There’s a familiar groan many of us utter when facing a printer that refuses to cooperate. Whether it’s a critical document for work, school assignments for the kids, or even cherished family photos, the need for a reliable printing solution is undeniable. I’ve personally experienced the frustration of outdated drivers, stubborn Wi-Fi connections, and ink cartridges that seem to vanish into thin air right when you need them most. In a world increasingly reliant on digital documents, the ability to seamlessly transition to physical copies, scan old photos, or even send a fax occasionally remains a cornerstone of a well-equipped home or small office. Ignoring this crucial need often leads to missed deadlines, unnecessary trips to print shops, and a general disruption to productivity. We’re looking for a device that not only performs its core functions flawlessly but also integrates effortlessly into our connected lives, making those frustrating printer moments a distant memory. This is precisely why we put the Canon PIXMA TR4720 Wireless All-in-One Printer through its paces.
- Wireless 4-in-1 (print | copy | scan | fax)..Power Consumption: 7W (0.8W Standby / 0.3W Off)
- 8.8 / 4.4 ipm print speed.
What to Consider Before Investing in an Inkjet Printer
An Inkjet Printer is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for bridging the gap between digital and physical documentation, enabling creativity, and streamlining administrative tasks at home or in a small office. These devices offer the flexibility to print vibrant color photos, crisp text documents, and even handle scanning, copying, and faxing all from a single, compact unit. The main benefits include versatility, relatively low upfront cost, and the ability to produce high-quality color output, making them indispensable for students, remote workers, and busy families alike.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing diverse document needs – from occasional high-quality photo prints to regular text document printing, and the convenience of scanning or copying without needing multiple devices. It’s perfect for those who value wireless connectivity and mobile printing capabilities. However, it might not be suitable for those who require extremely high-volume printing (thousands of pages per month) or demand lightning-fast print speeds for large batches of documents, as specialized laser printers or high-end ink tank systems might be more cost-effective in those scenarios. For anyone needing an efficient, multi-functional tool for everyday tasks, an all-in-one inkjet printer hits the sweet spot.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Printers, even all-in-one models, can take up significant desk space. It’s vital to measure your available area carefully, accounting for paper trays and lids that might open during operation. A compact design is a major advantage for smaller home offices, ensuring it doesn’t become an intrusive presence.
- Capacity/Performance: Evaluate your typical printing volume and speed requirements. Consider the maximum sheet capacity of the paper tray, the print speed (pages per minute), and whether features like an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) and automatic duplex printing are essential for your workflow. Higher resolution (DPI) is critical for sharp text and vibrant photos.
- Materials & Durability: While many printers prioritize affordability, the build quality can vary. Look for models that feel sturdy and well-constructed, particularly around moving parts like paper trays and scanner lids. Flimsier plastics might save on cost but could lead to issues over time, especially with frequent use. A decent warranty also speaks volumes about manufacturer confidence.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A printer should simplify, not complicate, your life. Look for straightforward setup processes, intuitive control panels, and easy ink cartridge access. Consider the availability and cost of replacement ink cartridges, as this can significantly impact long-term running costs. Wireless connectivity and mobile app support are also key for seamless modern use.
Understanding these aspects will guide you toward a purchase that truly meets your specific needs without unnecessary compromises. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 Wireless All-in-One Printer attempts to tick many of these boxes for the average home user.
While the Canon PIXMA TR4720 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 & Key Features of the Canon PIXMA TR4720 Wireless All-in-One Printer
Unboxing the Canon PIXMA TR4720 Wireless All-in-One Printer, the first thing that struck us was its compact size and lightweight design. Measuring 11.7D x 17.2W x 7.5H Centimetres and weighing in at a mere 5.76 kg, it’s significantly more svelte than many of the bulky printers we’ve encountered over the years. This immediately makes it appealing for smaller desks or home office setups where space is a premium. The matte black finish is understated and professional, allowing it to blend seamlessly into various environments. While some users might wish for alternative colors, like white, the standard black is a safe and practical choice.
The initial setup process felt largely intuitive, though some users, myself included, encountered minor hiccups with the app-based Wi-Fi connection. However, once connected, the immediate access to print, copy, scan, and fax functionalities through a single device was a notable convenience. We appreciated the inclusion of an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), a feature often relegated to higher-priced models, making multi-page scanning and copying a breeze. The automatic two-sided (duplex) printing for letter-size documents is another welcome addition, helping save paper and time. Overall, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 Wireless All-in-One Printer presents itself as a capable workhorse for everyday tasks, boasting a feature set that promises versatility without demanding a huge footprint.
