There’s a specific kind of modern-day panic that sets in the moment you hit “Print” on an urgent document, only to be met with a blinking error light. Perhaps it’s the dreaded “Ink Low” warning when you have no spare cartridges, or the even more frustrating paper jam just minutes before a crucial deadline. For years, my home office was dominated by a bulky all-in-one machine that promised the world—scanning, copying, faxing—but delivered frustration. It was a jack of all trades and master of none, with a tiny paper tray that needed constant refilling and a wireless connection that seemed to have a mind of its own. I realised that for 95% of my tasks, I just needed one thing: a reliable, high-quality printer that simply works. The search for a dedicated machine that could handle a decent volume of printing without constant babysitting led me to investigate a more focused solution, a printer built for printing and printing alone.
- SIMPLE CONNECTIVITY: Connect to Ethernet or link a laptop, PC or smart device at the touch of a button and print with the Canon PRINT app, AirPrint (iOS), Mopria (Android) or Windows 10 Mobile.
- STAY UP AND RUNNING: Benefit from uninterrupted printing with a high plain paper capacity of 350 sheets and 2-way paper feed. Monitor ink levels via the LCD, which will show you its status at a...
What to Consider Before Buying a Single-Function Inkjet Printer
A single-function inkjet printer is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for anyone who prioritises print quality and efficiency over bells and whistles. Unlike their multi-function counterparts, these devices pour all their engineering prowess into one task: putting ink on paper with precision and speed. The primary benefits are often superior text and photo quality, thanks to more sophisticated ink systems, and features geared towards productivity, such as larger paper capacities and more robust connectivity. They are the specialists in a world of generalists, designed to deliver crisp documents and vibrant images without the added complexity or physical footprint of scanning and copying hardware. For a home office or small business, this focus translates into reliability and lower long-term running costs, especially with models that use individual ink tanks.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a steady stream of printing tasks. Think of the small business owner producing invoices and marketing materials, the student printing lengthy dissertations, or the photography enthusiast who wants to bring their digital creations to life. These users need a workhorse, not a show pony. On the other hand, this printer might not be suitable for those who frequently need to digitise documents, make photocopies for records, or operate in a space where a single device must do everything. For them, an all-in-one printer would be a more practical, space-saving choice. Likewise, an office that prints thousands of black-and-white pages a month might be better served by the speed and per-page economy of a laser printer.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: While billed as compact, any printer occupies valuable desk real estate. The Canon PIXMA TS705a A4 Single Function Printer Auto 2-Sided Print measures 37.2 cm wide by 36.5 cm deep. You must also account for the space needed for the paper trays to extend and to access the rear feed, so ensure you have a dedicated spot with adequate clearance.
- Capacity/Performance: This is where dedicated printers shine. Look for a high sheet capacity to minimise refills. This model’s 350-sheet total capacity is a significant advantage. Also, consider print speed, measured in pages per minute (ppm) or images per minute (ipm); at 15 ipm for monochrome and 10 ipm for colour, this printer is well-suited for moderate-volume tasks.
- Ink System & Running Costs: The ink system is paramount. Models with individual ink cartridges, like this Canon’s 5-ink system, are more economical as you only replace the colour that runs out. The inclusion of a pigment black for sharp text and a dye black for photo richness is a sign of a quality system. Always check the availability of high-yield (XL or XXL) cartridges, which lower the cost per page.
