Canon CL-246 XL Ink Review – Vibrant Prints & Savings
Review of the Canon CL-246 XL color ink cartridge. Learn about its features, benefits, compatibility & performance. Is it the right choice for you?
Introduction
Tired of the constant cycle of replacing ink cartridges, watching your printing budget dwindle? Many home users and small businesses find themselves frustrated by the high cost and inconvenience of frequent ink replacements. Canon understands this challenge, and the CL-246 XL cartridge is designed to alleviate those frustrations, delivering exceptional color vibrancy while significantly extending print life.
Whether you’re printing family photos, creating colorful flyers, or managing a small office with occasional color document needs, the right ink cartridge can make a substantial difference. The Canon CL-246 XL aims to be that difference – offering a balance of quality, affordability, and reliability, all while seamlessly integrating with your Canon printer.
Overview
The Canon CL-246 XL is a genuine color (magenta) ink cartridge designed to deliver high-quality prints for a wide range of Canon PIXMA printers. Part of Canon’s XL series, this cartridge boasts a higher page yield compared to standard cartridges, reducing the frequency of replacements and ultimately lowering your printing costs. The cartridge utilizes Canon’s renowned FINE (Full-Photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) technology for exceptional print resolution and detail, ensuring that your documents and photos look their best.
This cartridge is more than just ink; it’s a gateway to exclusive content on Canon’s Creative Park Premium platform, adding an extra layer of value for creative users. Its compatibility with numerous Canon models ensures a hassle-free setup, and the water-based dye ink formulation provides vibrant colors and excellent image quality. The model number FBA_8280B001 signifies a commitment to reliable performance and longevity.
Features
Extended XL Page Yield: The ‘XL’ designation signifies a higher ink capacity compared to standard cartridges, allowing for more pages to be printed between replacements. This translates to lower overall printing costs and reduced inconvenience of frequent cartridge changes. Maximizing your print volume has never been easier.
FINE Technology for Superior Print Quality: The FINE (Full-Photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) Technology employed in this cartridge is a cornerstone of Canon’s print quality. This advanced technology utilizes incredibly small ink droplets and precisely engineered nozzles, delivering exceptional sharpness, detail, and overall image clarity. Subtle details are rendered beautifully, making your prints stand out.
Vibrant Dye-Based Ink Formulation: Canon’s dye-based ink provides a wide color gamut, resulting in rich, accurate, and lifelike prints. This formulation ensures that colors are vibrant and true to the original image, whether you’re printing photographs or graphic designs. The vibrancy stands out, making prints more impactful and visually appealing.
Exclusive Creative Park Premium Access: Genuine Canon ink cartridges like the CL-246 XL unlock access to exclusive content and printable templates through Canon’s Creative Park Premium platform. This feature adds significant value for users who enjoy crafting personalized invitations, greeting cards, and other creative projects.
Benefits
Longer Cartridge Life: The extended ink capacity reduces the frequency of replacements, saving you time and effort.
Exceptional Print Quality: FINE Technology and Canon’s dye-based ink deliver vibrant colors, sharp details, and professional-quality prints that capture every nuance.
Reduced Printing Costs: The XL page yield significantly lowers the cost per page, making it a cost-effective solution for both occasional and frequent printing.
Creative Content Access: Unlock a wealth of creative resources and printable templates through access to Canon’s Creative Park Premium platform, enhancing your creative possibilities.
Hassle-Free Compatibility: Designed specifically for a range of Canon printers, the CL-246 XL ensures effortless installation and reliable operation.
Usages
Family Photo Printing: Produces stunning, long-lasting photo prints for preserving family memories, ensuring colors remain vibrant over time.
Small Business Flyers & Marketing Materials: Ideal for small businesses that regularly produce flyers, brochures, and other marketing materials requiring vibrant color reproduction.
Student Projects & Assignments: Reliable and cost-effective for students needing to print color assignments, presentations, and creative projects.
Home Office Printing: Perfect for home offices needing occasional color printing for documents, letters, and occasional photo prints.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Genuine Canon quality and reliability
- XL high-yield cartridge reduces replacement frequency
- Vibrant color reproduction with dye-based ink
- Access to exclusive Creative Park Premium content
- Easy installation and compatibility with a wide range of Canon printers
Cons
- Costlier than third-party ink options (though the XL yield improves cost-effectiveness)
- Page yield is an estimate and can vary depending on printing habits
FAQs
Can I use third-party ink in my Canon printer?: While third-party ink cartridges may be cheaper, using non-genuine Canon ink can void your printer’s warranty and potentially damage the print head. We strongly recommend using genuine Canon ink for optimal performance and reliability.
How do I set up the cartridge in my printer?: The cartridge installation is straightforward. Simply open the printer cover, remove the old cartridge (if present), and insert the new CL-246 XL cartridge until it clicks into place. The printer will automatically recognize the new cartridge.
Which printers is this cartridge compatible with?: This cartridge is compatible with Canon PIXMA iP2820, MG2420, MG2525, MG2920, MG2924, MG3020, MX492, TR4520, TS202, TS302, TS3120, TS3320, and TS3320 series printers. Always refer to your printer’s specifications for compatibility.
How do I recycle the empty cartridge?: Canon offers recycling programs for empty ink cartridges. Please visit Canon’s website for details on how to participate in their recycling initiatives and properly dispose of used cartridges.
What is the page yield for this cartridge?: The Canon CL-246 XL cartridge yields approximately 540 pages based on Canon’s testing methods (A4 size, 5% coverage). Actual yield may vary depending on print settings, print coverage, and other factors.
Product Specifications
| Ink Type | Dye-based |
| DPI Resolution | Not specified, utilizes FINE Technology for high resolution |
| Print Technology | Inkjet |
| Warranty | Canon Standard Warranty |
| Print Speed | Dependent on printer model and settings |
| Connectivity | Printer dependent, typically USB |
| Dimensions | Standard cartridge size |
| Duty Cycle | Printer dependent |
| Page Yield | 540 pages (A4, 5% coverage) |
| Weight | Standard cartridge weight |
Ratings
| Print Quality | 4.7 |
| User Experience | 4.5 |
| Connectivity | 4.0 |
| Cost-Effectiveness | 4.2 |
| Technical Specifications | 4.3 |
Recommendation
The Canon CL-246 XL is the ideal ink cartridge for home users who frequently print photos or documents with vibrant colors and value reliable performance. The XL capacity offers significant cost savings over time, making it a smart investment for families and individuals who print regularly.
Small businesses seeking to produce high-quality marketing materials or color documents will find the CL-246 XL a dependable and cost-effective solution. Its genuine Canon quality ensures consistent results and minimizes the risk of printer issues, allowing you to focus on your business.
Conclusion
The Canon CL-246 XL color ink cartridge offers a compelling combination of quality, value, and convenience. While the initial cost may be slightly higher than some third-party alternatives, the extended page yield and genuine Canon performance deliver long-term savings and peace of mind. The exclusive access to Canon’s Creative Park Premium elevates the creative possibilities, making this cartridge a worthwhile choice for a wide range of users.
Ultimately, the CL-246 XL delivers on its promise of vibrant prints, reduced printing costs, and seamless compatibility with your Canon printer. If you prioritize quality, reliability, and creative potential, this cartridge is an exceptional investment that will enhance your printing experience.
