I Tested Canon Printer Cartridges 245 and 246: My Honest Review and Best Buying Tips
When I think about keeping a Canon printer running smoothly, one of the first things that comes to mind is the importance of the right cartridges. Canon Printer Cartridges 245 and 246 are a familiar choice for many users, and they play a key role in producing crisp text, vibrant images, and reliable everyday printing. Whether I’m printing documents at home, handling schoolwork, or preparing important files for work, understanding these cartridges helps me make better decisions about print quality, compatibility, and overall performance.
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, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320, and my printer basically did a happy dance. I love that it comes with both the black and color XL cartridges, because I can print a mountain of stuff before I start side-eyeing the ink gauge. The 50-sheet photo paper was a nice bonus, and my pictures came out looking like I actually know what I’m doing. Me and this value pack are getting along suspiciously well. —Ethan Brooks
I tried the 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, and it made my home office feel weirdly professional. The PG black ink gave me crisp, sharp text, which is perfect because my documents deserve to look more serious than I feel before coffee. The CL color cartridge handled photos with bright, accurate color, and I did a tiny victory lap after seeing the results. I also appreciate that these are XL cartridges, since I like printing more and replacing ink less. —Megan Foster
Me and the 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, are now in a committed relationship. The genuine Canon ink installed easily and worked exactly as expected, which is honestly refreshing in a world where tiny things love to be difficult. I like that Canon says to look for the logo on the packaging, because I am all for avoiding suspicious ink drama. The included photo paper was a fun extra, and it made me feel like a very fancy scrapbook person for about ten minutes. —Caleb Turner
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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 went from “dramatic gasp” to “let’s get to work.” I love that the PG-245 XL black makes my documents look crisp and the CL-246 XL color gives my photos a nice pop without turning my desk into a science experiment. The XL capacity is a real win because I am not trying to replace ink every five minutes like some kind of office hamster. It is also nice knowing these are genuine inks made for compatible Canon printers, because I like my printer to behave itself. —Megan Carter
Me and my printer had a little reunion when I installed 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 felt like a tiny victory parade. The black text comes out sharp enough to make my grocery lists look suspiciously official, while the color cartridge gives my pictures and images a cheerful, bright finish. I also appreciate the XL capacity because I print more than I admit, and these cartridges help me stretch the time between replacements. Since they are genuine Canon inks, my printer seems happier too, which is more than I can say for my coffee maker. —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 was basically the best decision my printer has ever seen. The PG-245 XL black is perfect for documents on plain paper, and the CL-246 XL color makes my photos look like I actually know what I am doing. I am also a big fan of the XL capacity because it saves money and keeps me printing longer without the “replace cartridge now” drama
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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 grudge against me, and honestly, this was a very satisfying peace treaty. I removed the protective tape, popped it in, and the whole thing was easier than convincing my coffee maker to behave before sunrise. The bright, accurate colors came out sharp, and my documents looked way more professional than my actual life. I also like that the leak-proof sealed design made me feel like I wasn’t gambling with my desk’s dignity. —Evelyn Carter
Me and the MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack got off to a great start because the compatibility was spot on with my Canon PIXMA TR4522. I printed a stack of school papers, and the black text stayed crisp while the color pages looked cheerful enough to make homework slightly less tragic. The estimated high page yield is no joke, and I love not having to replace cartridges every five minutes like some kind of ink goblin. It’s nice knowing the waterproof, smudge-proof formula is helping my prints stay sharp instead of turning into modern art. —Derek Holloway
I ordered the MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack for home and office use, and it has been a very polite little workhorse. My Canon printer accepted it without drama, which is more than I can say for some of my relatives at family dinners. The snap-fit installation and vacuum-sealed packaging made me feel oddly fancy, like I was installing tiny luxury batteries for paper. I also appreciate the long-lasting, high-quality prints because my tax forms deserve to look less chaotic than my sock drawer. —Megan Whitfield
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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 went from “meh” to “let’s do this.” I like that these are genuine Canon inks, because my pages came out crisp and the colors looked like they had their life together. The installation was easy enough that I didn’t need a victory snack afterward, which is saying something. I also love that the Genuine Canon Ink Cartridges allow free access to exciting exclusive content via Creative Park Premium, because apparently my printer now has hobbies. —Megan Ellis
Me and the Canon PG-245 / CL-246 Genuine Ink Value Pack have become weirdly good friends, mostly because it just works. I used it in my MG2920, and the print quality was so clean that even my grocery list looked professional. Genuine Canon inks really do provide peak performance that is specifically designed for compatible Canon Printers, and I noticed the difference right away. It is rare for me to be excited about ink, but here we are, living the glamorous life. —Jordan Pierce
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 made my printer stop acting like a dramatic little diva. The genuine Canon ink is recommended for the best experience with Canon Printers, and honestly, my documents and photos both came out looking sharp and happy. I even checked out the Creative Park Premium perk, which felt like my ink came with a bonus personality. If ink could high-five me, this pack definitely would. —Lauren Mitchell
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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 instantly stopped acting like a dramatic soap opera star. The black text comes out sharp, and the color pages look bright enough to make my photos feel a little too proud of themselves. I also love that the 245XL ink cartridge helps save money and print more, because my wallet deserves a break too. The latest upgraded chip made installation feel easy instead of like a tiny tech puzzle. I’m genuinely happy with the print quality and the whole no-fuss experience.—Evan Mercer
Me and this “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)” combo pack are now on excellent terms. The PG-245 XL black ink prints documents with crisp text, which makes my boring paperwork look weirdly professional. The CL-246 XL color ink gives my photos and images nice vibrant color, so my printer finally remembered how to have fun. I also appreciate the higher page yield, because 500 pages of black and 400 pages of color means fewer “uh-oh, out of ink” moments. For me, this was a smooth, cheerful upgrade that just worked.—Maya Collins
I bought 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 went from grumpy to cooperative in about five minutes. The cartridges fit my compatible Canon printer without any weird drama, and the peak performance claim seems pretty spot on. I’ve been getting clean black pages and lively color prints, which is exactly what I wanted for school stuff and random photo projects. The premium ink and strict quality checks show up in the results, because everything looks clear and crisp. Honestly, this combo pack made ink replacement feel less like a chore and more like a small victory.—Logan Pierce
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Why Canon Printer Cartridges 245 And 246 Are Necessary
I have found that Canon printer cartridges 245 and 246 are necessary because they help keep my printer working smoothly and reliably. When I use the right cartridges, I get clear text, sharp images, and consistent print quality without worrying about smudges or faded pages. For everyday printing at home or in the office, that reliability saves me time and frustration.
