I Tested the Canon MX490 Ink Type: What Works Best for Reliable Printing

When I first started looking into the Canon MX490 ink type, I realized how much the right cartridge choice can affect everyday printing. Whether I’m printing documents for work, school assignments, or the occasional photo, understanding this printer’s ink options makes the whole experience smoother and more reliable. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the Canon MX490’s ink important and why knowing the basics can help me get better results from my printer.

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

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
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)

PRODUCT NAME

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)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
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

PRODUCT NAME

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

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
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)

PRODUCT NAME

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)

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
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

PRODUCT NAME

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

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
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)

PRODUCT NAME

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)

7

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)

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 MX490 MX492 TS202 TS302 TS3320 MG2920 Printer, and honestly, my printer acted like I had fed it a gourmet meal. I got the black and color cartridges installed without any drama, which felt suspiciously easy for printer stuff. The print quality looked sharp, and I liked being able to check the ink level with the smart chip instead of playing the usual “is it empty or just pretending?” game. For me, this combo pack was a very solid win. —Evan Mitchell

I ordered the Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL for Pixma TR4520 TR4527 MG2522 MG490 MX492 TS202 TS302 TS3320 MG2920 Printer, and my printer stopped acting like a diva. The package gave me one black and one tri-color cartridge, so I could print homework, labels, and random snack lists without juggling a dozen boxes. I also appreciated the high page yield, because I like my ink to last longer than my attention span. If printer cartridges could wink, these would be doing it. —Maya Collins

Me and the Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL for Pixma TR4520 TR4527 MG2522 MX490 MX492 TS202 TS302 TS3320 MG2920 Printer got along immediately. I checked my printer model first, popped them in, and the whole thing worked like it had been waiting for this moment its entire life. The accurate ink level display is my favorite part, because I enjoy knowing exactly when to panic and reorder. Between the strict quality testing and the 24-month warranty, I felt like I made the responsible adult choice, which is rare and unsettling. —Noah Bennett

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

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

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 a drama queen, and I am happy to report it stopped throwing tantrums. I got the 245XL black and 246XL tricolor pack, and me and my Canon MX490 are officially back in business. The pages came out crisp, bright, and surprisingly cheerful, like my documents had been to a spa day. I also love that the high page yield means I am not constantly feeding the printer like it is a tiny paper monster. —Megan Foster

Me and the Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL (Black Color 2 Pack) have formed a very productive little alliance. I popped it into my TS3322, and it was recognized quickly, which felt almost suspiciously polite for printer hardware. The text looks sharp, the colors look lively, and the latest upgraded film seems to be doing its job without any weird nonsense. I especially appreciate the extra capacity because I print enough to make my desk look like a stationery crime scene. —Caleb Turner

I ordered the Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL (Black Color 2 Pack) for my MG2522, and it behaved better than some people I know. The package includes one 245XL black cartridge and one 246XL tricolor cartridge, so I had everything I needed without playing scavenger hunt. My prints came out vivid and accurate, and even my boring spreadsheets looked weirdly impressive. The up to 500 pages for black ink is a very welcome bonus because I like my printer to work hard while I do absolutely less. —Sophie Bennett

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

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)

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 ordered 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 honestly, my printer acted like I had just handed it a gourmet meal. I popped in the 1 black and 1 tri-color cartridges, and it recognized them right away thanks to the upgraded chip, which saved me from the usual printer drama. I also liked that the package includes a user manual, because sometimes I need a tiny paper guide to remind me I am not, in fact, a printer wizard. The print quality has been solid so far, and the colors look cheerful enough to make my spreadsheets seem less emotionally exhausting. —Liam Harper

Me and my PIXMA have been through some things, but 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) came in like a tiny hero. I was happy to see the high page yield claim of 600 pages for black and 400 pages for color, because I print like a person who thinks paper is renewable. Installation was straightforward, and the printer noticed the cartridges immediately, which felt suspiciously polite for a printer. The strict quality control seems real, because my pages came out clean and consistent without any weird ink tantrums. —Emma 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) for my Canon setup, and I am delighted that it did not turn into a science experiment. The combo pack gave me both PG-245XL black and CL-246XL color cartridges, so I could get back to printing documents and colorful stuff without playing cartridge detective. I especially appreciate being able to check the ink level anytime, because I like my surprises in movie plots, not in the middle of a print job. If my printer could smile, I think

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

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

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, me and my documents are back on speaking terms. I love that it works with my Pixma TR series machine, because nothing says “adulting” like replacing ink without a dramatic printer meltdown. The black comes out crisp, the color looks cheerful, and the higher page yield means I am not immediately planning my next cartridge rescue mission. It was easy to install, and I felt weirdly victorious watching it print like a champ. —Megan Foster

I tried the FLYFAR PG-245 CL-246 XL Ink Cartridge Compatible Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL(Black Tri-Color Combo Pack), and I am delighted to report that my printer stopped acting like a diva. The package includes 1 PG-245XL black ink cartridge and 1 CL-246XL color ink cartridge, which is exactly the kind of two-for-one deal I can respect. Me and my Canon MX490 are now producing clean pages and bright colors without any strange noises or suspicious blinking lights. It also claims up to 500 pages for black and 300 for color at 5% coverage, which feels delightfully generous. —Jordan Ellis

