Canon PIXMA TS6520: Ultimate Wireless Printer – Excellent Value

The Canon PIXMA TS6520 stands out as a versatile and user-friendly wireless color inkjet printer designed specifically for the modern home or small office environment. This all-in-one device combines printing, scanning, and copying capabilities into a single, compact unit, addressing a wide range of everyday document and photo needs.

Its emphasis on wireless connectivity ensures seamless integration with various devices, from laptops to smartphones, making printing tasks effortlessly convenient. With automatic duplex printing, an intuitive OLED display, and a sleek white finish, the Canon PIXMA TS6520 is engineered to enhance productivity without compromising on aesthetics or ease of use.

Canon PIXMA TS6520 Overview

The Canon PIXMA TS6520 is an all-in-one inkjet printer designed with the modern household and small office in mind. It expertly blends printing, scanning, and copying functionalities into one streamlined device, making it a comprehensive solution for diverse document and creative projects. Its primary appeal lies in its wireless capabilities, allowing users to print from virtually anywhere within their network.

This model is particularly well-suited for users who require a reliable and efficient printer for everyday tasks, from printing school assignments and work documents to occasional vibrant photos. Its compact footprint ensures it can fit comfortably in tighter spaces, such as a home office desk, a student dorm room, or a small business reception area, without being an eyesore.

Canon has engineered the PIXMA TS6520 to be user-friendly, featuring an intuitive control panel and a clear 1.42-inch OLED display. This display simplifies navigation through menus, making setup, maintenance, and operation straightforward even for those who are not tech-savvy. The printer’s design prioritizes ease of access and operation.

Beyond its core functions, the Canon PIXMA TS6520 distinguishes itself with its automatic duplex printing feature. This capability allows the printer to automatically print on both sides of the paper, significantly reducing paper consumption and saving costs over time. This feature is a major advantage for environmentally conscious users and those looking to minimize their printing expenses.

In terms of connectivity, the TS6520 supports Wi-Fi, enabling printing from various devices including smartphones, tablets, and laptops without the need for cumbersome cables. This wireless freedom is crucial in today’s increasingly mobile-centric world, allowing for flexible placement of the printer and convenient access for multiple users.

The aesthetic appeal of the white finish contributes to its ability to blend seamlessly into contemporary home and office decor. It’s not just a functional device; it’s also a thoughtful addition to your workspace. The build quality feels sturdy, typical of Canon’s commitment to durability in its consumer-grade products.

While it excels in convenience and features for its price point, understanding its limitations is also key. It’s an inkjet printer, meaning it uses liquid ink cartridges. This impacts the cost per page compared to laser printers, especially for high-volume text printing. However, its strength lies in its versatility for both documents and color photos.

The Canon PIXMA TS6520 also carries an ENERGY STAR certification, indicating its energy efficiency. This means it consumes less power during operation and in standby mode, leading to lower electricity bills and a reduced environmental footprint. This certification reflects Canon’s commitment to producing more sustainable products for consumers.

Its market position is competitive, offering a strong balance of features, performance, and affordability. It’s often compared to other entry-level and mid-range all-in-one printers from brands like HP, Epson, and Brother, but its combination of duplex printing and photo quality often gives it an edge for home users.

The printer’s ability to handle various paper types and sizes further expands its utility. From standard letter and legal documents to glossy photo paper and envelopes, the TS6520 is ready for diverse printing tasks. This flexibility makes it a truly versatile tool for any home or small office setting, accommodating different creative and practical needs.

Finally, the inclusion of a flatbed scanner allows for high-resolution scanning of documents and photos, and also supports copying functions. While it lacks an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), which might be a drawback for those scanning multi-page documents frequently, for typical home use, the flatbed scanner is more than adequate and provides excellent quality scans.

Canon PIXMA TS6520 Key Features & Specs

The Canon PIXMA TS6520 is packed with features designed to deliver convenience, quality, and efficiency. Understanding these specifications helps in appreciating its value proposition for home and small office users. Each feature contributes to a seamless and productive printing experience.

Wireless Connectivity

One of the most significant advantages of the Canon PIXMA TS6520 is its robust wireless connectivity. It supports Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n), allowing you to print from virtually any device on your home network without physical cables. This flexibility means you can place the printer in a convenient location without being tethered to a computer.

