There’s a universal moment of dread that every modern household experiences: the urgent need to print something. It could be a last-minute school assignment, a concert ticket, a return label, or an important form that needs a physical signature. You click “Print,” and… nothing happens. Or worse, you’re met with a cryptic error code, a paper jam from hell, or the sudden, soul-crushing realisation that your ink cartridges have dried up from disuse. For years, my family and I battled with an old, cumbersome printer that was more of a decorative paperweight than a functional device. It was unreliable, expensive to run, and its “wireless” capabilities were a myth. We knew we needed a change—a simple, affordable, all-in-one solution that could print, scan, and copy without a fuss, seamlessly connecting to our phones and laptops. The search for a dependable, cost-effective home printer is what led us to test the Canon PIXMA MG3650S All-in-One Printer.
- WIRELESS PRINTER: Enjoy crisp prints & photos (with up to 100 years of album life) direct from your phone - ideal photo & document printer
- PHOTO PRINTING: Enjoy vivid, long-lasting photos from this photo printer with Canon FINE ink cartridges & ChromaLife100 Ink - ideal for creative projects
What to Consider Before Buying an All-in-One Inkjet Printer
An All-in-One Inkjet Printer is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for consolidating your home office needs into a single, compact device. It solves the problem of clutter by combining the functionalities of a printer, a scanner, and a copier, saving you both space and money. The main benefits are convenience and versatility. You can go from printing a high-quality family photo from your smartphone to scanning important documents for your records, or making a quick copy of a bill, all from one machine. This eliminates the need for multiple gadgets and the tangled mess of cables that comes with them, streamlining your workflow for work, school, or personal projects.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the daily demands of a modern household or a small home office. This includes students who need to print essays and research materials, parents managing school forms and creative projects, or remote workers who require a reliable device for printing reports and scanning receipts. It’s for the person who values wireless convenience and wants to print directly from their phone or tablet without being tethered to a computer. However, it might not be suitable for those who need to print in very high volumes, such as a busy office environment, as the cost-per-page with standard ink cartridges can become significant. For high-volume users, a laser printer or an inkjet with a tank system might be a more economical alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: An “all-in-one” shouldn’t mean “takes over your entire desk.” Measure your intended space carefully. The Canon PIXMA MG3650S is relatively compact at approximately 44.9W x 30.4D x 15.2H cm (based on common measurements for this model), but you still need to account for the paper trays extending and having clearance above for the scanner lid. Always double-check dimensions to ensure a comfortable fit in your workspace.
- Connectivity & Performance: In today’s world, Wi-Fi is non-negotiable. Check for easy mobile printing support like Apple AirPrint and Mopria for Android, as well as a dedicated brand app. Performance isn’t just about speed (pages per minute), but also resolution (measured in DPI). A high DPI like 4800 x 1200 is excellent for producing sharp text and vibrant photos, a key strength of this Canon model.
- Running Costs & Ink System: The initial price of a printer is only part of the story. Investigate the cost and page yield of its ink cartridges. The Canon PIXMA MG3650S uses two cartridges (one black, one tri-colour), which is simple but can be wasteful if you use one colour more than the others. Consider if high-yield (XL) cartridges are available, as they often provide better long-term value.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A printer should simplify your life, not complicate it. Look for features like automatic duplex (2-sided) printing, which saves paper and effort. The setup process should be straightforward, though as we found, this can vary. Maintenance involves replacing ink and clearing occasional paper jams, so the accessibility of these areas is important.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Canon PIXMA MG3650S All-in-One Printer stands out in several areas, particularly for its balance of features and affordability. You can explore its detailed specifications and current offers here.
While the Canon PIXMA MG3650S All-in-One Printer is an excellent choice for many, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Wide range of features
- More for you in it! original HP 2-pack ink cartridges
- CANON INK: Value Pack includes black & colour inks & 50 sheets of Glossy Photo Paper - genuine Canon Ink provides consistent quality prints 100% of the time
First Impressions: Compact, Clean, and Ready for Action
Unboxing the Canon PIXMA MG3650S All-in-One Printer, our first impression was of its clean, compact design. We tested the white model, which has a modern and unobtrusive look that blends well into a home environment without screaming “office equipment.” The plastic construction feels standard for a printer in this price bracket—it’s lightweight and functional rather than premium, but it feels sturdy enough for regular household use. At just 5.4 kg, it was easy for one person to lift and position on a desk.
Inside the box, we found the printer itself, a power cord, a set of standard PG-540 (Black) and CL-541 (Colour) FINE cartridges to get started, and setup documentation. A notable omission, common with many printers today, is a USB cable. This heavily signals Canon’s “wireless-first” approach, pushing users towards Wi-Fi setup. The control panel is minimalist, featuring a few physical buttons and indicator lights rather than an LCD screen. This simplifies operation but means you rely almost entirely on your computer or the mobile app for status updates and advanced configuration, which can be a double-edged sword as we later discovered.
