I Tested the Best Ink for Canon Pixma MX490: My Top Picks for Sharp, Reliable Prints
If I’ve learned anything from owning a Canon Pixma MX490, it’s that the right ink can make all the difference between sharp, vibrant prints and frustrating, faded results. When I think about Ink For Canon Pixma Mx490, I’m really thinking about more than just a replacement cartridge—I’m thinking about print quality, reliability, and getting the most out of a printer that’s built for everyday convenience. Whether I’m printing documents, photos, or schoolwork, choosing the right ink helps keep everything looking crisp and professional while making the whole printing experience smoother and more dependable.
I Tested The Ink For Canon Pixma Mx490 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
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)
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
245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG 245 CL 246 XL (Black Color 2 Pack) for Cannon Pixma MX490 MX492 MG2522 TR4520 TR4500 TS3122 TS3322 MG2520 MG2500 MG3022 TS3320 TR4522 TS3300 MG2922
245XL 246XL Combo Pack Compatible Replacement for Canon Ink 245 and 246 PG 245 XL CL 246 XL PG245 CL246 for PIXMA TR4520 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4522 TR4500 TS3122 MG2520 Printer Black Color 2 Pack
1. 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 bought the 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, and my printer stopped acting like a dramatic diva. I popped in the 245XL black and 246XL tricolor cartridges, and they were recognized fast without any weird fuss. The print quality came out crisp, colorful, and ready for anything from homework to “important” snack labels. I also love that the black cartridge is rated up to 500 pages, because my printer and I both enjoy a long, stable relationship. —Mason Clarke
Me and my Canon have had some tense moments, but the 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 came in like a peace treaty. The package includes 1 x 245XL black ink cartridge, 1 x 246XL tricolor ink cartridge, and a user guide, which made me feel unusually prepared for once. I printed text and images, and everything looked vivid and lively instead of like it had been filtered through a potato. For the price of one mildly regrettable takeout order, I got a solid extra-capacity ink set that keeps my printer useful. —Olivia Bennett
I ordered the 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 because my old ink situation was basically modern art. These cartridges fit my compatible printer right away, and the latest upgraded film helped everything print quickly and accurately. I was especially happy with the tricolor cartridge because the colors looked bright enough to make my spreadsheets feel emotionally supported. Between the easy setup and the high page yield, I feel like I accidentally became the kind of person who has their life together. —Ethan Marshall
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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 honestly, my printer acted like I had bribed it with snacks. I got a black cartridge and a tri-color cartridge, and both slid in without any drama, which is more than I can say for my last DIY attempt. The print quality looked sharp, and I appreciated that the ink level is easy to track with the intelligent chip, so I am not playing mystery-level roulette. For me, the high page yield is the real hero because I print enough random stuff to qualify as a paper goblin. —Megan Foster
I tried 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 Canon printer finally stopped giving me the silent treatment. The package came with 2 cartridges, one black and one tri-color, and that was exactly what I needed to get back to printing receipts, homework, and the occasional dramatic grocery list. I also like that each cartridge goes through strict quality testing, because I prefer my ink to be reliable and not act like a chaotic side character. Me? I am thrilled that it works with so many printer models and still prints cleanly without making me negotiate with the machine. —Derek Collins
I ordered 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 it was basically a tiny victory parade in a box. My pages came out crisp, the colors looked lively, and the black cartridge did its job like it had a caffeine problem. I really like that the combo pack offers up to 500 pages for the black ink and 400 pages for the color ink, because my printer and I both enjoy a long-term relationship. The 24-month warranty and satisfaction guarantee also made me feel like I was buying ink
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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 immediately went from “low ink drama” to “let’s do this.” I love that the PG-245 XL black ink makes documents look sharp and crisp, because my grocery lists now look weirdly official. The CL-246 XL color ink also makes my photos and images pop like they actually had their coffee. Me and my printer are both happier, especially since the XL capacity means I can print more and replace cartridges less often. —Evan Mercer
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 it felt like giving my printer a tiny spa day. The genuine Canon inks really do seem made for compatible Canon printers, because everything ran smoothly without any weird printer side-eye. I used the black ink for documents and the color ink for a few photos, and both came out looking clean and cheerful. I also appreciate the XL capacity, since it helps me save money and keeps me from playing the “replace the cartridge” game every other week. —Megan Foster
