Canon PIXMA MG2551S Inkjet Multifunctional Printer Review: A Reality Check for Budget-Conscious Users

There’s a familiar scenario in almost every home and small office: the sudden, urgent need to print a document. It might be a concert ticket, a shipping label for a return, a child’s homework assignment, or a critical invoice. You hit “Print,” and… nothing happens. Your old printer has finally given up, the ink has mysteriously dried out, or perhaps you’ve never owned one, relying on libraries or the office until now. The search begins for a machine that can do it all—print, scan, and copy—without costing a fortune. But the market is a minefield of confusing model numbers, expensive ink cartridges, and promises of seamless connectivity that often lead to hours of troubleshooting. The real fear isn’t just buying the wrong printer; it’s buying into a cycle of frustration and hidden costs. This is the exact problem the Canon PIXMA MG2551S Inkjet Multifunctional Printer aims to solve, positioning itself as the simple, no-frills answer for basic home needs.

What to Consider Before Buying an All-In-One Printer

An All-In-One Printer is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for consolidating tasks and saving space. For homes, students, and small offices, it acts as a central hub for managing documents, eliminating the need for separate scanners and copiers. The main benefits are undeniable: cost-efficiency over buying three separate devices, a smaller physical footprint, and the convenience of having all your document-handling tools in one place. It streamlines workflows, whether you’re digitizing old photos, copying important IDs, or printing essential paperwork.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing sporadic, low-volume printing needs. Think of the student who needs to print essays once a week, the family that needs to scan school forms and print travel documents, or the home user who occasionally needs to copy a receipt. It’s for people who value simplicity and a low initial purchase price above all else. However, it might not be suitable for those who run a business from home with high-volume printing demands, require high-quality photo prints, or need advanced features like wireless printing from multiple devices, an automatic document feeder (ADF), or faxing capabilities. For those users, a more robust office-oriented printer or a dedicated photo printer would be a far better investment.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Printers, even compact ones, can take up significant desk real estate. Measure your intended space carefully, accounting not just for the printer’s footprint but also for the clearance needed to open scanner lids and extend paper trays. The lightweight build of models like the Canon PIXMA MG2551S Inkjet Multifunctional Printer makes them easy to place, but ensure you have a stable surface near your computer, as wired connectivity is often the only option in this price range.
• Capacity/Performance: This covers several areas. How fast does it print (pages per minute, or PPM)? What is the print resolution (dots per inch, or DPI), which affects quality? And critically, what is the paper tray capacity? A model with a 10-sheet capacity, for example, is fine for single documents but would be incredibly tedious for printing a 50-page report.
• Connectivity & Compatibility: In today’s wireless world, this is paramount. Does the printer support Wi-Fi or Bluetooth? Can you print directly from your smartphone or tablet? Many budget models are USB-only, meaning they must be physically tethered to a computer to function. Always check for compatibility with your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) as driver support can vary significantly.
• Long-Term Cost & Maintenance: The initial price of the printer is only part of the story. The true cost of ownership lies in the ink. Investigate the price and page yield of replacement cartridges. Some printers use two cartridges (one black, one tri-colour), which can be wasteful as you must replace the entire colour cartridge even if only one colour runs out. Others use individual ink tanks, which are often more economical.

Keeping these factors in mind, the Canon PIXMA MG2551S Inkjet Multifunctional Printer stands out in its simplicity and affordability. You can explore its detailed specifications and current offers here.

While the Canon PIXMA MG2551S Inkjet Multifunctional Printer is an excellent choice for a specific user, 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:

Unboxing the Canon PIXMA MG2551S: First Impressions and Feature Fact-Check

Opening the box of the Canon PIXMA MG2551S Inkjet Multifunctional Printer is a straightforward, no-frills experience that perfectly matches the product’s ethos. Inside, you’ll find the printer unit itself, a power cord, a USB cable (a welcome inclusion, as many manufacturers omit this), and a set of starter ink cartridges—one black (PG-545) and one colour (CL-546). The unit is surprisingly lightweight, weighing just over 4kg, and its compact, matte black plastic shell feels basic but adequately sturdy for its purpose. There’s no glamour here, just pure utility.

Our immediate impression is one of stark simplicity. The control panel consists of just a few physical buttons and indicator lights—a far cry from the “Touch” interface mentioned in some online specifications. This is a critical point of clarification: this device is operated by buttons, not a touchscreen. Similarly, we must address the connectivity. Despite some technical sheets listing Ethernet, our model, and indeed the standard for this series, is exclusively USB-connected. There is no Ethernet port, no Wi-Fi, and no Bluetooth. This isn’t a flaw for its target price, but a crucial expectation to set for potential buyers. It’s a classic, old-school peripheral that must be physically tethered to a PC or laptop to function.

