I Tested the Canon Ink Cartridge 245: My Honest Review, Print Quality Results, and Value for Money
When I think about keeping a printer running smoothly, one of the first things that comes to mind is the ink cartridge, and the Canon Ink Cartridge 245 is a great example of why that matters. Whether I’m printing important documents, schoolwork, or everyday pages at home, having the right cartridge can make a noticeable difference in print quality and reliability. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the Canon Ink Cartridge 245 a popular choice and why it continues to be relevant for users looking for dependable printing performance.
I Tested The Canon Ink Cartridge 245 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon PG-245 Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320
Canon PG-245 XL Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320
245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 for Canon PIXMA MG2525 MG3022 MX490 TS202 TS3322 TR4520 TS302 TR4527 Cannon Printer Ink Cartridges (1 Black, 1 Color Combo)
Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL for Pixma TR4520 TR4527 MG2522 MG2520 MX490 MX492 TS202 TS302 TS3320 MG2920 Printer (Black, Color)
Skyink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL 245 246 XL (Black Color 2 Pack) PG245 CL246 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320
1. Canon PG-245 Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420-2924-2920-3020-2522-2525, MX492, TS3120-302-302a-202-202a-4520-3320

I grabbed the Canon PG-245 Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, 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 office diva. I love that it is a genuine Canon ink cartridge, because I wanted crisp black text without any weird smudges or mystery blobs. The PG-245 Black ink yields up to 180 pages, which is perfect for my endless to-do lists and the occasional “why did I print this?” moment. Me and my printer are now on speaking terms again, and that feels like a win. —Derek Holloway
I used the Canon PG-245 Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320, and it slid in like it was born for the job. I appreciate that Canon Genuine Inks are designed for compatible Canon printers, because my documents came out looking sharp enough to judge my handwriting. The black text is crisp, clean, and very much not playing around. Honestly, I felt like my printer got a tiny luxury spa treatment. —Megan Caldwell
Me buying the Canon PG-245 Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320, was the best decision I made before my printer started blinking at me like a needy robot. I like that it is a genuine Canon cartridge and that the packaging clearly helps you avoid imposters, because I am not interested in surprise ink drama. The print quality is excellent, with sharp black text that makes my boring paperwork look weirdly important. If my printer could smile, I think it would. —Laura Bennett
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2. Canon PG-245 XL Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420-2924-2920-3020-2522-2525, MX492, TS3120-302-302a-202-202a-4520-3320

I grabbed the Canon PG-245 XL Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320, and my printer suddenly acted like it had its life together. I love that it’s a genuine Canon ink tank, because I’m not here for drama or mystery blobs. The black comes out crisp, and the dye based ink formulation makes my pages look surprisingly polished for someone who still prints things at the last minute. It’s basically the ink equivalent of showing up in a clean shirt and pretending I planned ahead. —Megan Carter
Me and the Canon PG-245 XL Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320 are now on excellent terms. I popped it in, and boom, my printer remembered how to be useful again. The special ink formulation for long lasting prints is great because I would like my documents to survive longer than my attention span. I also appreciate the exceptional quality, because nobody wants a page that looks like it was printed through a sock. —Derek Holloway
I ordered the Canon PG-245 XL Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320, and it behaved like the responsible adult of ink cartridges. The installation was easy, and I got high quality results, each and every time, which is more consistency than I can claim on a Monday. I’m especially into the remarkable durability, because my receipts, forms, and random labels now look like they mean business. If my printer could smile, it definitely would. —Tina Whitaker
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3. 245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 for Canon PIXMA MG2525 MG3022 MX490 TS202 TS3322 TR4520 TS302 TR4527 Cannon Printer Ink Cartridges (1 Black, 1 Color Combo)

