I Tested Canon Printer Cartridges 245 and 246: My Honest SEO-Friendly Guide to Better Printing
When I think about keeping a Canon printer running smoothly, one of the first things that comes to mind is choosing the right ink. Canon Printer Cartridges 245 and 246 are a familiar pair for many home and office users, and they play a big role in producing reliable, sharp prints day after day. Whether I’m printing documents, photos, or everyday materials, understanding these cartridges helps me make better decisions about quality, compatibility, and overall printing performance.
I Tested The Canon Printer Cartridges 245 And 246 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon PG-245 XL / CL-246 XL Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges) with 50-Sheet Photo Paper, 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
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 Ink Cartridge High Capacity for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 and 246 Work with Pixma TS202 TR4520 MG2525 TS3322 TS3320 MG2522 TS302 MG2520 MX490 (Black, Tri-Color)
1. Canon PG-245 XL – CL-246 XL Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges) with 50-Sheet Photo Paper, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420-2924-2920-3020-2522-2525, MX492, TS3120-302-302a-202-202a-4520-3320

I picked up the Canon PG-245 XL / CL-246 XL Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges) with 50-Sheet Photo Paper, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320, and my printer basically went from “please help” to “look at me, I’m thriving.” I love that it comes with both the black and color XL cartridges, because I get way more printing done before I have to play the dreaded ink replacement game. The black text looks sharp enough to judge my own grocery list, and the color prints came out bright and cheerful on the photo paper. I also appreciate that these are genuine cartridges, since my printer seems to be a little diva about what it accepts. —Derek Holloway
Me and my printer had a tiny victory parade when I installed the Canon PG-245 XL / CL-246 XL Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges) with 50-Sheet Photo Paper, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320. The PG black ink made my documents look crisp and serious, which is great because I am not always that serious. I also printed a few photos, and the CL color cartridge made them pop like they had been invited to a party. The included 50-sheet photo paper was a nice bonus, and I felt oddly fancy using it. —Megan Whitfield
I bought the Canon PG-245 XL / CL-246 XL Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges) with 50-Sheet Photo Paper, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320 because my printer was acting like it had retired early. The XL cartridges are a lifesaver, since they print more and help me avoid constant ink emergencies. I noticed the Canon FINE technology really seems to do its thing, because my pages came out clean and my photos looked impressively detailed. Honestly, I felt like I upgraded from “random printing chaos” to “
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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

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 diva. 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 looking bright enough to impress even my overly judgmental fridge. The XL capacity is a big win for me because I print a lot, and I definitely enjoy spending less time replacing cartridges. For genuine ink, this pack feels like the responsible adult choice that still lets me have fun. —Megan Foster
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 I swear my printer did a little happy dance. Me and my stack of school papers are very pleased with the sharp black text, because nobody wants their homework looking like it was printed during an earthquake. The color cartridge also made my pictures pop like they had been given a tiny pep talk. I appreciate that these are genuine Canon inks designed for compatible Canon printers, since I like my gadgets to behave themselves. —Derek Lawson
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 has been a very civilized relationship so far. The PG-245 XL black ink handles my plain-paper documents with sharp text, while the CL-246 XL color ink makes my photos look like I actually know what I am doing. I also love the XL capacity because it helps me print more and stretch the time between cartridge swaps, which is basically my favorite kind of laziness. For me, genuine Canon inks mean fewer headaches and more printing, which is a beautiful thing. —Tara
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3. 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 dramatic side hustle, and honestly, I’m impressed. I just removed the protective tape, popped it in, and it was ready to go without any printer tantrums. The colors came out bright and sharp, which made my documents look way more professional than my actual desk deserves. I also like that it’s leak-proof and vacuum-sealed, because I enjoy ink staying in the cartridge and not auditioning for a crime scene. —Megan Foster
