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The best all-in-one photo printer depends on whether you prioritize low ink costs, accurate-looking photos, document scanning, or larger prints. This needs-based shortlist puts the Canon MegaTank PIXMA G3290 first for economical home photo printing, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 first for versatile Letter/A4 work, the Canon PIXMA G620 first for standard-size photo output, the Canon PIXMA TR8620a first when an automatic document feeder matters, and the Epson Expression Photo XP-980 first for photo quality with wide-format capability.
There is no industry-wide “top five” rating behind this list. The models come from different 2025–2026 editorial guides with different test methods, so treat them as fits for different buyers rather than a shared laboratory ranking.
How were these five all-in-one photo printers selected?
The shortlist combines current recommendations from Tom’s Guide, RTINGS and Digital Camera World, with cost context from Which? The publications evaluate different things, and this article has not performed a new head-to-head test. A printer appears here because the available evidence supports a clear use case, not because it earned a comparable score against every other model.
That distinction matters. “Vibrant” photos are not automatically color-accurate photos, and a printer with a scanner may be less flexible for photos than a dedicated photo model. Regional versions, ink codes, paper support and retail availability can also change, so check the specification for your country before ordering.
#1 Best Overall
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- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Which model is right for your needs?
- Choose the Canon MegaTank PIXMA G3290 if you want an all-in-one for home photos, copies and scans with refillable-tank running costs and duplex printing.
- Choose the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 if you want detailed, colorful Letter/A4 photos alongside everyday printing and scanning.
- Choose the Canon PIXMA G620 if standard Letter/A4 photo output is more important than broad document features and you value a six-dye-ink system.
- Choose the Canon PIXMA TR8620a if multi-page scanning and better color accuracy are more important than the lowest ink cost.
- Choose the Epson Expression Photo XP-980 if you are willing to accept slower printing and lower page yield for stronger photos and wide-format output.
If you print only occasionally and do not need a scanner, a dedicated photo printer may be a better design than any all-in-one. Conversely, if you regularly scan a stack of pages, an automatic document feeder (ADF) can matter more than a small difference in photo color.
How do the five printers compare?
| Model | Best fit | Photo and ink characteristics | Document features | Format or key limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon MegaTank PIXMA G3290 | Home photo value | Photo quality and low ink costs highlighted by Tom’s Guide; refillable tank | Print, copy, scan, duplex, Wi‑Fi | No ADF; single paper tray |
| Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 | Versatile Letter/A4 photo and everyday use | Detailed, colorful photos; refillable tank; low replacement-ink costs | Scanner included | Prints up to 8.5 × 11 inches; colors can oversaturate |
| Canon PIXMA G620 | Standard-size photo emphasis | Six dye-based inks; bottled-ink running-cost advantage | Check the exact regional feature set | Recommendation is specifically as a regular Letter/A4 photo printer |
| Canon PIXMA TR8620a | Scanning and connectivity | Better color accuracy than the cited alternative; higher ongoing ink costs | ADF-equipped scanner; additional connectivity | More limited color range than the Epson alternative |
| Epson Expression Photo XP-980 | Photo quality and wide-format output | Better photos than the cited ET-2410 alternative | Photo-focused feature set | Slower printing and lower page yield than the ET-2410 |
The table describes the evidence available for each model; it is not a normalized scorecard. Features such as borderless printing, wireless standards, paper weights and exact ink yields should be confirmed in the manual for the regional version you plan to buy.
Is the Canon MegaTank PIXMA G3290 the best value all-in-one for photos?
It is the strongest value-oriented pick when you want photos plus basic home document duties. Tom’s Guide identifies it as its best all-in-one printer for photos and highlights photo quality, low ink costs, duplex printing and Wi‑Fi.
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- It combines printing, copying and scanning instead of requiring a separate scanner.
- Refillable ink tanks are intended to reduce replacement-ink expense for people who print regularly.
- Automatic duplex printing saves paper for ordinary documents.
- Tom’s Guide measured 9.2 pages per minute in simplex and 7.2 pages per minute in duplex in its 2025 review. Those are that publisher’s test results, not a universal manufacturer speed.
- The same review estimated about 0.9 cents per color page, compared with a stated 1.9-cent category average. This is an editorial estimate and comparison, not a guaranteed current cost.
What you give up
The G3290 has no automatic document feeder, so scanning or copying a multi-page packet requires placing pages on the glass one at a time. It also has a single paper tray, which is less convenient if you switch frequently between plain paper and photo paper.
Who should buy it
Choose it for a household that prints photos, schoolwork and occasional copies, and that values low running costs over high-volume document automation. It is less suitable for a home office that routinely scans multi-page contracts or keeps several paper types loaded.
Is the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 the most versatile photo choice?
The ET-8500 is the balanced choice for people who want detailed, colorful photos and everyday scanning without moving into a larger-format machine. RTINGS highlights its refillable tanks, low replacement-ink costs and scanner.
