Canon PIXMA TS205 Inkjet Printer Review: The Ultra-Compact Contender for Home Printing

In an age of hyper-connected, feature-packed devices, sometimes all you need is a tool that does one job and does it well. We’ve all been there: a last-minute need to print concert tickets, a child’s school project due tomorrow, or a crucial form that needs a physical signature. You rummage for the hulking all-in-one printer in the corner, only to be met with a cascade of issues—Wi-Fi connectivity drops, complex driver updates, or mysterious error codes. The frustration is palpable. The promise of a simple, reliable machine that just prints feels like a distant memory. This common struggle is precisely where the demand for a straightforward, no-nonsense printer arises. It’s for those moments when you don’t need to scan a 50-page document or print wirelessly from five different devices; you just need crisp text and vibrant colours on a page, right now. The complication of not having such a device is a reliance on print shops, the goodwill of neighbours, or simply going without, which in today’s world, is often not an option.

Essential Factors to Consider Before Buying an Inkjet Printer

An Inkjet Printer is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for bringing digital creations into the physical world with clarity and colour. For students, it’s the bridge between a well-researched essay on a screen and a professionally presented assignment. For families, it’s a tool for preserving memories as photos or creating fun projects with the kids. For the home office user, it’s an essential device for printing invoices, reports, and presentations. The main benefit lies in their ability to produce high-resolution, photo-quality images and sharp text at an accessible price point, making them incredibly versatile for a wide range of everyday tasks.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the need for occasional but high-quality printing within a limited space. Think of a university student in a small dorm room, a family in a compact apartment, or a senior user who values simplicity over a dizzying array of features. They prioritise a small footprint, ease of use, and affordability. Conversely, this type of basic printer might not be suitable for those who run a bustling home business that requires high-volume, high-speed printing, scanning, and copying. For them, a more robust, network-ready office printer with a large paper tray and an automatic document feeder would be a far better investment. They should consider higher-end all-in-one models that are built for heavier workloads.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: A printer’s physical footprint is a primary concern in any home setting. Before you buy, measure the intended space on your desk or shelf. The Canon PIXMA TS205 Inkjet Printer, for example, is exceptionally compact, making it a perfect fit for tight spaces where larger, multi-function devices simply wouldn’t be practical.
• Capacity/Performance: Performance isn’t just about speed; it’s about matching the printer’s capabilities to your needs. Consider the print resolution (measured in DPI), which determines the quality and sharpness of the output. Also, look at the paper tray capacity; a 60-sheet tray is fine for occasional use but would become tedious for printing long documents.
• Materials & Durability: Most home printers are constructed from durable plastics, but the finish matters. A glossy surface might look sleek initially but quickly attracts fingerprints and dust. The Canon PIXMA TS205 Inkjet Printer features a textured, patterned surface that we found to be remarkably practical, resisting smudges and making it easy to keep clean.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: How easy is the printer to set up and maintain? A simple USB connection can be a blessing for those who don’t want to troubleshoot wireless networks. Consider the cost and availability of ink cartridges, including whether high-yield (XL) options are available to reduce the long-term cost per page.

Keeping these factors in mind, the Canon PIXMA TS205 Inkjet Printer stands out in several areas, particularly for its compact design and straightforward operation. You can explore its detailed specifications here.

While the Canon PIXMA TS205 Inkjet 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 TS205: A Study in Simplicity

Our first impression upon unboxing the Canon PIXMA TS205 Inkjet Printer was one of refreshing minimalism. The box itself is compact, hinting at the small device within. Inside, there are no unnecessary frills: just the printer itself, securely nestled in protective packaging, a power cord, a set of starter FINE ink cartridges (one black, one colour), and a simple setup guide. The immediate takeaway is its incredible lightness; at just 2.5 kilograms, it’s a device you can easily move and position with one hand.

The design is sleek and understated. The black, patterned finish isn’t just for aesthetics; it’s a practical choice that cleverly resists the fingerprints and dust that plague its glossy counterparts. Setting it up was a testament to its core philosophy of simplicity. There’s no complex Wi-Fi pairing or app installation required. We simply plugged in the power, connected the USB cable (note: a USB cable is not always included in the box, so be sure to have one) to our PC, installed the drivers from Canon’s website, popped in the ink cartridges, and we were ready to print. It’s a beautifully straightforward process that will be a huge relief for anyone tired of modern tech complexity.

