There is no single best all-in-one Canon printer for every buyer. In the United States, choose PIXMA when photos or crafts lead your workload, MAXIFY MegaTank when low-cost, higher-volume documents matter, and Color imageCLASS when you specifically want a multifunction laser printer. For a document-heavy home office, the MAXIFY GX2020 is a strong feature-based candidate because it combines an ink tank, automatic duplex printing, fax, and a 35-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF). The GX1020 offers the same core print, copy, and scan functions without fax or an ADF.
Use the guide below to match the printer family and model features to your pages, then confirm current U.S. pricing, stock, manuals, and regional model names before ordering. Canon’s catalog and brochure specifications are useful for shortlisting, but they are not independent comparative test results.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What is the best all-in-one Canon printer?
The best choice depends on three decisions: what you print, how many pages you produce, and which document features you actually use. Canon’s U.S. families are aimed at different jobs rather than one universal winner.
| Family | Best fit | Typical strengths to check | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIXMA | Home printing, photos, crafts, and limited-space setups | Photo and creative categories, wireless and mobile printing, AirPrint, Mopria | Model-level photo quality, ink economics, and current availability vary; the family listing alone does not establish a best photo model. |
| MAXIFY MegaTank | Document-heavy home offices and recurring, higher-volume printing | Refillable ink tanks, print/scan/copy/fax configurations, duplexing, connectivity, paper-capacity and monthly-volume categories | A catalog category does not replace a cost-per-page calculation for your actual coverage and page count. |
| Color imageCLASS | Buyers who prefer a multifunction color laser workflow | Laser printing, wireless duplex multifunction models, scanning and copying on selected models | Confirm that the listing says multifunction; Canon’s catalog also contains print-only products. |
For a small office that scans or copies multipage documents, an ADF can save more time than a higher quoted print speed. For occasional family printing, paying for a fax or a large monthly-volume design may add cost without solving a real problem. For photographs, compare the individual PIXMA model’s media support, color system, and current consumables rather than choosing from the family name alone.
#1 Best Overall
- Wireless Print/Copy/Scan
- Up to 2 years of ink included (2)
- Print up to 6,000 black & white / 7,700 color pages using a single set of inks! (1)
- Save up to $1,000 on ink (1)
- 1.35” Square LCD display
Canon PIXMA, MAXIFY MegaTank, or Color imageCLASS?
PIXMA: the home and creative family
Canon’s U.S. PIXMA catalog groups products around photos, crafting, documents, and limited-space use. It also exposes filters for wireless printing, mobile printing, AirPrint, and Mopria. That makes PIXMA the natural starting point for a household that prints school work, occasional color pages, photographs, or craft material from phones and tablets.
PIXMA is a broad family, not one specification. Before buying, open the exact model page and verify the paper sizes and media types you need, whether automatic duplex printing is included, whether an ADF is present, and the cost and availability of its cartridges or bottles. The available evidence does not identify one PIXMA as a definitive photo winner, and no independent quality or reliability test supports such a claim here.
MAXIFY MegaTank: documents and recurring volume
Canon positions MAXIFY around business documents and higher-volume printing. Its U.S. catalog includes print, scan, copy, and fax combinations; automatic duplex options; wireless, USB, and Ethernet connectivity; monthly recommended-volume ranges; and paper-capacity information. The MegaTank models use refillable bottles instead of conventional small cartridges, so purchase price and ongoing ink consumption need to be considered together.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
The GX1020 and GX2020 are the clearest model-level comparison in this guide. Canon states that both print, copy, and scan, support automatic two-sided printing, and offer Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet. Their quoted speeds are up to 15 images per minute (ipm) in black and 10 ipm in color. Those figures are Canon specifications, with the brochure notes citing ISO/IEC 24734 methods; they are not independent test results.
