Choosing between the Canon PIXMA TR8620a vs Canon MegaTank G3270 is a classic buying dilemma. One printer packs office tools into a cartridge-based body. The other uses refillable ink tanks to keep everyday printing cheap.
The right pick depends on how much you print, whether you scan multipage papers, how much you care about photos, and what ink costs over time.
This guide uses Canon’s published specs and US retailer listings, so check current prices at Amazon, Best Buy, or Staples before you buy. You get a short Canon TR8620a review, a short Canon G3270 review, and a plain look at ink tank vs ink cartridge printer trade-offs. You also learn how to work out cost per page. For the basics first, read ink cartridge printer vs refillable tank. Think of this as a full home office printer comparison.
Quick verdict: Which Canon printer is better?
Short answer: The TR8620a is the stronger choice if you need an automatic document feeder (ADF), automatic two-sided printing, or fax. The G3270 is the better choice if you print often and want lower ongoing ink costs.
The best pick still depends on monthly page volume, duplex needs, scanning habits, and current retail prices.
| Your situation | Recommended model |
|---|---|
| Occasional printing, plus multipage scanning or fax | TR8620a |
| Frequent printing at the lowest ink cost | G3270 |
Unsure how much you print? See the best printer for occasional home printing.
Choose the Canon PIXMA TR8620a if…
- You need an ADF, automatic two-sided printing, and flexible office workflows.
- You often scan or copy multipage documents and print text, graphics, and photos.
- You value convenience over cutting every ink refill expense.
Compare it with print-only models in all-in-one printer vs printer only.
Choose the Canon MegaTank G3270 if…
- You print often and want to reduce ongoing ink spending.
- You prefer refillable ink bottles and high stated yields over cartridges.
- You mostly print everyday color documents, schoolwork, forms, and the odd photo.
Learn more in refillable ink vs replacement cartridges.
Canon PIXMA TR8620a vs MegaTank G3270: Specifications comparison
Model names do not show how a printer fits a home office. This table compares the features that affect daily work, running costs, and print quality. New to spec sheets? Try printer specifications explained for beginners.
| Specification | Canon PIXMA TR8620a | Canon MegaTank G3270 |
|---|---|---|
| Functions | Print, scan, copy, fax | Print, scan, copy |
| Ink system | Five individual cartridges | Four-color refillable tanks |
| Black ink | Pigment-based | Pigment-based |
| Color ink | Dye-based | Dye-based |
| Max. print resolution | Up to 4800 x 1200 dpi | Up to 4800 x 1200 dpi |
| Black print speed | Approx. 15 ipm | Approx. 11 ipm |
| Color print speed | Approx. 10 ipm | Approx. 6 ipm |
| Automatic duplex printing | Yes | No |
| Automatic document feeder | 20-sheet ADF | No |
| Scanner | Flatbed and ADF | Flatbed |
| Paper capacity | 100-sheet cassette plus 100-sheet rear tray | 100-sheet rear tray |
| Wireless printing | Yes | Yes |
| USB connection | Yes | Yes |
| Best suited for | Feature-rich home office use | Frequent, economical home printing |
Specs come from Canon’s published product information. Confirm the exact US model before you buy.
Which printer offers better features for home offices?
The TR8620a wins on features. The G3270 wins on simplicity.
TR8620a office features
It adds a 20-sheet ADF, built-in fax, a color touchscreen, and automatic duplex printing. It also has a wired Ethernet port and an SD card slot. See which printer features are worth paying extra for.
G3270 simplicity
The G3270 has integrated ink tanks, a small 1.35 inch LCD, and plain print, scan, and copy functions. Two-sided printing means flipping paper by hand. Scanning means placing each page on the glass.
Ink cost and page yield: Which printer saves more money?
The TR8620a uses small cartridges you swap when they run low. The G3270 uses large built-in tanks that you top up from bottles, a design often called a continuous ink supply system.
Tanks hold far more ink, so refills come less often. Actual cost depends on page coverage, document type, print settings, and maintenance cycles.
Wondering why ink feels so pricey? Read why inkjet printers use so much ink, inkjet printer running costs explained, and why printer ink costs so much.
Ink cartridges and replacement costs for the Canon TR8620a
The TR8620a uses the PGI-280 pigment black cartridge and the CLI-281 family. CLI-281 covers cyan, magenta, yellow, and a dye-based black that helps with photos.