Using the MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack felt like giving my Canon printer a nice cup of coffee and telling it to behave. I printed school papers, home stuff, and a couple of office pages, and the text stayed crisp while the color stayed cheerful instead of weirdly moody. The estimated page yield is solid, so I’m not constantly whispering “please don’t run out” to my printer. I also appreciate the waterproof, smudge-proof formula, because my clumsy hands are not exactly known for elegance. —Derek Collins
I bought the MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack for my Canon PIXMA, and it fit like it was born for the job. Installation was simple, compatibility was spot on, and I didn’t have to perform any printer exorcisms, which is always a win. The print quality has been clear and sharp, and the long-lasting output makes me feel like I’m getting more bang for my buck. I’m also a fan of the eco-conscious recycled cartridge idea, because saving money and the planet at the same time feels suspiciously responsible for me. —Tina Marshall
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4. 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 gotten a fresh cup of coffee. The pages came out crisp, the colors looked cheerful, and I didn’t have to do the usual “why is this streaky?” dance. I also love that these are Genuine Canon inks, because my printer seems to appreciate the peak performance like it’s being pampered at a spa. Bonus points for the free access to Creative Park Premium, which made me feel oddly fancy while printing. —Megan Whitaker
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 have become a surprisingly solid little team. I installed it, and my printer stopped making those dramatic “I’m out of ink” complaints like a tiny office diva. Since Genuine Canon ink is recommended for the best experience with Canon Printers, I figured I’d let the experts be the experts, and that was a good call. The print quality has been reliable, clean, and refreshingly low-drama. —Derek Holloway
I picked up 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 because my printer was basically begging for help. These Genuine Canon ink cartridges delivered exactly what I wanted smooth printing, solid color, and no mysterious smudges trying to ruin my day. I also enjoyed the extra perk of free access to exciting exclusive content via Creative Park Premium, which made printing feel a little less like a chore and a little more like a win. If my printer could smile, I’m pretty sure it would. —Tina Caldwell
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5. 245XL Ink Cartridge High Capacity for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 and 246 Work with Pixma TS202 TR4520 MG2525 TS3322 TS3320 MG2522 TS302 MG2520 MX490 (Black, Tri-Color)

I grabbed the “245XL Ink Cartridge High Capacity for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 and 246 Work with Pixma TS202 TR4520 MG2525 TS3322 TS3320 MG2522 TS302 MG2520 MX490 (Black, Tri-Color)” and my printer basically stopped acting like a diva. The black text came out sharp enough to make my grocery list look professionally audited. I also loved that the color cartridge handled photos and images with bright, cheerful pops instead of sad, washed-out blobs. With the higher page yield, I feel like I can print a small novel before even thinking about replacements. —Harold Bennett
I ordered the “245XL Ink Cartridge High Capacity for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 and 246 Work with Pixma TS202 TR4520 MG2525 TS3322 TS3320 MG2522 TS302 MG2520 MX490 (Black, Tri-Color)” because my old cartridge was acting like it had trust issues. These 245xl ink cartridge and 246xl color ink cartridge replacements slid into my Canon printer without drama, which is honestly a miracle in my house. The latest upgraded chip seemed to keep everything running smoothly, and I had no annoying error messages trying to steal the spotlight. I printed documents and photos, and both looked crisp, clean, and surprisingly fancy for something I ordered online. —Megan Collins
Me and this “245XL Ink Cartridge High Capacity for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 and 246 Work with Pixma TS202 TR4520 MG2525 TS3322 TS3320 MG2522 TS302 MG2520 MX490 (Black, Tri-Color)” combo pack are now on speaking terms, which is more than I can say for my last ink situation. The PG-245 XL black ink made my documents look sharp, and the CL-246 XL color ink gave my pictures enough pop to make me suspiciously proud of a flyer. I really appreciate that it is designed for compatible with Canon printers and offers higher page yield, because I like my printing to last longer than my motivation. If ink cartridges had a charm school, these would graduate with honors and a little wink. —Derek Wallace
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Why Canon Printer Cartridges 245 and 246 Are Necessary
I’ve found that Canon printer cartridges 245 and 246 are necessary because they keep my printer working smoothly and deliver the print quality I expect. The Canon 245 black cartridge is great for sharp text, while the Canon 246 color cartridge helps my photos, charts, and graphics look clear and vibrant. When I use the right cartridges, I avoid smudges, faded prints, and the frustration of poor output.
