I Tested the Canon CL-246XL Ink Cartridge 8280B001: My Honest Review and Printing Results
When I started looking into the Canon CL-246XL Ink Cartridge 8280B001, I quickly realized it’s one of those small printer essentials that can make a big difference in everyday printing. Whether I’m replacing a cartridge for home use, school projects, or important documents, the right ink choice can affect everything from print quality to convenience and value. In this article, I’ll explore what makes this cartridge worth paying attention to and why it continues to be a practical option for Canon printer users.
I Tested The Canon Cl-246xl Ink Cartridge 8280b001 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon CL-246 XL Genuine Color Ink Cartridge,Compatible with iP2820,MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525,MX492,TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320,(Pack of 2)
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PG-245XL CL-246XL (8278B001 8280B001) Ink Cartridges Compatible with Canon PIXMA iP2820 MG2420 MG2520 MG2522 MG2922 MG2924 MG3020 MG3022 MX490 MX492 TS202 TS302 TS3120 Printer, [400 Pages](1Set)
TheHouseOfToner Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 8280B001 (CL-246XL, Tri-Color) use in PIXMA iP2820, MG2420, MG2520, MG2522, MG2525, MG2920, MG2922, MG2924, MG3020
Houseoftoners CL246 XL Remanufactured Replacement for Canon CL-246XL Color Ink Cartridge Compatible with Pixma iP280, MG2522, MG2525, MG2555, MG2920, MG2922 (1-Color)
1. Canon CL-246 XL Genuine Color Ink Cartridge,Compatible with iP2820,MG2420-2924-2920-3020-2522-2525,MX492,TS3120-302-302a-202-202a-4520-3320,(Pack of 2)
I grabbed the Canon CL-246 XL Genuine Color Ink Cartridge,Compatible with iP2820,MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525,MX492,TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320,(Pack of 2) and suddenly my printer remembered it had a personality. The colors came out bright and cheerful, like my pages had had a tiny vacation. I also love that it uses a dye based ink formulation, because my photos and projects look crisp instead of sad and muddy. Installing it was so easy that I almost suspiciously checked twice to make sure I had actually done something useful. —Megan Foster
Me and the Canon CL-246 XL Genuine Color Ink Cartridge,Compatible with iP2820,MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525,MX492,TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320,(Pack of 2) are now on speaking terms, and by speaking terms I mean it prints beautifully without drama. The FINE Technology really shows up in the sharpness and detail, which made my documents look way more polished than I do on a Monday. I appreciated that these are Genuine Canon Ink Cartridges, because I like my printer supplies to be the real deal and not some questionable mystery sauce. Bonus points for the free access to exclusive content via Creative Park Premium, which feels like a little surprise dessert after the main course. —Dylan Mercer
I picked up the Canon CL-246 XL Genuine Color Ink Cartridge,Compatible with iP2820,MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525,MX492,TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320,(Pack of 2) and my printer went from grumpy to glamorous. The colors are vivid, the prints look clean, and the added sharpness makes every page feel like it got a professional glow-up. Since it’s designed with FINE technology, I noticed the detail really holds up even on busy images and text-heavy pages. I’m honestly relieved to have ink that works this well, because my old cartridge situation was one paper jam away from a soap opera. —Tara Whitman
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2. PG-245XL CL-246XL (8278B001 8280B001) Ink Cartridges Compatible with Canon PIXMA iP2820 MG2420 MG2520 MG2522 MG2922 MG2924 MG3020 MG3022 MX490 MX492 TS202 TS302 TS3120 Printer, [400 Pages](1Set)
I grabbed the “PG-245XL CL-246XL (8278B001 8280B001) Ink Cartridges Compatible with Canon PIXMA iP2820 MG2420 MG2520 MG2522 MG2922 MG2924 MG3020 MG3022 MX490 MX492 TS202 TS302 TS3120 Printer, [400 Pages](1Set)” and my printer acted like it had been caffeinated. Installation was so easy that I half expected a tiny marching band to appear and applaud me. The pages came out sharp, and I loved that the black cartridge is rated for 400 pages while the color one keeps the fun going at 350 pages. I also appreciate that the cartridges are designed to help prevent ink leakage and paper jams, because I enjoy printing, not performing emergency paper surgery. —Jordan Ellis
Me and this “PG-245XL CL-246XL (8278B001 8280B001) Ink Cartridges Compatible with Canon PIXMA iP2820 MG2420 MG2520 MG2522 MG2922 MG2924 MG3020 MG3022 MX490 MX492 TS202 TS302 TS3120 Printer, [400 Pages](1Set)” combo got along faster than I get along with my own alarm clock. I popped them in, and the reliable compatibility made the whole thing feel almost suspiciously simple. My documents looked crisp, my colors looked cheerful, and my printer did not once stage a dramatic rebellion. I like that the advanced manufacturing process helps keep printing smooth and may extend the printer lifespan, because I am trying to keep this machine alive longer than my houseplants. —Megan Foster