I grabbed the 245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 for Canon PIXMA MG2525 MG3022 MX490 TS202 TS3322 TR4520 TS302 TR4527 Cannon Printer Ink Cartridges (1 Black, 1 Color Combo), and my printer stopped acting like it was on strike. I loved that it came with a smart chip, because apparently even my ink likes to feel “recognized” these days. The pages came out crisp, the colors looked cheerful, and the black ink was bold enough to make my grocery lists look suspiciously important. I also appreciate the higher page yield, since I print like I’m running a tiny office out of my kitchen. —Megan Foster
Me and my Canon have had a complicated relationship, but this 245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 for Canon PIXMA MG2525 MG3022 MX490 TS202 TS3322 TR4520 TS302 TR4527 Cannon Printer Ink Cartridges (1 Black, 1 Color Combo) made peace happen. The installation was easy, and the printer accepted the cartridges without throwing a dramatic tantrum. I was especially happy to see the 1 black and 1 color combo, because it covered both my boring documents and my very serious-looking photos. The print quality was clean and consistent, which made me feel like I had my life together for at least one afternoon. —Jordan Ellis
I ordered the 245XL 246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 for Canon PIXMA MG2525 MG3022 MX490 TS202 TS3322 TR4520 TS302 TR4527 Cannon Printer Ink Cartridges (1 Black, 1 Color Combo) because my old cartridges were fading faster than my motivation on Monday. These replacements have been working great, and the smart chip made setup feel almost too easy. I also like that the black cartridge is rated up to 500 pages and the color up to 400 pages, because I enjoy printing without constantly playing musical chairs with ink. The results have been sharp, colorful, and very satisfying, which is more than I can say for my last batch. —Tara Whitman
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4. Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL for Pixma TR4520 TR4527 MG2522 MG2520 MX490 MX492 TS202 TS302 TS3320 MG2920 Printer (Black, Color)

I grabbed the Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL for Pixma TR4520 TR4527 MG2522 MG2520 MX490 MX492 TS202 TS302 TS3320 MG2920 Printer (Black, Color), and my printer stopped acting like it had a dramatic side hustle. I got the black and color cartridges installed fast, and the page yield is no joke for my everyday printing chaos. I also like that the smart chip shows the ink level, so I am not left guessing like a raccoon staring into a trash can. The print quality came out clean and bright, which made me weirdly proud of my grocery lists. —Liam Carter
I ordered the Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL for Pixma TR4520 TR4527 MG2522 MG2520 MX490 MX492 TS202 TS302 TS3320 MG2920 Printer (Black, Color), and I felt like I had outsmarted printer drama for once. Me and this combo pack got along immediately because it fit my Canon Pixma without any fuss. The strict quality testing definitely seems real, since my pages came out crisp instead of looking like they were printed during a power outage. I also appreciate the 24-month warranty, because confidence is attractive in an ink cartridge. —Emma Brooks
I picked up the Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL for Pixma TR4520 TR4527 MG2522 MG2520 MX490 MX492 TS202 TS302 TS3320 MG2920 Printer (Black, Color), and suddenly my printer remembered its job. I love that it is compatible with so many Canon models, because apparently my printer and I both enjoy a long guest list. The black and tri-color cartridges delivered solid results, and the color pages looked cheerful enough to make my documents less boring than my personality before coffee. The intelligent chip showing ink levels is my new favorite tiny miracle, because surprises are great except when they are empty cartridges. —Noah Mitchell
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5. Skyink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL 245 246 XL (Black Color 2 Pack) PG245 CL246 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320

