Canon MegaTank and Epson EcoTank, are both inkjet printers by two giant printer manufacturers. Inkjet printers are useful for printing digital images on various surfaces such as fabric, papers and even 3d objects. Inkjet print technology uses propelling technology that throws small droplets of ink into the paper to visualize the picture or any digital image. Such kinds of printers are useful for both homes and offices, especially who are concerned with printing images.
In this article, we will discuss and compare both Canon MegaTank and Epson EcoTank from different angles to figure out which one is the best inkjet printer.
For the comparison, we took two printers from both brands, one being the Canon Megatank MAXIFY GX7020 and the other being the Epson Ecotank Pro ET-16600. Both are available at almost the same prices and have pretty similar print specs.
It is also equally important for you to understand the major differences between 4 Color & 6 color printers before deciding on one from Canon and Epson. Similarly, printing cost and effeciency also varies depending on the resolution which is why we often suggest the 1200 DPI printers for printing pictures.
For more – Read our in-depth guide on ink tank printers.
Head-to-Head Comparison
In the comparison, the Epson Ecotank Pro ET-16600 emerges as the superior option over the Canon Megatank MAXIFY GX7020. Epson’s printer showcases advanced features and capabilities that make it the preferred choice in various aspects.
Epson’s EcoTank printer surpasses the Canon MegaTank model in design and usability. The inclusion of two paper drawers in the Epson ET 16600 enhances convenience, while its larger 4.3-inch digital screen display ensures user-friendly navigation. With a resolution of 4800 x 2400 DPI, the Epson printer excels in delivering sharper and more detailed prints compared to Canon’s 1200 x 1200 DPI. Such higher resolution is truly essential in printing high definition graphical visualized content.
Similarly, Epson’s Ecotank Pro ET-16600 maintains its edge in maintenance cost efficiency. Its lower cost per ink cycle (USD 92) in comparison to Canon’s (USD 126) creates substantial savings, especially for heavy users. Epson’s printer offers exceptional usability and versatility. Its ability to print borderless documents suits creative projects, while legal paper tray support enhances office usability – an advantage missing in the Canon model due to not having same print head like the Epson printers.
The Epson printer’s piezo-electric print head technology contributes to superior output quality. This precise droplet control results in sharper details and smoother color transitions, positioning the Epson as a leader in output refinement. Epson’s Ecotank Pro ET-16600 maintains its competitive edge with a lower cost per page (2 cents) compared to Canon’s (3 cents). This cost-effectiveness, combined with a focus on high-quality output, makes the Epson printer an appealing choice for those seeking both budget-friendly and premium results.
In conclusion, the Epson Ecotank Pro ET-16600 outperforms the Canon Megatank MAXIFY GX7020. Its advanced design, higher resolution, cost efficiency, enhanced usability, and commitment to delivering superior output quality make the Epson printer the superior and more versatile option across a range of printing needs.
Comparison Table
The below comparison table will help you to compare Epson’s Ecotank Pro ET-16600 with Canon Megatank MAXIFY GX7020. (These two printers are picked to illustrate comparative strengths and weaknesses between both companies’ inkjet printers.
