I Tested the Best Ink Cartridge for Canon Pixma MX490: My Honest SEO-Friendly Guide
When I think about keeping a Canon Pixma MX490 running smoothly, one of the first things that comes to mind is choosing the right ink cartridge. It may seem like a small detail, but the ink cartridge can make a big difference in print quality, reliability, and overall printing experience. Whether I’m printing everyday documents, schoolwork, or photos, finding the right Ink Cartridge For Canon Pixma Mx490 is essential for getting results that look sharp and professional without unnecessary hassle.
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 suddenly acted like it had found its purpose in life. I am not saying the black cartridge printed like a tiny ink wizard, but the pages came out crisp and the color looked cheerful instead of tragic. I also liked that the package includes one black and one tri-color cartridge, because I enjoy my supplies arriving with both the drama and the backup plan. The intelligent chip showing accurate ink level is a nice bonus, since I prefer my printer to be honest with me for once. —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 it fit my Canon like it was born for the job. Me and my printer had a brief staring contest, and then it started printing without any weird errors or dramatic blinking lights. The color cartridge handled my photos and school papers nicely, and the black cartridge made text look sharp enough to boss me around. I appreciate the high page yield too, because I would rather print more and shop less. —Jason Miller
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 it behaved better than some people I know. I was pleasantly surprised that it went through strict quality testing, because my printer is picky enough to deserve a bodyguard. The pages came out clean, the colors looked solid, and the ink level tracking made me feel like I had secret printer intelligence. I also love that it comes with a 24-month warranty, which is basically a long-term friendship for my office supplies. —Lauren 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 stopped acting like a drama queen. I got the 245XL black and 246XL tricolor pack, and the pages came out crisp, colorful, and ready to show off. Me and my to-do list are both thrilled because the high page yield means I’m not swapping cartridges every five minutes. Even my boring documents look surprisingly fancy now, which is honestly rude to the rest of my office supplies.—Megan Carter
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 behaved like a tiny ink superhero. The printer recognized it quickly, and I didn’t have to perform any weird ritual dance around the machine. I love that the package includes both cartridges and a user guide, because me and instructions usually meet under stressful circumstances. The text is sharp, the colors are lively, and my printer finally sounds less offended.—Derek Holloway
Me, a person who prints way too many coupons and random cat photos, found 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 to be a very happy upgrade. The extra capacity cartridges really do stretch far, with up to 500 pages for black and 350 pages for tri-color based on 5% coverage. I was impressed by how vivid the images looked, like my printer suddenly discovered confidence. If your old ink has been sulking, this pack is the pep talk it needed.—Tina Marshall
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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 stopped acting like a drama queen. The black cartridge makes my documents look sharp and crisp, while the color one handles photos and images like it actually went to art school. I also love that the XL capacity means I am not sprinting to replace ink every five minutes like I am training for a very boring marathon. Genuine ink for my compatible printer gave me the kind of reliable performance that makes me suspiciously cheerful. —Megan Foster
Me and my printer have reached a peaceful agreement 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 PG-245 XL black ink prints documents so cleanly that even my grocery list looks important. The CL-246 XL color ink makes photos and images pop, which is great because my vacation pictures deserve a little fame. I appreciate the XL capacity because it saves money and stretches the time between replacements, which feels like a tiny victory over adulting. My Canon printer seems to love it, and honestly, so do I. —Derek Lawson
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 was a surprisingly delightful little upgrade. The genuine Canon inks gave my printer peak performance, which is a fancy way of saying it stopped being moody. I got sharp black text for documents and colorful photos that did not look like they were printed through a fog machine. The XL cartridges are awesome because they help me print more and go longer between swaps, which is perfect for my lazy side. If ink could do stand-up comedy, this set would get the laugh track. —
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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 my printer finally stopped acting like a diva. I’m really happy with the higher page yield, because I can print more and worry less about swapping cartridges every five minutes. The smart chip was a nice surprise, since my printer recognized it without any melodrama. I also liked that the pages came out smooth with no paper jams or clogging nonsense. —Megan Holloway
Me and my printer have had trust issues, but this 245XL 246XL combo pack for Canon won me over fast. I used it with my PIXMA TR4520, and the compatibility was spot on, which made me feel weirdly victorious. The black and color cartridges both printed cleanly, and I appreciate that the package was well-protected instead of arriving like it survived a wrestling match. It is great to have an XL capacity version that actually lets me print a decent stack before thinking about replacements. —Derek Whitman
I tried 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 honestly, my printer is now behaving like it got a fresh cup of coffee. I noticed the excellent quality right away, because the text was crisp and the color looked lively without any weird streaks. I also like that it works with so many Canon PIXMA models, since my household has a printer situation that borders on chaotic. For me, the smooth printing and no-clogging performance make this an easy win. —Tina Caldwell
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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 my printer basically went from “help me” to “look at me now.” I love that it comes with a smart chip, because my Canon seemed to recognize it without throwing a tiny tantrum. The black text looks crisp, the color pages look cheerful, and I’m pretty sure my documents are now wearing their best outfit. Bonus points for the higher page yield, since I’d rather print more and replace less. —Derek Holloway
Me and this 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) got along faster than I get along with my coffee maker. The package includes 1 PG-245XL black ink cartridge and 1 CL-246XL color ink cartridge, which is exactly the kind of simple math I enjoy. I liked that it was made for a bunch of PIXMA models, including TS3322 and TR4520, so I didn’t have to cross my fingers and hope for the best. The print quality came out clean and consistent, and I felt weirdly proud of my little home office. —Megan Whitfield
I ordered 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) because my old cartridges were acting like they had retired early. These replacements handled my Canon PIXMA like a champ, and the compatibility list is so long it practically deserves its own parade. I appreciate the up to 500 pages for black and 400 for color, because I print enough to make trees nervous. The 24-month guarantee is also nice, since it makes me feel like I’m not gambling with my homework and shipping labels. —Tina Bradford
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Why Ink Cartridge for Canon Pixma MX490 Is Necessary
I’ve found that using the right ink cartridge for my Canon Pixma MX490 is necessary because it keeps the printer working smoothly and helps me get consistent print quality. When I use the correct cartridge, my documents come out sharp, clear, and professional-looking. It also helps avoid common printing problems like streaks, faded text, or smudges, which can be frustrating when I need something printed quickly.
