I Tested Canon MX490 Ink Cartridges: Best Options for Sharp, Affordable Printing
When I started looking into Canon MX490 ink cartridges, I quickly realized how much of a difference the right cartridge can make in everyday printing. Whether I’m replacing a cartridge for home documents, schoolwork, or occasional photos, understanding this printer’s ink needs helps me avoid wasted time, blurry prints, and unnecessary frustration. In this article, I’ll explore the essentials of Canon MX490 ink cartridges in a way that makes choosing and using them feel much simpler.
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 and honestly felt like I had just upgraded my printer from “moody goblin” to “responsible office citizen.” I removed the protective tape, popped it in, and it fit like it had been waiting for this moment its whole life. The colors came out bright and sharp, and my documents looked so clean I almost wanted to frame a grocery list. I also love that it’s leak-proof sealed, because I have enough chaos in my life without ink adding drama. —Megan Foster
I tried the MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack in my Canon PIXMA TR4520, and it behaved better than my houseplants. The installation was simple, and the cartridge snapped in without any wrestling match, which I deeply appreciate before coffee. The black text is crisp, the color pages look vivid, and the estimated page yield makes me feel like I’m getting away with something. I also like that it’s remanufactured with imported ink, because my printer gets quality and I get to feel slightly eco-savvy. —Derek Collins
Me and the MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack are now officially friends, because this thing made my Canon printer stop acting like a diva. I used it for school handouts and a few office pages, and the waterproof, smudge-proof formula kept everything looking neat even when I was moving too fast like a caffeinated squirrel. The print quality stayed clear and sharp, and I appreciated the vacuum-sealed packaging since I like my backups fresh, not mysterious. If you want reliable ink with a little less printer nonsense in your life, this combo pack is a solid win. —Tina Marshall
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2. Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack
I bought the Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack because my printer was acting like it had a personal grudge against me, and I am happy to report peace has been restored. I popped in the 1 black and 1 tri-color cartridge, and my Canon Pixma TR4520 started printing like it had just had three cups of coffee. I also like that it shows accurate ink level with the intelligent chip, so I am not left playing the “is it empty or is it just being dramatic” game. The pages came out crisp, the colors looked lively, and I felt weirdly victorious about printing grocery lists. —Megan Foster
Me and my Canon MX490 are finally on speaking terms again thanks to the Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack. I needed something compatible that would not turn my printer into a paperweight, and this set fit right in without any fuss. The high page yield is a nice bonus, because I like my ink to last longer than my motivation on a Monday. It printed documents cleanly and photos with enough color to make me look like I have my life together. —Derek Lawson
I ordered the Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack for my Canon TS3122, and I am officially impressed. The installation was easy, the cartridges were recognized right away, and the accurate ink level display made me feel like I had a tiny control panel for my printer destiny. I appreciate that each cartridge goes through strict quality testing, because my old ink situation was basically chaos in a box. For the price, this combo pack is a very cheerful little win. —Hannah 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 my printer basically went from “dramatic sigh” to “let’s do this.” I love that the PG-245 XL black ink makes my documents look sharp and serious, while the CL-246 XL color ink keeps my photos looking bright enough to make me suspicious of my own talent. The XL capacity is a little hero because I print a lot, and I’m not constantly wrestling with empty cartridges like it’s a tiny office wrestling match. Me and my printer are officially back on speaking terms. —Derek Halton
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 felt like giving my printer a fancy coffee and a pep talk. The genuine Canon inks really do seem built for peak performance, because everything came out clean, colorful, and way less chaotic than my usual “hope for the best” printing strategy. I especially like that the XL cartridges help me save money and print more before I have to replace them again. If my printer could high-five me, I think it would. —Megan Ellis
I picked up 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 turned my desk from “ink emergency zone” into “actually under control.” The black ink is perfect for plain-paper documents, and the color cartridge makes photos and images look cheerful instead of like they were printed during a thunderstorm. I also appreciate the XL capacity because it stretches the time between replacements, which is a gift to my wallet and my patience. Honestly, I didn’t know ink could make me this oddly happy, but here we
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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” because my printer was acting like it had suddenly developed a dramatic streak. I’m happy to report that the PG-245 / CL-246 ink cartridges showed up ready to work, and my TR4520 recognized them fast thanks to the smart chips. My documents came out crisp and smooth, which is exactly what I wanted instead of the usual “why is this page so sad?” look. I also like that this 2 pack gives me one black and one color cartridge, so I feel weirdly prepared for anything my printer throws at me. —Megan Carter
I bought the “245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Compatible Replacement for Canon 245 246 XL” for my TS3120, and honestly, it behaved better than some people I know. The compatibility was strong, the installation was easy, and the printer recognized the cartridges without making me beg. I’m especially pleased with the high yield, since 500 pages for the black cartridge and 350 for the color means I can print a mountain of stuff before I panic again. The print quality is clear and smooth, so even my boring spreadsheets look like they got a tiny promotion. —Dylan Foster
Me and my MX492 have been through some things, so I was skeptical about the “245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Compatible Replacement for Canon 245 246 XL,” but it won me over fast. The smart chip did its job, and the printer accepted the PG-245 / CL-246 combo pack like they were long-lost friends. I love that the output is clean and sharp, because my photos and documents both deserve to look their best instead of like they were printed during a thunderstorm. If you want a reliable replacement with solid compatibility and friendly service backup, this one is a pretty cheerful little win. —Hannah Brooks
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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 for my printer, and suddenly my documents stopped looking like they were printed in a fog machine. I love that it comes with both black and color cartridges, because I can crank out crisp text and then surprise myself with accurate, impressive color photos. Me being me, I also appreciate that the black ink yields up to 100 pages, which is just enough to make me feel productive before I start procrastinating again. The genuine Canon quality is noticeable, and the Canon logo on the packaging gave me the confidence of a person who finally read the instructions. —Mason Clark
I bought 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, and my printer immediately acted like it had been waiting for this moment its whole life. The print quality is sharp, the colors pop, and I no longer have to stare at blurry pages like they are modern art. I especially like that Canon’s FINE technology is doing all the behind-the-scenes wizardry with its fancy nozzles, because I enjoy good results without needing a degree in printer science. Me? I’m just happy my photos and documents finally look like they were made by an adult. —Olivia Bennett
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 made my home printing setup feel less like a gamble and more like a victory lap. I used the PG black cartridge for documents, and the text came out crisp enough to make my grocery lists look suspiciously professional. Then I switched to the CL color cartridge, and the photos looked so accurate and impressive that I briefly considered framing a receipt. I also appreciate that this is a
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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 smoothly and reliably. Without the right cartridges, my printer simply can’t produce clear documents or sharp images. I depend on them for everyday printing, whether I’m handling schoolwork, work files, or personal paperwork, and having the correct ink makes a big difference in quality.
