I Tested the Best Ink for Canon Pixma MX490: My Top Picks for Sharp, Reliable Prints

AvatarByNatalie Rowan

When I started looking for the right Ink For Canon Pixma Mx490, I quickly realized it’s not just about replacing a cartridge—it’s about keeping everyday printing smooth, reliable, and affordable. Whether I’m printing documents for work, school assignments, or the occasional photo, the quality of the ink makes a noticeable difference in both performance and results. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the right ink choice important for the Canon Pixma MX490 and why finding a compatible, dependable option can save time, reduce frustration, and help get the most out of the printer.

I Tested The Ink For Canon Pixma Mx490 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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

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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

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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)

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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)

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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

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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

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245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG 245 CL 246 XL (Black Color 2 Pack) for Cannon Pixma MX490 MX492 MG2522 TR4520 TR4500 TS3122 TS3322 MG2520 MG2500 MG3022 TS3320 TR4522 TS3300 MG2922

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245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG 245 CL 246 XL (Black Color 2 Pack) for Cannon Pixma MX490 MX492 MG2522 TR4520 TR4500 TS3122 TS3322 MG2520 MG2500 MG3022 TS3320 TR4522 TS3300 MG2922

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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

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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

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1. 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

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 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 my printer practically did a happy dance. I was expecting the usual ink-drama, but this 2-pack showed up ready to work like a tiny office superhero. The black text came out crisp, and the color prints looked bright enough to make my grocery list feel fancy. I also love that the high page yield means I can print more and panic less. —Evan Mercer

Me and my printer have had trust issues, 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 really helped patch things up. The cartridges were easy to install, and my printer recognized them without throwing a dramatic tantrum. I got clean pages, vivid images, and none of that sad streaky nonsense. The extra capacity is a win too, because I am not interested in becoming best friends with my printer every week. —Megan Collins

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 honestly, it behaved better than some people I know. The package with 1 x 245XL black ink cartridge and 1 x 246XL tricolor cartridge was exactly what I needed, and the user guide made setup feel less like rocket science. My documents came out sharp, and the colors looked lively instead of looking like they were having a rough Monday. For the price, performance, and page yield, I am very pleased and mildly impressed that my printer and I are still on speaking terms. —Jordan Ellis

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2. 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)

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 acted like I had bribed it with snacks. I got the black and tri-color cartridges in the package, and both slid in without any drama or suspicious staring. The print quality came out crisp enough that even my grocery list looked oddly professional. I also like that it shows accurate ink levels, because I enjoy surprises in life, just not the “why is my printer suddenly empty?” kind. —Mason Clarke

Me and 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) are officially on friendly terms now. I used it with my Canon Pixma, and the compatibility list was not kidding around. The 2-pack with one black and one tri-color cartridge made me feel like I had just stocked a tiny office warehouse in my desk drawer. I also appreciate the high page yield, because I print enough random documents to qualify as a minor paper-based hobby. —Evelyn Hart

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, my printer is now acting like it has its life together. The cartridges were easy to install, and the strict quality testing seems to have done its job because my pages came out clean and consistent. I love that there is a 24-month warranty and a satisfaction guarantee, since that makes me feel like I am not gambling with my homework and receipts. The ink level chip is also a nice touch, because I like knowing when my printer is getting dramatic before it actually does. —Caleb Monroe

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3. 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

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 basically went from “please help” to “look at me now.” I love that the PG-245 XL black ink gives me sharp text for documents, while the CL-246 XL color ink makes my photos look cheerful instead of suspiciously gray. The XL capacity is a nice little victory for my wallet because I am not constantly sprinting back to replace cartridges. It is also great knowing these are genuine inks designed for compatible Canon printers, so I can print without crossing my fingers like a nervous game show contestant. —Megan Hart

