Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color vs Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Inkjet

Design and Build Quality

Both the Brother Work Smart 1360 and the Canon PIXMA TS6520 are designed as compact all-in-one units suitable for home environments. The Brother model is engineered specifically for home and home office use, focusing on a multifunction footprint that combines printing, copying, and scanning. Canon positions its device as a budget-friendly all-in-one printer perfect for both home users and hybrid workers. While specific physical dimensions are not provided in the data, both units emphasize compactness to fit within residential workspaces. The build quality aims to support daily tasks without occupying excessive desk space.

Print Speed and Performance

Productivity-focused printing features are a key differentiator in this comparison. The Brother Work Smart 1360 provides engineered print speeds of up to 16 pages per minute in black and up to 9 pages per minute in color. These specific metrics allow users to estimate workflow efficiency accurately. The Canon PIXMA TS6520 mentions optimizing printing to speed up workflows but does not list specific pages per minute ratings in the provided data. For users who prioritize documented throughput for text documents, the Brother model offers clearer performance expectations based on the available specifications.

Connectivity Options

Connection capabilities vary slightly between the two models. The Brother Work Smart 1360 allows users to interface with the printer on a wireless network or via USB, providing flexibility for different setup preferences. It also supports printing from and scanning to popular Cloud apps including Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, and OneDrive. The Canon PIXMA TS6520 highlights reliable wireless connectivity with dual-band Wi-Fi, supporting both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. This dual-band support can ensure more stable and consistent connections in environments with crowded wireless networks, potentially offering an advantage in connectivity reliability over generic wireless setups.

Paper Handling and Capacity

Paper management features are more detailed on the Brother Work Smart 1360. It includes a 150-sheet paper tray and a 20-sheet single-sided Automatic Document Feeder (ADF). The ADF is particularly useful for scanning or copying multi-page documents without manual intervention. The Canon PIXMA TS6520 utilizes an integrated scanner for efficient scanning and copying operations but does not specify tray capacity or ADF presence in the provided text. Users requiring high-volume paper handling or automated document feeding may find the Brother specifications more aligned with their needs based on the confirmed 150-sheet capacity and ADF inclusion.

Print Quality and Media Support

Print quality descriptions focus on the intended output of each machine. Brother inkjet printers are described as producing beautiful prints for results that stand out. Canon emphasizes crisp, vibrant prints for both documents and photos, attributed to its 2-cartridge hybrid ink system that delivers sharp text and vivid colors. Regarding media support, the Canon model explicitly states it can print a wide range of documents and photos up to 8.5" x 11", with or without borders. The borderless printing capability is a specific feature noted for Canon, whereas borderless support is not mentioned for the Brother model in the provided data.

Ease of Use and Display

User interface options differ between the two printers. The Brother Work Smart 1360 features a simple-to-use 1.8" color display on the printer itself, which facilitates navigation for cloud app connections and basic functions. It also supports the Brother Mobile Connect app for easy onscreen menu navigation for printing from mobile devices. Canon focuses on effortless setup and use, promising quick starts for smartphones or computers so users can print, scan, and copy without delay. While both emphasize ease of use, the Brother model provides a physical display interface which can be beneficial for direct operation without relying solely on mobile apps or computer drivers.

Price and Value

Cost is a significant factor for home office equipment. The Brother Work Smart 1360 is priced at $109.98, while the Canon PIXMA TS6520 is listed at $140.00. This price difference makes the Brother model the more affordable option upfront. Canon describes its unit as offering exceptional value and being budget-friendly, but the numerical data shows a higher entry price compared to the Brother alternative. For buyers strictly comparing initial hardware costs, the Brother printer provides a lower cost of entry while still offering automatic duplex printing and cloud connectivity features.

Which One Should You Buy?

Choosing between these printers depends on specific workflow requirements. The Brother Work Smart 1360 is the recommended choice for users who need documented print speeds, automatic document feeding, and a lower purchase price. Its 16 ppm black print speed and 20-sheet ADF make it suitable for higher volume home office tasks. The Canon PIXMA TS6520 is better suited for users who prioritize dual-band Wi-Fi stability and photo printing capabilities such as borderless output and hybrid ink systems. If cost and paper handling specs are the primary drivers, the Brother model offers a tangible advantage.