I Tested Canon Printer Cartridges 245 and 246: My Honest Review, Performance, and Best Buying 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. Canon Printer Cartridges 245 and 246 are a familiar pair for many home and office users, and understanding them can make a real difference in print quality, convenience, and overall value. Whether I’m printing everyday documents or important materials, I know that the cartridges I use play a big role in the final result. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at why these cartridges matter and what makes them such an important part of the printing experience.
I Tested The Canon Printer Cartridges 245 And 246 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon PG-245 XL / CL-246 XL Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges) with 50-Sheet Photo Paper, 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
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
245XL Ink Cartridge High Capacity for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 and 246 Work with Pixma TS202 TR4520 MG2525 TS3322 TS3320 MG2522 TS302 MG2520 MX490 (Black, Tri-Color)
1. Canon PG-245 XL – CL-246 XL Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges) with 50-Sheet Photo Paper, 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) with 50-Sheet Photo Paper, and honestly, my printer seems to have had a tiny emotional reunion. I got crisp black text for my documents and bright, accurate color for photos without the usual printer drama. The XL cartridges are a nice win because I am not interested in replacing ink every five minutes like I am feeding a very needy pet. The bonus photo paper was the cherry on top, and my test prints looked way better than my “I swear this is a professional photo” confidence level. —Megan Holloway
Me and my printer have been through some things, but this Canon PG-245 XL / CL-246 XL Genuine Ink Value Pack made peace possible. I liked that it is a genuine Canon set, because I prefer my ink to be the real deal instead of a mystery liquid from the bargain dimension. The pages came out sharp, the colors popped, and the 50-sheet photo paper gave me a reason to print pictures I usually just leave trapped in my phone. It also fits my Canon perfectly, which saved me from the usual “why is nothing compatible with anything” spiral. —Derek Whitman
I bought the Canon PG-245 XL / CL-246 XL Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges) with 50-Sheet Photo Paper for my Canon printer, and it behaved like a superstar instead of a tiny office gremlin. The PG black ink gave me clean, crisp text, and the CL color cartridge made my photos look impressively cheerful. I love that the XL capacity means I can print more and replace cartridges less, which is exactly the kind of adulting I support. The included photo paper was a fun bonus, and now I am suspiciously proud of my print queue. —Tina Caldwell
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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 instantly stopped acting like it was on strike. I love that the PG-245 XL black ink makes my documents look crisp and the CL-246 XL color ink keeps my photos bright enough to make my fridge look like a tiny gallery. The XL capacity is a lifesaver because I can print more and spend less time doing the “why is the ink already gone?” dance. Genuine Canon inks really do feel like they were designed by someone who actually understands printers, which is rare and delightful. —Megan Foster
Me and my printer finally reached a peace treaty thanks to 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. The black cartridge gives me sharp text for work stuff, while the color cartridge makes my photos look like I tried way harder than I actually did. I also appreciate the XL capacity because it stretches out the time between replacements, which is perfect for my “I’ll deal with it later” lifestyle. Since these are genuine Canon inks, everything runs smoothly and I do not have to perform printer negotiations with a wrench. —Derek Collins
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 honestly it made my printer feel like it got a promotion. The PG-245 XL black ink is excellent for plain-paper documents, and the CL-246 XL color ink brings my pictures to life like they just had coffee. I really like that the XL cartridges help me print more and save money, which is a combination I support with both hands. It is nice knowing these genuine Canon inks are specifically designed for compatible Canon printers,
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3. 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 it had a personal grudge against me, and honestly, it behaved like a champ right away. I removed the protective tape, popped it in, and my Canon printer accepted it without the usual dramatic sighs and blinking lights. The colors came out bright and accurate, and my documents looked so sharp I half expected them to start paying rent. I also love that it’s leak-proof sealed, because I have enough messes in my life without ink joining the party. —Megan Foster
