Canon PIXMA TS3520 vs HP LaserJet Enterprise M4555h MFP: Quick Comparison
The Canon is a consumer inkjet all-in-one. It prints in color, sits on a desk, and often sells for around $80 in the US. The HP is an enterprise monochrome laser MFP. It prints black and white only, runs at up to 55 pages per minute, and carries a duty cycle of up to 250,000 pages a month.
Quick verdict:
- Home users: Choose the Canon. It prints color, scans, copies, and connects over Wi-Fi.
- Small offices: The Canon handles light use. The HP only makes sense if you print thousands of black pages and have IT help. See how to choose a printer for a small office.
- High-volume businesses: Choose the HP. Its speed, paper capacity, and duty cycle suit heavy work.
Key Specifications at a Glance
Comparing core specs helps you find the right fit before you think about price and running costs. Confirm your exact configuration, because the HP M4555 family shipped in several versions.
| Specification | Canon PIXMA TS3520 | HP LaserJet Enterprise M4555h MFP |
|---|---|---|
| Printing technology | Inkjet (FINE hybrid ink) | Monochrome laser |
| Print output | Color and black | Black and white |
| Primary audience | Home and personal use | Enterprise and high-volume offices |
| Functions | Print, scan, copy | Print, scan, copy |
| Rated print speed | Up to 7.7 ipm black, 4 ipm color | Up to 55 ppm black |
| Maximum resolution | 4800 x 1200 dpi | 1200 x 1200 dpi |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0 and Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) | USB and Gigabit Ethernet; verify exact interfaces |
| Paper capacity | 60-sheet rear tray | Up to 2,100 sheets with trays |
| Monthly duty cycle | Not a headline spec | Up to 250,000 pages |
| Consumables | PG-275 and CL-276 ink cartridges | CE390A or CE390X toner, plus maintenance parts |
| Best suited for | Everyday documents, color projects, occasional printing | High-volume business documents and centralized office printing |
Print Quality and Printing Technology
An inkjet sprays tiny drops of liquid ink onto paper. A laser fuses dry toner powder onto the page with heat. Read how inkjet printers work and how a laser printer works.
DPI means dots per inch. More dots can mean finer detail, but paper, ink, and settings matter too. Our printer resolution guide explains this in simple terms.
The Canon suits photos and school projects. The HP suits high-volume text. Either can print reports, invoices, and forms.
The key point is simple. The Canon prints in color. The HP M4555h prints only in black and white.
Which Printer Produces Better Text and Graphics?
The Canon shines with mixed content. Think a homework sheet with a colored chart, or a flyer with a logo. Its pigment black ink keeps plain text readable on everyday paper.
The HP shines with consistent black text. Pages come out crisp and dry, and the look stays steady across thousands of copies.
Paper type, print settings, resolution, and document complexity all shape output on both machines.
Not sure which paper to buy for the Canon? See what paper works best with inkjet printers.
Can the Canon PIXMA TS3520 Print Photos?
Yes, for casual use. It supports borderless printing up to 5 x 7 inches and uses dye-based color ink.
Choose photo paper and set the matching paper type in the print dialog. Our guide on glossy vs matte photo paper helps you pick.
The HP has no photo role at all. It is a monochrome document machine. Curious about laser output? Read can laser printers print photos well.
Print Speed and Monthly Workload
Speed is rated in PPM, or pages per minute. Canon uses ipm, or images per minute, which follows a different test method. Learn more in what pages per minute means on a printer.
First page out time, warm-up, and document complexity all change real results. HP lists a first page out of about 9.5 seconds. Retail listings give the Canon about 27 seconds for a first color copy.
Home printing means a few pages at a time. Office printing means long jobs all day.
Which Printer Is Better for High-Volume Printing?
The HP wins here, and it is not close. It prints up to 55 pages per minute, takes large paper supplies, and carries a duty cycle of up to 250,000 pages a month.
The Canon suits typical household needs. Run a big print job on it and you will wait, refill paper often, and replace ink sooner.
Compare each maker’s recommended and maximum monthly figures when you can find them. For more on laser limits, see how many pages a laser printer can print. For shops and offices, see our pick of the best printer for high-volume office printing.
