Canon Pixma TS3450 vs HP Deskjet 2720e: Why the Former Reigns Supreme in Print Quality and Cost-Effectiveness

Choosing the right printer can feel like a daunting task, especially when navigating the vast landscape of models and features. Today, we’re diving into the battle of two popular contenders: the Canon PIXMA TS3450 and the HP DeskJet 2720e. Both are budget-friendly inkjet printers designed for home use, but each boasts its own unique strengths and weaknesses.
This comprehensive comparison will explore their key features, performance, and overall value proposition to help you make an informed decision based on your individual needs. Whether you’re a student printing assignments, a family printing photos, or a home office user tackling everyday documents, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to choose the printer that fits your lifestyle best.

Printing Performance: Speed and Quality

The first battleground is printing performance. Both the Canon PIXMA TS3450 and the HP DeskJet 2720e are designed for basic printing needs, but their speeds and print quality can vary.
Canon PIXMA TS3450: This printer boasts a decent print speed, capable of churning out around 7.7 pages per minute (ppm) for black and white documents and 4.0 ppm for color documents. However, its print quality might not be as sharp as the HP DeskJet 2720e, especially for photos.
HP DeskJet 2720e: The HP DeskJet 2720e edges out the Canon PIXMA TS3450 in terms of speed, delivering approximately 8 ppm for black and white documents and 5.5 ppm for color documents. While both printers offer decent print quality for everyday documents, the HP DeskJet 2720e generally produces sharper text and more vibrant colors, particularly for photos.

Connectivity: Wired and Wireless Options

In today’s digital age, connectivity is a crucial feature for any printer. Both the Canon PIXMA TS3450 and the HP DeskJet 2720e offer a range of connectivity options to cater to different user preferences.
Canon PIXMA TS3450: This printer offers both wired and wireless connectivity. You can connect it to your computer via USB or utilize its built-in Wi-Fi to print from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
HP DeskJet 2720e: Similarly, the HP DeskJet 2720e provides both wired and wireless connectivity. You can use a USB cable for a direct connection or rely on its Wi-Fi capabilities to print from multiple devices.

Paper Handling: Capacity and Versatility

The paper handling capabilities of a printer are essential for those who print frequently. Let’s see how these two models stack up in this regard.
Canon PIXMA TS3450: The Canon PIXMA TS3450 comes with a standard 100-sheet input tray and a rear feed slot for printing on envelopes or specialty paper. While this is sufficient for occasional printing needs, frequent users might find themselves refilling the tray more often.
HP DeskJet 2720e: The HP DeskJet 2720e also features a 100-sheet input tray and a rear feed slot. However, it offers an advantage with its optional automatic document feeder (ADF), which allows you to scan and copy multi-page documents without manual intervention.

Cost Per Page: Budget-Friendly Printing

For budget-conscious users, the cost per page is a crucial factor to consider. Both the Canon PIXMA TS3450 and the HP DeskJet 2720e are designed to be budget-friendly, but their ink costs can vary.
Canon PIXMA TS3450: The Canon PIXMA TS3450 uses a two-cartridge system with separate black and color ink tanks. While the initial cost of the ink cartridges might be lower, the cost per page can be higher compared to the HP DeskJet 2720e.
HP DeskJet 2720e: The HP DeskJet 2720e utilizes a tri-color cartridge system, meaning you have one cartridge for black ink and another for cyan, magenta, and yellow inks. While the initial cost of the cartridges might be higher, the cost per page can be lower, especially for color printing.

Features: Beyond the Basics

Both the Canon PIXMA TS3450 and the HP DeskJet 2720e offer some additional features beyond basic printing capabilities.
Canon PIXMA TS3450: This printer features a built-in scanner, allowing you to scan documents and photos. It also supports borderless printing for creating professional-looking photos without white borders.
HP DeskJet 2720e: The HP DeskJet 2720e also includes a built-in scanner and supports borderless printing. Additionally, it offers a range of mobile printing options, including HP Smart app compatibility for easy printing from your smartphone or tablet.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right Printer for You

So, which printer reigns supreme? The answer depends on your specific needs and priorities.
Canon PIXMA TS3450: This printer is a solid choice for users who prioritize affordability and ease of use. Its simple design and straightforward features make it a great option for basic printing needs, particularly for students or individuals who don’t print frequently.
HP DeskJet 2720e: If you need a printer that delivers faster printing speeds, sharper print quality, and more advanced features, the HP DeskJet 2720e is the better option. Its mobile printing capabilities, ADF, and lower cost per page make it a compelling choice for home offices and families who print more frequently.

Final Thoughts: Beyond the Comparison

Ultimately, the best printer for you is the one that meets your specific requirements. While the Canon PIXMA TS3450 and the HP DeskJet 2720e are both solid options in their price range, they cater to different needs. Consider the volume of printing you do, the types of documents you need to print, and your budget before making a decision.
Remember, a printer is an investment, so choose wisely and enjoy years of reliable printing!

Common Questions and Answers

Q1: Can I print photos on both printers?
A1: Yes, both the Canon PIXMA TS3450 and the HP DeskJet 2720e can print photos. However, the HP DeskJet 2720e generally produces sharper and more vibrant photo prints.
Q2: Do these printers offer automatic duplex printing?
A2: No, neither the Canon PIXMA TS3450 nor the HP DeskJet 2720e offers automatic duplex printing. You’ll need to manually flip the paper to print on both sides.
Q3: Can I connect these printers to my smartphone?
A3: Yes, both printers offer Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to print wirelessly from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
Q4: What is the difference between the HP DeskJet 2720e and the HP DeskJet 2720?
A4: The HP DeskJet 2720e is a newer model that features enhanced security and connectivity features, including HP Smart app compatibility.
Q5: Are there any compatible ink cartridges for these printers?
A5: While both printers use standard ink cartridges, you can find compatible ink cartridges from third-party manufacturers that offer more affordable options. However, it’s essential to ensure that the compatible cartridges are high-quality and reliable to avoid print quality issues.