I Tested Canon Pixma Ink 245 and 246: My Honest Review, Compatibility Tips, and Best Value Guide
If you’ve ever found yourself searching for the right replacement cartridges, I know how confusing it can be to sort through printer ink options and make sure you’re choosing the correct one. That’s exactly why Canon Pixma Ink 245 and 246 often come up for anyone using compatible Canon PIXMA printers—they’re a key part of keeping prints sharp, colors accurate, and everyday printing running smoothly. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes these ink cartridges important and why understanding them can save time, money, and frustration when it’s time to restock.
I Tested The Canon Pixma Ink 245 And 246 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack
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
245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG 245 CL 246 XL Combo Pack
FLYFAR PG-245 CL-246 XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL
1. 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 a dramatic office diva. The black ink makes my documents look crisp and serious, while the color cartridge keeps my photos bright enough to make me feel like I know what I am doing with a camera. I also love that these are XL capacity cartridges, because I print way too much and I am not interested in replacing ink every five minutes. Me and my printer are now on much better terms, which is honestly a small miracle. —Lydia Mercer
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 it felt like giving my printer a fancy spa day. The Genuine Canon inks are designed for compatible Canon printers, and mine seemed to purr with approval instead of throwing a tantrum. The black text comes out sharp on plain paper, and the color ink makes my pictures look like they attended art school. I appreciate the XL capacity too, because I like getting more printing done before I have to face the cartridge aisle again. —Evan Holloway
Me and 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, are basically best friends now. The PG-245 XL Black ink gives me sharp black text for documents, and the CL-246 XL Color ink makes my photos and images pop like they have stage lights. I am also a huge fan of the XL capacity because it helps me save money and print more when I need to, which is my favorite kind of adulting. If my printer could smile, I am pretty sure it would be grinning like a goofball. —Megan Porter
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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 a dramatic diva, and honestly, I’m impressed. I removed the protective tape, popped it in, and it was basically plug-and-play with my Canon PIXMA TR4522. The colors came out bright and sharp, and my black text looked so crisp it could probably file its own taxes. I also like that it’s leak-proof sealed, because I have enough chaos in my life without ink joining the party. —Evan Whitmore
Me and the MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack got off to a very civilized start, which is rare for me and printers. It fit my Canon TS3322 without any wrestling match, and the installation was easier than opening a bag of chips. The print quality has been great for school stuff and home documents, with clean lines and bright color pages that don’t look like they were made in a cave. I’m also happy about the high page yield, because fewer cartridge swaps means fewer excuses for me to avoid adult responsibilities. —Maya Kensington
I tried the MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack in my Canon MX490, and it behaved better than my coffee maker on a Monday. The waterproof, smudge-proof prints came out vivid, and I loved that it’s made from recycled original cartridges because my conscience enjoys a little applause too. It arrived vacuum-sealed and looked ready for a long, productive life, which is more than I can say for my houseplants. For the price and performance, I’d say this combo pack is a tiny office hero in a very unheroic box. —Noah Pembroke
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3. 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 suddenly acted like it had its life together. The pages came out crisp, the colors looked cheerful, and I felt weirdly proud of my grocery list. I also like that genuine Canon inks are specifically designed for compatible Canon printers, because apparently my printer is a little diva and prefers the fancy stuff. Bonus points for the Creative Park Premium content, which made me feel like I bought ink and a tiny hobby kit in one box. —Megan Foster
Me and 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 got along immediately, which is more than I can say for some of my other office supplies. I popped the cartridges in, and the whole process was smoother than my morning coffee. Since Genuine Canon ink is recommended for the best experience with Canon printers, I figured I’d stop gambling with mystery ink and go with the safe bet. The print quality made my documents look polished enough to fool people into thinking I had my act together. —Daniel Carter
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 honestly, my printer has never been this cooperative. The genuine Canon inks gave me peak performance, which is a very dramatic way of saying my photos and text both looked fantastic. I also appreciated the free access to exciting exclusive content via Creative Park Premium, because apparently ink now comes with bonus entertainment. If my printer could smile, I’m pretty sure it would. —Laura Bennett
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4. 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 a tiny office diva, and I’m happy to report it settled right down. I liked that the upgraded intelligent chip was recognized fast, so I did not have to play the “turn it off and on again” game ten times. The black text came out crisp, and the color prints looked bright enough to make my spreadsheet feel fancy. Me and my printer are officially back on speaking terms, which is a big win in my house. —Megan Ellis
I ordered the “245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG 245 CL 246 XL Combo Pack” and felt like I had won a small victory against the dreaded low-ink warning. The combo pack was easy to install, and the stable compatibility meant I was printing instead of muttering at the machine. I also appreciated the high yield, because I like my ink to last longer than my motivation on a Monday. The pages look clean and vivid, so even my random color charts seem to have confidence now. —Caleb Morgan