- Ease of Use & Connectivity: A modern printer must connect seamlessly with all your devices. Essential features include Wi-Fi for laptops and PCs, and mobile printing support like Apple AirPrint and Mopria for Android. For maximum stability, especially in an office, an Ethernet port is a non-negotiable feature. Finally, consider the on-device controls; a simple LCD screen for status checks can save a lot of guesswork.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Canon PIXMA TS705a A4 Single Function Printer Auto 2-Sided Print stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the Canon PIXMA TS705a A4 Single Function Printer Auto 2-Sided Print is an excellent choice, 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: A Compact Powerhouse with a Purpose
Unboxing the Canon PIXMA TS705a A4 Single Function Printer Auto 2-Sided Print, the first thing we noticed was its purposeful design. It’s a dense, compact black cube, eschewing the sweeping curves of many consumer gadgets for a more professional, functional aesthetic that fits neatly into a home office. Inside the box, everything was securely packed: the printer itself, a full set of five “setup” ink cartridges (PGI-580PGBK Pigment Black and CLI-581 dye-based Black, Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow), a power cord, a setup CD-ROM (a quaint touch in 2024), and the all-important tray for printing on CDs and DVDs. Weighing in at 5.4 kg, it feels solid and well-constructed for its price point. The plastics are sturdy, and the paper trays slide in and out with a satisfying precision. The two-line LCD screen on the front is basic but functional, providing clear, at-a-glance status updates on ink levels and connectivity, which is all you really need from a device like this. It’s immediately clear this printer was built not to be a centrepiece, but a reliable workhorse that gets the job done.
Key Benefits
- Generous 350-sheet plain paper capacity from two sources
- Excellent connectivity suite including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and mobile apps
- Five-cartridge individual ink system delivers sharp text and rich colours
- Automatic 2-sided (duplex) printing saves paper and time
- Specialised media support, including direct-to-disc CD/DVD printing
Limitations
- Single-function device with no scanning or copying capabilities
- Achieving optimal photo quality requires careful paper and settings selection
In-Depth Analysis: How the Canon PIXMA TS705a Performs in the Real World
A printer’s true worth is only revealed through use and testing. We put the Canon PIXMA TS705a A4 Single Function Printer Auto 2-Sided Print through its paces for over a month, using it for everything from multi-page business reports and school projects to glossy photo prints and even a custom-printed Blu-ray disc. Our deep dive focused on the aspects that matter most to a home or small office user: how easy it is to get started, the quality of its output, and how well it handles the daily grind.
Setup and Connectivity: From Box to First Print in Minutes
Our experience with setting up the Canon PIXMA TS705a A4 Single Function Printer Auto 2-Sided Print was refreshingly straightforward, echoing the sentiment of one user who praised its hassle-free installation compared to a previous printer. The physical setup is simple: remove a few strips of orange tape, plug it in, and install the five ink cartridges. Each cartridge clicks satisfyingly into its colour-coded slot in the print head, and the printer then runs a brief, automatic initialisation and alignment process. The real test, however, is connectivity. We opted to connect it to our office Wi-Fi network using the Canon PRINT app on a smartphone. The app quickly found the printer, and after entering our Wi-Fi password, the connection was established in under two minutes. This seamless experience is a huge plus for those who dread wrestling with network settings.
Once connected, printing from various devices was a breeze. Sending a document from an iPhone via AirPrint was instantaneous, as was printing from an Android tablet using Mopria. For our main work PC, we installed the full driver suite from Canon’s website, which gives access to more advanced settings. Here, we can see where some users might find the software “unübersichtlich” (confusing), as a German user noted. The basic interface is fine, but the advanced menus for colour management and media types can be daunting for a novice. However, for a stable, fire-and-forget connection in a permanent office setting, we also tested the Ethernet port. Plugging it directly into our router provided an instantly recognisable, rock-solid connection that eliminates any potential Wi-Fi dropouts—a critical feature for business reliability. Overall, the connectivity is a major strength, offering flexibility and stability for any environment.
Print Quality and Speed: A Tale of Two Outputs
Print quality is where the Canon PIXMA TS705a A4 Single Function Printer Auto 2-Sided Print truly demonstrates the value of its five-ink system, but its performance hinges on what you’re printing. For standard text-based documents, the results are nothing short of excellent. The dedicated PGI-580PGBK pigment black ink creates exceptionally sharp, dark, and crisp text that rivals the output of a laser printer. We printed multi-page reports and invoices, and the text was consistently clear and smudge-resistant, even when highlighted immediately after printing. The automatic duplexing feature worked flawlessly, re-feeding the paper smoothly to print on the second side, a fantastic paper-saving feature for long documents. At its rated speed of 15 images per minute for monochrome, it’s quick enough to handle the demands of a busy home office without leaving you waiting.
