Canon PIXMA and Epson EcoTank, as two popular series in the printer field, are usually compared by home users and small offices. People want to choose a suitable printer and strike a balance between printing cost and print quality. Today, I will compare the Canon PIXMA and Epson EcoTank series in many aspects, including initial printer price, long-term ink cost, various technology parameters, and more. I hope this article will help you make a wise choice.
Overview
EcoTank is Epson's brand for bottled ink refill technology, and many models in the Pixma series also use a bottled ink refill system, so the two series are often compared. To clarify, not all Pixma printers can be refilled with bottled ink. You have to choose specific models.
(*EcoTank is Epson's technology brand, while Pixma is Canon's printer series brand)
(*The following comparison is also based on the Pixma printers with a refillable ink system.)
| Comparison Dimension |
Epson EcoTank |
Canon Pixma |
| Image |  |
 |
| Technology | Micro piezo printing technology | Full pixel printing technology |
|
Core Technology Advantage |
PrecisionCore Printhead | FINE Printhead Technology |
|
Ink System |
Large capacity ink bottles | Large capacity ink bottles |
|
Initial Purchase Price |
Higher, $300-$400 or more |
Lower, around $200-$300 |
|
Product Line Breadth |
Wide coverage across all price ranges | Focused on entry-level to mid-range segments |
|
Long-Term Ink Cost |
Lower | Lower |
|
Print Speed |
Faster | Slower |
|
Maximum Resolution |
5760×1440 dpi | 4800×1200 dpi |
|
Photo Printing |
Slightly inferior to Canon | Excellent |
|
User Experience
|
A spill-proof ink bottle design has a built-in nozzle cleaning function |
Not designed to be spill-proof; requires regular maintenance |
|
Functionality |
Diverse and rich functions |
Simple and easy to use |
|
Applicable Scenes |
A large amount of text printing | Print primarily photos, occasionally documents |
Inicial Cost
Canon Pixmate: Canon Pixmate printers are designed for mass users and are relatively affordable. Entry-level models cost between $200 and $300. Mid- to high-end models may cost more. But overall, Canon's ink tank printers are more affordable.
Epson EcoTank: The EcoTank series is more targeted at mid- to high-end users and business needs, so the pricing will be higher than Canon. Entry-level models usually start at $400. Some high-end models with more powerful features and faster speeds may even cost up to $900 or even more.
How to Choose: Canon Pixma printers are relatively cheap and suitable for those with a limited budget, while Epson EcoTank printers are more expensive and suitable for those who need high-end features.
Long Term Ink Cost
Both the Epson EcoTank and the Canon Pixma use large, refillable ink bottles designed for high-volume printing. The ink bottles are similarly priced, so the cost per page between the two is not much different.
Print Speed and Resolution
|
Indicators |
Epson EcoTank |
Canon Pixma (MegaTank) |
|
Black and White Printing Speed |
5-15.5 ppm |
10-11 ppm |
|
Color Printing Speed |
5-8.5 ppm |
6 ppm |
|
Maximum Resolution |
5760×1440 dpi |
4800×1200 dpi |
|
First Print Time |
About 10 sec |
6-60sec |
|
Scan Resolution |
1200×2400 dpi |
600×1200 dpi |
|
Color Depth |
48 bits |
16 bits |
In terms of printing speed, the Canon Pixma G series is slightly better than the Epson EcoTank L series.
In terms of print resolution, Epson performs better in photo quality with higher resolution. Its six-color high-end models (such as the ET-8500) add photo black and gray inks, which significantly improve color accuracy and grayscale levels.
In terms of first-page output time, Epson EcoTank's first-page output time is often faster (such as ET-2800 only takes 10 seconds), while some Canon models may need 60 seconds to warm up.
In terms of scanning capabilities, Epson generally has higher optical resolution and 48-bit color depth, which can capture more delicate gradients and shadows than Canon's 16-bit
Print Quality
Canon Pixma: Canon's photo printing performance is excellent. The colors are very vivid and accurate. Especially when printing glossy photos, the brightness and contrast of the image are great.
Epson EcoTank: Although it is slightly inferior to Canon in photo printing, Epson still provides good color output. It is more than enough for document printing. At the same time, Epson EcoTank prints faster than Canon printers and is more suitable for continuous printing and large-scale printing work.
User Experience
Canon Pixma: This series is easy to refill with bottled ink, but it is not designed to be spill-proof. Users need to be careful. It is prone to clogging when idle and requires regular maintenance.
