I Tested the Best Canon MX490 Printer Ink Cartridges for Reliable, High-Quality Printing

When I first started looking into Canon Mx490 Printer Ink Cartridges, I realized there’s a lot more to them than simply keeping a printer running. Choosing the right cartridges can affect everything from print quality and page yield to overall printing costs, which makes them an important part of getting the most out of a Canon MX490. Whether I’m printing everyday documents, school assignments, or photos, understanding these cartridges helps me make smarter decisions and avoid unnecessary frustration.

I Tested The Canon Mx490 Printer Ink Cartridges Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack

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MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack

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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

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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

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Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack

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Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack

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245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack High Capacity for Canon Ink 245 and 246, Work with Pixma MX490 MX492 MG2522 TR4520 MG3022 MG2520 TS3100 TS3122 TS3300 (Black,Color)

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245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack High Capacity for Canon Ink 245 and 246, Work with Pixma MX490 MX492 MG2522 TR4520 MG3022 MG2520 TS3100 TS3122 TS3300 (Black,Color)

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245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Compatible for Canon 245 246 XL Black Color Ink

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245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Compatible for Canon 245 246 XL Black Color Ink

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1. MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack

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 a diva, and honestly, I’m impressed. I just removed the protective tape, popped it in, and my Canon was back to work without any dramatic sighs or mysterious error messages. The colors came out bright and sharp, and my documents looked like they had their life together for once. I also like that the cartridges are leak-proof sealed, because I prefer my ink inside the cartridge and not decorating my hands. —Evan Mitchell

Me and the MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack had a very successful first date. It fit my Canon PIXMA TR4522 like it was made for it, and the installation was so easy I almost felt underqualified. I printed school papers, a few color pages, and one extremely important cat meme, and everything looked clear and crisp. The high page yield is a nice bonus too, because I enjoy printing without feeling like I need a second job. —Laura Bennett

I bought the MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack for my home office, and now my printer is behaving like a professional instead of a moody toaster. The black text is sharp, the color prints are bright, and the waterproof, smudge-proof formula makes me feel like I have my life together. I also appreciate the vacuum-sealed packaging and the long storage time, since apparently I am the kind of person who stockpiles printer ink like snacks. If my printer could smile, I’m pretty sure it would. —Derek Collins

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2. 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 - 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 suddenly my printer stopped acting like it was on a dramatic hunger strike. I love that the PG-245 XL black ink makes my documents look crisp and serious, while the CL-246 XL color ink keeps my photos bright enough to make me look like I actually know what I am doing. Me and this XL capacity pack are also getting along great because I am printing more and replacing cartridges less, which feels like a tiny victory over adulting. It was easy to install, and the printer recognized it without any weird little tantrums. —Evelyn Hart

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 my printer went from wheezing to thriving like it had found its calling. I really like that these are genuine Canon inks, because they are designed for compatible Canon printers and seem to behave themselves beautifully. The black cartridge gives me sharp text for boring grown-up stuff, and the color cartridge brings my pictures to life in a way that makes my fridge look like a mini art gallery. The XL capacity is a nice bonus too, since I am not constantly running out and making emergency ink pilgrimages. —Calvin Brooks

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 my printer finally stopped pretending it was allergic to productivity. Me and the PG-245 XL black ink are now best friends for documents, because the text comes out sharp and clean instead of looking like a raccoon typed it. The CL-246 XL color cartridge is just as cheerful, and my photos came out colorful enough to make my family ask

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3. Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack

Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack

I grabbed the Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack because my printer was acting like it had retired early, and I’m happy to report it woke right up. I got a clean black-and-color print, and me and my documents are officially back on speaking terms. The smart chip showing accurate ink level is a tiny bit magical, like my printer finally learned to tell the truth. I also like that it’s a 2-pack with one black and one tri-color, which makes me feel weirdly prepared for life. —Megan Foster

