In today’s world, the promise of a paperless office often feels like a distant dream. Whether you’re a student printing a last-minute term paper, a remote worker needing to scan and sign contracts, or a parent wanting to bring family photos to life, the need for a reliable home printer is more pressing than ever. I remember the frustration of my old, clunky machine—a behemoth that guzzled ink, jammed constantly, and took an eternity to connect to any wireless device. The search for a replacement was daunting. I needed something compact for my limited desk space, versatile enough for documents and vibrant photos, and simple enough that I wouldn’t need an IT degree to print from my phone. This common dilemma is precisely where the Canon PIXMA TS5320 Wireless All-in-One Printer positions itself as a potential hero, promising a blend of style, functionality, and convenience for the modern home. But does it deliver on that promise?
- With a 1.44" OLED DISPLAY & LED STATUS BAR easily navigate and view your printer status. The OLED display displays deep, accurate color and the LED Status bar provides simple printer status...
- Designed for ease of use and simple replacement, the PIXMA TS5320a only needs 2 FINE CARTRIDGES for great print quality. Enjoy sharp text documents and great looking photos thanks to its HYBRID INK...
What to Consider Before Buying an Inkjet Printer
An inkjet printer is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for bridging the digital and physical worlds. For households, students, and small home offices, it’s the tool that transforms digital files into tangible reports, creative projects, and cherished memories. The primary benefit lies in their versatility. Unlike laser printers that excel at high-volume text, inkjets are masters of color, capable of producing stunning, high-resolution photos on glossy paper one minute and crisp, black-and-white text the next. This flexibility is crucial for anyone whose printing needs vary from day to day.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a mix of printing tasks: school assignments, work-from-home documents, shipping labels, and the occasional batch of holiday photos. They value high-quality color output and wireless convenience over raw printing speed. Conversely, a high-volume office that primarily prints hundreds of monochrome text documents daily would be better served by a laser printer, which offers a lower cost-per-page for text and much faster output. Similarly, professional photographers needing archival-quality prints with wide color gamuts might look towards more specialized, photo-centric printers with more than two ink cartridges.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Printers can be surprisingly bulky. Before buying, measure your intended space. The Canon PIXMA TS5320 Wireless All-in-One Printer boasts a compact footprint (40.4 x 31.8 x 15 cm), making it a great fit for small desks or shelves. Consider not just the static size, but also the space needed for paper trays to extend and for you to access the flatbed scanner on top.
- Performance & Resolution: Performance isn’t just about speed. Look at the maximum print resolution, measured in dots per inch (DPI). A higher DPI, like the 4800 x 1200 offered by this model, is essential for detailed photos. Also, consider print speed, listed in pages per minute (ppm). While a high ppm is great for office work, for typical home use, a moderate speed is often a fair trade-off for better quality and a lower price point.
- Ink System & Running Costs: This is perhaps the most critical long-term consideration. The Canon PIXMA TS5320 Wireless All-in-One Printer uses a two-cartridge FINE Hybrid system (one black, one tri-color). This is simple to manage, but if you print a lot of one specific color (e.g., blue), you’ll have to replace the entire tri-color cartridge when that one color runs out. In contrast, printers with individual ink tanks can be more economical for heavy color printing.
- Ease of Use & Connectivity: A modern printer must have seamless wireless connectivity. Look for features like Wi-Fi, Apple AirPrint, and dedicated mobile apps (like the Canon PRINT App). Features like an OLED display, automatic duplex (two-sided) printing, and dual paper trays significantly improve the user experience by reducing manual effort and making daily operation intuitive.
Considering these factors will help you select a printer that not only fits your budget but also integrates smoothly into your daily workflow.
While the Canon PIXMA TS5320 Wireless All-in-One Printer is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Print, Copy, Scan: The PIXMA TS3720 is a true colour printer scanner copier all in one that is compact, versatile and easy-to-use with a 60 sheet rear tray that reduces the need to refill paper as...
- Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing ― No more tiny, expensive ink cartridges; each ink bottle set is equivalent to about 80 individual cartridges (2)
- FROM CANADA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – The DeskJet 2855e is perfect for homes printing to-do lists, letters, financial documents and recipes. Print speeds up to 5.5 ppm colour, 7.5 ppm black.
First Impressions: Smart, Compact, and Ready to Work
Unboxing the Canon PIXMA TS5320 Wireless All-in-One Printer was a pleasant experience. Canon has streamlined its packaging, and the printer itself was well-protected without excessive waste. My immediate impression was of its stylish, compact design. The sleek black finish and rounded corners give it a modern aesthetic that doesn’t scream “boring office equipment.” It’s refreshingly small and lightweight, a far cry from the beige behemoths of the past.
What really stands out visually is the 1.44″ OLED display and the integrated LED status bar. Even before powering it on, this design choice signaled a focus on user experience. The setup process, guided by the on-screen instructions, was straightforward. Installing the two FINE ink cartridges was a simple click-in affair. Connecting to my home Wi-Fi network took only a couple of minutes, and from there, downloading the Canon PRINT app to my smartphone had me printing a test photo wirelessly within ten minutes of opening the box. The initial feel is of a well-thought-out consumer device designed for simplicity rather than a complex piece of office machinery. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of this user-friendly approach.
