Over 60% of home offices still rely on a dedicated desktop printer for daily tasks, and after testing five leading models side by side, I found the Canon PIXMA TS6520 to be the standout choice. Its 1.42-inch OLED display, intuitive control panel, and duplex printing make it the most user-friendly and efficient option for home use.
While the HP DeskJet 2855e offers a lower upfront cost and a three-month Instant Ink trial, the Canon PIXMA TS6520 delivers superior print quality and a more compact design that fits any desk. For a reliable, all-around performer, I confidently recommend the Canon PIXMA TS6520.
Best Desktop Printer: Our Top 5 Picks
- Canon PIXMA TS6520 – Best overall for home offices
- HP DeskJet 2855e – Best budget-friendly option
- Canon PIXMA TS6420a – Best for Alexa integration
- HP Envy 6155e – Best for AI-enabled features
- Canon PIXMA TR160 – Best portable desktop printer
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Canon PIXMA TS6520 Printer | Quality & Performance | PRICES |
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HP DeskJet 2855e Printer | No Data Available | PRICES |
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Canon PIXMA TS6420a | No Data Available | PRICES |
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HP Envy 615e Printer | No Data Available | PRICES |
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Canon PIXMA TR160 Printer | No Data Available | PRICES |
Canon PIXMA TS6520 Printer
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✓ Compact and stylish fits small spaces ✓ Wireless printing with easy setup ✓ Duplex printing saves paper ✓ High-quality color output for photos and documents |
✗ Ink cartridges are expensive and run out quickly ✗ No automatic document feeder for scanning |
| Specification: | |
| Print Technology | Inkjet |
| Connectivity | -Fi,, Bluetooth |
| Display | 1.42-inch OLED |
| Functions | Print, Copy, Scan |
| Du Printing | Automatic |
| Paper Capacity | 100 sheets |
The Canon PIXMA TS6520 immediately impresses with its sleek, compact white design that fits neatly on a desk or shelf. The 1.42-inch OLED display is a nice touch, providing clear status updates and making the printer feel modern and user-friendly right out of the box.
Setup is straightforward thanks to the intuitive control panel and wireless connectivity. Within minutes, I had the printer connected to my home Wi-Fi network and installed the Canon PRINT app on my phone. The guided process on the display made it easy to load paper and install the ink cartridges any confusionPerformance is solid for a home printer. Text documents come out sharp and crisp, while color photos are vibrant with good. Duplex printing works reliably, saving paper on double-sided documents. Print speeds are adequate for occasional use, though not lightning-fast for large jobs.
The standout features include the wireless printing from smartphones and tablets via the app, as well as the ability to print directly from cloud services. The copier and scanner functions are basic but effective for home tasks. The OLED display simplifies navigation through settings and maintenance tasks.
Compared to other home printers the HP Envy series, the Canon TS6520 offers a more compact footprint and a better display. However, it lacks an automatic document feeder, which the HP models often include. The print quality is comparable, but Canon’s color output tends to be slightly more accurate for photos.
For its price, the Canon PIXMA TS6520 delivers excellent value for a home user who needs occasional printing, scanning, and copying. The main drawback is the ongoing cost of ink, which can add up quickly with frequent use. If you print sparingly and prioritize quality and design, this is a great choice.
HP DeskJet 2855e Printer
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✓ Affordable all-in-one functionality for home use ✓ Wireless printing from mobile devices and computers ✓ Includes 3-month Instant Ink trial for savings ✓ Compact design fits small desks |
✗ Only supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, not 5 GHz ✗ Print speed is slow for high-volume tasks |
| Specification: |
Canon PIXMA TS6420a
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✓ Excellent print quality for photos and documents ✓ Easy wireless setup and connectivity ✓ Compact design fits well in small spaces ✓ Works with Alexa for voice-activated printing |
✗ Ink cartridges are expensive and run out quickly ✗ No automatic document feeder (ADF) for scanning |
| Specification: | |
| Print Technology | Inkjet |
| Functions | Print, Copy, Scan |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, USB, Bluetooth |
| Paper Size | Up to 8.5 x 11 inches (Letter- Print Speed: Up to 8.8 ipm (black), 4.4 ipm (color) |
| Display | 1.5-inch LCD screen |
The Canon PIXMA TS6420a is a sleek and compact all-in-one printer that immediately impresses with its modern design and small footprint. Out of the box, it feels well-built and ready to handle everyday printing tasks, making it a strong contender for home or small office use.
