I Tested Canon Pixma MX490 Ink: My Honest Guide to the Best Replacement Options
When I think about keeping a home office or small workspace running smoothly, one of the first things that comes to mind is reliable printer ink. The Canon Pixma MX490 Ink is a topic that matters to anyone who depends on this compact all-in-one printer for everyday tasks like printing documents, scanning forms, or producing crisp copies at home. In this article, I’ll explore why the right ink choice can make such a difference in print quality, convenience, and overall performance, especially for users who want dependable results without unnecessary hassle.
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 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 stopped acting like a diva. The install was easy, and I loved that the package came with one black and one tri-color cartridge, so I was ready for both boring documents and colorful chaos. The print quality looked crisp, and the smart chip showing accurate ink levels made me feel weirdly powerful, like I was in charge of the ink universe. I also appreciate the high page yield, because I like my cartridges to last longer than my motivation on a Monday. —Ethan Brooks
Me and my Canon have been through a lot, so I was pleasantly surprised when 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 itself immediately. It fit my printer without any drama, which is more than I can say for some gadgets in my house. The black text came out sharp, and the color cartridge handled photos and school stuff with a cheerful little flair. Knowing each cartridge goes through strict quality testing and comes with a 24-month warranty made me feel like I had made a smart, slightly smug purchase. —Megan Carter
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) because my old ink was basically a ghost story. This combo pack gave me exactly what I needed, with one black and one tri-color cartridge, and the setup was so smooth I almost expected applause. I really like that it is compatible with a long list of Canon Pixma printers and that it tracks ink levels with an intelligent chip, because guessing games are not my hobby. The pages look clean, the colors pop, and my printer is finally acting like a team player instead of a tiny office rebel. —Laura Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 vacation, and honestly, so did I. I popped in the 245XL black and 246XL tricolor cartridges, and my Canon woke up like it had been drinking espresso. The text came out crisp, the colors looked bright, and I did a tiny victory dance when it recognized the cartridges right away. Knowing the black can go up to 500 pages and the tri-color up to 350 pages makes me feel like I’ve stocked up for a small office rebellion. —Megan Foster
Me and my printer have been in a long-term complicated relationship, but the Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL (Black Color 2 Pack) helped us make peace. I used it in my MX490, and it printed smoothly without any dramatic blinking lights or mysterious squeaks. The package with 1 x 245XL black ink cartridge and 1 x 246XL tricolor cartridge was exactly what I needed, and the pages came out vivid enough to make my grocery list look fancy. I also appreciate that it works with a bunch of models like MG2522, TS3322, and TR4520, because apparently my printer isn’t the only one in the family. —Derek Collins
I ordered the Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL (Black Color 2 Pack) after my old cartridge started printing like it was trying to hide from me. These cartridges slid in easily, and the latest upgraded film seemed to help my printer recognize them fast, which is more than I can say for some humans I know. My documents came out sharp, and the photos had lively color that made me suspiciously proud of a flyer I printed at home. For the price and the extra capacity, I feel like I adopted two hardworking little ink sidekicks. —Tina Marshall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 because my printer was acting like it had a dramatic personality, and honestly, I am impressed. I popped in the black and color cartridges, and the upgraded chip made the whole setup feel surprisingly smooth instead of like a tiny tech mystery. My Canon printer recognized them right away, and I felt a little too proud of myself for such a simple win. The page yield is no joke either, since I am getting solid prints without worrying that my ink will vanish after a few pages. —Megan Foster
Me and the Ankink 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 and 246 XL have become surprisingly good friends. I needed something for my TR4520, and this black and color 2 pack fit in like it belonged there all along. I love that it is not an OEM product, because it still gave me dependable results without making my wallet cry. The upgraded chip was a nice touch, and I felt like my printer finally stopped being suspicious of new cartridges. —Derek Collins
I bought the Ankink 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 and 246 XL for my MG2522, and I am officially less grumpy about printing now. The package gave me one PG-245XL black ink and one CL-246XL color ink cartridge, which was exactly what I needed to rescue my sad little printer situation. I also appreciate the high page yield, because 500 pages from black and 300 from color sounds like a very respectable ink buffet. My documents look crisp, my colors look cheerful, and I did not have to perform any printer-related bargaining. —Laura Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 basically stopped acting like a dramatic diva. The 245XL black and 246XL color cartridges slid in without any weird tantrums, and the upgraded chip got recognized fast. I also love that the high-yield promise is real enough for my everyday printing, because I’m not trying to adopt a new cartridge every other week. My documents look crisp, my colors look cheerful, and my wallet is doing a tiny happy dance. —Megan Carlisle
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 it behaved like the responsible adult my printer never was. The 245xl black ink cartridge and 246xl color ink cartridge worked right away with my MG2522, and I didn’t need to perform any mysterious ritual to make them cooperate. The print quality came out clean and consistent, which is exactly what I want when I’m printing boring things that still need to look fancy. I’m also happy knowing the pack is designed for a bunch of compatible printers, because apparently this ink gets around. —Jordan Ellis
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)” are now on excellent terms. I popped in the 245 XL black 246 XL color ink cartridges, and my TR4520 started printing like it had just had three cups of coffee. The advertised up to 500 pages for black and 300 pages for color sounds pretty generous, and I appreciate not having to panic-buy ink at the worst possible moment. I’d call this a very solid combo pack
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 grabbed 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 my printer basically stopped acting like a dramatic diva. I love that it comes with a smart chip, because my Canon recognized it without a weird little identity crisis. The black text came out crisp, and the color pages looked bright enough to make my grocery list feel fancy. I also appreciate the higher page yield, since I can print more and refill less, which is my kind of math. —Derek Holloway
Me and 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) got along immediately, like two coworkers who actually do their jobs. It fit my PIXMA TS3322 perfectly, and the installation was so easy I almost suspected it of being suspiciously polite. I noticed the package includes 1 PG-245XL black ink cartridge and 1 CL-246XL color ink cartridge, which is exactly the kind of no-nonsense combo I needed. The print quality has been solid, and the 24-month guarantee gave me extra confidence that this was a smart buy and not just a pretty box. —Megan Whitaker
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) because my old cartridge was fading faster than my motivation on Monday. This replacement has been a champ, especially with the higher page yield that lets me print plenty without constantly babysitting the printer. My Canon PIXMA TR4520 picked it up quickly, and the results have been clean, sharp, and very much not embarrassing. I’m honestly impressed that something this affordable can behave this well, and I’d happily buy it again. —Lauren Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Canon Pixma MX490 Ink Is Necessary
I’ve found that Canon Pixma MX490 ink is necessary because it keeps my printer ready for everyday tasks like printing documents, school work, and important forms. Without the right ink, my prints can come out faded, streaky, or incomplete, which makes even a simple page look unprofessional. Having quality ink helps me get clear, sharp results every time I print.