Canon offers standard, XL, and XXL sizes where available. Retail listings show about 600 pages for a PGI-280XXL black and about 820 pages per XXL color cartridge, measured at roughly 5% page coverage.
Heavy color and photo printing drains cartridges faster. Before buying third-party ink, read original vs compatible printer cartridges and how to check if a printer cartridge is compatible.
GI-21 ink bottles and page yield on the Canon MegaTank G3270
The G3270 uses GI-21 bottles. The black bottle holds pigment ink for crisp text. The cyan, magenta, and yellow bottles hold dye-based ink for vivid color.
Canon states up to 6,000 black pages or 7,700 color pages per full bottle set in default mode. It also says the box ink can last up to two years at about 200 pages a month.
These are estimates. Setup uses some ink to prime the print head, and real yield changes with coverage. Explore the best refillable ink systems for home printing in 2026.
How to calculate cost per page
Cost per page = ink cost divided by pages printed.
- Find the price of the ink you will buy.
- Find its stated page yield.
- Divide price by yield.
- Add paper, power, and maintenance for the full picture.
Paper, electricity, and print head care also add to ownership cost. See how to calculate the true cost of owning a printer.
Example with simple numbers
A $20 black cartridge that prints 600 pages costs about 3.3 cents per page. Swap in current prices for your own result.
Print quality: Text, color documents, and photos
Both printers list up to 4800 x 1200 dpi. DPI means dots per inch, or how many tiny ink dots fit in one inch. More dots can mean finer detail, but the number alone does not guarantee better prints.
Ink formulation, paper, and settings matter just as much. See printer resolution explained in simple terms. Print samples on suitable paper before you commit.
Which Canon printer produces sharper text?
Both use pigment-based black ink. Pigment sits on top of plain paper, so small fonts, spreadsheets, contracts, and invoices look crisp. It also resists smudges and water.
Print mode and paper still matter. Draft mode on cheap paper can look faint. Learn what paper works best with inkjet printers.
Photo printing: which Canon printer is better?
Both handle family photos, glossy prints, and borderless images up to 8.5 x 11 inches. The TR8620a has a five-ink system with a dye-based black used for photos. The G3270 uses four colors.
Canon lists about 37 seconds for a borderless 4 x 6 inch photo on the TR8620a. Judge detail, color accuracy, and paper support, not resolution alone. Read how to choose a printer for photo printing and glossy vs matte photo paper.
How to get the best print quality from either printer
- Choose the right media type, paper size, and quality setting.
- Use fresh, inkjet-friendly paper.
- Run a nozzle check if you see missing lines or banding.
- Compare draft, standard, and high modes to balance ink use and quality.
See why inkjet prints have lines for common fixes.
Printing speed and productivity for everyday use
Speed is measured in ipm, or images per minute. It shows how many pages a printer finishes in one minute under standard tests. The TR8620a lists about 15 ipm black and 10 ipm color. The G3270 lists about 11 and 6.
Real results run slower. Complex pages and high-quality modes add seconds. See what pages per minute means and why inkjet printing is so slow.
Automatic duplex on the TR8620a cuts manual handling and saves paper. Print volume and multipage workloads matter more than one speed rating.
Busy home office: which printer is better?
Picture reports, invoices, school packets, shipping documents, and everyday letters. The TR8620a handles these with less hand work, and its ADF speeds up multipage scanning and copying. The G3270 suits people who care more about low-cost printing than automation.
Watch the duty cycle, the most pages a printer is built to handle in a month. Retail listings give the TR8620a 1,000 pages. See how much printing a home printer should handle.
Scanning, copying, and faxing features
The TR8620a pairs a flatbed with a 20-sheet ADF and includes fax, which needs a phone line. The G3270 has a flatbed only and focuses on print, scan, and copy.
Think about receipts, IDs, photos, and multipage PDFs. The ADF makes the last task far easier. Read multifunction printer vs separate office devices.
Does the Canon MegaTank G3270 have an automatic document feeder?
No. The G3270 uses a flatbed scanner and has no ADF. You place each original page on the glass, one at a time.
The TR8620a includes a 20-sheet ADF, which handles stacks in one go.
Scanning multipage documents: which printer is better?
The TR8620a is better for stacks. Load several sheets into the ADF and let it work. Do not assume either model scans both sides automatically, so check the spec sheet for two-sided scan support.