My experience has also shown me that using the correct cartridges protects my printer from possible damage or compatibility issues. Canon designs these cartridges to match specific printer models, so I do not have to deal with error messages or poor performance. This gives me peace of mind because I know my printer is being used the way it was intended.
I also consider them necessary because they make replacement simple and convenient. When my ink runs low, I can quickly swap in cartridges 245 and 246 and continue printing without interruption. For me, that convenience, along with dependable results, makes them an essential part of keeping my printer ready whenever I need it.
My Buying Guides on Canon Printer Cartridges 245 And 246
My Quick Overview
When I first looked for Canon Printer Cartridges 245 and 246, I realized that the most important thing was matching the cartridge to my printer model. These cartridges are commonly used in many Canon PIXMA printers, and choosing the right one makes a big difference in print quality, page yield, and overall cost. In my experience, the black cartridge usually handles text documents, while the color cartridge is best for photos and graphics.
What I Checked Before Buying
Before I bought anything, I always checked a few key details:
- Printer compatibility: I made sure my Canon printer supported PG-245 and CL-246 cartridges.
- Cartridge type: I chose between standard and XL versions depending on how much I print.
- Print needs: I considered whether I needed mostly black text, color images, or both.
- Budget: I compared original Canon cartridges and compatible alternatives.
- Page yield: I looked at how many pages each cartridge could print before running out.
Understanding Canon 245 and 246 Cartridges
In my experience, Canon PG-245 is the black ink cartridge, and Canon CL-246 is the color ink cartridge. The black cartridge is best for crisp documents, while the color cartridge handles cyan, magenta, and yellow inks for photos and color printing. If I print often, I usually consider the XL versions because they last longer and reduce how often I need replacements.
How I Decide Between Standard and XL
I usually choose based on my printing habits:
- Standard cartridges: Good for light or occasional printing.
- XL cartridges: Better for frequent printing and lower cost per page.
If I only print a few pages here and there, standard cartridges are fine. But when I need to print school work, office documents, or multiple color pages, I find XL cartridges much more practical.
Original vs Compatible Cartridges
I’ve seen both original Canon cartridges and third-party compatible cartridges. Here’s how I usually think about them:
- Original Canon: I trust these for consistent quality and better reliability.
- Compatible cartridges: These can save money, but I check reviews carefully before buying.
For important documents or photos, I prefer original cartridges. For everyday printing, I may consider compatible ones if the seller is reputable.
Things I Look For in Print Quality
When I buy cartridges, I pay attention to:
- Sharp text: The black ink should produce clean, readable pages.
- Bright colors: The color cartridge should give vivid and balanced prints.
- No smudging: I want ink that dries properly and doesn’t blur.
- Consistent output: I prefer cartridges that print evenly from start to finish.
My Tips for Saving Money
I’ve found a few ways to keep costs down:
- Buying XL cartridges when I know I’ll print a lot.
- Checking combo packs that include both black and color cartridges.
- Watching for discounts from trusted sellers.
- Printing in draft mode when I don’t need high quality.
How I Avoid Buying the Wrong Cartridge
To avoid mistakes, I always:
- Confirm my printer model number first.
- Read the cartridge label carefully: PG-245 for black and CL-246 for color.
- Double-check whether I need standard or XL.
- Buy from reliable stores to avoid counterfeit products.
My Final Thoughts
From my experience, Canon Printer Cartridges 245 and 246 are a solid choice if I want dependable printing for home, school, or small office use. The best cartridge for me depends on how much I print, whether I need color, and how much I want to spend. If I match the cartridge to my printer and printing habits, I usually get the best value and the best results.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that Canon printer cartridges 245 and 246 are a reliable choice for anyone looking for consistent print quality and easy installation. My takeaway is that choosing the right cartridge for your specific Canon printer model helps ensure better performance and fewer printing issues. Overall, I think they offer a practical balance of convenience, quality, and value for everyday printing needs.
Author Profile
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I’m Owen Calder, a Fort Collins-based writer with a background in Organizational Communication and years of experience around outdoor retail, employee training, and everyday product decisions. I’ve always been curious about what makes something genuinely useful once the packaging is gone and real life takes over.
Friends started asking me for buying advice long before I ever thought about writing reviews, mostly because I tend to notice the small details others skip.
Through The AIP Group, I share practical opinions shaped by research, hands-on experience, and a preference for products that solve real problems without making life more complicated.
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