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Canon IVY Mini Photo Printer  Printer Review

Review updated Jan 18, 2023 at 01:21pm
Tested using methodology v1.2 
Canon IVY Mini Photo Printer
4.1
Family 
4.4
Small/Home Office 
4.1
Student 
1.6
Black & White 
5.1
Photo 
5.3
Color Quality 
0.0
Document Quality 
0.0
Scanner 
 0

The Canon IVY Mini Photo Printer is a compact photo printer with a built-in battery. It only connects to iOS or Android devices via Bluetooth and can only print 2" x 3" pictures on proprietary ZINK photo paper through Canon's IVY mobile app. The ZINK photo paper is also water-resistant, smudge-proof, and has an adhesive backing, allowing you to use the photos as decorations or in a collage. Its rechargeable battery is good for 20 prints and charges over Micro USB.

Our Verdict

4.1
Family 

The Canon IVY Mini Photo Printer is a poor printer for family use. While it's primarily meant for use as a compact photo printer, it prints poor-quality photos that aren't suitable for detailed family photos or professional-grade graduation portraits. It doesn't have scanning features, and you can only use Android or iOS devices to print using the dedicated Canon Mini Print app.

Pros
  • Extremely compact and easy to bring around.
  • No moving parts or consumables to worry about.
Cons
  • Poor-quality photos with lost details and red pixelation.
  • Lots of banding within color gradients.
  • Can only print via iOS or Android devices using the dedicated app.
  • No scanning features.
4.4
Small/Home Office 

The Canon IVY Mini isn't designed for small or home office use, as it's a portable photo printer that can only print 2" x 3" photos on proprietary ZINK paper.

Pros
None
Cons
  • No scanning features.
  • Very slow to print overall.
  • 2" x 3" ZINK photo paper unsuitable for documents.
4.1
Student 

The Canon IVY Mini is awful for student use, although it works well for recreation, like casually printing out snaps with friends. Unfortunately, it's slow to print, it doesn't have a scanner, and you can't directly print most commonly used files other than photos.

Pros
  • Extremely compact and easy to bring around.
  • No moving parts or consumables to worry about.
Cons
  • Can only print via iOS or Android devices using the dedicated app.
  • No scanning features.
  • Very slow to print overall.
  • 2" x 3" ZINK photo paper unsuitable for documents.
1.6
Black & White 

The Canon IVY Mini isn't designed to print black & white sheets, as it's a portable photo printer that can only print 2" x 3" photos on proprietary ZINK paper.

Pros
None
Cons
  • No scanning features.
  • Very slow to print overall.
  • 2" x 3" ZINK photo paper unsuitable for documents.
5.1
Photo 

The Canon IVY Mini Photo Printer performs poorly overall as a photo printer. Since the sheets are so small, it loses fine details that would be present on larger prints. There's also lots of banding in gradients and transitions between colors, as well as red pixelation that's most visible in darker areas. Colors are passably accurate, but the tone could make faces look off. However, it's designed to be a portable printer for recreation, so it's great for printing casual snapshots while on the go.

Pros
  • Extremely compact and easy to bring around.
  • No moving parts or consumables to worry about.
Cons
  • Poor-quality photos with lost details and red pixelation.
  • Lots of banding within color gradients.
  • Can only print via iOS or Android devices using the dedicated app.
  • Compatible only with 2" x 3" ZINK sheets.
5.3
Color Quality 

Pros
None
Cons
None
0.0
Document Quality 

Pros
None
Cons
None
0.0
Scanner 

Pros
None
Cons
None
1.3
Speed 

Pros
None
Cons
None
7.1
Recurring Costs 

Pros
None
Cons
None
  • 4.1
    Family
  • 4.4
    Small/Home Office
  • 4.1
    Student
  • 1.6
    Black & White
  • 5.1
    Photo

  • Performance Usages

  • 5.3
    Color Quality
  • 0.0
    Document Quality
  • 0.0
    Scanner
  • 1.3
    Speed
  • 7.1
    Recurring Costs
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Feb 28, 2025: 

      Added mention of the Canon SELPHY QX20 as an alternative with better color accuracy in the color accuracy section.

