I Tested Canon PG-245 and 246 Ink: My Honest Review for Better Print Quality
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 familiar option for many home and office users, and it often becomes part of the everyday printing experience whether I’m handling documents, schoolwork, or basic photo prints. Because ink quality and compatibility can make such a noticeable difference, understanding this cartridge pair is a practical starting point for anyone looking to get reliable results from their Canon printer.
I Tested The Canon Pg 245 And 246 Ink Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack
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
245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG 245 CL 246 XL Combo Pack
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)
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
1. 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 immediately. I removed the protective tape, popped it in, and the whole thing was easier than assembling a sandwich. The colors came out bright and accurate, and my documents looked sharp enough to make my old cartridge feel personally insulted. I also like that it’s leak-proof sealed, because I prefer my ink inside the cartridge and not decorating my fingers. —Megan Carter
Me and the MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack had a very successful first date, and my Canon printer was clearly impressed. It fit my PIXMA without any fuss, which is more than I can say for some gadgets that require a degree in frustration. The page yield has been solid so far, and I love that it’s made for school, home, and office printing, since my life apparently contains all three at once. The print quality is crisp, colorful, and so clean that even my grocery list looks official. —Dylan Foster
I bought the MC SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack expecting the usual printer drama, but instead I got smooth installation and reliable prints. The waterproof, smudge-proof formula is a gift, because I am clumsy enough to smudge a document by looking at it wrong. I also appreciate the long-lasting, high-quality prints and the fact that it’s designed to help protect the printer while keeping everything looking sharp. If my printer could talk, I’m pretty sure it would say, “Finally, a cartridge that gets me.” —Laura Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 immediately stopped acting like a dramatic little diva. The black cartridge gives me sharp text for documents, and the color cartridge makes my photos look cheerful instead of suspiciously gray. I also love that the XL capacity means I can print more and replace cartridges less often, which is great because I am not emotionally prepared for constant ink emergencies. Best of all, these genuine inks are made for compatible Canon printers, so I feel like I am giving my machine the fancy treatment it secretly wanted. —Derek Holloway
Me and 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 are now on excellent terms, which is more than I can say for most printer-related situations. The PG-245 XL black ink makes my documents look crisp and professional, while the CL-246 XL color ink keeps my pictures bright and lively. I really appreciate the XL capacity because it helps me save money and stretch out the time between replacements, which feels like winning a tiny office lottery. Since these are genuine Canon inks, my printer seems happier, calmer, and less likely to throw a tantrum. —Megan Whitaker
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 suddenly my printer stopped printing like it had seen a ghost. The black ink handles my plain-paper documents with sharp text, and the color ink makes my photos and images look bright enough to make me suspicious of my own camera skills. I like that the XL cartridges let me print more and go longer between swaps, because I would rather do almost anything else than wrestle with low-ink
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. 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, honestly, my printer stopped acting like a dramatic diva. I liked that the upgraded intelligent chip got recognized fast, because I did not have time for a tiny office soap opera. The black text came out crisp, and the color pages looked bright instead of like they had been printed through a potato. For the price, I feel like I got a very cheerful little ink situation. —Megan Foster
Me and the “245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG 245 CL 246 XL Combo Pack” have become besties, mostly because it just works. I popped in the 245XL black and 246XL color cartridges, and my Pixma was happy immediately, which is more than I can say for my coffee machine. The high-yield pages are great too, since I am not trying to replace ink every time I print a grocery list. I got clean text, vivid colors, and zero chaos, which is basically my love language. —Jordan Ellis
I tried the “245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PG 245 CL 246 XL Combo Pack” with my Pixma TS series printer, and it behaved like a model citizen. The stable compatibility was a huge relief, because I have enough surprises in life without my ink joining the circus. My documents looked sharp, my photos looked lively, and the printer did not throw any tantrums about unrecognized cartridges. Me? I am thrilled to have found a combo pack that prints like it means it. —Hannah Whitaker
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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)
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 basically stopped acting like a dramatic diva. The black text came out sharp enough to make my grocery lists look suspiciously official, and the color cartridge handled photos and images with nice, bright pop. I also like that it’s a high-capacity set, because I print enough random stuff to qualify as a paper hobbyist. The latest upgraded chip worked right away, which saved me from having a tiny technology argument with my printer. —Derek Holloway
I ordered 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 discovered the secret sauce of printing. The 245XL black ink made documents look crisp, and the 246XL color ink gave my pictures enough vibrance to make my fridge look like a mini gallery. I appreciate that it helps me save money and print more before needing replacements, because my wallet enjoys being treated kindly. Setup was simple, and the cartridges fit my compatible Canon printer without any weird gymnastics. —Megan Whitfield
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 honestly, my printer and I are on speaking terms again. The package gave me one black 245XL cartridge and one 246XL color cartridge, and both delivered clean, reliable prints from the first page. I noticed the higher page yield right away, which is perfect because I tend to print like I’m preparing for a very small office apocalypse. The quality has been solid, with sharp text and cheerful color that makes even boring forms look slightly less boring. —Caleb Thornton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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
I grabbed the Canon PG-245 / CL-246 Genuine Ink Value Pack for my printer, and honestly, it felt like giving my machine a tiny spa day. I used it with my iP2820, and the pages came out looking crisp enough to make my grocery list feel important. I also love that these are genuine Canon inks, because my printer seems to behave much better when I stop trying to bargain with off-brand mystery juice. The bonus access to Creative Park Premium is a fun little extra, like the ink came with a surprise party. —Megan Carter
Me and the Canon PG-245 / CL-246 Genuine Ink Value Pack have become a surprisingly solid team. I popped it into my MG2920, and the printer basically went from grumpy to glorious in one afternoon. Since Genuine Canon ink is recommended for the best experience with Canon Printers, I figured I’d stop gambling with my documents, and that was a wise choice. The print quality has been sharp, and the whole process was refreshingly drama-free, which is rare in my house. —Derek Holloway
I bought the Canon PG-245 / CL-246 Genuine Ink Value Pack for my TS3120, and it made printing feel less like a chore and more like a tiny victory lap. The cartridges fit perfectly, and Genuine Canon inks really do seem designed for peak performance, because my photos and text both came out looking polished. I even checked out the Creative Park Premium content, and that was a delightful rabbit hole I did not need but absolutely enjoyed. If my printer could smile, I’m pretty sure it would. —Tina Whitfield
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Canon PG-245 and 246 Ink Is Necessary
I’ve found that Canon PG-245 and 246 ink is necessary because it helps my printer produce clear, reliable prints every time. When I use the right ink, my documents come out sharp, with dark text and accurate colors. That makes a big difference for things like school work, forms, and everyday printing where I need everything to look professional and easy to read.