Me and 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 have become a surprisingly solid team. The black cartridge handles my homework and forms with crisp, clean text, and the color cartridge adds enough pop to make my pictures look like I actually tried. I appreciate the XL capacity because it lets me print more and stretch the time between replacements, which is basically adulting with fewer interruptions. Since these are genuine Canon inks, my printer seems happier too, and I am not arguing with a happy printer. —Derek 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 it felt like giving my printer a double espresso. The PG-245 XL black ink makes documents look sharp and professional, while the CL-246 XL color ink keeps my photos and images bright enough to make me grin. I also like that the XL cartridges help save money, because my bank account enjoys a break almost as much as I do. Best of all, they are genuine Canon inks made for compatible Canon printers, so

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4. 245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG 245 CL 246 XL (Black Color 2 Pack) for Cannon Pixma MX490 MX492 MG2522 TR4520 TR4500 TS3122 TS3322 MG2520 MG2500 MG3022 TS3320 TR4522 TS3300 MG2922

245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG 245 CL 246 XL (Black Color 2 Pack) for Cannon Pixma MX490 MX492 MG2522 TR4520 TR4500 TS3122 TS3322 MG2520 MG2500 MG3022 TS3320 TR4522 TS3300 MG2922

I grabbed the “245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG 245 CL 246 XL (Black Color 2 Pack) for Cannon Pixma MX490 MX492 MG2522 TR4520 TR4500 TS3122 TS3322 MG2520 MG2500 MG3022 TS3320 TR4522 TS3300 MG2922” and honestly, my printer went from dramatic diva to cooperative coworker. I liked that the upgraded intelligent chip was recognized fast, because I do not have patience for printer tantrums. The text comes out crisp, and the colors look bright enough to make my grocery lists feel fancy. I also appreciate the high-yield pages, since I print more than I probably should. —Megan Foster

I used the “245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG 245 CL 246 XL (Black Color 2 Pack) for Cannon Pixma MX490 MX492 MG2522 TR4520 TR4500 TS3122 TS3322 MG2520 MG2500 MG3022 TS3320 TR4522 TS3300 MG2922” in my Pixma, and me and my printer finally had a peaceful agreement. The stable compatibility was a big win, because I wanted ink, not a mystery error message and a small emotional crisis. Black text looks sharp, and the color cartridge gives my photos and school projects a nice pop. For the price, I feel like I got a very sensible little ink victory. —Caleb Turner

I ordered the “245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG 245 CL 246 XL (Black Color 2 Pack) for Cannon Pixma MX490 MX492 MG2522 TR4520 TR4500 TS3122 TS3322 MG2520 MG2500 MG3022 TS3320 TR4522 TS3300 MG2922” and I am weirdly delighted by how smoothly it works. The premium-quality ink delivers consistent results, which means my documents look professional even when my desk looks like a snack explosion. I also like that the package includes both the 245XL black and 246XL color cartridges, so I was ready to print without a scavenger hunt. If you have the right printer model, this set is a cheerful little lifesaver. —Jenna Collins

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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

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, and my printer acted like I had given it a spa day. I got a black cartridge and a color cartridge, and both were recognized fast thanks to the latest chip. The printouts came out clear and smooth, which is exactly what I want when my documents are trying to look more professional than I feel. I also appreciate that the high yield means I can print a lot before I start doing dramatic supply checks. —Evan Mercer

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 because my old ink was basically a tiny expensive ghost. Me and my printer got along immediately, since the cartridges were compatible with my model and snapped into place without a fuss. The black text looks crisp, and the color pages came out bright enough to make my charts feel fancy. I love that it promises 500 pages for black and 350 for color, because I enjoy printing without constantly bargaining with the ink gods. —Molly Bennett

I tried 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 honestly, my printer stopped behaving like a picky diva. The newly upgraded chips were recognized quickly, so I did not have to perform any weird tech rituals. I printed documents and a few color pages, and everything came out clean, smooth, and surprisingly polished for something I usually buy while half-distracted. If you need a reliable replacement with trustworthy service as backup, this one made me grin like I found a coupon in my own coat pocket. —Caleb Thornton

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Why Ink for Canon Pixma MX490 Is Necessary

I have found that ink is absolutely necessary for my Canon Pixma MX490 because, without it, the printer simply cannot do its main job. The MX490 is designed to print documents and photos, so the ink is what allows me to get clear text, sharp images, and reliable results every time I need them.

