I Tested the Best Ink for Canon MX490: My Honest SEO-Friendly Guide
When I first started looking into ink for the MX490 Canon, I quickly realized that something as simple as replacing a cartridge can make a big difference in print quality, reliability, and overall convenience. Whether I’m trying to keep everyday documents sharp or make sure my printer is always ready when I need it, choosing the right ink matters more than it might seem at first. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the right ink important for the Canon MX490 and why understanding your options can help you get better results with less hassle.
I Tested The Ink For Mx490 Canon 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)
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
Skyink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL 245 246 XL (Black Color 2 Pack) PG245 CL246 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320
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)
Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL (Black 2 Pack) 245 PG245 Work for MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320 MG2500 TS3100
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 gave 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) a shot, and my printer acted like I had fed it a fancy snack. I am happy to report that the black came out bold and the color looked cheerful instead of weirdly dramatic. I also liked that it shows accurate ink levels with the intelligent chip, so I am not left guessing like some kind of office detective. For me, this was a smooth, no-drama swap, which is basically my favorite kind of printer experience. —Megan Foster
Me and my printer usually have a rocky relationship, but this Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL for Pixma TR4520 TR4527 MG2522 MG2520 MX490 MX492 TS202 TS3320 MG2920 Printer (Black, Color) made us behave like best friends. I got the 2-pack with one black and one tri-color cartridge, and the pages came out clean and sharp enough to make me suspicious of my own luck. The high page yield is no joke either, because I printed a stack of documents without feeling like I was draining the life force out of the cartridge. I appreciate that it is compatible with so many Canon printers, because apparently my printer and I enjoy making life complicated. —Derek Collins
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 my last three coffee orders. The installation was easy, the printer recognized it quickly, and the quality testing clearly did its job because my prints looked crisp and colorful. I also like that it comes with a 24-month warranty and a satisfaction guarantee, which makes me feel like I have a tiny safety net for my ink adventures. If you need replacement cartridges that work without throwing a tantrum, this one gets my cheerful stamp of approval. —Hannah Mercer
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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
I grabbed 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 basically went from “dramatic sigh” to “let’s do this.” I love that the 245XL black ink cartridge is rated up to 500 pages, because I print like I’m running a tiny office out of my kitchen. The text came out crisp, and the color pages looked bright enough to make my grocery list feel fancy. Installation was easy, and my printer recognized the cartridges without throwing a tantrum. —Derek Holloway
Me and my printer had a very tense relationship until 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. This pack includes one 245XL black ink cartridge and one 246XL tricolor cartridge, which felt like getting the dynamic duo my printer always wanted. The upgraded film and high-quality ink made everything print quickly and accurately, so my documents stopped looking like they were made in a haunted basement. I even printed photos, and the colors came out lively enough to make my fridge jealous. —Megan Whitfield
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 honestly, it behaved better than some of my houseplants. The compatibility list is wild, and it worked smoothly with my Canon printer like they had been best friends for years. I appreciated the extra capacity, especially since the black cartridge can handle up to 500 pages and the tricolor up to 350 pages based on 5% coverage. My pages came out clean, vivid, and ready for actual adulting, which is more than I can say for my coffee. —Tessa Caldwell
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3. Skyink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL 245 246 XL (Black Color 2 Pack) PG245 CL246 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320
I grabbed the Skyink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL 245 246 XL (Black Color 2 Pack) PG245 CL246 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320, and honestly, my printer acted like I had brought it a peace offering. I popped in the 2-pack with 1 black and 1 color cartridge, and the upgraded chip got recognized without any dramatic blinking or suspicious side-eye. I also like that it’s a high-yield setup, because I enjoy printing things without feeling like I’m feeding a tiny ink goblin every five minutes. My pages came out clean, bold, and ready for duty, which is more than I can say for my last “mystery cartridge” adventure. —Derek Holloway
I ordered the Skyink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL 245 246 XL (Black Color 2 Pack) PG245 CL246 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320 for my Pixma, and it behaved like a model citizen. The package contents gave me exactly what I needed one black and one color ink cartridge, no weird extras, no printer drama. I was especially happy that the latest upgraded chips made setup feel smooth and efficient instead of like a puzzle designed by a caffeinated raccoon. The print quality stayed steady, and I got a nice stack of pages without the ink vanishing into the void. —Megan Fairchild
Me and the Skyink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL 245 246 XL (Black Color 2 Pack) PG245 CL246 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320 are now on excellent terms. I used it in a Wireless All-in-One Inkjet Printer, and the compatibility list was not kidding around. The upgraded chip helped the cartridges get recognized quickly, which saved me from the usual “please reinstall and question your life choices” routine. I also appreciated the high yield claim, because up to 500 pages for the black cartridge and 300 for the color cartridge means I
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4. 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 stopped acting like a drama queen. The 245XL black and 246XL color cartridges slid in easily, and I liked that the package includes both the black ink cartridge and the tri-color one. The print quality looked crisp enough that even my grocery lists seemed oddly professional. I also appreciate the upgraded chip, because I prefer my ink to be recognized without a tiny office standoff. —Liam Carter
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 it behaved better than some of my houseplants. The high-yield claim is no joke, since the 245XL black ink cartridge is rated for up to 500 pages and the 246XL color cartridge for up to 300 pages. I used it with my printer, and the recognition was quick and stable, which made me feel like I had finally won a tiny battle against technology. Me and my printer are now on speaking terms again, and that is a beautiful thing. —Nora Bennett