A Deep Dive into the Canon PIXMA TS205 Inkjet Printer’s Performance

A printer’s true worth is only revealed through rigorous, real-world testing. We put the Canon PIXMA TS205 Inkjet Printer through its paces, moving beyond the spec sheet to understand how it performs day-to-day. We focused on the three pillars that matter most to a home user: the quality of its output, its physical design and everyday usability, and the long-term cost of keeping it running. Our findings paint a picture of a specialised, budget-friendly machine that excels within its intended niche.

Print Quality in Detail: Beyond the DPI

On paper, a 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution is impressive for a printer in this price bracket, but numbers alone don’t tell the whole story. The magic lies in Canon’s proprietary FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) technology. This system uses a high density of microscopic nozzles to eject incredibly small, consistent ink droplets. Combined with a hybrid ink system—a pigment-based black for razor-sharp, smudge-resistant text and dye-based colours for smooth gradients and rich photo tones—the results are genuinely remarkable.

We started with a multi-page, text-heavy report. The black text was deep, crisp, and clean, with no feathering or bleeding, even on standard plain paper. It was easily legible down to very small font sizes, making it perfect for academic papers or professional documents. Next, we printed a business newsletter filled with charts, logos, and mixed graphics. The colours were accurate and punchy without being oversaturated. There was no noticeable banding, and the printer handled the complex mix of text and images with confidence. This level of quality confirms the sentiment of one user who praised its “high quality prints,” a finding we wholeheartedly endorse.

The ultimate test, however, was a 4×6” borderless photo print on glossy photo paper. The specifications claim a print time of approximately 65 seconds, a figure our tests found to be quite accurate. The final product was stunning for a non-specialist photo printer. Skin tones were natural, details in shadows were well-preserved, and the colours popped with life. While a professional photographer might demand a wider colour gamut, for family photos, holiday snaps, and creative projects, the Canon PIXMA TS205 Inkjet Printer delivers quality that far exceeds its modest price tag.

Design and Usability: Living with the TS205

The most defining characteristic of the Canon PIXMA TS205 Inkjet Printer is its physical design. Measuring a mere 10D x 16.8W x 5.2H centimetres when its trays are closed, this is one of the smallest and most unobtrusive printers we have ever tested. It’s a game-changer for anyone working in a cramped space. It can be tucked away on a bookshelf or placed on the corner of a small student desk without dominating the area. Its 2.5kg weight means relocating it is effortless.

Beyond its size, the thoughtful design choices enhance its usability. The simple, top-loading paper feed and front output tray are intuitive. There are only two buttons on the device—power and a cancel/resume button—eliminating any potential for confusion. This commitment to simplicity extends to its single-minded connectivity. The reliance on a direct USB connection is, in our view, both its greatest strength and its most significant limitation. For users who print exclusively from a single PC or laptop and value absolute reliability, this is ideal. There are no dropped Wi-Fi signals, no network configuration headaches, and no companion apps to wrestle with. It simply works. For anyone accustomed to the convenience of printing from a smartphone, tablet, or multiple computers, this will be a deal-breaker. If you value this kind of uncomplicated, rock-solid connection, the Canon PIXMA TS205 offers an appealingly straightforward experience.

A standout feature for home environments is the “Quiet Mode.” Activated through the printer’s software driver, it noticeably dampens the mechanical sounds of printing. While it slightly reduces print speed, the trade-off is well worth it when printing late at night in a shared apartment or during a conference call in a home office. It’s a small but deeply appreciated feature that shows Canon understands the specific needs of the home user.

The Cost of Ownership: Ink, Efficiency, and Longevity

The initial purchase price of a printer is often just the entry fee; the real cost unfolds over years of ink replacement. The Canon PIXMA TS205 Inkjet Printer uses a two-cartridge system: one black (PG-545) and one tri-colour (CL-546). This design is common in entry-level printers and simplifies replacement, but it does mean that if you run out of just one colour (e.g., cyan), you must replace the entire tri-colour cartridge.

To mitigate this, Canon offers high-yield PG-545XL and CL-546XL cartridges. While the upfront cost is higher, these XL versions contain significantly more ink, drastically lowering the cost-per-page and reducing the frequency of replacements. For anyone planning to print more than a handful of pages per month, we strongly recommend opting for the XL cartridges from the outset. Another welcome feature is the Auto Power Off function, which automatically shuts the printer down after a period of inactivity, helping to conserve energy without you having to think about it.

It is crucial, however, to address potential reliability concerns. While our test unit performed flawlessly, we cannot ignore a user report detailing a frustrating experience where their printer would not print in colour, leading them to suspect they received a faulty or previously used unit. This is a stark reminder that with budget electronics, quality control can sometimes be inconsistent. It underscores the absolute importance of purchasing from a reputable online source that offers a robust warranty and a straightforward returns policy, providing peace of mind should you encounter such an issue.

