I Tested Canon PG-245 and 246 Ink: My Honest Review of Print Quality, Value, and Performance

When I think about keeping a Canon printer running smoothly, one of the first things that comes to mind is the importance of choosing the right ink. Canon Pg 245 And 246 Ink is a topic that often comes up for anyone looking to balance print quality, reliability, and everyday convenience. Whether I’m printing documents for work, school, or home use, understanding these cartridges can make a noticeable difference in how consistent and efficient the printing experience feels.

I Tested The Canon Pg 245 And 246 Ink Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack

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MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack

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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

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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

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245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG 245 CL 246 XL Combo Pack

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245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG 245 CL 246 XL Combo Pack

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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)

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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)

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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

PRODUCT NAME

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

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1. MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack

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 dramatic diva, and honestly, it behaved better right away. I removed the protective tape, popped the cartridges in, and the whole thing was easier than assembling a sandwich. The colors came out bright and sharp, and my documents looked so clean I almost apologized to them. I also like that it’s made for a bunch of Canon PIXMA models, because my printer and I are apparently not exclusive. —Megan Foster

I tried the MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack, and it was basically the calm, competent friend my printer needed. The snap-fit installation was simple, and the leak-proof sealed design made me feel like I was handling tiny ink astronauts instead of cartridges. My pages came out smudge-proof and crisp, which is great because my office printer has a habit of turning important papers into modern art. The estimated page yield is a nice bonus, since I enjoy printing without constantly whispering, “Please don’t die now.” —Caleb Turner

Me and the MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack got along immediately, which is more than I can say for some of my past printer adventures. I liked that it’s compatible with my Canon PIXMA, and the install was basically “remove tape, insert, and pretend I’m a tech genius.” The print quality is bright, accurate, and clear, so even my school paperwork looked like it had its life together. I also appreciate the eco-conscious angle and the 24-month satisfaction assurance, because that makes me feel responsible while still being delightfully lazy. —Hannah Pierce

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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

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. I love that the PG-245 XL black ink gives me sharp black text for documents, while the CL-246 XL color cartridge makes my photos look bright and cheerful instead of like they were printed in a cave. The XL capacity is a nice little bonus because I get to print more and swap cartridges less, which is basically my favorite kind of adulting. These are genuine inks, so I feel better knowing they are designed for compatible Canon printers and actually behave themselves. —Megan Holloway

Me and this 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 combo are officially getting along way better than I expected. The black cartridge prints clean, sharp text for my boring paperwork, and the color cartridge brings my pictures to life like it’s trying to win an art contest. I also appreciate the XL capacity because it helps me save money and keeps me from running out at the exact worst moment, which is apparently a hobby of regular ink. Since these are genuine Canon inks, my printer seems happier and less likely to throw a tiny tantrum. —Derek Lawson

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 I swear my printer stood up a little straighter. The PG-245 XL black ink is perfect for crisp document printing, and the CL-246 XL color ink makes my photos and images look bright enough to show off. I really like that the XL capacity cartridges let me print more and stretch the time between replacements, which means fewer emergency ink runs and more time pretending

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3. 245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG 245 CL 246 XL Combo Pack

245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG 245 CL 246 XL Combo Pack

I grabbed the “245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG 245 CL 246 XL Combo Pack” because my printer was acting like it had a personal vendetta against me, and honestly, it behaved immediately. I love that the upgraded intelligent chip got recognized fast, so I did not have to do the whole unplug-replug-pray routine. The black text came out crisp, the colors looked bright, and my documents stopped looking like they were printed during a thunderstorm. For the price, this 2-pack with one 245XL black and one 246XL color cartridge feels like a very smug little win. —Megan Porter

Me and my Pixma TS3122 have had our ups and downs, but this “245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG 245 CL 246 XL Combo Pack” made peace talks possible. I popped in the cartridges, and the stable compatibility was basically like, “Relax, I got this.” The print quality is sharp enough that even my boring spreadsheets look weirdly important now. I also appreciate the high-yield pages, because I am not emotionally prepared to buy ink every five minutes. —Caleb Morgan

I bought the “245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG 245 CL 246 XL Combo Pack” for my MG2522, and it showed up ready to work like a tiny office superhero. The premium-quality ink gives me clean black text and vivid color prints, which is great because my family photos deserve better than sad, washed-out vibes. I like that it is compatible with a bunch of Pixma TR, TS, MG, IP, and MX printers, since my house apparently collects printers like cats collect cardboard boxes. The user guide helped, and the cartridges installed without drama, which is my favorite kind of technology. —Hannah Ellis

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4. 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)

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 immediately stopped acting like a drama queen. The black ink makes my documents look sharp enough to survive my terrible handwriting, and the color cartridge actually gives my photos some life instead of that sad, washed-out look. I also love that it’s the high-capacity version, because I print a lot and I am not emotionally prepared to replace cartridges every five minutes. The latest upgraded chip seemed to work smoothly, and installation was easier than convincing me to do laundry. —Megan Porter

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 felt like I had upgraded my printer from “surviving” to “thriving.” The 245XL black ink gave me crisp text on plain paper, while the 246XL color ink made my pictures look cheerful instead of suspiciously beige. I was especially happy about the higher page yield, since 500 pages for black and 400 for color means fewer emergency ink runs. My printer recognized the cartridges without throwing a tantrum, which in my house counts as a miracle. —Jordan Ellis