I picked up 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 it delivered exactly what I needed without any ink-related soap opera. The combo pack worked with my compatible printer, and I liked seeing the black and color cartridges come ready to go with a user guide. My pages came out clean and consistent, which made my documents look far more organized than my actual desk. I also love that it is designed specifically for printers like mine, because guessing games are for board games, not ink. —Ethan Walker
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5. Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL (Black 2 Pack) 245 PG245 Work for MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320 MG2500 TS3100
I grabbed the Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL (Black 2 Pack) because my printer was acting like it had a tiny black ink crisis, and honestly, I’m impressed. The extra capacity cartridge pg-245xl pack of 2 black ink cartridges showed up ready to work, and my Canon MX490 stopped making dramatic “low ink” noises. I like that it’s compatible with so many printers, because my desk setup is basically a printer zoo. If you want a simple fix that gets you back to printing without a melodramatic scavenger hunt, I think this is a solid win. —Mason Clarke
I ordered the Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL (Black 2 Pack) and felt like I had just outsmarted my printer for once. Me and my TS3122 are now on speaking terms again, thanks to these 245XL 246XL ink cartridges that work with models like TS3100, TS3120, and TR4520. The black ink came through cleanly, and the included user guide was a nice little bonus instead of the usual “good luck, champ” packaging vibe. I’d call this a cheerful, no-nonsense solution for anyone who wants printing to behave itself. —Olivia Bennett
I picked up the Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL (Black 2 Pack) for my MG2522, and I’m pretty sure my printer is now bragging to the neighbors. These extra capacity black cartridges fit right in and handled everyday printing like they were born for the job. I also love that they work with so many compatible printers, including MX492, MG2525, TS3322, and TR4522, because apparently versatility is the new black. Me, I’m just happy to have crisp pages and fewer excuses to leave the house for emergency ink runs. —Ethan Brooks
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Why Ink for MX490 Canon is Necessary
I’ve found that using the right ink for my Canon MX490 is absolutely necessary because it keeps my printer working properly and helps me get clear, sharp prints every time. When I use the correct ink, my documents come out with better color, cleaner text, and fewer printing issues. It also helps protect my printer from clogs and damage that can happen when I use low-quality or incompatible ink.
My experience has shown me that the MX490 performs best when I stick to the recommended ink. It saves me time, reduces wasted paper, and gives me more consistent results for both everyday printing and important tasks. For me, using the proper Canon ink is not just a choice—it’s the best way to keep my printer reliable and long-lasting.
My Buying Guides on Ink For Mx490 Canon
1. Why I Pay Attention to the Right Ink
When I shop for ink for my Canon MX490, I focus on getting the right cartridge first. This printer is picky about compatibility, and using the wrong ink can lead to poor print quality or even printer errors. I always make sure the cartridge matches the MX490 model before I buy anything.
2. I Check Cartridge Compatibility First
The first thing I look for is whether the ink is specifically made for the Canon MX490. I usually verify the cartridge number and compare it with my printer manual or the product listing. If it says it works with the MX490, I still double-check the details to avoid wasting money on the wrong one.
3. I Decide Between Original and Compatible Ink
I usually choose between Canon original ink and compatible third-party ink based on my budget and print needs. Original Canon ink gives me the most reliable results, especially for important documents. Compatible ink can save me money, but I only buy it from sellers with strong reviews and clear return policies.
4. I Look at Print Yield
I always compare page yield before buying. Some cartridges look cheaper at first, but they run out quickly. I prefer ink that offers a better yield because it lasts longer and gives me better value over time, especially when I print often.
5. I Think About What I Print Most
My printing habits matter a lot. If I print mostly text documents, I focus on sharp black ink. If I print photos or color pages, I make sure the color cartridges are reliable too. I try to buy a set that matches my actual usage instead of just grabbing the cheapest option.
6. I Check for Easy Installation
I like ink cartridges that are simple to install. With the MX490, I want a smooth replacement process without leaks or error messages. I read reviews to see if other buyers had trouble with installation before I make my decision.
7. I Compare Price and Value
I never choose ink based only on the lowest price. I compare the cost per cartridge, the page yield, and the seller reputation. Sometimes paying a little more saves me money in the long run because I replace the ink less often.
8. I Buy from Trusted Sellers
I prefer buying from reputable stores or trusted online sellers. That helps me avoid counterfeit cartridges or damaged packaging. I also look for clear product descriptions, warranty information, and customer support in case I need help.
9. I Keep Spare Ink on Hand
When I find a good ink option for my Canon MX490, I like to keep an extra set at home. That way, I’m not stuck when a cartridge runs out unexpectedly. It helps me stay ready for work, school, or personal printing without interruption.
10. My Final Buying Tip
My best advice is to balance compatibility, quality, yield, and price. For my Canon MX490, I want ink that works properly, prints clearly, and fits my budget. If I check those basics before buying, I usually end up with a much better experience.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, choosing the right ink for the Canon MX490 makes a big difference in print quality and overall reliability. I always recommend checking compatibility carefully and considering both original and high-quality compatible cartridges to fit my needs and budget. When I use the right ink, I get sharper text, better color, and fewer printing issues.
Author Profile
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Grant Callahan is the voice behind Rocks n Ropes, a practical product review site built for people who want outdoor and everyday gear that actually makes sense. Based in Boise, Idaho, Grant writes from years of hands-on experience around community recreation programs, outdoor supply shelves, rental equipment, and the kinds of products people rely on for camping, walking, travel, storage, and simple time outside.
His interest in gear came from watching how products behave after real use, not just how they look when new. Over the years, he noticed which chairs collapsed too easily, which bags became uncomfortable, which lanterns confused people in the dark, and which simple items quietly became favorites because they were easy to use, clean, carry, and keep.
At rocksnropes.com, Grant focuses on honest, useful product thoughts for careful buyers. He does not write like an extreme outdoor expert or a flashy gear collector. His goal is to help readers choose products with less doubt, fewer regrets, and a better understanding of what will actually work in their everyday lives.
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