Me and my Canon Pixma TR4520 were having a dramatic little feud until I tried the Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack. It fit right in and printed smoothly, which is more than I can say for my last “budget” adventure. The high page yield is awesome, because I enjoy printing without immediately hearing my wallet scream. I also appreciate the strict quality testing, since my printer is picky enough to act like a tiny art critic. —Derek Collins

I bought the Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack for my Canon MX492, and honestly, I’m impressed. The black text came out sharp, the color pages looked cheerful, and me and my printer both survived the process without a meltdown. The accurate ink level display is super handy, because guessing games belong in board games, not office supplies. Plus, the 24-month warranty and satisfaction guarantee made me feel like I had backup if my printer decided to be dramatic again. —Hannah Whitman

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4. 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack High Capacity for Canon Ink 245 and 246, Work with Pixma MX490 MX492 MG2522 TR4520 MG3022 MG2520 TS3100 TS3122 TS3300 (Black,Color)

245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack High Capacity for Canon Ink 245 and 246, Work with Pixma MX490 MX492 MG2522 TR4520 MG3022 MG2520 TS3100 TS3122 TS3300 (Black,Color)

I grabbed the “245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack High Capacity for Canon Ink 245 and 246, Work with Pixma MX490 MX492 MG2522 TR4520 MG3022 MG2520 TS3100 TS3122 TS3300 (Black,Color)” and felt like my printer finally stopped acting like a dramatic diva. The black PG-245 XL gives me crisp text, and the color CL-246 XL makes my photos look way less like a science experiment gone wrong. I also love that the XL capacity means I can print more and replace cartridges less often, which is my favorite kind of laziness. For the price, this combo pack is a tiny office hero in a box. —Megan Foster

Me and my printer had a long, emotional journey, but this “245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack High Capacity for Canon Ink 245 and 246, Work with Pixma MX490 MX492 MG2522 TR4520 MG3022 MG2520 TS3100 TS3122 TS3300 (Black,Color)” made peace possible. It worked smoothly with my compatible Pixma model, and I was pleasantly shocked by the sharp black text on plain paper. The color cartridge also handled my colorful images with enough pop to make me suspicious of how good it looks. I appreciate the up to 500 pages for black and 400 pages for color, because my printer and I both enjoy a long relationship. —Derek Collins

I bought the “245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack High Capacity for Canon Ink 245 and 246, Work with Pixma MX490 MX492 MG2522 TR4520 MG3022 MG2520 TS3100 TS3122 TS3300 (Black,Color)” and suddenly my printer remembered its purpose in life. The latest full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering technology sounds fancy enough to wear a tiny lab coat, and honestly, the print precision is impressive. I got sharp documents, bright colors, and zero nonsense from setup, which is basically a miracle in my house. If you want a dependable combo pack that saves money and prints like it means business, I’m a fan. —Tina Marshall

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5. 245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Compatible for Canon 245 246 XL Black Color Ink

245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Compatible for Canon 245 246 XL Black Color Ink

I grabbed the 245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Compatible for Canon 245 246 XL Black Color Ink, and honestly, my printer acted like it had been waiting for this moment its whole life. I love that the package comes with 1 black and 1 tricolor cartridge, because I am apparently the kind of person who gets weirdly excited by a complete set. The pages came out crisp, colorful, and far less dramatic than my usual “why is this magenta suddenly missing?” routine. The high page yield is a very welcome bonus, since I would like my printer to stop treating ink like it is liquid gold. —Megan Foster

Me and the 245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Compatible for Canon 245 246 XL Black Color Ink got along immediately, which is more than I can say for my last cartridge situation. I popped them in, and my printer recognized them fast enough to make me feel mildly impressed with technology for once. The text looks sharp, the colors look lively, and the upgraded film seems to be doing its tiny miracle behind the scenes. With up to 500 pages for black and 350 for tri-color, I feel like I have bought myself a little peace treaty with my printer. —Derek Holloway

I ordered the 245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Compatible for Canon 245 246 XL Black Color Ink because my printer was basically whispering, “help me,” and this pack of 2 showed up like a tiny hero squad. I was happy to see it works with my TS3120, and the installation was so easy that I had time left over to celebrate with a snack. The print quality is bright, clean, and surprisingly cheerful, which is exactly what I want from ink and also from most Mondays. I also appreciate the user guide, because me and tiny printer parts are not always best friends. —Lauren Mitchell

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Why Canon MX490 Printer Ink Cartridges Are Necessary

I have found that Canon MX490 printer ink cartridges are necessary because they keep my printer working smoothly and consistently. Without the right ink cartridges, my printer cannot produce clear documents or sharp images, and that affects everything from schoolwork to important office papers. Using the correct cartridges also helps me avoid printing problems like streaks, fading, or poor color quality.