    2.  Updated Oct 02, 2024: Added mention of the Polaroid Hi-Print Generation 2 as an alternative that can reproduce fine elements with superior clarity in the Small Details section.
    3.  Updated Sep 30, 2024: Added mention of the Fujifilm instax Link WIDE as a portable photo printer alternative with a wider color gamut in the Color Gamut section.
    4.  Updated Jul 15, 2024: Added mention of the Epson WorkForce WF-110 as an alternative that prints documents in the Black & White Documents section.

    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    We tested the Canon IVY Mini in the Rose Gold trim. It's also available in Mint Green and Slate Gray trims.

    You can see our unit's label here.

    Popular Printer Comparisons

    The Canon IVY Mini is a compact photo printer that's easy to carry around for on-the-go recreational use. Its print quality isn't nearly as good as most desktop printers; however, it may still be a good option if you're looking for a more polaroid-like look.

    For more options, check out our recommendations for the best photo printers, the best cheap printers, and the best Canon printers.

    Polaroid Hi-Print Generation 2

    The Polaroid Hi-Print Generation 2 and the Canon IVY Mini Photo Printer are both portable photo printers that produce 2" x 3" pictures. The Polaroid has better print quality; it produces finer details and more vibrant, saturated colors, and the pictures have fewer visual artifacts. It also wins when it comes to convenience, as it charges faster via USB-C, whereas the Canon charges over Micro-USB.

    Fujifilm instax mini Link 2

    The Fujifilm instax mini Link 2 and the Canon IVY Mini Photo Printer are both compact photo printers designed for use with smartphones. The Canon is slightly better in print quality because it has a wider color range and produces finer details. It's also more cost-effective than the Fujifilm printer as its photo paper is less expensive. On the other hand, the Fujifilm model prints faster and has longer battery life.

    Canon SELPHY QX20

    The Canon SELPHY QX20 and the Canon IVY Mini Photo Printer are both portable photo printers that only work with mobile devices. The Canon is the better choice if you want the best print quality, but its cost per print is higher because its cartridge/photo paper pack costs more.

    Epson EcoTank ET-2760

    The Canon IVY Mini Photo Printer is a compact, battery-powered photo printer for casual photo printing, while the Epson EcoTank ET-2760 is a supertank printer that's great for families or students. On paper, the Canon performs worse in almost every way, but it prints 2" x 3" photos in under a minute using special water-resistant, adhesive-backed paper and is great if you only need to print from your mobile device. On the other hand, the Epson has incredible page yields, an exceptionally low cost-per-print, a flatbed scanner, and great connectivity options that make it better suited for general, all-purpose use.

    Show more 

    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
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    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    7.0
    Build Quality
    TypePhoto Only

    The Canon IVY Mini has an exceptionally compact design but feels a bit cheap, as it bends easily when you apply pressure. Unfortunately, the output tray is exposed, so it's easy for dirt to get inside if you're bringing it around with you. On the upside, it's easy to access the paper tray, and you can use it while charging.

    Dimensions
    Height0.7" (1.9 cm)
    Width3.2" (8.2 cm)
    Depth4.6" (11.8 cm)
    Height When In Use
    0.7" (1.9 cm)
    Width When In Use
    3.2" (8.2 cm)
    Depth When In Use
    4.6" (11.8 cm)
    Weight
    0.4 lbs (0.2 kg)
    8.0
    Expected Maintenance
    Ink Related Maintenance
    Not Needed
    Drum Unit
    No Drum Unit

    The Canon IVY doesn't require traditional print maintenance, like cleaning out printheads or replacing drum units. Instead, every time you replace the pack of ZINK sheets, you need to use the included blue SMART SHEET to recalibrate the printer for use with each new pack. It's very easy to open the lid and fill the printer with paper. Cleaning is also easy since the sheet roller is also in the paper tray.