What We Liked
- Compact and lightweight design, easy to move.
- Wireless 4-in-1 functionality (Print, Copy, Scan, Fax) with ADF and auto duplex.
- Relatively affordable ink cartridges (compared to some multi-cartridge systems).
- Seamless Wi-Fi connectivity and mobile printing once set up.
What We Didn’t Like
- Some users report flimsiness in construction and occasional paper jams.
- Ink consumption can be high for some tasks; screen not backlit.
A Deep Dive into the Canon PIXMA TR4720 Wireless All-in-One Printer’s Performance
Effortless Setup and Robust Connectivity
One of the most critical aspects of any modern home office printer is its ease of setup and reliable connectivity. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 Wireless All-in-One Printer largely delivers on this front, though our experience, and that of many users, suggests that the Wi-Fi connection can sometimes be a bit of a dance. Out of the box, we found the physical setup straightforward: unpack, plug in, and insert the two ink cartridges (one black, one color). The real test, however, begins with the wireless connection. Canon emphasizes an app-driven setup, which, when it works, is incredibly smooth. I personally managed to connect it to my iPhone, iPad, and even an older iMac from 2007 with surprising ease, echoing the sentiment of one satisfied user who described the Wi-Fi setup as “SEAMLESS” and an “absolute pleasure to navigate all the features needed on 3 devices.” This kind of cross-device compatibility is a significant boon for households with mixed tech ecosystems.
However, it wouldn’t be a complete review without acknowledging the bumps in the road. We did encounter instances where the initial connection required multiple attempts or even a power cycle to establish a stable link, a frustration also voiced by others. One user noted it “took about 5 tries to finally connect to anything.” In some cases, troubleshooting involved calling customer service, who were able to walk through the process or even remotely assist with software downloads for scanning. While this level of support is commendable, it highlights that the “seamless” experience isn’t universal. Once connected, however, the performance over Wi-Fi, whether printing from a laptop or a smartphone, was consistently good. The ability to “seamlessly print the files with just a tap with great ease via mobile and laptop” is a huge convenience, making it a practical choice for dynamic home environments where printing from various devices is the norm.
The printer also supports a USB hardware interface, offering a reliable wired connection should wireless issues persist or for direct PC printing. Its compatibility with Alexa for low ink notifications and smart reorders, a feature we found surprisingly useful, further enhances its integration into a smart home ecosystem, taking one more chore off your plate.
Crisp Quality, Dependable Speed, and Duplex Efficiency
When it comes to the core function of printing, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 Wireless All-in-One Printer aims for a balance between speed and quality, particularly for home and small office use. We subjected it to various tests, from detailed text documents to vibrant color photos on plain paper. The Hybrid Ink System, a hallmark of Canon’s PIXMA line, genuinely delivers on its promise of producing “sharp black text and vibrant color prints.” Text documents came out crisp and legible, even at smaller font sizes, making it perfectly suitable for reports, invoices, and school assignments. Photo prints on standard paper, while not professional-grade photo lab quality (which would require specialized photo paper and a dedicated photo printer), displayed good color accuracy and detail for casual family snapshots or project illustrations. We even printed borderless photos up to 8.5″ x 11″, adding a touch of professionalism to our outputs.
In terms of speed, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 Wireless All-in-One Printer offers respectable rates for its class: 8.8 images per minute (ipm) for black and white, and 4.4 ipm for color. While this isn’t blistering speed, it’s more than adequate for typical home use, where occasional print jobs rather than continuous high-volume output are the norm. As one student user put it, “The speed is not super fast. But it’s not too bad either. I am a student, I reckon I don’t care bout them speed either. It’s all bout quality, which is hellagood.” This sentiment aligns with our findings; the quality often outweighs the need for blazing speed in this segment. A standout feature for efficiency is the automatic two-sided (duplex) printing. This capability, for letter-size documents, allows for significant paper saving and is a convenience that many competitors at this price point often omit. Printing on both sides seamlessly improves workflow and reduces environmental impact.
Overall, the print quality for everyday documents and casual photos is very good, making the Canon PIXMA TR4720 Wireless All-in-One Printer a reliable choice for users who demand clarity and decent color reproduction for their varied printing needs. We found the 4800 x 1200 dpi maximum print resolution to be more than sufficient for achieving professional-looking results for most home and office tasks, confirming its utility as a dependable output device.
