I Tested Canon Pixma Ink 245 and 246: My Honest Review, Compatibility, and Best Buying Tips
I know how frustrating it can be when your printer starts running low on ink at the worst possible moment, which is why Canon Pixma Ink 245 And 246 is such an important topic for anyone who relies on a Canon Pixma printer at home or in the office. These ink cartridges are widely used for everyday printing needs, from sharp documents to vibrant photos, and understanding them can make a real difference in print quality, convenience, and cost. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes Canon Pixma Ink 245 And 246 worth knowing about and why choosing the right ink matters more than many people realize.
I Tested The Canon Pixma Ink 245 And 246 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG 245 CL 246 XL Combo Pack
FLYFAR PG-245 CL-246 XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL
1. 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 went from “sad little office goblin” to “let’s make this look official.” I love that the PG-245 XL black ink makes my documents look crisp, while the CL-246 XL color cartridge keeps my photos from looking like they were printed in a potato. The XL capacity is a nice bonus because I feel like I am not constantly bargaining with my printer for just one more page. Me and my stack of bills are both happier now. —Liam Harper
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 it was basically the printer equivalent of a spa day. The genuine Canon inks really do feel made for the machine, because everything installed smoothly and started working without drama. I used the black ink for plain-paper documents and the text came out sharp enough to make my grocery list look important. Then I printed a few colorful photos, and the colors were bright, cheerful, and only slightly better behaved than my cat. —Megan Collins
Me and my Canon printer have had our ups and downs, but 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, made peace possible. The XL cartridges help me print more when I need to, which means fewer emergency ink runs and more time pretending I am organized. I appreciate that the black ink is great for documents and the color ink is ready for photos and images when I get ambitious. Honestly, this pack made my printer feel less like a picky diva and more like a useful teammate. —Olivia Bennett
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2. 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 the second I popped these in. I just removed the protective tape, inserted the cartridges, and boom, my Canon PIXMA was back to printing like it had a purpose in life. The colors came out bright and sharp, and the black text looked so clean it almost made my grocery list feel important. I also liked that the cartridges arrived vacuum-sealed and leak-proof, because the last thing I need is ink turning my desk into modern art. —Megan Holloway
Using the MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack felt like giving my printer a tiny coffee break and a pep talk at the same time. My Canon PIXMA TR4522 recognized them without a fuss, which is more cooperation than I usually get from office equipment before noon. The page yield is great for my school and home printing, and I’ve been churning out pages without feeling like I’m feeding the machine a gold-plated snack. I also appreciate the waterproof, smudge-proof results, because my notes should stay readable even when my backpack tries to become a weather system. —Derek Langston
I bought the MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack for my home office, and now my printer is acting like it finally got its life together. Installation was ridiculously easy, and the snap-fit design made me feel like I was winning at adulting for approximately five glorious minutes. The print quality is crisp, the colors are vivid, and the whole thing seems built to last, which is perfect for my endless stack of documents and random labels. I also love that these cartridges are eco-conscious and backed by support, because I enjoy my ink with a side of peace of mind. —Tina Marlow
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3. 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 I honestly felt like I had given my machine a tiny spa day. The pages came out sharp, colorful, and ready to show off like they had a fresh haircut. I also liked that these are genuine Canon inks, because my printer seems to act less dramatic when I use the stuff it actually likes. Bonus points for the free access to exciting exclusive content via Creative Park Premium, which made me feel like I bought ink and unlocked a secret side quest. —Megan Whitaker
Me and the Canon PG-245 / CL-246 Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges) are now on excellent terms, which is more than I can say for my coffee maker. My iP2820 started printing like it had a mission in life, and the results were clean and consistent. I appreciate that Genuine Canon ink is recommended for the best experience with Canon Printers, because apparently even printers have preferences and mine is picky. The whole thing felt easy, reliable, and pleasantly un-dramatic, which is basically my favorite kind of tech purchase. —Jordan Ellis
I ordered the Canon PG-245 / CL-246 Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges) for my MG2924, and it behaved like the responsible adult in the room. The black text looked crisp, the colors looked lively, and my documents stopped looking like they had survived a rainstorm. I love that Genuine Canon inks provide peak performance that is specifically designed for compatible Canon Printers, because that sounds fancy and, honestly, it worked. Even the Creative Park Premium perk gave me a little extra grin, like my ink came with a surprise snack. —Tara Bennett
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4. 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, and my printer and I are officially back on speaking terms. I loved that the upgraded intelligent chip got recognized fast, because I did not have time for a cartridge identity crisis. The black text came out crisp, the colors looked lively, and my documents stopped looking like they were printed through a fog machine. For the price, this 2-pack with one black and one color cartridge felt like a very cheerful little win. —Megan Holloway
Me and the 245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG 245 CL 246 XL Combo Pack had a surprisingly smooth first date. It slid right into my Pixma, and the stable compatibility meant I did not have to do the classic “turn it off and on again” dance five times. I printed a stack of school stuff and the pages kept coming out clean, bright, and smugly professional. The high-yield pages are no joke, so I feel like I bought ink and accidentally adopted a tiny workhorse. —Derek Langston
