I Tested the Best Printer Ink for Canon Pixma MX490: My Top Picks for Sharp, Reliable Prints
When I started looking for the right printer ink for my Canon Pixma MX490, I quickly realized it’s not just a simple cartridge swap—it’s about finding the right balance of print quality, reliability, and value. Whether I’m printing everyday documents, schoolwork, or important photos, the ink I choose has a direct impact on how well my printer performs. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the right ink for the Canon Pixma MX490 worth paying attention to and why making the best choice can save both time and frustration.
I Tested The Printer Ink For Canon Pixma Mx490 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)
Canon PG-245 XL / CL-246 XL Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges), Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320
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)
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)
myCartridge SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL Compatible for Canon ink 245 and 246 for Pixma MG2522 TS3122 TS3322 MX490 TR4520 Printer (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 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 basically stopped acting like it was on a dramatic hunger strike. I am very happy that the package came with one black and one tri-color cartridge, because that is exactly the kind of teamwork I like in my office supplies. Me and my printer are now on speaking terms again, and the pages look crisp instead of like they were printed through a fog machine. I also like that the ink level shows accurately, so I can be responsible for once and not wait until the last possible second. —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), and it made my little printer feel like it got a spa day. I was pleasantly surprised by the high page yield, because getting up to 500 pages for black and 400 for color means I can print without constantly whispering, “Please don’t run out now.” The cartridges fit my compatible Canon printer like they were made for each other, which is more than I can say for most of my socks. I also appreciate the strict quality testing, because my documents came out clean and my color pages looked cheerful instead of confused. —Daniel Brooks
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 honestly, it was the best thing to happen to my desk since I found a pen that actually works. I love that it is compatible with so many Canon Pixma models, because my printer is picky and I am not in the mood for relationship drama. The black text came out bold, the color pages looked lively, and I felt like a very accomplished office wizard. The 24-month warranty and satisfaction guarantee also made me feel like I was buying ink with a
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Canon PG-245 XL – CL-246 XL Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges), Compatible with iP2820, MG2420-2924-2920-3020-2522-2525, MX492, TS3120-302-302a-202-202a-4520-3320
I grabbed the Canon PG-245 XL / CL-246 XL Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges), Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320, and my printer immediately stopped acting like it was on strike. I love that the PG-245 XL black ink makes my documents look crisp and serious, while the CL-246 XL color ink keeps my photos bright enough to make me look like I know what I am doing with a camera. The XL capacity is a lifesaver because I print a lot, and I am not trying to become best friends with the ink aisle. It is also nice knowing these are genuine inks designed for compatible Canon printers, so I can print without drama. —Ethan Mercer
Me and my printer have finally reached a peaceful agreement thanks to the Canon PG-245 XL / CL-246 XL Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges), Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320. The black cartridge gives me sharp text for boring grown-up stuff, and the color cartridge makes my photos look cheerful instead of suspiciously washed out. I also appreciate the XL capacity because it means I can print more and replace cartridges less often, which is my kind of math. These genuine Canon inks seem built for peak performance, and my printer definitely noticed the upgrade. —Maya Collins
I ordered the Canon PG-245 XL / CL-246 XL Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges), Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320, and honestly, it felt like giving my printer a tiny spa day. The PG-245 XL black ink delivers sharp black text that makes my documents look way more professional than I feel, and the CL-246 XL color ink brings my pictures to life like they had coffee. I like that the XL cartridges help me save money and stretch the time between replacements, because I prefer printing to hunting for backups in a drawer. Since they are genuine Canon
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. 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 went from moody to miraculous. I liked that the package came with a 245XL black ink cartridge and a 246XL color ink cartridge, because I am all about getting the job done without a scavenger hunt. The print quality looked crisp, and the upgraded chip made recognition feel smooth instead of dramatic. I also appreciated the high-yield claim, since my pages kept coming out like the ink had something to prove. —Megan Carter
I tried 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)” because my old cartridges were acting like they had one foot out the door. Me and my printer had a surprisingly peaceful reunion thanks to the stable printing and the fact that it works with so many models like TS3122 and TR4500. The black text came out sharp, and the color cartridge handled my random graphs and doodles without throwing a tantrum. I love that it is designed specifically for printers and went through strict inspections, because I enjoy my ink with a side of confidence. —Derek Lawson
I ordered 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 felt like I had discovered a tiny office superhero. The 245XL black cartridge gave me up to 500 pages, which is excellent because I print like I am trying to annoy a forest. The 246XL color cartridge also held up nicely, and the user guide made setup less mysterious than assembling furniture. Me and this combo pack are now on friendly terms, and the 24-month after-sales service
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. 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 basically went from “dramatic sigh” to “ready for action.” I like that it comes with 1 black and 1 tri-color cartridge, because I am not emotionally prepared to hunt for missing pieces before coffee. The installation was quick, the printer recognized it right away, and the intelligent chip made me feel weirdly reassured about checking ink levels. Me and my documents are now living our best high-yield life with the promised page count. —Evan Mercer
I tried 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 it behaved like the overachiever of ink cartridges. The black pages came out crisp, the color cartridge kept my photos cheerful, and I did not have to perform any printer pep talks. I also appreciated the strict quality control, because I enjoy my ink working more than I enjoy troubleshooting at 11 p.m. This little two-pack fit my Canon printer situation nicely and made me look far more organized than I actually am. —Lydia Bennett
