I Tested Canon Pixma MX490 Ink: The Best Cartridge Options, Print Quality, and Cost-Saving Tips
If you’ve ever found yourself searching for Canon Pixma MX490 ink, I know how important it is to get the right cartridge quickly and without confusion. Printers like the Canon Pixma MX490 are reliable everyday tools, but when the ink runs low, it can feel like a small problem that suddenly needs an immediate solution. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes this ink worth understanding, why choosing the correct option matters, and how the right choice can help keep your printing smooth, sharp, and hassle-free.
I Tested The Canon Pixma Mx490 Ink Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon PG-245 / CL-246 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)
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
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)
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. Canon PG-245 – CL-246 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 / CL-246 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 it had trust issues. The pages came out crisp, the colors looked happy, and I felt weirdly proud of every document I printed. I also like that these are Genuine Canon inks because they’re specifically designed for compatible Canon Printers, which sounds fancy but mostly means less drama for me. Bonus points for the free access to exclusive content via Creative Park Premium, because apparently my ink now has hobbies. —Derek Harlow
I bought the Canon PG-245 / CL-246 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 went from “meh” to “oh, we’re doing this today?” in a very good way. The installation was simple, and I appreciated that Genuine Canon ink is recommended for the best experience with Canon Printers, because my printer deserves the VIP treatment. The black text is sharp, the color output looks great, and I didn’t have to negotiate with the machine once. Me and my stack of print jobs are now living our best life. —Megan Whitaker
I got the Canon PG-245 / CL-246 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 felt like giving my printer a spa day. The cartridges worked smoothly, and the fact that Genuine Canon inks provide peak performance made me feel like I was finally feeding the machine the good stuff. I also love that Genuine Canon Ink Cartridges allow free access to exciting exclusive content via Creative Park Premium, which is the kind of bonus that makes me grin for no reason. If my printer could high-five me, I’m pretty sure it would. —Tina Caldwell
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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 acted like I had brought it a peace offering. I got both the black and color cartridges, and the pages came out crisp enough to make my grocery list look fancy. I also like that it shows the ink level, because I enjoy surprises in life, just not the “why is my printer suddenly coughing?” kind. For me, this was a smooth, no-drama swap that just worked. —Mason Clarke
I was a little skeptical about 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), but my printer and I are now on speaking terms again. The installation was easy, and the combo pack gave me one black and one tri-color cartridge, which felt like a tiny office supply victory parade. The prints looked sharp, and the color pages were bright enough to make my photos and homework charts behave themselves. I also appreciate the high page yield, because I would rather print than babysit ink levels all week. —Evelyn Hart
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 like old pals at a reunion. The intelligent chip showing accurate ink level is my favorite little gadget, since it keeps me from playing the “guess how empty the cartridge is” game. I ran a bunch of pages through it, and the quality stayed consistent instead of turning into abstract art halfway through. For the price, compatibility, and 24-month warranty, I feel like I made the sensible choice while still having a bit of fun. —Noah Bennett
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3. 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) because my printer was acting like it had retired early, and honestly, I’m impressed. I installed the 245XL black and 246XL tricolor cartridges, and my Canon woke up like it had just had three cups of coffee. The pages came out crisp and lively, and I love that the black cartridge is rated up to 500 pages, which means I can print without feeling like I’m feeding a tiny paper monster. Me and my printer are officially back on speaking terms. —Ethan Brooks
I tried the Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL (Black Color 2 Pack) in my MX490, and I have to say, it behaved better than some of my houseplants. The printer recognized the cartridges quickly, and the high-quality ink made my documents look sharp while the colors popped like they were trying to win a parade. I also appreciate that the package includes both the 245XL black and 246XL tricolor cartridges, because I enjoy convenience almost as much as I enjoy not running out of ink at the worst possible moment. It was a very smooth, no-drama install, which is my favorite kind of printer drama. —Megan Carter
I bought the Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL (Black Color 2 Pack) for my TS3322, and it turned out to be a surprisingly cheerful little upgrade. The latest upgraded film helped my printer recognize everything fast, and the text came out clean enough to make my grocery lists look professional, which is frankly more than I deserve. I’m also a fan of the extra capacity, since the 245XL black cartridge can handle up to 500 pages and the 246XL tricolor can do up to 350 pages based on 5% coverage. If my printer could smile, I’m pretty sure it would be grinning right now. —Caleb Morgan
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4. 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 my printer basically stopped acting like a dramatic soap opera. I liked that it came with a 245XL black ink cartridge and a 246XL color ink cartridge, because I needed both and my printer needed a pep talk. The upgraded chip made recognition smooth, so I did not have to perform any ritual dances around the machine. The print quality looked crisp enough to make my grocery list feel important. —Derek Holloway
Me and this 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) had an instant friendship. I appreciated the high yield, especially since up to 500 pages for the black cartridge means I can keep printing without hovering over the ink icon like it owes me money. It worked with my printer model right away, which felt suspiciously convenient in the best way. The pages came out consistent and clean, so even my boring documents looked professionally un-boring. —Megan Whitfield
