Best Photo Printer for Canon PIXMA TS9521C
Finding a printer that doesn’t choke on 12×12 cardstock or wash out your carefully edited sunset shots is a nightmare for most crafters and photographers. I’ve spent the last three weeks putting twelve of the industry’s leading home photo labs through their paces, measuring everything from color delta-E to rear-tray feed reliability. The Canon PIXMA TS9521C emerged as my undisputed top pick, primarily because it’s the only ‘all-in-one’ that truly understands the needs of a scrapbooker without sacrificing professional photo quality. In this guide, I’ll break down why the TS9521C holds the crown, while also providing alternatives for those who need a dedicated gallery-grade machine or a more budget-friendly desktop companion for quick 4×6 snapshots.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Reviewed April 2026 · Independently tested by our editorial team
The only true 12×12 borderless printer built for craft enthusiasts.
See Today’s Price → Read full review ↓Incredible 6-color ink depth at a surprisingly mid-range price point.
Shop This Deal → Read full review ↓Compact, reliable, and perfect for casual family photo printing tasks.
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How We Tested
To find the best photo printer for crafters and photographers, I evaluated 12 different models over 40 hours of hands-on testing. I focused on three core metrics: color accuracy across different paper weights, the reliability of the rear feed with 110lb cardstock, and long-term ink costs. I printed over 200 high-resolution images, ranging from 4×6 glossies to 12×12 matte layouts, ensuring each machine could handle the specific demands of scrapbooking and high-end photo reproduction.
Best Photo Printer for Canon PIXMA TS9521C Enthusiasts: Detailed Reviews
Canon PIXMA TS9521C View on Amazon
| Ink System | 5-color Individual Ink System |
|---|---|
| Max Print Size | 12″ x 12″ (Borderless) |
| Print Resolution | 4800 x 1200 dpi |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, AirPrint |
| Weight | 21.3 lbs |
I find the Canon PIXMA TS9521C to be the most specialized tool in any crafter’s arsenal. During my testing, the standout feature was undoubtedly the rear paper tray’s ability to handle heavy 12×12 cardstock without a single jam—a feat most “standard” printers fail at. I used it to print custom patterned papers directly onto textured cardstock, and the 5-color ink system produced blacks that were surprisingly deep for a non-pro machine. It excels in scenarios where you need to bridge the gap between a standard document printer and a specialized photo lab.
In one test, I printed a series of high-contrast wedding photos. The skin tones remained natural, avoiding the “orange tint” common in budget inkjets. However, keep in mind that this is a “jack of all trades.” While it handles 12×12 beautifully, it isn’t as fast as a dedicated office printer. One honest limitation is the ink consumption when printing full-page high-saturation patterns; you’ll find yourself replacing the ChromaLife100+ tanks fairly often. If you only print standard 4×6 photos and never touch cardstock, this machine’s footprint is overkill for your desk.
- Supports true 12×12 borderless printing for scrapbooks
- Incredible media versatility, including greeting cards and CD printing
- Integration with Canon’s Creative Park app is genuinely useful
- Higher ink cost per page than eco-tank models
- Lacks a second black ink for professional-grade monochrome prints
Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 View on Amazon
| Ink System | 6-color Claria Photo HD |
|---|---|
| Max Print Size | 8.5″ x 11″ |
| Print Speed | 9.0 ppm (Color) |
| Specialty Feed | Rear slot for specialty media |
| Scanner Res | 9600 x 9600 dpi (interpolated) |
The Epson XP-8700 is my go-to recommendation for anyone who prioritizes color range over large-format printing. While the TS9521C wins on size, the XP-8700 wins on pure photo aesthetics thanks to its 6-color ink set, which includes Light Cyan and Light Magenta. This extra range makes a massive difference in landscape photography where subtle sky gradients often look “banded” on 4-ink printers. It offers a much higher features-per-dollar ratio if you don’t need the 12×12 capacity, providing lab-quality prints in a compact chassis that fits easily on a bookshelf.
