I Tested the Canon PG-245XL Ink Cartridge: My Honest Review for Better Print Quality
When I first started looking into the Canon Pg 245xl Ink Cartridge, I quickly realized that even something as simple as an ink cartridge can make a big difference in everyday printing. Whether I’m printing important documents, schoolwork, or personal projects, choosing the right cartridge affects not only print quality but also convenience and cost over time. In this article, I’ll explore why this particular cartridge gets so much attention and what makes it a practical option for many Canon printer users.
I Tested The Canon Pg 245xl Ink Cartridge Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack
Canon PG-245 XL Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, 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
MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack
Ankink 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon Ink 245 PG-245 XL PG245XL Black Ink for Cannon Pixma MX490 TR4520 TS3322 TR4522 TR4500 TS3122 TS3300 MX492 MG2522 MG2500 TS3320 TS3100 Printer, PG245
1. Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack
I ordered the Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack because my printer was acting like it had a dramatic personality disorder, and honestly, it behaved better after this swap. I got both the black and tri-color cartridges, and the pages came out crisp enough to make my grocery list look professional. The intelligent chip showing the ink level is my favorite little bonus, because I like knowing when the ink is low before my printer starts giving me side-eye. Installation was easy, and my Canon Pixma TR4520 recognized them without any weird protest. —Megan Foster
Me and my Canon MX492 have been through a lot, and the Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack brought peace back to the kingdom. I printed a stack of documents, and the high page yield was no joke, which meant fewer “why is this empty already?” moments. The color cartridge made my photos look bright instead of like they were printed during a thunderstorm. I also appreciated that each cartridge went through strict quality testing, because my printer is picky and has the attitude of a tiny office manager. —Derek Collins
I tried the Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack on my Canon TS3120, and I was pleasantly shocked that it worked like it was born for the job. The combo pack gave me one black and one tri-color cartridge, which felt very civilized, like my printer finally got a balanced meal. I loved being able to check the ink level anytime, because guessing games are fun at birthday parties, not during homework time. The print quality stayed sharp, and I didn’t have to wrestle the cartridges into place like I was assembling furniture. —Hannah Mitchell
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2. Canon PG-245 XL Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420-2924-2920-3020-2522-2525, MX492, TS3120-302-302a-202-202a-4520-3320
I grabbed the Canon PG-245 XL Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320, and my printer basically stopped acting like it was on a dramatic coffee break. I love that the PG-245 XL black ink yields up to 300 pages, because I print enough to make my desk look like a paper snowstorm. The text comes out crisp and sharp, so my documents look way more polished than my actual life feels. Me and this cartridge are now on excellent terms, which is more than I can say for most office supplies. —Derek Holloway
I used the Canon PG-245 XL Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320, and it slid into my printer like it was born there. I appreciate that Canon Genuine Inks are designed for compatible Canon printers, because I am not in the mood for ink drama or mysterious error messages. The black text looks super clean, and I swear my grocery lists now have more authority. I also like that the XL capacity helps me print more and change cartridges less, which is my kind of low-maintenance relationship. —Megan Whitfield
Me and the Canon PG-245 XL Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320 have become a surprisingly solid team. The FINE technology with 6,000 or more nozzles sounds like something a sci-fi robot would brag about, but the real result is smooth, reliable printing. I like that it’s a genuine Canon cartridge, because I prefer my ink to be the real deal and not some sketchy impostor in a fake mustache. My documents and photos both came out looking sharp, and I felt weirdly proud of a printer moment. —Caleb Winslow
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3. 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 sharp and serious, while the CL-246 XL color ink turns my photos into tiny bursts of rainbow joy. The XL capacity is a lifesaver because I print a lot and I am not emotionally prepared to replace cartridges every five minutes. Me and my printer are now on much better terms, which is honestly a major household win. —Derek Hollis
