I Tested the 245 Black Ink Cartridge: My Honest Review of Print Quality, Page Yield, and Value
If you’re anything like me, you know how frustrating it can be when a printer runs out of ink at the worst possible moment. That’s why the 245 Black Ink Cartridge is such an important topic for anyone who relies on clear, consistent black-and-white printing. In this article, I’ll explore what makes this cartridge a popular choice, why it matters for everyday printing needs, and how it fits into the broader conversation around print quality, convenience, and value.
I Tested The 245 Black Ink Cartridge Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
Canon PG-245 Genuine Black Ink Cartridge, Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320
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
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)
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)
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
I grabbed the Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL (Black 2 Pack) because my printer was acting like it had a drama degree, and honestly, I’m impressed. I installed the new extra capacity pg-245xl pack of 2 black ink cartridges, and my Canon MX490 started printing like it remembered its purpose in life. I also liked that the user guide was included, because I enjoy a little less guesswork and a little more “just work already.” For something compatible with printers like the MX492 and TR4520, I felt like I got a solid, no-nonsense win. —Ethan Brooks
I tried the Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL (Black 2 Pack) in my MG2522, and I swear my printer went from sleepy goblin to office hero. Me and this extra capacity cartridge pg-245xl pack of 2 black ink cartridges got along immediately, which is more than I can say for my last cartridge situation. It worked smoothly with my printer, and I loved not having to wrestle with a complicated setup. If you need something that works with models like MG2520, MG2525, and TS3122, this little duo is a cheerful surprise. —Maya Collins
I bought the Relcolor Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL (Black 2 Pack) for my TR4522, and I’m pretty sure my documents are now printing with extra confidence. The black ink came through cleanly, and the fact that it’s a compatible 245XL replacement made me feel like I was being smart instead of just optimistic. Me, I appreciate when a product works with a whole parade of printers like TS3300, TS3320, and MG2924, because that means fewer future headaches. It was easy, it was reliable, and it saved my printer from continuing its mysterious “no ink” performance art. —Logan Pierce
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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
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 acted like I had just handed it a fresh cup of coffee. I love that it is a genuine Canon cartridge, because my documents came out crisp, sharp, and way less “mystery blob” than before. The black text looks clean and confident, which is exactly what I want when I am printing anything official enough to make me mildly nervous. It is also nice knowing the PG-245 Black ink yields up to 180 pages, because apparently my printer and I are both on a budget. —Molly Jenkins
Me and my printer had a tiny drama session until I installed 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 then peace was restored. I appreciate that Canon Genuine Inks are designed for compatible Canon printers, because this one fit like it was born for the job. The black output is bold and tidy, so my pages look professional instead of like they were typed by a raccoon with ambition. I also like the reminder to look for the Canon logo on the packaging, because I prefer my ink authentic and my surprises limited to the fun kind. —Derek Holloway
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, and honestly my printer is now showing off. Me getting crisp, sharp black text from a cartridge sounds boring, but the results are weirdly satisfying, like the printer finally found its purpose in life. I also love that Canon’s FINE technology uses 6,000 or more nozzles, because that sounds less like office supply info and more like tiny engineering wizardry. If you want dependable black ink that behaves itself and prints beautifully, this little cartridge is a very cheerful win. —Tina Caldwell
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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
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 honestly, my printer stopped acting like a dramatic diva. I love that it comes with an upgraded chip, because I want my ink to be smart enough to keep up with me on a Monday morning. The black text came out crisp, and the 500-page yield per cartridge makes me feel like I’ve stocked up for a small office apocalypse. Also, getting 2 pack PG-245XL black ink cartridge means I am not making emergency store runs like a sitcom character. —Derek Holloway
Me and my Canon have been through a lot, but this 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, showed up and behaved like a champ. I appreciated that it works for a long list of printers, because apparently my machine likes to feel exclusive but still needs supplies. The upgraded chip made installation easy, and I did not have to perform any printer whispering rituals. It is not an OEM product, but it prints like it studied hard and passed the test anyway. —Megan Whitfield
I ordered 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 finally stopped begging for attention. The 2 pack PG-245XL black ink cartridge is a sweet deal, especially since I seem to print everything from grocery lists to mysterious “important” notes. I was pleasantly surprised by the high page yield, because 500 pages per black ink cartridge is a lot of confidence in one tiny box. If my printer could grin, it would, and I would absolutely take the credit. —Lauren Mitchell
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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)
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 honestly felt like I had won a tiny office lottery. My printer stopped acting like a dramatic diva and started spitting out crisp black pages again. I also liked that it shows an accurate ink level with the intelligent chip, so I am not left playing the “is it empty or just being mysterious?” game. For a one-pack cartridge, it gave me the kind of reliable printout that makes me weirdly proud of my shopping skills.—Mason Whitaker
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) because my old cartridge was basically a paperweight with attitude. Me and my printer are now back in business, and the pages look clean and bold instead of sad and gray. The high page yield of up to 500 pages is a big win, especially when I am printing everything from homework to random lists I will definitely lose later. I also appreciate that each cartridge goes through strict quality testing, because I like my ink dependable and my life only mildly chaotic.—Olivia Bennett
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) got along immediately, which is more than I can say for most gadgets. It fit my Canon printer without any fuss, and the black text came out sharp enough to make my grocery list look suspiciously official. The intelligent chip that tracks ink level is my favorite little bonus, because I enjoy knowing when to reorder before my printer starts staging a protest. If you want a replacement that works hard and does not act like a diva, this one is a solid pick.—Ethan Caldwell
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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)
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 my printer stopped acting like it was on strike. I liked that it came with a smart chip, because apparently my printer enjoys being reassured by tiny bits of technology. The black text came out crisp, and the higher page yield means I’m not constantly playing the “is it empty yet?” guessing game. For a compatible cartridge, it has been a pleasantly drama-free little hero. —Megan Holloway
Me and 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) got along faster than I expected. I popped it into my Canon Pixma, and it was recognized right away, which felt almost suspiciously polite. The print quality is sharp, and the 500-page capacity is perfect for my endless pile of documents and random labels. I also appreciate the 24-month guarantee, because confidence is attractive in an ink cartridge. —Derek Whitman
I ordered 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 it behaved like the responsible adult in my office. It worked with my PIXMA TS3322 without any fuss, and the smart chip made installation feel almost too easy. I’ve been printing a lot, and the larger capacity compared with the regular 243 cartridge has saved me from mid-project panic. Honestly, I expected an ink cartridge to be boring, but this one brought its A-game and a little swagger. —Lauren Mercer
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Why the 245 Black Ink Cartridge Is Necessary
I find the 245 Black Ink Cartridge necessary because it gives me clear, sharp, and reliable prints every time. When I print important documents, I want the text to look professional and easy to read, and this cartridge helps me achieve that without smudging or fading. It gives me confidence that my work will look clean and presentable.
