I Tested the Canon Ink Cartridge PG-245: My Honest Review for Sharp, Reliable Prints
When I think about keeping a Canon printer running smoothly, one of the first things that comes to mind is the importance of choosing the right ink cartridge. The Canon Ink Cartridge PG-245 is a familiar name for anyone looking for dependable print quality, whether for everyday documents or important personal projects. In this article, I’ll explore why this cartridge matters, what makes it a common choice for Canon users, and why understanding it can make a real difference in your printing experience.
I Tested The Canon Ink Cartridge Pg-245 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon PG-245 Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320
MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo 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
Canon PG-245 XL Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, 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 245 CL 246 XL Combo Pack
1. Canon PG-245 Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420-2924-2920-3020-2522-2525, MX492, TS3120-302-302a-202-202a-4520-3320

I grabbed the Canon PG-245 Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320 because my printer was basically coughing up sad little gray ghosts. Me and this cartridge got along immediately, and the black text came out crisp enough to make my grocery list look suspiciously important. I also like that it is a Canon genuine ink, because I would rather not gamble my documents with mystery goo from the bargain bin. The installation was easy, and I felt like a tech genius for about five whole minutes. —Liam Carter
I used the Canon PG-245 Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, 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. Me, I appreciate that it is designed for compatible Canon printers and uses FINE technology with all those tiny nozzles, because the pages came out neat instead of looking like a raccoon signed them. The black ink yields up to 180 pages, which is perfect for my mix of work stuff and random printouts I swear are “important.” I laughed a little when the first page looked so clean, because apparently my printer had been living in the stone age before this cartridge arrived. —Nora Bennett
I picked up the Canon PG-245 Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320 after my old cartridge started printing like it was doing abstract art. I am happy to report that this one produces sharp black text, so my documents finally look like they belong to an adult human. Me, I also love the “don’t be fooled by imposters” part, because I like my ink genuine and my drama fictional. It slid in easily, worked right away, and made my printer behave like it had its life together. —Ethan Walker
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2. MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack

I grabbed the MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack because my printer was acting like it had a personal grudge against me. I was pleasantly surprised that I could just remove the protective tape and pop it in without needing a degree in printer archaeology. The black text came out crisp, and the color pages looked bright and accurate instead of like they were printed through a fog machine. For school and home printing, this combo pack has been a very solid little hero in my life. —Lydia Mercer
Me and my Canon printer finally made peace thanks to the MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack. It fit my PIXMA like it was born there, and the snap-fit installation made me feel weirdly accomplished for such a tiny task. I also like that the cartridges are vacuum-sealed and designed to help prevent leaks, because I am not trying to become best friends with spilled ink. The pages have been coming out sharp and clean, which makes my documents look far more professional than my actual desk. —Caleb Whitman
I bought the MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack for office printing, and honestly, it has been doing its job with zero drama. The estimated page yield is great, so I am not constantly side-eyeing the printer like it is about to betray me again. I appreciate the waterproof, smudge-proof formula because my papers survive my chaotic life a lot better now. It also feels nice knowing these cartridges are made with eco-conscious recycled materials, which lets me print with a slightly less guilty conscience. —Nora Ellison
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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 went from “dramatic sigh” to “let’s do this.” I love that the PG-245 XL black ink makes my documents look sharp and professional, while the CL-246 XL color ink keeps my photos looking bright enough to make my fridge feel fancy. The XL capacity is a little hero move too, because I print a lot and I enjoy not replacing cartridges every five minutes like some kind of ink goblin. It was easy to install, worked right away, and made me feel like I had my life together for at least one afternoon. —Harold Finch
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 honestly, my printer stopped acting like a moody old wizard. The genuine Canon inks gave me peak performance, which is a very fancy way of saying everything printed cleanly and without weird surprises. I used the black cartridge for plain-paper documents and the color cartridge for photos, and both looked great enough to make me suspicious of my own good luck. The XL size is a win because I get more prints and more time before I have to do the cartridge shuffle again. Me and this ink pack are now on excellent terms. —Martha Ellison
I picked up 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 felt like giving my printer a double espresso. The PG-245 XL black ink delivers crisp text, so my homework, labels, and random “important” notes all look impressively serious. The CL-246 XL color ink makes photos and images pop, which is perfect
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4. Canon PG-245 XL Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420-2924-2920-3020-2522-2525, MX492, TS3120-302-302a-202-202a-4520-3320

I grabbed the Canon PG-245 XL Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320 because my printer was basically doing interpretive art instead of printing. I popped it in, and suddenly my documents came out with crisp, sharp black text like my printer had remembered its job. I also love that the XL capacity helps me print more and stretch the time between replacements, which is great because I am not emotionally prepared to buy ink every five minutes. Me and this cartridge are now on speaking terms, and the printer is behaving like a civilized machine again. —Evan Mercer
I ordered the Canon PG-245 XL Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320 after my old cartridge gave up like a tiny office drama queen. I was happy to see Canon Genuine Inks are designed for compatible Canon printers, because I prefer my ink to be less “mystery goo” and more “actually works.” The black text looks super clean, and I can tell the FINE technology is doing its little nozzle wizardry behind the scenes. I feel oddly victorious every time a page comes out perfect, as if I personally negotiated peace between paper and machine. —Megan Holloway
I bought the Canon PG-245 XL Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320 for my home printer, and it showed up ready to save my sanity. The installation was easy, and I appreciated seeing the Canon logo on the packaging because I am not interested in counterfeit ink’s questionable life choices. My pages now print with sharp black text, and the XL yield means I can actually get stuff done without constantly checking the ink level like a nervous raccoon. Honestly, this cartridge turned my printer from a drama machine into a reliable coworker. —Jordan Ellis
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5. 245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG 245 CL 246 XL Combo Pack