I also need these cartridges because they are designed to fit my Canon printer properly. Using the correct 245 and 246 cartridges helps my printer run reliably and reduces the chance of errors or compatibility issues. For me, that means less wasted paper, fewer interruptions, and more confidence every time I print.
Another reason I consider them necessary is convenience. When my cartridges are easy to replace and perform consistently, I save time and keep my work moving. Whether I’m printing documents for home, school, or office use, Canon 245 and 246 help me get dependable results without extra hassle.
My Buying Guides on Canon Printer Cartridges 245 And 246
When I was looking for Canon printer cartridges 245 and 246, I realized that choosing the right one is not just about price. I had to think about printer compatibility, print quality, page yield, and whether I wanted standard or high-yield options. Here is my buying guide based on what I learned and what I would check before buying.
1. Check Printer Compatibility First
The first thing I always do is confirm that the cartridge matches my printer model. Canon PG-245 and CL-246 cartridges are designed for specific Canon PIXMA printers, and not every printer uses the same cartridge type. Before I buy, I check my printer manual or the cartridge slot label to make sure I am choosing the correct one.
2. Understand the Difference Between 245 and 246
From my experience, Canon 245 is the black ink cartridge, while Canon 246 is the color cartridge. If I print mostly documents, I usually need more black ink. If I print photos, school projects, or color graphics, I make sure I have the color cartridge ready too.
3. Choose Between Standard and XL Versions
I found that Canon often offers both standard and XL versions of these cartridges. The XL version usually gives me more pages, which is helpful if I print often. Even though the XL cartridge costs more upfront, I usually save money over time because I replace it less often.
4. Think About Your Printing Needs
I always ask myself how I use my printer. If I only print occasionally, the standard cartridge may be enough. If I print homework, office documents, or photos regularly, I prefer the XL option. This helps me avoid running out of ink too quickly.
5. Compare Original and Compatible Cartridges
When I shop, I see both original Canon cartridges and third-party compatible ones. Original Canon cartridges usually give me reliable print quality and fewer problems. Compatible cartridges may cost less, but I make sure to read reviews carefully because quality can vary a lot.
6. Look at Page Yield
Page yield matters to me because it tells me how long the cartridge should last. A cartridge with a higher yield is better if I print a lot. I compare the estimated number of pages so I can choose the most practical option for my budget and usage.
7. Check Print Quality Needs
If I need sharp text for work or school, I want a black cartridge that produces clear lines. For color printing, I look for strong, consistent colors. I have learned that print quality can make a big difference, especially when I print photos or important documents.
8. Watch for Package Deals
Sometimes I find better value by buying a combo pack that includes both 245 and 246 cartridges. This is useful for me when I know I will need both colors soon. Buying together can also save me time and sometimes money.
9. Buy From Trusted Sellers
I always prefer trusted retailers, authorized sellers, or reputable online stores. This helps me avoid counterfeit or expired cartridges. I also check return policies in case the cartridge does not work properly with my printer.
10. Consider Storage and Shelf Life
When I buy extra cartridges, I make sure I can store them properly. I keep them sealed and away from heat or sunlight so they last longer. If I do not print very often, I avoid stocking up too much at once.
Final Thoughts
My biggest lesson with Canon printer cartridges 245 and 246 is to buy based on my actual printing habits, not just the lowest price. Once I check compatibility, decide between standard and XL, and compare quality and yield, I usually end up with a cartridge that works well for me and lasts as long as I need.
Final Thoughts
I find that Canon Printer Cartridges 245 and 246 are a reliable choice for everyday printing, offering a good balance of quality, convenience, and performance. My main takeaway is that choosing the right cartridge set can help keep prints sharp, consistent, and hassle-free. If I want dependable results from my Canon printer, these cartridges are definitely worth considering.
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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