Canon PIXMA TS6420a – Compact All-in-One for Everyday Printing
- 10 Jul, 2025
Canon PIXMA TS6420a – Compact All-in-One for Everyday Printing
The Canon PIXMA TS6420a is a compact, wireless all-in-one inkjet printer designed for home users, students, and small offices. It stands out for its easy setup, vibrant photo printing, and versatile connectivity, making it a solid choice for those who want reliable everyday printing without a bulky footprint.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Print Technology | Inkjet |
| Functions | Print, Scan, Copy |
| Max Print Resolution | 4800 x 1200 dpi |
| Print Speed (ISO) | 13 ppm (black), 6.8 ppm (color) |
| Scanner Type | Flatbed, CIS, 1200 x 2400 dpi optical |
| Input Tray Capacity | 100 sheets (front and rear trays) |
| Cartridge System | 2-cartridge (1 black, 1 tri-color) |
| Cartridge Yield | Standard and XL options; moderate yield for home use |
| Connectivity | USB, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPrint, Mopria, Canon PRINT app |
| Display | 1.44” OLED screen |
| Dimensions | 15.9” W x 12.5” D x 5.9” H; 13.8 lbs |
| Auto Duplex | Yes (automatic two-sided printing) |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | Not specified (best for light to moderate use) |
| OS Compatibility | Windows, macOS |
| Photo Printing | Yes, borderless up to 5” x 7” |
| Energy Star | Yes |
Design & Ease of Use
The PIXMA TS6420a features a sleek, compact design that fits easily on a desk or shelf. Its 1.44-inch OLED display is bright and intuitive, making navigation simple even for first-time users. The printer has both front and rear paper trays, allowing you to load plain and photo paper simultaneously. Setup is straightforward, especially with the Canon PRINT app, which guides you through connecting to Wi-Fi and installing cartridges. The LED status bar provides at-a-glance updates on printer status.
Print Quality
Text documents print with sharp, crisp black text, while color graphics and photos are vibrant and detailed thanks to Canon’s hybrid ink system. The printer supports borderless photo printing up to 5” x 7”, producing rich, true-to-life colors suitable for casual photo enthusiasts. Color accuracy is strong for an entry-level inkjet, and photo prints are glossy and professional-looking.
Speed & Performance
The TS6420a delivers up to 13 pages per minute (ppm) in black and 6.8 ppm in color. First-page-out times are quick for everyday documents, and the printer handles small office and student workloads efficiently. While not the fastest in its class, it’s more than adequate for typical home use, including occasional multi-page documents and photo projects.
Running Costs & Maintenance
This model uses a two-cartridge system (one black, one tri-color), which is easy to replace but can be less economical for heavy color users. Cost per page is average for its class; using XL cartridges helps reduce running costs. Canon offers ink subscription programs for added convenience. Maintenance is minimal, with straightforward access to cartridges and a simple cleaning process.
Connectivity & Compatibility
The TS6420a supports Wi-Fi and USB connections, making it easy to print from computers, smartphones, and tablets. It’s compatible with Apple AirPrint, Mopria, and the Canon PRINT app, enabling direct printing from iOS and Android devices. Cloud printing and scanning to mobile devices are seamless. The printer works with both Windows and macOS; Linux support is not officially listed.
Noise Level & Energy Use
Operation is relatively quiet, suitable for shared spaces or home offices. The printer includes energy-saving features like automatic sleep mode and is ENERGY STAR certified for efficient power use.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact, stylish design fits small spaces
- Excellent photo and color print quality
- Easy wireless setup and mobile printing
- Dual paper trays for flexible media handling
- Intuitive OLED display and LED status bar
- Automatic two-sided printing
Cons:
- Two-cartridge system can be less economical for heavy color use
- No automatic document feeder (ADF) for scanning/copying multipage documents
- No Ethernet port (Wi-Fi or USB only)
- Print speeds are average, not ideal for high-volume users
- Duty cycle not specified; not intended for heavy office use
Who Is This Printer For?
- Students needing reliable document and photo printing
- Home users who want a compact, stylish printer for occasional use
- Photo enthusiasts looking for vibrant, borderless photo prints
- Small/home offices with light to moderate print needs
Alternatives Compared
| Model | Key Differences | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon PIXMA TS6420a | Compact, 2-cartridge, no ADF | Great photo quality, easy setup | No ADF, average running costs |
| HP Envy 6055e | Similar price, 2-cartridge, HP+ subscription | Good mobile features, HP+ ink plans | Slower photo prints, no ADF |
| Epson EcoTank ET-2850 | Refillable ink tanks, higher upfront cost | Ultra-low running costs, ADF | Larger footprint, higher initial price |
Final Verdict
Rating: 4/5
Buy it if you want a compact, easy-to-use printer with excellent photo quality and wireless convenience for home or student use. Skip it if you need an automatic document feeder or plan to print in high volumes.
FAQ
Q: Does the Canon PIXMA TS6420a support borderless photo printing?
A: Yes, it supports borderless printing up to 5” x 7” for vibrant, professional-looking photos.
Q: Can I print from my smartphone or tablet?
A: Absolutely. The printer supports the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria for seamless mobile printing.
Q: How many cartridges does it use, and are they easy to replace?
A: It uses two cartridges (one black, one tri-color), which are simple to install and replace.
Q: Is it suitable for scanning multi-page documents?
A: The TS6420a does not have an automatic document feeder, so you’ll need to scan pages one at a time.
Q: What operating systems are supported?
A: The printer is compatible with Windows and macOS. Linux support is not officially listed.