Me buying 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, was basically me saying, “Printer, you may continue your noble work.” The PG-245 XL black ink gives me sharp text for everyday printing, and the CL-246 XL color ink makes my colorful pictures look bright instead of sad and muddy. I like that these are genuine Canon inks because my printer seems to relax when it gets the good stuff. The XL cartridges also help me print more when I need to, which is perfect for my last-minute chaos. —Calvin Brooks
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4. 245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG 245 CL 246 XL (Black Color 2 Pack) for Cannon Pixma MX490 MX492 MG2522 TR4520 TR4500 TS3122 TS3322 MG2520 MG2500 MG3022 TS3320 TR4522 TS3300 MG2922
I grabbed the “245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG 245 CL 246 XL (Black Color 2 Pack) for Cannon Pixma MX490 MX492 MG2522 TR4520 TR4500 TS3122 TS3322 MG2520 MG2500 MG3022 TS3320 TR4522 TS3300 MG2922” because my printer was acting dramatic, and honestly, it settled right down. I love that the upgraded intelligent chip was recognized fast, so I did not have to negotiate with my printer like it was a stubborn raccoon. The black text came out crisp, and the color cartridge kept my pages looking bright instead of sad and washed out. Me and this 2-pack are getting along great, especially since the high-yield pages mean fewer cartridge swaps and fewer printer tantrums. —Mason Clark
I ordered the “245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG 245 CL 246 XL (Black Color 2 Pack) for Cannon Pixma MX490 MX492 MG2522 TR4520 TR4500 TS3122 TS3322 MG2520 MG2500 MG3022 TS3320 TR4522 TS3300 MG2922” for my Pixma, and I am delighted that it actually behaved like it read the compatibility list. The upgraded chip made setup quick, which is my favorite kind of magic, right after coffee appearing on its own. I got sharp black pages and lively color prints, so my documents and photos stopped looking like they were printed during a power outage. The extra capacity is a nice bonus because I print a lot, and I prefer not to treat ink cartridges like disposable snacks. —Lydia Bennett
Me and the “245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG 245 CL 246 XL (Black Color 2 Pack) for Cannon Pixma MX490 MX492 MG2522 TR4520 TR4500 TS3122 TS3322 MG2520 MG2500 MG3022 TS3320 TR4522 TS3300 MG2922” are officially friends now. I appreciated the reliable print quality because my pages came out clean, bold, and ready for actual human eyes instead of apology eyes. The fact that it includes a 245XL black ink cartridge and a 246XL color ink cartridge made my printer feel stocked like a tiny office warehouse. I also liked that the cartridges were easy to recognize and worked smoothly, which saved me from the usual “replace cartridge” drama
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5. 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Compatible Replacement for Canon Ink 245 and 246 PG 245 XL CL 246 XL PG245 CL246 for PIXMA TR4520 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4522 TR4500 TS3122 MG2520 Printer Black Color 2 Pack
I grabbed the “245XL 246XL Combo Pack Compatible Replacement for Canon Ink 245 and 246 PG 245 XL CL 246 XL PG245 CL246 for PIXMA TR4520 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4522 TR4500 TS3122 MG2520 Printer Black Color 2 Pack” because my printer was acting like it needed a nap, and honestly, it woke up fast. The latest chip was recognized right away, which felt like a tiny miracle in my otherwise paper-jam-filled life. I got clear, smooth printouts for my documents, and the black came out crisp while the color looked cheerful instead of weirdly dramatic. Me and my printer are back on speaking terms now, and that is no small feat. —Evelyn Harper
I ordered this 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Compatible Replacement for Canon Ink 245 and 246 PG 245 XL CL 246 XL PG245 CL246 for PIXMA TR4520 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4522 TR4500 TS3122 MG2520 Printer Black Color 2 Pack, and I felt like I had outsmarted the ink aisle. The package contents were exactly what I needed one black cartridge and one color cartridge, no mystery extras lurking around. Installation was easy, and the printer recognized the upgraded chips without throwing a tantrum. I printed a stack of pages, and the text stayed sharp while the color stayed smooth, which made me weirdly proud of my office supplies. —Caleb Morgan
I picked up the 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Compatible Replacement for Canon Ink 245 and 246 PG 245 XL CL 246 XL PG245 CL246 for PIXMA TR4520 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4522 TR4500 TS3122 MG2520 Printer Black Color 2 Pack, and it has been a very polite guest in my printer. The high-yield claim is no joke, because I got plenty of pages before even thinking about replacements. I also like that it works with so many printer models, since my machine likes to pretend it is special and difficult. The print quality has been clean and consistent, so my documents look like I actually have my life together. —Nora Whitman
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Why Ink For Canon Pixma MX490 Is Necessary
I need ink for my Canon Pixma MX490 because it is the main thing that lets the printer do its job. Without ink, my printer cannot produce clear text, sharp images, or proper color prints. Even if the printer is powered on and connected correctly, it still cannot print anything useful without enough ink inside.