The printer is compatible with a range of mobile printing solutions, including Apple AirPrint, Mopria Print Service, and the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app. These options enable direct printing from iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, making it incredibly easy to print photos, documents, and web pages on the go. Cloud printing services further extend this capability.

Color Inkjet Printing with FINE Technology

The Canon PIXMA TS6520 utilizes Canon’s proprietary FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) print head technology. This technology allows for precise ink droplet placement, resulting in sharp text and vibrant, detailed photos. It employs a 5-color individual ink system (Pigment Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Dye Black) for superior output.

This 5-ink system is crucial for achieving high-quality photo prints, as the dedicated dye-based black ink provides richer contrast and deeper blacks in images, while the pigment-based black ink ensures crisp, smudge-resistant text on plain paper. The maximum print resolution is an impressive 4800 x 1200 dpi, ensuring fine detail in all your prints.

Automatic Duplex Printing

A standout feature for a printer in this price range is automatic duplex printing. The Canon PIXMA TS6520 can automatically print on both sides of a sheet of paper, saving you time, effort, and paper. This is particularly beneficial for printing multi-page documents, reports, and presentations.

Beyond the convenience, automatic duplexing contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing paper consumption. For students and home users, this can lead to significant savings on paper costs over time, making it a highly practical and eco-friendly inclusion.

Copier and Scanner Functionality

As an all-in-one device, the TS6520 includes a high-quality flatbed scanner and copier. The scanner offers an optical resolution of up to 1200 x 2400 dpi, capturing fine details in documents and photos. This is more than sufficient for digitizing important papers, old photographs, or creating high-resolution digital copies.

The copier function allows for quick and easy duplication of documents directly from the printer’s control panel. While it does not feature an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), the flatbed is ideal for scanning and copying single pages or delicate items like books and magazines. Copy speeds are respectable for a home-use device, handling everyday tasks efficiently.

1.42” OLED Display and Intuitive Control Panel

The printer features a compact yet clear 1.42-inch OLED display, which provides sharp text and icons for easy navigation. OLED technology offers better contrast and viewing angles compared to traditional LCDs, enhancing user experience significantly. This display is centrally located on the intuitive control panel.

The control panel itself is designed for simplicity, featuring clearly labeled buttons that allow users to easily access printing, scanning, and copying functions, as well as manage Wi-Fi settings and check ink levels. This straightforward interface minimizes the learning curve, making the printer accessible to users of all technical proficiencies.

Compact Design

Measuring approximately 14.7″ (W) x 14.2″ (D) x 5.9″ (H) and weighing around 14.3 lbs, the Canon PIXMA TS6520 boasts a genuinely compact and space-saving design. Its small footprint allows it to fit comfortably on most desks, shelves, or small tables without dominating the workspace. The sleek white finish further contributes to its modern aesthetic.

This compact form factor is a significant advantage for users in apartments, small homes, or home offices where space is at a premium. Despite its size, it doesn’t compromise on functionality, making it a powerful yet unobtrusive addition to any environment. The integrated paper trays also contribute to its tidy design.

Paper Handling and Print Speed

The Canon PIXMA TS6520 is equipped with a rear paper tray that can hold up to 100 sheets of plain paper or 20 sheets of photo paper. This versatile tray supports a variety of paper types and sizes, from standard letter and legal to envelopes and various photo paper formats (4×6, 5×7, 8×10). The flexibility in paper handling caters to diverse printing needs.

In terms of speed, the printer offers ISO print speeds of approximately 15.0 images per minute (ipm) for black and white documents and 10.0 ipm for color documents. While not the fastest on the market, these speeds are perfectly adequate for home and light office use, ensuring that everyday printing tasks are completed without excessive waiting times.

ENERGY STAR Certification

The Canon PIXMA TS6520 is ENERGY STAR certified, meaning it meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This certification assures consumers that the printer operates with reduced power consumption, which translates to lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint. It’s an important consideration for environmentally conscious buyers.

The energy-saving features include efficient power management during active use and in standby mode. By choosing an ENERGY STAR product, users contribute to energy conservation efforts while still enjoying full functionality and performance from their device. For more information on ENERGY STAR, you can visit Energy Star’s official website.