| Canon Megatank MAXIFY GX7020 | Epson Ecotank Pro ET-16600 | |
| Wireless | Yes | Yes |
| Print Technology | Inkjet | Inkjet |
| Duplex Printing | Auto Duplex | Auto Duplex |
| Max Print Speed (Color) | 15.5 PPM | 12 PPM |
| Max Print Speed (Monochrome) | 24 PPM | 25 PPM |
| Refelling | Easy (One nozzle doesn't fit with another color tank) "Keyed Shape" | Easy |
| Other Features | Copy, Scan, Fax | All-in-one (Copy Scan Fax) |
| Page Yield (Color) | 14000 Pages | 6000 Pages |
| Page Yeild (Black) | 6000 Pages | 7500 Pages |
| Cost per ink (one Cycle) | USD 126 | USD 92 |
| Special Feature | Single Pass, Duplex ADF | Single Pass, Duplex ADF |
| Max Print Length | (16 inch by 13 inch - Print & Scan) | (13 inch by 19 inch - Print) 11inch by 17 inch - Scan) |
| Touch Screen | 2.7 inches (LCD) | 4.3 inches |
| ADF Capacity | 600 Sheets (Single tray) | 500 Sheets (Two trays) |
| Borderless Print | Not available | Available |
| Legal paper trays | Not available | Available |
| Resolution | 1200 x 1200 DPI | 4800 x 2400 DPI |
| Print Head | Thermal Print Head | Piezo-electric print head |
| Main USP | High Speed | High Quality |
| Cost Per Page | 3 Cents | 2 Cents |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Print Technology (Epson Wins)
Both the Canon Megatank and Epson EcoTank use inkjet technology, which offers several advantages, including high-resolution printing, vibrant color reproduction, and the ability to print on a variety of media. It’s commonly used for home and office printing, photography, art reproduction, labeling, packaging, and more. Additionally, advancements in ink formulations and print head technologies have led to improved speed, quality, and versatility in inkjet printing, making it a versatile and widely adopted printing method.
Again, two different print heads are used by both Canon & Epson.
Thermal and piezo-electric print heads are two different technologies used in inkjet printers, such as the Canon Megatank and Epson Ecotank printers. Each technology has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s delve into the differences between these two print head technologies and explore why some consider Epson’s piezo-electric print heads to be better than Canon’s thermal print heads.
Thermal inkjet print heads work by heating the ink in tiny chambers until it vaporizes and creates a bubble. After that, the bubble forces a droplet of ink out of the nozzle onto the print surface. This process requires precise control over temperature and timing to ensure accurate droplet formation. Canon’s Megatank printers use this technology.
On the other side, Piezo-electric inkjet print heads, as used in Epson Ecotank printers, operate differently. These print heads use a piezoelectric material that changes shape when an electric voltage is applied. This change in shape generates pressure that further ejects ink droplets from the nozzles onto paper. The main advantage of this technology is that it doesn’t rely on heat, allowing a wider range of inks to be used without risking ink degradation due to heating.
Below are the differences & advantages between Thermal inkjet print heads & piezoelectric print heads.
- Epson’s piezo-electric print heads are more precise and consistent in droplet formation compared to thermal print heads. This is particularly important for producing high-quality prints, especially when dealing with fine details, gradients, and color accuracy.
- Piezo-electric print heads are more versatile when it comes to ink compatibility. The absence of heat in the printing process allows for a wider variety of inks to be used without the risk of ink deterioration. This can be crucial for specialized printing needs, such as archival printing or printing on non-traditional surfaces.
- The piezo-electric technology is generally considered more durable and reliable over time compared to thermal technology. The repeated heating and cooling cycles in thermal print heads can lead to wear and tear, potentially reducing the lifespan of the print head.
Imagine you are a photographer looking to print your portfolio. You have a choice between an Epson Ecotank printer with a piezo-electric print head and a Canon Megatank printer with a thermal print head.
You’ve captured a breathtaking landscape photo with intricate details in the sky and water reflections. To reproduce this image accurately, you need a printer that can produce consistent droplets, especially in the subtle gradients of the sky. The Epson printer’s piezo-electric print head, known for its precision, ensures that every droplet lands exactly where it’s intended, maintaining the image’s quality.
Moreover, you want to use a specialty ink that highlights the vividness of the water reflections. With the Epson printer’s ink compatibility, you can confidently use this specialized ink without worrying about heat-induced ink degradation.
Over time, as you continue printing your portfolio and other projects, the Epson printer’s piezo-electric print head proves its durability, consistently producing high-quality prints without a decrease in performance. This longevity is a significant advantage, especially for professionals who rely on their printer’s consistency.
In this scenario, the Epson Ecotank printer’s piezo-electric print head technology demonstrates its superiority in terms of precision, versatility, and long-term reliability, making it a better choice for your printing needs compared to the Canon Megatank printer with a thermal print head.