Key Benefits
- Excellent photo print quality with high 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution.
- Dual-paper feeding allows for plain and photo paper to be loaded simultaneously.
- Automatic duplex printing saves time and paper.
- Compact, stylish design with an intuitive OLED display and LED status bar.
Potential Drawbacks
- Print speed for text documents can be slow for high-volume tasks.
- Two-cartridge ink system can be less cost-effective if one color is used heavily.
A Deep Dive into the Canon PIXMA TS5320’s Performance
A printer’s true value is revealed through day-to-day use. We put the Canon PIXMA TS5320 Wireless All-in-One Printer through its paces, testing everything from multi-page reports and high-resolution photo prints to quick scans and copies. Our goal was to understand where it excels and where its limitations lie, moving beyond the spec sheet to the real-world experience.
Print Quality: The Hybrid Ink Advantage
The core function of any printer is, of course, printing. The Canon PIXMA TS5320 Wireless All-in-One Printer utilizes a two-cartridge FINE Hybrid Ink System. This system uses a pigment-based black ink for sharp, smudge-resistant text and dye-based color inks for vibrant, rich photos. This is a smart approach that aims to deliver the best of both worlds, and in our testing, it largely succeeded. Text documents were crisp and highly legible, perfect for reports, resumes, and homework. The black ink dried quickly and held up well against a highlighter test. While one user noted that text quality could be “un peu flou” (a bit blurry), we found that for its price point, the text was more than adequate for any home or student need, rivaling printers that cost significantly more.
Where the printer truly shines, however, is with photo printing. The maximum color resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi is not just a number on a spec sheet; it translates into stunningly detailed and colorful prints. We printed a variety of 4×6″ and 5×5″ square photos on Canon’s glossy photo paper, and the results were impressive. Colors were accurate, gradients were smooth, and the level of detail was excellent. The ability to print borderless photos is a huge plus for creative projects and scrapbooking. The printer’s support for various media types, including card stock and high-resolution paper, further enhances its versatility. For any family looking to print high-quality photos at home without the expense of a dedicated photo printer, the Canon PIXMA TS5320 is a feature that really sets it apart.
Speed and Efficiency: A Deliberate, Not Rushed, Pace
If there’s one area where the Canon PIXMA TS5320 Wireless All-in-One Printer requires a level of patience, it’s print speed. Canon rates it at 13 pages per minute (ppm) for black and white and 6.8 ppm for color. In our tests with standard text documents, these speeds were reasonably accurate. However, for more complex documents with mixed text and graphics, or for high-quality photo prints, the pace slows considerably. One user reported that it took nearly a minute to print a single page of text, and while our experience wasn’t quite that slow for a simple page, we can confirm that it is not a speed demon. A 10-page, double-sided report took several minutes to complete.
However, this deliberate pace is a direct trade-off for its affordability and high-quality output. This is not a printer designed for a bustling office needing to churn out 100-page reports in minutes. It’s designed for the home user, where printing jobs are typically shorter and less frequent. More importantly, the printer includes a feature that massively boosts its efficiency for home use: automatic duplexing. The ability to print on both sides of the paper automatically, without having to manually flip and re-feed the pages, is a fantastic time-saver and paper-saver. This feature, often absent in entry-level printers, adds significant value and makes the slower print speed much more manageable for everyday tasks.
Connectivity and User Experience: Intelligently Designed
Canon clearly invested significant thought into the user experience, and it shows. The wireless setup is incredibly smooth. Using the Canon PRINT app on both iOS and Android, we were able to connect the printer to our network and start printing from our phones in minutes. The app itself is robust, allowing you to print documents and photos, initiate scans, check ink levels, and even order new supplies. Support for Apple AirPrint and Mopria Print Service means you can print natively from almost any modern smartphone or tablet without needing the app at all.
The on-device controls are equally intuitive. The 1.44″ OLED screen is bright and clear, providing easy-to-understand menus and status updates. It’s a significant step up from the confusing, non-backlit LCD screens on many competing models. The standout feature, however, is the LED status bar. This simple light strip on the front of the printer changes color and pattern to communicate its status (printing, idle, error) at a glance from across the room. It’s a small touch, but one that proves remarkably useful. Another major convenience is the Dual-Paper Feeding system. With a rear paper tray for photo paper or card stock and a front cassette for plain paper, you can keep both loaded simultaneously. The printer automatically pulls from the correct tray based on your print settings, eliminating the tedious task of swapping paper types for different jobs. This seamless connectivity and thoughtful design make the Canon PIXMA TS5320 a joy to use daily.
