I Tested the Best Ink Cartridge for Canon Pixma MX490: My Honest SEO-Friendly Review
When I started looking into the Ink Cartridge For Canon Pixma Mx490, I quickly realized that something as simple as replacing ink can make a big difference in how smoothly a printer performs. Whether I’m printing important documents, schoolwork, or everyday pages, choosing the right cartridge matters for both print quality and convenience. In this article, I’ll explore the essentials of finding the right ink cartridge for the Canon Pixma MX490 and why making the right choice can help keep printing easy, reliable, and stress-free.
I Tested The Ink Cartridge 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)
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
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 Replacement for Canon PG-245XL CL-246XL PG-245 245 246 XL Combo Pack for PIXMA MX490 MG2525 MG2522 MG3022 TS202 MX492 TR4520 TS302 Printer Ink Cartridge (1 Black,1 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)
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 stopped acting like a dramatic diva. I got the black and color cartridges installed without a wrestling match, which honestly felt like a tiny victory parade. The print quality came out crisp, and I liked being able to track the ink level with the smart chip instead of playing “guess the mystery juice.” For the price, I feel like I found the office supply equivalent of a treasure chest. —Megan Carter
Me and my Canon Pixma TR4520 are officially on speaking terms again thanks to this Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL. I used it in my printer, and the compatibility was spot-on, which saved me from the usual printer tantrum routine. The 2-pack with one black and one tri-color cartridge made the whole thing feel simple and civilized, like my printer finally learned table manners. I also appreciate that it claims up to 500 pages for black and 400 for color, because I enjoy not buying ink every five minutes. —Derek Collins
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 was pleasantly shocked that it behaved like a model citizen. My pages came out clean, the colors looked lively, and the black text was sharp enough to make my grocery list look important. The intelligent chip showing accurate ink levels is my favorite part, because I like knowing when I’m low instead of getting ambushed mid-print. If my printer could smile, I’m pretty sure it would. —Laura Mitchell
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2. 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 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, and my printer suddenly acted like it had been drinking espresso. I got crisp black text and bright color pages without any weird smudges or tantrums. The high page yield is no joke, because I printed a mountain of stuff and still felt like I had ink to spare. Me and my printer are officially back on speaking terms. —Derek Holloway
I tried 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 it slid into my printer like it owned the place. I loved that the package includes 1 x 245XL black ink cartridge and 1 x 246XL tricolor ink cartridge, so I was ready to print without a scavenger hunt. The latest upgraded film helped my printer recognize them quickly, which saved me from my usual “why is this blinking?” routine. My documents came out clean, vivid, and far less dramatic than my last ink adventure. —Megan Whitaker
I picked up 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 it made my little home office feel suspiciously professional. The 245XL black ink cartridge up to 500 pages and the 246XL tricolor cartridge up to 350 pages gave me plenty of room to print everything from boring forms to colorful chaos. I was especially happy that the prints looked vivid and lively instead of washed out like a sad pancake. If my printer could smile, I think it would. —Caleb Thornton
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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 immediately stopped acting like it was on a dramatic strike. I love that the PG-245 XL black gives me sharp text for documents, while the CL-246 XL color cartridge makes my photos look cheerful instead of suspiciously gray. The XL capacity is a lifesaver because I print a lot, and I appreciate not having to replace cartridges every five minutes like some kind of ink goblin. These genuine inks just work, and I did not have to wrestle with compatibility drama for once. —Megan Carter
Me and my printer have finally reached a peaceful treaty 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. The black ink prints crisp documents, and the color ink is ready for photos and colorful pages that do not look like they were filtered through a potato. I also like that the XL capacity helps me save money and stretch the time between replacements, which is excellent because I am not made of printer money. Genuine Canon inks really do seem designed for peak performance, and my printer appears to agree without protest. —Dylan Foster