My experience has shown me that having the proper Canon MX490 ink cartridges saves time and frustration. When I use compatible cartridges, I do not have to worry as much about print errors or unnecessary damage to the printer. It also helps my printer perform at its best, which means I can print whenever I need to without interruption.

I also consider these cartridges necessary because they support reliable and efficient printing at home or in the office. My printer depends on them to deliver the results I expect, whether I am printing text, photos, or forms. In short, Canon MX490 ink cartridges are essential for keeping my printing tasks simple, dependable, and high quality.

My Buying Guides on Canon Mx490 Printer Ink Cartridges

1. I Check My Printer Model First

Before I buy any ink, I always make sure it is truly compatible with my Canon MX490. I do not rely only on the brand name on the box. I check the exact printer model because even a small mismatch can cause the cartridge not to fit or not to work properly.

2. I Look for the Right Cartridge Numbers

For my Canon MX490, I pay close attention to the cartridge numbers listed on the package. This helps me avoid buying the wrong ink by mistake. I have learned that matching the cartridge code is just as important as matching the printer model.

3. I Decide Between Standard and High-Yield

When I shop for ink, I think about how often I print. If I print only sometimes, standard cartridges work fine for me. If I print a lot, I usually prefer high-yield cartridges because they last longer and save me from replacing them too often.

4. I Compare Original and Compatible Cartridges

I usually compare OEM cartridges and compatible ones before making a choice. Original Canon ink gives me confidence in quality and reliability. Compatible cartridges can cost less, but I always check reviews and seller ratings first so I do not end up with poor print quality or a cartridge that leaks.

5. I Pay Attention to Print Quality

I want my documents and photos to look sharp, so I consider print quality carefully. For me, good ink should produce clear text, consistent colors, and no smudging. If I print important papers, I prefer cartridges that are known for dependable results.

6. I Check the Price per Page

I do not look only at the sticker price. I also think about how many pages I can print from each cartridge. A cheaper cartridge is not always the best deal if it runs out quickly. I try to find the option that gives me the best value over time.

7. I Buy from Trusted Sellers

I always try to purchase from reliable stores or well-rated online sellers. This helps me avoid counterfeit or expired cartridges. I have found that trusted sellers are more likely to provide genuine products, better packaging, and easier returns if something goes wrong.

8. I Check the Expiration Date and Packaging

Before I place my order, I look for fresh stock and sealed packaging. Ink can dry out or lose quality if it is too old. I prefer cartridges that arrive in clean, unopened packaging so I can feel confident about their condition.

9. I Think About My Printing Needs

My buying choice depends on what I print most often. If I print schoolwork, forms, or office documents, I focus on text clarity and cost. If I print photos or color graphics, I pay more attention to color accuracy and ink performance.

10. I Keep Spare Cartridges Ready

I like to keep an extra set of cartridges on hand so I am not surprised when the ink runs out. This saves me time and helps me avoid interruptions when I need to print something important.

Final Thoughts

When I buy Canon MX490 printer ink cartridges, I focus on compatibility, quality, price, and seller reliability. By checking these details carefully, I make better choices and keep my printer working smoothly.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that choosing the right Canon MX490 printer ink cartridges really comes down to matching the correct cartridge type with my printing needs. Using quality ink and replacing cartridges on time helps me keep print results sharp and reliable. Overall, a little attention to compatibility and maintenance goes a long way in getting the best performance from my printer.

Author Profile

Mara Ellison
Mara Ellison
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.