You're probably familiar with Canon printers, but you may not appreciate their full range. Canon offers inkjets for every printing need, from inexpensive models like the Canon Pixma G7020 (our best Canon printer pick for homes and home offices) to pricey choices that deliver output suitable for gallery-grade prints. I'm PCMag's resident printer expert, and I have been evaluating home and office printers for more than three decades. At PC Labs, we evaluate printers based on image quality, design, usability, ink cost, and overall value, and we run each printer through a set of rigorous, repeatable speed tests. Here, we'll break out our favorite Canon printers for a variety of applications, backed by our deep-dive reviews. We'll then sort out the different Canon sub-brands, the related lines within those families, and the range of printer capabilities in each, to help you find the Canon printer category that fits your needs.

First to come in our tour of Canon's lineup are inkjets. At first glance, Canon seems to have just two inkjet families: Pixma and Maxify, with no obvious difference between them. All the Maxify printers are tank-based, but so are some Pixma models. And the Pixma printers (unlike the Maxify models) cover a wide range of features and capabilities, with some suitable for only light-duty home use, some designed for much heavier-duty use in a small or home office, and some that can serve nicely for both home and home office. Complicating matters is that Canon's naming conventions are a little inconsistent, and in the process of changing at this writing, so some printers are available under two slightly different names, and some printer families include some models that use the old naming convention along with some that use the new one. (More on this later.)

The best way we found to sort them out (for the Pixma models, at least) is by the designation that sits between "Pixma" and the number in the model name: MG, TS, TR, G, iP, iX, or Pro. We'll go through each first, followed by an explanation of the Maxify model names, which only include two designations.

Pixma MG, TS, and TR

The Pixma MG, TS and TR models are all cartridge-based, which means they have a low initial price for their capabilities but a relatively high running cost. For those who print few enough pages over a printer's lifetime, they can cost less in the long run than equivalent tank-based printers that offer a low running cost, but a high initial price. The three lines offer ascending levels of capability for home use, but they also overlap in price and capability. So, depending on the printer you need, you may or may not want to look at more than one of the categories.

The MG models are low-cost all-in-one (AIO) printers that print, scan, and copy, designed for decidedly light-duty use only. Along with their low cost, they offer low paper capacities and slow print speeds. They also use tri-color cartridges for color ink, which tends to drive up the running cost compared with using a separate cartridge for each color.

TS models are aimed primarily for low-volume use for home and school work, and for applications that include crafting, photo printing, scanning documents, and serving as a dorm-room printer. Models range from inexpensive printer-only models and three-in-one AIOs to fairly pricey three-function AIOs that can print on, but not scan, paper up to 11 by 17 inches or 12 by 12 inches. Most of the inexpensive models use an ink system with one tri-color and one black cartridge, while others use a separate cartridge for each color. The higher-cost models that handle the larger paper size use a five-color ink system—each with its own cartridge—for boosting quality for photos and graphics.

(Credit: Canon)

The TR models are meant for both home and home office. The only single-function printer is the TR150 Wireless Portable. The rest of the models are either three-in-one AIOs, or four-in-one models that add faxing. Most TR models, including the TR150, use tri-color ink cartridges. Others use individual cartridges for each color.

MegaTank Pixma G and Pixma G MegaTank

The naming convention for Pixma G models has been a little flexible, so "MegaTank" may be added in the name before or after "Pixma" or left out altogether, and the same printer might be identified on the Canon website with two different variations of the name on any given day (with an open-box printer having one name, and a new unit having a slightly different name, for example). However, all Pixma G printers are tank-based, using low-cost ink that comes in bottles and pours into the tanks. Canon confirmed that any two Pixma G models followed by the same number are the same printer. So if you find a review referring to a "Pixma Gxxx MegaTank." it also applies to a "MegaTank Pixma Gxxx" using the same model number.

The MegaTank printers cost more than otherwise equivalent cartridge-based printers, but they have lower running costs, which means they can have a lower total cost of ownership in the long run. However, that's true only if you print enough to save more in ink than the extra money you spend in the initial cost. (Read our feature How to Save Money on Your Next Printer: Weighing the Cost of Tank vs. Cartridge Ink.) The G models range from single-function printers to both three- and four-in-one AIOs, including one three-function AIO that uses a six-color ink system to boost photo quality: the Pixma G620 Wireless MegaTank Photo Printer.