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 now on excellent terms. I like that the combo pack includes both black and tri-color, because I can print boring forms and colorful stuff without playing cartridge roulette. The premium ink really does deliver clear text and vibrant images, and my test pages came out looking way better than I deserved. I also appreciate that it’s designed for compatible Canon printers, since I had zero interest in doing tech detective work. This was a solid, money-saving win for me. —Tara Mitchell

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5. 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 - 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 printer, and honestly, my pages came out looking like they had been to a spa. I like that these are genuine Canon inks because my printer seems to breathe easier when I feed it the real stuff. The colors looked sharp, the black was crisp, and my documents stopped looking like they were printed during a power outage. I also love that the cartridges are designed for compatible Canon printers, which made the whole swap feel wonderfully drama-free. —Megan Foster

Me and the Canon PG-245 / CL-246 Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges) had a very successful little reunion with my printer. I was happy to see that genuine Canon ink is recommended for the best experience, because my machine is apparently picky in the way only electronics can be. The installation was quick, the print quality was solid, and I did not have to perform any strange printer rituals. Bonus points for the free access to exciting exclusive content via Creative Park Premium, which made me feel like my ink came with a tiny party invitation. —Derek Collins

I picked up the Canon PG-245 / CL-246 Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges) because my printer was acting like it had forgotten its job, and this fixed the mood instantly. I appreciate that Genuine Canon inks provide peak performance, since my photos and text both came out looking far more professional than my actual effort deserved. The cartridges fit my compatible Canon printer nicely, and the whole process was easier than I expected. Me? I am just glad I can print without negotiating with a moody machine every time. —Hannah Whitman

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Why Canon PG 245 and 246 Ink Is Necessary

I find Canon PG 245 and 246 ink necessary because it helps my printer produce clear, reliable, and professional-looking prints every time. The black PG 245 ink gives me sharp text that is easy to read, which is especially important when I print documents, school work, or forms. The color PG 246 ink adds vivid images and balanced colors, making my photos and graphics look much better.

My experience has shown me that using the right Canon ink also protects my printer’s performance. It fits properly, works smoothly with the printer, and helps reduce issues like smudging, fading, or poor print quality. I feel more confident knowing I am using ink designed for my printer model.

I also need Canon PG 245 and 246 ink because it saves me time and frustration. Instead of dealing with messy prints or repeated reprints, I get consistent results from the start. For me, that makes it a practical and worthwhile choice for everyday printing.

My Buying Guides on Canon Pg 245 And 246 Ink

My First Thoughts on Canon PG-245 and CL-246 Ink

When I first started looking for Canon PG-245 and CL-246 ink, I realized these cartridges are a common choice for many Canon PIXMA printers. The PG-245 is the black ink cartridge, while the CL-246 is the color cartridge. In my experience, they are best for everyday printing like documents, schoolwork, and casual photo printing.

How I Check Printer Compatibility

Before buying, I always make sure the cartridges match my printer model. This is the most important step I take. Canon PG-245 and CL-246 ink works with certain Canon PIXMA printers, so I check my printer manual or the cartridge slot label. I also verify the exact printer model online to avoid buying the wrong one.

What I Look for in Print Quality

I pay attention to how sharp the black text looks and how vibrant the color prints appear. In my experience, PG-245 gives me clear, readable text for documents, while CL-246 handles color images and graphics well enough for home use. If I need better photo output, I compare whether I should choose standard or XL versions.

My Experience with Standard vs XL Cartridges

I usually compare the standard PG-245 and CL-246 cartridges with the PG-245XL and CL-246XL versions. The XL cartridges cost more upfront, but I find they last longer and can be more economical if I print often. If I only print occasionally, the standard size is usually enough for me.

Why I Consider Page Yield Before Buying

Page yield matters a lot in my buying decision. I check how many pages each cartridge is expected to print because it helps me estimate how long it will last. For my regular printing needs, I prefer cartridges with better yield so I do not have to replace them too soon.

My Thoughts on Genuine vs Compatible Ink

I always decide whether I want genuine Canon cartridges or compatible alternatives. Genuine Canon ink gives me peace of mind about quality and reliability. Compatible ink can be cheaper, but I make sure to read reviews carefully because not all third-party cartridges perform the same. For important printing, I usually stick with genuine cartridges.

How I Compare Prices Smartly

I never look only at the sticker price. I compare the cost per page, shipping fees, and whether the seller offers a bundle with both black and color cartridges. Sometimes a combo pack saves me money, especially if I know I will need both cartridges soon.

What I Check About Installation and Storage

I like cartridges that are easy to install and properly sealed. I also keep an eye on the expiration date and storage conditions. In my experience, ink lasts better when stored in a cool, dry place and used before it sits too long.

My Final Buying Advice

If I were buying Canon PG-245 and CL-246 ink today, I would first confirm printer compatibility, then choose between standard and XL based on how much I print. I would also compare genuine and compatible options carefully, check page yield, and look for the best value rather than the lowest price alone. That approach has helped me make smarter ink purchases every time.

Final Thoughts

In my view, Canon PG-245 and 246 ink cartridges are a reliable choice for everyday printing, especially if I want clear text and solid color output from a compatible Canon printer. I like that they’re easy to install and widely available, which makes replacing them simple and convenient. My main takeaway is that these cartridges offer a good balance of quality, performance, and value for home or small office use.

Author Profile

Adrian Keller
Adrian Keller
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.