Recommended Monthly Print Volume
A duty cycle is the most pages a printer can handle in a month without harm. A recommended volume is the smaller, healthier range for everyday use. Do not treat the maximum as a target. Running near the limit every month shortens life.
Estimate Your Monthly Pages
Count what you print in a normal week, then multiply by four. For example:
- 15 invoices a day over 22 workdays is 330 pages.
- A monthly 60-page report adds 60 pages.
Most homes land under a few hundred pages. Offices often reach thousands. Our guide on how many pages an office printer can handle monthly goes deeper.
Connectivity, Compatibility, and Network Printing
The Canon offers USB and Wi-Fi. The HP is built for wired office networks, with USB and Gigabit Ethernet listed in retail specs. Wireless on the HP usually needs an add-on, so check your exact unit.
Both can print from Windows PCs and Macs once drivers are installed. The Canon also works with phones and tablets through AirPrint, Mopria, and the Canon PRINT app.
Keep firmware current and limit who can reach a network printer. Read office printer security basics before you plug an old enterprise machine into a work network.
Wireless Printing and Mobile Device Support
Connecting the Canon to Home Wi-Fi
The TS3520 supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. It does not use 5 GHz. Follow Canon’s setup steps, then pick your network name and enter the password. Our guide on how to connect a printer to Wi-Fi covers the common paths.
For phones, see how to print from a phone at home.
Network Access on the HP
In an office, the HP usually sits on a wired network with a fixed address. Staff add it once, and everyone shares it. See how to share a printer across an office network.
Fixing Offline Printers and Failed Connections
- Restart the printer, router, and computer.
- Make sure the printer and device share the same Wi-Fi network.
- Remove and re-add the printer on your computer.
Still stuck? Read why a printer keeps going offline and how to reconnect an offline printer.
USB vs Wi-Fi vs Ethernet
USB is simple and reliable. It suits one computer next to the printer. Wi-Fi is convenient and lets many devices print, but signal and router settings can cause drops. Ethernet is the steadiest choice for busy offices because a cable avoids wireless trouble.
Match the link to user count: one home user can pick USB or Wi-Fi, while a team of ten should pick Ethernet. Our guide to network printer vs USB printer for an office helps you choose.
Driver and Operating-System Compatibility
Always download drivers, firmware, and manuals from the official Canon and HP support pages.
The HP M4555 series is older enterprise hardware. That means you should check support for your exact Windows or macOS version before you buy, especially a used unit.
Not sure how to install drivers safely? Read how to install printer drivers correctly.
Ink, Toner, Page Yield, and Cost per Page
Ink cartridges hold liquid ink. Toner cartridges hold fine powder. Inkjets often cost less up front. Lasers often cost less per page when you print a lot. See printer ink vs toner explained.
Compare four things: cartridge price, page yield, how often you replace supplies, and maintenance costs. Real cost per page depends on coverage, paper, settings, and which cartridge you buy.
Canon PIXMA TS3520 Ink Cartridge Costs
The TS3520 uses a PG-275 black cartridge and a CL-276 tri-color cartridge. XL versions hold more ink. Confirm the exact part numbers in Canon’s documentation before you order.
Color-heavy printing drains the tri-color cartridge fast, and one empty color means replacing the whole cartridge.
Genuine cartridges are the safest choice for print quality and warranty. Compatible cartridges cost less but vary in quality. Read original vs compatible printer cartridges and how to check if a cartridge is compatible. For wider running-cost context, see inkjet printer running costs explained.
HP LaserJet Enterprise M4555h Toner Costs
The M4555 family uses CE390A (about 10,000 pages) or CE390X (about 24,000 pages) black toner. Verify the part number for your exact model. Some US sellers list genuine CE390X near $443, so check current prices at Amazon, Staples, and office suppliers.
High-yield toner costs more per cartridge but less per page.
Do not forget maintenance parts. HP lists a maintenance kit (CE731A) rated for 225,000 pages, and fuser parts can cost a few hundred dollars. Add these to your yearly cost. See how long laser printer toner lasts.
