Canon PIXMA TR160 Wireless Portable Printer, vs HP Smart Tank 5101 Wireless All-in-One Refillable
Updated August 2026 — Canon PIXMA TR160 Wireless Portable Printer, wins on portability and print quality, HP Smart Tank 5101 Wireless All-in-One Refillable wins on functionality and cost.
The Canon PIXMA TR160 excels in portability and photo quality, while the HP Smart Tank 5101 offers superior cost efficiency and multifunctionality.
Why Canon PIXMA TR160 Wireless Portable Printer, is better
Portability
Lightweight design for on-the-go printing
Print Quality
Superior photo printing capabilities
Display
1.44” OLED for easy navigation
Why HP Smart Tank 5101 Wireless All-in-One Refillable is better
Cost Efficiency
Includes 2 years of ink for low-cost printing
Multifunctionality
Printer, scanner, and copier in one
Sales Rank
Higher sales rank indicates better popularity
Overall score
Specifications
| Spec | Canon PIXMA TR160 Wireless Portable Printer, | HP Smart Tank 5101 Wireless All-in-One Refillable |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $219.99 | $189.89 |
| Ink Included | Standard cartridges | 2 years included |
| Print Size | Up to 8.5" x 11" | Standard sizes |
| Connectivity | Wireless Direct | Seamless wireless |
| Sales Rank | 1977 | 531 |
Dimension comparison
Overview of the Canon PIXMA TR160 and HP Smart Tank 5101
The Canon PIXMA TR160 and HP Smart Tank 5101 cater to different printing needs but both stand out in the portable printer market. The Canon PIXMA TR160 is priced at $219.99, while the HP Smart Tank 5101 is about 17% cheaper at $189.89. Despite the price difference, each printer offers unique features that make them suitable for various users.
Design and Portability
The Canon PIXMA TR160 is lightweight and designed for portability, allowing users to print on the go. Its compact size fits easily into a bag or backpack, making it ideal for mobile professionals. On the other hand, the HP Smart Tank 5101, while not as portable, offers a robust design that focuses on home use with its multifunction capabilities as a printer, scanner, and copier. This makes it a more stationary solution, better suited for families or small offices.
Print Quality
When it comes to print quality, the Canon PIXMA TR160 excels with its 5-Color Hybrid Ink System, which produces sharp black text and vibrant colors for documents and photos. Users can print up to 8.5” x 11” in both standard and borderless formats. The HP Smart Tank 5101 also provides high-quality prints, focusing on efficiency and reliability with its cartridge-free system. While both printers aim for quality, the Canon model may have the edge for those who prioritize photo printing.
Connectivity Options
The Canon PIXMA TR160 offers simple and easy connectivity with options like the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria Print Service, making it easy to print from various devices and the cloud. Furthermore, its Wireless Direct mode allows for printing without a router. Conversely, the HP Smart Tank 5101 is designed with family use in mind, featuring seamless wireless connectivity but does not emphasize direct connections as much as the Canon. Both printers cater to modern connectivity needs but in different contexts.
Ink and Cost Efficiency
A significant advantage of the HP Smart Tank 5101 is its inclusion of up to 2 years of ink at the time of purchase, which can yield about 6,000 pages in total. This makes it extremely cost-effective for high-volume printing needs. The Canon PIXMA TR160, while efficient, relies on standard ink cartridges and does not come with a similar ink guarantee, potentially leading to higher ongoing costs for users. This difference makes the HP model a more economical choice in the long run.
User Experience and Maintenance
The Canon PIXMA TR160 offers a user-friendly experience with a 1.44” OLED display for easy navigation and monitoring of printer status and ink levels. Its intuitive design caters to users who appreciate straightforward functionality. In contrast, the HP Smart Tank 5101 simplifies maintenance with its easy-access, mess-free refill system. This design allows users to replenish ink without complicated processes, promoting a hassle-free printing experience. Both printers provide unique advantages in user experience and maintenance, catering to different preferences.
Sales Rank and Popularity
The Canon PIXMA TR160 has a sales rank of 1977, indicating it is a popular choice among portable printers. The HP Smart Tank 5101 outshines it with a significantly better sales rank of 531, suggesting that it is more favored by consumers, possibly due to its cost efficiency and multifunction capabilities. Popularity could influence buyer decisions, especially for those looking for trusted and well-reviewed products.
Which should you buy?
Choosing between the Canon PIXMA TR160 and the HP Smart Tank 5101 ultimately depends on your specific printing needs. If portability and high-quality photo printing are your priorities, the Canon PIXMA TR160 is an excellent choice, albeit at a higher price point. However, if you seek a more economical option with low-cost high-volume printing and multifunction capabilities, the HP Smart Tank 5101 stands out as the better choice with its included ink and user-friendly design.