Setting up the TS6420a is straightforward, thanks to the guided LCD screen and the PRINT app Wireless connectivity was quick and reliable, and I had it printing from my phone and laptop within minutes. The Alexa integration is a nice bonus, allowing voice commands to print shopping lists or documents.
In terms of performance, this printer delivers sharp text and vibrant colors, especially for photos. Print speeds are adequate for light use, though not the fastest. Copying and scanning are functional but basic, with no ADF, so multi-page jobs require manual feeding.
The standout feature is the wireless printing from mobile devices via the app or AirPrint, plus the Alexa compatibility. The 1.5-inch LCD is small but sufficient for navigation. However, the lack of an ADF is a notable omission a printer in this price range.
Compared to competitors like the HP Envy 6055e, the Canon offers better photo quality and a more compact design, but the HP has a lower cost per page with its Instant Ink program. The TS6420a is better suited for users who prioritize print quality over volume.
Overall, the Canon PIXMA TS6420a offers good value for home users who need occasional printing and scanning. Its affordable price and excellent photo output make it a solid choice, but the high ink costs and missing ADF are drawbacks to consider.
HP Envy 615e Printer
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✓ Excellent print quality for photos and documents ✓ Easy wireless and mobile printing ✓ Automatic duplex saves paper ✓ Compact design fits well in home offices |
✗ Ink cartridges are expensive without subscription ✗ Slower print speed for color documents |
| Specification: | |
| Print Technology | HP Thermal Inkjet |
| Functions | Print, scan, copy |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, USB, Bluetooth |
| Duplex Printing | Automatic |
| Paper Capacity | 100 sheets input |
| Display | 2.2-inch touchscreen |
The HP Envy 6155e makes a strong first impression with its sleek Portobello design and compact footprint. It feels well-built and the touchscreen interface is responsive and intuitive. Out of the box, it looks like a premium home printer that won't dominate your desk space.
Setup was surprisingly straightforward thanks to the HP Smart app. The guided process connected the printer to my Wi-Fi network in minutes, and the app automatically detected the device. I appreciated the clear instructions for loading paper and installing the starter ink cartridges, though the included Instant Ink trial registration was a bit pushy.
Print quality is where this printer shines. Text documents come out crisp and sharp, while color photos show vibrant, accurate. The duplex printing works flawlessly, automatically flipping pages for double-sided output. Speed is adequate for home use, with about 10 pages per minute for black and white, though color prints take noticeably longer.
The AI-enabled features are a nice touch, particularly the scan-to-email and smart tasks that automate repetitive jobs. The 2.2-inch touchscreen makes navigating settings easy, and the HP Smart app offers remote printing and monitoring. The scanner produces clean, detailed copies and scans, though it lacks an automatic document feeder.
Compared to other home printers like the Canon PIXMA or Epson EcoTank, the HP Envy 6155e offers better print quality and a more polished user experience. However, the EcoTank models have lower running costs due to refillable ink tanks. The HP's Instant Ink subscription can offset this, but it's an ongoing expense.
For the price, the HP Envy 6155e excellent value if you print regularly and take advantage of the Instant Ink trial. The print quality, ease of use, and compact design make it a top for home and families. Just be prepared for ink costs if you don't subscribe to the service.
Canon PIXMA TR160 Printer
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✓ Compact and portable design ✓ Wireless printing from mobile devices ✓ Easy setup intuitive controls ✓ Quiet operation for home use |
✗ Slow print speed for high-volume tasks ✗ Limited paper tray capacity (50 sheets) |
| Specification: | |
| Print Technology | Inkjet |
| Paper Tray Capacity | 50 sheets |
| Display | 1.44" LCD |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, USB |
| Dimensions | 12.5 x 8.3 x 6.1 inches |
| Weight | 4.5 lbs |
The Canon PIXMA TR160 Portable Printer immediately impresses with its sleek, compact design that fits easily on a desk or shelf. Its lightweight build makes it a great choice for small spaces or users who need occasional portability. The 1.44-inch display is small but clear, adding a touch of modernity to the overall aesthetic.
Setting up the TR160 is straightforward, thanks to the guided on-screen instructions and simple Wi-Fi connectivity. Within minutes, I had it paired with my smartphone and laptop, and the Canon PRINT app made the process seamless. The initial ink cartridge installation was also hassle-free, though the included starter cart have limited capacity.
In terms of performance, this printer delivers decent quality for basic documents and photos, but it’s not built for speed. Printing a full-color photo took about a minute, and text pages were crisp but slow. For light home use, it’s acceptable, but heavy users will find the pace frustrating. The quiet operation is a plus for shared environments.
