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Canon vs HP: Printer Reliability Compared

Which printer brand is more reliable? Side-by-side comparison based on 3,422 real repair records from community repair events.

Data from openrepair.org (CC BY-SA 4.0) · 5,000 total printer records

Last updated: · Fix rates refresh when openrepair.org publishes new data, about once a year

The Bottom Line

HP has a slight repairability edge at 39.9% vs 35.9%, though both brands can typically be fixed when something goes wrong. HP printers tend to last longer before needing repair (7 years vs 5), suggesting better build quality or more invested owners. Both brands share the same top failure type: Mechanical (8.2% for Canon, 8.7% for HP).

If durability matters most:

HP leads in both repairability and longevity, making it the stronger pick if you want a printer that lasts and can be fixed when it doesn't. Canon may still win on features or price for your specific use case.

Based on 3,422 real repair records from community repair events. Scroll down for the full data breakdown.

Detailed Comparison

Head-to-head reliability data for Canon vs HP printers, based on 3,422 community repair records. HP leads on fix rate (39.9% vs 35.9%).

Canon vs HP printer reliability comparison, 2026
MetricCanonHP
Fix Rate35.9%39.9%
ValueCost per reliability point$12.53/pt$4.18/pt
Top FailureMechanical (8.2%)Mechanical (8.7%)
Sample Size1,6241,798
Typical Age at Repair5 years7 years

Price Comparison

Like-for-like pricing across product tiers. Prices are approximate, in CAD.

Canon

MAXIFY GX2020 MegaTank All-in-One

~$450
Durability
6/10
Repairability
--

No value printer from HP

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Common Failure Types

Canon

Mechanical8.2%
Electrical4.9%
Software3.4%
Won't Turn On1.8%
Physical Damage1.7%

HP

Mechanical8.7%
Electrical5.3%
Software2.8%
Connectivity2.3%
Physical Damage2%

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Canon or HP more reliable for printers?

Based on 3,422 repair records, HP is more reliable with a 39.9% fix rate vs 35.9% for Canon.

What are the most common Canon vs HP printer failures?

Canon's top issues are mechanical and electrical. HP's top issues are mechanical and electrical.

Which printer brand lasts longer, Canon or HP?

HP devices tend to last longer. They're typically 7 years old when they come in for repair, against 5 for Canon.

Should I buy Canon or HP if durability matters?

If durability is your priority, HP edges ahead with a higher fix rate, meaning repairs are more likely to succeed when needed. The best choice still depends on your specific model and usage.

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