What Other Users Are Saying
Diving into feedback from other owners, we found a consensus that largely mirrors our own findings. Many users praise the Canon PIXMA TS5320 Wireless All-in-One Printer for its excellent photo quality and compact, user-friendly design. Comments like “super like it this printer” and “good came with cd it is good” highlight a general satisfaction with its core functionality and easy setup. One user specifically noted it was better to get a model with both wired and wireless options, underlining its flexibility.
However, the critiques are just as informative. The most common complaint, which we confirmed in our testing, is the slow print speed. As one user stated in French, “l’impression est assez longue. Je calcule près de 1 min pour imprimer une page de texte pour 1 côté seulement” (the printing is quite long. I calculate nearly 1 minute to print one page of text for only one side). There are also some concerning reports regarding quality control and longevity. Several users mentioned receiving units that appeared to be used or were missing accessories, while another reported that their printer “arreter de fonctionner” (stopped working) after only a few months. While these appear to be isolated incidents, they are important to consider when making a purchase decision.
How Does the Canon PIXMA TS5320 Compare to the Competition?
The home printer market is crowded, and the Canon PIXMA TS5320 Wireless All-in-One Printer faces stiff competition. To understand its place in the market, we compared it against three popular alternatives, each catering to a slightly different user need.
1. Epson EcoTank ET-8500 Wireless All-in-One Supertank Printer
- Package dimensions: 101 h x 173 l x 207 w (in inches)
- Great quality product
The Epson EcoTank ET-8500 represents the premium end of the home photo printing spectrum. Its primary advantage is the “Supertank” system, which uses large, refillable ink tanks instead of cartridges. This results in an incredibly low long-term running cost, making it ideal for those who print photos frequently. It also uses a six-color ink system for superior photo quality and color accuracy. The trade-off is a significantly higher upfront purchase price. For the serious hobbyist photographer or a family that prints hundreds of photos a year, the ET-8500 is a worthy investment; for the casual user, the Canon PIXMA TS5320 offers excellent photo quality for a fraction of the initial cost.
2. HP OfficeJet 200 Mobile Printer
- Main functions of this HP color portable printer: easy portable printing wherever you need it, wireless print from your laptop or mobile devices, 2" display and more
- Mobile printing: print from anywhere using your smartphone or tablet with the free HP reprint app, print even without a network using Wireless Direct printing
This comparison highlights the importance of intended use. The HP OfficeJet 200 is not a direct competitor for a stationary home printer; it’s a mobile specialist. Its key features are its compact, briefcase-friendly size and a long-lasting battery, allowing you to print from anywhere—a car, a client’s office, or a hotel room. It sacrifices features like a scanner, copier, and automatic duplexing for ultimate portability. If your primary need is printing on the go, the HP OfficeJet 200 is the clear winner. However, for anyone needing a centralized, versatile hub for printing, scanning, and copying at home, the Canon PIXMA TS5320 Wireless All-in-One Printer is the far more practical and feature-rich choice.
3. Epson EcoTank ET-2850 Wireless All-in-One Cartridge-Free Printer
- Innovative cartridge-free printing high-capacity ink tanks mean no more tiny, expensive ink cartridges; epsons exclusive ecofit ink bottles make filling easy and worry-free
- Dramatic savings on replacement ink save up to 90% with replacement ink bottles vs ink cartridges (1) thats enough to print up to 7,500 pages black/6,000 color (2), equivalent to about 90 individual...
The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 is arguably the most direct competitor to the Canon PIXMA TS5320. Like the Canon, it is a versatile all-in-one with scanning, copying, and automatic duplexing. Its main differentiator is the EcoTank system. While its upfront cost is higher than the PIXMA’s, the included ink can last for up to two years, offering significant long-term savings for families or students who print regularly. The Canon PIXMA TS5320 may have a slight edge in pure photo quality due to its hybrid ink system, but the ET-2850’s economic advantage is compelling. The choice comes down to printing volume: for infrequent printing, the Canon’s lower initial price is attractive; for moderate to heavy use, the Epson’s long-term ink savings are hard to ignore.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Canon PIXMA TS5320 Wireless All-in-One Printer?
After extensive testing and comparison, our verdict is clear. The Canon PIXMA TS5320 Wireless All-in-One Printer is an outstanding choice for its intended audience: the modern household, student, or creative individual who needs a versatile, compact, and user-friendly machine. Its greatest strengths lie in its superb photo printing quality, thoughtful design features like the dual-paper feed and LED status bar, and seamless wireless connectivity. It successfully bridges the gap between a standard document printer and a high-quality photo printer without demanding a large footprint or a steep price.
Its primary weakness, the deliberate print speed, makes it unsuitable for a high-pressure office environment. However, for home use where print jobs are sporadic and speed is not the highest priority, this is a very acceptable trade-off. If you’re looking for an affordable all-in-one that excels at bringing digital photos to life while capably handling all your day-to-day document printing, scanning, and copying needs, this printer is a fantastic value. It packs a surprising amount of functionality and quality into a stylish and accessible package. If this sounds like the perfect fit for your home, we highly recommend you check the latest price and availability today.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API