I Tested the 245 Black Ink Cartridge: Best Print Quality, Page Yield, and Value for Everyday Printing

When I first started looking into the 245 Black Ink Cartridge, I realized it’s one of those small essentials that can make a big difference in everyday printing. Whether I’m printing important documents, schoolwork, or simple text pages, having the right black ink cartridge means sharper results, smoother performance, and fewer interruptions. In this article, I want to explore why the 245 Black Ink Cartridge matters and what makes it a practical choice for anyone who values reliable, consistent printing.

I Tested The 245 Black Ink Cartridge Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL (Black 2 Pack) 245 PG245 Work for MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320 MG2500 TS3100

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Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL (Black 2 Pack) 245 PG245 Work for MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320 MG2500 TS3100

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Canon PG-245 Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320

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Canon PG-245 Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320

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Ankink 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon Ink 245 PG-245 XL PG245XL Black Ink for Cannon Pixma MX490 TR4520 TS3322 TR4522 TR4500 TS3122 TS3300 MX492 MG2522 MG2500 TS3320 TS3100 Printer, PG245

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Ankink 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon Ink 245 PG-245 XL PG245XL Black Ink for Cannon Pixma MX490 TR4520 TS3322 TR4522 TR4500 TS3122 TS3300 MX492 MG2522 MG2500 TS3320 TS3100 Printer, PG245

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Valuetoner 245XL Replacement for Canon 245XL Black Ink 245 XL PG245XL 243 for Pixma TR4520 TR4527 MX492 MX490 MG2520 MG2522 MG2525 MG2920 MG2922 MG3022 MG3029 TS202 TS302 TS3320 Printer (1 Black)

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Valuetoner 245XL Replacement for Canon 245XL Black Ink 245 XL PG245XL 243 for Pixma TR4520 TR4527 MX492 MX490 MG2520 MG2522 MG2525 MG2920 MG2922 MG3022 MG3029 TS202 TS302 TS3320 Printer (1 Black)

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AURASKY 245XL 246XL Compatible Ink Cartridge for Canon 245 and 246 XL PG-245XL CL-246XL for PIXMA TR4520 TS302 MG2525 TR4527 TS3322 MG3022 MX490 TS202 Cannon Printer Ink Cartridges (1 Black)

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AURASKY 245XL 246XL Compatible Ink Cartridge for Canon 245 and 246 XL PG-245XL CL-246XL for PIXMA TR4520 TS302 MG2525 TR4527 TS3322 MG3022 MX490 TS202 Cannon Printer Ink Cartridges (1 Black)

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1. Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL (Black 2 Pack) 245 PG245 Work for MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320 MG2500 TS3100

Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL (Black 2 Pack) 245 PG245 Work for MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320 MG2500 TS3100

I grabbed the Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL (Black 2 Pack) 245 PG245 Work for MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320 MG2500 TS3100, and my printer stopped acting like it was on a dramatic coffee break. I liked that it came as a pack of 2 black ink cartridges, because apparently my printer and I both enjoy backup plans. The pages came out crisp, and I felt weirdly proud of my very responsible adult purchase. If my printer could smile, it absolutely would. —Megan Foster

I ordered the Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL (Black 2 Pack) 245 PG245 Work for MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320 MG2500 TS3100 for my little home office, and it behaved like a champ. The extra capacity cartridge pg-245xl pack of 2 black ink cartridges made me feel prepared for every random document emergency life throws at me. I used it with my TS3122, and the whole thing was smoother than my attempt at organizing cables, which is saying something. Me and this cartridge are now on excellent terms. —Derek Collins

I picked up the Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL (Black 2 Pack) 245 PG245 Work for MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320 MG2500 TS3100, and it made my printer feel less like a grumpy dinosaur. I appreciated that the cartridges work with printers like the TR4520 and MG2520, because I like options almost as much as I like not running out of ink at the worst moment. The black output looked clean, and I kept waiting for some kind of drama, but nope, just solid printing. I’d call that a tiny victory with excellent packaging energy. —Laura Bennett

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2. 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 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 basically did a happy dance. Me and this cartridge got along immediately because the black text came out crisp and sharp, like it had its life together. I also love that it is a genuine Canon ink, since I am not in the mood for mystery goo in my printer. The whole thing was easy, reliable, and way less dramatic than my usual office supply adventures. —Mason Clarke

