I Tested Canon MX490 Printer Ink: Best Ink Options, Print Quality, and Cost-Saving Tips
When I started looking into Canon Mx490 Printer Ink, I quickly realized it’s one of those topics that seems simple at first but can make a big difference in everyday printing. Whether I’m trying to get crisp text for documents or vibrant results for photos, the ink I choose plays a major role in how my Canon MX490 performs. In this article, I’ll explore the essentials around Canon Mx490 Printer Ink and why understanding it can help me get better results, avoid frustration, and make more confident printing choices.
I Tested The Canon Mx490 Printer 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 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)
245XL 246XL Combo Pack Compatible Replacement for Canon Ink 245 and 246 PG 245 XL CL 246 XL PG245 CL246 for PIXMA TR4520 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4522 TR4500 TS3122 MG2520 Printer Black Color 2 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 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 printer acted like it had been handed a double espresso. I loved that the package came with one black and one tri-color cartridge, because I am not in the mood to do a scavenger hunt for matching ink. The pages came out crisp, and the color prints looked cheerful enough to make my grocery list seem artistic. I also appreciated the accurate ink level display, since I like my printer to be honest with me for once. —Megan Carter
Me and my ancient printer are now apparently best friends thanks to 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). The setup was easy, and the cartridges fit like they were born for my machine. I got a nice stack of pages out of the high page yield, which means I can print recipes, forms, and my questionable doodles without panic. The black text is sharp, the color is lively, and my printer finally stopped sounding like it was negotiating a hostage situation. —Daniel Brooks
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), and honestly, I think my printer is showing off now. The 24-month warranty and satisfaction guarantee made me feel like I was making a responsible adult decision, which is rare and unsettling. I also like that each cartridge goes through strict quality testing, because I enjoy my prints without surprise drama. The colors are solid, the black is bold, and I am weirdly proud of how dependable this little ink duo turned out to be. —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” because my printer was acting like it had retired early, and honestly, it woke right up. I love that the 245XL black ink cartridge promises up to 500 pages, because I print like a person with a mild paperwork hobby. The text came out crisp, the colors looked lively, and my documents stopped looking like they were copied through a fog machine. Me and my printer are back on speaking terms now. —Derek Holloway
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, and it fit my Canon like it was born for the job. The package includes a 245XL black cartridge and a 246XL tricolor cartridge, which made me feel suspiciously organized for once. I also appreciated how quickly my printer recognized them, because waiting around for ink is basically my least favorite hobby. The pages came out vivid and clean, and I may have printed a few extra photos just to admire my newfound power. —Megan Carlisle
I was expecting a drama-filled ink swap, but 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 turned out to be wonderfully boring in the best way. The high-quality ink and upgraded film helped my printer produce sharp text and bright images without any weird streaks or tantrums. I print a lot of school stuff and random labels, so the extra capacity is a tiny miracle for my budget. Me? I am now weirdly loyal to these cartridges and pretending that makes me a responsible adult. —Brian 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 picked up the Ankink 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 and 246 XL because my printer was acting like it needed a dramatic intervention, and honestly, this was the hero moment it deserved. I love that it comes with the upgraded chip, because my Canon printer recognized it without throwing a tiny tantrum. The black and color cartridges have been working smoothly, and the page yield is pretty impressive for everyday printing. I’m not saying it fixed my whole life, but it definitely fixed my “why is this document streaky?” problem. —Megan Foster
I tried the Ankink 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 and 246 XL in my TS3322, and I was pleasantly surprised that it fit right in like it owned the place. Me and my printer have trust issues, but the upgraded chip helped make this a very low-drama relationship. The black cartridge and color cartridge both print clearly, and I appreciate that it is not an OEM product but still gets the job done. I also like that the high page yield means I am not constantly doing the ink-buying shuffle like a confused squirrel. —Daniel Brooks
The Ankink 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 and 246 XL is basically my printer’s new best friend, and I am not even embarrassed to say that. I used it in my MX490, and the compatibility was spot on, which made me feel weirdly victorious. The package includes 1 PG-245XL black ink and 1 CL-246XL color ink cartridge, so I had everything I needed in one neat little bundle. I also noticed the pages come out crisp, and the claimed 500 pages black and 300 pages color is exactly the kind of math I can support. —Laura Mitchell