The G3270 is fine for occasional flatbed scanning. See the best multifunction printer for small offices.
Connectivity and mobile printing
Both offer Wi-Fi and USB. The TR8620a adds a wired Ethernet port. Both support the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria, so supported phones, tablets, and computers can print easily.
Wireless trouble usually comes from router settings, weak signal, or old drivers. The TR8620a lists 802.11 b/g/n, which is 2.4 GHz. Follow how to connect a printer to Wi-Fi, or read why won’t my printer connect to Wi-Fi.
Can you print from an iPhone or Android phone?
Yes. Both support wireless mobile printing.
- Connect the printer to your home Wi-Fi.
- Put your phone on the same network.
- Open the Share or Print menu in your app.
- Pick the printer and tap Print.
More help is in how to print from a phone at home.
If the printer is missing from the print menu
Restart the printer and phone, and confirm the same Wi-Fi network. Still stuck? Follow how to reconnect an offline printer.
Setup comparison: which printer is easier to set up?
Both are easy with the guide. The TR8620a needs correct cartridge installation. The G3270 needs careful first-time ink filling, so match each bottle to its tank. Both prepare the print head at first start.
Use the model setup guide and latest drivers. See how to set up a printer for the first time and installing printer drivers correctly.
Design, paper handling, and workspace requirements
The TR8620a has two paper locations, a 100-sheet front cassette and a 100-sheet rear tray. The G3270 has one 100-sheet rear tray. Keeping plain and photo paper loaded separately saves swapping.
Measure your desk first. Listings put the TR8620a at about 17.3 inches wide and 13.8 inches deep, and leave room for the scanner lid. Read where to place a printer at home and what printer size is best for a small room.
Paper capacity and media compatibility
Both handle US Letter and Legal pages, envelopes, photo paper, and some specialty media. The TR8620a accepts media up to 8.5 x 14 inches in both trays.
Check maximum size and paper type before printing labels, cards, or borderless photos. The TR8620a is more flexible. The G3270’s rear feed is simpler. Store paper flat and dry with how to store printer paper at home.
Automatic duplex printing versus manual two-sided printing
Automatic duplex printing prints on both sides of a sheet without you turning the paper. The TR8620a does this. The G3270 needs manual flipping for ordinary two-sided jobs.
Paper savings estimate
A 100-page report printed on both sides uses 50 sheets instead of 100. Do that monthly and you save about 600 sheets a year. See how to reduce home printing costs.
Total cost of ownership: Which printer is the better value?
A low sticker price does not always mean low long-term spending. Total cost covers the printer, ink, paper, and upkeep, which matters most at hundreds of pages a month.
| Cost factor | TR8620a | MegaTank G3270 |
|---|---|---|
| Initial purchase | Compare current US retail price | Compare current US retail price |
| Ink replenishment | Individual cartridges | Refillable ink bottles |
| Ink replacement frequency | Generally more frequent with high-volume use | Generally less frequent at high volume |
| Paper savings | Automatic duplex printing | Manual two-sided printing |
| Maintenance | Cartridge and print head care | Ink tank and print head care |
| Best cost strategy | Prioritize features and workflow | Prioritize low ink cost per page |
See why cheap printers can cost more over time.
Monthly print volume: how many pages do you print?
- Light users: Compare purchase prices, and watch for clogs during long idle periods. Read why an inkjet printer dries out.
- Moderate users: Weigh document convenience against refill costs.
- Heavy users: Estimate yearly ink spending from monthly pages and Canon’s yield figures.
Try how to choose a printer for your monthly print volume.
When does a MegaTank printer become more economical?
This is the break-even idea. The purchase price must be weighed against ink savings. Here is a labeled example, not a quote.
Assume 3,600 black pages a year. A $35 GI-21 set at 6,000 pages costs about 0.6 cents per page, or about $21 a year. A $20 cartridge at 600 pages costs about 3.3 cents per page, or about $120 a year.
That gap is about $99 a year. If the G3270 cost $50 more upfront, you would break even in about six months. Do not count on a fixed payback period, since savings depend on volume, color coverage, and current US prices.
Pros and cons of the Canon PIXMA TR8620a vs MegaTank G3270
Each printer wins in different places. Match the strengths to your needs.