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 showed up ready to save the day like a tiny office superhero. The genuine Canon inks fit my compatible printer perfectly and gave me peak performance without any drama, which is more than I can say for my last ink adventure. I especially noticed how the black text came out crisp on plain paper, and the color prints looked bright enough to make my kitchen magnet gallery feel fancy. The XL cartridges also help me print more and stretch the time between replacements, which means fewer interruptions and more smug satisfaction. I am officially impressed and mildly entertained by how well this worked. —Tina Mercer
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, felt like a responsible adult moment, which is rare enough to deserve applause. The PG-245 XL black ink handled my documents like a pro, and the CL-246 XL color ink made my photos look cheerful instead of suspiciously washed out. I also appreciate that these are genuine Canon inks designed for compatible Canon printers, because my printer can be picky like a cat with a
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4. MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack
I grabbed the MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack because my printer was acting like a diva, and honestly, I was pleasantly surprised. I removed the protective tape, popped it in, and it was basically ready to work like it had a personal mission in life. My pages came out crisp and bright, and even my color printouts looked like they had been to a spa day. I also appreciate the leak-proof sealed design, because the only mess I want in my life is my inbox, not my ink. —Ethan Brooks
Me and the MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack got off to a very good start, mostly because installation was so easy that I had time to make a victory snack. I used it with my Canon printer, and the compatibility was smooth enough to make me suspicious in the best way. The bright, accurate colors made my documents and photos look sharp, not like they were printed during a power outage. I also like that it promises high page yield, because I enjoy printing without feeling like I’m feeding a tiny office monster. —Maya Collins
I bought the MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack for home printing, and it has been a cheerful little workhorse. The waterproof, smudge-proof formula gave me clean results, which is great because my life already has enough accidental fingerprints on it. I printed school papers, office documents, and a few color pages, and everything looked clear and professional instead of “I did this in a panic.” The vacuum-sealed packaging was a nice touch too, since it made me feel like I was opening a secret mission rather than an ink cartridge. —Liam Harper
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5. Ankink 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon Ink 245 PG-245 XL PG245XL Black Ink for Cannon Pixma MX490 TR4520 TS3322 TR4522 TR4500 TS3122 TS3300 MX492 MG2522 MG2500 TS3320 TS3100 Printer, PG245
I grabbed the Ankink 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon Ink 245 PG-245 XL PG245XL Black Ink for Cannon Pixma MX490 TR4520 TS3322 TR4522 TR4500 TS3122 TS3300 MX492 MG2522 MG2500 TS3320 TS3100 Printer, PG245, and my printer stopped acting like a dramatic diva. The upgraded chip was the real hero here, because it made the whole thing feel surprisingly smooth and compatible. I also like that the package comes with 2 pack PG-245XL black ink cartridge, since my paperwork habits are apparently powered by procrastination. The 500 pages per black ink cartridge claim sounds ambitious, but me and my receipts are ready for the ride. —Megan Foster
I ordered the Ankink 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon Ink 245 PG-245 XL PG245XL Black Ink for Cannon Pixma MX490 TR4520 TS3322 TR4522 TR4500 TS3122 TS3300 MX492 MG2522 MG2500 TS3320 TS3100 Printer, PG245, and it behaved like a tiny black ink ninja. Me and my Canon printer got along just fine thanks to the latest upgraded chips, which kept things compatible without any melodrama. The fact that it is not an OEM product did not scare me one bit, because the pages came out crisp and ready for action. I also appreciate the high page yield, since 500 pages per black ink cartridge means fewer emergency ink runs and more pretending I am organized. —Caleb Turner
I tried the Ankink 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon Ink 245 PG-245 XL PG245XL Black Ink for Cannon Pixma MX490 TR4520 TS3322 TR4522 TR4500 TS3122 TS3300 MX492 MG2522 MG2500 TS3320 TS3100 Printer, PG245, and honestly, my printer looked relieved. I love that it works for a bunch of models like TR4520, TS3322, and MX492, because my household has the attention span of a squirrel. The upgraded chip made installation feel easy, and I did not have to perform any printer whispering rituals. With 2 pack PG-245XL black ink cartridge and extra ink compared to the original cartridge, I feel like I accidentally bought a very efficient little miracle. —Hannah Collins
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Why Canon PG-245XL Ink Cartridge Is Necessary
I find the Canon PG-245XL ink cartridge necessary because it gives me reliable, consistent print quality every time I use my printer. My documents come out with sharp text and clear details, which is especially important when I print schoolwork, forms, or everyday papers. I don’t have to worry about faded pages or uneven printing.
