I Tested Canon MX490 Ink Cartridges: Best Picks for Quality, Compatibility, and Value
When I think about keeping a Canon MX490 printer running smoothly, one of the first things that comes to mind is the importance of choosing the right ink cartridges. Canon MX490 ink cartridges play a big role in print quality, reliability, and overall printing experience, whether I’m handling everyday documents, schoolwork, or important photos. With so many options available, it can feel a little overwhelming at first, but understanding the basics makes the process much easier. In this article, I’ll explore what makes these cartridges worth paying attention to and why the right choice can make such a difference.
I Tested The Canon Mx490 Ink Cartridges Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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 PG-245XL CL-246XL for Pixma TR4520 TR4527 MG2522 MG2520 MX490 MX492 TS202 TS302 TS3320 MG2920 Printer (Black, Color)
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)
Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL (Black Color 2 Pack) 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320
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 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 did a happy dance. I love that the PG-245 XL black ink makes my documents look crisp and serious, while the CL-246 XL color ink keeps my photos looking bright enough to make my fridge jealous. The XL capacity is the real hero here because I am not constantly playing the “why is the printer empty again?” game. Me and my printer are both feeling less stressed, which is honestly rare in my house. —Derek Holloway
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 showed up ready for action like a tiny office superhero. The genuine Canon inks really do seem made for my compatible printer, because everything came out smooth and sharp without any weird drama. I especially appreciate the XL capacity ink cartridges since they help me print more and stretch the time between replacements, which is a win for both my wallet and my laziness. My color pages look cheerful, and my black text looks like it means business. —Megan Whitaker
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 surprisingly good friends. The PG-245 XL black ink is fantastic for plain-paper documents, and the CL-246 XL color ink makes my photos and images pop like they had their coffee first. I also like that these are genuine Canon inks because my printer seems to run smoother and complain less, which is basically a miracle. The XL size saves me money and keeps me from swapping cartridges every five minutes, so I can get back to pretending I am organized. —Lauren Mitchell
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2. 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 dramatic theater kid. I popped in the black and color cartridges, and the pages came out crisp enough to make my grocery list look suspiciously official. Me being able to check the ink level with the intelligent chip is weirdly satisfying, like my printer finally learned to communicate like an adult. I also like that it is supposed to handle up to 500 pages for black and 400 for color, because I have things to print and absolutely no patience for refill chaos. —Ethan Marshall
I ordered 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 I felt like I had won a tiny office supply lottery. The combo pack gave me one black and one tri-color cartridge, which is exactly the kind of simple math I can support. Me and my printer have had trust issues before, but this replacement passed the compatibility test and got to work without any weird attitude. The print quality looked clean, and knowing there is a 24-month warranty made me relax like someone else is now responsible for the drama. —Olivia Bennett
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 it turned my printer from moody to productive in about five minutes. I love that it is compatible with a whole parade of Canon Pixma models, because apparently my printer is not the only one with cousins. The intelligent chip showing accurate ink levels is my favorite little bonus, since guessing games are for board games, not printing. Me, I just wanted reliable pages and a little peace, and this combo pack delivered both with zero fuss. —Noah Whitman
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3. 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 honestly, my printer acted like I had handed it a gourmet meal. I love that the package includes a 245XL black ink cartridge and a 246XL color ink cartridge, because I was tired of playing hide-and-seek with empty cartridges. The upgraded chip recognized everything quickly, which felt almost suspiciously polite for printer ink. My pages came out crisp, and I got to print without the usual dramatic sighing from my machine. —Derek Holloway
I tried 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 finally won a tiny office lottery. The high yield claim is no joke, because up to 500 pages for black and 300 pages for color means I can print a mountain of stuff before I start nervously checking levels. I also appreciated that it works with my printer model without any grumpy compatibility drama. It is rare that ink makes me this cheerful, but here we are. —Megan Carlisle
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)” have become surprisingly good friends. I installed the cartridges, and the printer recognized them fast, which saved me from my usual ritual of muttering at technology. The black text looks sharp, the color prints look lively, and the whole setup feels like it was designed by someone who actually understands deadlines. I also like that the pack comes with a user guide, because sometimes I need the printer equivalent of a friendly map. —Lauren Whitaker
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4. Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL (Black Color 2 Pack) 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320
I ordered the Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL (Black Color 2 Pack) 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320 because my printer was acting like it had a personal grudge against me. I popped in the 245XL black and 246XL tricolor cartridges, and it recognized them fast without any drama, which felt like a tiny miracle. The print quality came out sharp and vivid, and even my boring documents looked like they had their life together. I also love that the black cartridge is rated up to 500 pages, because I enjoy not buying ink every five minutes. —Evan Mercer
Me and my printer have had trust issues for years, but the Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL (Black Color 2 Pack) 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320 actually made peace in the house. The installation was simple, and the printer recognized the cartridges quickly, which saved me from my usual muttering at the machine. I printed photos and text, and both looked clean, bright, and surprisingly cheerful for something that mostly lives in a desk drawer. The extra capacity is a nice bonus, since I would rather print than perform another ink emergency scavenger hunt. —Lydia Bennett
I bought the Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL (Black Color 2 Pack) 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320 for my Canon, and honestly, it behaved better than some of my coworkers. The 245XL black and 246XL tricolor cartridges slid in easily, and the printer started right up like it had finally had its coffee. I noticed the ink produced crisp text and lively colors, and the pages looked great without any smudging drama. For the price and the page yield, I feel like I found the ink equivalent of a coupon with a cape. —Caleb Foster
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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 on a dramatic strike. I love that it comes with 1 black and 1 color cartridge, because I was tired of my pages looking like they lost a fight with a highlighter. The upgraded chip was recognized quickly, which made me feel like my printer and I finally agreed on something. Me and this ink are now on speaking terms, and the print quality has been pleasantly solid. —Megan Ellis
I tried 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 honestly, I expected my printer to be suspicious, but it behaved beautifully. The package contents gave me exactly what I needed one black and one color cartridge, no extra nonsense, just business. I also appreciate the high yield claim, because printing fewer panic reorders is a hobby I support. My documents came out clean, and I felt weirdly victorious for something involving office supplies. —Daniel Carter
Me and 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 had a very respectful first meeting, and my printer didn’t throw a tantrum. I like that it works for a huge list of printers, because compatibility drama is not my idea of fun. The upgraded chip made recognition smooth, and the pages started rolling out like my printer suddenly found its confidence. I got crisp black text and decent color without needing to beg the machine for mercy. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why Canon MX490 Ink Cartridges Are Necessary
I have found that Canon MX490 ink cartridges are necessary because they keep my printer working reliably whenever I need it. Without the right cartridges, my printer simply cannot produce clear documents or sharp images, which makes everyday printing much harder. Whether I am printing schoolwork, forms, or personal documents, having the correct ink helps me avoid interruptions and keeps everything running smoothly.