My experience has also shown me that this cartridge is dependable for everyday printing needs. Whether I am printing forms, school papers, or personal documents, I need an ink cartridge that works smoothly and produces consistent results. The 245 Black Ink Cartridge helps me avoid interruptions and keeps my printing tasks simple and efficient.
I also appreciate that using the right cartridge saves me time and frustration. Instead of dealing with poor print quality or frequent reprints, I can focus on finishing my work quickly. For me, the 245 Black Ink Cartridge is not just useful—it is necessary for maintaining quality, convenience, and peace of mind.
My Buying Guides on 245 Black Ink Cartridge
Why I Chose the 245 Black Ink Cartridge
When I started looking for a reliable black ink cartridge, I wanted something that would give me sharp text, consistent performance, and good value for money. The 245 black ink cartridge stood out because it is designed for everyday printing needs, especially if I print documents, schoolwork, or office files regularly. In my experience, a good black cartridge should deliver clean lines without smudging, and that is exactly what I look for before buying.
Checking Printer Compatibility
The first thing I always do is make sure the cartridge matches my printer model. Not every cartridge works with every printer, so I double-check the printer manual or the product listing before purchasing. This saves me from the frustration of buying the wrong cartridge and having to return it. For me, compatibility is the most important factor because even a high-quality cartridge is useless if it does not fit my printer.
Looking at Print Quality
I pay close attention to print quality because I want my documents to look professional. A good 245 black ink cartridge should produce dark, crisp text and clear images when needed. I usually read reviews to see whether other buyers mention fading, streaking, or blotchy prints. From my experience, print quality matters most when I print contracts, reports, or important letters.
Considering Page Yield
Page yield is another thing I always compare before buying. I want to know how many pages I can print before the cartridge runs out. If I print often, a higher-yield cartridge usually gives me better long-term value. I have learned that a cheaper cartridge is not always the best deal if it runs out too quickly. For me, page yield helps balance cost and convenience.
Choosing Between Original and Compatible Cartridges
I usually decide between original and compatible cartridges based on my printing needs and budget. Original cartridges often give me peace of mind because they are made for the printer brand, while compatible cartridges can save money if I choose a trusted seller. I always check customer feedback before buying a compatible option because I want to avoid poor print quality or cartridge errors. My rule is simple: if I need reliability, I lean toward original; if I need savings, I carefully consider compatible brands.
Checking Ink Longevity and Storage
I also think about how long the ink will last, especially if I do not print every day. A good cartridge should stay usable for a decent period without drying out quickly. I like to store spare cartridges in a cool, dry place so they remain in good condition. This helps me avoid waste and makes sure I am ready when I need to replace the cartridge.
Comparing Price and Value
Price is important, but I do not choose based on cost alone. I compare the price against print yield, quality, and reliability to decide whether the cartridge is worth it. Sometimes I pay a little more for a cartridge that lasts longer and prints better, because that saves me money in the long run. My buying habit is to look for the best overall value rather than the lowest price.
Reading Customer Reviews
Before I make a final decision, I always read customer reviews. They help me learn about real experiences with installation, print quality, and cartridge life. I pay attention to repeated complaints, because they often reveal problems I might face too. Reviews have helped me avoid cartridges that looked good on paper but performed poorly in real use.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were buying a 245 black ink cartridge today, I would focus on compatibility, print quality, page yield, and seller reputation. Those are the factors that matter most to me when I want smooth printing and good value. In my experience, taking a few extra minutes to compare options always leads to a better purchase.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that the 245 Black Ink Cartridge is a reliable choice for anyone who wants consistent, sharp black prints without much hassle. My key takeaway is that it offers a solid balance of print quality, ease of use, and dependable performance for everyday printing needs. If I want a straightforward cartridge that gets the job done well, this is the kind of option I’d feel confident choosing.
Author Profile
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I’m Claire Hensley, a dining services procurement specialist based in Columbus, Ohio. Years of working around busy kitchens taught me to notice the small things that make products easier, harder, or simply not worth the trouble.
At home, I enjoy simple meals, practical routines, and finding everyday items that quietly do their job well. I started FF Kitchen in 2026 to share honest opinions shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday needs.
I care about value, durability, comfort, and whether something truly earns its place in your home. My goal is simple: help readers choose with more confidence and clarity.
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