Canon PIXMA TS3720: Ultimate Printer – Excellent Value

The Canon PIXMA TS3720 wireless all-in-one printer emerges as a compelling option for individuals and families seeking a straightforward, reliable, and affordable solution for basic home printing needs. This compact device promises to handle everyday documents, school assignments, and occasional photo prints with ease, making it a versatile addition to any home office or study area. Our comprehensive review will delve deep into its capabilities, performance, and overall value proposition for users.

In a market flooded with complex and often expensive printing solutions, the Canon PIXMA TS3720 stands out by focusing on simplicity and essential functionality. It’s designed for users who need a printer that just works, without unnecessary bells and whistles. We will explore how well it lives up to this promise, examining its design, features, and real-world performance.

Canon PIXMA TS3720 Overview

The Canon PIXMA TS3720 is an entry-level wireless all-in-one inkjet printer designed specifically for basic home use. It combines printing, scanning, and copying capabilities into a single, compact device, making it a versatile choice for everyday tasks. Its clean, white aesthetic ensures it blends seamlessly into any modern home environment, emphasizing functionality without sacrificing style.

This model is part of Canon’s popular PIXMA series, known for delivering reliable performance and user-friendly features. The TS3720 is positioned as an affordable option for users who don’t require advanced functionalities like automatic document feeders or blazing-fast print speeds. Instead, it prioritizes ease of use and essential features for the average household.

Setting up the Canon PIXMA TS3720 is remarkably straightforward, even for those who are not tech-savvy. Canon provides clear instructions and intuitive software to guide users through the process of connecting to their home Wi-Fi network and installing drivers. This emphasis on a hassle-free initial experience is a significant draw for its target audience.

Once set up, the TS3720 handles a variety of printing tasks with competence. It produces crisp text documents, which are crucial for school reports, invoices, or general correspondence. While not a professional photo printer, it can also deliver acceptable quality for casual photo prints, making it suitable for sharing family memories or simple craft projects.

The scanning function allows users to digitize documents and photos, which is invaluable for archiving important papers or sharing content electronically. The flatbed scanner is easy to use, accommodating various sizes of originals. Copying documents is equally simple, providing a quick way to duplicate pages without needing a separate machine.

Connectivity is a strong point for the Canon PIXMA TS3720, offering both traditional USB and modern wireless options. The wireless capabilities enable users to print from virtually anywhere in their home using a computer, smartphone, or tablet. This flexibility is a key convenience for multi-device households and remote learning setups.

Despite its budget-friendly price, the TS3720 incorporates Canon’s FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) print head technology. This helps ensure that even with its basic ink system, prints maintain a decent level of detail and color accuracy for everyday purposes. Understanding its intended limitations is key to appreciating its value.

The printer’s compact footprint is another major advantage, especially for those living in smaller apartments or dorm rooms where desk space is at a premium. Its lightweight design also means it can be easily moved or stored when not in use. This portability adds to its appeal as a personal or family printer.

In summary, the Canon PIXMA TS3720 embodies the essence of an accessible, all-in-one home printer. It’s built for reliability and simplicity, offering a balanced set of features for its price point. It’s an excellent choice for anyone needing a dependable printer for light to moderate use, without the complexities or higher costs associated with more advanced models.

For more detailed information on Canon’s PIXMA series and their technology, you can visit the official Canon USA website.

Canon PIXMA TS3720 Key Features & Specs

The Canon PIXMA TS3720 is packed with essential features that make it a practical choice for home users. Understanding its specifications helps clarify its capabilities and limitations. Let’s break down the core components that define this all-in-one printer.

Wireless Connectivity

One of the standout features of the Canon PIXMA TS3720 is its robust wireless connectivity. It supports Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n), allowing users to print from a variety of devices without needing direct cable connections. This flexibility is crucial in modern homes with multiple laptops, smartphones, and tablets.

The printer is compatible with the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app, which provides a seamless mobile printing experience. Users can print photos directly from their phone’s gallery, scan documents to their device, and even check ink levels remotely. This app significantly enhances the printer’s utility for smartphone-centric users.

Additionally, the TS3720 supports popular mobile printing protocols such as Apple AirPrint for iOS devices and Mopria Print Service for Android. These integrations mean you can print directly from most mobile applications without needing to install additional drivers or software. The ease of wireless setup contributes to its user-friendly appeal.

