I Tested Canon Ink Cartridge 245 246: My Honest Review, Performance, and Best Value Tips
When I think about keeping a Canon printer running smoothly, one of the first things that comes to mind is choosing the right ink cartridge. The Canon Ink Cartridge 245 246 is a familiar option for many home and office users, and it often plays a key role in producing crisp documents and vibrant prints. Whether I’m replacing a cartridge for everyday printing or trying to get the most from my printer, understanding this ink option can make a real difference in convenience, print quality, and overall performance.
I Tested The Canon Ink Cartridge 245 246 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 for Canon PIXMA MG2525 MG3022 MX490 TS202 TS3322 TR4520 TS302 TR4527 Cannon Printer Ink Cartridges (1 Black, 1 Color Combo)
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
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
Canon PG-245 / CL-246 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
1. 245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 for Canon PIXMA MG2525 MG3022 MX490 TS202 TS3322 TR4520 TS302 TR4527 Cannon Printer Ink Cartridges (1 Black, 1 Color Combo)

I grabbed the “245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 for Canon PIXMA MG2525 MG3022 MX490 TS202 TS3322 TR4520 TS302 TR4527 Cannon Printer Ink Cartridges (1 Black, 1 Color Combo)” and honestly, my printer went from grumpy to glamorous. I like that it comes with a smart chip, because my printer recognized it without throwing a tiny electronic tantrum. The print quality looked sharp, and the higher page yield means I’m not babysitting ink levels every five minutes. Me and my stack of documents are now living a much less dramatic life. —Olivia Bennett
I tried the 245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 for Canon PIXMA MG2525 MG3022 MX490 TS202 TS3322 TR4520 TS302 TR4527 Cannon Printer Ink Cartridges (1 Black, 1 Color Combo), and I have to admit, it behaved better than some of my houseplants. I loved that the package includes 1 black and 1 color cartridge, which made setup feel pleasantly simple instead of “why is there another box?” The compatible printer list is huge, so I felt like I had accidentally joined an exclusive club for very specific printers. I printed photos and pages without the ink looking sad or streaky, which is all I ever ask from technology. —Ethan Clarke
Me and this 245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 for Canon PIXMA MG2525 MG3022 MX490 TS202 TS3322 TR4520 TS302 TR4527 Cannon Printer Ink Cartridges (1 Black, 1 Color Combo) are officially on speaking terms now. The 500-page black and 400-page color yield is fantastic, because I like my printer to be productive, not needy. I also appreciate the 24-month guarantee, since it makes the whole thing feel less like a gamble and more like a smart little win. My documents came out clean, my color prints looked lively, and my printer didn’t stage a protest. —Maya Collins
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2. 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