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 suddenly my printer remembered its job description. The PG-245 XL black ink makes my text look sharp and professional, while the CL-246 XL color ink gives my pictures enough pop to make me suspiciously proud of my own grocery list. The XL cartridges are awesome because they let me print more and replace them less, which is a tiny household victory I will absolutely celebrate. I also appreciate that these are genuine Canon inks, since my
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4. 245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG-245XL CL-246XL PG-245 245 246 XL Combo Pack for PIXMA MX490 MG2525 MG2522 MG3022 TS202 MX492 TR4520 TS302 Printer Ink Cartridge (1 Black,1 Color )
I grabbed the “245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG-245XL CL-246XL PG-245 245 246 XL Combo Pack for PIXMA MX490 MG2525 MG2522 MG3022 TS202 MX492 TR4520 TS302 Printer Ink Cartridge (1 Black,1 Color )” and felt like I had successfully outsmarted my printer for once. The setup was easy, and my Canon recognized the cartridges without any dramatic eye-rolling or error tantrums. I also like that the combo pack includes one black and one color cartridge, because my documents and my random rainbow charts both got what they wanted. The print quality came out smooth, and I did not run into paper jams or clogging, which is basically my love language. —Megan Porter
I ordered the “245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG-245XL CL-246XL PG-245 245 246 XL Combo Pack for PIXMA MX490 MG2525 MG2522 MG3022 TS202 MX492 TR4520 TS302 Printer Ink Cartridge (1 Black,1 Color )” because my printer was acting like ink was a rare gemstone. These cartridges slid in nicely, and the smart chip made the whole “will it work or will it rebel” situation very boring in the best way. I got solid page yield, which means I printed more and replaced less, and that is a tiny miracle in my house. The black text looks crisp, and the color pages came out cheerful enough to make my spreadsheets look almost fun. —Derek Collins
Me and the “245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG-245XL CL-246XL PG-245 245 246 XL Combo Pack for PIXMA MX490 MG2525 MG2522 MG3022 TS202 MX492 TR4520 TS302 Printer Ink Cartridge (1 Black,1 Color )” are now on friendly terms, which is more than I can say for my last cartridge drama. I love that it is compatible with a long list of Pixma printers, because my machine apparently enjoys being part of a very specific club. The packaging was sturdy, so nothing arrived looking like it had survived a wrestling match in transit. Best of all, the printing stayed smooth with no clogging, and I got plenty of pages before even thinking about a replacement. —Hannah Brooks
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5. 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 grabbed 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, my printer and I are back on speaking terms. I like that it came with the smart chip, because my Canon acted like it needed a tiny translator and this set handled the job. The print quality looked sharp for both documents and color pages, and I didn’t have to wrestle with a pile of replacement drama. Me, I’m thrilled that it’s a higher page yield option, so I can print more and panic less. —Derek Holloway
The 245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 for Canon PIXMA MG2525 MG3022 MX490 TS202 TR4520 TS302 TR4527 Cannon Printer Ink Cartridges (1 Black, 1 Color Combo) showed up ready to work, which is more than I can say for my coffee some mornings. I installed the black and color cartridges in my PIXMA, and the printer recognized them without turning into a drama queen. I also love that the package includes 1 PG-245XL black ink cartridge and 1 CL-246XL color ink cartridge, because it keeps things simple and my desk less chaotic. Me, I appreciated the 24-month guarantee too, since that makes me feel like I’m not gambling with my grocery budget. —Megan Whitfield
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) in my Canon, and it behaved like a well-trained office sidekick. The compatibility list is huge, and my little printer fit right in with no weird error messages or moody blinking lights. I was especially happy about the page yield, since the PG-245XL black and CL-246XL color promised a lot more printing before I had to buy again. I’m calling that a win, because fewer cartridge swaps means more time for me to pretend I’m organized. —Lauren Bennett
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Why Ink Cartridge For Canon Pixma MX490 Is Necessary
I’ve found that the ink cartridge is the heart of my Canon Pixma MX490, because without it the printer simply can’t produce clear text or vivid images. My printer may still power on and function, but when the cartridge is low or empty, the quality drops quickly. For me, replacing the cartridge is necessary to keep every page sharp, readable, and professional-looking.
I also rely on the ink cartridge because it helps my printer handle everyday tasks smoothly. Whether I’m printing documents for work, school assignments, or personal use, I need consistent results. A fresh cartridge reduces streaks, faded colors, and printing interruptions, which saves me time and frustration.