Pros & Cons

Evaluating any product requires a balanced look at its strengths and weaknesses. The Canon PIXMA TS6520, while an excellent all-around printer for its category, also has specific areas where it shines and others where it might not meet every user’s expectations. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its advantages and potential drawbacks.

Pros of the Canon PIXMA TS6520

• Excellent Print Quality for Both Documents and Photos: The 5-ink system, including both pigment-based and dye-based black inks, ensures crisp, professional-looking text documents and vibrant, detailed color photos. This versatility is a major plus for home users who print a mix of content. The FINE print head technology contributes significantly to this high-quality output, delivering resolutions up to 4800 x 1200 dpi.
• Automatic Duplex Printing: This feature is a significant convenience and cost-saver. The ability to automatically print on both sides of the paper not only conserves paper but also speeds up the process of printing multi-page documents. It’s a feature often found in more expensive printers, making its inclusion here a strong value point.
• Reliable Wireless Connectivity and Mobile Printing: Setting up the TS6520 on a Wi-Fi network is straightforward, and its compatibility with AirPrint, Mopria, and the Canon PRINT app makes mobile printing effortless. This wireless freedom allows users to print from smartphones, tablets, and laptops without being physically connected, enhancing flexibility in placement and usage.
• Compact and Stylish Design: The printer’s small footprint and sleek white finish make it an attractive and space-efficient addition to any home or office. It blends seamlessly with modern decor and can fit into tight spaces, which is ideal for smaller living or working environments. Its aesthetics are definitely a selling point.
• User-Friendly Interface with OLED Display: The 1.42-inch OLED display is bright and clear, making navigation through menus and settings intuitive. Combined with a simple control panel, even beginners can operate the printer with ease, checking ink levels, initiating copies, or setting up wireless connections without hassle.
• Affordable Initial Purchase Price: Priced competitively, the Canon PIXMA TS6520 offers an accessible entry point into reliable all-in-one printing. Its initial cost makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers who still want a feature-rich device. This makes it an excellent value proposition for many households.

Cons of the Canon PIXMA TS6520

• Higher Ink Cartridge Costs Over Time: As with many inkjet printers, the ongoing cost of replacement ink cartridges can add up, especially for users with high print volumes. While the initial printer price is low, the cost per page can be higher than some alternative ink tank systems or laser printers. This is a common trade-off for inkjet versatility.
• No Automatic Document Feeder (ADF): The absence of an ADF means that scanning or copying multi-page documents requires manual placement of each sheet on the flatbed scanner. This can be time-consuming and inconvenient for tasks involving numerous pages, such as digitizing a stack of receipts or a lengthy report.
• Small OLED Display: While clear and intuitive, the 1.42-inch OLED display is quite small. Some users, particularly those with visual impairments, might find it challenging to read or interact with comfortably. A larger touchscreen would offer a more enhanced user experience, though it would likely increase the unit’s cost.
• Slower Print Speeds for High Volume: While adequate for home and light office use, the print speeds of 15 ipm for black and 10 ipm for color may be considered slow for users who need to print large batches of documents frequently. For heavy-duty office environments, a faster laser printer might be more suitable.
• No Ethernet Port: The printer relies solely on Wi-Fi for network connectivity, lacking a wired Ethernet port. While Wi-Fi is sufficient for most home users, an Ethernet connection can offer more stable and secure networking in certain environments, or where Wi-Fi signals are weak or unreliable.

Who Should Buy the Canon PIXMA TS6520?

The Canon PIXMA TS6520 is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but it excels for specific user profiles and environments. Its combination of features, performance, and price point makes it an ideal choice for several distinct groups of individuals and small setups. Understanding its target audience helps potential buyers determine if it’s the right fit for their needs.

Home Users and Families

This printer is an excellent choice for general home use, catering to the diverse printing needs of a family. Whether it’s printing school projects, family photos, recipes, or occasional home office documents, the TS6520 handles it all with ease. Its wireless capabilities allow multiple family members to print from their own devices without hassle.

The automatic duplex printing feature is a big win for families looking to save on paper costs and reduce their environmental impact. The ability to print vibrant photos also makes it perfect for preserving memories or creating personalized gifts. Its user-friendly interface means even less tech-savvy family members can operate it comfortably.

Students

For students, the Canon PIXMA TS6520 offers a balanced solution for academic printing. It can handle essays, reports, research papers, and even presentation materials with good quality. The compact design means it won’t take up too much space in a dorm room or a small study area, which is often a critical consideration.