Design Aspect (Its a tie)
From a design perspective, the Epson Ecotank Pro ET-16600 appears to have an advantage over the Canon Megatank MAXIFY GX7020. The presence of two paper drawers on the Epson printer adds a sense of convenience and practicality. Additionally, Epson’s larger digital screen display (4.3 inches) provides better navigation and interaction compared to Canon’s smaller display (2.7 inches). This gives the Epson printer a more user-friendly and visually appealing design.
Overall, both Epson EcoTank printers and Canon MegaTank printers appear to be lucrative compared to other available brands in the market. From the design and appearance aspect, both are amazing and sturdy; however, there may be different opinions in this regard.
Print Speed (Canon MegaTank wins)
When it comes to print speed, the Canon Megatank GX7020 offers a faster color print speed of 15.5 pages per minute (PPM) compared to Epson Ecotank Pro ET-16600’s 12 PPM. However, in monochrome printing, the Epson printer slightly edges out with 25 PPM compared to Canon’s 24 PPM. If you prioritize color printing speed, the Canon might be preferable, but if monochrome printing speed is more important, the Epson could be the choice.
Print Resolution (Epson offers higher DPI)
In terms of resolution, the Epson Ecotank Pro ET-16600 has a clear advantage with its higher resolution of 4800 x 2400 DPI compared to Canon Megatank GX7020’s 1200 x 1200 DPI. This means that the Epson printer is capable of producing more detailed and sharper prints, especially in images and graphics.
Affordability (Epson is cheaper)
Considering maintenance costs, the Epson Ecotank Pro ET-16600 has a lower cost per ink cycle at USD 92, compared to the Canon Megatank GX7020’s USD 126. This means that over time, the Epson printer might be more cost-effective in terms of ink replacement.
The Canon Megatank GX7020’s main USP is its high-speed printing, while the Epson Ecotank Pro ET-16600’s main strength lies in high-quality output. Despite the Canon’s higher print speed, the Epson model boasts a lower cost per page (2 cents compared to Canon’s 3 cents), which can lead to significant savings over time, especially for high-volume printing.
There are other versions of Canon MegaTank printers as well. The functionality and other benefits may vary depending on prices. For instance, Canon GX7021 is also a MegaTank printer, which is available at half of what Canon asks for Canon Megatank GX7020. The GX7021 is also a wireless printer, having two paper trays of 250 pages in total. White it offers two sides of printing but the auto duplex feature is missing there.
Similarly, Epson’s EcoTank series also comes in different price range. For example, Epson EcoTank 5800 comes at a lower price than 16600 which cannot print envelopes and glossy photo papers in comparison to the EcoTank 16600. Similarly, Epson EcoTank 16650 is an advanced version of the EcoTank 16600 which offers larger paper printing at the same resolution of the ET 16600 offers.
The choice between the Canon Megatank MAXIFY GX7020 and the Epson Ecotank Pro ET-16600 depends on your specific needs. While the Canon printer offers faster color printing and a larger ADF capacity, the Epson printer excels in design aesthetics, higher resolution, lower maintenance costs, borderless printing, legal paper support, and better-quality output. Your decision should be based on factors like your printing preferences, usage scenarios, and budget considerations.
Usability (Epson Stands out)
From a usability perspective, the Epson Ecotank Pro ET-16600 stands out in a few ways. It has the ability to print borderless, which allows for edge-to-edge printing and is particularly useful for photo printing and creative projects. Epson’s implementation of borderless printing provides more versatility in output. Additionally, the presence of legal paper trays in the Epson printer makes it better suited for office use, especially when dealing with legal-sized documents, giving it an edge over the Canon model.
Other Aspects:
- Max Print Length: The Epson printer has a larger maximum print length of 13 inches by 19 inches, while the Canon can print up to 16 inches by 13 inches and scan up to 11 inches by 17 inches. This gives the Epson printer an advantage in handling larger format prints and scans.
- ADF Capacity: The Canon Megatank GX7020 has a higher ADF capacity of 600 sheets in a single tray, compared to Epson Ecotank Pro ET-16600’s 500 sheets spread across two trays. This could be beneficial for higher volume scanning tasks.
What are the disadvantages of Inktank printers?
