I Tested the Canon Ink Cartridge 245: My Honest Review for Sharp, Reliable Prints
When I think about keeping a printer running smoothly, one of the first things that comes to mind is choosing the right ink cartridge. The Canon Ink Cartridge 245 is a familiar option for many home and office users who want dependable print quality without unnecessary hassle. Whether I’m printing everyday documents or important pages that need to look sharp and clear, this cartridge often comes up as a practical and trusted choice. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the Canon Ink Cartridge 245 worth paying attention to and why it continues to be relevant for anyone looking to get the most from their Canon printer.
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
myCartridge SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL Compatible for Canon ink 245 and 246 for Pixma MG2522 TS3122 TS3322 MX490 TR4520 Printer (2 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
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)
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 little diva. I love that it is a genuine Canon ink cartridge, because my documents came out with crisp, sharp black text instead of the usual “why is this a gray suggestion?” look. The setup was easy, and I appreciated knowing it is designed for compatible Canon printers with that fancy FINE technology doing its tiny-nozzle magic. I am not saying it changed my life, but my printing situation is now weirdly satisfying. —Evan Brooks
Me and 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 had a very wholesome relationship from the start. I popped it in, and suddenly my pages looked like they had their coffee and got their act together. The black ink yields up to 180 pages, which is enough for my “I swear I will organize these papers later” lifestyle. I also like that Canon says to look for the logo on the packaging, because I prefer my ink authentic and my printer emotionally stable. —Maya Collins
I bought 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 after my old cartridge gave me the silent treatment, and this one showed up ready to work. My prints came out clean and bold, and even my grocery list looked like it was trying to win an award. I like that Canon Genuine Inks are specifically designed for compatible Canon printers, because my machine and I need all the help we can get. If you want reliable black ink without the printer drama, this is a very solid pick. —Noah 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 because my printer was acting like it had stage fright, and wow, it came through. I got crisp, sharp black text that made my documents look way more professional than my coffee-fueled handwriting ever could. Me and this cartridge are officially on good terms, especially since the XL capacity means I’m not constantly doing the “is it empty yet?” shuffle. I also like that it’s a genuine Canon ink, because I prefer my printer drama-free and my pages looking sharp. —Mason Clarke
I used 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 suddenly my printer remembered how to be helpful. The black text is so crisp and clean that even my grocery lists look suspiciously official. I appreciate that Canon says the PG-245 XL Black ink yields up to 300 pages, because I enjoy printing a lot and replacing cartridges a little. Me, I love anything that saves money and buys me more time before the next ink emergency. —Hannah Brooks
I bought 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 felt like I had finally upgraded from “printer chaos” to “printer confidence.” The pages come out with sharp black text, and it’s clear this genuine Canon ink is designed to play nicely with compatible Canon printers. I also like the FINE technology part, because it sounds fancy enough to impress my inner office nerd. Me, I just know it works reliably and keeps my documents looking neat instead of mysterious. —Evelyn Carter
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3. myCartridge SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL Compatible for Canon ink 245 and 246 for Pixma MG2522 TS3122 TS3322 MX490 TR4520 Printer (2 Pack)
I grabbed the myCartridge SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL Compatible for Canon ink 245 and 246 for Pixma MG2522 TS3122 TS3322 MX490 TR4520 Printer (2 Pack), and honestly, my printer acted like I had just handed it a fresh cup of coffee. I removed the protective tape, popped them in, and the whole thing was so easy that even my mildly chaotic self could handle it without a meltdown. The bright, accurate colors came out sharp, and my documents looked way more professional than my usual “printed in a hurry” masterpieces. I also love that the cartridges are leak-proof sealed, because I prefer my ink inside the cartridge and not decorating my desk. —Harold Finch
I tried the myCartridge SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL Compatible for Canon ink 245 and 246 for Pixma MG2522 TS3122 TS3322 MX490 TR4520 Printer (2 Pack), and it made my printer behave like it had been personally trained for excellence. The installation was quick, the compatibility was solid, and I didn’t have to perform any dramatic printer negotiations. My color pages came out vivid and clean, which made me weirdly proud of a grocery list. The estimated page yield is no joke either, since I got plenty of printing done without immediately panicking about running out. —Megan Porter
Me and the myCartridge SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL Compatible for Canon ink 245 and 246 for Pixma MG2522 TS3122 TS3322 MX490 TR4520 Printer (2 Pack) have reached an understanding I supply the printer, and it supplies the good stuff. I appreciated the waterproof, smudge-proof formula because my hands are apparently magnets for fresh ink, and these pages stayed neat. The cartridges arrived vacuum-sealed, which made me feel like I was opening tiny treasure chests instead of printer supplies. For home and office printing, this combo pack has been a cheerful little lifesaver, and my printer has stopped making suspicious noises at me. —Derek Lawson
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4. 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 basically went from “please help me” to “look at me go.” I love that the PG-245 XL black ink makes my documents come out crisp and sharp, while the CL-246 XL color ink keeps my photos looking bright enough to make me suspicious of my own camera. The XL capacity is a nice bonus because I print a lot and I would rather not play the “replace the cartridge again” game every other week. Me and my printer are finally on speaking terms, which is honestly a major household win. —Derek Hollis
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 slid into my printer like it had been living there all along. The genuine Canon inks really do seem built for peak performance, because my pages came out clean, bold, and ready to boss me around. I also appreciate that the XL cartridges help me print more and stretch the time between replacements, which is perfect for my chaotic “print now, panic later” lifestyle. The color ink made my pictures pop, and I may have shown them off to people who did not ask. —Megan Whitaker
