Canon PG-245 XL Black & CL-246 Color Ink Cartridges - Reliable

Our review of the Canon PG-245 XL and CL-246 ink cartridges finds them best suited to home and small office users who need reliable, trouble-free replacements for compatible Canon PIXMA models. The bottom line: these are genuine Canon ink tanks that deliver consistent black text and generally good color for everyday documents and photos, with a special ink formulation aimed at longer-lasting prints. Installation is straightforward and most buyers report immediate compatibility and smooth operation with printers like the PIXMA MX492 and MG3020.

Key Features

• Genuine Canon cartridges: Using original Canon ink tanks helps ensure consistent nozzle performance and reliable printer communication during use.
• High capacity black option: The PG-245 XL black cartridge provides more prints per cartridge, reducing the need for frequent replacements on heavy text printing jobs.
• Color cartridge included: The CL-246 color cartridge supplies cyan, magenta and yellow in a single tank for simple color printing and photo attempts.
• Wide printer compatibility: These cartridges are compatible with a range of PIXMA models including MX492, MG3020, MG2920 and similar series, so they suit multi-model households and small offices.
• Special ink formulation: The inks are formulated for longer-lasting prints to resist fading in everyday use and help preserve documents and casual photos.

Who It's For

This cartridge set is ideal for home users, students and small offices that predominantly print documents with occasional color pages or photos. The high capacity black is particularly useful for anyone who prints large batches of text or study materials, while the color cartridge covers basic color needs without managing three separate tanks.

Users who need top-tier photo lab quality, professional photo printing, or very high page yields for heavy color graphics should consider specialty photo inks or XL color options elsewhere; this set is tuned to balance cost, convenience and general-purpose print quality.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Genuine Canon cartridges give predictable fit and simple installation across supported PIXMA models.
• High capacity black reduces replacement frequency for text-heavy printing tasks.
• Good overall print quality and functionality for everyday documents and casual photos.
• Customers report solid value for money, especially when printing larger batches.

Cons

• Color output receives mixed feedback from users, with some finding color ink runs out faster than expected for photo-heavy use.
• Ink longevity is mixed depending on print volume and usage patterns, so heavy color users may need more frequent replacements.

Specifications

Brand	Canon
Black cartridge	PG-245 XL High Capacity
Color cartridge	CL-246
Compatible printers	PIXMA MX492, MG3020, MG2920, MG2924, iP2820, MG2525, MG2420
Cartridge type	Genuine Canon ink tanks
Key benefit	Special ink formulation for long-lasting prints

Our Verdict

The Canon PG-245 XL and CL-246 cartridges are a practical choice for most home and small office users who want dependable black text and acceptable color for everyday documents and casual photos. They offer clear value for those who prioritize compatibility, ease of installation and fewer black cartridge changes, though dedicated photo printers may prefer more specialized color solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will these cartridges fit my PIXMA printer?
They are compatible with a range of PIXMA models listed on the product, including MX492 and MG3020; check your printer model against the compatibility list before buying.

Is the black cartridge larger than the standard version?
Yes, the PG-245 XL is a high capacity black cartridge designed to deliver more prints than the standard black option.

How is the color quality for photos?
Color quality is generally good for casual photos and documents, but some users report mixed results and faster color depletion with heavy photo printing.