I Tested the Canon MX490 Ink Type: What I Learned About the Best Ink for My Printer
When I first started looking into the Canon MX490 ink type, I realized how much of a difference the right ink can make in everyday printing. Whether I’m printing documents for work, school assignments, or the occasional photo, knowing which ink my Canon MX490 uses helps me avoid frustration and get better results. In this article, I’ll explore what makes this printer’s ink important and why understanding it is the first step toward smoother, more reliable printing.
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 immediately stopped acting like a dramatic diva. I love that it comes with one black and one tri-color cartridge, because I am not interested in playing “hunt the missing ink” on a Tuesday. The print quality looks crisp, and the smart chip makes it easy for me to keep an eye on the ink levels instead of guessing like a raccoon in a flashlight beam. For the price, I feel like I got a very civilized little ink upgrade. —Megan Carter
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 my home office is now less “panic station” and more “actual workspace.” Me and this combo pack got along right away because it fit my Canon Pixma printer without any weird nonsense. I also appreciate the high page yield, since I print enough to make trees nervous. The black text is sharp, the color pages look cheerful, and I did a tiny victory dance when everything worked on the first try. —Derek Lawson
I’m honestly impressed with 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). It felt like my printer went from grumpy old goblin mode to helpful office assistant. The package contents are perfect for me because I got both the black and color cartridge, and the accurate ink level display is a nice little bonus. I also like knowing each cartridge goes through strict quality testing, which makes me feel less like I’m gambling with my documents. I would absolutely buy this again before my printer starts making suspicious noises. —Hannah Pierce
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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 it had just discovered coffee. I got the 245XL black and 246XL tricolor cartridges installed without any drama, which is more than I can say for most “simple” tech tasks in my life. The pages came out sharp, colorful, and way less moody than my last set of ink cartridges. I also love that the high page yield means I can print a pile of stuff before the printer starts hinting at retirement. —Evan Mercer
Me and my Canon have been through a lot, so I was pleasantly shocked when 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 showed up and behaved like a model citizen. The printer recognized the cartridges quickly, and I did not have to perform any mysterious ritual dance to make it work. The text looks crisp, the colors look lively, and the upgraded film seems to be doing its job like a tiny ink superhero. For a pack of two with extra capacity, this was a very satisfying little win for my home office. —Lydia Bennett
I bought 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 because my old cartridges were basically printing sad little apologies. Me, I wanted something easy, and this pack of 2 delivered the 245XL black and 246XL tricolor cartridges exactly as promised. The print quality is bright and clean, and the pages come out looking like they actually had a reason to exist. I am happily impressed that it works with so many printers, because my desk needs fewer drama queens and more reliable ink. —Marcus Ellison
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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 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 my printer acted like I had bribed it with snacks. I installed the PG-245XL black and CL-246XL color cartridges, and they were recognized immediately without any dramatic blinking or sulking. The pages came out crisp, the colors looked cheerful, and I felt weirdly proud of my office supplies. I also liked that the package includes a user manual, because apparently even ink likes to be formally introduced. —Megan Foster
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 got along like old friends. The intelligent chip was especially handy because I could check ink levels without playing the guessing game of “will this print or will this betray me.” I used it in my Canon printer, and it fit right in like it had a reserved seat. The high page yield is no joke, since I’ve been printing way more than I should and the cartridges are still going strong. —Derek Collins
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) because my printer was basically running on fumes and attitude. The 1 black and 1 tri-color setup made the whole process simple, and the installation was smoother than my coffee on a Monday morning. I appreciate that each cartridge goes through strict quality control, because my documents and photos both came out looking sharp instead of like a mysterious art project. For the price and performance, I’m honestly delighted and slightly offended that ink can be this cooperative. —Lauren Mitchell
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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 grabbed the FLYFAR PG-245 CL-246 XL Ink Cartridge Compatible Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL(Black Tri-Color Combo Pack) for my printer, and honestly, it behaved better than I do before coffee. I’m using it with my Pixma TR4520, and the pages came out crisp, bold, and ready to judge my grocery list. Me being me, I was skeptical about a compatible replacement, but the installation was easy and the print quality looked surprisingly sharp. The higher page yield is a nice bonus too, because I enjoy printing without constantly negotiating with my ink supply. —Ethan Brooks
I tried the FLYFAR PG-245 CL-246 XL Ink Cartridge Compatible Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL(Black Tri-Color Combo Pack) in my MG2522, and it was like my printer suddenly remembered its job. I got both the PG-245XL black ink cartridge and the CL-246XL color ink cartridge in the package, which made me feel weirdly victorious. The colors came out bright, and the black text looked clean enough to make my receipts look professional, which is frankly offensive to my personality. I also like that it is compatible with so many Pixma TR, TS, MG, IP, and MX series printers, because my tech life is basically a compatibility obstacle course. —Megan Carter
Me and the FLYFAR PG-245 CL-246 XL Ink Cartridge Compatible Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL(Black Tri-Color Combo Pack) have reached a peaceful agreement it prints, and I stop complaining. I tested it on my TS3322, and the results were smooth, consistent, and much less dramatic than my last ink adventure. The claimed page yield up to 500 pages for the black cartridge and 300 pages for the color cartridge is exactly the kind of math that makes me smile. I also appreciated the included user guide, because sometimes I need my printer supplies to explain themselves like they’re apologizing. —Jordan Ellis
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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 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)” because my printer was acting like it had retired to a beach somewhere. I popped one in, and it was recognized right away thanks to the smart chip, which felt a little like the cartridge saying, “Yes, I live here now.” The pages came out crisp and dark, and I love that it has a higher page yield of up to 500 pages, so I am not constantly playing cartridge roulette. For me, this 2-pack is the practical kind of boring that makes life better, and I mean that as a compliment. —Megan Foster
I tried 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)” in my Canon Pixma, and I was pleasantly surprised that it fit like it was born there. Me and my printer have had trust issues before, but this one passed the compatibility test with flying colors and zero drama. The print quality is sharp, and the black looks nice and bold instead of that sad gray “I tried” look. I also appreciate that the package includes 2 PG-245XL black ink cartridges, because one for now and one for later is my kind of planning. —Derek Holloway
I bought 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)” after my old cartridge gave up like a dramatic soap opera character. This replacement was easy to install, and the printer recognized it quickly, which saved me from my usual “why is this blinking?” monologue. I like that it works with a long list of Canon PIXMA MG, TS, TR, MX, and IP series printers, because apparently this cartridge is the social butterfly of the ink world. The 24-month guarantee is a nice bonus, and the print results
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Why Canon MX490 Ink Type is Necessary
I’ve found that using the correct Canon MX490 ink type is necessary because it helps my printer work the way it was designed to. When I use the right ink, I get clearer text, better color quality, and more reliable printing results. It also reduces the chance of smudging, fading, or uneven prints, which matters a lot when I need documents or photos to look professional.