Color imageCLASS: a laser multifunction route
Canon’s current U.S. Color imageCLASS catalog contains color laser multifunction printers as well as print-only products. The catalog identifies the MF665Cdw and MF753Cdw II as wireless, duplex, all-in-one color laser models. Select a multifunction designation if you need scanning or copying, and check the exact model’s ADF, paper handling, network options, dimensions, and toner supplies.
Laser can be a sensible alternative when your work is predominantly office documents and you value a toner-based workflow. The available catalog evidence does not establish that a Color imageCLASS model is faster, cheaper, or more reliable than a particular inkjet for every workload, so make the decision from your page mix and operating-cost estimate.
Rank #2
- ALL-IN-ONE: Print, Copy, Scan features for full control at your fingertips.
- FAST PRINT SPEEDS: Print approximately 15 (black) / 10 (color) images per minute.
- EASY SETUP: Get running in just a few minutes thanks to a streamlined and easy setup process out of the box.
- EASY TO INSTALL INK: Print full color with only 2 (no mess) easy-to-replace ink cartridges.
- 2.7” LCD SCREEN: Get the job done with an intuitive and easy to use 2.7” LCD touchscreen.
Canon MAXIFY GX1020 vs. GX2020: what changes?
The two MegaTank models share the main print engine and connectivity features. The GX2020 adds the document-handling features that matter most in a small office: fax and an ADF. The GX1020 is shorter and lighter and is adequate when every scan or copy can be placed on the flatbed one page at a time.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute| Specification | MAXIFY GX1020 | MAXIFY GX2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Functions | Print, copy, scan | Print, copy, scan, fax |
| Automatic document feeder | Not listed; flatbed scanning/copying | 35-sheet maximum-capacity ADF |
| Automatic two-sided printing | Yes | Yes |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet | Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet |
| Quoted maximum speed | Up to 15 ipm black, 10 ipm color | Up to 15 ipm black, 10 ipm color |
| Canon-stated first print out | Approximately 9 seconds black, 11 seconds color | Approximately 9 seconds black, 11 seconds color |
| Closed dimensions (approx.) | 14.8 × 15 × 7.4 inches | 14.8 × 15 × 8.9 inches |
| Weight | 15.4 pounds | 17.8 pounds |
| Ink system | MegaTank bottles | MegaTank bottles |
| Setup ink listed by Canon | GI-25 black, cyan, magenta, and yellow bottles | GI-25 black, cyan, magenta, and yellow bottles |
| Purchase price, current stock, and regional availability | Not stated; verify the live U.S. listing | Not stated; verify the live U.S. listing |
Canon reports yields of up to 3,000 sheets per bottle in standard mode and up to 3,000 black-and-white and 3,000 color pages per full bottle set for these models. “Up to” is important: it is a manufacturer statement, not a guarantee of the pages your documents will produce. Coverage, page size, cleaning cycles, duplex use, and color density can change actual consumption.
The brochure’s first-print figures are also manufacturer specifications. Treat approximately nine seconds for black and 11 seconds for color as a stated reference under Canon’s test conditions, not as a promise for every file, connection, or warm-up state. Recheck the current manual and product page because the surfaced brochure is older than the live catalog.
Which Canon printer has the cheapest ink?
No single model has the cheapest ink for every buyer. The meaningful comparison is your total ink or toner cost over the pages you expect to print, not the refill price by itself. A tank printer can reduce the cost of frequent document printing, while an inexpensive cartridge printer may be financially sensible for someone who prints only a few pages a month and does not want a larger initial purchase.
Use a buyer-specific running-cost calculation
- Estimate your monthly pages. Separate black text, mixed-color documents, and photographs. A household printing 30 pages a month has a different break-even point from an office printing 600.
- Record the exact consumable. For the GX1020 or GX2020, Canon lists the GI-25 black, cyan, magenta, and yellow bottles as the setup set. Confirm that any replacement bottle is explicitly compatible with your exact model.
- Use the published yield cautiously. Divide the bottle or toner price by the manufacturer’s stated yield, then label the result as an estimate. Canon’s “up to 3,000” figure is not an independent measurement and does not describe every page’s coverage.
