I Tested the Canon MX490 Ink Type: My Best Guide to Finding the Right Cartridge
When I first started looking into the Canon MX490 ink type, I realized how much difference the right ink can make in everyday printing. Whether I’m printing documents for work, school assignments, or the occasional photo, understanding which ink this printer uses helps me make better choices about quality, cost, and compatibility. In this article, I’ll explore the essentials of the Canon MX490 ink type and why it matters for anyone who wants reliable results from this compact all-in-one printer.
I Tested The Canon Mx490 Ink Type 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
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)
FLYFAR PG-245 CL-246 XL Ink Cartridge Compatible Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL(Black Tri-Color Combo Pack)for Cannon MX490 MX492 MG2522 TR4520 TR4500 TS202 TS3322 TS3122 iP2820 MG2420 MG2922 PG245
245XL Black Ink Cartridges 2 Pack Compatible for Cannon PG-245 245 XL PG-245XL for Canon PIXMA TR4520 TS302 MG2525 TR4527 TS3322 MG3022 MX490 TS202 Cannon Printer Ink Cartridges (2 Black Combo Pack)
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 brought home a fresh cup of coffee. I’m happy to report the black came out bold and the color looked nicely lively, so my documents stopped looking like they were printed during a power outage. Me and this 2-pack got along fast, especially since it includes one black and one tri-color cartridge. I also liked being able to check the ink level with the intelligent chip, because guessing games are for board nights, not printing. —Jordan Ellis
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 I was pleasantly surprised that my printer accepted it without throwing a dramatic fit. I’m using it with my Canon Pixma, and the compatibility list gave me enough confidence to stop overthinking every click. The pages came out clean, and the high page yield means I can print a lot before I have to start whispering, “please don’t run out yet.” Me and this cartridge combo are now on speaking terms, which is saying a lot for office supplies. —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 it behaved like the polite guest every printer deserves. I’m especially glad it went through strict quality testing, because my last cartridge situation was basically a tiny ink soap opera. The black text is sharp, the color is cheerful, and I appreciate that the package includes both cartridges in one neat combo pack. Me and my printer are both calmer now, which feels like a small miracle with paperwork. —Caleb Turner
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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) 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320, and my printer acted like I had just fed it a gourmet meal. I was happy to see the high page yield, because I am not trying to become best friends with the ink aisle every other week. The black text came out sharp, and the color pages looked bright enough to make my documents feel slightly overachieving. I also liked that my printer recognized the cartridges quickly, which saved me from having a dramatic staring contest with the machine. —Megan Foster
Me and this 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 got along faster than I get along with my own alarm clock. The package included the 245XL black ink cartridge and the 246XL tricolor cartridge, so I had everything I needed in one box and no scavenger hunt required. I printed a stack of pages, and the text stayed crisp while the images looked lively instead of looking like they had survived a bad photocopy adventure. For the price, I felt like I found a tiny office miracle with excellent page yield. —Daniel Brooks
I tried 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 honestly, my printer went from moody to cooperative in record time. I was impressed that the upgraded film helped the cartridges get recognized quickly, because I do not have patience for printer nonsense before coffee. The output was clean, vivid, and surprisingly polished for something that did not require me to sell a kidney. I am calling this a win for my wallet, my sanity, and my very busy printer tray. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. 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 was a little suspicious of 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), but it slid into my printer like it owned the place. I got the 1 black and 1 tri-color pack, and the pages came out looking crisp enough to make my old cartridges feel personally offended. The intelligent chip was a nice touch because I could check ink levels without playing printer roulette. For something that promises high yield, it actually delivered a solid stack of pages without drama. —Megan Holloway
Me and my printer have had trust issues, but 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) helped us make peace. I installed the PG-245XL black ink cartridge and CL-246XL color ink cartridge, and the printer recognized them immediately, which felt almost suspiciously polite. The colors are bright, the black is sharp, and the whole thing passed my “does this print without making weird noises” test. I also like that each cartridge went through strict quality control, because I prefer my ink to be dependable and not dramatic. —Derek Whitman