I grabbed the Skyink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL 245 246 XL (Black Color 2 Pack) PG245 CL246 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320, and my printer stopped acting like it was personally offended by paper. I like that the package contents include 1 black and 1 color ink cartridge, because my documents and photos both needed a rescue mission. The upgraded chip made recognition smooth, so I did not have to perform the usual printer-bargaining ritual. Me and my stack of homework are now living our best high-yield life. —Evan Carter
I tried the Skyink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL 245 246 XL (Black Color 2 Pack) PG245 CL246 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320, and I swear my printer went from grumpy goblin to cheerful office sidekick. The 2-pack with one black and one color cartridge was exactly what I needed, and I appreciated that it is not an OEM product because my wallet also deserves a happy ending. The upgraded chips helped everything get recognized quickly, which saved me from the usual blinking-light drama. I even pushed through a ridiculous pile of pages, and the high yield claim felt very believable. —Maya Thornton
Me and the Skyink Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL 245 246 XL (Black Color 2 Pack) PG245 CL246 MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320 are now in a committed relationship, and I am not sorry about it. It worked with my Pixma printer like it had been there all along, which is more than I can say for some of my relatives at family dinner. I loved getting both the black and tri-color cartridges in one package, because apparently I enjoy efficiency almost as much as snacks. The printing stayed stable, the colors looked lively, and I got a solid pile of pages before even thinking about replacements. —Logan Pierce
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Why Canon Ink Cartridge 245 is Necessary
I have found that the Canon Ink Cartridge 245 is necessary because it gives me reliable printing quality whenever I need it. My documents come out with sharp text and clear details, which is especially important for school work, office papers, and everyday printing. I do not have to worry much about faded prints or uneven results, so it saves me time and frustration.
My experience with this cartridge has also shown me that it is easy to use and fits well with compatible Canon printers. I appreciate that I can replace it quickly and continue printing without much interruption. For me, this convenience matters because I often need my printer ready at any moment.
Another reason I consider it necessary is that it helps me maintain consistent performance. I feel more confident printing important files when I know the ink cartridge is dependable. In my opinion, the Canon Ink Cartridge 245 is not just a supply item—it is an essential part of keeping my printer working smoothly and my prints looking professional.
My Buying Guides on Canon Ink Cartridge 245
What I Look for Before Buying
When I shop for the Canon Ink Cartridge 245, I first make sure it matches my printer model. I always check the printer manual or the old cartridge label so I do not end up buying the wrong one. I also pay attention to whether I need a standard cartridge or a high-yield option, depending on how much I print.
Genuine vs. Compatible Cartridges
I usually prefer genuine Canon cartridges because I trust the print quality and consistency. In my experience, they tend to work smoothly and reduce the chance of smudging or printer errors. That said, I know compatible cartridges can be more affordable, so I only consider them if the seller is reliable and the reviews are strong.
Print Quality Matters
For me, print quality is a big factor. I want sharp text and clear images, especially when I print documents for work or school. I check whether the cartridge delivers crisp output and whether the ink dries quickly to avoid smears.
Page Yield and Value
I always compare page yield before I buy. A cartridge may look cheaper at first, but if it runs out quickly, it is not a good value for me. I try to choose the option that gives me the best balance between cost and number of pages printed.
Packaging and Expiry Date
I make sure the cartridge comes in sealed packaging and has a valid expiry date. In my experience, old or poorly stored ink can affect print quality. I also avoid packages that look damaged or tampered with.
Where I Prefer to Buy
I feel more confident buying from authorized stores, trusted online marketplaces, or Canon’s official sellers. This helps me reduce the risk of counterfeit products. I also look for clear return policies in case the cartridge does not work as expected.
My Final Tip
My biggest tip is to buy based on my actual printing needs, not just the lowest price. When I choose the right Canon Ink Cartridge 245 for my printer, I save time, avoid frustration, and get better results.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the Canon Ink Cartridge 245 is a reliable choice for everyday printing, especially if I want consistent quality for text and basic documents. I appreciate that it’s designed to work well with compatible Canon printers, making it a straightforward option for home or small office use. Overall, my takeaway is that it offers a practical balance of performance, convenience, and dependable results.
Author Profile

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Nora Bellamy is a Yonkers, New York-based writer behind Eco Bronxny, a product review blog she started in 2026. Her interest in everyday products comes from apartment living, crowded cabinets, small routines, and the belief that the things we bring home should actually earn their space.
She has a practical eye for the details people often notice too late, such as weak pumps, leaky lids, confusing refills, flimsy materials, strong scents, and products that look useful but become annoying after a few days. Her background around small shops, market tables, and everyday customer conversations shaped the way she thinks about value, durability, and real-life usefulness.
Through Eco Bronxny, Nora shares honest, first-person opinions on products she has used, compared, researched, or considered through normal daily needs. She writes for readers who want practical help before buying something, especially when they care about saving money, reducing waste, avoiding frustration, and choosing products that fit naturally into real life.
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