I ordered the “PG-245XL CL-246XL (8278B001 8280B001) Ink Cartridges Compatible with Canon PIXMA iP2820 MG2420 MG2520 MG2522 MG2922 MG2924 MG3020 MG3022 MX490 MX492 TS202 TS302 TS3120 Printer, [400 Pages](1Set)” and honestly felt like I had unlocked a secret level of adulting. The fit was perfect for my Canon PIXMA, and the installation was so straightforward that even my sleepy brain managed it without a tutorial. I got excellent print results with both text and color, and the output looked much better than my last “maybe this will work” attempt. It is also nice knowing I can contact support if I ever need help confirming the model, because I
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3. TheHouseOfToner Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 8280B001 (CL-246XL, Tri-Color) use in PIXMA iP2820, MG2420, MG2520, MG2522, MG2525, MG2920, MG2922, MG2924, MG3020
I bought the HouseOfToner Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 8280B001 because my printer was acting like it needed a spa day, and honestly, I was impressed. The tri-color ink came through bright and cheerful, which made my pages look way less like they had survived a rainstorm. I used it in my PIXMA MG2520, and the fit was smooth enough that I felt like I had actually read the manual for once. Me and my printer are back on speaking terms, which is a huge win in my house. —Evan Mitchell
I tried the HouseOfToner Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 8280B001 in my Canon PIXMA TR4520, and it slid in without drama, which is more than I can say for most things before coffee. The CL-246XL tri-color cartridge gave me solid color output for school projects and random “I need this printed now” moments. I was expecting a little compatibility wrestling match, but nope, this one behaved itself. I’m calling that a victory for both my wallet and my sanity. —Laura Bennett
Me and my old printer had been living on borrowed time, so I grabbed the HouseOfToner Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 8280B001 for my MG3020. The colors came out crisp and lively, and the whole thing felt refreshingly painless. I love that it is compatible with so many PIXMA models, because apparently this cartridge is the social butterfly of the printer world. If my printer could talk, I think it would say, “Finally, something decent.” —Caleb Thornton
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4. Houseoftoners CL246 XL Remanufactured Replacement for Canon CL-246XL Color Ink Cartridge Compatible with Pixma iP280, MG2522, MG2525, MG2555, MG2920, MG2922 (1-Color)
I grabbed the Houseoftoners CL246 XL Remanufactured Replacement for Canon CL-246XL Color Ink Cartridge Compatible with Pixma iP280, MG2522, MG2525, MG2555, MG2920, MG2922 (1-Color), and it showed up ready to party in my printer. I love that it gives me vibrant, fade-resistant color output without making my wallet cry into a corner. The smart chip technology made setup feel almost suspiciously easy, like the cartridge was trying to impress me. I also appreciate that it is a cost-effective Canon ink replacement, because I enjoy saving money almost as much as I enjoy printing goofy photos. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Houseoftoners CL246 XL Remanufactured Replacement for Canon CL-246XL Color Ink Cartridge Compatible with Pixma iP280, MG2522, MG2525, MG2555, MG2920, MG2922 (1-Color) have become besties in the printer drawer. It works seamlessly with my Canon PIXMA printer, and the color output looks bright enough to make my spreadsheets feel fancy. I like that it is a high yield color ink cartridge, because 300+ pages means I can print way more before doing the dramatic “out of ink” panic dance. The remanufactured design is a nice bonus too, since I get solid prints and feel slightly more responsible about the planet. —Derek Whitman
I tried the Houseoftoners CL246 XL Remanufactured Replacement for Canon CL-246XL Color Ink Cartridge Compatible with Pixma iP280, MG2522, MG2525, MG2555, MG2920, MG2922 (1-Color), and honestly, it behaved better than I expected. The cartridge snapped in with no fuss, and the smart chip technology kept the printer from acting like it had trust issues. I am also a fan of the fade-resistant color, because my prints should stay cheerful longer than my coffee stays hot. Best of all, it is a remanufactured cartridge that helps reduce waste while still saving me money, which feels like a win-win with confetti on top. —Tina Caldwell
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Why Canon CL-246XL Ink Cartridge 8280B001 Is Necessary
I find the Canon CL-246XL Ink Cartridge 8280B001 necessary because it gives me reliable color printing whenever I need it. My documents, photos, and school or work pages come out with clear, vibrant colors, which makes a big difference in how professional and polished everything looks. I also appreciate that it is designed to work properly with compatible Canon printers, so I do not have to worry about poor print quality or frequent printing issues.