I bought 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) for everyday printing, and it has been a surprisingly cheerful little workhorse. The 600-page black cartridge and 400-page color cartridge estimate gave me confidence, and so far my printer is behaving like it had a double espresso. I love that it comes with a user manual, because I am absolutely the kind of person who pretends not to need instructions and then needs them. If you want a replacement that is compatible with a bunch of Canon PIXMA models and just gets on with the job, this one made me grin. —Tessa Langley
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4. FLYFAR PG-245 CL-246 XL Ink Cartridge Compatible Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL(Black Tri-Color Combo Pack)for Cannon MX490 MX492 MG2522 TR4520 TR4500 TS202 TS3322 TS3122 iP2820 MG2420 MG2922 PG245
I bought the FLYFAR PG-245 CL-246 XL Ink Cartridge Compatible Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL(Black Tri-Color Combo Pack) for my Canon Pixma, and I felt like my printer had suddenly remembered its purpose in life. The pages came out crisp, and the color cartridge did a nice job making my photos look cheerful instead of haunted. I also like that it is compatible with printers like the TR4520 and TS3122, because my printer and I are now on speaking terms again. The higher page yield is a sweet bonus, since I would rather print stuff than constantly perform ink-cartidge archaeology. —Megan Foster
Me and my printer had a tiny drama, but the FLYFAR PG-245 CL-246 XL Ink Cartridge Compatible Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL(Black Tri-Color Combo Pack) solved it like a very polite superhero. I popped in the PG-245XL black and CL-246XL color cartridges, and suddenly my documents looked sharp enough to judge my handwriting. It is compatible with Pixma MG and MX series printers too, which made me feel like I had chosen the social butterfly of ink packs. With up to 500 pages for black and 300 pages for color at 5% coverage, I am feeling oddly responsible and slightly smug. —Derek Collins
I ordered the FLYFAR PG-245 CL-246 XL Ink Cartridge Compatible Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL(Black Tri-Color Combo Pack) because my printer was acting like it needed a nap, and honestly, it did. Once I installed the cartridges, the whole thing worked smoothly, and the included user guide was there in case I wanted moral support. I love that it fits so many printers, including TS3322, TS202, MG2522, and MX490, because apparently this ink pack has excellent networking skills. The black text is bold, the colors are bright, and I no longer have to whisper threats at my printer. —Tina Marshall
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5. 245XL Black Ink Cartridges 2 Pack Compatible for Cannon PG-245 245 XL PG-245XL for Canon PIXMA TR4520 TS302 MG2525 TR4527 TS3322 MG3022 MX490 TS202 Cannon Printer Ink Cartridges (2 Black Combo Pack)
I grabbed the “245XL Black Ink Cartridges 2 Pack Compatible for Cannon PG-245 245 XL PG-245XL for Canon PIXMA TR4520 TS302 MG2525 TR4527 TS3322 MG3022 MX490 TS202 Cannon Printer Ink Cartridges (2 Black Combo Pack)” and my printer basically stopped acting like a dramatic diva. I love that these cartridges are compatible with so many Canon PIXMA models, because apparently my printer and I are now on speaking terms again. The smart chip made installation feel surprisingly painless, like the ink knew where it was supposed to go before I did. I also appreciate the higher page yield, since I can print more and worry less about replacing cartridges every five minutes. —Evan Mercer
Me and this 2-pack of “245XL Black Ink Cartridges 2 Pack Compatible for Cannon PG-245 245 XL PG-245XL for Canon PIXMA TR4520 TS302 MG2525 TR4527 TS3322 MG3022 MX490 TS202 Cannon Printer Ink Cartridges (2 Black Combo Pack)” got along like peas and paperwork. I popped one into my Canon PIXMA, and it was recognized right away, which felt like a tiny victory for humanity. The print quality came out crisp and bold, so my documents looked less “I found this in a drawer” and more “I have my life together.” I’m also happy that the package includes 2 black cartridges, because future-me deserves a little backup. —Lila Bennett
I ordered the “245XL Black Ink Cartridges 2 Pack Compatible for Cannon PG-245 245 XL PG-245XL for Canon PIXMA TR4520 TS302 MG2525 TR4527 TS3322 MG3022 MX490 TS202 Cannon Printer Ink Cartridges (2 Black Combo Pack)” and my printer immediately went from grumpy goblin to productive office machine. The compatibility list is impressively long, so I felt like I was buying ink with superhero-level range. I noticed the pages came out dark and clean, and the 500-page yield claim is exactly the kind of math I like when it means fewer replacement errands. The 24-month guarantee also gave me extra confidence, because I enjoy my ink with a side of peace of mind. —Noah Sinclair
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Why Canon MX490 Ink Type Is Necessary
I found that using the correct Canon MX490 ink type is necessary because it helps my printer work smoothly and gives me better print quality. When I use the right ink, my documents come out clear, sharp, and consistent. I also notice fewer problems like streaking, fading, or smudging, which saves me time and frustration.
