When you're shopping in printers scanners, the biggest question is usually whether to buy simple and affordable or feature-rich and potentially problematic. Today's comparison puts the Canon PIXMA TS6420a up against the HP PhotoSmart 7520. Both are all-in-one color inkjet machines with print, scan, and copy functions, but they take different paths when it comes to price and focus. The right choice depends on whether you value a low-stress option or a hands-on project.
Quick verdict
If you want a machine that works right out of the box without any maintenance surprises, the Canon PIXMA TS6420a is the straightforward choice, and it costs $69.95. If you are willing to invest time into getting it running, the HP PhotoSmart 7520 at $175.00 leans into photo printing. For most households, the Canon's lower price and no-surprise operation make it the sensible default. The HP makes sense only if you specifically want a photo-focused model and are ready to tinker.
Comparison at a glance
| Attribute | Canon PIXMA TS6420a | HP PhotoSmart 7520 |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | USD 69.95 | USD 175.00 |
| Condition | New | Used |
| Connectivity | Wireless, Bluetooth | Cable |
Where each product wins
Canon PIXMA TS6420a: This is the pick for a wireless setup. The machine offers both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so you can print without a cable. For a home office or student printer, that's a big plus, especially if you want to place the machine away from your router.
HP PhotoSmart 7520: This is the pick for someone who wants a photo-focused model and doesn't mind replacing the print head. The listing includes a new, unopened black ink cartridge, a driver CD, a printed setup guide, a data cable, and a power cord. If you already have parts or enjoy repairing printers, these extras soften the blow. Just remember that the actual printing will cost extra time and money until you swap in a new head.
Product notes
Canon PIXMA TS6420a
The Canon PIXMA TS6420a is an inkjet all-in-one. Its 4 ppm black print speed is slow, so long documents will test your patience. On the plus side, the listing includes 16-bit color and grayscale depth, which can help smooth gradients in images. For a student or home user who wants a low-upkeep machine for occasional print jobs, the Canon is a straightforward pick. The 16-bit processing is a nice addition, and the machine requires no special setup beyond what's typical. If you mostly print text, the slow speed will be your main complaint, but for mixed use it handles the basics well.
HP PhotoSmart 7520
The HP PhotoSmart 7520 is a used all-in-one. It turns on and the scanner works, but the print head and cartridge likely need to be replaced. That means you'll spend extra time and money to get it to print. The included accessories provide a head start, even though the printer itself needs work. For a shopper who enjoys hands-on maintenance, this model's design is the draw. If you're not ready for that level of involvement, the upkeep may outweigh the appeal. For the right buyer, the effort can pay off in a serviceable all-in-one. The listing also labels it portable, which adds to its versatility.
Final choice by use case
For a low-stress, everyday all-in-one that's ready to go, choose the Canon PIXMA TS6420a. For a shopper who enjoys hands-on maintenance, the HP PhotoSmart 7520 could be worth the effort. If you are not a tinkerer, stick with the Canon.
