Canon PIXMA TR160 Review: Portable Printing Verdict
The Canon PIXMA TR160 Wireless Portable Printer lands in a niche space—compact, battery-capable inkjet printing for professionals on the move—and scores a conditional 7.0/10 based on cross-platform feedback. While praised for portability, print quality, and versatile connectivity, recurring complaints about slow speeds, low page yields, and fragile build quality temper enthusiasm.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — Strong buy for mobile professionals, not ideal for high-volume or office use.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact and lightweight — fits in a backpack | Slow printing speeds (7 ppm black / 3 ppm color) |
| Sharp document and detailed photo output | Low page yields requiring frequent cartridge changes |
| Borderless photo printing up to A4 | No scanner or copier functions |
| Dual-band Wi-Fi with WPA3 security | Build feels flimsy, especially paper tray hinge |
| Optional battery enables full portability | Higher price than predecessor with minimal upgrades |
| Low recurring ink costs | Setup requires smartphone app; includes ads |
Claims vs Reality
Canon markets the TR160 as “designed for ultimate portability and performance” with a 10-minute boost charge yielding 36 pages. While marketing emphasizes speed and readiness, Reddit user feedback notes the printer’s actual output speed caps at seven black or three color pages per minute—well below the impression of rapid productivity.
Another claim is seamless wireless setup via its 1.44″ OLED display. In practice, a verified buyer on Amazon complained: “Set up is also stupidly cumbersome… you have to install a smartphone app and then use it to configure the wireless network… plus—the smartphone app includes ads!” This dependency on app-based setup is seen as a friction point, especially for users expecting direct Wi-Fi config on-device.
Canon’s pitch for “razor-sharp text and vivid, photo-quality images” largely holds true for casual and professional photo printing. RTINGS testers found it “good for photo printing… supports borderless printing… most colors are visibly inaccurate,” meaning color-critical work may still require alternatives.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Reddit, Trustpilot, and Twitter, portability is the TR160’s defining strength. The compact body (322 x 185 x 66 mm without battery) fits “effortlessly into most briefcases or carry-on bags” according to Canon Hong Kong, and Reddit testers confirmed it’s easy to move between rooms or travel locations. For sales reps and field consultants, being able to print contracts or proposals on-site—especially with the LK-72 battery pack—is a game-changer.
Photo printing garners consistent praise. RTINGS gave it a 7.7/10 for photos, noting “fine elements are easily recognizable… halftones are relatively subtle.” A Russian-language review on Digital Camera World reinforced that “quality photographs on glossy paper are surprisingly high.” Borderless printing options up to A4 make it viable for marketing collateral.
Connectivity options are rich: dual-band Wi-Fi, AirPrint, Mopria, Wi-Fi Direct, and USB-C charging for the battery. This benefits students and mobile professionals using multiple devices. The Canon Print app’s “create photo items” integration with Easy-Photoprint Editor is appreciated by users crafting quick marketing materials.
Common Complaints
Speed is the most frequent frustration. RTINGS testers labeled it “slow… takes well over a minute to produce a 4″ x 6″ picture.” Office users found it unsuitable for high-volume work, with the small input tray (50 sheets) compounding delays.
Low page yields drive maintenance overhead. Estimated yields are 179 black and 217 color pages per cartridge, but tested yields were far lower in some cases. A verified buyer on Amazon lamented, “You’ll have to replace them often… every part of it shimmies and wobbles… I’ll be surprised if it lasts three months.”
Build quality concerns center on the rear paper tray hinge. RTINGS noted it “feels rather flimsy and could break with repeated manipulation.” Users accustomed to Canon’s older, sturdier bubble jet models express disappointment at the plastic feel.
The lack of a scanner is a hard stop for some small/home office buyers. Manual duplex printing also limits productivity for those needing double-sided outputs regularly.
Divisive Features
The OLED display earns split opinions. Some praise its clarity and ease of use for checking ink and Wi-Fi status, while others wish for a tilt adjustment and larger font size.
Battery performance divides users. While official specs promise 330 prints per full charge, the charging time via USB-C (5 hours) is seen as long compared to the AC adapter’s 2 hours 20 minutes. For mobile pros, the boost charge is appreciated, but those without reliable AC access find the wait inconvenient.
Portability versus capability is another tension point. Digital Camera World’s reviewer admired its travel readiness but questioned its “identity crisis” between Canon’s home-oriented PIXMA and business-focused MAXIFY lines.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Reddit data suggest moderate reliability concerns. While RTINGS rates build quality “okay,” Amazon buyers call it “inexcusably cheap.” The absence of a drum unit means fewer long-term mechanical failures, but inkjet clogging risks remain if unused for extended periods.
Maintenance functions like nozzle check, cleaning, and print head alignment help prolong life, yet the small body limits maneuverability for jam clearance. Users advise keeping spare cartridges and printing regularly to avoid clogs.
Long-term durability stories are scarce due to the model’s recent release, but skepticism about lifespan—especially given the flimsy hinge—appears across multiple platforms.
Alternatives
The HP OfficeJet 250 is repeatedly mentioned as a competitor with a built-in scanner and color display, though it’s heavier and produces lower-quality photos.
The Epson WorkForce WF-110 offers similar portability but uses pigment-only inks, making it less suitable for vibrant photo printing. Reddit testers noted it “lacks wired USB connectivity and doesn’t feel as well built” compared to the TR160.
For photo-centric portability, the TR160’s hybrid ink system retains an edge, but for multifunction needs, the HP OfficeJet 250 may justify its larger size.
Price & Value
eBay listings and Canon’s regional shops put the TR160 with battery around $589 USD, while Canon Canada’s sale price drops to $299.99 (battery included). In Russia, reviewers cite a ~25,000 ruble cost without battery, marking a significant bump over the TR150.
Community buying tips stress bundling with the LK-72 battery for true mobility—buying separately inflates cost disproportionately. Resale value for the TR150 remained modest, suggesting the TR160 may depreciate similarly.
FAQ
Q: Does the TR160 come with a battery by default?
A: Not always. Bundles vary by region and retailer; in North America, some packages include the LK-72 battery, while others sell it separately.
Q: Can I print without using the Canon Print app?
A: Yes, via AirPrint, Mopria, or direct USB to PC/Mac. However, initial Wi-Fi setup requires the Canon Print app.
Q: How long does the quick charge last?
A: A 10-minute AC charge yields up to 36 pages; USB-C quick charge is slower and yields fewer pages.
Q: Is this a good printer for students?
A: Suitable for low-volume assignments and portability, but slow speeds and frequent cartridge changes may frustrate heavy users.
Q: Does it support borderless printing?
A: Yes, up to A4 size for photos and marketing materials.
Final Verdict:
Buy if you’re a mobile professional, salesperson, or creative needing portable, high-quality printing with strong photo output. Avoid if you need a fast, high-volume office printer with scanning. Pro tip from community: bundle the battery with your purchase and keep spare cartridges to offset low yields.