What We Liked
- Excellent print quality for both documents and photos at this price point.
- Seamless wireless printing from smartphones via the Canon PRINT app, AirPrint, and Mopria.
- Automatic duplex printing is a fantastic paper-saving feature not always found on budget models.
- Compact and lightweight design fits well in small home office spaces.
Drawbacks
- Can be quite noisy during operation, a point echoed in several user accounts.
- Initial Wi-Fi setup can be challenging for less tech-savvy users.
- Standard ink cartridges have a relatively low page yield, leading to higher long-term costs for frequent printers.
A Deep Dive into the Canon PIXMA MG3650S’s Performance
A printer’s true worth is revealed not on the spec sheet, but through day-to-day use. We put the Canon PIXMA MG3650S All-in-One Printer through its paces over several weeks, testing everything from its initial setup to its most advanced features. We printed text-heavy reports, scanned old family photos, copied receipts, and even produced some borderless 6×4″ photo prints. Here’s our detailed breakdown of how it performed.
The Wireless Setup: A Tale of Two Experiences
Canon heavily promotes the wireless capabilities of this printer, and for good reason. When it works, it’s liberating. Our primary setup method involved using the Canon PRINT app on an iPhone, and this proved to be the most straightforward path. The app guides you through connecting the printer to your Wi-Fi network step-by-step. Within about 15 minutes, we were connected and ready to print our first test page directly from a smartphone. This experience aligns with feedback from users who found it “very good” and praised the ability to “use iPhone to print out directly.” For anyone comfortable with mobile apps, this is the way to go.
However, we also attempted a setup directly from a Windows PC without using the app initially, and this is where we hit some snags. The process felt less intuitive, and we can sympathise with users who reported that connecting via Wi-Fi “was not easy” and took them “a few hours” to accomplish. The lack of an LCD screen on the printer means all troubleshooting and network configuration feedback happens on your computer screen, which can feel disconnected. One user noted installing from the included CD resulted in outdated software, reinforcing our recommendation to download the latest drivers and software directly from Canon’s website. Our takeaway: stick to the app-based setup for the smoothest experience. Once connected, the Wi-Fi was stable and reliable, and we had no issues printing from any device on our network.
Print Quality: Punching Far Above Its Weight
This is where the Canon PIXMA MG3650S All-in-One Printer truly shines and offers exceptional value. Leveraging Canon’s FINE cartridge system and a maximum resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi, the output quality is simply fantastic for a budget device. We printed several pages of black-and-white text documents, and the characters were crisp, sharp, and highly legible, with no smudging or bleeding, even on standard copy paper. This makes it more than adequate for schoolwork, reports, and any professional documents.
Where we were most impressed, however, was with colour and photo printing. We printed a few high-resolution images on Canon’s glossy photo paper, and the results were stunning. Colours were vibrant, details were sharp, and the borderless printing feature worked flawlessly, producing prints that looked professionally developed. Canon’s ChromaLife100 system promises prints that last for up to 100 years in an album, and while we can’t test that claim, the initial quality suggests a richness that will hold up. This performance makes it a perfect choice for families who want to print photos at home without compromising on quality. The exceptional output is a key reason why, despite some quirks, this printer remains a top contender. If producing high-quality prints is your priority, you can find out more about this printer’s photo capabilities here.
All-in-One Functionality: The Daily Grind
Beyond printing, the MG3650S is a capable scanner and copier. The flatbed scanner handles documents and photos up to A4 size. Using the Canon PRINT app or the desktop software, scanning is straightforward. We scanned several documents, and the resulting digital files were clear and accurate. The ability to scan directly to a smartphone is incredibly convenient for digitizing receipts or forms on the fly. Copying is just as simple, initiated by dedicated buttons on the printer itself. It can produce up to 21 copies in a single run, which is ample for any home-use scenario.
One consistent piece of feedback we must confirm is the noise level. Several users described the printer as “bruyante” (noisy), and we agree. During startup and printing, the machine makes a series of mechanical whirs and clunks that are quite noticeable in a quiet room. Canon does include a “Quiet Mode” feature in the software, which we tested. It does reduce the operational noise significantly, but at the cost of print speed. For most users, this is a perfectly acceptable trade-off, but it’s something to be aware of if you plan to use it in a shared living space or need to print while others are sleeping or working.