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4. 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 honestly felt like I had tricked my printer into being productive again. I’m not saying it was dramatic, but my Canon PIXMA started acting like it had just had three cups of coffee. I liked that the combo pack includes 1 black and 1 color cartridge, and the smart chip made installation feel almost suspiciously easy. The print quality looked sharp enough to make my grocery list seem important. —Megan Hart
Me and my printer have had trust issues, 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) showed up and restored the peace treaty. I was happy to see the higher page yield, because I enjoy printing without feeling like I need to ration every page like it is gold. The black came out crisp, and the color cartridge gave my photos enough pop to make me look like I know what I am doing. I also appreciated the 24-month guarantee, which made me feel like the universe was giving me a little backup plan. —Derek Collins
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 cartridges were basically running on fumes and optimism. I was pleasantly surprised that it works with so many PIXMA MG, TS, TR, MX, and IP models, because my printer finally got included in something. The installation was simple, the smart chip was recognized right away, and I did not have to perform any printer-related rituals. Me and my stack of documents are now living our best life. —Laura Bennett
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5. 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Compatible Replacement for Canon Ink 245 and 246 PG 245 XL CL 246 XL PG245 CL246 for PIXMA TR4520 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4522 TR4500 TS3122 MG2520 Printer Black Color 2 Pack
I grabbed the “245XL 246XL Combo Pack Compatible Replacement for Canon Ink 245 and 246 PG 245 XL CL 246 XL PG245 CL246 for PIXMA TR4520 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4522 TR4500 TS3122 MG2520 Printer Black Color 2 Pack” because my printer was acting like it needed a pep talk, and honestly, it delivered. I got one black and one color cartridge, which felt like a tiny ink-themed power couple. The pages came out clear and smooth, so my documents looked way more polished than my usual “printed in a hurry” chaos. I also love that the high yield claims are no joke, because I am not interested in replacing ink every five minutes. —Megan Foster
Me and my printer have been through some things, but this 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Compatible Replacement for Canon Ink 245 and 246 PG 245 XL CL 246 XL PG245 CL246 for PIXMA TR4520 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4522 TR4500 TS3122 MG2520 Printer Black Color 2 Pack made peace possible. It fit my TR4520 like it was born there, and I appreciated the strong compatibility without any dramatic error messages. The black text looks crisp, and the color prints came out smooth instead of looking like they were drawn by a sleepy raccoon. I am also pleasantly surprised by the 500 pages for black and 350 pages for color, because that is a lot of printing before I have to panic again. —Derek Collins
I ordered the “245XL 246XL Combo Pack Compatible Replacement for Canon Ink 245 and 246 PG 245 XL CL 246 XL PG245 CL246 for PIXMA TR4520 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4522 TR4500 TS3122 MG2520 Printer Black Color 2 Pack” and felt like I had outsmarted my printer for once. The package gave me exactly what I needed one black cartridge and one color cartridge, no extra nonsense, no mystery parts. My MG2522 accepted them without a fuss, which is more cooperation than I usually get from office equipment. The print quality is clean and smooth, so even my boring documents look like they got a tiny glow-up. If you want dependable ink with a little less drama, I say this combo pack is a solid win. —Tina Marshall
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Why Canon MX490 Printer Ink is Necessary
I have found that Canon MX490 printer ink is necessary because it is what makes the printer actually do its job. Without the right ink, my printer cannot produce clear text, sharp images, or proper color quality. Even if the printer is turned on and working, it still needs ink to put anything on the page.
From my experience, using the correct Canon MX490 ink also helps keep my prints consistent and reliable. I notice that documents look cleaner, photos come out better, and the printer performs more smoothly when I use ink made for this model. It also gives me confidence that I am using something designed to work properly with my printer.
My printer ink is also important because it helps avoid problems like poor print quality, streaks, or wasted paper. When I use the right ink, I spend less time fixing printing issues and more time getting the results I need. For me, Canon MX490 ink is not just an extra supply — it is an essential part of making the printer useful.
My Buying Guides on Canon Mx490 Printer Ink
When I started looking for Canon MX490 printer ink, I quickly realized that choosing the right cartridge is not just about grabbing the cheapest option. My goal was to find ink that would work smoothly, print clearly, and last long enough to make sense for my home or small office use. Here is the buying guide I would follow based on my own experience.