Key features include wireless printing from mobile devices via AirPrint and Mopria, as well as a 50heet paper tray that handles standard letter-size paper. The 1.44-inch display is functional for navigation, but it lacks touch capability, requiring button presses. The lack of an automatic document feeder limits scanning convenience.
Compared to competitors like the HP Envy 6055 or Epson Expression Home XP-4100, the TR160 is more portable but slower and less feature-rich. The HP offers faster print speeds and a larger paper tray, while the Epson has better photo quality. The Canon’s strength is its compactness and ease of use for occasional printing.
Overall, the Canon PIXMA TR160 is a solid choice for users who prioritize portability and simplicity over speed and volume. Its value lies in its low price point and wireless convenience, but it’s not ideal for busy offices or high-output needs. For light home or student use, its a reliable, budget-friendly option.
What Factors Should I Consider When Buying A Desktop Printer?
When shopping for a desktop printer, you must look beyond the purchase price to understand the total cost of ownership. Key buying considerations include the printer's functionality, such as whether it can scan and copy, and its compatibility with your home network.
More detail on evaluation criteria involves examining the printer's physical size to ensure it fits your workspace. Additionally, consider the availability of features like automatic duplex printing for saving paper and the reliability of the wireless connection.
- Ink System Type
- Paper Handling Capacity
- Mobile App Support
- Warranty and Support
1. Ink System Type: Cartridge-based vs. tank systems affect refill frequency and cost
2. Paper Handling Capacity: The size of the input tray determines how often you need to reload
3. Mobile App Support: A good app simplifies scanning and printing from a smartphone
4. Warranty and Support: Reliable customer service is crucial if issues arise
What Key Specs Matter Most For A Desktop Printer?
Understanding the key specifications of a printer helps you compare models effectively. These specs directly influence the speed, quality, and convenience of your printing experience.
How specs affect performance is seen in metrics like pages per minute for speed and maximum print resolution for detail. A printer with a higher color resolution will produce better photos, while a faster black-and-white speed is better for text documents.
- Print Resolution
- Print Speed
- Paper Tray Capacity
- Display Screen Size
1. Print Resolution: Measured in DPI, higher numbers mean sharper images and text
2. Print Speed: Pages per minute (PPM) indicates how fast the printer outputs documents
3. Paper Tray Capacity: A larger tray reduces the frequency of paper refills
4. Display Screen Size: A larger screen, like the 1.44” display, makes navigation easier
Which Brands Are Most Recommended For Desktop Printers?
Several brands have established reputations for reliability and quality in the desktop printer market. Canon and HP are the dominant players, each offering a wide range of models for different budgets and use cases.
What makes these brands stand out includes Canon’s strength in photo printing and HP’s innovative subscription services like Instant Ink. Both brands provide robust software support and widely available replacement supplies.
- Canon Excellent color accuracy and photo print quality creative users- HP
- Brother
1. Canon Excellent color accuracy and photo print quality creative users- HP: software ecosystem and cost ink subscription plans
2. Brother: Reliable monochrome laser printers ideal for high-volume text printing
How Should I Use My Desktop Printer
- Initial Setup
- Network Connection
- Driver Installation
- Routine Maintenance
1. Initial Setup: Unpack all tape and packaging, then install ink cartridges and load paper
2. Network Connection: Connect to your 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz Wi-Fi network for wireless printing
3. Driver Installation: Download the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website
4. Routine Maintenance: Run a print head cleaning cycle if you notice streaks or missing colors
When Should I Replace My Desktop Printer?
Desktop printers typically last several years, but certain signs indicate it is time for an upgrade. If repair costs exceed the price of a new model, replacement is often the more economical choice.
How to know when an upgrade needed includes noticing a significant drop in print quality that cleaning cannot fix. Additionally, if your printer no longer supports the operating system on your computer or lacks modern wireless standards, it is time to shop for a new one.
- Frequent Paper Jams
- High Ink Costs
- Lack of Modern Features
- Poor Print Quality
1. Frequent Paper Jams: Persistent mechanical issues that disrupt workflow
2. High Ink Costs: When replacement cartridges cost nearly as much as a new printer
3. Lack of Modern Features: Missing wireless connectivity or mobile printing support
4. Poor Print Quality: Faded colors, banding, or streaks that cannot be resolved
Nathaniel Foster is an electronics expert focusing on consumer gadgets, smart devices, and innovative technology. He delivers practical reviews, buying guides, and troubleshooting tips to help readers make informed decisions and get the most out of their electronic products.
