Canon PIXMA TR160 vs Canon PIXMA TS6520
Is carrying the printer worth giving up integrated scanning and automatic duplex?
Products compared
ASIN B0F1Z1VLV6
Canon PIXMA TR160
Carrying the printer matters more than all-in-one convenience.
Last observed offer
$194.95
List Price: $269.99
- Confirm offer eligibility on Amazon
Size: Small
Price checked
Observed condition: new. Coupon and subscription requirements unverified.
ASIN B0FMBTJLX6
Canon PIXMA TS6520
You want a flatbed or regularly print supported two-sided documents.
Last observed offer
$79.00
List Price: $140.99
- Confirm offer eligibility on Amazon
Size: Medium
Price checked
Observed condition: new. Coupon and subscription requirements unverified.
Prices are per listed package. Pickoryx may earn a commission from qualifying purchases through the paid Amazon links on this page, at no added cost to you.
Published by Pickoryx · Published 2026-10-07 · Source checked 2026-10-07 18:27 UTC
The main trade-off
Portable print-only use versus a desk-based document workflow.
Quick verdict
Choose the TR160 for portable printing, accepting separate scanning and manual duplex. Choose the TS6520 for desk paperwork: it scans and copies, and automates supported two-sided printing.
Choose Canon PIXMA TR160 if
- Carrying the printer matters more than all-in-one convenience.
Choose Canon PIXMA TS6520 if
- You want a flatbed or regularly print supported two-sided documents.
When the recommendation changes
- Frequent two-sided documents make manual refeeding an unwelcome compromise.
- Off-outlet printing requires budgeting for the TR160’s separately sold battery.
The differences that matter
| Decision point | Canon PIXMA TR160 | Canon PIXMA TS6520 |
|---|---|---|
| Portable Print Only Or Integrated Document Capture | Portable, print-only; battery optional and sold separately.[1] | Print, scan and copy with a flatbed; no automatic document feeder.[2] |
What this changes: Choose around where the work happens: taking printouts on the road or handling physical originals at a desk.[1, 2] The better fit depends on your priorities | ||
| Manual Or Automatic Duplex Workflow | Canon’s Windows driver uses manual duplex: reload sheets, then press OK.[3] | Automatic duplex; the documented Windows procedure requires Letter or A4.[4, 5] |
What this changes: For supported two-sided jobs, the TS6520 removes the mid-job paper-refeeding step. The TR160 suits buyers willing to do that step themselves.[3, 4] Best fit: Canon PIXMA TS6520 | ||
Best for your routine
Printing away from your usual desk
Best fit: Canon PIXMA TR160
Based on listed features, not comparative testing.
The TR160 is the portable choice if separate scanning is acceptable; check the battery bundle before planning off-outlet use.
Two-sided desk documents, even without scanning
Best fit: Canon PIXMA TS6520
Based on listed features, not comparative testing.
The TS6520 avoids manually reloading sheets on supported duplex jobs. That can justify choosing it even if you already have a scanner.
Value and trade-offs
One or both observed offers have eligibility conditions, so no unrestricted price difference is shown.
Pay for the workflow you will use; compare the complete TR160 bundle if battery operation is required.
Insufficient verified price history for a buy-now or wait recommendation.
Limitations
- This is a feature-fit comparison, not a print-quality, speed, ink-cost or reliability ranking; neither printer was hands-on tested.
- Duplex instructions cited here concern Canon’s Windows driver. Check the exact operating system, app, paper size and media before purchase; do not assume identical controls across devices or that every supported paper type permits duplex.
- Canon’s store pages contain ambiguous availability labels. This comparison does not establish current stock or discontinuation status.
Questions shoppers ask
Does automatic duplex mean automatic scanning of a stack?
No. The TS6520 has no automatic document feeder: place originals on its flatbed yourself. The TR160 is print-only.
Will automatic duplex work for every page size?
No. Canon’s cited TS6500-series Windows procedure limits automatic duplex to Letter and A4. Verify your intended paper and app workflow before relying on it.
Methodology and sources
Compared document functions and the manual steps involved in two-sided printing.
AI assisted source research and comparison drafting.
View 5 sources
- 1.PIXMA TR160 Portable Wireless PrinterCanon · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-07 18:22 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- SKU; product highlights; footnote 7: US SKU 7069C002; portable print-only configuration; optional battery sold separately.
- 2.PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Multi-Function Home PrinterCanon · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-07 18:24 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- SKU; product highlights; overview; Scan specifications: US SKU 7179C002; print/copy/scan, flatbed without ADF, automatic duplex.
- 3.TR160 series: Duplex PrintingCanon · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-07 18:24 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- Windows Printer Driver; steps 2 and 6: Manual two-sided mode requires reloading the paper and pressing OK.
- 4.TS6500 series: Duplex PrintingCanon · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-07 18:23 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- Windows Printer Driver; Automatic Duplex; Important: Automatic duplex avoids turning the sheet; this driver procedure limits automatic duplex to Letter or A4.
- 5.TS6500 series Online Manual: applicable modelsCanon · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-07 18:23 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- Model list at top: Explicitly lists TS6520 within the manual family.