Pixma iX and iP

Canon offers only two models in this category at this writing, making it impossible to see a pattern in what, if anything, defines an iX printer as opposed to an iP printer. And note that Canon once offered an iP model that was designed for portable use and limited to 8.5-inch-wide paper, so that one doesn't have much in common with either of the current iX or iP models, both of which can handle paper up to 13 by 19 inches. For those who need to print on tabloid (11-by-17-inch) paper or a bit larger, both current models are relatively inexpensive options. The iP model is marketed primarily for business use, but it has a five-color ink system to help improve photo quality. The iX model is aimed more at moderately serious photo enthusiasts, and it has a six-color ink system for even better photo quality.

Pixma Pro

Canon currently sells only one Pixma Pro model, the Pixma Pro-200. It offers an eight-color ink system for boosting photo quality, and although Canon calls it a "Professional InkJet Photo Printer," it's inexpensive enough to be of interest to serious photo enthusiasts.

Maxify and MegaTank Maxify

Canon's MegaTank Maxify line is similar to the MegaTank Pixma G line. Both share a tank-based design that translates to having a high initial price and a low running cost, thanks to inexpensive ink. Most models include either a GX or an MB before the model number, while one at this writing uses IB. The letters indicate a difference in the physical design and ink system rather than functionality, however, so you can group them all as a single category. As with the MegaTank Pixma G line, all are tank printers that offer ink in bulk for a lower running cost than cartridge-based inkjets. However, the GX models' ink comes in bottles that you pour into the printer tanks, just like the MegaTank Pixma G models, while the MB and IB printers use ink that comes in replaceable tanks that you slide into the printer, much as you would add a cartridge.

(Credit: Canon)

As a group, the MegaTank Maxify printers share essentially the same capabilities as the MegaTank Pixma G printers, making them equally appropriate for the range from home office to small office. So, if you're considering one of the two categories, you'll also want to look at the other. The Maxify models include single-function printers, and both three-function and four-function AIOs.

One other issue the MegaTank Maxify line shares with the MegaTank Pixma G line is a similarly confusing flexibility in naming. In this case, the choices at this writing are "Maxify GX," "Maxify MB," or "Maxify IB" plus the model number, with the GX models sometimes adding "MegaTank" before the "Maxify." So, just as with Pixma G MegaTank versus MegaTank Pixma G printers, if you're looking for a "Maxify GXxxxx" printer based on a review or recommendation, and all you can find on Canon's site is a "MegaTank Maxify" with a matching GX and model number, it's actually the same printer. There are no MegaTank Maxify MB or IB models at this writing.

Laser Printers for Home Office to Enterprise: imageClass and Color imageClass

So much for the inkjets; onward to Canon's lasers. Almost all of the Canon laser printers of interest for purposes of this overview are in either the imageClass or Color imageClass lines. As the names suggest, the difference between the two is that imageClass lasers are all mono printers, while Color imageClass models print in color.

Both lines include single-function printers as well as three- and four-function multifunction printers (MFPs)—a term that's essentially interchangeable with AIO, but more common when talking about lasers. It may help to know that Canon mono laser printers listed as MFPs are more likely to be three-function printer models, while AIOs are more likely to offer four functions. However, the naming convention isn't consistent, and most color MFPs, along with some mono ones, don't add either variation to the name. So be sure to check the specs as well. (And note that Canon doesn't make the same distinction for its inkjets.)

Both the imageClass and the Color imageClass families include models suitable for the range from home office to small-to-medium-size office. Within either line, single-function printers include an "LBP" before the model number. Most multifunction models use an "MF" designation before the number, though some use a "D" instead.