Putting the PIXMA MG2551S to the Test: A Performance Deep Dive

A printer’s value is ultimately decided not by its price tag, but by its performance in the real world. Does it produce clear text? Is the scanner easy to use? Does it jam every third page? We spent extensive time with the Canon PIXMA MG2551S Inkjet Multifunctional Printer, putting it through a series of tests designed to simulate typical home and student use cases. Our deep dive goes beyond the spec sheet to tell you how this machine actually performs when you need it most, exploring everything from the setup process to the final print quality and the all-important long-term running costs.

The Reality of Setup: A Wired and Sometimes Wearying Process

Setting up the Canon PIXMA MG2551S Inkjet Multifunctional Printer should be simple, and for the most part, it is. Physically, it’s a breeze: unpack, plug in the power, and insert the two ink cartridges into their colour-coded slots. The real test comes with the software installation. You connect the printer to your computer via the included USB-A to USB-B cable, and this is where the journey can diverge. For modern Windows users, the operating system often recognizes the printer and automatically fetches the basic drivers, getting you up and running in minutes. However, to access the full suite of scanning and maintenance tools, you’ll need to install Canon’s software package.

This is where we ran into some friction, an experience that seems to echo the frustrations voiced by some users, particularly those on different operating systems. One user noted they were “fed up of this bad quality and logging printer” and recommended Mac users “avoid” it. While our Windows setup was relatively smooth, we can see how the driver-dependent nature of this device could cause issues. If the software isn’t perfectly compatible or up-to-date with your specific OS version (especially macOS, which can have stricter security protocols), you can easily find yourself in a loop of failed installations or a non-responsive device. There’s no network troubleshooting here; if the USB connection or driver fails, the printer is simply a plastic box. It’s a reminder that the simplicity of a wired connection comes with its own potential set of dated, frustrating problems.

Core Print and Copy Quality: Functional for Text, Forgettable for Photos

Once connected, we tested the core printing function. With a maximum resolution of 600 x 600 dpi, our expectations were managed, and the printer performed exactly as anticipated. For black-and-white text documents—like essays, reports, and letters—the output is perfectly acceptable. Text is crisp and legible, with minimal bleeding on standard A4 paper. It’s more than adequate for schoolwork or administrative tasks. Copying a black-and-white document yields a nearly identical result, a testament to the scanner and print heads working in basic harmony.

However, the moment colour is introduced, the limitations become apparent. When printing a simple colour graph or a webpage with images, the colours appeared somewhat muted and lacked the vibrancy of more expensive printers. We then attempted to print a 4×6 photo on glossy paper, and the results were disappointing. The low resolution leads to a soft, slightly grainy image that lacks fine detail and accurate colour reproduction. This is not a photo printer, and it doesn’t pretend to be. The print speed is also decidedly slow, especially for colour documents. This is a machine for printing one or two pages at a time, not for churning out a 30-page presentation five minutes before a meeting. The tiny paper tray, which comfortably holds about 20 sheets of standard paper despite its official specs, reinforces this intended use case: sporadic and low-volume.

The Scanning Workhorse: The Unsung Hero of the Package

While the printing is merely functional, we found the flatbed scanner to be the most compelling feature of the Canon PIXMA MG2551S Inkjet Multifunctional Printer for its price. In an increasingly digital world, the need to quickly digitize a signed contract, a child’s drawing, or pages from a textbook is a common and often frustrating task without the right hardware. The MG2551S’s scanner is simple and effective. Using Canon’s IJ Scan Utility software, scanning is intuitive. You lift the lid, place your document, and initiate the scan from your computer.

The resulting scans are clean, clear, and more than sufficient for document archiving and sharing via email. At a resolution of up to 600 x 1200 dpi (optical), it captures text with excellent clarity and does a respectable job with colour documents and old photographs you might want to digitize for posterity. While it won’t rival a dedicated photo scanner for archival work, it’s a fantastic tool for everyday administrative tasks. For many potential buyers, the reliable scanning function alone could justify the printer’s modest purchase price, effectively making the printing and copying features a bonus. If your primary need is a simple way to get physical documents onto your computer, this device performs admirably. The fact that you can get this versatile scanning and printing capability for such a low cost is its strongest selling point.

The Real Cost of Ownership: Ink, Inefficiency, and Connectivity

This brings us to the most critical aspect of owning the Canon PIXMA MG2551S Inkjet Multifunctional Printer: the long-term cost. The printer itself is incredibly cheap, but this follows the classic “razor and blades” business model. The real investment is in the ink. It uses the PG-545 (black) and CL-546 (colour) cartridges, which are not known for their high page yield. The standard starter cartridges included in the box will run out surprisingly fast. Purchasing high-yield (XL) versions is almost mandatory for even moderate use, but even these can feel costly relative to the printer’s initial price.

