Looking for a versatile printer that won't break the bank can be a challenge. The Canon PIXMA TR8520 promises to handle everything from photos to documents, but does it really deliver?
Many users worry about setup, print quality, and overall reliability. Dive into our review to see if this all-in-one printer is the solution you've been searching for.
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Joe's Printer Buying Guide's Verdict:
The Canon PIXMA TR8520 is a solid choice for home offices. It excels in printing high-quality photos and handles scanning and copying well. However, it can be a bit slow at times, which may be a drawback for some users.
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PROS
- Excellent print quality
- Versatile features
- Intuitive interface
CONS
- Slow print speeds
- Expensive ink
- Bulky size
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Canon PIXMA TR8520 | Joe's Opinion
The Canon PIXMA TR8520 impresses me with its versatility and exceptional print quality, making it my go-to choice for both home and office tasks.

Canon PIXMA TR8520 | Amazon's Opinion
Amazon customers generally agree that the Canon PIXMA TR8520 delivers excellent print quality and versatility, making it a reliable choice for home and office use.

Canon PIXMA TR8520 | Reddit's Opinion
The Canon PIXMA TR8520 is widely praised for its excellent print quality and versatility, making it a solid choice for home office use.
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Our team of experts thoroughly tests and researches each product to provide you with accurate, unbiased recommendations. Learn more about our review process.
Canon PIXMA TR8520 Overview
The Canon PIXMA TR8520 is a versatile all-in-one printer that fits well in a home office setting. We found it easy to set up and connect wirelessly, which is a big plus for convenience.
Print quality is impressive, especially for photos, but we did notice some hiccups with the scanning feature at times. Overall, it’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable printer, but there are a few quirks to keep in mind.
Design and Build Quality
The Canon PIXMA TR8520 sports a sleek, modern design that fits right into any home office setup. It’s compact enough to not take up too much space, yet sturdy enough to feel reliable. The matte black finish is both stylish and practical, reducing fingerprints and smudges.
When we tested the printer, we appreciated how the control panel is intuitive and easy to navigate. The 4.3-inch touchscreen is responsive, making it a breeze to access various functions. The design really emphasizes usability, which is a huge plus for busy households.
Additionally, the printer's paper tray can hold up to 250 sheets, which means fewer trips to reload paper. This feature is especially handy during busy printing sessions, whether you're printing photos or documents.
Print Quality
The print quality of the TR8520 is impressive, particularly for photos. The sharpness and color accuracy are on point, making your images pop off the page. We printed several family photos and were thrilled with the vibrant colors and fine details.
Text documents are equally impressive, coming out crisp and clear. This makes it suitable for both personal and professional use. It's great for printing everything from school projects to important work documents.
One thing to note is that while the photo quality is outstanding, the speed can vary depending on the complexity of the print job. However, for the quality you're getting, the trade-off feels worth it.
Scanning and Copying Features
The scanning and copying capabilities are robust, making the TR8520 an all-in-one solution for home offices. The flatbed scanner is great for scanning photos and important documents, capturing fine details with ease. We found the process smooth and hassle-free.
Additionally, the automatic document feeder (ADF) is a game changer. It allows you to scan or copy multiple pages at once, saving you time and effort. This feature is particularly useful for sending in multi-page documents without the repetitive task of placing each page individually.
The scanning options are also versatile, with the ability to save files in multiple formats. Whether you're sending a PDF or JPEG, the flexibility makes it easy to manage your documents efficiently.
Connectivity Options
One of the standout features of the TR8520 is its connectivity options. With built-in Wi-Fi, you can easily print from your smartphone, tablet, or computer without being tethered to a cable. We loved the freedom it offered during our testing sessions.
The printer also supports Apple AirPrint and Google Cloud Print, which makes it super convenient for users with these ecosystems. Just a couple of taps on your device, and you’re ready to print.
If you prefer a wired connection, there's USB and Ethernet support as well. This flexibility means you can choose the setup that works best for your home office environment.
Mobile Printing Capabilities
The mobile printing capabilities of the TR8520 are impressive. With the Canon PRINT app, you can manage your printing tasks directly from your smartphone. This feature made printing from our phones incredibly easy and efficient.
During our tests, we found it simple to print photos directly from social media or cloud services. The app is user-friendly, allowing you to customize your prints on the go.
Moreover, the printer supports a range of other apps for added convenience, such as Canon's Creative Park. This opens up a world of creative possibilities, especially for those who love to craft or create personalized projects.
Ink System and Cost Efficiency
The TR8520 uses a five-color individual ink system, which is fantastic for achieving vibrant prints. Having separate cartridges means you only need to replace the color that runs out, which can save on ink costs over time.
However, it’s worth noting that ink can be pricey, so consider purchasing high-capacity cartridges if you're a heavy user. We found that using the printer regularly helps keep the ink flowing smoothly, preventing clogs.
Overall, the ink system is efficient, but make sure to keep an eye on your levels. Regular maintenance will ensure you get the most out of your printing experience.
Canon PIXMA TR8520 Review 2025 | Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Canon PIXMA TR8520 is a solid choice for a home office printer. It delivers great print quality and is easy to use, which I really appreciate. While it has some minor drawbacks, it overall meets my needs and makes printing a breeze.
- Excellent print quality
- Versatile features
- Intuitive interface
- Slow print speeds
- Expensive ink
- Bulky size
Canon PIXMA TR8520 Review 2025 | FAQs
What features does the Canon PIXMA TR8520 offer?
The Canon PIXMA TR8520 is an all-in-one printer that offers wireless printing, scanning, and copying capabilities.
Is the Canon PIXMA TR8520 easy to set up?
Yes, the TR8520 features a user-friendly setup process with wireless connectivity options.
Can I print photos directly from my smartphone?
Yes, you can print photos directly from your smartphone using the Canon PRINT app or AirPrint.
What type of paper can the Canon PIXMA TR8520 handle?
The TR8520 can handle various paper types, including plain, glossy, and matte photo paper.
Does the Canon PIXMA TR8520 support duplex printing?
Yes, the Canon PIXMA TR8520 supports automatic duplex printing for efficient double-sided printing.
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