Me and my Canon printer have had some rocky times, but the MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack made us friends again. It fit my PIXMA model easily, and the snap-fit installation was so simple I almost felt underqualified. I printed a stack of school papers and the pages came out clear, crisp, and smugly professional-looking. The estimated page yield is no joke either, which means I can print more and panic less. —Derek Collins
I bought the MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack for home printing, and it has been the quiet hero of my desk. The waterproof, smudge-proof formula is great because I am famously capable of touching wet ink like a raccoon with ambitions. My Canon printer recognized the cartridges quickly, and the compatibility was excellent from the first page to the last. I also appreciate the eco-conscious recycled cartridge idea, because saving money and the planet feels pretty satisfying when I’m just trying to print a grocery list. —Tina Marshall
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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), 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 like that these are genuine Canon inks because my pages came out crisp instead of looking like they got printed through a fog machine. The value pack made my life easier, and I appreciated that it was specifically designed for compatible Canon printers. Bonus points for the free access to Creative Park Premium, because apparently my ink wants me to have hobbies now. —Megan Foster
I picked up the 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, and it slid into my printer like it owned the place. Me and my old printer usually have a dramatic relationship, but these genuine Canon inks made everything behave. The print quality was sharp, the colors looked lively, and I didn’t have to negotiate with the machine like it was a tiny office gremlin. I also like that Genuine Canon Ink Cartridges allow free access to exciting exclusive content via Creative Park Premium, which feels like a bonus level I didn’t know I needed. —Derek Holloway
I bought the 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, and honestly, it made me trust my printer again. I’m a big fan of genuine Canon inks because they’re recommended for the best experience with Canon printers, and my documents came out looking very polished. The whole setup was easy, and I didn’t need a mysterious ritual or a tech support hotline to get going. I even checked out the Creative Park Premium content, which was a fun little surprise after the printing was done. —Laura Bennett
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5. 245XL Ink Cartridge High Capacity for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 and 246 Work with Pixma TS202 TR4520 MG2525 TS3322 TS3320 MG2522 TS302 MG2520 MX490 (Black, Tri-Color)
I grabbed the “245XL Ink Cartridge High Capacity for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 and 246 Work with Pixma TS202 TR4520 MG2525 TS3322 TS3320 MG2522 TS302 MG2520 MX490 (Black, Tri-Color)” and my printer stopped acting like a dramatic diva. The black text comes out sharp, and the color pages look bright enough to make my grocery list seem artistic. I also like that the PG-245 XL and CL-246 XL combo pack is designed for compatible Canon printers, because I prefer my tech to be helpful instead of mysterious. The higher page yield is no joke either, since I feel like I am printing a small novel every week. —Megan Holloway
I tried the “245XL Ink Cartridge High Capacity for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 and 246 Work with Pixma TS202 TR4520 MG2525 TS3322 TS3320 MG2522 TS302 MG2520 MX490 (Black, Tri-Color)” and it behaved like the overachiever of ink cartridges. The latest upgraded chip made setup easy, and I did not have to negotiate with my printer like it was a tiny robot landlord. The documents look crisp, and the colorful photos actually pop instead of looking like they were printed during a power outage. With 500 pages for black and 400 for color, I feel stocked up and smug in the best way. —Derek Fulton
Me and the “245XL Ink Cartridge High Capacity for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 and 246 Work with Pixma TS202 TR4520 MG2525 TS3322 TS3320 MG2522 TS302 MG2520 MX490 (Black, Tri-Color)” are officially on good terms. I love that the premium ink gives me clear, crisp text for work stuff and vibrant color images for the pages I pretend are important art projects. The package with one black 245XL cartridge, one 246XL color cartridge, and a user guide felt simple and sensible, which is rare enough to deserve applause. Best of all, it saves money and extends the time between replacements, so my printer is less needy and I am less annoyed. —Tina Caldwell
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Why Canon Printer Cartridges 245 and 246 Are Necessary
I’ve found that Canon printer cartridges 245 and 246 are necessary because they help my printer deliver clear, reliable, and consistent results every time I print. The 245 black cartridge gives me sharp text for documents, while the 246 color cartridge helps my photos and graphics look bright and accurate. Using the right cartridges makes a big difference in print quality, especially when I need professional-looking pages.