What Other Users Are Saying

To provide a balanced perspective, we analysed feedback from everyday users. The general sentiment appears to be quite polarised, suggesting that satisfaction heavily depends on the unit’s performance out of the box and the user’s specific expectations. On one hand, positive feedback is concise and clear. One user praised the printer as “excellent,” specifically highlighting its “reduced size and high quality prints” as the key reasons for their satisfaction. This aligns perfectly with our findings regarding its compact footprint and impressive print output.

On the other hand, a significant negative report casts a shadow. Another user detailed a deeply frustrating experience, stating their unit would “only print black ink” despite extensive troubleshooting, including installing official drivers and cleaning the nozzles. They suspected receiving a faulty or perhaps a previously returned item, a critical reminder of potential quality control lapses in the budget electronics sector. This feedback is highly relevant as it points to a potential risk for buyers. The takeaway is that while the Canon PIXMA TS205 Inkjet Printer is capable of excellent performance, there is a non-zero chance of encountering a defective model, making a reliable seller with a good return policy essential.

How the Canon PIXMA TS205 Inkjet Printer Compares to the Alternatives

The Canon PIXMA TS205 Inkjet Printer is an excellent choice for its specific niche, but the market is filled with strong competitors. To help you make the most informed decision, we’ve compared it to three notable alternatives, each catering to a different user need.

1. Canon TS705

For those who like the Canon ecosystem but find the TS205 a bit too basic, the Canon TS705 is the logical step up. It remains relatively compact but introduces a host of features the TS205 lacks, most notably comprehensive wireless and Ethernet connectivity. This allows for easy printing from laptops, smartphones, and tablets via the Canon PRINT app, AirPrint, and Mopria. It also boasts a much larger 350-sheet plain paper capacity, automatic duplex (two-sided) printing, and uses five individual ink tanks. This individual ink system is more economical in the long run, as you only need to replace the specific colour that has run out. It’s the ideal choice for a busy household or small office that needs more flexibility and volume than the TS205 can offer.

2. HP OfficeJet Pro 9010 All-in-One Wireless Printer

The HP OfficeJet Pro 9010 represents a different class of machine entirely. This is a true all-in-one workhorse designed for productivity. It not only prints but also scans, copies, and faxes, featuring a 35-sheet automatic document feeder for effortless multi-page jobs. Its connectivity is superb, with robust Wi-Fi and mobile printing options, and it’s significantly faster than the TS205. A major differentiator is its compatibility with the HP Instant Ink subscription service, where the printer orders new ink for you before you run out, based on a monthly page plan. This is a fantastic option for users with predictable, high-volume printing needs who want to streamline their workflow and ink costs, but it’s overkill for the occasional user targeted by the TS205.

3. Canon PIXMA TR150 Portable Printer

If the TS205’s key appeal is its small size, the Canon PIXMA TR150 takes portability to the next level. This is a truly mobile printer, designed for professionals, students, and anyone who needs to print on the go. It’s even smaller and lighter than the TS205 and can be powered by an optional rechargeable battery, freeing you from the need for a power outlet. It offers excellent wireless connectivity, allowing you to print directly from your laptop or smartphone wherever you are—a client’s office, a hotel room, or a lecture hall. While its print speed and paper capacity are modest, its value lies in its unparalleled portability, a feature the stationary, USB-only TS205 simply cannot match.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Canon PIXMA TS205 the Right Printer for You?

After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the Canon PIXMA TS205 Inkjet Printer is clear: it is a highly specialised tool that brilliantly serves a specific audience. This is not a printer for a busy, connected office or a family that needs to print, scan, and copy from multiple devices. Instead, it is the perfect solution for the individual who values simplicity, a compact design, and high-quality output for occasional use. Its plug-and-play USB setup is a breath of fresh air for anyone frustrated with network issues, making it an outstanding choice for students, seniors, or as a secondary, single-purpose printer in any home.

Its primary strengths are its minuscule footprint, surprisingly sharp print quality, and rock-bottom initial price. However, these are balanced by its significant limitations: a complete lack of wireless connectivity, a small 60-sheet paper tray, and concerning user reports about potential quality control issues. If you need a simple, reliable machine to connect to a single computer for printing reports, tickets, and the occasional photo, and you understand its limitations, the Canon PIXMA TS205 Inkjet Printer offers exceptional value. For everyone else, one of the more connected alternatives would be a better fit.

If you’ve decided the Canon PIXMA TS205 Inkjet Printer is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.