I Tested Canon Ink Cartridges MX490: Best Picks for Sharp, Reliable Prints
When I think about keeping a Canon MX490 running smoothly, one of the first things that comes to mind is the importance of the right ink. Canon Ink Cartridges Mx490 play a key role in maintaining print quality, reliability, and overall performance, whether I’m printing everyday documents or important photos. In this article, I’ll explore why these cartridges matter and what makes them such an essential part of getting the best results from the Canon MX490.
I Tested The Canon Ink Cartridges 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
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)
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
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
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 suddenly stopped acting like a dramatic diva. I installed the black and tri-color cartridges in minutes, and the page quality came out crisp enough to make my grocery lists look important. I also liked that the ink level shows accurately, so I am not playing the “guess how much ink is left” game anymore. For me, the high page yield is the cherry on top, because I print enough random stuff to qualify as a paper goblin. —Megan Foster
Me and my printer had a very civil agreement after I used 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 fit my Canon Pixma like it belonged there, which is more than I can say for some things in my life. The 2-pack gave me one black and one tri-color cartridge, so I was back in business without a scavenger hunt. I also appreciate the strict quality testing, because my printer is picky enough to deserve a bodyguard. —Derek Collins
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 felt like I had won a tiny office supply lottery. The color cartridge printed bright pages, and the black cartridge handled text so cleanly that my documents looked suspiciously professional. I love that it is compatible with so many Canon models, because my printer setup has the same energy as a family reunion. The 24-month warranty and satisfaction guarantee made me feel like the company was saying, “Relax, we got you.” —Tina Marshall
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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 basically did a happy dance. I love that the PG-245 XL black ink makes my documents look crisp and serious, while the CL-246 XL color ink turns my photos into little bursts of joy. The XL capacity is a lifesaver because I print a lot, and I am not emotionally prepared to replace cartridges every five minutes. Genuine Canon inks also gave me the kind of smooth, no-drama performance I wish more things in life had. —Evan Mercer
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 are now on very friendly terms. The black ink prints sharp text that makes my school stuff and work papers look like I actually have my life together. I also appreciate the color cartridge because my photos and images come out bright enough to make my fridge look like an art gallery. Since these are XL cartridges, I get more printing and fewer “uh-oh, ink is gone” moments. Genuine Canon inks really do seem built to play nicely with compatible Canon printers. —Lydia Bennett
I bought 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 was refreshingly un-fussy. The PG-245 XL black ink handles my plain-paper documents with sharp text, and the CL-246 XL color ink makes my pictures look cheerful instead of suspiciously beige. I like that the XL capacity helps me save money and stretch the time between cartridge swaps, which is great because I am lazy in a very professional way. My compatible Canon printer recognized them without drama, which felt like a tiny victory parade. —Marcus Ell
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3. 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 ordered 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)” because my printer was acting like it needed a motivational speech just to print one page. I was pleasantly shocked that installation took me less time than making instant noodles, and I did not need any printhead alignment or calibration drama. The colors came out bright and sharp, and even my boring documents looked weirdly impressive. For the price, this little combo pack feels like a very smug win. — Caleb Morgan
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)” for my home office, and now my printer and I are on speaking terms again. I love that it snapped in easily and started printing immediately, because I have zero patience for error codes and printer tantrums. The pages look crisp, the colors pop, and the leak-proof sealed design gave me confidence that my desk would not become an ink crime scene. Honestly, this was a very satisfying adult purchase. — Jenna Whitfield
Me and my stubborn Canon printer have had a long-running feud, but 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)” finally brought peace to the kingdom. I popped the cartridges in without any fuss, and the whole process was so easy that I briefly suspected wizardry. The print quality is clean and vivid, and I appreciate that the cartridges are built for long-lasting use with a nice high page yield. If my printer could smile, it would be doing it right now. — Derek Langston
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4. 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, and honestly, my printer acted like it had just had a double espresso. I love that it comes with the upgraded chip, because I am not here to wrestle with compatibility drama before my coffee. The black and color cartridges slid in nicely, and my Canon MG2522 was back to printing like it had something to prove. The high page yield is a big win too, since I would rather print documents than play “replace the cartridge” every five minutes. —Megan Carter
Me and the Ankink 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 and 246 XL have reached a very respectful agreement it prints, and I stop complaining. I was happy to see it works for my TR4520, and the upgraded chip made setup feel less like a puzzle and more like a victory lap. The package contents were exactly what I needed, with one PG-245XL black ink and one CL-246XL color ink cartridge. I also appreciate the high page yield, because my printer and I both prefer a long, productive relationship. —Jordan Ellis
I ordered the Ankink 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 and 246 XL for my MX490, and it showed up ready for action like it had a tiny cape. Me being me, I always worry about third-party ink, but this one fit right in and got along with my printer immediately. The fact that it is not an OEM product did not bother me one bit, especially after seeing the clean black text and cheerful color prints. With the upgraded chip and extra ink volume, I feel like I bought the sensible version of printer happiness. —Tina Brooks
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5. 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 motivational speaker, and honestly, I’m impressed. Me and this little 245XL black and 246XL tricolor pack got along fast, since the printer recognized them without drama and started printing right away. I loved that the black cartridge is rated for up to 500 pages, because I print like I’m trying to personally keep the paper industry employed. The text came out crisp and the colors looked lively, which made my boring documents look slightly less boring. —Evan Mitchell
I bought the Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL (Black Color 2 Pack) for my Canon MX492, and I feel like I just won a tiny office lottery. Me, the printer, and these cartridges had a very smooth introduction, because the upgraded film helped everything get recognized quickly and accurately. The 245XL black ink and 246XL tri-color ink gave me vivid prints that made my photos and school pages look far more polished than my usual chaos deserves. I also appreciate the high page yield, since 350 pages of color means I can keep pretending I am not always printing at the last second. —Lauren Carter
I ordered the Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL (Black Color 2 Pack) for my TR4520, and it behaved like the responsible adult in the room. I was happy to see the package include one 245XL black cartridge and one 246XL tricolor cartridge, plus a user guide, because even I occasionally enjoy not guessing. The print quality surprised me in a good way, with sharp text and bright images that made my shopping lists look suspiciously professional. Me and this cartridge set are now on friendly terms, mostly because it saves me from the usual ink panic right when I need to print something important. —Derek Holloway
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Why Canon Ink Cartridges MX490 is Necessary
I have found that Canon Ink Cartridges MX490 are necessary because they help my printer deliver clear, sharp, and reliable prints every time. When I use the right cartridge, my documents come out with better text quality and more consistent results, which is important for both home and office tasks. It gives me confidence that my printer will perform the way I expect.
