Canon PIXMA TR150 Review: Best Portable Photo Printer

Welcome to my review of the Canon PIXMA TR150, a compact and portable inkjet printer designed for those who need on-the-go printing capabilities.

In today’s fast-paced world, where our smartphones capture countless memories, why not have a printer in your bag to instantly bring those moments to life?

The Canon PIXMA TR150 offers the convenience of wireless and mobile printing, making it a perfect companion for your travels or busy lifestyle.

In this review, I’ll walk you through the product’s description, specifications, and key features, so you can decide if the Canon PIXMA TR150 is the right choice for your printing needs.

Let’s explore this pocket-friendly printer and discover how it can meet your expectations for quality, speed, and portability.

Learn More>> The Best Photo Printers in 2023

What is Canon PIXMA TR150

The Canon PIXMA TR150 is a portable inkjet printer, specially designed for printing color documents on the go.

Unlike some all-in-one printers, the TR150 focuses solely on printing and does not include copying or scanning functionalities.

Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry in a standard backpack, making it a great choice for those who frequently need to print while traveling or away from the office.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 12.7 x 7.3 x 2.6 inches (HWD) with trays closed
• Weight: 4.5 pounds (5.1 pounds with optional battery installed)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n/a, Wireless PictBridge, USB 2.0
• Mobile Connectivity: Supports AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, Mopria, and voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
• Print Speed: Approximately 7.4 pages per minute (ppm) for text documents
• Paper Handling: 50-sheet input paper tray for plain paper up to legal size (8.5 x 14 inches)
• Ink Cartridges: One dye-based cartridge (cyan, magenta, yellow) and one pigment-based black cartridge

Features of Canon PIXMA TR150

• Portable Printing: The Canon PIXMA TR150 is incredibly compact and lightweight, making it easy to take with you wherever you go. Its small size allows it to fit snugly in a standard backpack, ensuring you have access to high-quality printing on the move.
• Optional Battery Pack: For a truly wireless printing experience, you can opt for the additional battery pack. The USB Type-C input provides a relatively quick full charge of around two and a half hours, giving you the flexibility to charge on the move using a standard power bank or in your car.
• Mobile Printing Support: The PIXMA TR150 supports WiFi Direct, allowing you to print directly from your mobile devices. You can use the Canon PRINT app, available on both Apple and Android app stores, to easily print documents and photos wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet.
• User-Friendly Control Panel: The printer features a control panel with a 1.4-inch monochrome OLED display and a handful of navigation controls. You can create and save up to five templates directly from the printer’s control panel for easy access to commonly printed documents like applications, consent forms, and flyers.
• Good Print Speeds: The Canon PIXMA TR150 prints text documents at a competitive speed of approximately 7.4 ppm. It can also produce a 4-by-6-inch glossy photo at default settings in just 1 minute and 4.8 seconds, which is faster than the category average.
• High-Quality Photo Printing: The printer delivers excellent glossy photo prints with sharp details and pleasing color saturation. Landscape photos, in particular, appear very natural, making it a suitable choice for printing cherished memories on the go.

Why do you need the Canon PIXMA TR150

The Canon PIXMA TR150 is the perfect solution for those who require a portable and efficient printing solution.

If you find yourself frequently on the move or in need of printing documents and photos away from a traditional office setting, this compact inkjet printer is the ideal choice.

It addresses the common problem of needing to print while traveling, working remotely, or attending meetings outside the office.

With its small size and lightweight design, the PIXMA TR150 can easily fit in a standard backpack, ensuring you have access to high-quality printing wherever you go.

Whether you’re a business professional, a student, or a traveler, this printer offers the convenience of instant printing without the need for bulky equipment or complicated setups.

Who should buy Canon PIXMA TR150

The Canon PIXMA TR150 is recommended for individuals who need a reliable and portable printing solution. It is especially suitable for:

1. Business Professionals: For those who frequently attend meetings or travel for work, the PIXMA TR150 provides a convenient way to print important documents on the spot.
2. Students: Students who need to print assignments, notes, or research papers while on campus or during study sessions away from home will find this printer incredibly handy.
3. Travelers: Whether you’re on vacation or a business trip, the PIXMA TR150 allows you to print photos, itineraries, and important documents without relying on hotel or business center services.
4. Remote Workers: If you work from different locations or co-working spaces, this printer ensures you can print important paperwork without the need to visit a traditional office.

Why choose Canon PIXMA TR150

There are several compelling reasons to choose the Canon PIXMA TR150 as your portable printing companion:

1. Fast Text Printing: The PIXMA TR150 prints text documents at a speed of approximately 7.4 pages per minute (ppm), making it efficient for quick printing needs.
2. Low Ink Costs: With economical ink consumption, this printer offers cost-effective printing, saving you money in the long run.
3. Attractive Photo Prints: The printer delivers excellent glossy photo prints with sharp details and pleasing color saturation, perfect for printing cherished memories on the go.
4. Optional Battery Pack: For true portability, the optional battery pack allows you to print wirelessly without relying on AC or USB power sources.
5. Mobile Connectivity: The printer supports various mobile printing options, including AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and Mopria, making it easy to print from your smartphone or tablet.

