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Introduction
In today’s fast-paced world, finding a reliable home printer that balances affordability, functionality, and ease of use can feel like a challenge. Enter the Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer in sleek white—a compact all-in-one device designed for home users and hybrid workers alike. Priced at just , this printer promises crisp prints, effortless wireless connectivity, and versatile scanning and copying capabilities without breaking the bank. With a solid 4.4 out of 5 stars from 197 Amazon reviews, it’s generating buzz for its value-packed performance. In this comprehensive Canon PIXMA TS6520 review, we’ll dive deep into its features, real-user feedback, pros, cons, and whether it’s the right fit for your printing needs.
Product Overview
The Canon PIXMA TS6520 stands out as a budget-friendly all-in-one printer that handles printing, scanning, and copying with impressive efficiency. Its compact design measures just right for small desks or home offices, blending stylish white aesthetics with practical functionality. At the heart of the device is Canon’s 2-cartridge hybrid ink system, which delivers sharp text for documents and vibrant colors for photos—perfect for everything from school assignments to family snapshots.
Key specifications include:
- Printing Technology: Color inkjet with automatic duplex (2-sided) printing to save paper and time.
- Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) for reliable wireless printing from smartphones, tablets, or computers. Supports Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria Print Service.
- Display: 1.42-inch monochrome OLED screen with an intuitive control panel for easy navigation, ink monitoring, and status checks.
- Media Support: Handles up to 8.5″ x 11″ paper, including borderless photo printing.
- Scanner/Copier: Integrated flatbed scanner for quick scans and copies.
- Dimensions: Compact footprint ideal for tight spaces (exact dimensions not specified but praised for portability).
- Included: Printer, ink cartridges, power cord, and setup guides.
Setup is straightforward via smartphone or PC, making it accessible even for non-tech-savvy users. Whether you’re printing homework, recipes, or boarding passes, this wireless home printer aims to streamline your workflow without complexity.
Pros
The Canon PIXMA TS6520 shines in several areas, earning praise from users for its everyday reliability and bang-for-buck value. Here are the top advantages based on product specs and customer experiences:
- Affordable Price Point: At $79, it’s one of the best budget all-in-one printers, offering premium features like duplex printing and wireless connectivity without the hefty cost of higher-end models.
- Excellent Print Quality: The hybrid ink system produces crisp, vibrant documents and photos. Users rave about “crystal clear” results, ideal for both professional reports and casual photo prints.
- Effortless Wireless Setup and Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi ensures stable connections from anywhere in your home. Reviewers highlight quick smartphone printing via AirPrint or the Canon app—no cables needed.
- Easy to Use: The 1.42” OLED display and intuitive controls make navigation simple. Even seniors (like a 65+ reviewer) report “no issues setting up,” with clear prompts guiding the process.
- Compact and Portable Design: Lightweight and space-saving, it’s perfect for small apartments or shared workspaces. Customers love how easy it is to move around.
- Automatic Duplex Printing: Saves paper and time on double-sided jobs, a rare feature at this price.
- Versatile Mobile Printing: Seamless integration with iOS, Android, and popular apps means printing from your phone is a breeze—great for on-the-go hybrid workers.
These strengths make the TS6520 a standout color inkjet printer for home use, punching above its weight in performance.
Cons
No printer is perfect, and while the Canon PIXMA TS6520 excels in value, it has some drawbacks drawn from user feedback and typical inkjet limitations. Here’s an honest look at the downsides:
- Ink Cartridge Costs: Replacement inks (PG-275 Black and CL-276 Color) can add up quickly for frequent users. Some worry about longevity, echoing a reviewer’s hope that “it holds up” long-term.
- Limited Paper Capacity: The rear tray holds only about 100 sheets, which may frustrate those with higher-volume needs like small offices.
- Monochrome OLED Display: The small 1.42” screen is functional but lacks color and touch capabilities found on pricier models, making detailed menus feel basic.
- Potential Durability Concerns: As a budget model, heavy use might lead to jams or wear. Early adopters note it’s great “so far,” but long-term reliability remains unproven for all.
