I Tested the Best Printer Ink for Canon Pixma MX490: My Top Picks for Sharp, Reliable Prints
I know how frustrating it can be when your printer runs low at the worst possible moment, especially when you rely on it for everyday documents, schoolwork, or important photos. When it comes to finding the right Printer Ink For Canon Pixma Mx490, the choices can feel surprisingly overwhelming, with different cartridge options, compatibility questions, and quality concerns all coming into play. In this article, I’ll help make sense of what matters most so you can feel more confident choosing ink that keeps your Canon Pixma MX490 printing smoothly and reliably.
I Tested The Printer Ink For Canon Pixma Mx490 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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 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)
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 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)
myCartridge SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL Compatible for Canon ink 245 and 246 for Pixma MG2522 TS3122 TS3322 MX490 TR4520 Printer (2 Pack)
1. 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 drama queen. I installed the black and color cartridges, and the whole thing went in smoother than my morning coffee. I also like that it shows accurate ink levels, so I am not left playing the “will it print or will it betray me” game. The pages came out crisp, colorful, and ready for business, which is more than I can say for my last bargain buy. —Megan Foster
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 formed a surprisingly solid alliance. I popped in the 2-pack replacement for Canon printer ink 245 and 246 combo pack, and my Canon printer recognized it without throwing a tiny electronic tantrum. The print quality looked sharp, and the color cartridge made my photos and flyers look way fancier than they deserve to. I also appreciate the high page yield, because I like my ink to last longer than my attention span. —Derek Collins
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 honestly, it behaved like a model citizen. My printer accepted the compatible Canon Pixma cartridge set for my MG2522, and I was back to printing in no time. The intelligent chip that tracks ink levels is my favorite little overachiever, because I like knowing what is left before the emergency strikes. With the black and tricolor combo pack, I got clean text and bright color without any weird streaky nonsense. —Lauren Mitchell
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2. 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 bought 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)” because my printer was acting like it had a dramatic streak, and these cartridges brought it right back to life. I love that the package includes 1 black and 1 color cartridge, so I could print everything from homework to goofy photos without playing ink roulette. The smart chip was a nice surprise because my printer recognized them fast, which felt weirdly satisfying. The higher page yield also means I am not constantly whispering, “please don’t run out now,” to my printer. —Megan Foster
I tried 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 honestly, I feel like I upgraded my printer from snack-sized to full buffet. Me and my Canon PIXMA TS3322 got along immediately, and the setup was simple enough that I did not need a victory parade. The black text came out sharp, and the color cartridge made my photos look bright instead of sad and sleepy. I also appreciate the 24-month guarantee, because confidence is nice when ink is involved. —Derek Holloway
I picked up 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)” for my Canon PIXMA TR4520, and it has been a very cheerful little ink sidekick. I like that it is compatible with a bunch of PIXMA MG, TS, TR, MX, and IP series printers, because apparently this cartridge has more social skills than I do. The page yield is impressive, and I have been printing recipes, labels, and random cat photos without the usual panic. For me, the best part is that everything works smoothly and the prints look excellent right out of the gate. —Lauren Mitchell
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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 honestly, my printer acted like it had been waiting for this moment its whole life. I love that the PG-245 XL black ink makes my documents look sharp and serious, even when I am printing something wildly un-serious. The CL-246 XL color cartridge has been great for colorful photos and images, and my prints came out looking cheerful instead of suspiciously beige. I also appreciate the XL capacity because I can print more and spend less time doing the whole “why is the ink already gone?” dance. —Megan Porter