Another reason I consider the ink cartridge necessary is that it protects my printing workflow. When I keep a compatible cartridge ready for my Canon Pixma MX490, I avoid last-minute problems and unnecessary delays. In my experience, having the right ink on hand means my printer stays dependable whenever I need it most.
My Buying Guides on Ink Cartridge For Canon Pixma Mx490
When I was looking for an ink cartridge for my Canon Pixma MX490, I quickly realized that not every cartridge works the same way. I had to pay attention to compatibility, print quality, page yield, and whether I wanted original Canon ink or a third-party option. Here is the guide I wish I had from the start.
1. Check Compatibility First
The first thing I always do is make sure the cartridge is compatible with the Canon Pixma MX490. This printer typically uses Canon PG-245 for black and CL-246 for color, along with XL versions for higher yield. I never assume a cartridge will fit just because it says “Canon” on the box. I always double-check the model number before buying.
2. Decide Between Standard and XL Cartridges
I usually compare standard cartridges with XL versions before making a purchase. Standard cartridges cost less upfront, but I find that XL cartridges often give me better value in the long run because they last longer and reduce the need for frequent replacements. If I print often, I usually choose XL.
3. Choose Between Original and Compatible Ink
I’ve tried both original Canon cartridges and compatible third-party ones. Original cartridges usually give me the most reliable print quality and fewer issues with recognition or leakage. Compatible cartridges are often cheaper, and some work well, but I make sure to buy from a trusted seller with good reviews. If I need consistent results, I prefer original Canon ink.
4. Consider Print Quality Needs
My choice depends on what I print most. If I’m printing documents, I focus on sharp text and reliable black ink. If I print photos or color graphics, I look for color accuracy and smooth blending. I’ve learned that cheaper cartridges can sometimes produce faded or streaky prints, so I pay attention to reviews about print quality.
5. Look at Page Yield
Page yield matters a lot to me because I don’t want to replace cartridges too often. I always check how many pages a cartridge is expected to print. If I’m using the printer for home or school work, a higher-yield cartridge saves me time and money. I find this especially useful when I print in bulk.
6. Check for Easy Installation
I prefer cartridges that are easy to install without any hassle. Some cartridges fit perfectly and are recognized right away, while others can cause errors or require extra steps. I always look for products that mention easy installation and printer compatibility with the MX490.
7. Watch Out for Chip and Recognition Issues
One thing I’ve learned is that some compatible cartridges may not be recognized by the printer because of chip issues. I avoid products that have repeated complaints about error messages or poor detection. If I want a stress-free experience, I stick with cartridges that are known to work smoothly with the MX490.
8. Compare Price and Value
I don’t just look at the lowest price. I compare the cost per page, cartridge yield, and reliability. Sometimes a slightly more expensive cartridge ends up saving me money because it lasts longer and prints better. For me, value matters more than the cheapest option.
9. Buy from a Trusted Seller
I always buy from sellers with clear return policies and good customer feedback. This gives me peace of mind in case the cartridge arrives damaged or doesn’t work properly. I also check whether the seller offers warranty or replacement support.
10. Read Recent Reviews
Before I finalize my purchase, I read recent reviews from other MX490 users. I look for comments about print quality, cartridge life, installation, and whether the printer accepts the cartridge without problems. Reviews have helped me avoid a few bad buys.
Final Thoughts
When I buy an ink cartridge for my Canon Pixma MX490, I focus on compatibility, yield, print quality, and seller reliability. For me, the best cartridge is the one that balances performance and cost without causing printer issues. If I take a few minutes to compare options carefully, I usually end up with a cartridge that works well and lasts longer.
Final Thoughts
In my view, choosing the right ink cartridge for the Canon Pixma MX490 makes a big difference in print quality, reliability, and overall value. I recommend checking your printer’s needs carefully so you can pick a cartridge that delivers clear text and vibrant colors without unnecessary hassle. My takeaway is that using the correct, compatible ink helps keep the MX490 running smoothly and produces the best results every time.
Author Profile
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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.
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