PIXMA TR8620a pros and cons
- Pros: Automatic duplex printing, a 20-sheet ADF, fax, a touchscreen, and a five-ink system.
- Cons: Cartridges can get expensive for frequent printing, and the extras may be wasted on basic household use.
It suits home offices, remote workers, and busy families that need document handling and photo flexibility.
MegaTank G3270 pros and cons
- Pros: High stated ink yields, refillable tanks, wireless printing, and simple print, scan, and copy.
- Cons: No ADF, no fax, and no automatic duplex printing.
Its simplicity and low potential ink costs appeal to budget-minded households. See the best printers for cheap replacement cartridges.
Choosing by need: which Canon printer should you buy?
No printer is best for everyone. Match each model to a real situation: home offices, students, families, photo fans, and small businesses.
Check current prices, ink availability, warranty terms, and the features you will use. Avoid regret with printer buying mistakes and how to avoid them.
Best printer for students and families
Look at the G3270 first for homework, worksheets, forms, and household documents. Choose the TR8620a if you scan multipage assignments or print two-sided often. Count occasional color projects and photos too.
See the best inkjet printer for students and printers for school homework.
Best printer for remote workers and small offices
Favor the TR8620a when your work needs an ADF, fax, and automatic duplex printing. Consider the G3270 for invoices and drafts where ink economy matters most.
Heavy workloads may need a dedicated office printer with a higher duty cycle. Read how to choose a printer for a small office.
Printer choice for photos and creative projects
Compare the five-ink and four-color systems, supported media, borderless printing, and photo paper. Both make casual photo prints. Neither should be chosen on resolution alone.
Print samples and compare ongoing ink costs. See printer paper types for creative projects.
Buying checklist before making your decision
- Check the exact model number, current US price, ink compatibility, warranty, and return policy.
- Confirm support for your operating system, Wi-Fi setup, and mobile printing needs.
- Estimate monthly pages and decide whether duplex, an ADF, or fax is essential.
Read printer warranty terms explained for beginners.
What to verify before purchasing
- Price a full replacement ink set, not just the ink in the box.
- Confirm paper sizes, scanner functions, and connectivity options.
- Check availability and authorized retailer listings.
Planning to stock spare ink? Learn how long unopened ink cartridges last.
Setting up and maintaining either Canon printer
- Follow the model-specific installation guide.
- Install the cartridges or fill the tanks, then print a test page.
- Install the right software and connect by Wi-Fi or USB.
- Check printing and scanning from your main device.
Run a nozzle check only when needed, and skip needless deep cleanings, which use ink. Keep spares fresh with how to store unused ink cartridges. See common inkjet printer problems and their causes.
Troubleshooting common printing problems
Start with the simplest fix, then move on.
Blank pages or missing colors
Check ink levels, print the nozzle-check pattern, and follow the cleaning steps. Read why an inkjet printer prints blank pages.
Offline printer
Check power, Wi-Fi, device selection, and driver status. See why a printer keeps going offline.
Jams and poor print quality
Remove jammed paper gently, confirm media settings, and inspect the paper path. If the computer cannot see the printer, read printer not showing on computer.
More comparison tables for faster decisions
These extra tables make the choice easy to scan.
Table 2: Ink cost and page yield comparison
Advertised yields are standardized estimates, not guarantees. Use current US prices and the same assumptions for both models.
| Comparison point | TR8620a | G3270 |
|---|---|---|
| Ink type | Individual cartridges | GI-21 ink bottles |
| Black ink yield | Verify for each cartridge size | Up to 6,000 pages in default mode per full set |
| Color ink yield | Verify for each cartridge size | Up to 7,700 pages in default mode per full set |
| Cost per page | Calculate using current prices | Calculate using current prices |
| Best fit | Feature-oriented printing | Frequent, cost-conscious printing |
Separate setup ink from replacement ink.