Print Speed and Resolution

For an entry-level model, the Canon PIXMA TS3720 offers respectable print speeds suitable for occasional home use. It prints black documents at approximately 6.8 images per minute (ipm) and color documents at around 3.3 ipm. While not the fastest, these speeds are adequate for printing a few pages at a time.

The print resolution is also commendable for its class, reaching up to 4800 x 1200 dpi for color prints. This high resolution ensures that text is sharp and clear, and images have a good level of detail for casual viewing. Canon’s FINE technology contributes to the quality output even with its dual-cartridge system.

Ink System

The TS3720 utilizes a two-cartridge ink system: one black (PG-275) and one tri-color (CL-276). This system is common in budget printers, offering simplicity but sometimes leading to higher running costs if one color runs out. Canon offers standard and XL (high-yield) versions of these cartridges.

The XL cartridges, PG-275XL and CL-276XL, provide a greater page yield, potentially reducing the frequency of replacements and lowering the cost per page over time. Users should consider the XL options if they anticipate more frequent printing to optimize their ink expenses. Monitoring ink levels is easy through the Canon PRINT app or printer software.

Scanning and Copying Capabilities

As an all-in-one device, the Canon PIXMA TS3720 includes a flatbed scanner with an optical resolution of up to 600 x 1200 dpi. This resolution is sufficient for digitizing documents, photographs, and other materials with good clarity. The flatbed design allows for scanning of irregular-sized items or books.

The copier function operates efficiently, allowing users to make quick duplicates of documents. It supports standard copy features such as fit-to-page and multiple copies. While it lacks an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), which would be found on higher-end models, for occasional copying of single pages, it performs admirably.

Paper Handling

The printer features a rear paper tray with a capacity of up to 60 sheets of plain paper. This design is convenient for quickly loading different paper types, including photo paper or envelopes, without having to remove the main paper stack. It supports various paper sizes, from standard letter and legal to smaller photo sizes like 4×6 inches.

While the paper capacity is modest, it’s perfectly suitable for home users who print in smaller batches. The rear tray also helps in handling thicker media more smoothly, reducing the chances of paper jams. Its versatility in media types adds to its overall usefulness for diverse home projects.

Design and Dimensions

Measuring approximately 17.2 inches (W) x 12.9 inches (D) x 6.8 inches (H) and weighing around 8.8 pounds, the Canon PIXMA TS3720 boasts a compact and lightweight design. Its small footprint ensures it won’t dominate a desk or workspace, making it ideal for tight spaces. The white finish provides a clean, modern aesthetic.

The intuitive button layout on the printer’s top panel makes direct operation simple, even without a computer. The overall build quality is typical for an entry-level device, prioritizing affordability and functionality. Its ENERGY STAR certification also highlights its energy efficiency, contributing to lower electricity bills.

Pros & Cons

Every product has its strengths and weaknesses, and the Canon PIXMA TS3720 is no exception. A balanced look at its pros and cons helps potential buyers make an informed decision. This section will delve deeper into what makes this printer shine and where it might fall short for certain users.

Pros of the Canon PIXMA TS3720

• Highly Affordable Initial Purchase Price: The primary advantage of the TS3720 is its incredibly low entry cost. This makes it an attractive option for students, families on a tight budget, or anyone needing a printer for very occasional use without a significant upfront investment. Its price point is often one of the lowest in the all-in-one printer category.
• Compact and Space-Saving Design: With its modest dimensions, this printer is ideal for small living spaces, dorm rooms, or home offices where desk real estate is precious. It easily tucks away when not in use, and its lightweight nature allows for easy repositioning. The clean white finish adds to its unobtrusive presence.
• Convenient Wireless Connectivity: The integrated Wi-Fi and support for mobile printing apps like Canon PRINT, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria Print Service provide exceptional flexibility. Users can print documents and photos directly from their smartphones, tablets, or laptops without cumbersome cables, enhancing convenience for multi-device households.
• User-Friendly Setup and Operation: Canon has designed the TS3720 with simplicity in mind. The setup process is guided and straightforward, often involving a few steps to connect to Wi-Fi. The control panel is intuitive, making it easy for anyone to print, scan, or copy without a steep learning curve.
• Reliable Performance for Basic Tasks: For its intended use—basic document printing, occasional photos, and light scanning/copying—the TS3720 performs reliably. Text documents are crisp and legible, and color prints are decent for casual use. It consistently delivers on its promise of handling everyday home printing needs.
• All-in-One Versatility: The combination of print, scan, and copy functions in one device offers excellent utility for home users. Instead of needing separate machines, the TS3720 provides a comprehensive solution for various document handling tasks, making it a valuable addition to any home setup.
• ENERGY STAR Certified: This printer is designed to be energy efficient, consuming less power during operation and in standby mode. This not only helps reduce electricity bills but also aligns with eco-conscious consumption, making it a responsible choice for environmentally aware users.

