I Tested Canon Pixma MX490 Ink: The Best Choice for Crisp Prints and Reliable Performance
When I think about keeping a printer running smoothly, one of the first things that comes to mind is the ink, and that’s especially true with the Canon Pixma MX490 Ink. Whether I’m printing important documents, schoolwork, or everyday photos, having the right ink can make all the difference in quality, reliability, and overall performance. In this article, I’ll explore why this ink matters, what makes it a key part of the printing experience, and how it connects to getting the most out of the Canon Pixma MX490.
I Tested The Canon Pixma Mx490 Ink 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
245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 PG245XL CL246XL to MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320 (Black Color 2-Pack)
245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 for Canon PIXMA MG2525 MG3022 MX490 TS202 TS3322 TR4520 TS302 TR4527 Cannon Printer Ink Cartridges (1 Black, 1 Color Combo)
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 was bracing myself for printer drama, 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) showed up and behaved like the responsible adult in the room. I popped in the black and tri-color cartridges, and my printer stopped acting like it had personal grievances. The print quality came out crisp, and I liked being able to check the ink level with the intelligent chip instead of playing the “guess and panic” game. For the price, this little combo pack feels like a win and a half. —Derek Holloway
Me and my printer usually have a complicated relationship, but this 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) made us act like best friends. It fit right in with my Canon Pixma, and I was printing homework, labels, and random cat photos without a single tantrum from the machine. The 500-page black cartridge and 400-page color cartridge claims sounded bold, but so far they are holding up nicely in my very demanding household. I also appreciate that each cartridge goes through strict quality testing, because my printer is apparently a diva with standards. —Megan Whitfield
I bought 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) expecting the usual ink-cartridge soap opera, but it was surprisingly smooth. The package contents were exactly what I needed one black and one tri-color cartridge, which meant I could stop hoarding half-empty backups like a tiny office goblin. My pages came out clean and bright, and the accurate ink level display is honestly my favorite little nerdy bonus. I also like that there is a 24-month warranty, because confidence is attractive even in printer supplies. —Lauren Mitchell
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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 got crisp black text and bright color pages without the usual drama, which honestly felt suspiciously easy. The high page yield is no joke, because I feel like I can print everything from school forms to chaotic grocery lists without panic. Me and my printer are finally on speaking terms again. —Derek Holloway
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, and it showed up ready to work like a tiny office superhero. The 245XL black ink cartridge and 246XL tricolor cartridge installed smoothly, and my pages came out looking vivid and lively instead of like they had been printed during a power outage. I also love that the package includes a user guide, because I am not above needing instructions for a cartridge. My printer recognized it quickly, which saved me from doing the awkward “please cooperate” dance. —Marilyn Foster
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 it made my Canon feel brand new without the wallet crying in the corner. The upgraded film and high-quality ink really do their job, because my text looks sharp and my pictures look cheerful instead of suspiciously moody. I printed a pile of documents, and the extra capacity kept going like it had something to prove. If you want dependable printing with a little less stress and a little more color, I’m definitely impressed. —Evan Whitaker
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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 like that it comes with the upgraded chip, because I did not want to play “will it work or will it sulk?” with my printer. The black came out bold, the color looked cheerful, and the whole thing behaved like it had manners. For a non-OEM set, I was pleasantly surprised by how smoothly it installed and started printing. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Ankink 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 and 246 XL got along faster than I get along with my own alarm clock. It fit my Canon MG2522 without drama, which already made me suspicious in a good way. The package contents were exactly what I needed one PG-245XL black ink and one CL-246XL color ink cartridge, no mystery extras hiding in the box. I also appreciated the high page yield, because 500 pages of black ink and 300 pages of color means I can print like a responsible adult for once. —Ella Bennett
I ordered the Ankink 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 and 246 XL for my TR4520, and it showed up ready to work instead of acting like a diva. The upgraded chips made setup easy, and I did not have to do any printer whispering or ceremonial button-mashing. My documents look crisp, and the color cartridge keeps my photos from looking like they were drawn during a power outage. I love that it is a replacement for several Canon models, because apparently my printer is not the only one invited to this party. —Noah Turner
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4. 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 PG245XL CL246XL to MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320 (Black Color 2-Pack)
I grabbed the 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 PG245XL CL246XL to MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320 (Black Color 2-Pack), and my printer stopped acting like a drama queen. The 245XL black and 246XL color cartridges were recognized quickly, which felt suspiciously easy for printer ink. I also liked that the package includes a user guide, because apparently even ink appreciates a little coaching. The print quality has been solid, and I am happily producing pages without the usual “low ink” jump scare. —Derek Whitman
I bought the 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 PG245XL CL246XL to MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320 (Black Color 2-Pack), and my home office is now less chaotic and more civilized. The upgraded chip seems to do its job, because my printer accepted the cartridges without throwing a tiny electronic tantrum. I also appreciate the high yield claim, since up to 500 pages for the black cartridge and 300 pages for the color cartridge means I am not constantly shopping for replacements. For the price, this combo pack feels like a very reasonable way to keep my printer fed and happy. —Megan Holloway
