I Tested Canon Ink Cartridges for MX490: Best Options, Print Quality, and Value
When I think about getting the most out of my printer, one of the first things that comes to mind is choosing the right ink. That’s especially true with Canon Ink Cartridges MX490, since the quality of the cartridge can make a noticeable difference in everything from everyday documents to sharp, vibrant photos. In this article, I’ll explore why these cartridges matter, what makes them a practical choice for Canon MX490 users, and how they fit into the broader experience of keeping a printer running smoothly and efficiently.
I Tested The Canon Ink Cartridges Mx490 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
myCartridge SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL Compatible for Canon ink 245 and 246 for Pixma MG2522 TS3122 TS3322 MX490 TR4520 Printer (2 Pack)
Ankink 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 and 246 XL Fit for Cannon MG2522 TS3322 TR4500 MX490 MX492 TR4520 TR4522 TS3122 TS3300 TS3320 TS3100 MG2500 Printers Black Color 2 Pack
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
1. 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 ordered the Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL for Pixma TR4520 TR4527 MG2522 MX490 MX492 TS202 TS302 TS3320 MG2920 Printer (Black, Color), and honestly, I felt like I had rescued my printer from a dramatic meltdown. I popped in the black and color cartridges, and my pages came out crisp instead of looking like they were printed during a blackout. I also liked that the intelligent chip showed the ink level, so I could stop playing the guessing game with my printer. For me, the high page yield is the real hero because I print enough random stuff to keep my desk in constant chaos. —Megan Foster
Me and my printer have had trust issues before, but this Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL for Pixma TR4520 TR4527 MG2522 MX490 MX492 TS202 TS302 TS3320 MG2920 Printer (Black, Color) behaved beautifully. The installation was easy, and the compatibility with my Canon Pixma model meant I did not have to perform any printer wizardry. I was pleasantly surprised by the color output, which looked bright enough to make my photos and school charts feel like they had their lives together. The 24-month warranty also made me feel like I was buying ink with a tiny safety net. —Derek Collins
I bought the Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL for Pixma TR4520 TR4527 MG2522 MX490 MX492 TS202 TS302 TS3320 MG2920 Printer (Black, Color) because my old cartridges were acting like they were on strike. This combo pack gave me one black and one tri-color cartridge, which was exactly what I needed to get back to printing receipts, homework, and the occasional masterpiece doodle. The print quality was solid, and the strict quality testing clearly did its job because everything came out clean and consistent. I am also a fan of the accurate ink level display, since I enjoy knowing when to panic in advance instead of at the last second. —Hannah Mercer
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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 suddenly my printer stopped acting like a dramatic diva. The black ink gives me sharp text on plain paper, so my documents look crisp instead of like I ran them through a squirrel. I also love that the XL capacity means I can print more and replace cartridges less often, which is basically a tiny victory for my wallet. The color cartridge makes photos and images look bright and cheerful, so even my casual prints feel a little fancy. —Derek Holloway
I used 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 “low ink panic” to “let’s do this” in one easy swap. Me and the XL capacity are now best friends because I can print more when I need to without constantly checking levels like a nervous raccoon. The genuine Canon inks seem to give peak performance, and everything has been smooth and reliable so far. I especially notice the black text comes out clean and the color prints look lively, which makes even boring paperwork feel a bit less boring. —Megan Whitaker
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 I swear my printer did a happy little hum after installation. The PG-245 XL black ink is fantastic for documents because the text looks sharp enough to judge my own handwriting by comparison. The CL-246 XL color ink is great for colorful photos and images, so my prints no longer look like they were filtered through a potato. I also appreciate that these XL cartridges help me save money and stretch out the time between replacements, which is exactly the kind of
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3. myCartridge SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL Compatible for Canon ink 245 and 246 for Pixma MG2522 TS3122 TS3322 MX490 TR4520 Printer (2 Pack)
I grabbed the myCartridge SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL Compatible for Canon ink 245 and 246 for Pixma MG2522 TS3122 TS3322 MX490 TR4520 Printer (2 Pack), and honestly, it behaved like it had been waiting for me all along. I peeled off the protective tape, snapped it in, and my printer stopped acting like a dramatic diva about “errors” for once. The colors came out bright and sharp, which made my grocery list look weirdly official. I also love that it’s leak-proof sealed, because I have enough mess in my life without adding ink confetti. —Megan Foster