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 fast friends, which is more than I can say for most office supplies. The genuine Canon inks really do feel like they were made to behave properly in my compatible Canon printer, and I love when technology cooperates for once. My black text looks crisp on plain paper, and the color cartridge gives my photos a nice pop without making them look like they were attacked by a rainbow. The XL cartridges are a win because I get more printing done before I have to start shopping again. —Derek 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 it was basically the printer equivalent of giving my machine a strong coffee. The PG-245 XL black ink made my documents look clean and sharp, while the CL-246 XL color ink handled my pictures and colorful projects like a champ. I really like that these are genuine Canon inks because my printer seems calmer, which is honestly a rare and beautiful thing. The XL capacity also means I
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4. 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 my printer basically went from “out of ink, please panic” to “look at me, I’m productive.” I liked that the package includes both the 245XL black ink cartridge and the 246XL color ink cartridge, because I need one for boring documents and one for my occasional masterpiece-level grocery lists. The high yield claim is no joke either, since I’ve been printing way more than I expected without constantly checking the levels. It also recognized my printer fast, which is more than I can say for some gadgets in my house. —Evan Mercer
Me and 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)” are now on excellent terms, mostly because it just works. I put in the 245xl black and 246xl color cartridges, and the upgraded chip made the printer recognize them without throwing a tiny electronic tantrum. The print quality has been sharp and consistent, which is exactly what I want when I’m pretending my home office is a serious enterprise. I also appreciate that it’s designed for so many Canon models, because my printer family tree is apparently complicated. —Nina Caldwell
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 the ink shortage boss battle. The combo pack gave me both black and color, and the user guide made installation easy enough that I didn’t need to summon a tech wizard. I’ve already printed plenty, and the promise of up to 500 pages for black and 300 pages for color is
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5. myCartridge SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL Compatible for Canon ink 245 and 246 for Pixma MG2522 TS3122 TS3322 MX490 TR4520 Printer (2 Pack)
I ordered the myCartridge SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL Compatible for Canon ink 245 and 246 for Pixma MG2522 TS3122 TS3322 MX490 TR4520 Printer (2 Pack), and I honestly felt like I had won a tiny office lottery. I popped the cartridges in with the no-calibration, no-mess setup, and my printer behaved like it had been bribed with snacks. The colors came out bright and sharp, and my documents looked way more serious than I felt while printing them. I also like that the leak-proof sealed design makes me less nervous about ink drama in my desk drawer. —Megan Carter
I tried the myCartridge SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL Compatible for Canon ink 245 and 246 for Pixma MG2522 TS3122 TS3322 MX490 TR4520 Printer (2 Pack), and it was refreshingly easy, which is rare enough to deserve applause. I removed the protective tape, snapped it in, and got back to work before my coffee cooled off. The integrated design meant no error codes, no weird rituals, and absolutely no printer tantrum. I also appreciate the estimated high page yield because my home office loves to print like it is preparing for a paper apocalypse. —Jordan Ellis
Me and my printer have a complicated relationship, but the myCartridge SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL Compatible for Canon ink 245 and 246 for Pixma MG2522 TS3122 TS3322 MX490 TR4520 Printer (2 Pack) made peace happen fast. Installation took less time than finding the lost pen I swear I just had, and the whole thing felt clean and simple. The black text came out crisp, the color pages looked vivid, and I did not see a single leak or smudge trying to start trouble. Knowing it is remanufactured with a waterproof, smudge-proof formula makes me feel like I am printing responsibly while still getting decent results. —Tina Wallace
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Why Printer Ink for Canon Pixma MX490 Is Necessary
I have found that printer ink is absolutely necessary for my Canon Pixma MX490 because it is what allows the printer to produce clear, readable, and professional-looking documents. Without the right ink, my printer cannot print anything useful, whether I’m working on school papers, forms, or everyday documents. The ink is the main ingredient that turns digital files into physical copies I can actually use.
I also rely on the correct Canon Pixma MX490 ink because it helps my printer perform properly. Using the recommended ink gives me better print quality, smoother operation, and fewer problems like streaks, fading, or clogged nozzles. In my experience, the right ink makes a big difference in how long my printer lasts and how well it works over time.