When it comes to colour and photo printing, the story becomes more nuanced, and this is where we need to address the user who reported “pale colors and lost details.” During our tests, we found this to be highly dependent on the settings and media used. When printing a colour chart on standard 80gsm plain paper, the colours were indeed functional but lacked the vibrancy you’d want for presentations or photos. However, the moment we switched to Canon’s own Photo Paper Plus Glossy II and selected the correct media type in the print driver, the transformation was astounding. The combination of the four dye-based CLI-581 inks, including the dedicated photo black, produced rich, deep blacks, vibrant colours, and smooth tonal gradations. The 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution allows for stunning detail in high-quality photos. This confirms our suspicion that achieving great photo results is absolutely possible, but it requires the user to invest in proper photo paper and take a moment to configure the print settings correctly—a step that casual users might overlook, leading to disappointing results.
Paper Handling and Unique Features: More Than Just an A4 Printer
Perhaps the most significant productivity feature of the Canon PIXMA TS705a A4 Single Function Printer Auto 2-Sided Print is its exceptional paper handling. The combined 350-sheet capacity is a game-changer in this class. It’s split between a 250-sheet cassette at the front and a 100-sheet vertical tray at the rear. This two-way feed system is incredibly versatile. We kept the front cassette loaded with A4 plain paper for all our daily document printing, while the rear tray was reserved for specialty media. This meant we could print a ten-page report, followed immediately by a 5″x7″ glossy photo, and then an envelope, without ever needing to swap out the paper in the main tray. This flexibility drastically improves workflow and is a feature usually found on much more expensive office printers.
Beyond standard paper, this printer has a hidden talent that makes it a standout choice for hobbyists and creative professionals: direct-to-disc printing. As one user highlighted, this was the primary reason for their purchase, replacing an older Canon model renowned for the same feature. We tested this by designing a label for a home movie Blu-ray. The process involves placing a printable disc onto the included caddy and sliding it into a dedicated slot on the front of the printer. Using Canon’s software, we could easily position text and images, and the final print was sharp, centred, and professional-looking. It’s a niche feature, but for anyone archiving media, creating music albums, or producing event videos, it is invaluable. The support for other creative media, like restickable photo paper and magnetic sheets, further extends its use beyond simple document printing, making it a surprisingly versatile creative tool. If these unique features align with your needs, the value proposition of this printer increases significantly, making it an exceptional choice for a multi-talented home setup.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, user feedback paints a picture of a capable but specialised machine whose reception depends heavily on the user’s expectations. Many, like the user replacing an old Canon IP7250, bought the Canon PIXMA TS705a A4 Single Function Printer Auto 2-Sided Print for a specific, standout feature—in their case, the direct CD/DVD printing capability, which they report “works perfectly.” Another user, who switched from a different brand, was thrilled with the value and reliability, stating, “I haven’t had half the hassle connecting up this printer.” They found the companion app easy to use and the wireless connection far more stable than their previous machine, which required constant troubleshooting.
However, the experience isn’t universally perfect. One detailed negative review from a German user highlights significant frustration with print quality, describing colours as “blass” (pale) and noting a loss of detail. They also found the software menu confusing and reported occasional paper transport issues. This feedback is crucial as it underscores our own finding: achieving the printer’s best output requires some user intervention in the settings. For a user expecting flawless results out of the box on any paper, the experience can be disappointing. These contrasting reviews suggest the printer excels for those who need its specific strengths (high capacity, CD printing, reliable connectivity) and are willing to learn its software, but may frustrate those seeking a simple, all-purpose photo printer.
How Does the Canon PIXMA TS705a Stack Up Against the Competition?