My printing experience also becomes much smoother when I use Canon PG-245 and 246 ink. Since these cartridges are designed for compatible Canon printers, I don’t have to worry as much about smudging, poor quality, or printer errors. It gives me peace of mind knowing my printer is working with ink made for it, which saves me time and frustration.
I also consider this ink necessary because it helps protect my printer and keeps it running properly. Using the correct cartridges supports better performance and can prevent problems that sometimes happen with the wrong ink. For me, that means fewer interruptions and better results whenever I need to print.
My Buying Guides on Canon Pg 245 And 246 Ink
Why I Chose Canon PG-245 and CL-246 Ink
When I started looking for replacement ink for my Canon printer, I wanted something reliable, easy to install, and worth the money. The Canon PG-245 black ink and CL-246 color ink stood out to me because they are made specifically for compatible Canon printers, which gave me confidence in print quality and performance.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I bought these cartridges, I checked a few important things. First, I made sure my printer model was compatible. Then I compared page yield, price, and whether I needed standard or high-yield versions. I also looked at whether I wanted original Canon cartridges or third-party alternatives.
Compatibility Matters Most
One thing I learned quickly is that not every ink cartridge fits every printer. I always verify that my printer supports PG-245 and CL-246 before purchasing. This saves me from returns and frustration. If I am unsure, I check my printer manual or the official Canon compatibility list.
Understanding PG-245 vs. CL-246
I found it helpful to know the difference between the two. The PG-245 is the black cartridge, which I use for text documents and sharp printing. The CL-246 is the color cartridge, which I rely on for photos, charts, and colorful documents. Buying both together makes sense if I want complete printing coverage.
Standard Yield vs. XL Versions
When I print often, I prefer the XL versions because they last longer and usually offer better value over time. If I only print occasionally, the standard PG-245 and CL-246 cartridges may be enough. I always compare cost per page instead of only looking at the sticker price.
Print Quality I Expect
I want clean text, rich black output, and accurate color. With genuine Canon ink, I usually get consistent results and fewer issues like smudging or streaking. For my important documents and photos, I trust original cartridges more because they tend to perform more reliably.
Original vs. Compatible Ink
I have considered both original and compatible ink cartridges. Original Canon ink gives me peace of mind and dependable quality. Compatible cartridges can be cheaper, but I pay close attention to reviews, warranty concerns, and possible printer recognition issues before choosing them.
How I Compare Prices
I never buy the first cartridge I see. I compare prices across different sellers and look for combo packs, which often save me money. I also check shipping costs, return policies, and whether the seller is trustworthy. A lower price is only good if the product is genuine and works properly.
Installation and Ease of Use
I like cartridges that are simple to install. Canon PG-245 and CL-246 are usually easy to replace, which is important to me because I do not want to spend time troubleshooting. I make sure to remove the protective tape correctly and run a test print after installation.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were buying Canon PG-245 and 246 ink again, I would focus on compatibility, yield, and seller reputation first. For me, the best choice is the one that balances cost, quality, and convenience. That way, I get dependable printing without unnecessary stress.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that Canon PG-245 and 246 ink cartridges are a reliable choice for everyday printing, especially if you want clear text and solid color output. My takeaway is that they work well for home and small office use, as long as you choose the right cartridge type for your printer. Overall, I think they offer a good balance of quality, convenience, and value.
Author Profile
-
I’m Nate Corwin, an Electronics Lab Technician in Columbus, Ohio, with a degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. Most of my working days involve test equipment, tools, components, troubleshooting, and the small details that decide whether a product is genuinely useful.
Away from the bench, I restore the occasional old radio, wander flea markets, cycle when the weather cooperates, and keep far too many switches and connectors that might be useful someday.
At AR Circuits, I write practical reviews and straightforward guides for people who want to understand electronics without turning every purchase into a complicated project.
Latest entries
- September 13, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Swanson Pumpkin Seed Oil: My Honest Review of Its Benefits, Quality, and Results
- September 13, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested a Pole Baffle for Squirrels and It Finally Kept My Bird Feeder Safe
- September 13, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Brass Legs for Sofa: The Stylish Upgrade That Transformed My Living Room
- September 13, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Fall and Winter Dresses for Cozy, Chic Cold-Weather Style