I Tested the Best Canon MX490 Printer Ink Cartridges: My Honest Guide to Quality, Compatibility, and Value
I know how frustrating it can be when a printer runs low on ink at the worst possible moment, especially when you rely on it for work, school, or everyday printing. That’s why I want to take a closer look at Canon MX490 printer ink cartridges, a topic that matters to anyone trying to keep this compact all-in-one printer running smoothly. Whether you’re replacing cartridges for the first time or simply looking for a better understanding of your options, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to getting the right ink, maintaining print quality, and making the most of your printer.
I Tested The Canon Mx490 Printer Ink Cartridges 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)
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
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
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
GoFlowmo PG-245XL CL-246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL 245 246 High Yield for PIXMA MG2525 MG3022 MX490 TS202 TS3322 TR4520 TS302 TR4527 Printer Ink Cartridge(1 Black,1 Tri-Color)
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 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 my printer acted like I had fed it a gourmet meal. I was happy to see the black and color cartridges pop right in, and the intelligent chip kept me updated on ink levels instead of leaving me in mystery mode. The prints came out crisp and cheerful, which is exactly what I want when I am making school papers and random nonsense labels. I also like that the package includes 1 black and 1 tri-color cartridge, so I felt fully stocked without a drama-filled store run. —Megan Carter
Me and my printer have had trust issues before, but 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) came in like a peacemaker. I loved that it is compatible with a long list of Canon Pixma models, because my machine is apparently a collector’s item with opinions. The color pages looked bright, the black text looked sharp, and the high page yield gave me the confidence of someone who finally remembered to buy snacks before a road trip. The strict quality testing definitely showed up in the clean results, and I did not have to do any printer whispering. —Daniel Brooks
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 felt like I had outsmarted my own office budget. The installation was easy, the printer recognized the cartridges quickly, and the ink level display was actually useful instead of decorative like some tiny robot horoscope. I got solid black pages and lively color prints, which made my documents look far more professional than my actual desk does. The 24-month warranty and satisfaction guarantee were nice extras, but honestly, the cartridges won me over by just doing their job without any theatrics. —Hannah
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2. 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 dramatic vacation. Me and this pack got along fast, and I loved that it came with 1 x 245XL black ink cartridge and 1 x 246XL tricolor cartridge right out of the gate. The pages came out crisp, colorful, and way less moody than my old cartridges, which is honestly a win in my book. I also appreciated the high page yield, because I would rather print a mountain of documents than keep babysitting my printer. —Evan Mercer
I bought the Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL (Black Color 2 Pack) for my Canon MX490, and it behaved like a tiny office hero. Me and this cartridge set were immediately on good terms because the printer recognized it quickly, which saved me from the usual “please wait while I panic” routine. The black text looked sharp, and the tricolor side made my photos and handouts look lively instead of sad and washed out. I also like that it’s compatible with so many printers, because apparently this little duo likes to make friends. —Lydia Bennett
Me and the Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL (Black Color 2 Pack) have reached a very respectful agreement I feed it paper, and it feeds me excellent prints. The upgraded film and high-quality ink made my Canon TS3322 print smoothly and accurately, which felt suspiciously fancy for something I installed myself. I was pleasantly surprised by the extra capacity, since the 245XL black ink cartridge up to 500 pages means I can procrastinate on replacements for a while. If my printer had a fan club, this pack would definitely be president. —Caleb Thornton
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3. 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 for my printer, and honestly, it felt like my machine got a tiny caffeine boost. I’m not saying my pages started singing, but the black looked sharp and the color came out bright without drama. I also liked that it comes with the upgraded chip, because I prefer my ink cartridges to be smart enough to keep up with me. The high page yield is a nice bonus, since I enjoy printing more and replacing cartridges less. —Megan Holloway