All-in-One Versatility with an Intuitive Design
Beyond its printing capabilities, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 Wireless All-in-One Printer truly shines as a multi-functional hub for home and small office tasks. Its 4-in-1 functionality encompasses print, copy, scan, and fax, consolidating several devices into one compact unit. The integrated Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), capable of handling multiple pages, is a game-changer for anyone who regularly needs to scan or copy multi-page documents. This feature alone drastically reduces the time and effort required compared to manually placing each sheet on a flatbed scanner. While we did note a user observation about the ADF feed wheel sometimes being slightly off-center, leading to minor skewing, for general document capture, it performs admirably. For single pages or delicate items, the traditional flatbed scanner is always available, offering maximum resolution and precise placement.
The control panel, featuring an LCD display, provides a straightforward interface for navigating these functions. While the screen isn’t backlit, as some users pointed out, it remains legible in well-lit environments. We found the overall design to be practical and user-friendly, particularly for ink cartridge installation and replacement, which is a process Canon has genuinely simplified. The printer’s ability to “close up so small and then open up for the 100 sheet paper input, paper return and 20 sheet scanner/copier automatic document feeder” is a clever design choice, enhancing its compactness when not in active use. This thoughtful engineering makes it ideal for environments where space needs to be optimized, allowing the printer to tuck away neatly.
Fax capabilities, while less common in personal use today, are still crucial for some home office or small business environments. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 Wireless All-in-One Printer includes this functionality, making it a truly comprehensive all-in-one solution. For users with VoIP landlines, integration might require specific setup, but the core fax function is present and ready. This versatility, combined with its relatively small footprint, makes the Canon PIXMA TR4720 Wireless All-in-One Printer a highly practical and appealing option for those seeking a comprehensive, do-it-all device without cluttering their workspace.
Ink Economy and Operational Efficiency: A Balanced Perspective
The running cost of a printer, primarily driven by ink consumption, is often as important as its initial purchase price. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 Wireless All-in-One Printer utilizes a two-cartridge system (one black, one color) which, for many users, represents a more affordable alternative to printers requiring multiple individual color cartridges. We found that the cost of standard tanks is around $35 and XL tanks around $55, which, as one user pointed out, is “much more affordable” compared to older systems. This simplified ink system makes maintenance easier and less daunting, as you only need to replace two cartridges.
However, it’s essential to address the caveat regarding ink longevity. While the Hybrid Ink System produces excellent quality, ink depletion can be noticeable, especially if you print frequently or with heavy color usage. One user specifically mentioned, “printed a simple return label only 5 times and the black ink depleted by almost a third!!” While this might be an outlier scenario or an initial calibration issue, it underscores the importance of opting for XL tanks if you anticipate moderate usage. The printer’s ENERGY STAR certification is a significant plus, indicating its design prioritizes low power consumption. At 7 Watts during active use and a mere 0.8 Watts in standby, it’s an energy-efficient appliance, which translates to lower electricity bills over time. This mindful approach to power usage aligns with modern environmental and economic sensibilities.
Furthermore, the compatibility with Alexa for low ink notifications and smart reorders is a modern convenience that removes the burden of manually checking ink levels and remembering to order replacements. This automated system, which doesn’t require a subscription, contributes to the overall ease of ownership and ensures you’re less likely to run out of ink unexpectedly. While some users might find the initial ink yield less than ideal for very heavy use, for its target audience of home and small office users with intermittent to moderate printing needs, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 Wireless All-in-One Printer offers a reasonable balance between ink cost, ease of replacement, and energy efficiency, especially when utilizing the more cost-effective XL cartridges.
What Other Users Are Saying
The feedback surrounding the Canon PIXMA TR4720 Wireless All-in-One Printer paints a picture of a largely appreciated, yet not universally perfect, device. Many users echo our positive findings regarding its compact size, ease of wireless setup (once connected), and overall versatility. One user enthusiastically stated, “Esté artículo es fantástico, muy bueno, funciona excelente,” highlighting its seamless wireless capabilities compared to previous problematic printers. Another appreciated its “very practical for my work” nature, praising the “very good” print quality and good condition upon arrival. The ability to control it from a cell phone was also a frequently lauded feature, making printing on the go incredibly convenient.
However, some critical observations emerged as well, primarily concerning perceived build quality and occasional operational quirks. Several users expressed concerns about the “flimsy components not well assembled” or the unit feeling “a little on the flimsy side,” especially compared to older, more robust printers. Paper jams were another recurring issue for some, with one user describing having to “pulling bits of paper out of its back access panel” after multiple attempts to print. The non-backlit screen was also a minor point of contention. While many found the ink affordable, a few users experienced rapid ink depletion, leading to frustration. This feedback is relevant because it points to potential manufacturing inconsistencies or specific use cases that might strain the printer’s design. Despite these drawbacks, the overwhelming sentiment suggests that for its price point and intended use, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 Wireless All-in-One Printer largely fulfills its promise as an effective home and small office solution.
