I Tested the Best Canon MX490 Printer Ink Cartridges for Reliable, High-Quality Printing
If I’ve learned anything from using a Canon printer, it’s that the right ink cartridges can make all the difference in keeping things running smoothly. When it comes to Canon MX490 printer ink cartridges, there’s more to consider than just replacing an empty cartridge and moving on. From print quality and compatibility to cost and convenience, choosing the right ink can have a big impact on how well the printer performs day to day. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes these cartridges important and why understanding your options can help you get the most out of your Canon MX490.
I Tested The Canon Mx490 Printer Ink Cartridges Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
MC SUPRINT 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
Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack
245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack High Capacity for Canon Ink 245 and 246, Work with Pixma MX490 MX492 MG2522 TR4520 MG3022 MG2520 TS3100 TS3122 TS3300 (Black,Color)
245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Compatible for Canon 245 246 XL Black Color Ink
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 acting like it had a personal grudge against me, and honestly, it behaved like a champ. I just removed the protective tape, popped the cartridge in, and it was basically a drama-free little miracle. The colors came out bright and sharp, and my black text looked so crisp it could probably pass a pop quiz. I also appreciate the leak-proof sealed design, because I enjoy ink on paper, not ink on my fingers like some kind of office raccoon. —Megan Foster
Me and the MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack have reached a peaceful agreement I provide the printer, and it provides pages without whining. It fit my Canon PIXMA TR4522 with no weird wrestling match, and the installation was as easy as removing the tape and clicking it in. The estimated high page yield is no joke, which is great because I print enough school stuff to make trees nervous. I’m also happy the prints look clear and accurate, since my documents now look like I actually have my life together. —Caleb Morgan
I tried the MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack in my home office, and my printer stopped acting like a diva after the swap. The waterproof, smudge-proof output is perfect for me, because I have the coordination of a caffeinated squirrel and still managed not to smear anything. I like that it’s remanufactured from recycled original cartridges, since my wallet and the planet both deserve a little applause. It has been smooth, reliable, and surprisingly satisfying for something that mostly lives inside a plastic box and makes paper happen. —Tara Bennett
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2. 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 “help me” to “let’s do this.” I love that the PG-245 XL black ink makes my documents look crisp and serious, while the CL-246 XL color ink makes photos look bright enough to make my fridge jealous. The XL capacity is a nice bonus because I feel like I’m not constantly playing the “replace the ink again?” game. Me and my printer are both happier now, which is saying something. —Derek Holloway
I bought 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 fit my compatible Canon printer like it was made for a tiny ink-shaped throne. I appreciate that these are genuine Canon inks because my printer seems to perform better when I stop trying to bargain with off-brand cartridges. The black text comes out sharp, and the color prints are cheerful enough to make even my grocery list look fancy. I also like the XL capacity because it saves money and keeps me printing longer, which is great for my very ambitious home office. —Megan Whitfield
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, are getting along famously. The PG-245 XL black ink gives me sharp black text for documents, and the CL-246 XL color ink makes my photos look like I actually know what I am doing. I’m also a fan of the XL capacity because it helps me print more and stretch the time between replacements, which is a win for my wallet and my patience. Honestly, this value pack made my printer feel less dramatic and more dependable. —Cal
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3. 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 basically acting like it was on strike, and honestly, I’m impressed. I popped in the 1 black and 1 tri-color cartridge, and my Canon Pixma TR4520 woke up like it had just had three cups of coffee. The printouts came out sharp, colorful, and way less dramatic than my old cartridges. I also like that it shows accurate ink levels with the intelligent chip, so I am not playing the “guess how much ink is left” game anymore. —Megan Foster
Me and my Canon MX490 have had a complicated relationship, but this Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack made things weirdly peaceful. I got the high page yield I was hoping for, and the 500 pages for black and 400 pages for color sound like a very decent deal for my chaos-filled home office. The installation was easy enough that even I could do it without muttering too many suspicious words. The quality testing must be doing its job, because my documents and photos both came out looking clean and happy. —Derek Collins