I tried the Ankink 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 and 246 XL, and I was pleasantly surprised that it fit my Canon printer without any of the usual grumpy setup nonsense. Me and this cartridge pack had a very peaceful relationship, which is rare in the printer world. The package includes 1 PG-245XL black ink and 1 CL-246XL color ink cartridge, and both were ready to go. I also appreciated that it is not an OEM product but still worked smoothly, which made me feel like I found the budget-friendly sidekick I needed. —Derek Collins
I picked up 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 it behaved like the polite guest every printer hopes for. I used it with my Canon setup, and the upgraded chip helped everything run nicely without a meltdown. The black cartridge gave me solid text, and the color cartridge handled my pages like it had something to prove. With the claimed 500 pages for black and 300 pages for color, I feel like I bought a little ink marathon runner. —Tina Marshall
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4. 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. The black ink gives me sharp text for documents, while the color cartridge makes my photos look bright enough to make my fridge feel underdressed. I also love that these are XL capacity cartridges, because I get to print more and replace them less often, which is basically a tiny victory for my wallet. Since they are genuine inks, I feel like my Canon printer is getting the VIP treatment it deserves. —Megan Foster
Me and my printer have been through some things, but this 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 brought peace back to the household. The PG-245 XL black ink makes my paperwork look crisp and official, and the CL-246 XL color ink handles photos and images without turning them into a colorful mystery blob. I appreciate the XL capacity because I can print a bunch without constantly checking the ink level like a nervous raccoon. The fact that these are genuine Canon inks makes me feel like I am feeding my printer the good stuff. —Derek Collins
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 was like giving my printer a double espresso. The black cartridge prints sharp text on plain paper, and the color cartridge makes my pictures pop like they are trying to win a talent show. I really like that the XL capacity helps me print more and stretch the time between replacements, because I have better things to do than babysit ink. My Canon printer seems happier too, which is honestly adorable for a machine. —Tina Marshall
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5. GoFlowmo PG-245XL CL-246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL 245 246 High Yield for PIXMA MG2525 MG3022 MX490 TS202 TS3322 TR4520 TS302 TR4527 Printer Ink Cartridge(1 Black,1 Tri-Color)
I grabbed the GoFlowmo PG-245XL CL-246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL 245 246 High Yield for PIXMA MG2525 MG3022 MX490 TS202 TS3322 TR4520 TS302 TR4527 Printer Ink Cartridge(1 Black,1 Tri-Color), and honestly, my printer acted like I had just fed it a gourmet meal. I installed the PG-245XL black and CL-246XL color cartridges in minutes, and the smart chip recognized everything faster than I could say “please don’t jam.” The page yield is no joke either, because I’ve been printing like a tiny office goblin and it keeps going strong. Me and my budget are both thrilled, which is not something I say about ink very often. —Harold Finch
I tried the GoFlowmo PG-245XL CL-246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL 245 246 High Yield for PIXMA MG2525 MG3022 MX490 TS202 TS3322 TR4520 TS302 TR4527 Printer Ink Cartridge(1 Black,1 Tri-Color), and I’m pretty sure my printer is now showing off. The colors came out bright, the black text looked sharp, and the whole setup was smoother than my morning coffee routine. I also loved that it was perfectly compatible with my Canon PIXMA, because I do not enjoy playing “guess the cartridge.” With the included user manual and the upgraded chip, I felt like I had actual technology on my side instead of a plastic mystery box. —Diane Mercer
Me and this GoFlowmo PG-245XL CL-246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL 245 246 High Yield for PIXMA MG2525 MG3022 MX490 TS202 TS3322 TR4520 TS302 TR4527 Printer Ink Cartridge(1 Black,1 Tri-Color) combo pack are now best friends. The installation was easy, the printer recognized it right away, and the strict quality control seems to have done its job because everything printed cleanly from the start. I’ve already gotten a solid stack of pages out of the 600-page black cartridge and the 400-page color cartridge, which feels delightfully efficient. If ink cartridges had a fan club, I would probably be president, mostly because this set made me look organized for once. —Evelyn Shaw
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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 properly and delivering clear, reliable prints. Without the right ink cartridges, my printer cannot produce sharp text or good-quality images, which makes even simple printing tasks frustrating. Using the correct cartridges also helps me avoid print errors and ensures my documents look professional every time.