No product exists in a vacuum. To understand its true value, we need to compare the Canon PIXMA TS705a A4 Single Function Printer Auto 2-Sided Print against some notable alternatives, each catering to a different user need.
1. Epson EcoTank ET-8550 A3+ Photo Printer
- 6-COLOUR INK SYSTEM - The Epson Claria ET Premium inks produce high-quality, long-lasting photos up to A3+ size as well as outstanding black and white photos with the new grey ink, The pigment black...
- SAVE TIME and MONEY - This economical printer allows you to print up to 2,300 high-quality photos with one set of ink bottles, The bottles and tanks are designed for ease of use, meaning no hassle or...
The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 is a different beast entirely, aimed squarely at serious photo enthusiasts and creative professionals. Its biggest advantages are the EcoTank system, which uses large, refillable ink tanks for incredibly low running costs, and its ability to print borderless photos up to A3+ size. It uses a six-colour Claria ET Premium ink set for superior photographic quality and colour accuracy. Someone should choose the ET-8550 over the Canon if their primary goal is professional-grade photo printing, they print in high volume, and they need the larger A3+ format. However, it comes with a significantly higher initial purchase price and a much larger physical footprint.
2. Canon PIXMA TS3350 Series Wireless 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 XL or FINE ink cartridges & ChromaLife100 Ink - ideal for creative projects
This is Canon’s budget-friendly, all-in-one alternative. The main reason to choose the TS3350 is if you absolutely need scanning and copying functions on a tight budget. It provides basic multifunctionality in a compact package. However, the compromises are significant. It uses a less economical two-cartridge system (one black, one tri-colour), has a much smaller 60-sheet paper capacity, lacks an Ethernet port, and has no duplex or CD printing capabilities. It’s a good fit for a very casual user with infrequent, varied needs, but the TS705a is vastly superior for anyone who prioritises print volume, quality, and connectivity.
3. Canon PIXMA TR150 Portable Printer
- Travel light with a portable printer - Sleek, light and robust, it's ideal for a business on the move. Tight on space? All cables and connections are fixed to one side for space-saving efficiency
- Couple up with easy connectivity - Print wirelessly with the Canon PRINT app, AirPrint (iOS), Mopria (Android) or Windows 10 Mobile. No internet router? Tap into Wireless Direct
The TR150 serves a completely different market: the mobile professional. Its entire design is centred around portability, with a compact, lightweight body and an optional battery for true on-the-go printing. You would choose the TR150 if your office is wherever your laptop is—a hotel room, a client’s site, or a coffee shop. It’s perfect for printing contracts or invoices on the road. Its drawbacks are a small 50-sheet paper capacity, slower print speeds, and a higher price for its size. It’s a specialised tool for mobility, whereas the TS705a is a superior stationary hub for a home or small office.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Canon PIXMA TS705a the Right Printer for You?
After extensive testing, our verdict is clear: the Canon PIXMA TS705a A4 Single Function Printer Auto 2-Sided Print is an outstanding dedicated printer for a specific user. It is not trying to be a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, it doubles down on the features that matter for productivity: a massive 350-sheet paper capacity, rock-solid connectivity with both Wi-Fi and Ethernet, and an economical five-ink system that produces laser-sharp text. The addition of automatic duplexing and unique creative features like CD/DVD printing elevates it from a simple document printer to a versatile workhorse.
We highly recommend it for home offices, students, and small businesses that need a reliable, high-volume, print-only device. If you are tired of constantly refilling tiny paper trays and wrestling with unstable wireless connections, this printer is a breath of fresh air. However, if you need scanning and copying, or if your primary goal is effortless, one-click photo printing without wanting to fuss with paper types and settings, you might be better served by an all-in-one or a dedicated photo printer. For everyone else, this is a powerful, focused machine that delivers on its promises.
If you’ve decided the Canon PIXMA TS705a A4 Single Function Printer Auto 2-Sided Print is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API