Furthermore, the tri-colour cartridge system is inherently inefficient. If you print many documents with blue graphs and your cyan ink runs out, you must replace the entire colour cartridge, even if the magenta and yellow chambers are still full. This wastefulness adds up over time. When you combine the high cost per page with the complete lack of modern connectivity—no Wi-Fi for printing from a laptop on the sofa, no app for printing a photo from your phone—the value proposition begins to narrow significantly. This is a device for the exceptionally patient, low-volume user who is always at their desk and willing to pay a premium for the convenience of ink on demand.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our findings are largely consistent with the general user sentiment for this type of budget printer. Feedback is often polarized, hinging entirely on user expectations. On one hand, many praise the Canon PIXMA MG2551S Inkjet Multifunctional Printer for its low price and straightforward functionality. Users who just need a basic machine for occasional printing and scanning often report being very satisfied, calling it a “great little printer for the money” that “does what it says on the tin.”

On the other hand, there is a distinct vein of criticism that aligns with the negative review provided. One user’s comment—”I don’t buy canon printers anymore ,also recommend avoid who have mac ,I fed up of this bad quality and logging printer”—highlights two key pain points. The “bad quality” likely refers to the photo printing capabilities and perhaps the lightweight build, while the “logging” and Mac issues point directly to the driver and software frustrations we anticipated. This feedback is highly relevant as it underscores the importance of compatibility and the potential for a poor user experience if the software doesn’t cooperate with your system.

How Does the Canon PIXMA MG2551S Compare to the Competition?

The Canon PIXMA MG2551S Inkjet Multifunctional Printer operates in a crowded market. While its price is one of the lowest, stepping up just slightly in budget can unlock a world of features. Here’s how it stacks up against three popular alternatives.

1. Epson WorkForce WF-7840DTW A3+ 4-in-1 Printer Duplex

Comparing the PIXMA MG2551S to the Epson WorkForce WF-7840DTW is like comparing a scooter to a freight train. The Epson is a powerhouse designed for small businesses and prosumers. It offers A3+ printing, lightning-fast speeds (25ppm black), duplex everything (print, scan, copy), an automatic document feeder (ADF), fax capabilities, and robust connectivity with Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and mobile printing. It is superior in every conceivable metric. A user would choose the Epson if they run a business, need to print large-format documents like posters or spreadsheets, or simply cannot tolerate the slow, feature-starved nature of an entry-level device.

2. Canon PIXMA TS5350 Wifi Printer

The Canon PIXMA TS5350 is the most logical step-up from the MG2551S and its direct modern equivalent. For a modest increase in price, you gain the single most important feature missing from the MG2551S: Wi-Fi connectivity. This immediately untethers you from your desk, allowing for easy printing from laptops, smartphones, and tablets via Canon’s app. It also features a small OLED screen for easier operation, automatic duplex printing, and significantly better print quality, especially for photos. Someone should choose the TS5350 if their budget can stretch just a little further to gain the immense convenience of wireless printing that is now standard in most households.

3. Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4830 4-in-1 Printer

The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4830 sits between the two other alternatives, targeting the serious home office or small workgroup. Like the WF-7840DTW, it is built for productivity, featuring fast print speeds, a 50-page duplex ADF, and a large paper capacity. It uses Epson’s PrecisionCore technology for sharp text and offers more economical ink options than the Canon budget model. This is the choice for someone who prints and scans multi-page documents frequently and needs a reliable, efficient machine that won’t be a bottleneck. It’s for users who have moved beyond occasional use and require a tool for their work, not just a casual peripheral.

Final Verdict: Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the Canon PIXMA MG2551S?

After extensive testing, our verdict on the Canon PIXMA MG2551S Inkjet Multifunctional Printer is clear: it is a functional, no-apologies budget device that serves a very specific niche. If you are a student, a senior, or a home user with minimal and infrequent printing needs, and your absolute top priority is the lowest possible initial cost, this printer will get the job done. Its reliable scanner is a genuine asset, and for printing the occasional shipping label or text document from a computer it’s physically connected to, it performs adequately. It is a tool of last resort for the digitally minimalist user.

However, we cannot recommend it to anyone else. The lack of wireless connectivity is a deal-breaker in a modern home. The slow speeds, low capacity, and incredibly high long-term ink costs make it a poor economic choice for anyone who prints more than a few pages a month. For just a little more money, you can get a printer with Wi-Fi that will offer a vastly superior and less frustrating user experience. The MG2551S is a functional relic of a bygone, fully-wired era.

If you’ve weighed the pros and cons and decided the sheer affordability of the Canon PIXMA MG2551S Inkjet Multifunctional Printer is the right fit for your limited needs, you can check its current price and purchase it here.