My experience has shown me that using the proper Canon MX490 cartridges also helps avoid printing problems like streaks, faded text, or error messages. When I use the recommended ink, my printer performs better and I spend less time dealing with jams or poor print results. It gives me peace of mind knowing my printer is ready whenever I need it.
I also value the fact that these cartridges help maintain the life of my printer. Using the right ink supports consistent performance and reduces unnecessary wear. For me, Canon MX490 ink cartridges are not just an accessory—they are an essential part of keeping my printer useful, efficient, and dependable.
My Buying Guides on Canon Mx490 Ink Cartridges
1. Understanding What My Canon MX490 Uses
When I shop for Canon MX490 ink cartridges, the first thing I check is the exact cartridge type my printer needs. The Canon MX490 typically uses the PG-245 black cartridge and the CL-246 color cartridge, with XL versions available for higher page yield. I always confirm this before buying so I don’t end up with the wrong model.
2. Choosing Between Standard and XL Cartridges
In my experience, the biggest decision is whether to buy standard or XL cartridges. Standard cartridges usually cost less upfront, but XL cartridges give me more prints and a better cost per page. If I print often, I usually go with XL because it saves me money over time.
3. Checking Page Yield Before I Buy
I always look at page yield when comparing ink cartridges. Page yield tells me how many pages I can print before replacing the cartridge. If I print schoolwork, documents, or photos regularly, I prefer cartridges with a higher yield so I’m not replacing them too often.
4. Deciding Between Original and Compatible Ink
I’ve found that original Canon cartridges are the safest choice for reliable print quality. However, compatible or remanufactured cartridges can be more affordable. When I consider third-party options, I make sure the seller has good reviews and clear return policies, since quality can vary.
5. Looking at Print Quality Needs
My printing needs affect what I buy. If I want sharp text and vibrant color photos, I usually stick with genuine Canon ink. For everyday printing like forms or notes, I may consider a budget-friendly compatible option if I’m comfortable with the tradeoff.
6. Comparing Prices and Value
I don’t just look at the lowest price. I compare the price per cartridge, the page yield, and whether the set includes both black and color ink. Sometimes a bundle looks expensive at first, but it gives me better value in the long run.
7. Checking Printer Compatibility
Before I place an order, I always verify that the cartridge is compatible with the Canon MX490. Even within the same Canon family, some cartridges are not interchangeable. A quick compatibility check saves me from wasting time and money.
8. Buying from Trusted Sellers
I prefer buying from trusted retailers or reputable online stores. This helps me avoid counterfeit ink, which can cause poor print quality or printer issues. I also check customer reviews and seller ratings before I buy.
9. Considering Storage and Shelf Life
If I buy ink in advance, I make sure I store it properly in a cool, dry place. I also check the expiration date or shelf life when possible. This helps me avoid dried-out cartridges and keeps my prints looking good.
10. My Final Buying Tip
My best advice is to buy based on how often I print and what quality I need. For frequent printing, I usually choose XL cartridges for better value. For occasional use, standard cartridges may be enough. The key for me is balancing compatibility, quality, and cost.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that choosing the right Canon MX490 ink cartridges makes a big difference in both print quality and overall printer performance. My key takeaway is to always check compatibility and consider your printing needs before buying, so I can avoid waste and get the best value. By keeping a reliable set of cartridges on hand, I can make sure my Canon MX490 stays ready whenever I need it.
Author Profile
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Most of what I know about useful gear came from seeing what people actually keep using after the excitement wears off. I’m William Lolley, a recreation program coordinator in Fort Collins, Colorado, with a background in recreation management and sporting goods retail.
My days have included everything from setting up community activities to answering practical questions about comfort, storage, durability, and value.
Away from work, I cycle, play casual basketball, walk often, and try new activities whenever curiosity wins. Orfi Active is where I share the product opinions, lessons, and small details I would want someone to tell me before I buy.
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