How to Calculate Cost per Page
Cost per page = Cartridge price ÷ Estimated page yield
For a fuller ownership estimate, add maintenance and replacement part costs, then divide by the pages you expect to print.
Worked example: A $443 toner cartridge rated for 24,000 pages costs about 1.8 cents per page. An example $25 ink cartridge rated for about 400 pages costs about 6 cents per page.
Yield figures are estimates, not promises. Standard tests use about 5% page coverage, which is light. Compare black-and-white and color costs where relevant. For more help, see laser printer cost per page explained and how to calculate the true cost of owning a printer.
Inkjet vs Laser: Which Is Cheaper in the Long Run?
Compare purchase price, consumables, upkeep, and monthly volume together. Inkjet often wins for light, occasional color printing. Laser often wins for heavy black-and-white work.
No winner is universal, so check current US prices and your real usage. If ink costs worry you, see ink cartridge printer vs refillable tank.
Ink and Toner Cost Comparison Table
Look at real supply prices and official yield estimates, not just the printer’s price tag. The table shows what to compare.
| Cost factor | Canon PIXMA TS3520 | HP LaserJet Enterprise M4555h MFP |
|---|---|---|
| Consumable type | Ink cartridges (PG-275, CL-276) | Laser toner (CE390A, CE390X) |
| Color printing expense | Relevant for color output | Not applicable to monochrome output |
| Page-yield considerations | Depends on cartridge and color coverage | Depends on toner yield and document coverage |
| Maintenance expenses | Ink-system upkeep and replacement parts | Maintenance kits and fuser parts |
| Best comparison method | Cost per page for black and color | Cost per black page plus maintenance |
Paper Handling, Scanning, and Copying
Look at paper sizes, tray capacity, supported media, and document features.
Check three items against official specs: automatic document feeder (ADF), duplex scanning, and automatic two-sided printing. Features vary by model, so verify before you buy.
Paper Capacity and Supported Media
The Canon holds about 60 sheets in its rear tray. It handles US letter paper, envelopes, photo paper, and sizes from 3.5 x 5 inches up to 8.5 x 26.6 inches. That is plenty for a home.
The HP supports far more paper. HP lists up to 2,100 sheets with trays. That means fewer refills during big jobs.
Print 200 pages on the Canon and you will refill several times. The HP runs far longer untouched.
Scanning and Copying Capabilities
The Canon has a flatbed scanner with 600 x 1200 dpi optical resolution. It can make up to 20 copies at a time. It has no document feeder, so you scan one page at a time.
The HP has an ADF, and HP lists scan speeds up to 57 pages per minute in black. That is made for stacks of paper. Confirm the document-feeding features on your exact configuration.
Scanning a photo or receipt on glass is easy on either machine. Scanning a 40-page contract is a job for the HP.
Duplex Printing and Document Productivity
Duplex printing means printing on both sides. Automatic duplex flips the page for you. Manual duplex asks you to reload paper yourself.
The HP lists automatic two-sided printing, which saves paper and time. The Canon relies on manual two-sided printing. Confirm each model’s duplex features before comparing them directly.
For paper tips, see how to choose paper for office documents.
Ease of Setup, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting
The Canon is set up in minutes. The HP often needs IT help, a stand or floor space, and network settings.
Try the maker’s own troubleshooting steps before you pay for service. Most problems come from paper, drivers, or connection settings.
How to Set Up the Canon PIXMA TS3520
- Unbox the printer, remove all tape, plug it in, and power it on.
- Install the PG-275 and CL-276 starter cartridges.
- Load plain letter paper in the rear tray.
- Connect to your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network using Canon’s setup site or app.
- Install the official Canon software on your computer.
- Print a test page and check alignment and quality.
If it will not connect or print, restart the printer and router, then repeat step 4. Our first-time printer setup guide helps with the basics.
How to Maintain the HP LaserJet Enterprise M4555h
- Replace toner when the status message says so.
- Check the paper path for scraps and dust.
- Update firmware and drivers from HP’s site.
- Clean gently using HP’s documented procedures.
- Watch status messages for maintenance alerts.
