I Tested the Best Printer Ink for Canon Pixma MX490: My Honest SEO-Friendly Guide
When I started looking into printer ink for Canon Pixma MX490, 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 printing documents for work, school assignments, or the occasional photo, choosing the right ink affects everything from print quality to reliability and even overall cost. In this article, I’ll explore what makes ink selection important for the Canon Pixma MX490 and why finding the right option can help keep printing smooth, consistent, and stress-free.
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 stopped acting like it was on a dramatic hunger strike. I like that it comes with one black and one tri-color cartridge, because my documents and photos both got their act together at the same time. The print quality looked sharp, and the ink level display is weirdly satisfying, like my printer finally learned to communicate like an adult. Me and my stack of school forms are officially less stressed now. —Megan Holloway
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 honestly, it behaved better than some expensive cartridges I have used. I appreciated that it is compatible with a bunch of Canon Pixma models, because I was one wrong purchase away from a printer tantrum. The fact that the black cartridge can handle up to 500 pages and the color one up to 400 pages made me feel like I had won a tiny office lottery. I kept waiting for a catch, but instead I just got clean pages and fewer excuses to avoid printing. —Derek Langford
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) got along immediately, which is rare because my printer usually has trust issues. I liked that each cartridge went through strict quality testing, since I am not interested in ink roulette before coffee. The 24-month warranty and satisfaction guarantee also made me feel like the company expected me to be happy, which was refreshingly bold. My pages came out crisp, my colors looked lively, and my printer finally stopped sounding like it was negotiating a hostage situation. —Tina Marshall
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 basically did a happy little dance. 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 looking bright instead of like they were printed during a power outage. The XL capacity is a lifesaver because I print a lot, and I’m not constantly playing the “why is the ink low again?” game. Me and my printer are both less dramatic now, which is a win. —Evelyn Carter
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 felt like giving my printer a fancy spa day. The genuine Canon inks really do seem built for peak performance, because everything came out smooth, sharp, and way less cranky than my last refill adventure. I especially like that the black ink is perfect for plain-paper documents and the color cartridge handles photos and images like a tiny rainbow champion. The XL size means I can print more and replace cartridges less, which is exactly the kind of laziness I can support. —Marcus Ellison
I’m very pleased with 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, because it turned my printer from moody to marvelous. The black cartridge gives me sharp text for everyday documents, and the color cartridge makes my pictures look cheerful instead of suspiciously gray. I also appreciate the XL capacity, since it saves money and stretches the time between replacements, which means fewer emergency ink runs. Honestly, I feel like I won the office supplies lottery without even trying. —Naomi Fletcher
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 felt like my printer finally stopped acting like a dramatic toddler. The 245XL black and 246XL color cartridges slid in without a fuss, and the upgraded chip got recognized fast. I like that the high yield claim is real enough for my everyday printing, because I am not trying to buy ink every other Tuesday. My pages came out clean, bold, and colorfully cheerful, which is exactly the kind of behavior I want from office supplies. —Megan Hart
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 immediately felt smug about my life choices. Me and my printer had a little peace treaty, because the cartridges worked with my model and printed right away. The black ink is sharp, the color ink is bright, and the combo pack made me feel like I had outsmarted the expensive-name-brand aisle. I also appreciate the strict inspection and 24-month after-sales service, since I enjoy confidence with my stationery drama. —Derek Collins
I bought 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 stopped sounding like it was filing a formal complaint. I love that the package includes a 245XL black cartridge and a 246XL color cartridge, because I prefer my supplies to arrive with their own little entourage. The installation was easy, the chip recognition was smooth, and the prints looked crisp from the first page. For me, the best part is getting high yield without sacrificing quality, which means more printing and less grumbling. —Tina Marshall
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 honestly felt like my printer got a fresh cup of coffee. I installed the PG-245XL black and CL-246XL color cartridges, and my Pixma was ready to work without drama or mysterious blinking lights. The intelligent chip made the ink levels easy to track, which is great because I like my supplies to be organized and my life to be slightly less chaotic. I also appreciate the high page yield, since 600 pages for black and 400 for color means I can print like I have a tiny office in my kitchen. —Megan Foster
Me and my printer have had trust issues before, but this 2-pack for Canon 245XL and 246XL actually behaved itself. 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)” fit right in, and it recognized my printer immediately after installation. I loved that it came with a user manual, because sometimes I need a little paper pep talk before I start installing things. The strict quality control seems real, because my prints came out crisp instead of looking like they were made during a thunderstorm. —Derek 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 TS3322, and I feel weirdly proud of my printer now. The black text is sharp, the color cartridge is lively, and my documents no longer look like they were printed in a cave by candlelight. I also like that it works with so many Pixma models, because apparently this ink pack is the social butterfly of cartridges. Between the upgraded chip and the high yield, I am getting a lot of printing done without constantly checking on it like
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 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 a drama queen, and honestly, it behaved better after this swap. I loved that I could just remove the protective tape, snap it in, and start printing without any alignment ritual or mysterious error codes. The bright, sharp colors made my school documents look surprisingly professional, which is rude because now I have no excuse for messy work. I also appreciate the leak-proof sealed design, since my desk has enough chaos without adding ink puddles. —Megan Carter
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 like peas and printer paper. Installation took me less time than it takes to find a missing sock, and that is saying something. I printed a stack of documents and the pages came out crisp, vivid, and smugly good-looking. The estimated page yield is exactly what I wanted for home printing, because I enjoy value almost as much as I enjoy not buying ink every five minutes. —Derek Lawson
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)” in my home office, and it made my printer feel like it had its life together for once. I really liked that it was compatible with my Canon printer and came ready to go with no calibration nonsense. The waterproof, smudge-proof prints looked clean enough that even my coffee table paperwork stopped looking like a cry for help. I also like that it is vacuum-sealed and designed for longer storage, because apparently I am the kind of person who keeps spare ink like it is emergency rations. —Tina Marshall
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 my Canon Pixma MX490 because it is the main ingredient that makes every print possible. Without the right ink, my printer simply cannot produce clear text, sharp images, or proper color output. Whether I’m printing documents for work, school papers, or personal photos, the ink is what gives my prints quality and readability.