    You can see the user manual here

    0.0
    Display Screen
    Display ScreenNo
    Display Screen Size
    N/A
    TouchscreenNo

    The Canon IVY Mini has an LED light that indicates the power status. The only way to check the battery's exact level is by using the mobile companion app, as the LED only turns red when the battery runs low.

    9.2
    Cartridge
    TechnologyInkless
    SuperTank
    No
    Photo Cartridge
    No
    ColorYes
    Number Of Color Cartridges
    N/A
    Black Cartridge Model
    No Cartridges
    Tested Black Page Yield
    N/A
    Estimated Black Page Yield
    N/A
    Color Cartridge Model
    No Cartridges
    Tested Color Page Yield
    50 prints
    Estimated Color Page Yield
    50 prints
    Third Party Cartridge
    No Cartridges
    Ink Type
    No Ink
    High Yield Cartridge
    No Cartridge

    This printer uses special water-resistant, smudge-proof, adhesive-backed ZINK photo paper sheets, which don't require any ink or toner to print. Instead, each color of ink already exists within the paper itself, sandwiched in a layer separate from the other colors. The colors themselves are dye crystals that become visible when exposed to different intensities of heat for different lengths of time and can be exposed independently of the other colors. It gives the printer fine control over mixing the cyan, magenta, and yellow color layers to obtain the desired color. The print head on the printer itself contains the heating elements necessary to expose each color.

    You can get regular ZINK photo sheets in packs of 20 or 50. The special, pre-cut circle sticker paper is available in packs of 20.

    0.0
    Scanner Features
    Scanner
    No Scanner
    ADF Capacity
    N/A
    Scan Speed
    N/A
    Duplex Scanning
    No
    Max Flatbed Scan Size
    No Scanner
    Max ADF Scan Size
    No Scanner
    Flatbed Hinge Adjustability
    N/A
    Fax
    No
    Copy
    No
    OCR Included
    No Scanner
    0.0
    Scan Quality
    Max Scan Resolution
    N/A
    Max Scan Color Depth
    N/A
    In The Box

    • Quick start guide
    • USB-A to Micro USB charging cable
    • 1 pack of Canon ZINK photo paper:
      • 10 sheets Canon ZINK photo paper
      • 1 blue SMART SHEET for calibration

    Battery
    Advertised Battery Life
    ~20 prints
    Tested Charging Time
    75 min

    Canon advertises that the battery lasts long enough to print two packs of ZINK photo sheets, although your mileage may vary depending on the types of photos you print. It takes a while to charge, but you can continue printing while it charges.

    Document
    0.0
    Black & White Documents
    Color Ink Needed For Black & White
    No

    The Canon IVY Mini Printer can't print documents. If you want a portable printer that can print documents, consider the Epson WorkForce WF-110.

    0.0
    Color Documents
    7.1
    Cost-Per-Print
    See details on graph tool
    Black Cartridge Price
    0 US$
    Color Cartridge Price
    0 US$
    Black-Only Printing Cost
    N/A
    Color Printing Cost
    N/A
    Photo Printing Cost
    0.500 US$/print
    Ink Subscription
    No

    The Canon IVY photo printer's cost per print is decent. The ZINK photo paper comes in packs of various sizes and isn't overly expensive. However, the cost can add up quickly if you print a lot.

    1.3
    Printing Speed
    Black Only Text Document
    N/A
    Color Document
    N/A
    Photo Printing Time
    55.0 s
    Single Page Out Time (Black Only)
    N/A
    Duplex Printing
    No
    Input Tray Capacity
    10 pages

    The Canon IVY can print photos at a good speed, but it can't print anything else. You can add photos to a queue, so you don't have to wait to manually print each one, and its input tray supports up to ten sheets at a time. However, you still need to insert the included blue SMART SHEET to calibrate the printer for each new pack, which takes a few seconds to print before the printer can produce a photo. If you want a portable photo printer with faster printing speed, check out the Fujifilm instax mini Link 2.