Another reason I consider it necessary is the convenience it gives me. Since it is an XL cartridge, I can print more pages before needing a replacement, which saves me time and reduces interruptions. My printing tasks become easier and more efficient because I do not have to replace the cartridge as often.
I also value the consistency it provides. In my experience, using the right cartridge helps protect my printer and maintain smooth performance. That gives me peace of mind, knowing my printer is producing dependable results every time I use it.
My Buying Guides on Canon Cl-246xl Ink Cartridge 8280b001
What I Looked for Before Buying
When I started looking at the Canon CL-246XL Ink Cartridge 8280B001, my first priority was compatibility. I always make sure the cartridge matches my printer model exactly, because even a small mismatch can cause printing issues. I also checked whether I needed a standard cartridge or an XL version. In my experience, the XL option is better if I print often, since it usually lasts longer and offers better value over time.
Compatibility Matters Most
The first thing I verify is whether the cartridge works with my printer. The Canon CL-246XL is designed for specific Canon PIXMA printers, so I always confirm the model number before ordering. I learned that checking the printer manual or the old cartridge label saves me from buying the wrong one.
Why I Prefer the XL Version
I usually choose the XL cartridge because it gives me more prints than the standard version. For my needs, that means fewer replacements and less interruption when I’m working on documents or photos. If I print regularly, I find the XL cartridge to be the smarter purchase, even if the upfront cost is a little higher.
Print Quality I Expect
Since this is a color cartridge, I pay attention to how well it handles photo and color printing. In my experience, Canon cartridges generally produce sharp, clean output with good color consistency. I look for smooth gradients, vibrant colors, and no streaking, especially when printing images or presentation materials.
Genuine vs. Compatible Cartridges
I always weigh whether to buy a genuine Canon cartridge or a compatible third-party option. For me, genuine cartridges are the safer choice because I trust the performance and print quality more. I also feel more confident about avoiding leaks, recognition errors, or poor color results. If I want reliability, I usually stick with the original Canon product.
How I Check the Price
Price is important, but I don’t look at it alone. I compare the cost per page, not just the sticker price. Sometimes a cheaper cartridge ends up costing more if it runs out quickly. I also watch for bundle deals or multipacks, which can save me money if I know I’ll use the cartridge often.
Storage and Shelf Life
I always think about how long the cartridge may sit before I use it. I store unopened cartridges in a cool, dry place and avoid direct sunlight. That helps me keep the ink in good condition until I’m ready to install it. If I don’t print often, I make sure I buy only what I can use within a reasonable time.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were buying the Canon CL-246XL Ink Cartridge 8280B001 again, I would focus on three things: printer compatibility, genuine quality, and overall value. For me, the best purchase is the one that fits my printer perfectly, delivers reliable color output, and lasts long enough to justify the cost.
Final Thoughts
I found the Canon CL-246XL Ink Cartridge 8280B001 to be a solid choice for anyone looking for dependable, high-quality color printing. My takeaway is that it offers a good balance of vibrant output, reliable performance, and better page yield than standard cartridges. If you want consistent results for everyday documents and photos, this cartridge is a practical option worth considering.
Author Profile
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I’m Elliot Rowan, a merchandise buyer and product sourcing coordinator based in Minneapolis. My background in Retail Merchandising and Product Development taught me to look beyond polished packaging and pay attention to materials, construction, usability, and value.
Outside work, I enjoy flea markets, fixing small things around the house, weekend cooking, and discovering products that solve ordinary problems in unexpectedly smart ways.
HoobyGroovy.com is where I share those finds and help readers sort genuinely useful ideas from short-lived novelty. I believe the best products do not demand attention. They quietly make everyday routines easier, better, and sometimes a little more enjoyable.
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