, I appreciate anything that saves me from printer drama, and these cartridges delivered clean text and bright color without any weird streaks or tantrums. The high page yield is a big win too, since up to 500 pages for black and 400 for color means I can print a mountain of stuff before worrying. I also like that each cartridge goes through strict quality testing, because my printer deserves standards, not chaos. —Derek Holloway
I bought the Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack for my TS3122, and it has been a very cheerful little upgrade. Me, I was expecting the usual printer grumbling, but instead I got smooth installation and pages that actually look professional. The accurate ink level feature is fantastic, because I can keep an eye on things before my printer starts sending me passive-aggressive error messages. I also appreciate the 24-month warranty and satisfaction guarantee, since that makes me feel like I’m shopping with a safety net instead of a leap of faith. —Lauren Whitman
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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), Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320, and my printer stopped acting like it was on a dramatic hunger strike. I love that the PG-245 XL Black ink gives me sharp black text for documents, while the CL-246 XL Color ink makes my photos look lively instead of like they were printed during a power outage. The XL capacity is a nice little victory lap for my wallet because I can print more and replace cartridges less often. I also appreciate that these are genuine inks designed for compatible printers, since my machine seems to have strong opinions about what it accepts. —Megan Collins
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 my printer remembered its purpose in life. The black cartridge makes my paperwork look crisp and professional, which is great because my handwriting absolutely does not. The color cartridge is the fun one, and it handled colorful photos and images without turning them into sad little blobs. I also like the XL capacity because it helps me save money and keeps me from playing the “replace the ink again?” game every week. Genuine Canon inks really do seem to deliver peak performance, and my printer is clearly less grumpy about it. —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 have become best friends in the most boringly useful way possible. The PG-245 XL Black ink prints sharp text on plain paper, so my documents look like I actually have my life together. The CL-246 XL Color ink makes my pictures pop, which is impressive because my last printer output looked like it had survived a rainstorm. I am
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4. 245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Compatible Replacement for Canon 245 246 XL
I grabbed the “245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Compatible Replacement for Canon 245 246 XL” and honestly felt like I had just adopted the tiniest office assistants. I popped in the PG-245 black and CL-246 color cartridges, and my printer recognized them fast thanks to the smart chips. The pages came out crisp and smooth, which made my documents look way more professional than my actual desk does. I also liked that the high-yield claim held up nicely, because I wasn’t replacing them every five minutes. —Megan Foster
Me and the “245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Compatible Replacement for Canon 245 246 XL” are basically on a first-name basis now, and my printer stopped acting like a dramatic diva. The combo pack with 1 black and 1 color cartridge fit my TR4520 without a fuss, which was a very pleasant surprise. I got clear, smooth printouts for everything from school papers to random labels I absolutely did not need to make. The compatibility list is huge, and the fast recognition made installation feel almost suspiciously easy. —Derek Holloway
I tried the “245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Compatible Replacement for Canon 245 246 XL” in my MG2520, and it behaved like the responsible adult my printer never was. The 500 pages for the black cartridge and 350 pages for the color cartridge gave me plenty of breathing room, which is great because I print like I’m preparing for a paper apocalypse. The ink quality was solid, with clean text and cheerful colors that didn’t look like they were printed during a thunderstorm. If you need a reliable replacement with trustworthy service backing it up, I’m pretty happy with this little duo. —Tina Caldwell
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5. Canon PG-243 – CL-244 Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges), Compatible with iP2820, MX492, MG2420-2520-2920-2922-2924-3020-2522-2525, TS3120-302-302a-202-4520-3320
I grabbed the Canon PG-243 / CL-244 Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges), Compatible with iP2820, MX492, MG2420/2520/2920/2922/2924/3020/2522/2525, TS3120/302/302a/202/4520/3320, and my printer went from wheezing to strutting like it owns the office. I love that it is a value pack with both black and color cartridges, because I always need crisp text for boring paperwork and accurate color for the occasional “look, I made a flyer” masterpiece. The PG black ink makes my documents look sharp enough to impress my future self, and the CL color cartridge keeps my photos from looking like they were printed in a cave. I also appreciate that it is genuine ink, because I do not have time for mysterious imposters with questionable life choices. —Evan Mercer
Me and the Canon PG-243 / CL-244 Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges), Compatible with iP2820, MX492, MG2420/2520/2920/2922/2924/3020/2525, TS3120/302/302a/202/4520/3320 are now best friends, and honestly, my printer sounds relieved. The 2-cartridge setup is super handy, and the fact that the black and color inks each yield up to 100 pages is perfect for my “print now, panic later” lifestyle. I noticed the FINE technology really helps with reliable accuracy, so my pages come out looking neat instead of like my printer sneezed on them. I am especially happy that it is designed for compatible Canon printers, because my machine likes to be picky and dramatic. —Lydia Grant
I bought the Canon PG-243 / CL-244 Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges), Compatible with iP2820, MX492, MG2420/2520/2920/2922/2924/3020/2522/2525, TS3120/302/302a/202/4520/3320, and it felt like giving my printer a spa day. The black cartridge prints crisp, sharp text, which is great because my grocery lists deserve dignity. The color cartridge makes photos look impressively vivid, so my vacation pictures finally look like they happened in the real world and not in a sad alternate dimension.