- Add waste and replacement timing. Include color use on documents, maintenance consumption, and the possibility that a rarely used color printer may need attention before the nominal yield is reached.
- Compare the total ownership period. Add the printer price, consumables, and any paper or connectivity requirements for the period you care about. A lower operating estimate may not offset a purchase price you will never recover at your page volume.
For a high-volume document user, the MegaTank design deserves a close look because fewer bottle purchases can simplify replenishment. For a light, photo-oriented user, compare the exact PIXMA cartridge or bottle system and media requirements instead of assuming that the MAXIFY yield figure applies to all Canon printers.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Features that should decide your shortlist
ADF versus flatbed
A flatbed is sufficient for receipts, photographs, books, or occasional single-page copying. An ADF lets you process a stack of pages without placing each sheet on the glass. The GX2020’s ADF holds up to 35 sheets; the GX1020’s brochure lists flatbed scanning and copying without an ADF. Check whether the ADF is simplex or duplex on any other model you consider, because a one-sided feeder may still require manual handling of two-sided originals.
Rank #3
- PRINT, COPY, SCAN, FAX: The PIXMA TR4720 is a true 4-in-1 printer that is compact, versatile and easy-to-use
- EASY SETUP: Enjoy simple setup through the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app[1].
- EASY TO INSTALL: Designed for easy ink cartridge installation and replacement.
- FRONT PAPER TRAY: A fast and easy to load front paper tray with 100 sheet plain paper capacity.
- QUALITY DOCUMENTS AND PHOTOS: Produce quality documents, photos and boarderless[11] prints up to 8.5" x 11"
Automatic duplex printing
Automatic two-sided output reduces manual page turning for reports and school work. Canon lists it for both GX models. Verify the feature on a PIXMA or Color imageCLASS model’s specifications rather than inferring it from the family name.
Connectivity and network placement
Wi-Fi is useful when the printer must serve phones, tablets, and several computers. USB is a dependable direct connection, and Ethernet can be preferable for a fixed office installation or a network where wireless coverage is inconsistent. The GX1020 and GX2020 list all three. Mobile-printing compatibility varies by model; PIXMA’s catalog includes AirPrint and Mopria filters, but you should still confirm support for your operating system and exact printer.
Paper capacity and monthly workload
A larger input tray reduces interruptions, but it does not make a printer suitable for unlimited duty. MAXIFY’s catalog provides paper-capacity and monthly recommended-volume categories that can help eliminate underspecified models. Treat those categories as guidance, not as permission to exceed the manufacturer’s intended workload every month.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Footprint and access space
Measure the shelf, allow room to open the scanner and refill area, and account for cable routing. The GX1020 is approximately 14.8 × 15 × 7.4 inches closed, while the GX2020 is approximately 14.8 × 15 × 8.9 inches. The GX2020 weighs 17.8 pounds versus 15.4 pounds for the GX1020, so moving it for occasional use is less convenient.
Which Canon printer is best for home use?
Occasional household printing
Start with PIXMA models categorized for documents or limited spaces. Prioritize compact dimensions, wireless and mobile support, and a consumable plan that matches your low page count. If you seldom scan multipage documents, an ADF may not justify extra size or cost.
Home photography and crafts
Use the PIXMA photo or crafting categories as your shortlist. Confirm the exact model’s supported media, borderless options if required, color-ink configuration, and current cartridge or bottle prices. Do not select a photo model solely from a family-level label; this evidence does not establish a single best photo performer.
Rank #4
- Color, Wireless, Duplex 4-in-1: Print, scan, copy, fax.
- Fast Print Speeds: Print up to 26 ppm in both color and monochrome and spend less time waiting with a quick first print time of approximately 10.3 seconds.
- Easy Wireless Setup: Setup your wireless connection and get up and running in just a few steps.
