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If you’re deep into printing—home office, students, crafts—these two cartridge-free printers are serious contenders. The Canon MegaTank G3270 delivers sharper photos and text with bigger-format scanning. The HP Smart Tank 5000 keeps things tidy and affordable, especially if you’re wired into the HP app ecosystem. Both are champions for low-cost, high-volume printing. My Canon MegaTank G3270 vs HP Smart Tank 5000 review will show you the exact printer that’s right for you.
Canon MegaTank G3270 vs HP Smart Tank 5000: Comparison Table
Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
Print Quality | Crisp text, warm and vibrant color photos | Sharp text, slightly darker color tones |
Ink Yield (Black/Color) | ~6,000 black / ~7,700 color pages | ~6,000 black / ~8,000 color pages |
Duplex Printing | Manual (no auto-duplex) | Manual (no auto-duplex) |
Scanner Type | Flatbed with adjustable lid (good for books) | Flatbed (letter size only) |
Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) | Not included | Not included |
Mobile App Support | Canon PRINT app | HP Smart app |
Clogging Reliability | Low clog risk | Slightly higher clog risk |
Ink Refilling System | Easy refill, large-capacity bottles | Spill-free refill, clean design |
Device Footprint | Medium size, takes more desk space | More compact and space-efficient |
Price |  | |
🖨️ 1. Print Quality & Everyday Use
Canon MegaTank G3270
Text is crisp and ultra-legible—even at small sizes, which TechRadar notes makes it a student favorite. Photo prints pop with accurate, warm tones—Digital Trends praised borderless photo results.
HP Smart Tank 5000
Also delivers sharp, bold text and decent color. RTM World highlights its “dark and clear” prints, even at tiny font sizes.. Photo quality hits drugstore standards—some slight oversaturation, but good for casual use.
🧪 2. Ink System & Running Costs: HP Smart Tank 5000 vs Canon MegaTank G3270
Both splash-free refillable tank systems mean ink bills evaporate:
- Canon G3270: Includes enough ink to print thousands of pages—Canon states ~6K black, ~7.7K color
- HP 5000: Comes with a two-year supply and similar page yields—~6K mono, ~8K color
Reddit users confess: running costs? Nearly identical
⚙️ 3. Features & Workflow
Canon G3270
- Flatbed scan lid adjusts for odd items
- No automatic duplex or document feeder
- Basic yet reliable display
HP 5000
- Flatbed scanner (letter size only—no legal)
- Manual duplex, no ADF
- HP Smart app makes wireless and mobile printing effortless
Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| | |
Print Quality | Crisp text, warm and vibrant color photos | Sharp text, slightly darker color tones |
Ink Yield (Black/Color) | ~6,000 black / ~7,700 color pages | ~6,000 black / ~8,000 color pages |
Duplex Printing | Manual (no auto-duplex) | Manual (no auto-duplex) |
Scanner Type | Flatbed with adjustable lid (good for books) | Flatbed (letter size only) |
Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) | Not included | Not included |
Mobile App Support | Canon PRINT app | HP Smart app |
Clogging Reliability | Low clog risk | Slightly higher clog risk |
Ink Refilling System | Easy refill, large-capacity bottles | Spill-free refill, clean design |
Device Footprint | Medium size, takes more desk space | More compact and space-efficient |
Price | | |
🔍 Major Differences
- Scan & copy versatility: Canon wins with adjustable lid for thick/scanned items.
- Mobile & app integration: HP nails ease-of-use via its Smart app.
- Reliability: Canon appears less likely to clog; HP requires a bit more maintenance.
- Output tone: Canon leans warm & vibrant; HP trends darker.
😎 Which One Is Right for You?
- Pick Canon G3270 if you print a lot of documents and photos, and want a scanner that handles oddly sized items.
- Choose HP Smart Tank 5000 if you love mobile-first workflows, want minimal mess, and are okay managing occasional clog upkeep.
FAQs
Q: Do they both avoid cartridge replacements?
A: Yep—each uses refillable bottle tanks, saving you a ton over time.
Q: Which prints faster?
A: Speeds are similar—around 10‑11 pages per minute for text. Canon is marginally snappier.
Q: Can they handle double-sided prints?
A: Neither has automatic duplex—flipping pages is manual.
Q: Which is more mobile-friendly?
A: HP Smart Tank syncs seamlessly via the HP Smart app, while Canon uses its own Canon Print app—not as slick.
Q: Are there clogging issues?
A: HP models are slightly more prone; Canon tends to wander less on that front .
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Final Take
So there it is—Canon MegaTank G3270 vs HP Smart Tank 5000 in one tidy showdown. Want sharper photos, richer text, and a scanner that flexes for odd formats? Go Canon. Want app-first convenience, spill-free refills, and big ink savings? Go HP. Choose based on what you print, how you work, and what fits your desk.
Author: Regal Printer, expert in cost-saving, high-yield printing solutions.