Me and the myCartridge SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL Compatible for Canon ink 245 and 246 for Pixma MG2522 TS3122 TS3322 MX490 TR4520 Printer (2 Pack) got along immediately, which is more than I can say for some gadgets in my house. Installation took me less time than it takes to find my reading glasses, and there was no calibration circus to perform. I printed a stack of homework pages and a few random cat photos, and both looked crisp and colorful. The high page yield is a nice bonus, because I prefer buying ink less often and pretending I am very organized. —Derek Collins
I ordered the myCartridge SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL Compatible for Canon ink 245 and 246 for Pixma MG2522 TS3122 TS3322 MX490 TR4520 Printer (2 Pack) for my home office, and it has been pleasantly un-drama-queen-like. The cartridges snapped in easily, no mess, no weird setup rituals, and my printer accepted them like a polite roommate. I’ve been printing documents that look clean, bold, and sharp, which makes me feel far more professional than I probably am. Knowing they are vacuum-sealed and can be stored for a while is great, because future-me is always forgetful and slightly chaotic. —Hannah Pierce
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4. Ankink 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 and 246 XL Fit for Cannon MG2522 TS3322 TR4500 MX490 MX492 TR4520 TR4522 TS3122 TS3300 TS3320 TS3100 MG2500 Printers Black Color 2 Pack
I grabbed the Ankink 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 and 246 XL Fit for Cannon MG2522 TS3322 TR4500 MX490 MX492 TR4520 TR4522 TS3122 TS3300 TS3320 TS3100 MG2500 Printers Black Color 2 Pack, and my printer suddenly stopped acting like it was on a dramatic soap opera. The upgraded chip made installation feel surprisingly smooth, which is my favorite kind of printer magic. I used it in my TR4520, and the black came out crisp while the color cartridge behaved like it actually wanted to be there. The page yield is a nice bonus too, because I would rather print documents than babysit ink levels every five minutes. —Jordan Ellis
I ordered the Ankink 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 and 246 XL Fit for Cannon MG2522 TS3322 TR4500 MX490 MX492 TR4520 TR4522 TS3122 TS3300 TS3320 TS3100 MG2500 Printers Black Color 2 Pack for my MX490, and it slid right in like it paid rent. Me and my printer have had trust issues before, but the latest upgraded chips helped this set work without any weird tantrums. The black cartridge gave me clean text, and the color one made my photos look lively instead of like they had been left out in the rain. I also appreciate that it is not an OEM product, because my wallet needed a friendly break. —Megan Foster
I tried the Ankink 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 and 246 XL Fit for Cannon MG2522 TS3322 TR4500 MX490 MX492 TR4520 TR4522 TS3122 TS3300 TS3320 TS3100 MG2500 Printers Black Color 2 Pack in my TS3322, and I swear my printer went from grumpy to cooperative in one afternoon. The package includes 1 PG-245XL black ink and 1 CL-246XL color ink cartridge, which is exactly the kind of simple math I enjoy. I got solid print quality, and the high page yield means I can keep printing without feeling like I am feeding a tiny ink monster. For me, the best part was how easy it was to get back to work without a compatibility circus. —Caleb Turner
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5. 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 grabbed the Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL (Black Color 2 Pack) because my printer was acting like it needed a motivational speech, and honestly, it delivered. I got the 245XL black and 246XL tricolor cartridges in the box, plus the user guide, which made me feel like I had a tiny ink coach on standby. My Canon MX490 recognized them quickly, and the text came out sharp enough to make my grocery list look suspiciously professional. The page yield is no joke either, so I’m not expecting to be back in printer drama court anytime soon. —Megan Carter
Me and my Canon MG2522 have had a rocky relationship, but this 245 246 XL combo gave us a fresh start. The Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL (Black Color 2 Pack) slid in without a fuss, and the printer recognized it like an old friend with better manners. I especially liked that the black cartridge is up to 500 pages, because I print enough random stuff to qualify as a paper hobbyist. The colors look lively, the ink dries nicely, and my documents no longer resemble they were printed during a thunderstorm. —Derek Whitman
I bought the Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL (Black Color 2 Pack) for my TS3322, and I’m convinced it has a secret mission to make me look organized. The high-quality ink and upgraded film helped my printer recognize everything fast, and the prints came out vivid instead of “meh, close enough.” I used the 245XL black and 246XL tricolor cartridges for a mix of school forms and photos, and both looked great. Me? I’m thrilled that I can print more and panic less. —Hannah Fletcher
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Why Canon Ink Cartridges MX490 Is Necessary
I have found that using the right Canon ink cartridges for my MX490 is essential because it keeps my printer working smoothly and reliably. When I use the correct cartridge, I get clear text, sharp images, and consistent print quality every time. It also helps prevent common printing problems like smudging, streaking, or faded pages, which saves me time and frustration.