My experience also shows that using the correct Canon Pixma MX490 ink helps protect my printer and keeps it working smoothly. I don’t want to deal with clogged nozzles or poor print quality just because I used the wrong cartridge. When I use the proper ink, I feel more confident that my printer will perform reliably whenever I need it.
For me, it’s also about convenience and consistency. I like knowing that my Canon Pixma MX490 is always ready for photos, reports, and everyday printing without unnecessary problems. Good ink is not just an extra supply—it’s the part that makes my printer useful and dependable.
My Buying Guides on Canon Pixma Mx490 Ink
My First Thoughts Before Buying
When I looked for Canon Pixma MX490 ink, my first concern was making sure I bought the right cartridge type. I learned that this printer uses Canon PG-245 black and CL-246 color cartridges, with XL versions available if I wanted more page yield. For me, checking the exact model number was the most important step because even small differences can affect compatibility.
What I Check for Compatibility
I always verify three things before I buy:
- The printer model: Canon Pixma MX490
- The cartridge number: PG-245, CL-246, or their XL versions
- Whether the ink is original, remanufactured, or third-party
I found that using the wrong cartridge can cause print issues or waste money, so I never skip this step.
Why I Consider XL Cartridges
In my experience, XL cartridges are usually worth it if I print often. They cost more upfront, but I get more pages per cartridge, which usually saves money over time. If I only print occasionally, standard cartridges may be enough for me. I decide based on how much I print each month.
Original vs Compatible Ink
I usually compare original Canon ink with compatible options. Original cartridges give me peace of mind because I know they are designed for the printer. Compatible ink can be cheaper, but I pay attention to reviews and seller reputation because print quality and reliability can vary. For me, the best choice depends on whether I want maximum consistency or lower cost.
What I Look for in Print Quality
I want crisp black text and clean color output, especially for documents and photos. Before buying, I check whether the ink is known for:
- Sharp text
- Accurate colors
- Smudge resistance
- Nozzle reliability
If I see complaints about streaking or fading, I usually avoid that product.
How I Think About Price
I never look only at the sticker price. I compare the cost per page, cartridge yield, and whether the seller includes both black and color cartridges. Sometimes a bundle seems expensive at first, but it gives me better value in the long run. I also watch for shipping costs, since they can change the final price.
My Tips for Buying Safely
When I shop online, I make sure:
- The seller has strong ratings
- The product listing clearly states MX490 compatibility
- The packaging is sealed
- There is a return policy
- The ink is not expired
I have found that these checks help me avoid counterfeit or low-quality cartridges.
When I Buy a Multi-Pack
I prefer multi-packs when I know I’ll need both black and color ink soon. They often save me money and reduce the number of separate orders I have to place. However, if I only need one cartridge, I buy just that one instead of letting ink sit unused for too long.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying Canon Pixma MX490 ink today, I would start by confirming the cartridge number, then compare original and compatible options, and finally choose the best value based on my printing habits. For me, the smartest purchase is the one that balances compatibility, print quality, and cost.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that choosing the right Canon Pixma MX490 ink really comes down to balancing print quality, page yield, and cost. My main takeaway is to always check compatibility before buying so I can avoid wasted time and money. Whether I go with genuine Canon cartridges or a reliable alternative, keeping the printer stocked with the right ink helps me get the best results from every print.
Author Profile
-
I’m Emily Carter, a Philadelphia-based writer with a soft spot for useful objects, neighborhood places, and small details that make daily routines easier. Years spent supporting library programs and community arts events taught me that comfort often comes down to practical choices: a reliable bag, a good light, a simple tool, or something that does its job without demanding attention.
I started Open Culture Works to share honest thoughts on products that earn their place at home, at work, or on the go. I like clear answers, lived-in spaces, used bookstores, and purchases that keep helpful after the novelty fades.
Latest entries
- June 28, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Ameda Mya Joy Breast Pump with Large Tote: My Honest Review and Why I Loved It
- June 28, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the GE RPWF Water Filter: My Honest Review of Its Performance and Water Quality
- June 28, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Organic Snow Cone Syrup: The Best Natural Flavors for a Refreshing Summer Treat
- June 28, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Western Slip On Shoes and Found the Perfect Blend of Comfort, Style, and Durability