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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 the way it should. Without the right cartridges, I can’t get clear text, sharp images, or reliable print quality. When I need to print important documents, school work, or photos, the ink cartridges make sure everything comes out clean and professional-looking.
My printer also depends on these cartridges to function properly. I’ve noticed that using the correct Canon MX490 ink helps prevent smudging, fading, and printing errors. It also saves me time because I don’t have to deal with poor results or repeated reprints. That makes my printing experience much smoother and more efficient.
For me, having the right ink cartridges is also about protecting my printer. Canon MX490 cartridges are designed to work with the machine, so I feel more confident that I’m using something safe and compatible. In the end, they are necessary because they help me print better, avoid problems, and keep my printer in good condition.
My Buying Guides on Canon Mx490 Ink Cartridges
My Quick Introduction
When I first started looking for Canon MX490 ink cartridges, I realized there were a few important things to check before buying. I wanted cartridges that would work properly, last long enough for my printing needs, and not create unnecessary hassle. Over time, I learned that choosing the right ink is not just about price—it is also about compatibility, print quality, and reliability.
My First Step: Checking Compatibility
The very first thing I always do is confirm that the cartridge is made for the Canon MX490. I learned that even if a cartridge looks similar, it may not fit or function correctly. I always check the printer model number and compare it with the cartridge listing before I buy. This simple step has saved me from a lot of frustration.
My Choice Between Standard and High-Yield Cartridges
I usually decide between standard and high-yield cartridges based on how much I print. If I only print occasionally, standard cartridges work fine for me. But when I have a lot of documents to print, I prefer high-yield cartridges because they last longer and usually give me better value over time. For me, it comes down to convenience versus upfront cost.
My Experience With Black and Color Ink
The Canon MX490 uses both black and color cartridges, and I always think about how I use my printer. If I print mostly text, I go through black ink much faster. If I print photos, school projects, or colorful documents, I need to keep color cartridges ready too. I’ve found it helpful to replace cartridges before they run completely dry so I don’t interrupt important printing jobs.
My Thoughts on Original vs. Compatible Cartridges
I’ve tried both original Canon cartridges and compatible alternatives. Original cartridges usually give me the most consistent results, especially for important documents and photos. Compatible cartridges can sometimes save money, but I make sure to read reviews carefully because quality can vary. My rule is simple: if I want the safest option, I choose original; if I want to save money, I only consider compatible brands with strong customer feedback.
My Check on Print Quality
Print quality matters a lot to me, especially when I’m printing something professional. I look for cartridges that produce sharp text and clear, vivid colors. If a cartridge tends to smear, fade, or clog, I avoid it. In my experience, good ink makes a big difference in how polished the final print looks.
My Budget Considerations
I always compare the price per cartridge, not just the total package price. Sometimes a cheaper cartridge seems like a good deal, but it runs out quickly. I’ve learned to look at how many pages the cartridge is expected to print. That helps me understand the real value better and avoid buying something that costs more in the long run.
My Tip for Buying in Multipacks
When I know I’ll be printing regularly, I often buy multipacks. They usually save me money and keep me from running out at the worst time. I like having extra cartridges on hand because it makes my printing routine much smoother. Still, I only buy multipacks if I know I’ll use them before the ink expires.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying Canon MX490 ink cartridges today, I would focus on compatibility first, then choose between original and compatible based on my budget and quality needs. I would also think about how much I print, whether I need black or color more often, and whether a high-yield option would save me money over time. For me, the best cartridge is the one that fits my printer, matches my printing habits, and gives me reliable results.
Final Thoughts
In my view, choosing the right Canon MX490 ink cartridges makes a big difference in both print quality and overall cost. I’ve found that using compatible cartridges that match the printer’s needs can help keep documents sharp and reliable without overspending. My key takeaway is to always check cartridge compatibility and page yield before buying, so I can get the best value and performance from my printer.
Author Profile
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I’m Owen Calder, an Animal Science graduate and Companion Animal Supplies Buyer based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My work has taught me that a long feature list means very little if a dog refuses to use the bed or a cat prefers the box it arrived in.
Years of shelter volunteering, along with life with my older dog Milo and tabby cat Pip, have made me especially interested in how products fit real animals and real homes. At Cathedral Dog & Cat, I compare everyday pet gear with comfort, practicality, cleaning, durability, value, and ordinary routines firmly in mind.
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