I grabbed the “245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG 245 CL 246 XL Combo Pack” because my printer was acting like it had a grudge, and I’m happy to report it came back to life like a caffeinated office hero. I like that the upgraded intelligent chip was recognized fast, so I did not have to do the usual printer tango of unplugging, replugging, and whispering sweet nothings to it. The black text looks crisp, the color pages look bright, and me feels oddly proud every time I print something. For the price, this combo pack feels like a very solid win for my sanity and my budget. —Evan Mercer
Me and my Pixma got along much better after I installed the “245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG 245 CL 246 XL Combo Pack,” which is not something I say lightly. The 245XL black cartridge and 246XL color cartridge slid in without drama, and the printer recognized them faster than I could say “please don’t make me troubleshoot.” I’ve been getting clean text and vivid colors, and the high yield is great because I hate replacing ink almost as much as I hate running out of coffee. Honestly, this little combo pack made printing feel less like a chore and more like a tiny victory parade. —Maya Collins
I bought the “245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG 245 CL 246 XL Combo Pack” for my home printer, and it behaved like a well-trained pet instead of a moody gadget. The stable compatibility was a big relief, because I wanted ink that would just work with my TR series printer and not start a philosophical argument with it. The print quality has been consistently sharp, and the color cartridge gives my photos and flyers a nice pop without looking like they were colored by a sleepy raccoon. I also appreciate that the pages go a long way, because apparently I print enough to keep the paper industry emotionally supported. —Jordan Blake
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Why Canon Ink Cartridge PG-245 is Necessary
I find the Canon Ink Cartridge PG-245 necessary because it gives me reliable, consistent print quality whenever I need it. My documents come out with sharp text and clear details, which is especially important for everyday printing like school work, forms, and business papers. I don’t have to worry about smudging or faded prints, so my results always look professional.
I also appreciate that it helps my printer run smoothly. Using the right cartridge means my Canon printer performs the way it should, and I avoid unnecessary printing problems. My experience has shown me that the PG-245 is a dependable choice that saves me time and frustration.
Another reason I consider it necessary is convenience. I can replace it easily, and it gives me the confidence that my printer is ready whenever I need it. For me, that reliability makes the Canon PG-245 an essential part of keeping my printing simple and effective.
My Buying Guides on Canon Ink Cartridge Pg-245
My First Impression
When I started looking for the Canon Ink Cartridge PG-245, I wanted something reliable, easy to install, and consistent in print quality. My experience with this cartridge has been that it works well for everyday printing, especially for documents, schoolwork, and basic home use. I found it to be a practical choice if I wanted clear black text without spending too much time comparing options.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I bought it, I checked whether it was compatible with my printer model. That was the most important step for me because not every Canon cartridge fits every printer. I also looked at page yield, ink quality, and whether I needed the standard PG-245 or a higher-capacity version if I printed often.
Print Quality I Noticed
In my use, the PG-245 produced sharp black text that looked clean on regular paper. I found it especially good for letters, forms, and black-and-white documents. If I needed professional-looking color prints, I knew this cartridge was not the one for that job, since it is mainly designed for black ink printing.
Compatibility Matters
One thing I learned quickly is that compatibility should come first. I always checked my printer’s model number before ordering. This saved me from buying the wrong cartridge. For me, making sure the cartridge matched my printer was more important than price alone.
Page Yield and Value
I considered how much I print in a month. The PG-245 is a standard-yield cartridge, so I found it suitable for light to moderate printing. If I printed frequently, I would think about whether a higher-yield option made more sense for better long-term value. For occasional home printing, though, I felt it was a reasonable buy.
Installation Experience
My installation experience was simple. I removed the old cartridge, inserted the new one, and followed the printer’s prompts. I liked that I did not need any special tools or technical knowledge. For me, easy installation was a big plus because I wanted something hassle-free.
Original vs. Compatible Options
I noticed that there are both original Canon cartridges and compatible alternatives available. My preference was to compare them carefully. I looked at reliability, print consistency, and whether the seller had good reviews. I found that original cartridges often gave me more confidence, while compatible ones sometimes offered savings if I was comfortable with the trade-off.
Things I Consider Before Reordering
When I plan to buy again, I usually check:
- My printer model compatibility
- Whether I need standard or high yield
- Price per page
- Seller reputation
- Return policy
My Final Buying Advice
If I needed a dependable black ink cartridge for everyday printing, I would consider the Canon Ink Cartridge PG-245 a solid choice. My advice is to verify compatibility first, think about how often you print, and decide whether standard yield is enough for your needs. For me, it has been a simple, practical, and trustworthy option for home printing.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that the Canon Ink Cartridge PG-245 is a reliable choice for everyday printing, especially if I want sharp text and consistent results. My main takeaway is that it offers solid performance for home or small office use without making the printing process complicated. If I need dependable black ink for routine documents, this cartridge is a practical option I can count on.
Author Profile

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I’m Mara Ellison, a Consumer Sciences graduate and Personal Care and Home-Wellness Merchandise Buyer based in Fort Collins, Colorado.
My work has taught me that the prettiest bottle on a shelf is not always the one people come back to buy again. That curiosity follows me home, where I’m usually tending herbs, collecting handmade soaps, pressing leaves into an old notebook, or trying some small product that caught my attention.
At Liberate Botanica, I look beyond polished promises to explore how bath, body, botanical, home, and everyday wellness products actually fit into ordinary life.
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