For deeper repairs, use HP’s service documentation or an authorized technician. Do not guess with a fuser, which gets very hot. Our guides on laser printer maintenance requirements and how often an office printer should be maintained set clear schedules.
Common Printing Problems and Solutions
Problems fall into four groups: supplies, drivers, network, and hardware. Fix the easy ones first. Check supplies, then restart, then reinstall the driver.
Canon Inkjet Symptoms
Blank pages and streaks often come from low or dried ink. Run the built-in nozzle check and cleaning. See why an inkjet prints blank pages and why inkjet prints have lines.
HP Laser Symptoms
Faded text often means low toner or a worn part. Black marks point to dirt or a failing drum or fuser. Read why a laser printer prints faded and common laser printer problems.
Use model-specific steps from Canon and HP. Repair steps are not identical across models.
Purchase Price, Availability, and Total Cost of Ownership
Compare current US prices at Amazon, Best Buy, Staples, and refurbished sellers. The Canon often sits near $80. The HP launched around $2,799, so most buyers now look at used or refurbished units.
A used enterprise printer can look cheap. But shipping a heavy machine, installing it, and buying toner and maintenance parts add up. Judge total cost, not the sticker price alone.
New vs Used vs Refurbished Printers
Check the warranty, seller reputation, and return policy. If possible, test the unit before you pay. A cheap machine with no returns is a risk.
For a used HP, ask about:
- Page count and service history
- Included accessories and trays
- Toner condition and remaining life
- Parts availability, since older models can run short
Confirm drivers and supplies are still sold before you buy. Read printer warranty terms explained and when a business should replace an old printer.
Total Cost of Ownership Comparison
Use current US prices and realistic page counts when you build your own numbers. Our guide on how to compare office printer running costs shows how.
| Ownership factor | Canon PIXMA TS3520 | HP LaserJet Enterprise M4555h MFP |
|---|---|---|
| Initial purchase | Consumer printer pricing, often near $80 | Enterprise hardware; used or refurbished may be relevant |
| Consumables | Black and color ink | Toner and applicable maintenance components |
| Maintenance | Consumer-level upkeep | Potentially more involved servicing |
| Installation | Generally suited to home setup | May need IT or network configuration |
| Best value scenario | Occasional home and color printing | Substantial monochrome office printing |
Which Printer Offers Better Value for Money?
Pick the Canon if you want color and simple home use. Pick the HP if your office has a big black-and-white workload and can handle its upkeep.
Base your final call on real purchase prices, monthly volume, supply availability, and compatibility. If low running costs matter most, see the best home printer with cheap running costs. Offices can also read how to reduce printer expenses in a small business.
Who Should Buy the Canon PIXMA TS3520?
The Canon fits students, families, and home users. It suits anyone who prints a few documents a week or the occasional color project.
It is not made for sustained, high-volume business printing. The small tray, slower speed, and ink costs add up fast under heavy use. For more student options, see the best inkjet printer for students.
Best Use Cases for the Canon
- Homework, household papers, forms, and occasional color graphics
- Scanning or copying single pages for personal use
- Simple home setups with no IT or network needs
Need help with school jobs? Read printer for school homework. If you want other all-in-one choices, see the best affordable all-in-one printer.
Who Should Buy the HP LaserJet Enterprise M4555h MFP?
The HP suits businesses with large black-and-white workloads. It brings fast document handling, network deployment, and serviceability. It also adds a built-in encrypted hard disk.
Check four things before buying: hardware condition, support status, operating-system compatibility, and supply availability. This is a big machine, and it can use a lot of power. See office printer energy consumption explained.
Best Use Cases for the HP
- Invoices, internal reports, forms, and business letters in large amounts
- Shared printing in offices that have IT support
- Refurbished enterprise gear when its features and running costs fit the budget
See printer downtime problems in small businesses before you rely on one old machine.
Canon PIXMA TS3520 vs HP LaserJet Enterprise M4555h: Pros and Cons
Both printers have clear strengths and limits. Some HP features depend on the exact configuration, so verify them. Use the table for a fast buying decision.