Letters added after the model number include "d" (for duplex, or two-sided printing), "w" (for Wi-Fi), "n" (for Ethernet), and "C" (for color). For the most part, the lack of any of these trailing letters means that the particular printer doesn't have that feature, so knowing these details can help you find the right printer quickly. However, keep in mind that, as with the MFP vs. AIO naming convention, this isn't entirely consistent. For example, we found one model that doesn't have the lowercase "d" after the number, but includes "Duplex Laser Printer" in the name. As of this writing, there are a few models with "VP" after the model number, which stands for Value Pack. In this case, the VP signifies that the printer comes with more toner than the same model without the letters.

(Credit: Canon)

Finally, do not confuse the imageClass and Color imageClass lines with Canon's two lines that share the imageClass name, but add an "X": imageClass X, and Color imageClass X. Most models in both groups are floor-standing and meant for enterprise use, mostly in large departments. Canon also offers other lines for even higher-end, heavier-duty printing, including imageRunner and imageRunner Advance DX. Those are beyond the scope of what we review at PCMag.

That said, a few imageClass X monochrome printers, like the imageClass X LBP1238, are aimed for work-from-home use "as part of an organization's extended print fleet," which also makes them suitable for a home or micro office. If you can make use of their extra features, like the LBP1238's unusually large 5-inch color touch-screen control panel, and the printer's ability to print from the cloud, you might find them worth considering. However, if you don't need the extras, you can get the same core features for less with non-X imageClass models.

Ivy, Selphy, and imagePrograf: Photos From Wallet-Size to Wall-Size

Canon's photocentric printers range from small enough to serve as a phone accessory for 2-by-3-inch prints to big enough for giant gallery prints.

At the low end of that scale, the Ivy line uses Zink technology, which embeds dye crystals in the paper to serve as ink—or "zero ink," which gives Zink its name. The 2-by-3-inch Zink peel-off-and-stick paper is a suitable size for wallet photos or sticking on lockers or laptops. The small print size also keeps the printer itself small, lightweight, and as easy to carry as a cell phone, while the built-in battery and ability to connect by Bluetooth to print from Android or iOS mobile devices (but nothing else) turns it into a phone accessory.

There's only one Ivy standalone printer model at this writing, but Canon also offers an Ivy Cliq+2 Instant camera, which is the photographic equivalent of an AIO that happens to have a camera instead of a scanner. You can connect to it by Bluetooth to print from your phone, or take a picture with the camera and print it (which is basically what a copier does). Note that Canon also has an Ivy Cliq2 camera (without the "+" in the name). It doesn't offer Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and cannot print from a phone.

Canon Selphy models, meanwhile, are all portable printers that use what's commonly called dye-sublimation, or dye-sub, technology (though it's really using thermal dye transfer). All offer internal rechargeable batteries or attachable battery packs for greatest portability, either in the base price or as an extra cost option.

The CP models support printing photos in several sizes up to 4 by 6 inches. Connection options, which depend on the model, allow printing from a variety of sources, including PCs and mobile devices. The Square QX model (there's only one QX printer at this writing) supports printing images in a square format only, at up to 2.7 inches square on its roughly 2.8-by-3.4-inch paper, which has a peel-and-stick adhesive back. It prints only via Wi-Fi from iOS, iPadOS, and Android mobile devices, and it includes the battery in its base price.

(Credit: Canon)

The Selphy and Ivy lot are all small. At the other end of the scale, the giant imagePrograf models are mostly aimed at professional photographers and graphic artists, including those who need wide-format, floor-standing models that are well beyond the scope of what we review. However, a few models at the low end of the line, including the imagePrograf Pro-300, are inexpensive enough to be of interest to serious enthusiasts.

Finally, note that Canon offers a bunch of additional printer lines—including imagePress, DreamLabo, VarioPrint, ColorStream, ProStream, Colorado, and Arizona—that are meant for commercial- and production-level printing, but don't include any models of interest for this overview.

Ready to Buy the Right Printer for You?

We trust our rundown has clarified the Canon spectrum. Given all the printer choices Canon offers, it helps to start your search by selecting which printer lines to focus on. In addition to our descriptions of those families here, we've included our favorite Canon printers for a range of use cases, based on our tests and overall evaluations. For other choices—from both Canon and others—take a look at our picks for best printers overall. For more focused picks, also check out our guides to the best photo printers, business printers, wide-format printers, and cheap printers.