Feature-by-feature winner (Table 3)
A category winner reflects one feature, not overall quality.
| Category | Suggested winner | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic duplex printing | TR8620a | Prints on both sides automatically |
| Multipage document scanning | TR8620a | Includes a 20-sheet ADF |
| Fax functionality | TR8620a | Includes fax features |
| High-volume ink economy | G3270 | Refillable ink-tank system |
| Simple household printing | G3270 | Straightforward print, scan, and copy setup |
| Flexible home-office workflow | TR8620a | More document-handling features |
Buyer guide by user type (Table 4)
A practical guide for daily use. Each caveat shows what could change the choice.
| User type | Suggested model | Why | Caveat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student printing assignments | G3270 | High potential ink yield | Needs an ADF? Pick TR8620a |
| Remote worker scanning contracts | TR8620a | ADF and automatic duplex printing | Higher cartridge costs |
| Family printing worksheets | G3270 | Economical everyday printing | Manual duplex |
| Home user faxing documents | TR8620a | Built-in fax capability | Needs a phone line |
| Frequent casual photo printer | Compare both | Weigh quality and ink cost | Test sample prints |
| Budget-conscious high-volume user | G3270 | Refillable ink system | Check purchase price |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Here are quick answers to common buyer questions.
1. What is the main difference between the Canon PIXMA TR8620a and G3270?
The TR8620a is a cartridge-based all-in-one printer with an ADF, automatic duplex printing, and fax capability. The G3270 uses refillable ink tanks and focuses on economical everyday printing, scanning, and copying. One favors office features, while the other favors low running costs.
2. Is the Canon MegaTank G3270 cheaper to run than the TR8620a?
The G3270 generally has an advantage for high-volume printing because replacement ink bottles can deliver thousands of pages. Actual savings depend on current ink prices, print volume, page coverage, and the purchase price of each printer. Run the numbers for your own habits before you buy.
3. Is the Canon TR8620a or G3270 better for print quality?
Both advertise a maximum resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 dpi. Real results depend on ink formulation, paper, and settings. The TR8620a has a five-ink system, while the G3270 uses four colors, so print sample pages on both before you decide.
4. Does the Canon PIXMA G3270 print on both sides automatically?
No. The G3270 does not offer automatic duplex printing for ordinary documents, so you turn the paper by hand when you want two-sided pages. The TR8620a supports automatic two-sided printing, which saves time, saves paper, and reduces mistakes on long documents such as reports.
5. Do you get an automatic document feeder with the Canon PIXMA TR8620a?
Yes. The TR8620a includes a 20-sheet ADF for loading several pages at once for scanning or copying. This is especially useful for home-office users who often handle multipage paperwork such as contracts and tax forms. The G3270 has no ADF.
6. Photo printing at home: which printer is better?
Both models support photo printing and borderless output. The TR8620a’s five-ink system may appeal to users who want extra photo flexibility, while the G3270 suits users who print photos alongside large volumes of everyday documents. Compare real sample prints and ink costs first.
7. Can I print wirelessly from my phone with both printers?
Yes. Both models support wireless printing and mobile options. You can use Canon’s PRINT app and supported services such as Apple AirPrint or Mopria, subject to device compatibility and network setup. Keep the phone and printer on the same Wi-Fi network for best results.
8. Small business use: which printer is better?
The TR8620a is a strong option for a small office that needs faxing, automatic duplex printing, and multipage scanning. The G3270 may suit a small operation that prints often but has simpler document needs. Heavy workloads may call for a higher duty cycle.
9. Will the Canon MegaTank G3270 ink last for high-volume printing?
The G3270 includes ink for initial setup, but some ink is used to charge the print head. Canon’s replacement-bottle yields are estimates, and real output varies. Check the included ink quantities, and avoid treating maximum page-yield figures as guaranteed results.
10. Occasional home printing: which printer should I buy?
For occasional printing, compare current purchase prices and the features you actually need. The G3270 is attractive if you expect higher print volume later, while the TR8620a may be worth the extra cost if you need its ADF, automatic duplex printing, or fax.
Conclusion: Canon PIXMA TR8620a vs Canon MegaTank G3270
The TR8620a stresses productivity and document handling. The G3270 stresses high ink yield and economical everyday printing. The best choice depends on monthly page volume, scanning needs, photo habits, and total ownership cost.
Want another matchup? Read Canon TS4320 vs TS6520 or the best refillable inkjet printer for families.
Choosing between the Canon PIXMA TR8620a and Canon MegaTank G3270 comes down to how you print. If your home office needs automatic two-sided printing, multipage scanning, and fax functionality, the TR8620a offers more convenience. If you print frequently and want to minimize ongoing ink expenses, the G3270 is worth serious consideration. Compare current prices, calculate your expected ink costs, and review the features you will use most before making your decision.