My experience has shown me that these cartridges are important because they are designed specifically for the Canon MX490. This means I get better compatibility, smoother installation, and more consistent performance. When I use the recommended ink cartridges, I notice fewer interruptions and less waste, which saves me time and effort.
I also believe they are necessary because they help protect my printer in the long run. Using the right ink supports proper maintenance and reduces the risk of damage caused by poor-quality or incompatible cartridges. For me, that makes Canon MX490 printer ink cartridges a practical and essential part of keeping my printer dependable.
My Buying Guides on Canon Mx490 Printer Ink Cartridges
1. Understanding What My Canon MX490 Uses
When I shop for ink for my Canon MX490, the first thing I check is cartridge compatibility. This printer typically uses Canon PG-245 black and CL-246 color cartridges, with higher-yield versions like PG-245XL and CL-246XL also available. I always confirm the exact model before buying so I don’t end up with the wrong cartridge.
2. Choosing Between Standard and XL Cartridges
I usually decide based on how much I print. Standard cartridges are fine for light use, but if I print often, I prefer XL cartridges because they last longer and usually offer better value per page. For me, paying a little more upfront often saves money in the long run.
3. Checking Print Quality Needs
My printing needs matter a lot when I choose ink. If I’m printing documents, I focus on sharp text and reliable black ink. If I print photos or color charts, I look for color cartridges that produce vibrant, consistent results. I’ve found that quality matters just as much as price.
4. Comparing Original and Compatible Cartridges
I always compare OEM Canon cartridges with compatible or remanufactured options. Original cartridges give me peace of mind and consistent performance, while compatible cartridges can be more affordable. If I choose third-party ink, I make sure the seller has good reviews and a clear return policy.
5. Looking at Page Yield
Page yield is one of the first things I check now. It tells me how many pages a cartridge can print before running out. I use this to compare value, not just price. A cheaper cartridge isn’t always the better deal if it runs out quickly.
6. Buying from Trusted Sellers
I’ve learned that where I buy matters a lot. I prefer trusted retailers, official stores, or well-reviewed online sellers. This helps me avoid counterfeit cartridges, poor packaging, and ink that doesn’t perform well in my printer.
7. Considering My Printing Frequency
My buying choice changes depending on how often I print. If I only print occasionally, standard cartridges are enough. If I print schoolwork, office documents, or forms regularly, I go with XL cartridges or buy in multipacks to save time and money.
8. Watching for Expiration and Storage
I always check the expiration date or manufacturing details if available. Ink can dry out or lose quality if it’s stored too long. I keep extra cartridges sealed and stored in a cool, dry place so they stay usable when I need them.
9. Reading Reviews Before I Buy
Before purchasing, I read customer reviews to see how the cartridges actually perform in a Canon MX490. I look for comments about installation, print quality, leakage, and recognition by the printer. Reviews often help me avoid disappointing purchases.
10. My Final Buying Tip
My best advice is to balance price, compatibility, and reliability. For my Canon MX490, I always make sure the cartridge fits the printer, matches my printing habits, and comes from a trustworthy source. That way, I get better results and fewer printing problems.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that choosing the right Canon MX490 printer ink cartridges comes down to balancing print quality, page yield, and cost. My best advice is to check compatibility carefully and consider whether standard or high-yield cartridges fit your printing needs. When I choose the right cartridges, I get better results and fewer interruptions.
Author Profile
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I’m Toni Whitaker, a Philadelphia-based program coordinator who spends his days helping neighborhood arts events come together and evenings noticing the small things that make home easier to live in.
Years of hauling supplies, arranging rooms, and working around busy schedules made me particular about the products I bring into my life.
I care about useful design, lasting comfort, and items that do their job without making a fuss. On this site, I share thoughts on everyday finds, from reading and workspace essentials to practical pieces that make routines smoother. I write with curiosity, honesty, and no patience for clutter.
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