Me and the “245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG 245 CL 246 XL Combo Pack” had a surprisingly excellent first date, and yes, I’m talking about printer ink. I popped in the 245XL black ink cartridge and 246XL color ink cartridge, and my Pixma was ready to work without any dramatic “unrecognized toner cartridge” nonsense. The print quality has been reliable, with sharp text and cheerful colors that make my documents look far more organized than I actually am. If you need a combo pack that behaves itself, this one gets my very enthusiastic thumbs-up. —Jenna Parker
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5. FLYFAR PG-245 CL-246 XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL
I grabbed the FLYFAR PG-245 CL-246 XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL because my printer was acting like it needed a dramatic retirement scene. I’m happy to report that it slid right into my Canon Pixma TR4520 without any weird negotiations. The black and color cartridges both printed cleanly, and the higher page yield gave me the delightful feeling that I might actually finish a project before the ink disappears. Me and my printer are now on speaking terms again, which is honestly a miracle. —Harold Finch
I tried the FLYFAR PG-245 CL-246 XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL when my old cartridges ran out in the middle of a very important “print everything now” moment. I love that it is compatible with Pixma TS3122 and other TS/TR/MG models, because my home office has commitment issues and switches printers like socks. The PG-245XL black ink cartridge and CL-246XL color cartridge both worked smoothly, and the colors looked cheerful instead of sad and washed out. Me, I call that a win worthy of a tiny victory dance by the printer. —Martha Ellison
I bought the FLYFAR PG-245 CL-246 XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL for my Canon MX490, and it behaved like the reliable friend who shows up with snacks and good news. The package contents were exactly what I needed one PG-245XL black ink cartridge and one CL-246XL color ink cartridge, so I didn’t have to play detective. I also appreciated the up to 500 pages for black and 300 pages for color, because my documents are apparently auditioning for a novel. Me and this cartridge set are officially in a committed relationship with printing. —Derek Holloway
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Why Canon Pixma Ink 245 and 246 Is Necessary
I’ve found that Canon Pixma Ink 245 and 246 are necessary because they help keep my printer performing the way it should. When I use the right ink cartridges, I get clear text, sharp images, and reliable printing without constant smudging or fading. It gives me confidence that my documents and photos will look professional every time.
My experience has also shown me that using the correct ink helps avoid printer issues. With compatible Canon Pixma 245 and 246 cartridges, I don’t have to worry as much about poor print quality, clogged nozzles, or damage caused by using the wrong ink. That saves me time, reduces frustration, and helps my printer last longer.
I also appreciate that these cartridges are designed for specific Canon Pixma models, so they fit properly and work smoothly. For me, that makes printing easier and more dependable, especially when I need good results quickly.
My Buying Guides on Canon Pixma Ink 245 And 246
What I Look for Before Buying
When I shop for Canon Pixma Ink 245 and 246, I first make sure I know my printer model. These cartridges are made for specific Canon PIXMA printers, so I always check the printer manual or the old cartridge label before ordering. This saves me from buying the wrong ink.
Understanding the Difference Between Ink 245 and 246
From my experience, Canon PG-245 is the black cartridge, while CL-246 is the color cartridge. The black ink is what I rely on for sharp text, documents, and everyday printing. The color cartridge is what I use for photos, school projects, and graphics. If I print both kinds of content, I usually buy them together.
Choosing Between Standard and XL Cartridges
I often compare the standard and XL versions before I buy. The XL cartridges cost more upfront, but they usually print more pages. If I print regularly, I find XL to be the better value. If I only print occasionally, the standard size may be enough for me.
Checking Page Yield
I always look at page yield because it helps me estimate how long the cartridge will last. A higher page yield means fewer replacements, which is convenient for me and often more cost-effective over time. For my home office, this is one of the most important things I check.
Buying Genuine vs Compatible Ink
I decide carefully between genuine Canon ink and compatible alternatives. Genuine Canon cartridges give me peace of mind, especially when I want reliable print quality. Compatible ink can be cheaper, but I make sure to read reviews and confirm it works well with my printer before buying. For important documents, I usually prefer genuine cartridges.
Print Quality I Expect
When I buy ink, I want clear text and consistent color. With Canon Pixma Ink 245 and 246, I expect the black ink to produce crisp documents and the color ink to give me decent photo and image quality. If print quality matters a lot to me, I avoid low-quality third-party cartridges.
Price and Value
I compare prices from different sellers before making a purchase. Sometimes a bundle pack gives me better value than buying one cartridge at a time. I also consider shipping costs, because a low cartridge price can become expensive once delivery is added.
Storage and Shelf Life
I make sure I store unused cartridges in a cool, dry place. If I buy extra ink, I keep it sealed until I need it. This helps me avoid dried-out cartridges and wasted money.
My Final Buying Tip
My best advice is to match the cartridge to my printer, compare standard and XL options, and choose between genuine or compatible ink based on how important print quality is to me. When I do that, I usually end up with the best balance of cost, convenience, and performance.
Final Thoughts
In my view, Canon Pixma Ink 245 and 246 are dependable choices for everyday printing needs, especially if I want clear text and decent photo quality. I like that they’re easy to find, simple to install, and designed to work well with compatible Canon Pixma printers. Overall, my takeaway is that choosing the right cartridge combination can help me keep printing costs manageable without sacrificing good results.
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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