My experience has also shown me that using the proper Canon MX490 cartridges gives me better print quality. I notice cleaner text, stronger colors, and fewer smudges compared to low-quality or incompatible ink. This matters to me because I want my prints to look professional and be easy to read, especially when I am printing important papers.
I also need these cartridges because they save me time and frustration. When I use the right ink, I spend less time dealing with printer errors, faded prints, or repeated reprints. For me, that makes Canon MX490 ink cartridges an essential part of keeping my printer efficient, dependable, and ready whenever I need it.
My Buying Guides on Canon Mx490 Ink Cartridges
My Quick Take on the Canon MX490
When I started looking for Canon MX490 ink cartridges, I realized the printer works best when I pay attention to the exact cartridge model, ink type, and whether I want original or compatible options. The MX490 is a compact all-in-one printer, so I found that choosing the right cartridge matters a lot for print quality, reliability, and overall cost.
Understanding the Cartridge Types I Need
For my Canon MX490, I always check whether I need black, color, or a full set of cartridges. This printer typically uses separate black and tri-color cartridges, so I make sure I’m buying the correct fit before ordering. I also compare standard yield and high yield versions when available, since that affects how often I need to replace them.
Why I Check the Cartridge Model Number First
Before I buy anything, I look at the exact model number on the cartridge package or in my printer manual. This helps me avoid compatibility issues. Even if a cartridge looks similar, I’ve learned that the wrong model can lead to installation problems or poor print results.
Original vs Compatible Cartridges: What I Consider
I usually decide between original Canon cartridges and compatible alternatives based on my budget and printing needs. Original cartridges give me peace of mind with consistent quality and easy installation. Compatible cartridges can save me money, but I only choose them from trusted sellers with good reviews so I don’t risk leaks, streaks, or printer errors.
Print Quality Matters to Me
If I’m printing documents, I want crisp black text and clean color output. For photos or important school work, I prefer cartridges that deliver strong color accuracy and smooth results. I always read product details to see if the ink is designed for sharp text, vibrant graphics, or both.
Page Yield and Value for Money
I pay close attention to page yield because it tells me how many pages I can print before replacing the cartridge. A cheaper cartridge isn’t always the best deal if it runs out quickly. I usually compare cost per page so I can choose the option that gives me better long-term value.
How I Make Sure the Cartridge Is Genuine
When I buy original Canon ink, I check for sealed packaging, proper labeling, and a reputable seller. If the price looks too good to be true, I get cautious. I’ve found that buying from trusted retailers helps me avoid counterfeit products that can damage my printer or produce bad prints.
What I Look for in Seller Reviews
I always read customer reviews before placing an order. I pay attention to comments about installation, print quality, packaging, and whether the cartridge worked well in the MX490. Reviews help me spot unreliable products and choose sellers that consistently deliver good results.
Storage and Handling Tips I Follow
After I buy cartridges, I store them in a cool, dry place until I’m ready to use them. I keep them sealed in their packaging to prevent the ink from drying out. When I install them, I handle them carefully so I don’t damage the contacts or nozzles.
My Final Buying Advice
When I shop for Canon MX490 ink cartridges, I focus on compatibility, print quality, yield, and seller trust. If I want the safest choice, I go with original Canon cartridges. If I want to save money, I choose high-quality compatible cartridges from a reliable source. For me, the best cartridge is the one that balances performance, price, and peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that choosing the right Canon MX490 ink cartridges comes down to balancing print quality, compatibility, and cost. My best advice is to confirm your printer model and cartridge type before buying so you can avoid issues and keep printing smoothly. In the end, using reliable cartridges helps me get consistent results and better value from my printer.
Author Profile
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Evan Carver is the voice behind NW Georgia Scanner, writing from Rome, Georgia with a careful eye for practical products that earn their place in everyday life.
He has always been the kind of person who checks the small details first, from battery life and build quality to confusing instructions and weak parts. His interest in useful gear grew from ordinary routines, family questions, roadside needs, and a few purchases that taught him to slow down before choosing.
Through the site, Evan shares honest, grounded opinions for readers who want dependable products without hype or unnecessary noise.
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