Wireless printing from laptops or tablets simplifies the workflow, especially during late-night study sessions. The duplex printing capability is also valuable for printing lengthy readings or drafts, saving paper and reducing the number of trips to refill the paper tray. It’s a reliable companion throughout the academic year.

Small Home Office Users

Individuals running a small business or working remotely from a home office will find the TS6520 to be a capable and efficient tool for light to moderate printing, scanning, and copying tasks. It’s perfect for printing invoices, contracts, marketing materials, or scanning important documents for digital archiving.

While it lacks an ADF for heavy scanning, for typical home office volumes, the flatbed scanner provides excellent quality for digitizing single-page documents. The wireless functionality ensures a clutter-free workspace and allows for flexible placement of the printer, which is often beneficial in a home office setup.

Users Prioritizing Compact Design and Wireless Convenience

Anyone with limited space who still requires full printing, scanning, and copying capabilities will appreciate the TS6520’s compact footprint. Its sleek white design also means it can blend into modern interiors without being an eyesore. This makes it suitable for minimalist setups or multi-purpose rooms.

The emphasis on wireless connectivity means you don’t need to worry about cable management or positioning the printer directly next to a computer. This freedom of placement and ease of access from multiple devices makes it a highly convenient option for dynamic environments.

Budget-Conscious Buyers Seeking Duplex Printing

For those on a budget who don’t want to compromise on essential features like automatic double-sided printing, the Canon PIXMA TS6520 represents excellent value. Duplex printing is a premium feature often reserved for more expensive models, and its inclusion here at an affordable price point is a significant advantage.

While ink costs are a consideration, the initial low purchase price makes it accessible, and for users with moderate printing needs, the overall cost of ownership can still be quite reasonable. It’s about getting the most bang for your buck in terms of features and functionality.

Occasional Photo Printers

If you enjoy printing photos from time to time but don’t need a professional-grade photo printer, the TS6520 is a fantastic option. Its 5-ink system and high resolution produce vibrant and detailed photo prints that are more than adequate for sharing with family and friends or for personal scrapbooking projects.

It supports various photo paper sizes and types, allowing for versatile photo output. The ability to print directly from a smartphone also makes it incredibly convenient to turn digital memories into physical keepsakes quickly. It offers a good balance between document and photo printing capabilities.

FAQ about Canon PIXMA TS6520

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Canon PIXMA TS6520, providing detailed answers to help you make an informed decision and get the most out of your printer.

Q: Is the Canon PIXMA TS6520 easy to set up?

A: Yes, the Canon PIXMA TS6520 is designed for a straightforward setup process. Upon unboxing, you typically connect the power, install the ink cartridges, and load paper. The printer’s 1.42-inch OLED display guides you through the initial steps, including connecting to your Wi-Fi network.

For wireless setup, you can either use the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) button on your router or manually enter your Wi-Fi credentials via the printer’s control panel. Canon also provides comprehensive online guides and a dedicated app (Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY) that can assist with setup and driver installation on your computer or mobile device.

Q: What type of ink does the Canon PIXMA TS6520 use?

A: The Canon PIXMA TS6520 uses a 5-color individual ink system. This includes one pigment-based black cartridge (PGI-250 PGBK) for sharp text documents and four dye-based cartridges (CLI-251 C, M, Y, BK) for vibrant color photos and images, with the dye-based black contributing to richer photo blacks. Individual ink tanks mean you only replace the color that runs out, which can potentially save money in the long run compared to combined color cartridges.

Canon offers standard and XL (high-yield) versions of these cartridges. The XL cartridges contain more ink, providing a lower cost per page for users who print more frequently. Always ensure you purchase genuine Canon ink cartridges to maintain optimal print quality and printer longevity.

Q: Can I print from my phone with the Canon PIXMA TS6520?

A: Absolutely! The Canon PIXMA TS6520 offers excellent mobile printing capabilities. It supports Apple AirPrint for iOS devices, Mopria Print Service for Android devices, and the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app for both iOS and Android. These services allow you to print photos, documents, emails, and web pages directly from your smartphone or tablet without needing a computer.

The Canon PRINT app further enhances this by allowing you to scan directly to your mobile device, access cloud services, and check printer status. This seamless mobile integration makes the TS6520 incredibly convenient for modern, on-the-go printing needs, making it a truly versatile device for the modern home.