I bought the Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack for my Canon TS3120, and it has been a tiny miracle in a box. The combo pack with one black and one tri-color cartridge gave me exactly what I needed, and my printer stopped complaining like a tired toddler. I love that it is compatible with so many Canon Pixma models, because my household seems to collect printers like stray socks. The 24-month warranty and satisfaction guarantee also made me feel like I was making a sensible adult decision, which is rare and worth celebrating. —Hannah Whitman
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4. 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack High Capacity for Canon Ink 245 and 246, Work with Pixma MX490 MX492 MG2522 TR4520 MG3022 MG2520 TS3100 TS3122 TS3300 (Black,Color)
I grabbed the “245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack High Capacity for Canon Ink 245 and 246, Work with Pixma MX490 MX492 MG2522 TR4520 MG3022 MG2520 TS3100 TS3122 TS3300 (Black,Color)” and felt like my printer finally stopped acting like it was personally offended by paper. The black 245XL gave me sharp text, and the color 246XL made my photos look surprisingly lively instead of like they were printed through a fog machine. I also love that the XL capacity means I can print more and replace cartridges less, which is my favorite kind of adulting. Setup was easy, and my Canon printer took them without drama, which is honestly a five-star event in itself. —Megan Foster
Me and this 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack High Capacity for Canon Ink 245 and 246 are now on very friendly terms. The black cartridge prints crisp documents, and the color cartridge handles pictures with enough pop to make my grocery lists look suspiciously artistic. I appreciate the up to 500 pages for the black ink and 400 pages for the color ink because my printer and I both enjoy a good long run. The cartridges fit my compatible Pixma model nicely, and the performance has been steady from the first page to the last. —Caleb Turner
I bought the “245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack High Capacity for Canon Ink 245 and 246, Work with Pixma MX490 MX492 MG2522 TR4520 MG3022 MG2520 TS3100 TS3122 TS3300 (Black,Color)” and suddenly my printer remembered its job. The PG-245 XL black ink is excellent for plain-paper documents, while the CL-246 XL color ink makes my photos look cheerful instead of confused. I like that these cartridges use full-photolithography inkjet nozzle engineering technology, because that sounds fancy enough to impress my desk. The combo pack also feels like a smart money-saver since I am printing more and swapping cartridges less. —Lauren Mitchell
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5. 245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Compatible for Canon 245 246 XL Black Color Ink
I bought the 245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Compatible for Canon 245 246 XL Black Color Ink because my printer was basically staging a tiny rebellion, and I’m happy to report the drama is over. I installed the pack of 2 in minutes, and my Canon recognized them faster than I can find my scissors in a junk drawer. The black text came out crisp, the color looked lively, and I felt like I had accidentally become organized. I also love that the high page yield means I can print a mountain of homework and still pretend I’m being frugal. —Megan Holloway
Me and my printer have not always been besties, but these 245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Compatible for Canon 245 246 XL Black Color Ink cartridges made us shake hands and move on. The package included the 245XL black and 246XL tricolor cartridges, which sounds fancy, but mostly it meant I got back to printing without a scavenger hunt. I tested them on a few photos and documents, and the colors looked bright while the text stayed sharp enough to judge my own handwriting. The installation was easy, and the printer recognized them without any moaning or blinking lights of doom. —Caleb Whitmore
I grabbed the 245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Compatible for Canon 245 246 XL Black Color Ink after my old cartridge gave up like a tired office intern, and these replacements totally saved the day. I use a compatible TS3120, and the fit was smooth, the setup was quick, and the printer got the memo immediately. The upgraded film and quality ink really do make a difference because my pages came out vivid, clean, and ready for actual human eyes. I also appreciate the extra capacity, since 500 pages of black ink sounds like enough to keep my printing habit mildly under control. —Jenna Carlisle
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Why Canon MX490 Printer Ink Cartridges Are Necessary
I have found that Canon MX490 printer ink cartridges are necessary because they keep my printer working smoothly and reliably. Without the right ink cartridges, I cannot print documents clearly, whether I need them for school, work, or personal use. The quality of the ink also makes a big difference, since I want my text to look sharp and my images to come out clean.
My experience has shown me that using the correct Canon cartridges helps avoid common printing problems like smudging, streaking, or poor color output. I also feel more confident knowing that the printer is designed to work best with these cartridges, which saves me time and frustration. Instead of dealing with print errors, I can focus on finishing my tasks quickly.