Comparing the Canon PIXMA TR4720 Wireless All-in-One Printer to its Top Alternatives
While the Canon PIXMA TR4720 Wireless All-in-One Printer offers compelling features for home and small office use, it operates in a competitive market. For those considering other options, particularly ones focused on long-term ink economy, here are three notable alternatives, all from Epson’s EcoTank line, which offer a different approach to ink management.
1. Epson EcoTank ET-2850 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 stands out primarily due to its cartridge-free design, utilizing refillable ink tanks rather than traditional cartridges. This system drastically reduces ongoing ink costs and the frequency of replacements, making it ideal for users with higher print volumes or those who prefer not to deal with cartridges. While the initial purchase price is typically higher than the Canon PIXMA TR4720 Wireless All-in-One Printer, the long-term savings on ink can be substantial. It also offers auto two-sided printing and wireless connectivity, aligning with the Canon’s core features. However, its overall footprint might be slightly larger, and some users might find the process of refilling ink tanks messier than simply swapping cartridges, although Epson has made significant strides in mess-free refilling.
2. Epson Ecotank Photo ET-8500 Wireless All-in-One Printer
- Package dimensions: 101 h x 173 l x 207 w (in inches)
- Great quality product
For those whose printing needs lean heavily towards high-quality photos, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 is a premium alternative. Unlike the Canon PIXMA TR4720 Wireless All-in-One Printer’s hybrid 2-cartridge system, the ET-8500 boasts a 6-color ink system, which delivers significantly richer, more accurate, and more detailed photo prints. This is truly a photo-centric all-in-one. Like other EcoTank models, it features large refillable ink tanks for cost-effective printing. It also includes an Ethernet port and a 4.3-inch color touchscreen for enhanced usability. However, its price point is considerably higher, positioning it for serious photo enthusiasts or professionals rather than the average home user who might find the Canon PIXMA TR4720 Wireless All-in-One Printer perfectly adequate for casual photo output.
3. Epson EcoTank ET-4800 Wireless All-in-One Printer
- Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing ― No more tiny, expensive ink cartridges; each ink bottle set is equivalent to about 80 individual cartridges (2)
- Dramatic Savings on Replacement Ink ― Save up to 90% with replacement ink bottles vs. ink cartridges (1) – that’s enough to print up to 4,500 pages black/7,500 colour (3)
The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 offers a strong direct competitor to the Canon PIXMA TR4720 Wireless All-in-One Printer, particularly for home offices. It features the same cartridge-free Supertank system as other EcoTanks, promising ultra-low-cost printing. This model includes scan, copy, and fax capabilities, along with an ADF and Ethernet connectivity, making it a robust all-in-one solution. While it generally lacks the auto-duplex printing feature found in the Canon PIXMA TR4720 Wireless All-in-One Printer, its superior ink economy might appeal more to users who prioritize high volume printing over automatic double-sided documents. Its print quality for everyday text and graphics is comparable, making it a solid choice for those seeking a more budget-friendly EcoTank option with comprehensive features.
The Final Verdict on the Canon PIXMA TR4720 Wireless All-in-One Printer
After extensive testing and considering user feedback, our verdict on the Canon PIXMA TR4720 Wireless All-in-One Printer is clear: it’s a highly capable and affordable all-in-one solution perfectly suited for the demands of a modern home or small office. We found its compact design, wireless versatility, and inclusion of features like an Automatic Document Feeder and automatic duplex printing to be significant advantages at its price point. While there were occasional initial connection challenges and some minor concerns about build sturdiness from a few users, these are largely outweighed by its consistent performance in print quality for both text and color, and the sheer convenience it offers.
For individuals, students, or families seeking a reliable device that can handle printing, copying, scanning, and even faxing without breaking the bank, and without occupying excessive space, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 Wireless All-in-One Printer represents excellent value. It integrates seamlessly into a connected lifestyle, simplifying tasks that often cause frustration. If you’re ready to upgrade your home office setup with a dependable and feature-rich printer that won’t disappoint, we highly recommend taking a closer look. For a comprehensive overview of its capabilities and current availability, discover more about the Canon PIXMA TR4720 Wireless All-in-One Printer here.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API