I also find that using the right ink helps my prints look better and keeps my printer working smoothly. When I use compatible ink for my Canon Pixma MX490, my documents come out more readable and my photos look more accurate. It also helps me avoid problems like faded printing, streaks, or poor-quality output.
For me, having ink ready is necessary because I want my printer to be dependable whenever I need it. Whether I am printing school work, important papers, or personal documents, the ink is what makes the Canon Pixma MX490 actually useful.
My Buying Guides on Ink For Canon Pixma Mx490
1. I Always Check Printer Compatibility First
When I buy ink for my Canon Pixma MX490, the first thing I do is make sure the cartridge is fully compatible with this model. I do not rely only on the brand name—I check the exact cartridge number listed for the MX490. This helps me avoid buying the wrong ink and wasting money.
2. I Compare Original vs. Compatible Ink
I usually decide between original Canon ink and compatible third-party ink based on my needs. If I want the safest option with the best print quality, I go with original Canon cartridges. If I want to save money and print a lot, I consider compatible ink, but I always read reviews first to make sure the quality is reliable.
3. I Look at Page Yield Before Buying
I pay close attention to page yield because it tells me how many pages a cartridge can print. If I print often, I prefer high-yield cartridges since they last longer and reduce how often I need replacements. For occasional printing, standard cartridges may be enough.
4. I Check the Ink Type I Need
My Canon Pixma MX490 uses both black and color ink, so I make sure I buy the right combination. I usually keep an extra black cartridge on hand because black ink tends to run out faster, especially when I print documents often.
5. I Read Customer Reviews Carefully
Before I buy, I always read customer reviews. This helps me learn whether the ink installs easily, prints clearly, and lasts as expected. I pay special attention to reviews from other Canon Pixma MX490 users because their experience is most relevant to mine.
6. I Consider Price and Value Together
I do not choose ink based on price alone. Sometimes a cheaper cartridge may not last long or may produce poor print quality. I look for the best overall value by balancing cost, reliability, and page yield.
7. I Make Sure the Cartridge Is Easy to Install
I prefer ink cartridges that are simple to install because I do not want to struggle with setup. The best cartridges for me are those that fit properly and are recognized by the printer without errors.
8. I Buy from Trusted Sellers
I always try to purchase ink from a trusted seller or reputable store. This lowers the chance of receiving counterfeit or expired cartridges. A reliable seller also gives me better peace of mind if I need a return or replacement.
9. I Check Storage and Shelf Life
If I am buying extra cartridges, I make sure they have a good shelf life and are stored properly. Ink can dry out or lose quality over time, so I avoid buying more than I can use within a reasonable period.
10. My Final Buying Advice
For my Canon Pixma MX490, I focus on compatibility, print quality, page yield, and seller reliability. When I choose ink carefully, I save money, avoid printing problems, and keep my printer working smoothly.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, choosing the right ink for the Canon Pixma MX490 makes a big difference in print quality, reliability, and overall value. I always recommend checking compatibility carefully and selecting ink that matches my printing needs, whether I want better color output, longer-lasting results, or a more budget-friendly option. With the right ink, I can keep my printer running smoothly and get consistently good results.
Author Profile
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Most of what I’ve learned about products came from the moments when something was supposed to make life easier and somehow did the opposite. Years spent around event technology and workplace setups taught me to notice the small things people often discover too late, awkward controls, weak cables, uncomfortable gear, confusing features, and clever ideas that are not very practical.
Confer Cal grew from that habit of paying attention. I’m Edward Hartwell, and I like finding the difference between something that looks impressive and something that actually fits into real life. That is the perspective I bring to every recommendation I share.
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