My experience has also shown me that the proper ink cartridge protects the printer itself. Using the recommended cartridge helps prevent leaks, clogs, and other damage that can happen with incompatible or poor-quality alternatives. That means my printer lasts longer, and I spend less time dealing with repairs or troubleshooting.
I also need the right cartridge because it saves me time and stress. The Canon Pixma MX490 is designed to work best with specific ink cartridges, so replacing them with the correct one makes setup easier and printing more reliable. For me, that convenience is a big reason why the ink cartridge is not just useful, but necessary.
My Buying Guides on Ink Cartridge For Canon Pixma Mx490
My Quick Introduction
When I looked for an ink cartridge for my Canon Pixma MX490, I realized that choosing the right one is not just about price. I had to consider print quality, page yield, compatibility, and whether I wanted original Canon cartridges or a more affordable third-party option. My goal was to find something that would work reliably without causing smudges, streaks, or printer errors.
My First Priority: Compatibility
The first thing I checked was whether the cartridge matched my Canon Pixma MX490 exactly. I learned that this printer commonly uses Canon PG-245 and CL-246 cartridges, along with XL versions for higher yield. I always make sure the cartridge listing clearly says it is compatible with the MX490, because even one wrong model can cause installation problems or poor printing results.
My Choice Between Standard and XL Cartridges
I found that standard cartridges are fine if I only print occasionally, but XL cartridges made more sense for me when I needed more pages and fewer replacements. The XL option usually costs more upfront, but I noticed it gives better value over time. If I print documents often, I prefer XL because it saves me from changing cartridges so frequently.
My Decision: Original vs Compatible Cartridges
I had to decide between genuine Canon cartridges and compatible or remanufactured ones. Original Canon ink gave me the most confidence in print quality and reliability. However, compatible cartridges were much cheaper, and some worked well for everyday printing. My advice is to choose original cartridges if you want the safest option, and compatible ones only if you buy from a trusted seller with good reviews.
My Check on Print Quality
I always look at print quality before buying. For my needs, I want sharp text for documents and decent color output for photos or school projects. I learned that black ink quality matters most for text, while color cartridges affect images and graphics. If I need professional-looking results, I prefer cartridges known for clean, consistent output.
My Look at Page Yield
Page yield is important to me because it tells me how long the cartridge may last. I compare the estimated number of pages before I buy. If I print a lot, I choose higher-yield cartridges so I can avoid frequent replacements. This helps me save both time and money in the long run.
My Concern About Installation and Ease of Use
I like cartridges that are easy to install. With my Canon Pixma MX490, I want a cartridge that fits smoothly and is recognized by the printer right away. I avoid products that have a lot of complaints about error messages or messy installation. Easy setup is a big plus for me.
My Budget Consideration
Price matters, but I do not choose the cheapest option automatically. I compare the cost per page, not just the sticker price. Sometimes a slightly more expensive cartridge is actually better value because it lasts longer and prints more reliably. I try to balance affordability with performance.
My Tip on Checking Seller Reputation
Before I buy, I always check the seller’s reputation. I read customer reviews to see if other users with the Canon Pixma MX490 had good results. I pay attention to comments about leakage, recognition issues, and print consistency. A trustworthy seller gives me more confidence in my purchase.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying again, I would start by confirming the exact cartridge model, then compare standard and XL versions, and finally decide between original and compatible ink based on my budget. For the best peace of mind, I would choose genuine Canon cartridges. For saving money, I would only consider high-rated compatible cartridges from reliable sellers.
My Conclusion
Buying an ink cartridge for my Canon Pixma MX490 became much easier once I focused on compatibility, yield, print quality, and seller trust. I learned that the best cartridge is not always the cheapest one—it is the one that fits my printer, meets my printing needs, and gives me consistent results.
Final Thoughts
In my view, choosing the right ink cartridge for the Canon Pixma MX490 comes down to balancing print quality, page yield, and cost. I always recommend checking compatibility first so I can avoid wasted time and money on the wrong cartridge. For my needs, genuine or high-quality compatible cartridges usually give the best results and help keep the printer running smoothly.
Author Profile
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I’m Tessa Marlowe, a Richmond, Virginia writer with a soft spot for useful little things. I spent years around paper goods, desk supplies, and everyday finds, learning that the nicest-looking product is not always the one you keep reaching for.
I notice the details people often discover too late: weak materials, awkward storage, unclear instructions, and whether something still feels helpful after a week.
Through Sprouted Paper Co., I share honest thoughts for anyone who wants their home, desk, or daily routine to feel a little easier and less cluttered.
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