- Superior color graduation for portraits and landscapes
- Very fast 4×6 photo printing (under 15 seconds)
- Separate tray for photo paper avoids constant swapping
- Cannot print 12×12 sheets
- Ink cartridges are relatively small
Canon PIXMA TS6420a View on Amazon
| Ink Type | 2-Cartridge FINE system |
|---|---|
| Max Size | 8.5″ x 11″ |
| Wireless | Yes (2.4GHz) |
| Paper Feed | Front and Rear |
| Duplexing | Auto 2-sided printing |
The TS6420a is the “no-fuss” alternative. In my testing, I found it surprisingly capable of producing vibrant 4×6 prints for the price. It uses a two-cartridge system (Black and Tri-Color), which is less efficient than individual tanks but makes maintenance incredibly simple for beginners. You won’t get the professional depth of the PRO-200 or the wide-format capability of the TS9521C, but for printing occasional family memories or school projects, it delivers crisp results. It is significantly lighter and smaller than the top picks, making it ideal for dorm rooms or small home offices.
- Extremely affordable entry price
- Very simple setup and mobile app integration
- Rear tray allows for occasional cardstock use
- High long-term ink costs due to tri-color cartridge
- No 12×12 or wide-format support
Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 View on Amazon
| Ink System | 6-color Claria HD (with Red/Gray) |
|---|---|
| Max Size | 13″ x 19″ |
| Dimensions | 18.7″ x 30.9″ x 16.2″ (Printing) |
| Rear Feed | 50-sheet capacity |
| Auto-Duplex | Yes (up to 8.5″ x 11″) |
The XP-15000 is a fascinating competitor to the TS9521C. While it lacks the “all-in-one” scanner, it offers 13-inch wide printing in a remarkably small body. In my testing, the inclusion of a dedicated Red ink tank made sunset photos and autumn foliage look significantly more lifelike than on the 5-ink Canon. If you are a photographer who occasionally wants to print 13×19 posters but doesn’t have the space for the massive PIXMA PRO-200, this is your best bet. It’s also significantly better than the TS9521C for high-contrast artistic photography due to the gray ink tank.
- Smallest 13-inch wide printer on the market
- Outstanding red and orange color reproduction
- Reliable wireless connectivity
- Lacks a scanner/copier
- Can be noisy during the cleaning cycle
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Photo Printer
Comparison Table
| Product | Price | Best For | Rating | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon TS9521C | ~$299 | Scrapbookers | 4.9/5 | Check |
| Epson XP-8700 | ~$169 | Value Seekers | 4.7/5 | Check |
| Canon TS6420a | ~$89 | Casual Use | 4.4/5 | Check |
| Canon PRO-200 | ~$599 | Professionals | 4.9/5 | Check |
| Epson XP-15000 | ~$349 | Wide Format | 4.5/5 | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Canon PIXMA TS9521C handle 110lb cardstock reliably?
Yes, but only via the rear tray. I’ve tested several 110lb cardstock brands, and the straight-through path of the rear feed prevents the curling and jamming that usually happens with the front cassette. It is significantly more reliable than the Epson alternative for this specific thickness.
Should I get the TS9521C or the Epson XP-15000 for large prints?
It depends on your goal. If you need 12×12 borderless prints for a scrapbook, the TS9521C is the only choice. However, if you want to print 13×19 landscape photos for framing, the Epson XP-15000 is superior due to its extra red and gray ink tanks which provide better color depth.
Does using third-party ink void the warranty on these photo printers?
Legally, in the US, manufacturers cannot void your warranty just for using third-party ink. However, if a third-party cartridge leaks and damages the print head, that specific repair won’t be covered. For photo printing, I strongly recommend official inks as third-party colors are rarely calibrated correctly.
Is it possible to print directly from an iPad or iPhone onto 12×12 paper?
Yes, the Canon TS9521C supports AirPrint. You can select the 12×12 paper size directly from the iOS print menu. I’ve found that using the Canon Print Inkjet/SELPHY app provides better control over margins and scaling than the default Apple print dialogue.
When is the best time of year to find deals on these Canon printers?
Historically, the best deals occur during “Prime Day” in July and the “Black Friday” window in November. I’ve seen the TS9521C drop by as much as $80 during these periods. If you are buying in April, check for “Back to School” bundles which often include extra ink packs.
Final Verdict
If you primarily create scrapbooks and need the unique 12×12 borderless format, the Canon PIXMA TS9521C is currently the only machine that does it well. If budget is the main constraint and you just need physical copies of family vacation photos, the TS6420a is a reliable bargain. For those who need maximum reliability for professional gallery work, step up to the PRO-200. As mobile photography continues to improve, these printers remain the vital final step in turning digital pixels into tangible family heirlooms.