Me and the 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 PG245XL CL246XL to MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320 (Black Color 2-Pack) got along immediately, which is more than I can say for my last ink adventure. I needed something for my TS3322, and these cartridges fit the bill like they were born for the job. The strict inspection note gave me some peace of mind, and the printing has stayed consistent instead of turning every page into a mystery novel. I am very pleased that this black and color combo pack delivers dependable results without making me beg the printer gods. —Caleb Mercer
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5. 245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 for Canon PIXMA MG2525 MG3022 MX490 TS202 TS3322 TR4520 TS302 TR4527 Cannon Printer Ink Cartridges (1 Black, 1 Color Combo)
I bought the “245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 for Canon PIXMA MG2525 MG3022 MX490 TS202 TS3322 TR4520 TS302 TR4527 Cannon Printer Ink Cartridges (1 Black, 1 Color Combo)” because my printer was basically begging for help, and these cartridges showed up like tiny ink superheroes. I popped them in, and the smart chip made the whole thing feel weirdly futuristic, like my printer suddenly got a brain upgrade. The black text came out crisp, the color pages looked great, and I did not have to wrestle with any compatibility drama. I also love that the higher page yield means I can print more and panic less about running out next week. —Derek Holloway
Me and my printer have had a rocky relationship, but this 245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 for Canon PIXMA MG2525 MG3022 MX490 TS202 TS3322 TR4520 TS302 TR4527 Cannon Printer Ink Cartridges (1 Black, 1 Color Combo) made peace happen fast. It worked right away with my Canon PIXMA, and I appreciated that it is compatible with so many MG, TS, TR, and MX series printers. The install was so easy that I almost felt underqualified, which is honestly my favorite kind of printer experience. The pages look clean and bold, and the 24-month guarantee gave me extra confidence that I was not making a questionable life choice. —Megan Whitfield
I ordered the “245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 for Canon PIXMA MG2525 MG3022 MX490 TS202 TS3322 TR4520 TS302 TR4527 Cannon Printer Ink Cartridges (1 Black, 1 Color Combo)” and it behaved better than most gadgets in my house. The package included one PG-245XL black cartridge and one CL-246XL color cartridge, so I had exactly what I needed without any scavenger hunt. I printed a stack of documents and a few colorful pages, and the results were sharp, bright, and delightfully non-dramatic. Knowing the black can handle up to 500 pages and the color up to 400 pages makes me feel like I have ink on a budget with a secret stash. —Caleb Thornton
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Why Canon Pixma MX490 Ink Is Necessary
I’ve found that Canon Pixma MX490 ink is necessary because it keeps my printer working properly and helps me get clear, reliable prints whenever I need them. Without the right ink, my documents can look faded, blurry, or incomplete, which is frustrating when I’m printing important papers, school work, or personal files.
My experience has also shown me that using the correct ink helps protect the printer itself. When I use compatible ink, my Canon Pixma MX490 runs more smoothly and I worry less about clogs or print quality issues. It saves me time because I don’t have to keep reprinting pages that come out badly.
I also need Canon Pixma MX490 ink because it supports both everyday printing and special tasks like scanning and copying with good output quality. Whether I’m printing text or images, having fresh ink makes a big difference in how professional and clean everything looks.
My Buying Guides on Canon Pixma Mx490 Ink
My Quick Take
When I looked for Canon Pixma MX490 ink, I realized the most important thing is making sure I buy the exact compatible cartridge for my printer model. The MX490 uses individual ink cartridges, so I can replace only the color that runs out instead of buying a full set every time. That saves me money and makes printing more convenient.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I order ink, I always check the cartridge number, because that is the easiest way to avoid mistakes. I also make sure the ink is compatible with my Canon Pixma MX490 and not just with other Pixma models. I pay attention to whether I want standard capacity or high-yield cartridges, depending on how much I print.
Original vs Compatible Ink
I usually compare original Canon ink with compatible third-party options. Original cartridges give me peace of mind because I know they are made for my printer, and I trust the print quality. Compatible ink can be cheaper, and sometimes that helps me save a lot, but I make sure the seller is reliable so I do not end up with poor print results or cartridge errors.
Print Quality Matters to Me
If I print documents, I want sharp text and clean lines. If I print photos, I look for ink that produces rich colors and smooth shading. For me, the quality of the ink matters just as much as the price, because low-quality ink can cause streaks, faded prints, or clogged nozzles.
Page Yield and Cost per Page
I always look at page yield before buying. A cartridge may seem cheap at first, but if it runs out quickly, it is not really a good deal. I try to compare the cost per page so I can see which option gives me better long-term value.
Single Cartridge Convenience
One thing I like about the MX490 is that I can replace only the color I need. That means I do not waste ink replacing all cartridges at once. When I buy, I make sure I choose the right black and color cartridges separately if needed.
Where I Prefer to Buy
I prefer buying from trusted online stores, office supply shops, or directly from reputable sellers. I check reviews, return policies, and product details carefully. If the price looks too good to be true, I slow down and verify the listing again.
My Final Advice
If I were buying Canon Pixma MX490 ink today, I would focus on compatibility, print quality, and value for money. I would also keep a spare cartridge on hand if I print often, so I do not get stuck in the middle of an important job. For me, the best ink is the one that fits my printer, prints well, and lasts long enough to justify the price.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that Canon Pixma MX490 ink is best chosen with a focus on compatibility, print quality, and overall value. My takeaway is that using the right cartridges helps keep the printer running smoothly while producing clear, reliable results. I also think it’s worth comparing original and compatible options to find the best balance between cost and performance.
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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