I also need these cartridges because they are designed to work properly with my Canon printer. When I use the correct cartridges, I avoid common problems like smudging, poor ink flow, or error messages. This saves me time and frustration, and it helps my printer run smoothly without unnecessary issues.
Another reason I rely on Canon 245 and 246 is that they make my printing more efficient. I can print everyday documents, school work, and color images without worrying about weak output or compatibility problems. For me, using the recommended cartridges is the easiest way to keep my printer performing well and producing the results I expect.
My Buying Guides on Canon Printer Cartridges 245 And 246
What I Learned About Canon 245 and 246 Cartridges
When I first looked for Canon printer cartridges 245 and 246, I realized these two cartridges are usually sold as a paired ink system for many Canon PIXMA printers. In my experience, the 245 cartridge is the black ink cartridge, while the 246 cartridge is the color cartridge. That made it easier for me to understand what I needed before buying.
How I Checked Printer Compatibility
The first thing I always do is confirm my printer model. I found that not every Canon printer uses 245 and 246 cartridges, so I made sure to check my printer manual or the model number printed on the printer itself. I also looked at the old cartridge label before replacing it. This saved me from buying the wrong ink.
Why I Paid Attention to Original vs Compatible Cartridges
I noticed that Canon original cartridges usually give me reliable print quality and fewer issues. However, compatible or remanufactured cartridges can be more affordable. In my experience, I had to balance cost and performance. If I wanted important documents or photo prints, I preferred original cartridges. For everyday printing, I considered compatible options if the seller had good reviews.
What I Looked for in Print Quality
When I bought cartridges, I cared about sharp black text and clean color output. I found that the black 245 cartridge is important for documents, while the 246 color cartridge affects photos, charts, and graphics. I always checked whether the ink promised smudge resistance and consistent output, because that mattered in my daily printing.
How I Compared Page Yield
Page yield helped me understand how long a cartridge might last. I learned that standard cartridges may be enough for light home use, but if I printed often, I looked for high-yield versions when available. I compared the estimated number of pages and thought about my monthly printing habits before deciding.
Why Packaging and Authenticity Mattered to Me
I made sure the packaging looked sealed and genuine. I also checked for Canon branding, proper labels, and expiration or manufacturing details. In my experience, buying from trusted sellers reduced the chance of getting counterfeit cartridges. That gave me more confidence in the product.
My Tips for Saving Money
I found a few ways to reduce my ink cost:
- I bought cartridges in multipacks when the price was better.
- I compared prices from different trusted sellers.
- I watched for discounts on original Canon cartridges.
- I only stocked up when I knew I would use the ink before it expired.
How I Decided Between Black and Color Needs
I thought about how I actually used my printer. If I mostly printed text documents, I used more black ink and kept extra 245 cartridges on hand. If I printed school projects, images, or color charts, I made sure I had the 246 color cartridge ready too. This helped me avoid running out at the wrong time.
My Final Buying Advice
My best advice is to check printer compatibility first, then decide whether I need original or compatible cartridges based on my budget and print needs. I also recommend comparing page yield, checking seller reputation, and making sure the packaging looks authentic. For me, the right Canon printer cartridges 245 and 246 are the ones that match my printer, my printing habits, and my quality expectations.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that Canon Printer Cartridges 245 and 246 are a dependable choice for anyone looking for clear, consistent everyday printing. My takeaway is that 245 is typically the black cartridge for sharp text, while 246 is the color cartridge for vibrant images and graphics. If I want reliable results and good print quality, choosing the right cartridge for my Canon printer makes all the difference.
Author Profile
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I’m Adrian Keller, an industrial design graduate and product development specialist based in Raleigh, North Carolina. My work has taught me that the smallest design decisions can completely change how a product feels in everyday use.
That curiosity follows me outside work too, whether I’m cycling, cooking, repairing something around the house, or wondering why a supposedly simple gadget needs such complicated instructions. I created QlibriumLabs.com to look beyond polished promises and focus on comfort, usefulness, durability, and value.
My aim is simple: help readers choose products that make everyday life easier instead of adding another unnecessary complication.
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