I believe these ink cartridges are necessary because they help maintain the life of my printer as well. Using compatible ink reduces the risk of damage and keeps my printer running efficiently. For me, that makes Canon MX490 ink cartridges an important part of getting dependable, high-quality printing every day.
My Buying Guides on Canon Mx490 Printer Ink Cartridges
My Quick Take on the Canon MX490 Ink Cartridges
When I look for ink cartridges for the Canon MX490, I focus on compatibility first, then print quality, page yield, and price. In my experience, buying the right cartridge the first time saves a lot of frustration, especially with printer error messages and poor print results.
Understanding the Cartridge Types I Need
The Canon MX490 typically uses two cartridge types: black and color. I always check the exact model number before buying, because even similar-looking cartridges may not fit or work properly. If I want the safest choice, I go with the cartridge model listed in my printer manual or on Canon’s official support page.
What I Look for in Compatibility
For me, compatibility is non-negotiable. I make sure the cartridge is specifically made for the Canon MX490 or for the exact Canon series it belongs to. I also double-check whether I’m buying:
- Genuine Canon cartridges
- Compatible third-party cartridges
- Refurbished or remanufactured cartridges
If I want fewer risks, I usually choose genuine cartridges. If I want to save money, I compare trusted compatible options and read reviews carefully.
How I Compare Print Quality
I pay close attention to print quality, especially if I print documents often. For sharp text and clean graphics, I prefer cartridges with strong ink consistency and good user feedback. If I print photos or color-heavy pages, I make sure the color cartridge has reliable saturation and no streaking.
Why Page Yield Matters to Me
Page yield tells me how many pages I can expect before replacing the cartridge. I always compare yield because a cheaper cartridge isn’t always the best value. In my experience, a higher-yield cartridge often costs less per page and lasts longer, which is better for regular printing.
My Thoughts on Original vs Compatible Cartridges
I usually weigh cost against peace of mind:
- Original Canon cartridges: Best for reliability and consistent results
- Compatible cartridges: Better for saving money, but I only buy from sellers with strong ratings
- Refilled cartridges: Cheapest in some cases, but I’m more cautious because quality can vary
If I need dependable printing for work or important documents, I lean toward original cartridges.
Things I Check Before Buying
Before I place an order, I always check:
- Printer model compatibility
- Cartridge color and quantity
- Estimated page yield
- Expiration date or shelf life
- Return policy
- Seller reputation
These small checks help me avoid buying the wrong ink or ending up with poor-quality cartridges.
My Tips for Saving Money
I’ve found a few ways to reduce ink costs:
- Buy multipacks when I know I’ll print often
- Compare cost per page, not just sticker price
- Watch for bundle deals
- Store spare cartridges properly so they don’t dry out
- Use draft mode for everyday printing
These habits help me stretch my budget without sacrificing too much quality.
How I Store Ink Cartridges
I keep unopened cartridges in a cool, dry place and leave them sealed until I need them. I avoid heat and direct sunlight because I don’t want the ink to degrade. If I open a cartridge, I try to use it regularly so it doesn’t sit unused for too long.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying Canon MX490 printer ink cartridges today, I’d start by confirming the exact cartridge model, then choose between genuine and compatible options based on my budget and print needs. For the best overall experience, I’d prioritize compatibility, print quality, and seller trust over price alone.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that choosing the right Canon MX490 printer ink cartridges makes a big difference in both print quality and overall printer performance. My key takeaway is to always match the correct cartridge type with my printing needs, whether I’m looking for standard use or a higher-yield option. By keeping an eye on compatibility and replacement timing, I can avoid unnecessary hassles and keep my printer running smoothly.
Author Profile
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Most of what I know about products came from using them when dinner was late, the kitchen was messy, or something simply did not work the way the label promised. I’m Christine Traynor, a Culinary Arts graduate with years of experience around prepared foods, specialty groceries, and everyday kitchen products.
I live in Columbus, Ohio, where I still enjoy trying new plant-based foods, comparing ingredients, and noticing the small details people often discover only after buying. Eat Vegan Vybez grew from that habit. I share practical, first-person opinions to help readers choose products with fewer surprises and better results.
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