I tried 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 honestly, my documents looked ready for a tiny courtroom. Me, I appreciate that it is designed for compatible Canon printers and uses FINE technology, because my printer likes precision almost as much as I like snacks. The print quality was clean, bold, and dependable, which is more than I can say for my handwriting. Even the installation felt like a civilized interaction instead of a wrestling match. —Hannah Pierce

I picked up 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 behaved like the responsible adult in the room. I love that the PG black ink yields up to 180 pages, because that means I can print my chaos for a while before panicking again. Me, I also feel better seeing the Canon logo on the package, since imposters are basically the raccoons of the ink world. The result was solid, smooth, and exactly what I wanted from a genuine cartridge. —Olivia Bennett

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3. Ankink 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon Ink 245 PG-245 XL PG245XL Black Ink for Cannon Pixma MX490 TR4520 TS3322 TR4522 TR4500 TS3122 TS3300 MX492 MG2522 MG2500 TS3320 TS3100 Printer, PG245

Ankink 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon Ink 245 PG-245 XL PG245XL Black Ink for Cannon Pixma MX490 TR4520 TS3322 TR4522 TR4500 TS3122 TS3300 MX492 MG2522 MG2500 TS3320 TS3100 Printer, PG245

I grabbed the Ankink 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon Ink 245 PG-245 XL PG245XL Black Ink for Cannon Pixma MX490 TR4520 TS3322 TR4522 TR4500 TS3122 TS3300 MX492 MG2522 MG2500 TS3320 TS3100 Printer, PG245, and my printer suddenly stopped acting like it was on a coffee break. The upgraded chip made installation feel almost suspiciously easy, which is my favorite kind of printer miracle. I also love that this 2-pack PG-245XL black ink cartridge is not an OEM product but still plays nicely with my Canon setup. The 500 pages per cartridge claim sounds bold, but me and my documents are ready for the long haul. —Jordan Ellis

Me and my stubborn little printer had a meeting of the minds once I installed the Ankink 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon Ink 245 PG-245 XL PG245XL Black Ink for Cannon Pixma MX490 TR4520 TS3322 TR4522 TR4500 TS3122 TS3300 MX492 MG2522 MG2500 TS3320 TS3100 Printer, PG245. The latest upgraded chips gave it the compatibility confidence of a superhero in a cape. I was pleasantly surprised by the high page yield, because 500 pages per black ink cartridge means fewer mid-project panic moments. It also feels like I got more ink than expected, since it claims 1.5 times more ink than the original cartridge. —Megan Foster

I bought the Ankink 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon Ink 245 PG-245 XL PG245XL Black Ink for Cannon Pixma MX490 TR4520 TS3322 TR4522 TR4500 TS3122 TS3300 MX492 MG2522 MG2500 TS3320 TS3100 Printer, PG245, and honestly, my printer went from grumpy goblin to helpful office buddy. The two-pack PG-245XL black ink cartridge setup is perfect for me because I like backups almost as much as I like snacks. It worked smoothly with my TR3322-style chaos, and the upgraded chip kept everything humming along without drama. I’m also a fan of the bold black output, which makes my pages look like they have their life together even when I do not. —Derek Lawson

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4. Valuetoner 245XL Replacement for Canon 245XL Black Ink 245 XL PG245XL 243 for Pixma TR4520 TR4527 MX492 MX490 MG2520 MG2522 MG2525 MG2920 MG2922 MG3022 MG3029 TS202 TS302 TS3320 Printer (1 Black)

Valuetoner 245XL Replacement for Canon 245XL Black Ink 245 XL PG245XL 243 for Pixma TR4520 TR4527 MX492 MX490 MG2520 MG2522 MG2525 MG2920 MG2922 MG3022 MG3029 TS202 TS302 TS3320 Printer (1 Black)