Epson EcoTank: This series uses a spill-proof ink bottle design. It is more convenient and safer. The printer has a built-in nozzle cleaning function, which makes maintenance easier.
Software
Canon Pixma: Canon offers an intuitive and easy-to-use software interface, which is suitable for users who do not want to perform complex operations. Canon's mobile applications are also very convenient and simple.
Epson EcoTank: Epson's software has richer features and provides more advanced options. If you need more powerful printing control and customization options, you can give priority to this series.
Connectivity and Smart Features
Both brands support Wi-Fi, AirPrint, and Wi-Fi Direct wireless printing, but Epson focuses more on ecosystem building:
Epson Smart Panel application: This provides one-stop management of mobile devices. From ink level monitoring to scanning settings, all can be completed through the phone.
Epson Mopria support: Android devices can print without installing drivers
Size
Epson EcoTank: This series generally adopts a compact design. For example, the L1250 is 11% smaller than the Canon of the same level. Therefore, it is lighter.
Canon Pixma: This series has a more solid structure, and some models are equipped with larger displays.
Applicable Scenes
Canon Pixma series: This series applies to many scenarios and has great advantages in photo printing
1. Entry-level
Representative Models: TS08, TS308
Main Focus: This level is a single-function or simple all-in-one printer. The printer can print basic documents and can be connected wirelessly to simplify operation.
Features: Low cost but high cost per page of ink cartridges, suitable for emergency use in families with very small print volumes.
2. Home Mainstay
Representative Models: G1020/G2020/G3020 (MegaTank ink tank series), TS3180, E3470
Main Focus: This level mainly prints text and basic photos.
Features:
The G series focuses on high print volume and low cost, suitable for students and home offices with large document needs.
The TS/E series is capable of photo printing but generally offers standard resolution (e.g., 4800 × 1200 dpi).
3. Professional Photo-Grade
Representative Models: TS6180, TS8180, TS9180
Main Focus: This level mainly consists of multifunction all-in-one printers capable of producing high-quality photo prints.
Features: These printers are equipped with 5–6 color ink systems, feature touch screens, and support wireless direct connection. They are compatible with various types of photo paper, making them ideal for photography enthusiasts or as part of a home entertainment setup.
4. Professional Imaging Grade
Representative Models: PRO-200, PRO-300, PRO-1
Main Focus: This level offers the ability to print exhibition-grade photos (up to A3+ size).
Features: These printers are equipped with 8–12 color pigment ink systems. They also support professional color calibration and can print on fine art papers, making them ideal for photographers and designers.
Epson EcoTank series: The entire series is an ink tank type. This series has low printing costs and is suitable for commercial use.
1. Entry-level Ink Tank Level
Representative models: ET-2800 series, M2120
Main Focus: cost-effective text printing.
Features: extremely low cost per page, high print volume, suitable for home work/SOHO document printing.
2. Home All-rounder Level
Representative Models: L8050, ET-3850
Main Focus: balanced photos and documents.
Features:
L8050 supports 6-color ink, borderless photo printing, and CD/DVD printing, with a resolution of 5760 × 1440 dpi. It is positioned for photo enthusiasts.
ET-3850 adds duplex printing and an ADF, making it suitable for multitasking in home office environments.
3. Business Efficiency Level
Representative Model: ET-5800 Pro
Main Focus: enterprise-level text and chart output.
Features: This level has high-speed printing, a large paper box, and dual-band Wi-Fi. Pigment ink is waterproof and light-resistant. This series is suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises.
4. Large Format Commercial Grade
Representative model: ET-16600 series
Main Focus: A3+ poster/design draft output.
Features: Supports A3 size, offers high precision with a 4800 × 2400 dpi resolution, and features a high-capacity ink tank for up to 7,500 pages, making it ideal for advertising agencies and design studios.
How to Choose a Suitable Printer
1. Based on Core Difference
| Serious | Epson EcoTank |
Canon Pixma |
| Main advantages | Accurate photo colors, professional image output | Low-cost document printing, strong commercial functions |
| Typical users | Photography enthusiasts and family photo output | Students and corporate high-frequency document printing users |
2. Based on Needs
| Main Purpose | Recommended Choice | Specific Model and Advantages |
| High-volume text printing | Epson EcoTank | ET-2800 |
| Balanced photo and document printing | Mid-range models of both |
Epson L8050 Canon G3020 |
| Efficient office use for small businesses | Epson EcoTank | ET-5800 Pro |
| Professional photo output | Canon Pixma | Canon Pixma Pro series PRO-300: |