How to use the Canon PIXMA TR150

Using the Canon PIXMA TR150 is a straightforward process:

1. Set Up: Unbox the printer and connect it to a power source. Optionally, attach the battery pack for wireless printing.
2. Load Paper: Open the top cover to access the input paper tray and load up to 50 sheets of plain paper.
3. Connectivity: Connect your device to the printer via Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, or USB, depending on your preference.
4. Print: Install the required drivers and software on your device. Then, select the document or photo you want to print and send the print command.
5. Battery Charging: If you use the optional battery pack, charge it fully using the USB Type-C input. The battery is expected to last up to 330 sheets on a full charge.

Considerations and Precautions

While the Canon PIXMA TR150 offers many advantages, there are a few considerations and precautions to keep in mind:

1. Print Quality on Plain Paper: The print quality on plain paper may not be as sharp as desired. If you need high-quality prints on regular paper, consider using specialty paper for better results.
2. Limited Functionality: The PIXMA TR150 is a single-function printer and does not offer scanning or copying capabilities. If these features are essential for your needs, you may need to consider an all-in-one printer.
3. Battery Life: When using the optional battery pack, keep track of its charge level to ensure uninterrupted printing. Carry a power bank or backup battery if you plan to print extensively while on the go.
4. Warranty and Third-Party Cartridges: Using third-party ink cartridges may void the warranty, so it’s essential to use genuine Canon cartridges if you want to maintain the warranty coverage.

Pros & Cons of the Canon PIXMA TR150

Pros:

1. Fast Text Printing: The Canon PIXMA TR150 boasts impressive text printing speeds, making it an ideal choice for users who need to print documents quickly and efficiently.
2. Low Ink Costs: This portable printer comes with the advantage of low ink costs, which is a significant benefit for users who print frequently, as it helps to keep overall printing expenses in check.
3. Attractive Photo Prints: The PIXMA TR150 delivers high-quality photo prints, making it a versatile option for users who want to print both documents and pictures with excellent clarity and color reproduction.
4. Optional Battery Pack: Users have the option to purchase a bundle that includes a mobile battery, enabling off-the-grid printing and adding to its portability.
5. Responsive Control Panel Buttons: The control panel on top of the printer features responsive buttons, enhancing the overall user experience.

Cons:

1. Print Quality on Plain Paper: While the PIXMA TR150 performs well in various aspects, the print quality on plain paper is considered to be middle-of-the-road, which might be a drawback for users seeking the highest print quality on standard paper.
2. No Copy or Scan Functions: It’s worth noting that the PIXMA TR150 is a single-function printer and does not offer copy or scan capabilities, limiting its versatility in certain office environments.

Customer Reviews & Testimonials

Positive Review 1 (from Tom’s Guide): Tom’s Guide praises the Canon PIXMA TR150 for its low ink costs, fast text printing, and faster-than-average graphics and photo print speeds. The reviewer highlights the printer’s solid performance and compact size, which makes it suitable for on-the-go printing needs. The optional battery pack adds to its portability, and the control panel buttons are responsive, offering a user-friendly experience. The overall verdict acknowledges the PIXMA TR150 as a solid choice for portable printing, with the only area for improvement being the print quality on plain paper.

Positive Review 2 (from PCMag): PCMag reviews the Canon PIXMA TR150 as a leading portable printer, recognizing its compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry in backpacks. The printer’s competitive running costs, combined with its ability to print well at a good clip, led to it being awarded the Editors’ Choice title. The printer’s support for creating and saving templates for direct printing from the control panel is a unique feature that adds convenience to its functionality.

Alternatives for the Canon PIXMA TR150

1. HP OfficeJet 250 Mobile All-in-One Printer: If copy and scan functions are essential, the HP OfficeJet 250 offers the advantage of being an all-in-one mobile printer with copy and scan capabilities, making it a versatile choice for users who need these additional features.
2. Epson WorkForce EC-C110 Wireless Mobile Printer: The Epson WorkForce EC-C110 is another portable printer that offers excellent portability and decent print speeds. It also supports wireless connectivity and mobile printing options, making it a suitable alternative to consider.

Conclusion

The Canon PIXMA TR150 is a portable inkjet printer that caters to users looking for fast text printing, low ink costs, and attractive photo prints in a compact design. Its optional battery pack adds to its portability, making it suitable for on-the-go printing needs. The responsive control panel buttons enhance user convenience. However, users should be aware that the print quality on plain paper is not top-notch, and the printer lacks copy and scan functions.

Overall, the PIXMA TR150 is an excellent choice for users who prioritize speed, cost efficiency, and portability. It offers a solid performance for users who need a reliable portable printer for various printing tasks. For those seeking copy and scan capabilities, alternatives like the HP OfficeJet 250 Mobile All-in-One Printer and Epson WorkForce EC-C110 Wireless Mobile Printer provide viable options. The decision ultimately depends on the specific requirements and preferences of the user.