Photo strengths and color caveat
RTINGS describes the ET-8500’s photos as detailed and colorful. It also warns that the printer can oversaturate colors. A vivid print may therefore look pleasing while being less faithful to the original image, especially when exact skin tones or product colors matter. Use the printer’s color-management settings and the paper maker’s recommended profile when consistency is important.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What size can it print?
The ET-8500 tops out at 8.5 × 11 inches for printing, covering common US Letter and closely related A4 work. Epson’s ET-8550 is the wider-format sibling and supports prints up to 13 × 19 inches. Do not assume the ET-8500 can accept the ET-8550’s larger sheets: the model number and regional specification must match your intended media.
Who should buy it
It fits a photographer or family that prints standard-size photos often, scans household documents and wants tank economics. Pick another model if large wall prints are a core requirement or if your workflow demands highly controlled color without time spent adjusting settings.
Is the Canon PIXMA G620 better for a photo-first buyer?
The G620 is the photo-first standard-size option in this group. Digital Camera World selects it as its favorite regular Letter/A4 photo printer and emphasizes its six dye-based inks and bottled-ink running-cost advantage.
Why six dye inks matter
Using six dye-based inks gives the G620 a broader photo-oriented color approach than a basic four-ink setup. That can help with smooth tonal transitions and colorful images, but the number of inks alone does not prove that every photo will be more accurate. Paper choice, driver settings, lighting and the source image still affect the result.
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Check the all-in-one definition carefully
The cited recommendation is for a regular-size photo printer, and the available description does not establish the same complete feature set as the G3290 or ET-8500. Before calling a regional G620 package a full all-in-one, verify whether that exact version includes the scanner, copier functions, duplexing and connectivity you need.
Who should buy it
Choose the G620 when standard-size photos are the priority and you are comfortable checking the regional feature list before purchase. It is a less obvious choice for someone whose main requirement is multi-page scanning or a single device for demanding office paperwork.
When is the Canon PIXMA TR8620a the better alternative?
The TR8620a earns its place when document handling and connectivity outweigh the appeal of the lowest ink cost. RTINGS describes it as a similarly priced alternative to the cited Epson ET-2410, with better color accuracy, additional connectivity and an ADF-equipped scanner.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Why its scanner matters
An ADF lets you feed multiple pages for a scan or copy job instead of lifting the lid for every sheet. That does not make it a high-volume office scanner, but it is a meaningful convenience for tax forms, school packets and signed documents.
Trade-offs versus tank models
RTINGS notes a more limited color range than the Epson alternative and higher ongoing ink costs. The printer can therefore make sense for a user who prints photos occasionally but scans documents frequently. If you print hundreds of photos, the refillable-tank models deserve a closer cost comparison.
Who should buy it
Pick the TR8620a when the ADF, color accuracy and connectivity are the features you will use every week. Do not choose it solely because its purchase price resembles another model; estimate ink spending over your expected print volume.
Is the Epson Expression Photo XP-980 worth choosing for photo quality?
The XP-980 is the quality-and-size alternative for buyers willing to trade speed and yield for stronger photo output and wide-format capability. RTINGS lists it as a pricier alternative with better photos and wider printing than the ET-2410.
Where it stands out
Its main appeal is photo quality combined with the ability to print larger than the standard-size limit of the ET-2410. That makes it relevant for photographers, scrapbookers and other users who need more than Letter/A4 output.
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RTINGS reports slower printing and a lower page yield than the ET-2410. A slower printer may be acceptable for occasional showcase images, but it is frustrating when you need a batch of everyday pages. Lower yield also means that the purchase decision should include replacement-ink costs, not just the printer price.
Who should buy it
Choose the XP-980 when large or especially good-looking photos justify slower throughput and a higher price. For routine family printing, a tank model is likely to be easier to justify financially.
Rank #4
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- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
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How much do ink costs change the buying decision?
Photo printing consumes substantially more ink than a typical text page, so a low purchase price can be misleading. Refillable-tank models such as the G3290 and ET-8500 are specifically cited for lower ongoing ink costs, while cartridge-oriented designs can cost more as volume rises.
Use published figures as estimates, not promises
The G3290’s 0.9-cent color-page estimate comes from Tom’s Guide’s 2025 review and is compared with that publisher’s 1.9-cent category average. Actual cost depends on coverage, paper, cleaning cycles, local ink prices and whether the page is a document or a dense photo.
Consider your print frequency
- Frequent photo printing: A tank can amortize its higher initial price through cheaper replacement ink, provided you use enough of the included capacity.
- Occasional printing: Compare the total cost of ownership carefully. An inexpensive cartridge printer may be financially reasonable if it sits unused for long periods.
- Mostly documents: Duplexing, an ADF and paper handling may save more time than a photo-ink advantage.
- Mostly photos: Include specialty paper and the cost of failed or reprinted images in your budget.