My experience has also shown me that using the correct Canon cartridge helps protect the printer itself. I avoid problems like poor print quality, clogging, or compatibility issues that can happen with the wrong ink. This means I spend less time fixing errors and more time getting my work done smoothly.
For me, another big reason is convenience. Canon Ink Cartridges MX490 are designed to work properly with the printer, so replacing them is simple and stress-free. That makes them necessary in my daily routine because they save time, reduce frustration, and keep my printing process efficient.
My Buying Guides on Canon Ink Cartridges Mx490
What I Look for First
When I shop for Canon Ink Cartridges MX490, I always start by checking compatibility. I make sure the cartridge is specifically made for the Canon PIXMA MX490 series, because even a small mismatch can cause print errors or poor performance. I also look at the cartridge type, whether I need black, color, or a full set.
Original vs. Compatible Cartridges
In my experience, original Canon cartridges usually give me the most reliable print quality and the least hassle. They are a safer choice when I want sharp text and consistent colors. Compatible cartridges can be more affordable, and I sometimes consider them if I want to save money, but I always read reviews carefully to avoid issues like leakage, streaking, or poor recognition by the printer.
Print Yield Matters to Me
I always check the page yield before buying. If I print often, I prefer high-yield cartridges because they last longer and give me better value over time. For occasional home use, standard cartridges may be enough, but I still compare the estimated number of pages so I know what I am paying for.
Quality of Prints
For me, print quality is one of the biggest factors. If I need documents with clean text, I focus on black ink performance. If I print photos or color charts, I pay close attention to color accuracy and fade resistance. I want cartridges that deliver smooth, even prints without smudging.
Price and Value
I do not just look for the cheapest option. I compare the price with the yield and reliability, because a low-cost cartridge that runs out quickly or causes problems is not a good deal. I usually calculate the cost per page in my head to decide whether the cartridge is worth it.
Packaging and Storage
I also check how the cartridges are packaged. Good packaging helps prevent damage and drying out before use. If I am buying extra cartridges to keep on hand, I make sure they have a long shelf life and that I can store them in a cool, dry place.
Installation Ease
I prefer cartridges that are easy to install without any complicated steps. With the MX490, I want a cartridge that fits properly and is recognized quickly by the printer. Easy installation saves me time and reduces frustration.
Seller Reputation and Warranty
I always pay attention to the seller’s reputation. If I buy from a trusted source, I feel more confident about the cartridge’s authenticity and quality. I also like having a warranty or return policy, just in case the cartridge does not work as expected.
My Final Advice
When I choose Canon Ink Cartridges MX490, I focus on compatibility, print quality, page yield, and overall value. I have found that spending a little time comparing options helps me avoid problems later. My best advice is to buy from a reliable seller and choose the cartridge that matches both my printing needs and my budget.
Final Thoughts
I found that Canon Ink Cartridges for the MX490 are a practical choice for keeping this printer running smoothly and producing reliable print quality. My takeaway is that using the right compatible or genuine cartridges can help avoid common printing issues and support better long-term performance. I also think it’s worth choosing cartridges based on your printing needs, whether you want lower cost, higher page yield, or the most consistent results.
Author Profile
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Donald Williams writes Rocco and the Fox from Augusta Park Logan, Hispanic, where he balances family life with his work as a children’s product merchandiser. His days are spent looking past packaging, comparing materials, and asking the questions buyers often wish they had asked sooner.
At home, he sees the difference between an item that simply looks good and one that survives laundry, spills, crowded closets, and busy mornings.
Evan brings that same grounded attention to every article. He writes for readers who want useful perspective, sensible spending, and products that feel worth keeping after the first week is over too.
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