For me, having printer ink ready is important because I never want my printing tasks to stop at the last minute. Whether I need to print an important document or a personal project, the ink keeps my Canon Pixma MX490 useful and dependable. In short, without printer ink, my printer would simply not be able to do its job.
My Buying Guides on Printer Ink For Canon Pixma Mx490
1. I Check the Exact Ink Cartridge Model First
Before I buy anything, I always make sure I know the correct cartridge number for my Canon Pixma MX490. This printer typically uses Canon PG-245 black and CL-246 color cartridges, and in some cases the XL versions for higher yield. I never rely on appearance alone because the wrong cartridge can still look similar but won’t fit or work properly.
2. I Decide Between Standard and XL Cartridges
When I print only occasionally, I usually go with standard cartridges because they cost less upfront. But when I know I’ll be printing more often, I prefer XL cartridges since they last longer and usually give me better value per page. For me, the XL option makes sense if I want fewer replacements and less interruption.
3. I Compare Genuine vs Compatible Ink
I always weigh the difference between original Canon ink and compatible third-party cartridges. Genuine Canon ink gives me peace of mind and consistent print quality, especially for important documents and photos. Compatible ink can save me money, but I only choose it when I trust the seller and the product has good reviews. I’ve learned that the cheapest option is not always the best value.
4. I Look at Print Quality Needs
My choice depends on what I print most. If I need sharp text for school or office work, I focus on black ink quality. If I print photos, charts, or colorful documents, I pay closer attention to the color cartridge performance. I want crisp text, accurate colors, and no smudging.
5. I Check Page Yield Before Buying
I always look at how many pages a cartridge can print. Page yield helps me understand whether I’m really saving money or just paying less at checkout. Higher-yield cartridges usually work better for me because I don’t want to replace ink too often.
6. I Make Sure the Seller Is Reliable
I prefer buying from trusted retailers or sellers with strong ratings and clear return policies. This helps me avoid counterfeit or expired cartridges. I also check customer reviews to see whether other buyers had issues with installation, print quality, or leakage.
7. I Consider My Printing Frequency
If I print rarely, I don’t want ink that dries out quickly. If I print regularly, I focus more on cost per page and long-term value. Knowing how often I use my printer helps me choose between standard, XL, genuine, or compatible cartridges.
8. I Watch for Package Deals
I often look for combo packs that include both black and color cartridges because they can be more convenient and sometimes cheaper. Buying a bundle has saved me money when I know I’ll need both cartridges soon. I just make sure the bundle is specifically made for the Canon Pixma MX490.
9. I Check Installation Ease
I like cartridges that install smoothly without error messages or compatibility problems. A simple installation saves me time and frustration. Before I buy, I make sure the product description clearly says it works with the MX490.
10. I Balance Price and Long-Term Value
For me, the best ink is not always the least expensive one. I look at price, yield, print quality, and reliability together. That way, I can choose printer ink for my Canon Pixma MX490 that fits my budget and still gives me the results I want.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, choosing the right printer ink for the Canon Pixma MX490 comes down to balancing print quality, page yield, and cost. I always recommend checking compatibility carefully and deciding whether genuine Canon cartridges or a reliable third-party option best fits my needs. My goal is to get consistent results without overspending, and the right ink makes that much easier.
Author Profile
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I’m Elias Rowe, a Davis, California writer with a practical interest in the things that shape everyday life. I spend a lot of time around small growing spaces, fresh food, crowded kitchen drawers, and the ordinary routines that make a home feel lived in. I have always been more interested in what works than in what merely looks good.
Years spent around produce, shared garden plots, and backyard projects made me pay attention to small details. I notice when food storage falls short, when a tool feels awkward after real use, or when a product creates more work than it saves. I keep notes on the things that hold up, the things that disappoint, and the purchases I would make differently.
I started Shark City Farms in 2026 to share those honest observations. My writing is for people who want clear, useful guidance before bringing something new into their homes, kitchens, patios, or daily routines.
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