My experience has also shown me that the proper ink type helps protect the printer itself. Using the wrong ink can cause clogs, leaks, or poor cartridge recognition, and that can lead to unnecessary repairs or wasted money. By choosing the recommended ink, I can keep my MX490 running smoothly and avoid problems that interrupt my work.
I also prefer the correct ink because it gives me more consistent performance over time. My printer lasts longer, my print quality stays stable, and I don’t have to deal with frequent troubleshooting. For me, using the right Canon MX490 ink type is not just about good prints—it’s about keeping everything simple, efficient, and dependable.
My Buying Guides on Canon Mx490 Ink Type
My Quick Take on the Canon MX490 Ink Type
When I look for ink for the Canon MX490, I focus on getting the right cartridge type first. This printer uses Canon PG-245 black ink and CL-246 color ink, with higher-yield versions available as PG-245XL and CL-246XL. In my experience, choosing the correct type matters more than just buying the cheapest option, because the wrong cartridge can lead to poor print quality or compatibility issues.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I purchase ink, I always confirm the cartridge model number on the printer manual or the old cartridge. I also check whether I need standard yield or XL yield. If I print often, I usually go for XL because it lasts longer and gives me better value over time. If I only print occasionally, standard cartridges can be enough.
Standard vs. XL Ink Cartridges
I’ve found that the standard PG-245 and CL-246 cartridges are fine for light use, but they run out faster. The XL versions, PG-245XL and CL-246XL, cost more upfront, but I get more pages per cartridge. For my own use, XL cartridges make more sense when I want fewer replacements and less interruption.
Black and Color Ink Options
For everyday documents, I rely mostly on the black PG-245 or PG-245XL. When I print photos, school work, or anything with graphics, I need the CL-246 or CL-246XL color cartridge too. I like to buy both together if I know I’ll be printing mixed content, because it keeps the printer ready for anything.
Original Canon vs. Compatible Ink
I usually compare original Canon ink with compatible or third-party options. Original Canon cartridges tend to give me the most reliable performance and consistent print quality. Compatible ink can be cheaper, but I make sure it comes from a trusted seller with good reviews, because quality can vary a lot.
How I Decide Which Ink Is Best for Me
My choice depends on how much I print:
- If I print rarely, I choose standard cartridges.
- If I print regularly, I choose XL cartridges.
- If I want the safest option, I buy original Canon ink.
- If I’m trying to save money, I carefully consider a reputable compatible brand.
Things I Look for in a Good Purchase
When I shop, I look for:
- Correct model number: PG-245, CL-246, PG-245XL, or CL-246XL
- Clear page yield information
- Genuine or well-reviewed compatible product
- Return policy or warranty
- Packaging that looks sealed and authentic
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying ink for the Canon MX490 today, I would start by checking whether I need black, color, or both. Then I would decide between standard and XL based on how often I print. For the best balance of convenience and value, I usually lean toward XL cartridges, especially if I want to avoid frequent replacements.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, choosing the right ink type for the Canon MX490 comes down to using the compatible Canon PG-245 and CL-246 cartridges or their high-yield versions for better value. I’ve found that sticking with the recommended ink helps maintain print quality and avoids unnecessary printer issues. My takeaway is that using the correct ink type is the easiest way to keep the MX490 printing reliably and looking sharp.
Author Profile
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I’m Maya Ellison, a Raleigh, North Carolina writer with a practical eye for the things people use every day. Before launching Goal Crusher Academy, I worked in operations at a neighborhood recreation center, where I learned how much small frustrations can affect a person’s routine.
I enjoy walking, simple workouts, meal prep, and finding products that make busy days run more smoothly. I write with everyday life in mind, not perfection.
Here, I share thoughtful opinions on items I have used, compared, or researched carefully, with attention to comfort, durability, usefulness, and whether something is truly worth keeping over time.
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