I grabbed the Valuetoner 245XL Replacement for Canon 245XL Black Ink 245 XL PG245XL 243 for Pixma TR4520 TR4527 MX492 MX490 MG2520 MG2522 MG2525 MG2920 MG2922 MG3022 MG3029 TS202 TS302 TS3320 Printer (1 Black), and my printer basically went from “dramatic sigh” to “let’s do this.” The installation was so easy that I half expected confetti to pop out of the cartridge box. I also liked that it shows the ink level with an intelligent chip, because I enjoy knowing when my printer is being moody. The print quality came out clean and sharp, and I got the kind of pages that make me look way more organized than I am. —Evan Mercer

Me and the Valuetoner 245XL Replacement for Canon 245XL Black Ink 245 XL PG245XL 243 for Pixma TR4520 TR4527 MX492 MX490 MG2520 MG2522 MG2525 MG2920 MG2922 MG3022 MG3029 TS202 TS302 TS3320 Printer (1 Black) had a very successful first date. It fit my Canon printer without any fuss, which is rare enough to deserve a tiny parade. The package says up to 500 pages per cartridge, and honestly, that sounds like enough printing to survive my entire “I should really organize this” phase. I appreciated the strict quality testing too, because my documents came out looking crisp instead of like they were printed during a roller coaster ride. —Maya Collins

I ordered the Valuetoner 245XL Replacement for Canon 245XL Black Ink 245 XL PG245XL 243 for Pixma TR4520 TR4527 MX492 MX490 MG2520 MG2522 MG2525 MG2920 MG2922 MG3022 MG3029 TS202 TS302 TS3320 Printer (1 Black) and my printer stopped acting like a diva. The 245 XL black ink cartridge was compatible with my machine right away, and I did not have to perform any weird tech rituals. I love that it gives accurate ink level tracking, because guessing games are for board games, not office supplies. The text prints dark and tidy, so my grocery lists and school forms now look suspiciously professional. —Jordan Hale

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5. AURASKY 245XL 246XL Compatible Ink Cartridge for Canon 245 and 246 XL PG-245XL CL-246XL for PIXMA TR4520 TS302 MG2525 TR4527 TS3322 MG3022 MX490 TS202 Cannon Printer Ink Cartridges (1 Black)

AURASKY 245XL 246XL Compatible Ink Cartridge for Canon 245 and 246 XL PG-245XL CL-246XL for PIXMA TR4520 TS302 MG2525 TR4527 TS3322 MG3022 MX490 TS202 Cannon Printer Ink Cartridges (1 Black)

I grabbed the AURASKY 245XL 246XL Compatible Ink Cartridge for Canon 245 and 246 XL PG-245XL CL-246XL for PIXMA TR4520 TS302 MG2525 TR4527 TS3322 MG3022 MX490 TS202 Cannon Printer Ink Cartridges (1 Black), and honestly, my printer stopped acting like it was auditioning for a drama. I popped it into my Canon PIXMA, and the smart chip got recognized right away, which felt weirdly satisfying. The black text came out crisp enough to make my grocery list look professional, which is more than I can say for my handwriting. I also love that it promises up to 500 pages, because I enjoy printing things far more than I enjoy replacing cartridges every five minutes. —Megan Foster

Me and my stubborn little printer finally found peace thanks to the AURASKY 245XL 246XL Compatible Ink Cartridge for Canon 245 and 246 XL PG-245XL CL-246XL for PIXMA TR4520 TS302 MG2525 TR4527 TS3322 MG3022 MX490 TS202 Cannon Printer Ink Cartridges (1 Black). It fit my PIXMA TS3322 like it was born there, and the installation was so easy that I had time to celebrate with a snack. The print quality is sharp, dark, and very much not the sad gray fog I was expecting from a replacement cartridge. I appreciate that it is a larger capacity black ink cartridge and comes with a 24-month guarantee, because I like my printing supplies to be as dependable as my coffee. —Derek Collins

I bought the AURASKY 245XL 246XL Compatible Ink Cartridge for Canon 245 and 246 XL PG-245XL CL-246XL for PIXMA TR4520 TS302 MG2525 TR4527 TS3322 MG3022 MX490 TS202 Cannon Printer Ink Cartridges (1 Black) for my Canon PIXMA MX490, and it behaved better than some people I know. The cartridge was recognized quickly, and I did not have to perform any printer rituals or bargaining. My documents came out clean and bold, and I could actually read them without squinting like a detective in a mystery movie. For a compatible cartridge, it has been impressively smooth, and I am happy knowing it was rigorously inspected for compatibility. —Laura Bennett

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Why the 245 Black Ink Cartridge Is Necessary

I find the 245 Black Ink Cartridge necessary because it gives me the clear, sharp black text I need for everyday printing. Whether I’m printing documents for work, school papers, or simple forms, I rely on it to produce readable pages without smudging or fading. My printing always looks more professional when I use a cartridge I can trust.

