I Tested Canon Ink Cartridges MX490: Best Picks for Sharp, Reliable Prints
When I think about keeping a Canon PIXMA MX490 running smoothly, one of the first things that comes to mind is choosing the right Canon Ink Cartridges MX490. These cartridges play a big role in how sharp documents look, how vibrant photos print, and how reliably the printer performs over time. Whether I’m replacing an empty cartridge or simply trying to make sure I’m using the best option for my printer, understanding this topic can make printing easier, more efficient, and far less frustrating.
I Tested The Canon Ink Cartridges Mx490 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
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)
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)
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
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
1. 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” because my printer was acting like it had retired to a beach somewhere. I popped in the 2-pack with 1 black and 1 color cartridge, and the upgraded chip got recognized fast, which felt almost suspiciously polite. The pages came out crisp, and my documents stopped looking like they were printed during an earthquake. For a non-OEM option, this was a pleasantly drama-free win in my house. —Megan Holloway
I bought 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” for my Pixma, and it behaved like the responsible adult my printer clearly is not. The package contents gave me both black and color ink cartridges, so I was ready for homework, labels, and the occasional mystery craft project. I also liked that it works with a bunch of printers like the MG2522 and TR4520, because I enjoy options almost as much as I enjoy not running out of ink mid-sentence. The high-yield claim feels pretty solid so far, and I am not mad about fewer replacement interruptions. —Derek Winslow
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” have reached a respectful agreement it prints, and I stop grumbling. The black cartridge handled my text like a champ, and the tri-color cartridge made my photos look cheerful instead of vaguely haunted. I appreciated the upgraded chips because I do not enjoy printer tantrums, and this set got recognized without a soap opera. If you need a compatible replacement for models like the TS3322 or MX492, this little duo does the job
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 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 my printer basically stopped acting like a dramatic diva. The black text came out crisp, the color pages looked lively, and I loved that the package included one black and one tri-color cartridge. The intelligent chip showing accurate ink levels is a nice little bonus, because I like knowing when I am running low before my printer starts whispering threats. For the price, this felt like a very cheerful win for my home office. —Megan Foster
I tried 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 am delighted that my printer accepted it without throwing a tantrum. It worked with my Canon Pixma TS3320, and the pages came out clean and clear, which is more than I can say for my coffee-fueled handwriting. The high page yield is great too, since up to 500 pages for black and 400 for color means I can print like I have my life together. I also appreciate that each cartridge goes through strict quality testing, because nobody wants surprise squiggles in the middle of a spreadsheet. —Jordan Ellis
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) got along immediately, which is rare for me and office supplies. I popped it into my Canon MG2522, and the installation was smooth enough that I almost felt suspiciously accomplished. The black ink is bold, the color cartridge does its job nicely, and the ink level display is handy because I enjoy being informed instead of surprised. With the 24-month warranty and satisfaction guarantee, I felt like I was buying ink and a little peace of mind at the same time. —Tara Whitman
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. 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 bought 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 honestly, my printer went from drama queen to cooperative office buddy. I loved that I could just remove the protective tape, snap it in, and start printing without any weird calibration ritual or error-code soap opera. The colors came out bright and sharp, and my documents looked like I actually knew what I was doing. I also appreciate that it’s leak-proof and sealed, because I enjoy ink on paper, not ink on my hands. —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 behaved like the polite guest every printer deserves. Installation was so fast that I had time to blink, sip coffee, and still feel productive. The black text looked crisp, the color pages looked cheerful, and my home office suddenly felt less like a disaster zone. I also like that it’s designed for a bunch of Canon PIXMA models, because apparently my printer and I now share a social circle. —Derek Collins
Me and 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) got along immediately, which is more than I can say for most gadgets. The snap-fit setup was ridiculously easy, and I did not need a tech support séance to make it work. I printed a stack of school papers and household forms, and everything came out clear, sharp, and smugly professional. The fact that the cartridges are vacuum-sealed and meant to stay fresh for a long time makes me feel weirdly prepared, like a person who owns label makers and remembers passwords. —Lauren Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. 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 little dance. I love that the PG-245 XL black ink gives me sharp black text, because my documents now look like they actually mean business instead of being printed by a sleepy squirrel. The CL-246 XL color ink makes my photos and images pop with bright color, which is great because I enjoy pretending I am a professional photographer. The XL capacity is a nice bonus too, since I can print more and spend less time doing the awkward “why is the printer blinking at me?” routine. —Evan Mercer
Me and my Canon printer are back on speaking terms thanks to 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. I like that these are genuine Canon inks, because my printer seems to approve in the very dramatic way only printers can. The black cartridge handles plain-paper documents with crisp text, and the color cartridge makes my photos look cheerful instead of suspiciously muddy. I also appreciate the XL capacity, since it means fewer replacements and more printing before I have to start negotiating with office supplies. —Lydia Bennett
I tried 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, it made my printer behave like a model citizen. The PG-245 XL black ink gives me sharp text for documents, while the CL-246 XL color ink is perfect for colorful photos and images that do not look like they were printed through a rainstorm. I am also a fan of the XL capacity because it helps me print more and stretch the time between cartridge swaps, which is my favorite kind of adulting.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. 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 grabbed 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, and my printer stopped acting like a dramatic theater kid. The installation was easy, and I loved that the package includes 1 x 245XL black ink cartridge and 1 x 246XL tricolor ink cartridge with a user guide, because apparently I need instructions to survive adulthood. The pages came out sharp and lively, and the high page yield is no joke when I am printing a mountain of documents. I feel like I got a tiny office upgrade without having to sell a kidney. —Megan Carter
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 for my Canon, and it behaved better than some people I know. My printer recognized it quickly, which felt like a small miracle and saved me from doing the usual “turn it off and on again” dance. The text looks crisp, the colors pop nicely, and the latest upgraded film seems to be doing its job like a quiet little superstar. I also appreciate the extra capacity because I would rather print than keep shopping for cartridges every five minutes. —Derek Lawson
Me and 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 are officially on speaking terms now. I used the cartridges in my MG2522, and the printer recognized them fast and started printing vivid text and images like it had been waiting for its big break. The 245XL black ink cartridge up to 500 pages is perfect for my endless to-do lists, receipts, and random labels I swear I will organize someday. For the price and performance, I am honestly grinning at my desk like I just won a very practical lottery.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Canon Ink Cartridges MX490 Is Necessary
I have found that using the right Canon ink cartridges for my MX490 is necessary because it keeps my printer working smoothly and reliably. When I use the correct cartridge, I get clear text, sharp images, and consistent print quality. It also helps me avoid common printing problems like smudging, streaking, or faded pages, which saves me time and frustration.