Q: Does it support automatic double-sided printing?

A: Yes, the Canon PIXMA TS6520 features automatic duplex printing. This means the printer can automatically flip the paper and print on both sides without requiring you to manually re-insert the paper. This feature is a significant advantage for saving paper, reducing costs, and creating professional-looking documents efficiently.

Automatic duplexing is particularly useful for printing reports, school assignments, or any multi-page document where you want to conserve paper. It’s a premium feature typically found in more expensive models, making its inclusion in the TS6520 a strong selling point for value-conscious buyers who value efficiency and sustainability.

Q: How is the photo print quality on the Canon PIXMA TS6520?

A: The photo print quality of the Canon PIXMA TS6520 is very good for a home inkjet printer in its class. Thanks to its 5-color individual ink system, which includes a dedicated dye-based black ink, it produces vibrant colors, good detail, and smooth gradations in photographs. The FINE print head technology ensures precise ink droplet placement, contributing to sharp images.

While it may not match the archival quality or extremely fine detail of professional photo printers, it is more than sufficient for printing family photos, creative projects, and casual snapshots. When paired with Canon’s photo paper, the results are quite impressive, offering glossy, vivid prints suitable for framing or sharing. For an example of Canon’s photo printing capabilities, you can explore their photo printing solutions.

Q: What operating systems are compatible with the Canon PIXMA TS6520?

A: The Canon PIXMA TS6520 offers broad compatibility with various operating systems. It supports popular desktop operating systems such as Windows (Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 SP1) and macOS (macOS 10.12.6 to 10.15, and typically newer versions through driver updates). Drivers and software are available for download from Canon’s official website.

Furthermore, its robust mobile printing support extends to iOS (via AirPrint) and Android (via Mopria Print Service and the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app), ensuring seamless printing from smartphones and tablets. This wide compatibility makes the TS6520 a versatile choice for households with diverse computing devices.

Q: Is the Canon PIXMA TS6520 suitable for heavy printing?

A: The Canon PIXMA TS6520 is best suited for light to moderate printing volumes, typical of a home or small home office environment. While it delivers excellent quality, its print speeds (15 ipm black, 10 ipm color) and cartridge-based ink system are not optimized for very high-volume printing tasks.

For users who print hundreds or thousands of pages per month, a high-capacity ink tank printer (like Canon’s MegaTank series) or a laser printer would likely be more cost-effective and efficient in the long run. However, for everyday documents, occasional photos, and general family use, the TS6520 performs admirably without excessive ink consumption.

Q: What is the benefit of the OLED display on the Canon PIXMA TS6520?

A: The 1.42-inch OLED display on the Canon PIXMA TS6520 offers several benefits over traditional LCD screens. OLED technology provides superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, making text and icons on the small screen exceptionally clear and easy to read. This enhances the user experience significantly, especially when navigating menus or checking printer status.

Additionally, OLED displays often have wider viewing angles, meaning the screen remains legible even when viewed from the side. This clarity and ease of reading contribute to the printer’s overall intuitive control panel, simplifying tasks like Wi-Fi setup, ink level checks, and function selection, ensuring a smooth user interaction.

Final Verdict

The Canon PIXMA TS6520 truly stands out as an excellent all-in-one wireless inkjet printer, especially when considering its target audience of home users, students, and small home offices. It strikes an impressive balance between functionality, print quality, and affordability, making it a highly compelling option in its class.

Its robust wireless connectivity, coupled with seamless mobile printing capabilities, ensures that printing tasks are always convenient and accessible from any device. The inclusion of automatic duplex printing is a significant advantage, offering both paper savings and environmental benefits, a feature often missing from printers at this price point.

While the ongoing cost of ink cartridges and the absence of an Automatic Document Feeder are considerations, these are common trade-offs for inkjet printers in this segment. For users with light to moderate printing needs who value versatility, high-quality output for both documents and photos, and a compact, stylish design, the TS6520 is a superb choice.

Ultimately, the Canon PIXMA TS6520 delivers on its promise of being a reliable, user-friendly, and feature-rich printer that will serve most home and small office needs exceptionally well. It’s a smart investment for anyone seeking a versatile and efficient all-in-one device without breaking the bank.