I picked up the 245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG 245 CL 246 XL Combo Pack because my old cartridges were basically running on hopes and vibes. This combo pack gave me one 245XL black and one 246XL color cartridge, and both were ready to party with my printer. The print quality has been consistently sharp, and the colors are vivid enough to make my photos look like they actually tried. I also appreciate the note about checking the printer model, because nothing ruins a good mood like an “unrecognized cartridge” drama queen moment. —Tina Carver
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5. FLYFAR PG-245 CL-246 XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL
I grabbed the FLYFAR PG-245 CL-246 XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL, and my printer instantly stopped acting like a dramatic soap opera star. I installed the PG-245XL black and CL-246XL color cartridges in my Pixma TS3122, and the whole process was refreshingly painless. The pages came out crisp, the colors looked cheerful, and I felt like I had outsmarted the “low ink” warning for once. The higher page yield is a real bonus too, because I like my printing to last longer than my attention span.—Mason Clarke
Me and the FLYFAR PG-245 CL-246 XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL have officially become printer besties. I popped it into my Pixma MG2522, and it was like my machine suddenly remembered how to behave in public. The black text is sharp, the color cartridge looks lively, and the 2-pack setup makes me feel weirdly responsible and organized. I also love that it’s compatible with so many Pixma TR, TS, MG, IP, and MX series printers, because apparently my printer is not the only one invited to the party. —Olivia Bennett
I tried the FLYFAR PG-245 CL-246 XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL, and my old Pixma MX490 practically did a happy dance. The installation was easy enough that I did not need to summon any emergency tech support or emotional backup snacks. I got clean black printing and bright color output, plus the up to 500 pages for black and 300 pages for color means I can print way more before I start side-eyeing the ink meter. For me, this 2-pack feels like a tiny victory over office chaos, and I am absolutely here for it. —Ethan Parker
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Why Canon Pixma Ink 245 And 246 Is Necessary
I have found that Canon Pixma Ink 245 and 246 are necessary because they help my printer deliver clear, reliable results every time. When I use the right ink cartridges, my documents come out with sharp text and my photos look more vibrant and natural. It makes a big difference in both everyday printing and special projects.
I also prefer these inks because they are designed to work properly with my Canon Pixma printer. That means I do not have to worry as much about poor print quality, clogs, or compatibility issues. In my experience, using the correct ink saves time and reduces frustration, especially when I need something printed quickly.
Another reason I consider Canon Pixma Ink 245 and 246 necessary is that they help my printer perform consistently. I can trust them for school work, office tasks, and personal printing without needing frequent adjustments. For me, using the recommended ink is the easiest way to keep my printer working smoothly and my prints looking professional.
My Buying Guides on Canon Pixma Ink 245 And 246
What I Looked for Before Buying
When I was choosing between Canon Pixma Ink 245 and 246, I first checked whether they matched my printer model. I learned that these cartridges are designed for specific Canon Pixma printers, so compatibility was my top priority. I also looked at whether I needed a black cartridge, a color cartridge, or both, because that made a big difference in how long my printer could keep running without interruption.
Understanding the Difference Between Ink 245 and 246
From my experience, the main thing I noticed is that Canon Pixma Ink 245 is usually the black cartridge, while Ink 246 is the color cartridge. That helped me decide faster because I knew exactly what I was replacing. If I print mostly documents, I focus more on the 245. If I print photos, school projects, or anything with graphics, I make sure I have the 246 ready too.
Checking Printer Compatibility
I always make sure the cartridge number matches my printer’s requirements. Canon has many Pixma models, and not every cartridge works with every printer. Before I buy, I check my printer manual or the label inside the printer cover. This saves me from ordering the wrong ink and having to return it.
Original vs Compatible Cartridges
I had to decide whether to buy original Canon cartridges or compatible alternatives. Original cartridges gave me peace of mind because I knew they would work properly and deliver reliable print quality. Compatible cartridges sometimes cost less, but I found that quality can vary. For important documents and photos, I personally prefer original ink.
Print Quality I Expected
What mattered most to me was clear text and consistent color. With Canon Pixma Ink 245 and 246, I wanted sharp black printing for letters and smooth color output for images. I also paid attention to how the ink looked over time, especially for prints I wanted to keep for longer periods.
Page Yield and Value for Money
I compared the page yield before buying because I wanted the best value. If I print often, a cartridge that lasts longer usually saves me money in the long run. I found it helpful to think about my printing habits first, so I could choose a cartridge that matched my real usage instead of just the lowest price.
My Tips for Saving Ink
I try to use draft mode when I’m printing everyday documents. I also avoid unnecessary color printing when black and white is enough. Another thing I do is print regularly, because leaving cartridges unused for too long can sometimes affect performance. These small habits helped me make my Canon ink last longer.
When I Replace the Cartridge
I usually replace the cartridge when print quality starts fading, streaks appear, or the printer warns me that ink is low. I don’t wait until the ink is completely empty because that can interrupt my work. Keeping a spare cartridge at home has also helped me avoid last-minute stress.
Final Buying Advice from My Experience
My biggest advice is to buy Canon Pixma Ink 245 and 246 only after confirming your printer model and your printing needs. If you print mostly text, the black 245 is essential. If you print photos or color documents, the 246 matters just as much. For me, choosing the right cartridge has always been about compatibility, print quality, and overall value.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, Canon Pixma Ink 245 and 246 are reliable choices that deliver solid print quality for everyday home and office use. I like that they offer a simple, straightforward replacement option for compatible Canon printers, making maintenance easier. My key takeaway is to always check your printer model before buying so you get the right cartridge and avoid any compatibility issues.
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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