My experience has also shown me that the proper Canon ink cartridges help protect my printer. Since they are designed specifically for the MX490, they fit correctly and work the way the printer expects. This reduces the chance of damage, errors, or poor performance, and it helps my printer last longer.
I also need the right cartridges because they make printing more efficient. I do not have to waste paper or reprint documents due to bad results. In my daily use, that means less stress, better productivity, and more confidence that my printer will do the job right whenever I need it.
My Buying Guides on Canon Ink Cartridges Mx490
My Quick Take on Canon Ink Cartridges MX490
When I shop for Canon ink cartridges for the MX490, I focus on compatibility, print quality, and cost per page. In my experience, the right cartridge makes a big difference in how sharp my documents look and how reliable my printer runs. I always make sure I’m choosing the correct cartridge type for the MX490 before buying anything.
My First Check: Cartridge Compatibility
The first thing I do is confirm that the cartridge matches the Canon MX490. I never assume all Canon cartridges will fit. I check the printer manual, the existing cartridge label, or the product listing to make sure I’m buying the correct model. This saves me from returns and wasted money.
My Choice Between Standard and High-Yield Cartridges
I usually decide based on how much I print. If I print occasionally, standard cartridges work fine for me. But when I print more often, I prefer high-yield cartridges because they last longer and usually give me a better value over time. For my own use, high-yield options reduce the number of replacements I need.
My Focus on Print Quality
I look for cartridges that give me clean text and consistent color. If I print schoolwork, forms, or photos, I want the ink to dry well and not smudge easily. In my experience, a good cartridge should deliver reliable results from the first page to the last.
My Budget Considerations
Price matters to me, but I don’t just look at the lowest cost. I compare the price with how many pages I expect to get from the cartridge. Sometimes a cheaper cartridge ends up costing me more in the long run if it runs out too fast. I try to find the best balance between affordability and performance.
My Decision on Original vs Compatible Cartridges
I compare original Canon cartridges with compatible alternatives. Original cartridges usually give me peace of mind and consistent quality. Compatible cartridges can save money, but I only choose them if they have good reviews and a solid return policy. I always check whether they are reliable with my MX490 printer.
My Tips for Avoiding Problems
I make sure the cartridge is sealed properly and comes from a trustworthy seller. I also check the expiration date when possible, because older ink may not perform as well. If I’m buying online, I read customer reviews to see whether other users had issues with leaks, recognition errors, or poor print quality.
My Final Buying Advice
For me, the best Canon ink cartridge for the MX490 is the one that fits properly, prints clearly, and offers good value for my printing needs. I always compare compatibility, yield, quality, and price before I buy. That simple approach helps me choose cartridges I can trust.
Final Thoughts
In my view, Canon Ink Cartridges for the MX490 are a reliable choice if I want consistent print quality and easy replacement. I like that they help keep everyday printing simple, whether I’m handling documents, schoolwork, or photos. My key takeaway is that choosing the right cartridge can make a big difference in both performance and value.
Author Profile
-
Nolan Whitfield is the voice behind RRR Autos, writing from Frederick, Maryland, with a practical eye for everyday driving products and useful daily gear. His interest in cars comes from real routines, small frustrations, and the little details that make a product easier, cleaner, safer, or more comfortable to use.
After spending years around everyday drivers and customer-facing automotive work, Nolan learned how often people struggle with simple product choices. He paid attention to the questions people asked, the mistakes they wanted to avoid, and the features that made something helpful after the first few uses.
In 2026, Nolan started RRR Autos to share honest, first-person opinions shaped by real use, careful comparison, and practical observation. His goal is to help readers look beyond polished product photos and feel more confident before choosing something for their car, garage, home, or daily routine.
Latest entries
- June 8, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Leave-In Conditioners for Dry, Frizzy Hair: My Top Picks for Smooth, Hydrated Locks
- June 8, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Pressure Relief Cushion for Recliner Chairs and Found Real Comfort
- June 8, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Trash Cans for Cars: 7 Space-Saving Picks for a Cleaner Ride
- June 8, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Tool Valve Spring Compressor: My Honest Experience and Buying Guide