Ink tank printers, also known as continuous ink supply system (CISS) printers or EcoTank printers, offer cost-effective and high-volume printing solutions for many users. However, they also come with certain disadvantages. Let’s explore these disadvantages with real-life examples:
Initial Cost
Ink tank printers tend to have higher upfront costs compared to traditional inkjet printers. While the long-term savings on ink can offset this, the initial investment might be a deterrent for some users. For instance, let’s say you’re a student on a tight budget who needs a printer for occasional use. The higher initial cost of an ink tank printer might make it less appealing compared to a more affordable conventional inkjet printer.
Size
Ink tank printers are often larger and bulkier due to the built-in ink tanks. This can be a concern for users with limited desk space or small home offices. Imagine you’re setting up a home office in a compact apartment. The larger size of an ink tank printer could pose challenges in finding a suitable spot for it within your limited workspace.
Ink Evaporation
Ink tank systems expose the ink to air, which can lead to evaporation over time. This could potentially result in the ink drying out or clogging the print heads, especially if the printer isn’t used frequently. Consider a small business owner who prints occasionally. If the ink in their ink tank printer dries up due to infrequent use, they might need to perform maintenance or waste ink to unclog the print heads, which can be both time-consuming and frustrating.
Prone to leak
Setting up an ink tank printer can be more complex than a regular inkjet printer. You need to fill the tanks with ink correctly, and any spillage or mishandling can lead to leaks or ink staining. Think about a busy office environment where multiple employees might use the printer. If someone accidentally spills ink during the setup process, it could result in a messy and inconvenient situation. However, the Epson EcoTank printers and canon mega tank printers that are expensive are not so prone to leak as the refilling mechanism appears to be safe compared to other cheaper printers.
Limited Compatibility
Some ink tank printers might not be compatible with certain types of paper or specialty media due to the type of ink used. This could limit creative or professional printing options. Suppose you’re a photographer who occasionally needs to print on glossy or textured paper for high-quality photo prints. The limited compatibility of certain ink tank printers could restrict your choices. For example, Epson EcoTank 5800 cannot print envelopes and glossy photo papers in comparison to the EcoTank 16600.
In summary, while ink tank printers offer significant advantages in terms of ink cost savings and high-volume printing, they also come with drawbacks such as higher initial costs, potential ink evaporation and clogging, size considerations, and limited compatibility. It’s essential to consider your specific printing needs and usage patterns when deciding whether an ink tank printer is the right choice for you.
Is ink tank print quality better than inkjet?
Ink tank printers are a type of inkjet printer, so they fall under the broader category of inkjet printing technology. When comparing the print quality of ink tank printers to other traditional inkjet printers, it’s important to consider that both technologies can produce high-quality prints, but the specific quality can vary based on factors such as printer model, ink formulation, and print settings.
In general, both ink tank printers and traditional inkjet printers can produce high-quality text documents, graphics, and images.
However, there are some considerable facts to decide the print quality:
- Ink Formulation: The quality of prints depends significantly on the formulation of the ink used in the printer. Some traditional inkjet printers use high-quality pigment-based inks that can produce sharp text and durable prints. The type of ink used can impact factors such as color vibrancy, fade resistance, and print longevity.
- Print Head Technology: The print head technology used in inkjet printers can affect the quality of prints. Both thermal and piezo-electric print head technologies are used in inkjet printers, and each has its strengths in terms of droplet precision and image clarity. For example, The Epson printer’s piezo-electric print head technology contributes to superior output quality. This precise droplet control results in sharper details and smoother color transitions.
- Resolution and DPI: Printers with higher DPI (dots per inch) specifications generally offer finer detail and smoother gradients. Both ink tank printers and traditional inkjet printers can offer varying levels of resolution, so it’s essential to check the specifications of the specific printer models you’re comparing. As we said in the above comparison,
- Paper Quality: The type and quality of paper can impact print quality. Using recommended or higher-quality paper can enhance the overall appearance of prints.
Let’s Conclude
It’s hard to conclude which Ink Tank printer is better. As per our above comparison, considering facts and surveys, it surely appears that Epson Eco Tank printers are better than the Canon Mega Tank printers. However, not every feature is required by all and you may find it useful alternatively.