Cons of the Canon PIXMA TS3720

• High Ink Cartridge Running Costs: While the printer itself is inexpensive, the cost of replacement ink cartridges (PG-275 and CL-276) can accumulate quickly, especially with frequent printing. The dual-cartridge system means if one color runs out, you may need to replace the entire tri-color cartridge, even if other colors are still full. This can lead to a higher cost per page compared to printers with individual ink tanks or refillable systems.
• Slower Print Speeds: The TS3720 is not built for speed. Its print speeds of 6.8 ipm for black and 3.3 ipm for color are on the slower side. This can be a noticeable drawback for users who need to print large documents or multiple copies quickly, potentially leading to longer waiting times.
• Limited Advanced Features: This printer lacks features commonly found in mid-range or higher-end models, such as an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) for multi-page scanning/copying, automatic duplex (two-sided) printing, or a touchscreen display. These omissions can reduce convenience for users with more complex or frequent document handling needs.
• Basic Print Quality for Photos: While it can print photos, the quality is best described as adequate for casual snapshots rather than professional-grade prints. Color accuracy and detail may not satisfy discerning photographers, and dedicated photo printers or models with more ink cartridges would offer superior results.
• Modest Paper Capacity: The rear paper tray holds only 60 sheets of plain paper. This capacity is sufficient for occasional printing but requires more frequent refilling for users with higher print volumes. It might not be ideal for tasks involving printing dozens of pages at once, such as preparing extensive reports.
• Entry-Level Build Quality: The construction of the TS3720 uses lighter plastics, which is typical for its price point. While functional, it may not feel as robust or durable as more expensive printers. Users should handle it with reasonable care to ensure longevity, as it is not designed for heavy-duty use.

Who Should Buy the Canon PIXMA TS3720?

The Canon PIXMA TS3720 is not designed for everyone, but it excels for a specific demographic of users. Understanding its ideal audience is key to determining if this printer is the right fit for your needs. It caters primarily to those seeking simplicity, affordability, and essential functionality.

Students and Remote Learners

For students, whether in high school or college, the Canon PIXMA TS3720 is an excellent choice. Its low purchase price makes it accessible on a student budget, and its compact size fits perfectly into dorm rooms or small study areas. The ability to print essays, research papers, and assignments wirelessly from a laptop or smartphone is incredibly convenient.

Remote learners also benefit from its all-in-one capabilities, allowing them to print course materials, scan handwritten notes, and copy important documents for school projects. Its ease of use ensures that technology doesn’t become a barrier to their education, providing a reliable tool for academic success.

Home Users with Occasional Printing Needs

Many households only need to print a few documents a week, such as recipes, boarding passes, coupons, or children’s drawings. For these users, investing in an expensive, feature-rich printer is often unnecessary. The TS3720 provides all the essential functions without overcomplicating things or breaking the bank.

It handles these infrequent printing tasks with ease, offering decent quality for text and basic images. The wireless feature means it can be shared among family members, allowing everyone to print from their own devices without hassle. It’s a pragmatic choice for the average family.

Small Home Offices (Light Use)

Individuals running a very small home office with minimal printing requirements will find the TS3720 sufficient. If your work primarily involves digital documents and you only occasionally need to print an invoice, a shipping label, or a contract, this printer can handle it. Its scan and copy functions are also useful for digitizing receipts or making quick duplicates.

However, it’s crucial to emphasize