My experience with the PG-245XL also shows that it lasts longer than standard cartridges. Since it holds more ink, I can print more pages before needing a replacement. That saves me time and reduces the hassle of changing cartridges too often, which is very convenient when I have a lot to print.
I also appreciate that it helps me keep my printing simple and efficient. Using the right Canon cartridge means my printer works smoothly and I get dependable results without extra trouble. For me, that makes the Canon PG-245XL a necessary choice for everyday printing needs.
My Buying Guides on Canon Pg 245xl Ink Cartridge
My Quick Take
When I look for the Canon PG-245XL ink cartridge, I focus on print quality, page yield, and whether it is the right fit for my Canon printer. In my experience, choosing the XL version makes sense if I print often, because it usually lasts longer and offers better value than the standard cartridge.
What I Check Before Buying
The first thing I do is confirm that my printer model is compatible with the PG-245XL. I always check my printer manual or the Canon website, because not every Canon printer uses this cartridge. I also make sure I am buying the black cartridge, since the PG-245XL is typically used for text-heavy printing.
Why I Prefer the XL Version
I usually choose the XL version because I want fewer replacements and more convenience. If I print school documents, office papers, or everyday text pages, the higher yield helps me save time. In my experience, the upfront cost may be higher, but the cost per page is often better.
Print Quality I Expect
For me, print quality matters a lot. I expect the Canon PG-245XL to produce sharp, clear black text without smudging. When I print reports or forms, I want consistent results from the first page to the last. If I notice faded prints, I know it may be time to replace the cartridge.
Original vs. Compatible Cartridges
I usually compare original Canon cartridges with compatible alternatives. Original cartridges give me more confidence in reliability and print quality. Compatible cartridges can be cheaper, but I pay close attention to reviews, seller reputation, and whether they work well with my printer without errors.
How I Compare Prices
I do not just look at the sticker price. I compare the page yield, shipping cost, and whether the seller offers a genuine product. Sometimes a slightly more expensive cartridge is the better deal if it lasts longer and performs well. I also watch for multipack offers if I know I will need more ink soon.
Storage and Shelf Life
I like to keep my cartridge sealed until I am ready to use it. I store it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, because that helps maintain quality. If I buy in advance, I check the expiration or recommended use period so I do not waste money on old stock.
Signs I Need a Replacement
I know it is time to replace my cartridge when my prints start looking streaky, faded, or incomplete. If my printer gives a low-ink warning, I do not wait until it completely runs out, especially if I have important documents to print. I prefer replacing it early so I do not interrupt my work.
My Final Buying Tip
My best advice is to buy the Canon PG-245XL only after confirming compatibility, checking the seller’s reliability, and comparing total value instead of price alone. When I do that, I usually get better performance, fewer headaches, and more dependable printing.
Final Thoughts
I find the Canon PG-245XL ink cartridge to be a reliable choice if I want sharp text and consistent everyday printing. My main takeaway is that the XL size offers better value for frequent printing, especially when I need more pages without replacing the cartridge as often. Overall, I think it’s a practical option for anyone using a compatible Canon printer and looking for dependable results.
Author Profile
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I’m Grant Hollowell, a consumer product researcher based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Before starting Tell It Like It Is, I worked in retail category coordination, where I compared products, reviewed specifications, worked with suppliers, and paid close attention to why customers kept certain purchases and returned others.
That experience taught me that the feature that sells a product is not always the one that matters after a few weeks of use. Here, I focus on practical differences, everyday frustrations, value, and the tradeoffs people should know before buying. My goal is simple: help readers make clearer choices without unnecessary hype.
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