Quick answer

For most home users who print photos and occasional documents, a Canon PIXMA all-in-one like the PIXMA TR4670S offers a great balance of color output and low upfront cost. If you primarily print black-and-white text and need speed for a home office, an imageCLASS monochrome laser such as the MF284dw will save you time and money per page.

PIXMA vs imageCLASS: What's the core difference?

Canon's PIXMA line uses inkjet technology, which excels at color printing and photo reproduction. These printers are typically more affordable upfront and compact enough for a desk or shelf. The imageCLASS series, on the other hand, uses laser technology and is built for high-volume monochrome printing. They cost more initially but deliver faster print speeds and lower cost per page for black text.

Your choice depends on what you print most. If your home tasks include school projects, family photos, or colorful craft templates, a PIXMA is the natural fit. If you run a home business with contracts, invoices, or study materials that are mostly text, an imageCLASS will pay for itself over time.

Key features to consider for home use

Look at print speed, paper handling, and running costs. For a busy household, automatic duplex (two-sided) printing saves paper and time. An automatic document feeder (ADF) is a huge convenience if you frequently scan or copy multi-page documents. Wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi, AirPrint, Mopria) is standard on modern models and lets everyone in the family print from their own devices without cables.

Also consider ink or toner yield. PIXMA models often offer high-capacity (XL) ink cartridges that lower the cost per page. imageCLASS lasers use toner cartridges that last much longer, so you replace them less often. If you print only a few pages a week, a PIXMA is more economical; if you print dozens daily, an imageCLASS wins on total cost.

How to decide: three rules for choosing a home printer

  • Rule 1: Match the technology to your main output: If you print color photos, graphics, or school projects at least once a week, choose a PIXMA inkjet. If you print mostly black text documents and speed matters, choose an imageCLASS laser. Inkjet for color; laser for speed and low cost per page on text.
  • Rule 2: Estimate your monthly print volume: PIXMA models like the TR4670S are designed for 30–100 pages per month. If you exceed that regularly, the ink costs add up. The imageCLASS MF284dw handles higher volumes with lower per-page costs, even though the initial price is higher. Low volume (under 100 pages/month) → PIXMA. Medium to high volume → imageCLASS.
  • Rule 3: Check for must-have features: Automatic duplex printing is standard on both models shown here. If you need fax, both offer it. The imageCLASS MF284dw has a faster first print out time (5 seconds) and higher resolution for crisp text. The PIXMA TR4670S adds color and a lower entry price. List your top three must-haves (color, speed, fax, duplex) before shopping.

Two Canon printers compared for home use

  • PIXMA TR4670S: Compact Wireless Office All-In-One with Fax and Automatic 2-Sided Printing. ISO standard print speed (A4): up to 8.8 ipm black / 4.4 ipm colour. Recommended print volume: 30 to 100 pages. The PIXMA TR4670S is a solid entry-level color printer for families who need occasional color prints, scan/copy, and fax. Its low price and compact size make it easy to fit into a home office corner, but the lower recommended print volume means it's not built for heavy daily use.
  • imageCLASS MF284dw: Monochrome Multifunction for Small Business. Print Speed (A4): Up to 33 ppm. First Print Out Time (A4): Approx. 5.0 sec. Recommended Monthly Print Volume not specified, but designed for higher throughput. The imageCLASS MF284dw is a monochrome laser that prints black text at 33 pages per minute—about four times faster than the PIXMA. It's ideal for a home office where speed and low cost per page matter. The trade-off: no color output, so you'll need a separate solution for photos or color documents.

Which printer fits your home?

Best for

  • Families who print a mix of color photos, school assignments, and occasional documents
  • Home offices that primarily print black-and-white text and need speed and low running costs

Not ideal for

  • High-volume color printing (consider a dedicated photo printer or a color laser like the imageCLASS MF664Cdw)
  • Users who never print color and want the lowest per-page cost (a monochrome laser is more economical)