Long-Term Costs and Reliability Concerns
The achilles’ heel of most budget inkjet printers is the cost of ink, and the Canon PIXMA MG3650S All-in-One Printer is no exception. The included standard cartridges will get you started, but they won’t last long. For anyone printing more than 20-30 pages a month, upgrading to the XL high-yield cartridges is an absolute must. They cost more upfront but offer a significantly lower cost per page, saving you money in the long run. We also noted a user complaint about “exorbitant” ink consumption and paper feed problems developing after several months of use. During our shorter testing period, we didn’t experience any paper jams or reliability issues. However, this feedback serves as an important reminder that this is a light-duty home printer. It’s built for occasional to moderate use, not for churning out hundreds of pages a week. For its intended purpose, it feels reliable, but pushing it beyond its limits could lead to issues down the line.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our findings are largely reflected in the broader customer experience. The positive sentiment overwhelmingly centres on the convenience of wireless printing. One user summed it up perfectly: “Wireless makes the printer easier to use… I can use iPhone to print out directly. So overall it’s very good.” Another simply stated it’s a “Muy buena calidad” (Very good quality) and that they’d had no problems with the Wi-Fi, recommending it for its ease of use.
On the negative side, the theme of a difficult setup for some, high noise levels, and ink costs are common. One user described the setup instructions as “Nervige” (annoying), while another was blunt about the noise, stating “elle n’est pas ‘insonore’ du tout” (it’s not ‘silent’ at all). The most critical feedback came from a user who experienced “permanent Papiereinzugsprobleme” (permanent paper feed problems) and high ink usage after less than a year, concluding it was not recommendable for them. This spectrum of reviews paints a clear picture: it’s a highly capable printer for its price, but it’s not without its flaws, and long-term durability may be a concern for heavier users.
How Does the Canon PIXMA MG3650S Compare to the Alternatives?
No product exists in a vacuum. To give you the full picture, we’ve compared the Canon PIXMA MG3650S All-in-One Printer against three popular competitors in the home printer market.
1. HP DeskJet 3760 All-in-One Printer
- Easily print from a variety of smartphones and tablets
- Compatible Operating Systems are Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP SP3 (32-bit), Mac OS X v10.8 Mountain Lion, OS X v10.9 Mavericks, OS X v10.10 Yosemite
The HP DeskJet 3760 is often touted as one of the world’s smallest all-in-one printers, and its ultra-compact design is its main selling point. If desk space is your absolute top priority, the HP is a compelling choice. It uses a unique scan-through feeder rather than a traditional flatbed, which saves space but is less versatile for scanning books or thick documents. The major differentiating factor is HP’s Instant Ink subscription service. For a monthly fee based on pages printed (not cartridges used), HP automatically ships you new ink. This can be very cost-effective for consistent, moderate printers. However, if your printing volume is erratic or very low, the Canon’s pay-as-you-go cartridge model might feel more straightforward and less committal.
2. Canon PIXMA MG3650S All-in-One Printer
- WIRELESS PRINTER: Enjoy crisp prints & photos (with up to 100 years of album life) direct from your phone - ideal photo & document printer
- PHOTO PRINTING: Enjoy vivid, long-lasting photos from this photo printer with Canon FINE ink cartridges & ChromaLife100 Ink - ideal for creative projects
This is the black colour variant of the model we reviewed. Functionally, it is identical to the white version, offering the same excellent 4800 x 1200 dpi print resolution, automatic duplexing, and robust wireless connectivity. The choice between them comes down purely to aesthetics and which colour best suits your home office decor. This alternative serves to reinforce the MG3650S’s strong position in the market. It represents a fantastic balance of low initial cost, high-quality output (especially for photos), and essential features like 2-sided printing that are perfect for the average home user who needs a reliable, versatile machine for a variety of tasks.
3. Epson EcoTank ET-2750 A4 Printer
- Save 90 percent on the cost of ink*: Equivalent of 88 cartridges worth of ink included
- Ultra-low-cost printing: Print up to 14,000 pages in black and 5,200 pages in colour
The Epson EcoTank ET-2750 represents a completely different approach to ink. Instead of cartridges, it features large, refillable ink tanks that you fill from bottles. The upfront cost of the printer is significantly higher than the Canon PIXMA MG3650S. However, the running costs are dramatically lower. The ink included in the box can last for up to two years for an average user. If you are a high-volume printer—running a home business, homeschooling, or just printing frequently—the Epson will almost certainly save you a substantial amount of money in the long term. For the occasional user, however, the high initial investment may be hard to justify when the Canon offers comparable print quality for a fraction of the entry price.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Canon PIXMA MG3650S the Right Printer for You?
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Canon PIXMA MG3650S All-in-One Printer is an outstanding value proposition for the right user. Its primary strengths are its superb print quality, especially for photos, its reliable wireless connectivity (when set up via the app), and the inclusion of premium features like automatic duplexing at a budget-friendly price point. It’s the perfect workhorse for families, students, and casual home office users who need a versatile machine for a variety of tasks but don’t print in high volumes every single day.
You should be aware of its shortcomings: it can be noisy, the setup can be tricky if you don’t use the mobile app, and the running costs can add up if you print frequently and stick to standard cartridges. But for its intended audience, these trade-offs are more than fair. It successfully bridges the gap between performance and price, delivering results that feel far more expensive than its price tag suggests.
If you’ve decided the Canon PIXMA MG3650S All-in-One Printer is the right fit for your home, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API