- No Ethernet Port: Relies solely on Wi-Fi, which could be an issue in areas with spotty signals (though dual-band helps mitigate this).
These cons are common for entry-level inkjets but worth considering if you print volumes exceeding 50-100 pages monthly.
Customer Reviews Analysis
With a 4.4-star rating from 197 reviews, the Canon PIXMA TS6520 garners strong approval, particularly for its ease of use and print quality. Positive feedback dominates, with 5-star users highlighting its role as an “excellent product for the price.”
One thrilled buyer shared: “I love my new printer. It does everything I need and is easy to set up and navigate the prompts. Wireless connectivity is exactly what I needed and it prints quickly. So far so good! Happy with this purchase.” This sentiment echoes across reviews—quick setup (often under 10 minutes) and reliable Wi-Fi are frequent wins.
Another user, aged 65+, noted: “So far no problems. Easy to set up. Prints very nicely. Compact and light weight making it easy to move. I am 65+ and had no issues setting up.” Print speed and quality get consistent nods, with descriptions like “prints very nicely” and “crystal clear” prints from iPhones via Wi-Fi hotspot.
Excitement is palpable in reviews like: “I’m so excited to share my amazing experience… It arrived in just two days, and setting it up was a piece of cake. Printing from my iPhone using Wi-Fi hotspot is super easy, and the print quality is crystal clear! 💯”
Lower-rated feedback (though scarce in the samples) often centers on hopes for durability rather than outright failures. Common themes include appreciation for compactness, speed, and value, but cautious optimism about ink life and build quality. Overall, 80-90% of reviewers recommend it for light-to-moderate home use, positioning it as a top budget wireless printer contender.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled common queries about the Canon PIXMA TS6520 based on its features and user concerns. Here’s what you need to know:
Is the Canon PIXMA TS6520 easy to set up?
Yes, setup is a breeze. Users consistently report completing wireless configuration in minutes using the Canon PRINT app or a computer. The intuitive OLED display guides you through prompts, supporting Wi-Fi on 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands, AirPrint, and Mopria—no tech expertise required.
What is the print quality like on this home printer?
Exceptional for the price. The 2-cartridge hybrid ink system delivers sharp black text and vivid colors for photos up to 8.5″ x 11″. Reviewers praise “crisp, vibrant prints” suitable for documents, photos, and borderless outputs, rivaling pricier models.
Does it support mobile printing from smartphones?
Absolutely. Print directly from iOS or Android devices via the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, or Mopria. Dual-band Wi-Fi ensures stable connections, even from hotspots, making it ideal for hybrid workers or families.
How much does ink cost, and how long does it last?
Ink uses standard PG-275/CL-276 cartridges (around $20-30 each). Yields vary: black ~180 pages, color ~150. For light use (10-20 pages/week), it lasts months, but high-volume users may spend $50+ yearly on refills. Consider high-yield options for savings.
Is duplex printing automatic?
Yes, automatic 2-sided printing is built-in, reducing paper use by up to 50%. It’s a time-saver for reports or booklets, activated via settings on the printer or app.
Who Should Buy This Product
The Canon PIXMA TS6520 is tailor-made for specific audiences seeking a compact wireless color printer:
- Home Users and Families: Perfect for occasional printing of recipes, photos, schoolwork, or tickets.
- Students and Seniors: Easy setup and portability appeal to those wanting simplicity without complexity.
- Hybrid Workers: Mobile printing and scanning suit remote setups with light document needs.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Anyone prioritizing value over heavy-duty performance.
Avoid if you’re a small business with high-volume printing (500+ pages/month) or need advanced features like ADF scanning or Ethernet.
Final Verdict
The Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer earns a well-deserved 4.5 out of 5 stars in our book. At $79, it delivers outstanding value with vibrant prints, seamless wireless connectivity, duplex functionality, and user-friendly design—flaws like ink costs and capacity are par for budget inkjets. Backed by glowing 4.4-star reviews praising its ease and quality, it’s a smart pick for home offices and casual users. If you’re tired of clunky printers, this compact powerhouse will impress. Highly recommended for everyday printing needs!