I also need the correct ink because it helps my Canon Pixma MX490 work smoothly and reliably. When I use the recommended ink, I get better performance, fewer printing problems, and less risk of streaks, fading, or smudges. It also helps protect my printer from damage that can happen when I use the wrong type of cartridge.
For me, using printer ink is not just about printing—it’s about keeping my printer useful and efficient. My Canon Pixma MX490 depends on ink to deliver the results I expect, so having the proper ink on hand is essential for everyday printing needs.
My Buying Guides on Printer Ink For Canon Pixma Mx490
My Quick Take
When I shop for printer ink for my Canon Pixma MX490, I focus on compatibility first, then page yield, print quality, and cost per page. I’ve found that the right ink can make a big difference in how sharp my documents look and how long my cartridges last.
What I Check Before Buying
The first thing I do is confirm that the ink is made for the Canon Pixma MX490. I always look for the correct cartridge numbers, which help me avoid buying the wrong ink. If I skip this step, I risk poor performance or cartridges that won’t fit at all.
Original vs. Compatible Ink
I usually decide between original Canon ink and compatible third-party ink based on my needs. Original ink gives me the most confidence in print quality and reliability. Compatible ink often saves me money, but I make sure it comes from a trusted seller with good reviews so I don’t end up with leaks, smudges, or weak print results.
Page Yield Matters to Me
I always check the estimated page yield before I buy. If I print a lot, I prefer high-yield cartridges because they last longer and reduce how often I have to replace them. For light home use, standard cartridges may be enough, but I still compare the cost per page to see what gives me better value.
Print Quality I Expect
Since I use my Canon Pixma MX490 for both documents and occasional color prints, I want ink that produces crisp text and clean colors. I pay attention to whether the ink is known for fade resistance and smudge resistance, especially if I print important papers or photos.
Ink Set Options
I often see ink sold as individual cartridges or in multipacks. I usually choose a multipack when I know I’ll need both black and color ink soon, because it’s often more economical. If I only run out of one color, I buy that cartridge alone to avoid waste.
What I Look for in a Seller
I trust sellers who clearly list compatibility, return policies, and customer feedback. I avoid listings that are vague or don’t specify the exact printer model. Good packaging and fast shipping also matter to me because damaged cartridges are frustrating and inconvenient.
My Tips for Saving Money
To keep costs down, I compare prices across a few sellers before ordering. I also watch for bundle deals and high-yield options. If I print infrequently, I try not to stock up too much, because ink can dry out over time if it sits unused for too long.
My Final Advice
When I buy printer ink for my Canon Pixma MX490, I look for the best balance of compatibility, quality, and value. If I want peace of mind, I go with original Canon ink. If I want to save money, I choose a reputable compatible option and double-check everything before purchasing.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that choosing the right printer ink for the Canon Pixma MX490 really comes down to balancing print quality, page yield, and cost. My best advice is to make sure the ink is fully compatible with the printer so I can avoid smudges, errors, or wasted money. Whether I choose original Canon cartridges or a trusted compatible option, I always look for reliability and consistent results. In the end, the right ink helps me keep my prints sharp and my printer running smoothly.
Author Profile
-
I'm Evan Hollis, the writer behind Savereign Plants. Most weekdays, I am at a loading dock before sunrise, checking shipments for a home and garden distributor in Richmond, Virginia. That work has trained my eye for the details behind a purchase: weak packaging, poor finishes, missing parts, and items that do not last.
Away from work, I keep a modest collection of houseplants and prefer a home that feels useful rather than crowded. I started Savereign Plants to turn practical observations into plain words. Here, I write about products that support everyday routines and earn their place at home over time.
Latest entries
- June 26, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the APC Back-UPS 1000: My Honest Review of Reliable Home Backup Power
- June 26, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Drivers Ed Steering Wheel Supplies for Smarter, Safer Practice
- June 26, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Juicy Couture Leggings Set: My Honest Review of Style, Comfort, and Fit
- June 26, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Starbucks Coffee Mug Japan and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Collectors