Reviews You Can Rely On

Canon IVY 2 Mini Review

This compact printer is our top selection due to its dependability, portability, and ease of use
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Canon IVY 2 Mini Review (The Canon IVY 2 + accompanying app - a match made in heaven.)
The Canon IVY 2 + accompanying app - a match made in heaven.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $100 List
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Manufacturer:   Canon
By Genaveve Bradshaw and Ryan White  ⋅  Sep 13, 2023
43
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#7 of 11
  • Color Prints - 35% 4.0
  • Black and White Prints - 35% 4.0
  • Print Capabilities - 15% 3.0
  • Operating Cost - 10% 6.0
  • Set-up - 5% 9.0

Our Verdict

The Canon IVY 2 won't match the depth and resolution of pricey desktop printers. However, what it lacks in resolution, it makes up for in ease of use with a smartphone and its convenience in turning digital photos into tangible prints. The ZINK instant film employed by this printer also includes a peel-off backing that transforms the photo into a sticker. In conjunction with photo editing apps, this unique feature breeds spontaneous creativity. On top of that, it fits right into your back pocket. To see how it compares to the competition, be sure to read our review of the best photo printers.
REASONS TO BUY
Consistent performance
Speedy printing
User-friendly interface
Feature-filled app
REASONS TO AVOID
Some prints appear overly filtered
Single print size
Low-ish resolution prints

Compare to Similar Products

 
canon ivy 2 mini
This Product
Canon IVY 2 Mini
Awards Top Pick Award
Best Mini Printer
Best Buy Award
Best Value for High Volume Printing
Best Buy Award
Best Value for Wide Format Prints
  
Price $100 List
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Bottom Line Portable, reliable, and fun to use - this printer delivers in nearly every wayThis printer delivers high-volume, great-quality photos at a delightfully low cost per printThis printer yields high-quality images at a reasonable priceThis mini printer had some of the worst image outcomes of the classA tiny printer for anyone who misses the days of waving a polariod while waiting for it to develop
Rating Categories Canon IVY 2 Mini Canon PIXMA G620 Epson Expression HD... HP Sprocket Fujifilm Instax Min...
Color Prints (35%)
4.0
8.0
6.0
3.0
3.0
Black and White Prints (35%)
4.0
7.0
7.0
3.0
3.0
Print Capabilities (15%)
3.0
7.0
8.0
3.0
3.0
Operating Cost (10%)
6.0
10.0
7.0
6.0
3.0
Set-up (5%)
9.0
7.0
5.0
9.0
8.0
Specs Canon IVY 2 Mini Canon PIXMA G620 Epson Expression HD... HP Sprocket Fujifilm Instax Min...
Cost Per Print $0.50 $0.05 $0.45 $0.50 $0.75
Measured Print Time 30 seconds 157 seconds 34 seconds 39 seconds 20 seconds
Max Photo Dimensions 2" x 3" 8.5" x 47" 13" x 44" 2" x 3" 2" x 3"
Print Resolution 313 x 512 dpi 4800 x 1200 dpi 5760 x 1440 dpi 313 x 400 dpi N/A
Printing Technology ZINK™ (Zero Ink) Inkjet Inkjet (Piezo DOD) In paper, thermal-activated dye Instant Film
Color Palette (ink cartridges) N/A Gray, Black, Red, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, Gray, Red N/A N/A
Measured Dimensions 5" x 3.3" x 1" 17.2" x 12.5" x 5.8" 6.3" x 18.7" x 14.5" 1" x 3.2" x 4.6" 3.6" x 4.9" x 1.4"
Connectivity Bluetooth Hi-Speed USB
Wi-Fi
Wireless PictBridge
Hi-Speed USB
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi Direct
Ethernet
Bluetooth Bluetooth
Memory cards supported No No No No No
LCD screen No Yes Yes No No
Ink type N/A Dye-based Dye-based N/A N/A
Scanner No Yes No No No
Battery Yes No No Yes Yes
Operating system requirements Compatible OS
iOS: 12.0 or later
Android™: 6.0 or later
Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 SP1
macOS v10.12.6 - 10.15
Windows 10 8/8.1/Windows 7 (32-bit, 64-bit)
Windows Vista (32-bit , 64-bit)
Mac OS X 10.6.8 — macOS 10.12.x6
Android
iOS
Android
iOS
Touch Screen No No No No No

Our Analysis and Test Results

Mini printers — a return to the analog era due to its convenient small prints that save you a trip to the store. With a range of mini options available, choosing the one that best suits your needs can be daunting. Nevertheless, we confidently recommend the Canon IVY 2 for several reasons. Firstly, it boasts a compact size, similar to that of a phone, easily fitting into a pocket or backpack. Moreover, it sports an average print time of 30 seconds and an intuitive companion app offering creative possibilities. While it may not deliver the highest resolution images, it's important to remember that this is a pint-sized printer, and amongst its mini peers, it shines.

Performance Comparison


canon ivy 2 mini - the ivy 2 is a great compact unit for printing while traveling or at...
The IVY 2 is a great compact unit for printing while traveling or at an event.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Color Prints


As we discuss the color quality of this printer, it's important to note that we compared its renderings not only to other mini printers but also to desktop machines. In this context, the images did not receive a favorable overall rating. However, the IVY 2 produced the highest quality prints within the mini printer subclass.