Which? reports that an A4 photo cost more than £3 on some tested models in its 2026 UK-market comparison. That figure is UK-specific and applies to the tested models; it should not be generalized to every printer or country.
What print size and media should you verify?
Start with the largest print you actually need, because format limits can eliminate a model before image quality becomes relevant. The ET-8500 is a standard-size machine, while the ET-8550 sibling is the model identified for up to 13 × 19-inch output.
Make a media checklist
- Confirm whether the printer accepts your preferred Letter, A4 or larger sheet size.
- Check support for borderless output if you want edge-to-edge photos.
- Verify the thickness and finish of glossy or specialty paper in the regional manual.
- Match the paper profile in the print driver to the actual paper surface.
- Confirm the correct ink code for the exact regional model before buying replacement bottles or cartridges.
Do not infer support from a product family name. The G620’s recommendation is explicitly for regular-size photo printing, and the G3290’s single tray may require more frequent paper changes when you alternate between plain and photo stock.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which everyday features matter beyond photo quality?
A photo all-in-one is a compromise: adding a scanner and office features can make one device more useful, but a dedicated photo design may devote more of its hardware and ink system to images.
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A flatbed scanner handles individual photos, books and receipts. An ADF is the deciding feature for multi-page workflows; the G3290 lacks one, while the TR8620a is specifically described as having an ADF-equipped scanner.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Duplex printing
Automatic duplexing prints both sides of compatible documents and reduces paper use. The G3290 is specifically identified with duplex printing; confirm the same function on other models if it is essential to you.
Connectivity
Wi‑Fi is highlighted for the G3290, and RTINGS cites additional connectivity for the TR8620a. Because connection options can vary by regional revision, verify support for your computers and mobile devices before buying.
How should you choose among the five?
- Set the largest required photo size. If you need prints above Letter/A4, remove the ET-8500 and focus on a documented wide-format option such as the XP-980 or the ET-8550 sibling.
- Decide whether scanning is central. For multi-page work, favor an ADF-equipped design such as the TR8620a; for occasional single pages, a flatbed may be enough.
- Estimate annual photo volume. Compare refillable-tank economics with cartridge costs using your local ink prices rather than a generic online estimate.
- Choose your color priority. If pleasing saturation is enough, the ET-8500’s colorful output may appeal. If faithful reproduction is more important, account for its oversaturation warning and consider the TR8620a’s cited color-accuracy advantage.
- Check the exact regional specification. Confirm scanner functions, duplexing, tray arrangement, paper sizes, connectivity and consumables for the model sold in your market.
- Plan for your usage pattern. A printer that sits unused for long periods may not deliver the same practical value as one used regularly; include maintenance and replacement-ink consequences in the decision.
What are the most common buying mistakes?
- Choosing by “vibrant” alone: Saturated color can be attractive but may not be accurate.
- Ignoring paper size: A standard-size printer cannot be turned into a wide-format printer with a software setting.
- Comparing only purchase prices: Photo ink use can dominate the long-term cost.
- Assuming every model is a complete all-in-one: The G620’s cited recommendation does not establish every scanner and document feature for every regional version.
- Buying without checking an ADF: A flatbed-only model becomes tedious for multi-page scans and copies.
- Using the wrong consumables: Ink and paper codes can differ by model and geography.
- Treating review speeds as specifications: The G3290’s 9.2 and 7.2 pages-per-minute figures are Tom’s Guide test results under its conditions.
What is the final shortlist?
The G3290 is the practical value pick, combining photos, scanning, copying, duplexing and refillable-tank economics, though its lack of an ADF limits document work. The ET-8500 is the most balanced standard-size photo-and-everyday option, with a warning about oversaturation. The G620 is the photo-focused Letter/A4 choice built around six dye inks, but its exact all-in-one features need regional confirmation. The TR8620a is the document-friendly alternative when an ADF and color accuracy matter more than ink economy. The XP-980 is the specialist choice for stronger photos and wider output, accepting slower printing and lower yield.
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Do six ink colors guarantee more accurate photos?
No. Six dye-based inks can support smoother or richer photographic color, but accuracy also depends on paper, profiles, lighting, driver settings and the source image. A printer described as vibrant may still oversaturate some colors.
Are refillable-tank printers always cheaper overall?
Not necessarily. Tanks can reduce replacement-ink costs for regular, high-volume printing, but their higher purchase price may not pay back for an occasional user. Compare the printer price, local ink prices and realistic annual photo volume.
Can an all-in-one photo printer replace a document scanner?
It can handle household scanning, but convenience depends on the scanner design. A flatbed works well for individual pages and photos, while an ADF is much more practical for multi-page packets.
Why should I verify the regional model before ordering?
Names such as PIXMA and EcoTank can cover revisions with different paper limits, connectivity, included features and consumable codes. Confirm the exact manual and ink compatibility for the country where you will use the printer.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