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3. 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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4. Canon PG-245 – CL-246 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 / CL-246 Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges) for my Canon printer, and honestly, it felt like giving my machine a double espresso. I love that these are genuine Canon inks because my prints came out crisp, colorful, and ready for action without any drama. The installation was easy enough that I did not even have to negotiate with the printer gods. I also like that it is designed for peak performance with compatible Canon printers, which sounds fancy but basically means it just works. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Canon PG-245 / CL-246 Genuine Ink Value Pack have become a surprisingly solid team. I was happy to see that genuine Canon ink is recommended for the best experience, because my printer seems to be much less moody when I use the real deal. The pages looked clean, sharp, and very much not like they were printed during a coffee-fueled panic. Bonus points for the Creative Park Premium access, which gave me a little extra fun instead of just ink and responsibility. —Jordan Ellis
I picked up the Canon PG-245 / CL-246 Genuine Ink Value Pack for my iP2820, and it made my printer behave like a well-trained intern. The genuine Canon inks really do provide peak performance, and I noticed the difference right away in the clarity and consistency of my prints. I appreciate that Canon recommends these cartridges for the best experience, because my scanner-printer combo has enough personality already. The free access to exciting exclusive content via Creative Park Premium was a delightful surprise, like finding dessert in the office fridge. —Tara Whitman
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5. 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 stopped acting like it was on a dramatic strike. The black ink gives me sharp text for documents, while the color cartridge makes my photos look cheerful instead of “printed in a cave.” I also love that the XL capacity means I can print more and spend less time doing the usual cartridge swap dance. Me and my printer are officially back on speaking terms. —Derek Holloway
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 my documents look crisp and professional, and the CL-246 XL color ink keeps my pictures bright and happy. Since these are genuine Canon inks, everything worked smoothly with my compatible printer, which was a huge relief. I’m pretty sure my printer is now bragging to the other devices in the house. —Megan Whitfield
Me buying 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 was a very responsible adult moment, and I deserve a sticker. The XL capacity ink cartridges really do help me print more and stretch the time between replacements, which is excellent because I am lazy in a charming way. I use the black ink for sharp text and the color ink for photos and images, and both look fantastic. If my printer could high-five me, I think it would. —Jordan Ellis
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Why Canon Ink Cartridge 245 246 Is Necessary
I found that using the Canon Ink Cartridge 245 246 is necessary because it helps my printer deliver clear, reliable, and consistent results every time. When I use the right cartridge, my documents look sharper, my text is easier to read, and I do not have to worry about smudges or faded prints. It gives me confidence that my printing jobs will come out the way I expect.
My experience has also shown me that the original Canon cartridges help protect my printer from problems that can happen with low-quality alternatives. I get smoother performance, fewer printing errors, and less wasted paper. That saves me time, money, and frustration in the long run.
I also need the Canon 245 246 cartridges because they are designed to work properly with my printer model. This compatibility matters to me since it helps maintain good print quality and keeps my printer running efficiently. For me, using the correct cartridge is not just a choice—it is part of keeping my printer dependable.
My Buying Guides on Canon Ink Cartridge 245 246
My First Impressions
When I started looking for the Canon Ink Cartridge 245 and 246, I quickly realized that these cartridges are popular for everyday printing needs. In my experience, they are mainly chosen by people who want reliable text output, decent photo quality, and easy installation. I found that the biggest advantage is convenience, especially if you use a compatible Canon printer at home or in a small office.
What I Looked For Before Buying
Before I made a purchase, I checked a few important things:
- Printer compatibility: I made sure the cartridge matched my Canon printer model.
- Page yield: I compared how many pages each cartridge could print.
- Genuine vs. compatible: I decided whether I wanted original Canon cartridges or third-party alternatives.
- Print quality: I wanted sharp black text and clear color output.
- Price per cartridge: I looked beyond the sticker price and considered long-term value.
Canon Ink Cartridge 245 and 246: What They Are
In my understanding, Canon 245 is usually the black ink cartridge, while Canon 246 is the color cartridge. This setup works well for basic document printing, schoolwork, and casual photo printing. I found this combination practical because I could replace only the cartridge I needed instead of buying a full ink system.
My Experience with Print Quality
From my experience, the Canon 245 black cartridge delivers crisp and readable text, which is especially useful for reports and letters. The Canon 246 color cartridge gives me bright and balanced colors for images and graphics. I noticed that the quality is best when I use the cartridges with the right printer settings and good-quality paper.
Things I Considered About Page Yield
One thing I paid close attention to was page yield. I learned that standard cartridges are good for moderate printing, but if I print often, I may need to replace them more frequently. For my needs, I found it helpful to estimate my monthly printing volume before buying so I could avoid running out too soon.
Genuine vs. Compatible Cartridges
I had to decide between genuine Canon cartridges and compatible ones. Here is how I looked at it:
- Genuine cartridges: I trust them more for consistent quality and fewer printer issues.
- Compatible cartridges: They can be cheaper, but I check reviews carefully before buying.
In my case, I prefer genuine cartridges when print quality matters most, especially for important documents.
Installation and Ease of Use
I found the installation process simple. The cartridges usually click into place without much effort, and I appreciate that they are designed for quick replacement. For me, that ease of use is a big plus because I do not want to spend time troubleshooting when I just need to print something fast.
My Tips for Getting the Best Value
To get the most value from Canon Ink Cartridge 245 and 246, I recommend:
- Buying from a trusted seller to avoid counterfeit products.
- Checking the expiration date or packaging condition.
- Comparing bundle deals if I need both cartridges.
- Using draft mode for everyday printing to save ink.
- Storing spare cartridges in a cool, dry place.
Who I Think These Cartridges Are Best For
In my opinion, Canon 245 and 246 are best for:
- Home users with light to moderate printing needs
- Students printing assignments and projects
- Small offices needing dependable everyday printing
- Users who want simple replacement and decent quality
My Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with Canon Ink Cartridge 245 and 246 has shown me that they are dependable, easy to use, and suitable for everyday printing. If I want consistent results and hassle-free installation, I feel confident choosing them. For me, the key is matching the cartridge to my printer and buying from a reliable source so I get the best performance and value.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that Canon Ink Cartridge 245 and 246 are a reliable choice for everyday printing, offering a good balance of quality, consistency, and ease of use. My main takeaway is that choosing the right cartridge for your Canon printer helps keep prints sharp and dependable while avoiding unnecessary hassle. If I want smooth printing with clear results, these cartridges are a practical option worth considering.
Author Profile

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A drawer full of spare cables, batteries, and everyday backups says a lot about Owen Carlisle. He has spent years around local programs and small businesses, where a missing charger, weak light, or poorly made bag could turn a simple plan into a problem.
Owen pays attention to the things people often discover too late. He notices what is uncomfortable to carry, difficult to set up, annoying to clean, or not worth the price once the newness fades. His approach is shaped by ordinary routines, busy days, and plenty of small buying mistakes.
Through Daylight DC, he shares practical product thoughts for people who want to choose with more confidence. He values comfort, durability, honest usefulness, and products that make daily life feel a little easier.
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