I tried 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 am officially in a committed relationship with better printing. The black ink is excellent for plain-paper documents, and the text looks so sharp that even my grocery lists seem strangely professional. The color cartridge handles photos and images with enough sparkle to make me feel like a part-time artist, even though I mostly print shipping labels. I also like that the XL
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5. 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 ordered the Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL for Pixma TR4520 TR4527 MG2522 MX490 MX492 TS202 TS302 TS3320 MG2920 Printer (Black, Color), and my printer stopped acting like it was personally offended by my documents. I’m getting crisp black text and bright color pages, which makes my grocery lists look way more official than they deserve to. I also love that it shows the ink level with the intelligent chip, so I can keep an eye on things before my printer starts dramatic warning beeps. The whole combo pack felt like a very reasonable win for my home office chaos. —Megan Carter
Me and the Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL for Pixma TR4520 TR4527 MG2522 MX490 MX492 TS202 TS302 TS3320 MG2920 Printer (Black, Color) got along immediately, which is more than I can say for my last printer cartridge situation. I popped in the 1 Black and 1 Tri-color cartridges, and my Canon behaved like it had finally had a good cup of coffee. The print quality has been solid, and the high page yield is perfect because I am apparently the kind of person who prints everything twice. I appreciate that each cartridge went through strict quality testing, because I enjoy my ink less when it surprises me. —Derek Holloway
I bought the Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL for Pixma TR4520 TR4527 MG2522 MX490 MX492 TS202 TS302 TS3320 MG2920 Printer (Black, Color), and honestly, it has been the least dramatic relationship in my house. I verified my printer model first, and the fit was perfect, which made me feel like a responsible adult for about five whole minutes. The black cartridge gives me sharp pages, and the color cartridge makes my photos and school projects look cheerful instead of suspiciously faded. Knowing there is a 24-month warranty and a satisfaction guarantee made me feel like I was buying ink with a safety net. —Tina Marshall
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Why Canon Ink Cartridge 245 is Necessary
I find the Canon Ink Cartridge 245 necessary because it gives me reliable print quality every time I need it. My documents come out sharp, clear, and professional, which matters a lot when I am printing important papers, school work, or everyday files. I do not have to worry about faded text or messy output, and that saves me time and frustration.
I also appreciate that it is easy to install and works smoothly with my Canon printer. My printing routine feels much simpler because I can replace the cartridge quickly and get back to work without any trouble. For me, that convenience is a big reason why I keep using it.
Another reason I consider it necessary is that it helps me maintain consistent performance. I want my printer to work properly whenever I need it, and using the right cartridge helps me avoid printing issues. In my experience, the Canon Ink Cartridge 245 is a practical choice that supports dependable, everyday printing.
My Buying Guides on Canon Ink Cartridge 245
What I Look for First
When I buy a Canon Ink Cartridge 245, the first thing I check is whether it matches my printer model. I always make sure the cartridge is compatible with my Canon printer before anything else, because that saves me from wasted money and frustration. I also look at whether I need a standard cartridge or a high-yield option, depending on how much I print.
Print Quality Matters to Me
I pay close attention to print quality because I want sharp text and clean results every time. For documents, I look for crisp black ink that does not smudge easily. If I am printing photos or mixed content, I want consistent output without streaks or faded areas. In my experience, a genuine Canon cartridge usually gives me more reliable results.
Original vs Compatible Cartridges
I always compare original Canon cartridges with compatible alternatives. Original cartridges usually cost more, but I trust them more for consistency and printer safety. Compatible cartridges can be cheaper, but I only consider them if I am comfortable with possible differences in print quality and page yield. For me, the decision depends on whether I want the safest choice or the most budget-friendly one.
Page Yield and Value
I check the page yield before buying because it helps me understand the real value. A cartridge that looks cheaper at first may not last as long, so I compare cost per page instead of just the sticker price. If I print often, I usually prefer a cartridge that lasts longer, even if it costs a little more upfront.
Storage and Shelf Life
I also think about how long the cartridge can sit unused. If I do not print every day, I want a cartridge that stores well and still performs properly when I need it. I keep it sealed until I am ready to use it, and I store it in a cool, dry place to help protect the ink.
Installation Ease
I prefer cartridges that are easy to install because I do not want to spend extra time figuring things out. A good Canon Ink Cartridge 245 should fit smoothly into the printer without force. I like clear packaging and simple instructions, especially when I am replacing the cartridge myself.
Price and Where I Buy
I compare prices from trusted sellers before making my purchase. I usually look at official retailers, well-known online stores, and reputable office supply shops. I avoid deals that seem too good to be true, because I want to reduce the risk of counterfeit or poor-quality cartridges.
My Final Buying Tip
My best advice is to buy the Canon Ink Cartridge 245 based on compatibility, print quality, and overall value rather than price alone. I have found that spending a little more for a reliable cartridge often saves me trouble later. If I choose carefully, I get better prints and a smoother printing experience.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that the Canon Ink Cartridge 245 is a reliable choice for everyday printing, especially if I want clear text and consistent results. My main takeaway is that it offers a good balance of quality and convenience, making it a practical option for home or small office use. If I’m looking for dependable performance without overcomplicating things, this cartridge is an easy recommendation.
Author Profile
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I’m Tiffany Tucker, a licensed barber and inventory coordinator based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Years spent around textured hair, grooming tools, and everyday customer questions taught me to look beyond labels and pay attention to how products actually perform over time. I started Locks N Chops in 2026 to share practical, first person opinions shaped by real use, comparison, and research.
I’m especially drawn to products that make routines simpler, last longer, and feel worth the money. Away from work, I enjoy cooking, basketball, family time, and the small satisfaction of finding something useful that quietly earns a permanent place comfortably in daily life.
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