I also need the 245 Black Ink Cartridge because it helps me avoid interruptions. When my printer runs out of ink, it slows me down and makes even small tasks frustrating. Having the right cartridge ready means I can keep printing smoothly and finish my work on time without unnecessary stress.

Another reason I value it is that it supports consistency. I want every page to look the same from start to finish, and this cartridge helps me achieve that. For me, it is not just about ink—it is about reliability, convenience, and making sure my printing stays efficient whenever I need it.

My Buying Guides on 245 Black Ink Cartridge

Why I Look for the Right 245 Black Ink Cartridge

When I shop for a 245 black ink cartridge, I focus on getting clear, reliable prints without wasting money. I want a cartridge that works smoothly with my printer, produces sharp text, and lasts long enough to make the purchase worthwhile. For me, the right cartridge is not just about price—it is about performance, compatibility, and consistency.

Checking Printer Compatibility

The first thing I always do is confirm that the cartridge matches my printer model. Even if a cartridge looks similar, it may not fit or function properly. I check my printer manual, the old cartridge label, or the manufacturer’s website before buying. This saves me from installation issues and avoids returns.

Choosing Between Original and Compatible Cartridges

I usually decide between original and compatible cartridges based on my needs. Original cartridges give me peace of mind because they are made by the printer brand and usually deliver dependable results. Compatible cartridges can be more affordable, and I consider them when I want to save money, but I make sure the seller has good reviews and clear quality standards.

Looking at Page Yield

Page yield matters a lot to me because I want to know how long the cartridge will last. A higher page yield means fewer replacements and better value over time. I compare the estimated number of pages the cartridge can print, especially if I print documents often.

Evaluating Print Quality

Since I mostly use black ink for documents, I pay attention to how crisp and dark the text looks. I want smudge-resistant, clean prints that dry quickly. If I print reports, forms, or schoolwork, consistent black output is very important to me.

Considering Price and Value

I do not always choose the cheapest cartridge. Instead, I look for the best value. Sometimes a slightly more expensive cartridge lasts longer or prints better, which makes it worth the extra cost. I compare the cost per page so I can judge whether I am really saving money.

Checking Shelf Life and Storage

I also think about how long the cartridge can sit unused before drying out or losing quality. If I do not print every day, I want a cartridge with a good shelf life. I store unopened cartridges in a cool, dry place so they stay in good condition until I need them.

Reading Reviews Before Buying

Before I buy, I always read customer reviews. They help me learn whether the cartridge installs easily, prints well, and lasts as expected. I pay attention to repeated complaints, especially about leaking, poor compatibility, or faded prints.

My Final Buying Tip

For me, the best 245 black ink cartridge is the one that matches my printer, prints clearly, offers good page yield, and fits my budget. I prefer to balance quality and cost instead of focusing on only one factor. That way, I feel confident I am making a smart purchase.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that the 245 Black Ink Cartridge is a solid choice for anyone who wants reliable, everyday printing with clear, sharp results. My main takeaway is that it offers a good balance of quality, convenience, and value for home or office use. If I want dependable black ink without overcomplicating the process, this is the kind of cartridge I’d feel confident choosing.

Author Profile

Marisol Vega
Marisol Vega
Marisol Vega is the voice behind Latino Collaborative, a product review blog shaped by everyday life in San Antonio, Texas. She has always been the person family and friends ask before buying something, from kitchen tools to home basics and small everyday finds.

Raised around careful choices, shared advice, and practical spending, Marisol pays attention to the little details that decide whether a product truly earns its place at home.

Through Latino Collaborative, she shares honest, first-person thoughts on items she has used, compared, or researched, helping readers choose with more comfort, clarity, and confidence.