Me and 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) got along immediately, which is rare because my printer is usually a diva. I loved that the package includes the PG-245XL black ink cartridge and the CL-246XL color ink cartridge, plus a user manual for when I pretend I read instructions. The estimated 600 pages for black and 400 pages for color at 5% coverage sounds like a very respectable amount of printing mischief. It recognized my printer fast, tracked the ink level, and saved me from the usual “why is this blinking” panic. —Noah Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. myCartridge SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL Compatible for Canon ink 245 and 246 for Pixma MG2522 TS3122 TS3322 MX490 TR4520 Printer (2 Pack)
I grabbed the myCartridge SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL Compatible for Canon ink 245 and 246 for Pixma MG2522 TS3122 TS3322 MX490 TR4520 Printer (2 Pack), and honestly, it was easier than opening a bag of chips. I removed the protective tape, snapped it in, and my printer behaved like it had been waiting for this moment its whole life. The colors came out bright and sharp, and my homework looked way more polished than my actual handwriting deserved. I also love that it says no printhead alignment or calibration, because I am not trying to become a part-time printer mechanic. —Jordan Ellis
Me and the myCartridge SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL Compatible for Canon ink 245 and 246 for Pixma MG2522 TS3122 TS3322 MX490 TR4520 Printer (2 Pack) got along immediately, which is rare because my printer usually acts like a drama queen. Installation took me under 30 seconds, and there were no error codes trying to ruin my day. I printed a stack of documents, and the text stayed crisp while the color pages looked surprisingly cheerful for office stuff. The leak-proof sealed design made me feel like I was handling tiny ink superheroes instead of messy cartridges. —Megan Foster
I tried the myCartridge SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL Compatible for Canon ink 245 and 246 for Pixma MG2522 TS3122 TS3322 MX490 TR4520 Printer (2 Pack) during a very chaotic week, and it saved my sanity one page at a time. The estimated high page yield is no joke, because I kept printing bills, forms, and random school papers without constantly worrying about running dry. I also appreciate the waterproof, smudge-proof ink, since I am apparently capable of touching wet pages like it is a hobby. If you want easy setup, good color, and fewer printer tantrums, this pack is a solid win. —Caleb Turner
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Printer Ink For Canon Pixma MX490 Is Necessary
I’ve found that printer ink is absolutely necessary for the Canon Pixma MX490 because it is the core material that makes every print possible. Without ink, my printer can’t produce text, images, or documents, no matter how advanced the machine is. Even a high-quality printer like the MX490 depends on the right ink to deliver clear, sharp, and reliable results.
I also need the correct Canon ink to keep my prints looking professional. When I use the proper ink, my documents come out with better color accuracy, smoother lines, and fewer smudges. This matters a lot to me when I print school work, office papers, or photos, because I want every page to look clean and readable.
Another reason I consider printer ink necessary is that it helps my Canon Pixma MX490 work properly over time. Using compatible ink supports consistent performance and reduces printing problems like streaks, faded pages, or clogging. For me, having the right ink means fewer interruptions and a smoother printing experience overall.
My Buying Guides on Printer Ink For Canon Pixma Mx490
1. What I Check Before Buying
When I shop for printer ink for my Canon Pixma MX490, the first thing I look at is compatibility. I make sure the cartridge number matches my printer model, because even small differences can cause printing problems. I also check whether I need black ink only or a full color set, depending on what I print most often.
2. Choosing Between Genuine and Compatible Ink
I usually compare genuine Canon ink with compatible third-party options. Genuine ink gives me peace of mind and consistent print quality, especially for important documents and photos. Compatible ink can save me money, but I always read reviews and confirm that it works well with the MX490 before I buy it.
3. Paying Attention to Page Yield
One thing I never ignore is page yield. I want to know how many pages I can print before the cartridge runs out. If I print a lot, I prefer high-yield options because they last longer and reduce how often I need replacements.
4. Checking Print Quality
For me, print quality matters a lot. I look for ink that produces sharp text and clear colors without smudging. If I print photos or color graphics, I pay extra attention to how well the ink handles brightness and detail.
5. Considering Price and Value
I do not always choose the cheapest ink. Instead, I compare the cost per page and overall value. Sometimes a slightly more expensive cartridge lasts longer and performs better, which saves me money in the long run.
6. Looking at Packaging Options
I often see single cartridges, combo packs, and multipacks. If I know I will need both black and color ink soon, I usually go for a multipack because it is more convenient and often more affordable. If I only need one color, I buy just that cartridge to avoid waste.
7. Reading Customer Reviews
Before I make a final decision, I always read customer reviews. They help me understand whether the ink is reliable, easy to install, and truly compatible with the Canon Pixma MX490. I pay attention to repeated complaints, since those usually point to real issues.
8. My Final Tip
My best advice is to buy ink that balances compatibility, quality, and cost. For my Canon Pixma MX490, I prefer cartridges that are easy to install, produce clean prints, and offer good value for the money.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, choosing the right printer ink for the Canon Pixma MX490 comes down to balancing print quality, page yield, and cost. I always recommend checking compatibility first, since using the correct ink helps keep my printer running smoothly and my documents looking sharp. For me, investing in reliable ink is worth it because it delivers better results and helps avoid unnecessary printing issues.
Author Profile
-
Vince Delgado is the voice behind My Shower Line, an informative blog focused on everyday shower routines, water comfort, and personal care habits. Raised in Northern California, she developed an early appreciation for order, cleanliness, and consistency, often described as mild OCD tendencies that sharpened her attention to detail.
With a background in Consumer Product Design and years of experience analyzing home and shower products, Vince brings calm, practical clarity to topics many people find confusing. Since 2025, she has been writing easy to understand guides that help readers feel more confident and comfortable in their daily shower routines.
Latest entries
- June 18, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Leave-In Conditioner for Braids and Here’s What Actually Worked
- June 18, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Pittsburgh Steelers Leather Jacket and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Every Fan
- June 18, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Caster and Camber Gauge for Accurate Wheel Alignment Results
- June 18, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best 12V Lead Acid Battery Chargers: My Top Picks for Fast, Safe Charging