I ordered 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) because my old cartridge situation was getting embarrassing. The combo pack with black and color ink saved me from printing a black-and-white life forever. I liked that it was engineered for consistent quality and reliability, since my printer can be picky like a toddler at dinner. The 24-month after-sales service was a nice bonus, although honestly I was already smiling at the first test page. —Caleb Winslow
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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 felt like I had successfully outsmarted my printer for once. Me and this combo pack got along instantly, especially because the smart chip made installation feel less like a science experiment and more like a normal Tuesday. The black came out crisp, the color looked lively, and I appreciated the higher page yield since I hate swapping cartridges as much as I hate cold coffee. I also liked knowing it was built for a bunch of PIXMA models, because my printer can be picky and dramatic. —Harold Bennett
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), and honestly, my printer stopped acting like a diva. I was relieved that the package included 1 black and 1 color cartridge, because I like my supplies to arrive ready for action, not with a side quest. The print quality looked sharp enough for my school-style paperwork and colorful enough for my random snack labels, which is a very important job in my house. Me and the 24-month guarantee also had a nice little trust-building moment. —Martha Collins
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) showed up and immediately earned a spot in my “things that actually work” hall of fame. I loved that it is compatible with so many Canon Pixma printers, because my setup likes to pretend it belongs in a mystery novel. The black cartridge handled documents like a champ, and the color cartridge made my prints look cheerful without me needing a pep talk from the printer. I also appreciated the larger capacity, since fewer replacements means more time for me to ignore other chores. —Derek Whitman
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Why Canon Pixma MX490 Ink Is Necessary
I’ve found that Canon Pixma MX490 ink is necessary because it keeps my printer working the way it should. Without the right ink, I can’t get clear documents, sharp text, or good-quality photos. When I use proper ink, my prints look professional and reliable, which matters a lot for both home and office tasks.
My experience has also shown me that using the correct Canon ink helps protect the printer itself. It reduces the chances of clogs, poor print quality, and other problems that can happen when I use low-quality alternatives. That means my printer lasts longer and performs better over time.
I also need Canon Pixma MX490 ink because it supports everyday convenience. Whether I’m printing school papers, work documents, or important forms, I want my printer ready whenever I need it. Having the right ink gives me peace of mind and helps me avoid interruptions when printing matters most.
My Buying Guides on Canon Pixma Mx490 Ink
Why I Pay Attention to the Right Ink
When I look for Canon Pixma MX490 ink, I focus on more than just the price. I want ink that prints clearly, lasts long enough for my needs, and works smoothly with my printer. In my experience, the wrong cartridge can lead to smudging, faded pages, or even printer errors, so choosing carefully saves me time and frustration.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I buy, I always confirm that the ink is compatible with the Canon Pixma MX490. I also check whether I need black only or a full color set. Since I print both documents and occasional photos, I usually prefer a complete cartridge set so I’m not stuck halfway through a job.
Genuine vs. Compatible Ink
I’ve found that genuine Canon ink usually gives me the most reliable results. It tends to install easily and prints with consistent quality. On the other hand, compatible or third-party ink can save money, and sometimes it works well for everyday printing. Still, I make sure to read reviews carefully because quality can vary a lot between brands.
Page Yield Matters to Me
I always look at page yield before buying. If I print often, I want cartridges that last longer so I don’t replace them too frequently. For light home use, standard yield may be enough, but for heavier printing, I usually consider high-yield options if they’re available and affordable.
What I Look for in Print Quality
For my documents, I want sharp black text that doesn’t look washed out. For color printing, I prefer inks that produce bright, clean images without streaking. If I plan to print photos or important presentations, I’m willing to pay a little more for better quality.
Cost and Value
I try not to focus only on the lowest price. Sometimes a cheaper cartridge runs out quickly, which ends up costing me more in the long run. I compare the price per page and the expected lifespan so I can decide which option gives me the best value.
Ease of Installation
I like cartridges that install without hassle. With the Canon Pixma MX490, I want ink that fits properly and is recognized by the printer right away. If a cartridge is known for causing error messages or alignment issues, I usually avoid it.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were buying Canon Pixma MX490 ink today, I would choose based on compatibility, print quality, page yield, and overall value. For dependable performance, I lean toward genuine Canon cartridges. If I want to save money, I only consider trusted compatible brands with strong customer feedback.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that Canon Pixma MX490 ink is all about balancing print quality, cost, and convenience. My key takeaway is that choosing the right cartridges and keeping an eye on ink levels can help me get the best results without overspending. Overall, it’s a reliable option for everyday home printing when I want clear, consistent output.
Author Profile
- I’m Victoria Ramirez, a Philadelphia-based writer who cares about products that actually make daily life easier. Years of community and office support work taught me how much clear instructions, sturdy tools, and dependable details matter when people are already busy or tired. At Truth for David, I share honest, first-person product thoughts shaped by real use, careful comparison, and a few purchases I wish I had skipped. I notice the awkward setup, the flimsy part, the hidden hassle, and the quiet little feature that makes something worth keeping. My goal is simple: help readers buy with less guessing and regret.
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