- 5-inch Color Touchscreen: Get the job done quickly with Application Library - an intuitive and easy to use customizable access to the features you use most.
- Mobile Device Printing: Print from your compatible mobile devices using the free Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint and Mopria Print Service.
Remote work and a document-heavy home office
Compare MAXIFY MegaTank models first. The GX1020 covers printing, copying, and scanning with duplex output and wired or wireless networking. Choose the GX2020 when faxing or batch scanning and copying through its 35-sheet ADF will save you regular manual work.
Shared office with laser preferences
Review Color imageCLASS multifunction models such as the MF665Cdw and MF753Cdw II, then verify toner yield, paper capacity, duplex scanning or printing, and network administration features on the individual product pages. Ensure you are not looking at a print-only listing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to choose a Canon all-in-one printer step by step
- Write down the workload. Record pages per month, black-versus-color share, photo frequency, largest paper size, and whether you print on specialty media.
- Mark required functions. Decide whether you need copying, scanning, fax, an ADF, automatic duplex printing, or Ethernet. A missing required function is a reason to reject a model immediately.
- Choose the family. Use PIXMA for home and creative emphasis, MAXIFY MegaTank for recurring documents and tank-based running costs, or Color imageCLASS for a multifunction laser workflow.
- Shortlist two or three exact models. Compare the specification sheets, not just family descriptions. Record dimensions, weight, tray capacity, speed method, consumable codes, and operating-system support.
- Calculate ownership cost. Use your estimated pages and the exact replacement consumables. Keep manufacturer yields labeled as estimates and account for color coverage.
- Check live U.S. availability. Prices, promotions, stock, and catalog composition change. Confirm the model is sold in your region and that replacement bottles, cartridges, or toner are available before purchasing.
- Verify the final workflow. Make sure the printer can sit where Wi-Fi, Ethernet, power, paper loading, scanner-lid opening, and refill access are all practical.
Common buying mistakes and how to avoid them
- Choosing by the lowest shelf price: compare the purchase price with your expected consumable spending and page volume.
- Assuming every all-in-one has an ADF: confirm it in the specifications. The GX1020 is flatbed-based, while the GX2020 has a 35-sheet maximum-capacity ADF.
- Confusing print-only and multifunction laser models: Color imageCLASS listings include both; look for print, scan, and copy functions when those are required.
- Treating “up to 3,000” as a guaranteed yield: actual output depends on document coverage and use. Keep Canon’s figure in its manufacturer-claim context.
- Using the wrong bottle or cartridge: match the consumable code to the exact model and confirm current stock before buying a replacement.
- Ignoring regional differences: Canon model names, bundles, prices, and availability can differ outside the United States. Recheck the local catalog and manual when adapting this advice.
- Calling a model a tested winner without tests: the specifications here support feature matching, not claims about comparative print quality, reliability, or real-world speed.
Final buying guidance
For most home buyers, begin with PIXMA if photos, crafts, or compact wireless printing are central. For a home office or small business that prints recurring documents, compare MAXIFY MegaTank models and calculate the running cost using your own page volume. The GX1020 is the simpler option when flatbed scanning is enough; the GX2020 earns consideration when faxing and a 35-sheet ADF remove regular manual work. If your priority is a color laser multifunction workflow, inspect the current Color imageCLASS models and verify every required function on the exact listing.
Whichever family you choose, make the final decision from the workload, required document automation, connectivity, footprint, and consumable availability—not from a generic “best” label.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Canon MAXIFY GX1020 include fax?
The Canon brochure lists print, copy, and scan for the GX1020 and does not list fax. The GX2020 adds fax.
How many pages can the GX2020 ADF hold?
Canon lists a maximum capacity of 35 sheets.
Are the GX1020 and GX2020 wireless?
Yes. Canon lists Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet connectivity for both models.
Can I use this U.S. model guidance in another country?
Use the family and feature framework, but verify local model names, specifications, prices, consumable codes, and stock because Canon’s regional catalogs can differ.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