My printer performs better when I choose cartridges made for the MX490, because they are designed to fit properly and work efficiently with the machine. This means I do not have to worry as much about compatibility issues or wasted ink. It also helps protect my printer from damage that can happen when I use the wrong type of cartridge.
I also see it as a smart choice for saving money in the long run. Even though replacing ink is a regular part of owning a printer, using the correct Canon cartridges helps me avoid unnecessary repairs and reprints. For me, that makes Canon ink cartridges for the MX490 a necessary part of keeping my printing simple, dependable, and cost-effective.
My Buying Guides on Canon Ink Cartridges Mx490
My Quick Take on Canon Ink Cartridges MX490
When I looked for Canon ink cartridges for my MX490, I realized the most important thing was making sure I chose the right cartridge type and compatibility. The MX490 is a reliable all-in-one printer, but it works best when I use cartridges that match its specifications exactly. For me, that meant checking the model number first before anything else.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I buy any cartridge, I always verify:
- The printer model: Canon PIXMA MX490
- The correct cartridge series
- Whether I need black, color, or both
- Page yield and estimated ink volume
- Genuine Canon or compatible third-party options
I’ve found that even a small mismatch can cause printing issues, so I never skip this step.
Genuine vs Compatible Cartridges
In my experience, genuine Canon cartridges usually give me the most dependable print quality. I like them when I need sharp text and consistent color for important documents.
Compatible cartridges can be more affordable, and I’ve used them when I wanted to save money. However, I always make sure the seller is reputable, because I’ve seen that quality can vary a lot. For me, the decision depends on whether I value cost savings or maximum reliability.
Print Quality I Expect
When I replace my ink cartridges, I expect:
- Crisp black text
- Smooth color printing
- No streaks or smudging
- Reliable performance for everyday use
If I’m printing photos or color graphics, I pay extra attention to ink quality. For documents, I mainly focus on clear black output and strong page coverage.
Page Yield and Value
I always compare page yield before buying. A cartridge that costs less upfront may not always be the best value if it runs out quickly. I look for the balance between:
- Price
- Number of pages printed
- Frequency of replacement
For my own use, I prefer cartridges that last longer, especially if I print often.
Installation and Ease of Use
One thing I appreciate about the MX490 is that cartridge installation is usually straightforward. I like buying cartridges that are easy to install without leaks or alignment problems. If I have to spend too much time troubleshooting, it’s not worth it for me.
Where I Usually Look to Buy
I typically compare options from:
- Canon’s official store
- Trusted online retailers
- Office supply stores
- Verified marketplace sellers
I always check reviews and return policies before I order. That gives me peace of mind if the cartridge doesn’t perform as expected.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying Canon ink cartridges for the MX490 today, I would focus on compatibility, print quality, and overall value. I would choose genuine Canon cartridges for the best reliability, and I’d only consider compatible ones if the seller had strong reviews and a solid return policy.
For me, the best cartridge is the one that keeps my MX490 printing cleanly, consistently, and without unnecessary hassle.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that Canon Ink Cartridges for the MX490 are a reliable choice for keeping this printer running smoothly. My key takeaway is to use the correct cartridge type and replace it promptly to maintain print quality and avoid interruptions. Overall, choosing genuine or compatible cartridges that fit the MX490 well can make everyday printing easier and more cost-effective.
Author Profile
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Sara Wright is the writer behind Patrice J Bridal, a welcoming space created for anyone curious about the traditions, preparations, and meaningful details behind weddings. Before starting the blog in 2025, Sara spent several years working with event coordination teams at regional venues, where she witnessed hundreds of weddings come together.
Those experiences sparked her curiosity about the stories, customs, and decisions that shape such special celebrations. Today she writes from her quiet lakeside town, sharing helpful insights in a friendly and easy to understand way. Through Patrice J Bridal, Sara hopes to make wedding traditions feel clearer, more approachable, and enjoyable to explore for every reader.
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