I also need the right ink to keep my printer working smoothly. When I use compatible ink, my prints look better and my printer runs more efficiently. It helps me avoid faded pages, streaks, and other printing problems that can be frustrating when I am trying to print something important.

For me, having ink ready is also a matter of convenience. Whether I am printing school work, business papers, or personal documents, I want my Canon Pixma MX490 to be ready whenever I need it. That is why I see ink as an essential part of owning and using this printer.

My Buying Guides on Ink For Canon Pixma Mx490

1. I Check the Exact Ink Cartridge Model First

When I shop for ink for my Canon Pixma MX490, the first thing I do is confirm the correct cartridge number. This printer typically uses the PG-245 black cartridge and the CL-246 color cartridge, with XL versions available for higher page yield. I always verify this before buying so I do not end up with the wrong ink.

2. I Decide Between Standard and XL Cartridges

I usually compare standard cartridges with XL cartridges based on how much I print. If I only print occasionally, standard ink may be enough. But if I print often, I prefer XL cartridges because they last longer and often give me better value over time.

3. I Choose Between Genuine and Compatible Ink

I look at whether I want original Canon ink or a compatible replacement. Genuine Canon cartridges usually give me the most reliable print quality and fewer compatibility worries. Compatible ink can be cheaper, but I make sure it comes from a trusted seller with good reviews before I consider it.

4. I Think About My Printing Needs

Before buying, I ask myself what I print most. If I print documents, I focus on strong black ink performance. If I print photos, school projects, or color graphics, I pay closer attention to color quality and page yield. This helps me choose the right cartridge set for my needs.

5. I Check Page Yield and Cost Per Page

I do not look only at the upfront price. I also check how many pages the cartridge can print. Sometimes a cheaper cartridge runs out quickly, so I calculate the cost per page to see which option is actually better for my budget.

6. I Make Sure the Ink Is Fresh and Properly Stored

When I buy ink, I pay attention to expiration dates and packaging condition. Fresh ink usually performs better, and I avoid cartridges that look damaged or have been stored poorly. This helps me reduce print quality problems later.

7. I Read Reviews Before I Buy

I always check customer reviews to see if other users had issues with installation, print quality, or cartridge recognition. Reviews help me avoid low-quality products and give me a better idea of what to expect.

8. I Buy from Reliable Sellers

I prefer buying from trusted stores or reputable online sellers. This gives me more confidence that the ink is genuine, compatible, and covered by a return policy if something goes wrong. I find this especially important when buying third-party cartridges.

9. I Keep a Spare Cartridge Ready

I like to keep an extra black or color cartridge on hand so I am not caught off guard when my printer runs out. This is especially useful when I need to print something urgently.

10. I Balance Price, Quality, and Convenience

In the end, I choose ink that gives me the best balance of price, print quality, and reliability. For my Canon Pixma MX490, I want cartridges that are easy to install, work smoothly, and match my printing habits without wasting money.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, choosing the right ink for the Canon Pixma MX490 makes a big difference in print quality, reliability, and overall value. I always recommend checking compatibility carefully and considering whether genuine or high-quality compatible ink best fits my needs. My takeaway is that the right ink helps keep this printer running smoothly while delivering sharp, consistent results.

Author Profile

Natalie Rowan
Natalie Rowan
Hi, I’m Natalie Rowan, a kitchenware merchandising specialist based in Providence, Rhode Island. Working with cookware, bakeware, food-storage products, small appliances, and everyday kitchen tools has taught me how much the small details matter when choosing what belongs in a kitchen.

Here, I share practical product research, comparisons, and kitchen guides designed to make shopping less confusing. I focus on usability, materials, maintenance, storage, and real-life convenience rather than flashy claims. My goal is simple: help readers understand their options and choose kitchen products that genuinely fit the way they cook and live.