To provide an objective analysis of the color images generated by the Canon IVY, we divided the assessment into two aspects: resolution and overall impression. Evaluating resolution becomes fairly straightforward when you have identical images from various printers laid out side by side, as we did in our testing process. In this context, you simply examine the presence or absence of fine details compared to the original image. While the Canon IVY 2 falls below the class average in terms of resolution, it stands out as remarkably good for a mini printer.

canon ivy 2 mini - you wouldn't call the prints high-res, but amongst other mini...
You wouldn't call the prints high-res, but amongst other mini printers, it stands out.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The colors are generally pleasing to the eye, but not without issues. Many of the printed images have a slightly faded, vintage-like appearance, approaching overly processed territory. The blues don't fare well, sometimes appearing more green in certain images. Additionally, several of our test images turned out a few shades darker than their digital representations. Honestly, having a little character to your prints isn't a bad thing, depending on what you're after. If you're seeking clinical perfection, mini printers aren't up to the task, not even our top choice.

canon ivy 2 mini - portability reigns supreme with mini printers.
Portability reigns supreme with mini printers.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw

Black and White Prints


The evaluation of black and white performance mirrored that of the color metric. Unlike many other mini printers, which faced challenges in producing good grayscale photos, the IVY 2 consistently produced images comparable to entry-level desktop printers. In many respects, achieving quality in black and white printing can be more demanding than in color, making this result surprising.


Many of the images rendered good detail throughout, and overall, we are pleased with the performance of this tiny machine. It did encounter challenges in terms of affecting the gray tones, though. Magenta shadows, a rosy pink tint in certain images, and some contrast issues stemming from the limited overall dynamic range. It's best to avoid printing images with subpar lighting as the IVY 2 won't do the most promising job separating the details in darker parts of the image.

canon ivy 2 mini - testing black and white prints
Testing black and white prints
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw

Print Capabilities


The Canon IVY 2's print capabilities are limited by the streamlined nature of the machine.


It exclusively utilizes ZINK self-developing paper, which means it's limited to 1 choice for printing. However, it impressively achieves quick printing speeds of just 30 seconds, perfectly suited for on-the-go use, as it was designed for. It would be nice to see other options available for printing, but it's understandable given the niche nature of this machine and its convenience.


Once again, when compared to desktop printers, the IVY 2 may not appear impressive. However, its performance is in line with what you can expect from other mini printers, and it achieves this within a smaller, more streamlined package.

canon ivy 2 mini - fits comfortably in most pockets
Fits comfortably in most pockets
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw

Operating Costs


Convenience does come with a price, and the IVY 2 is no exception. Calculating the cost per print is straightforward with mini printers, unlike their inkjet counterparts, where you need to estimate ink consumption. In this case, the cost calculation is uncomplicated because the thermal-activated dye is integrated into the paper. It's simple math: divide the cost of a pack of paper by the number of sheets, and you'll have the exact price per print.


Printing with this model comes at a cost of 50 cents per photo. Although this might not initially appear overly expensive, it's worth noting that desktop printers often offer a lower cost per print while producing images that are twice the size.

The Canon IVY 2 requires minimal maintenance, primarily limited to paper loading. This differs significantly from desktop machines. Consequently, one could say that it all evens out in the long run, especially given the convenience and portability of a mini printer.

canon ivy 2 mini - while the cost comparison between the desktop printers (4" x 6") and...
While the cost comparison between the desktop printers (4" x 6") and the mini printers (2" x 3") is the same, you're getting half the picture.
Credit: Laura Casner

Set-up


You likely won't find a printer that's as easy to set up as the IVY 2. If you're familiar with downloading an app and connecting a device via Bluetooth, you're basically there already. You'll be primed and ready to print in a few short minutes.


Setting it up is a breeze, so you'll spend more time printing and less time fiddling with settings. The app works beautifully in sync with the machine, creating a seamless experience. This is how we believe a mini printer should operate. Thanks to Bluetooth connectivity, your friends can also use the printer while you're on the go.

The app is easy to use.
The app is easy to use.
You can add stickers to each print with the IVY 2 app.
You can add stickers to each print with the IVY 2 app.

Should You Buy the Canon IVY 2?


The Canon IVY 2 is an excellent choice among its peers in our best photo printer review, as long as its limitations align with your needs. Some users might be deterred by the single print size, lower resolution, and cost per print. If you can overlook these minor shortcomings, it offers a great deal of enjoyment and proves to be budget-friendly without any extra maintenance costs. When compared to its predecessor, the original IVY, it outperforms it in nearly every aspect. Most notably with the shorter charging time, which is important when you're on the go and/or traveling. It also manages to deliver slightly higher resolution prints and enhanced photo customization within the app.

What Other Photo Printers Should You Consider?


We consider the Canon IVY 2 to be among the top mini printers available. The Kodak Dock Plus 4PASS scored a little higher in operating costs but is also a lot more expensive.

Genaveve Bradshaw and Ryan White