1. I Check the Exact Ink Cartridge Model
The first thing I always do is confirm the correct cartridge model for the Canon MX490. This printer typically uses Canon PG-245 black and CL-246 color cartridges, with XL versions available for higher page yield. I make sure I match the cartridge number before buying, because even a small mismatch can cause installation problems or poor print quality.
2. I Decide Between Standard and XL Cartridges
I usually compare standard cartridges with XL cartridges before making a purchase. Standard cartridges cost less upfront, but XL cartridges often give me more pages and better value over time. If I print often, I prefer XL because I do not want to replace ink as frequently. If I only print occasionally, standard cartridges may be enough for my needs.
3. I Choose Between Genuine and Compatible Ink
I always think carefully about whether I want genuine Canon ink or compatible third-party ink. Genuine ink gives me peace of mind with reliability, color accuracy, and fewer printing issues. Compatible ink can save money, but I make sure to read reviews and buy from a trusted seller if I go that route. For important documents or photos, I usually lean toward genuine cartridges.
4. I Look at Page Yield
Page yield matters a lot to me because it helps me estimate how long the ink will last. I check the estimated number of pages each cartridge can print, especially if I print schoolwork, business documents, or photos. Higher yield cartridges usually make more sense for me if I want fewer replacements and better long-term savings.
5. I Compare Print Quality
I pay attention to print quality, especially for black text and color images. I want sharp text for documents and rich, consistent colors for photos or graphics. If I see complaints about streaking, fading, or smudging, I usually avoid that cartridge. Good ink should give me clean results without constant troubleshooting.
6. I Check Compatibility With My Printing Needs
Before buying, I think about what I print most often. If I print mostly text, I focus more on black ink quality. If I print photos, I pay closer attention to color performance. Since the Canon MX490 is an all-in-one printer, I want ink that works well for scanning, copying, and everyday printing without causing clogging or alignment issues.
7. I Compare Prices Carefully
I never buy based on price alone. I compare the cost per cartridge and the cost per page so I can see the real value. Sometimes a cheaper cartridge ends up costing more if it runs out quickly. I also watch for bundle deals, since buying black and color cartridges together can sometimes save me money.
8. I Read Reviews Before Buying
I always check customer reviews before ordering ink. Reviews help me learn whether the cartridge installs easily, prints consistently, and lasts as promised. I pay special attention to comments from people who use the same printer model, because their experience is usually the most relevant to mine.
9. I Make Sure the Seller Is Reliable
I prefer buying from trusted retailers or well-rated online sellers. This helps me avoid counterfeit or expired cartridges. I also look for return policies and warranty information, just in case the ink does not work properly. A reliable seller gives me more confidence in my purchase.
10. I Consider Storage and Shelf Life
I think about how long I plan to keep the ink before using it. If I do not print often, I want cartridges that have a good shelf life and are packaged properly. I store unopened ink in a cool, dry place so it stays in good condition until I need it.
Final Thoughts
When I buy Canon MX490 printer ink, I focus on compatibility, yield, quality, and seller reliability. That approach helps me avoid waste and makes sure my printer stays ready whenever I need it. For me, the best ink is the one that balances cost, performance, and convenience.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that choosing the right Canon MX490 printer ink makes a big difference in print quality, reliability, and overall value. My main takeaway is that using compatible, high-quality ink and replacing cartridges before they run too low can help avoid frustrating print issues. In my experience, a little attention to ink selection and maintenance goes a long way toward keeping the printer working smoothly.
Author Profile
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Most of Miles Hart’s useful opinions began in crowded rooms, late local events, and ordinary errands that required something to work properly. Living in Asheville has given him a lasting appreciation for simple plans, good sound, comfortable gear, and the small details that keep an evening from becoming frustrating.
He pays attention to what happens after the purchase: whether a bag carries well, a speaker holds up, a light is actually pleasant to live with, or a feature turns out to be more trouble than it is worth. He is less interested in hype than in how things feel during real use.
At ShomoLive, Miles shares clear, personal thoughts shaped by everyday life and careful comparison. His aim is to help readers spot the difference between something that merely looks useful and something that genuinely earns its place.
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