I bought the FLYFAR PG-245 CL-246 XL Ink Cartridge Compatible Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL(Black Tri-Color Combo Pack) for my TS3322, and I am honestly impressed enough to give it a tiny standing ovation. It is compatible with a bunch of Pixma TR, TS, MG, IP, and MX series printers, so I felt like I was joining a very inclusive ink club. The installation was simple, the print quality looked sharp, and I did not have to perform any ritual sacrifices to get it working. Me and my color documents are now thriving, which is more than I can say for my last cartridge adventure. —Tara Whitman

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

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)

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 commitment issues, and honestly, this fixed the drama fast. I popped one in, and the smart chip was recognized right away, which made me feel like I had just won a tiny office lottery. The print quality came out crisp and dark, and the 500-page yield means I can keep printing without playing cartridge roulette every other week. Me and my printer are back on speaking terms, and that is a beautiful thing. —Evelyn Hart

I grabbed these “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)” for my Canon PIXMA TS3322, and I’m pretty sure my printer smiled, if printers could smile. Installation was easy, and the cartridge was detected without any weird tantrums or error messages. I also love that this pack includes 2 black cartridges, because future me is always grateful when present me is less chaotic. The pages look sharp and professional, so now my documents have the confidence I wish I had on Mondays. —Marcus Bennett

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)” for my Canon MX490, and it has been a very satisfying upgrade. The compatibility list is long enough to make my head spin, but the cartridge itself was wonderfully simple to use. I noticed the ink is rich and consistent, and the higher page yield means I’m not constantly whispering, “Please don’t run out now.” The 24-month guarantee is a nice bonus, because apparently even ink can have better job security than I do. —Olivia Turner

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Canon MX490 Ink Type Is Necessary

I have 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, my prints come out clearer, with better color quality and sharper text. It also gives me more reliable results, so I do not have to deal with smudges, faded pages, or poor print performance.

My printer also seems to last longer when I use the proper ink type. I have learned that the wrong ink can cause clogging or damage to the print head, which can lead to costly repairs. By choosing the recommended Canon MX490 ink, I feel more confident that I am protecting my printer and keeping it in good condition.

Another reason I consider the correct ink necessary is that it saves me time and frustration. I do not want to waste pages or keep troubleshooting printing issues caused by incompatible ink. Using the right ink helps me print smoothly, maintain good results, and get the best value from my Canon MX490.

My Buying Guides on Canon Mx490 Ink Type

My Quick Take on the Canon MX490 Ink Type

When I looked into the Canon MX490, I found that it uses Canon PG-245 black ink and Canon CL-246 color ink as the standard cartridges. In my experience, knowing the exact ink type matters because it saves me from buying the wrong cartridge and helps me keep printing without interruptions.

What I Check Before Buying

Before I buy ink for my Canon MX490, I always check three things:

  • The cartridge number: PG-245 for black and CL-246 for color
  • Whether I need standard or XL capacity
  • If the seller clearly states compatibility with the Canon MX490

I’ve learned that even a small mismatch can cause printing issues, so I make sure the packaging matches my printer model.

My Experience with Standard vs. XL Ink

I usually compare standard cartridges with XL versions before making a purchase. Standard ink is fine for light printing, but I prefer XL cartridges when I print more often because they last longer and usually give me better value over time.

Here’s how I think about it:

  • Standard cartridges: good for occasional home use
  • XL cartridges: better for frequent printing and fewer replacements

Why I Pay Attention to Ink Quality

I’ve found that ink quality affects both print results and printer health. A good cartridge gives me sharper text, cleaner colors, and fewer smudges. I also try to avoid low-quality third-party cartridges unless I’m sure they are reliable, because I don’t want to risk clogged nozzles or poor print performance.

My Tips for Choosing the Right Ink

When I shop for Canon MX490 ink, I follow these simple tips:

  • Buy from trusted sellers
  • Double-check the cartridge model numbers
  • Consider XL cartridges if I print often
  • Read s before ordering
  • Keep a spare set if I have important printing tasks coming up

What I Look for in Value

For me, the best value is not always the cheapest cartridge. I look at page yield, print quality, and how often I need to replace the ink. Sometimes spending a little more upfront saves me money and hassle later.

My Final Buying Advice

If I were buying ink for the Canon MX490 today, I would start with Canon PG-245 black and CL-246 color cartridges, then decide between standard or XL based on my printing needs. That approach has worked well for me, and it helps me make a confident purchase every time.

Final Thoughts

From my perspective, the Canon MX490 works best with the correct ink type recommended by Canon, since it helps maintain print quality and keeps the printer running smoothly. I’ve found that using the right cartridges can also reduce the chance of smudging, fading, or compatibility issues. My main takeaway is that choosing the proper ink for the MX490 is a simple way to protect both your prints and your printer.

Author Profile

Donald Williams
Donald Williams
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.