Advantages and Disadvantages Comparison
| Category | Canon PIXMA TS3520 | HP LaserJet Enterprise M4555h MFP |
|---|---|---|
| Main advantage | Affordable, easy color printing for home use | Enterprise-grade monochrome document production |
| Main limitation | Less suited to demanding high-volume work | No color printing; older hardware may bring support issues |
| Setup | Generally straightforward | May need more configuration |
| Best audience | Home users and students | Businesses and larger offices |
| Key buying concern | Ink costs and workload fit | Condition, maintenance, compatibility, and toner availability |
How to Choose Between These Two Printers
Use a simple test. Ask how much you print, whether you need color, what you can spend, and who will support the machine. These printers serve different markets, so they are not substitutes for every buyer.
Quick Decision Guide
- Choose the Canon PIXMA TS3520 if you need color, light home printing, and easy personal use.
- Consider the HP M4555h MFP if you need big black-and-white output and can support enterprise hardware.
- Consider another model if you need modern enterprise support, high-volume color, or features neither machine offers.
Want a middle path? See the best all-purpose printer for everyday documents or the best laser printer for a home office.
Questions to Ask Before Buying
- How many pages will you print each month, and how many need color?
- What are the current purchase price, supply costs, and expected maintenance?
- Does the printer support your operating system, network, paper needs, and workflow?
Weighing a multifunction against a plain printer? Read all-in-one printer vs printer only.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the Canon PIXMA TS3520 better than the HP LaserJet Enterprise M4555h MFP?
Neither is universally better. The Canon is designed for home users who need color printing, while the HP is an enterprise-class monochrome laser multifunction printer. The right choice depends on print volume, color needs, maintenance, and total ownership costs.
2. Does the HP LaserJet Enterprise M4555h print in color?
No. The M4555h is a monochrome laser model built for black-and-white output. If you need color documents or photographs, choose a color-capable printer. See our guide to monochrome vs color laser printers.
3. Which printer is cheaper to operate per page?
It depends on current US supply prices, page yield, coverage, and maintenance. For heavy black-and-white printing, the HP’s high-yield toner often gives a lower cost per page. For light use, the Canon’s low purchase price may win.
4. Can the Canon PIXMA TS3520 handle high-volume office printing?
It can print everyday documents, but it is made for home and personal use. Its 60-sheet tray and modest speed will slow big jobs. Organizations with steady, heavy black-and-white workloads should evaluate business-class printers instead.
5. Does the Canon PIXMA TS3520 support wireless printing?
Yes. It supports Wi-Fi on 2.4 GHz networks, plus AirPrint, Mopria, and the Canon PRINT app. Confirm your computer, network, and phone are compatible before you buy.
6. Is the HP LaserJet Enterprise M4555h a good choice for a small business?
It may suit a small business with large black-and-white needs, a wired network, and access to repair support. Check its age, size, power use, and software compatibility first.
7. Which printer is better for photos and color graphics?
The Canon, because it prints in color and the HP does not. Photo results depend on paper type, ink condition, image quality, and print settings. Use photo paper and the right paper-type setting for the best look.
8. Can both printers scan and copy documents?
Yes, both offer scanning and copying. The Canon uses a flatbed glass for single pages. The HP adds a document feeder for stacks. Verify automatic feeding and duplex scanning in the official specs.
9. Are compatible ink and toner cartridges worth buying?
They can cut supply costs, but quality varies. Check model compatibility, seller reputation, and warranty terms. Compare real page yield and output quality, not only cartridge price. Our guide to finding low-cost printer consumables can help.
10. What should I check before buying a refurbished HP LaserJet Enterprise M4555h MFP?
Check working condition, page count, service history, included accessories, toner availability, return policy, and driver support. Also confirm parts and repair help are still available for your needs.
Conclusion: Which Printer Should You Choose?
The Canon PIXMA TS3520 is a home-focused color inkjet. The HP LaserJet Enterprise M4555h MFP is an enterprise monochrome laser. They solve different problems, so neither wins every time.
Let your monthly volume, color needs, cost per page, compatibility, and upkeep make the call.
Not sure yet? Start with how much you should spend on a printer, then compare real supply prices before you buy.