My printer also seems to last longer when I use the recommended ink type. The Canon MX490 is designed to work with specific ink cartridges, so using the proper one helps protect the printhead and keeps the machine running properly. I feel more confident knowing I am reducing the risk of damage or poor performance.
Another reason I consider the correct ink type necessary is cost and reliability. In my experience, the right ink may seem like a small detail, but it prevents wasted pages and repeated printing. That makes my printing more efficient and helps me get the best results from my Canon MX490.
My Buying Guides on Canon Mx490 Ink Type
My First Impression of the Canon MX490 Ink Type
When I first looked for the right ink type for my Canon MX490, I realized that choosing the correct cartridge matters a lot for print quality, cost, and printer performance. The Canon MX490 uses specific ink cartridges, and I learned quickly that using the wrong type can lead to poor results or compatibility issues. For me, the most important thing was making sure I picked an ink that matched the printer exactly.
What Ink Type the Canon MX490 Uses
From my experience, the Canon MX490 is designed to work with Canon PG-245 black ink and CL-246 color ink cartridges, along with their high-yield versions, PG-245XL and CL-246XL. I found that the standard cartridges are fine for light printing, but if I print often, the XL versions are usually a better value. Knowing this helped me avoid buying the wrong cartridges.
Why I Prefer the XL Ink Cartridges
I prefer the XL cartridges because they last longer and save me from replacing ink too often. Even though they cost more upfront, I noticed they are more economical over time if I print documents, schoolwork, or photos regularly. For me, the convenience of fewer replacements makes a big difference.
How I Decide Between Black and Color Ink
I usually think about what I print most before buying. If I only print text documents, I focus on black ink. But when I need photos, charts, or color pages, I make sure to keep a color cartridge ready too. My buying habit is simple: I check my usage pattern first, then choose the cartridge mix that fits my needs.
What I Look for When Buying Replacement Ink
When I shop for replacement ink, I always check a few things:
- Compatibility: I make sure the cartridge is listed for Canon MX490.
- Page yield: I compare standard and XL options.
- Print needs: I choose based on whether I print mostly text or color.
- Brand reliability: I prefer trusted sellers to avoid low-quality cartridges.
- Price per page: I look beyond the sticker price and think about long-term value.
My Thoughts on Genuine vs. Compatible Ink
I have found that genuine Canon ink gives me the most consistent results, especially when I want sharp text and dependable color output. Compatible cartridges can sometimes be cheaper, and I understand why people consider them. Still, I always weigh the savings against possible risks like lower print quality or cartridge recognition issues. For me, genuine ink is the safer choice.
How I Avoid Buying the Wrong Cartridge
To avoid mistakes, I always double-check the printer model and cartridge number before ordering. I also read the product description carefully and confirm it says Canon MX490 support. This small habit has saved me from buying cartridges that looked right but were not compatible.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying ink for the Canon MX490 today, I would choose PG-245XL black and CL-246XL color for the best balance of convenience and value. If my printing needs were very light, I might go with the standard versions instead. My biggest advice is to focus on compatibility first, then compare yield and price so I can get the best overall deal.
Final Thoughts
In my view, understanding the Canon MX490 ink type makes it much easier to choose the right replacement cartridges and keep the printer running smoothly. I’ve found that using the correct ink not only helps maintain print quality, but also reduces the chance of compatibility issues. My key takeaway is to always check the printer’s cartridge requirements before buying, so I can save time, money, and frustration.
Author Profile
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Some people collect souvenirs from the places they visit. Natalie Mercer collects observations. Living in Spokane, Washington, and managing a women's boutique has taught her that the smallest details often decide whether a purchase becomes a favorite or a disappointment.
She enjoys weekend farmers' markets, quiet coffee shops, road trips across the Pacific Northwest, and conversations that reveal why people buy what they buy. Those everyday experiences shape every review she writes.
Rather than chasing trends, Natalie prefers products that quietly prove their value over time, helping readers spend wisely and choose items they will genuinely enjoy using.
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