    Document Printing Sizes
    Letter (8.5" x 11")No
    Legal (8.5" x 14")No
    Tabloid (11" x 17")No
    A6 (105mm x 148mm)No
    A5 (148mm x 210mm)No
    A4 (210mm x 297mm)No
    Max Paper Weight
    N/A

    The Canon IVY printer only accepts 2" x 3"–format Canon ZINK photo paper. There's no other way to get it to print wider or longer sheets. In addition, the paper itself has strict storage temperature requirements due to the ZINK technology it uses—between 1–25°C (34–77°F)—so you need to be careful where you put spare sheets. You can also get special pre-cut circle sticker packs you can peel and paste. If you want a model that prints 4" x 6" photos, check out the Liene Amber M100.

    Photo
    4.5
    Color Gamut

    The Canon IVY has a poor color gamut. It has a hard time producing very light colors, which look too dark, while dark colors look practically black. It also can't print very bright colors, which look dull. Additionally, there's a lot of banding in gradients and transitions between different colors. If you want a portable photo printer with a wider color gamut, check out the Fujifilm instax Link WIDE.

    6.1
    Color Accuracy
    Average Color dE
    8.08

    The Canon IVY produces acceptably accurate colors. It's fine for everyday use, but most colors look a bit off from the originals. It isn't ideal for professional-grade prints that require precise color reproduction. Check out the Canon SELPHY QX20 if you want a similar portable printer with better color accuracy.

    5.0
    Small Details
    Max Print Resolution (DPI)
    314 x 400

    Although this printer has a low print resolution, it produces better pictures than many inkjet printers, as there aren't any droplets or half-tone (dots) effect. That said, photos still look blurry and lacking in detail. Check out the Polaroid Hi-Print Generation 2 if you want a portable printer that's better at reproducing small details.

    2.5
    Photo Printing Sizes
    Glossy Paper (4" x 6")No
    Glossy Paper (5" x 7")No
    Glossy Paper (8" x 10")No
    Glossy Paper (8.5" x 11")No
    Glossy Paper (13" x 19")No
    Borderless Printing
    Yes

    This printer can only print on 2" x 3" (5cm x 7.6cm) ZINK photo paper.

    Mobile App And Connectivity
    1.0
    Connectivity
    Ethernet
    No
    USB Input To Computer
    No
    Wireless
    Yes
    Bluetooth
    Yes
    Wi-Fi via Router
    No
    Wi-Fi Direct
    No
    External Storage Support
    No
    Apple AirPrint
    No
    Mopria Print Service
    No

    The Canon IVY printer uses Bluetooth to connect to iOS and Android devices that support the Canon Mini Print app. There isn't any other way to connect to the printer to print, as you can only use the Micro USB port to charge.

    4.7
    Mobile App
    Mobile AppYes
    App NameCanon Mini Print
    iOSYes
    AndroidYes
    Photo (JPEG, PNG)
    Android and iOS
    PDF
    No
    Microsoft Office Files
    No
    Text Files (TXT)
    No
    Webpages (HTML)
    No

    The Canon IVY is compatible with the Canon Mini Print app on Android and iOS. You can use it to print from saved photos on your phone, take a photo to print right away, create a photo collage, and add photos to the print queue. You can also select the "Pre-Cut Sticker" option, which lets you print photos compatible with ZINK paper sheets that have a pre-cut circle sticker. You can also use the app to check the printer's battery level and update its firmware.

    OS Compatibility
    WindowsNo
    macOSNo
    Chrome OSNo

    The Canon IVY printer is only compatible with smartphones and tablets running iOS 9.0 and up or Android 4.4 or later. You can't print on Windows, macOS, or Chrome OS, and if you try to search for the Canon Mini Print app on the Google Play Store on Chrome OS, it says the device isn't compatible with the app.

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    1. Update: Added mention of the Canon SELPHY QX20 as an alternative with better color accuracy in the color accuracy section.

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