Canon PIXMA TR7020a Review: Strong Quality, Mixed Reliability
The Canon PIXMA TR7020a All-in-One Wireless Color Inkjet Printer earns a solid 7.9/10 from cross-platform user feedback. While Canon markets it as a compact, stylish, and versatile home-office printer, owners consistently praise its print quality and ease of setup — but warn about long-term reliability and occasional connectivity frustrations.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — great for home users and students, less ideal for high-volume or business-critical printing.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent photo and document print quality | High ink cost over time |
| Easy initial setup for most users | Wi-Fi connection can be tedious to configure |
| Compact design with front & rear paper feed | Scanning requires app; no direct hardware button |
| Auto-duplex printing saves paper | Noise and slower-than-expected print speed |
| Affordable purchase price | Some reports of paper jams and misalignment after a year |
| Good mobile printing via Canon app and AirPrint | Multi-color cartridge waste when one color depletes |
Claims vs Reality
Canon promotes the TR7020a as “easy to set up, simple to use, and feature-rich,” with mobile printing, auto-duplex, and a 1.44” OLED display. Digging into user reports, the initial setup does live up to the claim for many. A verified buyer on Best Buy said: "Super easy set-up and wireless printing at a very reasonable price." However, multiple Consumer Reports testers found Wi-Fi configuration “more tedious than usual,” especially for enterprise or locked-down work devices.
Marketing also emphasizes “versatile media support” and high-quality photo printing. This is largely confirmed by owners printing on glossy paper, with Consumer Reports noting it produces “very good photos on glossy paper that most people would be happy with.” Yet, the reality of ink costs tempers this praise — with yearly expenses estimated at $107, high for a consumer inkjet.
Canon’s claim of “handle multi-page documents with ease” via the auto document feeder is functionally accurate. Best Buy reviewers appreciated duplex scanning, but some noted the scanner is “not as crisp as the Epson scanner I had previously,” showing that while adequate for contracts and homework, it may not meet professional archiving standards.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The TR7020a’s print quality is the standout feature. Across Best Buy, Fakespot, and Consumer Reports, users describe sharp text and vibrant color. One Best Buy customer wrote: "Prints nice pages, it’s just really nice... I am really happy with it." For students and home offices, the auto-duplex printing is a hit — saving paper and hassle during large assignments. The compact design with dual paper feeding is also beloved in small spaces; Reddit feedback highlights the ability to keep plain paper in the front cassette and load photo paper in the rear without swapping.
Mobile printing capabilities receive consistent applause. iPad and iPhone owners enjoy AirPrint integration, while Android users benefit from Mopria support. A Best Buy buyer praised: "Prints documents from my iPad and iPhone." This makes it attractive for households with mixed devices.
Another point of praise is the ease of setup for most home users. Fakespot’s analysis shows minimal deception in reviews, with one buyer noting: "By contrast this Canon printer was simple to set up." For occasional use, even the included starter ink lasts well — one owner reported still using the free cartridges months later.
Common Complaints
Ink cost and cartridge waste are the most frequent frustrations. Because it uses a two-cartridge system, replacing the entire color cartridge when one color runs out feels wasteful. Consumer Reports calculates text prints at 12.9 cents per page and graphics at 45.6 cents, which adds up quickly.
Connectivity issues are another sticking point. While Wi-Fi works well initially, several Best Buy reviewers reported that after weeks, mobile devices show the printer as “offline” despite being powered on — forcing them to print from laptops instead. Scanning workflow is also criticized; without a physical button, scans must be initiated from Canon’s app, which some find cumbersome.
Speed and noise draw mixed reactions. While Canon specifies 13 ipm black and 6.8 ipm color, real-world feedback calls it “a bit slower than expected” and “noisy.” Paper jams, though not universal, are serious when they occur — one long-term owner’s unit began jamming every time after a year, along with black print misalignment.
Divisive Features
The OLED display is polarizing. Some find it bright and clear, but others think the menu is “not user friendly” compared to older Pixma models. Auto power-off functionality splits opinion: energy-conscious users appreciate it, but others are annoyed at having to turn the printer back on before each job.
Durability sparks debate. While many report reliable performance for a year or more, others have experienced fatal errors post-warranty. A frustrated Best Buy customer shared: "This will be my last Canon... after about a year it refused to print black." Yet, replacement under protection plans mitigates this risk for some buyers.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Fakespot analyses reveal minimal review manipulation and high-quality feedback. However, long-term reliability varies. Some owners are still using their TR7020a trouble-free after a year, primarily for light monochrome printing. Others, particularly heavier users, report mechanical issues like feeder jams and persistent misalignment after 12 months.
Firmware updates are available directly on the printer, and Canon occasionally pushes feature or bug fixes. This helps with connectivity stability but won’t resolve hardware wear. As one Consumer Reports note warns, “Firmware upgrades may enhance operation, fix bugs, or add features, but won’t extend the life of mechanical parts.”
Alternatives
Several reviewers compared the TR7020a to Epson scanners, finding the Canon’s scan quality slightly inferior for fine detail. HP’s ink rental program was mentioned unfavorably, with one Best Buy buyer advising: "Do not get HP and their crazy ink rental program." For those prioritizing lower ink costs, Canon’s MegaTank series might be worth considering, though at a higher initial price.
Price & Value
The TR7020a’s purchase price often hovers around $99-$129 new, with eBay listings showing used units as low as $36 and open-box as high as $89. Given its strong print quality and features, the upfront value is excellent. However, factoring in ink costs over several years changes the equation — Consumer Reports estimates $627 total over five years for typical use.
Community buying tips stress checking compatibility with your devices, especially if workplace computers restrict app downloads needed for scanning. Protection plans are recommended by owners who experienced post-warranty failures.
FAQ
Q: Does the Canon PIXMA TR7020a work without replacing all colors?
A: No, the multi-color cartridge must be replaced when any single color runs out, leading to potential ink waste for light users.
Q: How is the photo print quality?
A: Users report “very good” glossy photo output suitable for family albums and crafts, though professionals may prefer higher-end photo printers.
Q: Can it scan without using the app?
A: No, scanning must be initiated via Canon’s software or mobile app; there is no dedicated scan button on the printer itself.
Q: Is it suitable for high-volume printing?
A: Not ideal — while capable, ink costs and potential wear make it better suited for moderate home or student use.
Q: Does it support wireless printing from phones?
A: Yes, via Canon Print app, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria for Android, with generally positive feedback from mobile users.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a home user, student, or hobbyist seeking excellent print quality, duplex functionality, and compact design at a low upfront cost. Avoid if you need high-volume, low-cost-per-page printing or professional-grade scanning. Pro tip from the community: pair the TR7020a with a retailer protection plan to safeguard against post-warranty mechanical failures.
