The Canon SELPHY QX20 is a portable photo printer. It replaces the Canon SELPHY Square QX10. This dye-sublimation printer only works with mobile devices running Android, iOS, or iPadOS via Wi-Fi Direct, and it can only produce small, pocket-sized photos using Canon's proprietary photo paper. It features a built-in battery, enabling you to use it anywhere, and charges via USB-C. It's compatible with Canon's SELPHY Photo Layout mobile app, which lets you print photos from your device's internal storage or the cloud, edit photos, and create collages.
Our Verdict
The Canon QX20 is bad for home use, as it's a portable print-only model that can only produce small, pocket-sized photos. There's no scanner, and it only works with mobile devices. Regarding photo printing quality, while it isn't as good as most desktop inkjet models, it's pretty decent compared to other portable photo printers, producing reasonably sharp and color-accurate photos you can keep in your wallet or stick on your fridge door. Unfortunately, this printer incurs high recurring costs; the cost of replacement packs can quickly add up if you print a lot.
Produces reasonably sharp and color-accurate photos.
Easy to maintain.
Can't print documents.
No scanner.
High recurring costs.
Can only produce small, pocket-size photos.
Only works via Wi-Fi Direct.
The Canon QX20 isn't designed for office use, as it's a portable photo printer that can't print documents. Additionally, it lacks a scanner and is only compatible with mobile devices.
Can't print documents.
No scanner.
Only works via Wi-Fi Direct.
The Canon QX20 is a compact photo-only printer, so it isn't designed for handling standard documents and won't be a good fit if that's what you need. On the upside, because it uses dye-sublimation instead of inkjet technology, there's no risk of clogged nozzles. As long as you have paper and a fresh dye-sub cartridge installed, it's essentially always ready to go.
Easy to maintain.
Can't print documents.
No scanner.
The Canon SELPHY QX20 is a portable dye-sublimation photo printer that can only produce pictures on 2.1" x 3.4" or 2.7" x 2.7" proprietary paper. It performs decently well as a portable photo printer, producing reasonably color-accurate and detailed pictures. However, don't expect the print quality that you would get from a desktop inkjet photo printer.
Produces reasonably sharp and color-accurate photos.
Easy to maintain.
High recurring costs.
Can only produce small, pocket-size photos.
Only works via Wi-Fi Direct.
Narrow color range causes significant loss of fine details.
The Canon QX20 is a portable photo printer that can't print documents, so it's not well-suited for this usage. That said, since it's not an inkjet printer, it can't clog and will always be ready to print as long as you have paper and the dye-sub cartridges. The ink and paper are in a single pack that lasts for 20 prints. You can also purchase a Bulk Set, which includes enough paper and ink for 60 prints.
The Canon SELPHY QX20 prints photos reasonably quickly, taking around 45 seconds to produce pictures on its proprietary 2.1" x 3.4" or 2.7" x 2.7" paper.
Produces a picture in around 45 seconds.
The Canon SELPHY QX20 can't print documents.
Can't print documents.
The Canon SELPHY QX20 is a print-only photo printer.
No scanner.
Performance Usages
Changelog
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Updated Dec 16, 2025:
We've updated text throughout the review after converting to Test Bench 1.3.
- Updated Dec 16, 2025: We've updated the review to Test Bench 1.3, which adds a number of test boxes including Risk of Clogging and Ease of Unclogging. We also updated the Usage and Performance boxes at the top of the review to better integrate the new aspects covered. See the changelog.
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Updated Jun 13, 2025:
We've corrected a mistake in the Photo Printing Size section. In addition to the 2.7" x 2.7" QS-20L sticker paper, this printer can also print on the 2.1" x 3.4" QC-20L paper.
- Updated Feb 28, 2025: Review published.
Check Price
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the Canon SELPHY QX20 in the Dark Gray colorway. It's also available in White and Red.
See our unit's label.
Popular Printer Comparisons
The Canon SELPHY QX20 is a decent portable photo printer. While it isn't as good as the Polaroid Hi-Print Generation 2 in terms of small detail reproduction, it's among the better models when it comes to color accuracy, producing brighter and more true-to-life photos than other portable photo printers on the market. Its recurring cost is similar to other portable photo printers, though significantly higher than most desktop printers.
For more options, check out recommendations for the best photo printers, the best portable printers, and the best cheap and budget printers.
The Canon SELPHY QX20 and the Polaroid Hi-Print Generation 2 are both portable photo printers that produce small, pocket-sized pictures. Performance-wise, the Canon has a slightly wider color range and better accuracy, producing photos that appear brighter and more true-to-life. However, the Polaroid is better at reproducing small details, resulting in sharper images.
The Canon SELPHY QX20 and the Fujifilm instax mini Link 3 are both portable photo printers; however, the former uses dye-sublimation, requiring a dye cartridge and photo paper, while the latter uses instant film. The Canon is a better choice if you want the best print quality: it produces more colorful and detailed pictures. The Fujifilm camera's built-in battery lasts longer, allowing you to print significantly more photos on a full charge, but it also takes much longer to charge to full.
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.
The Canon SELPHY QX20 is a newer version of the Canon SELPHY Square QX10. These two printers are almost identical in features; the only difference is that you can charge the newer QX20 while printing, and it takes less time to charge to full. Print quality is also slightly better on the QX20, as it offers better color accuracy.
Test Results
The Canon SELPHY QX20 feels well-built, sporting a sturdy plastic body. Its design allows for easy access to the cartridge and paper tray, making maintenance a breeze. The only part that feels a tad flimsy is the ink cassette's plastic cover. Another minor complaint is that the output slot remains exposed, allowing dust to get in.
This printer doesn't have a display. It only has two LED lights below the power button to indicate the printer's status and charge.
The Canon SELPHY QX20 is a dye-sublimation photo printer. Using heat, it transfers colors from the dye transfer film inside the cartridge onto Canon's proprietary photo paper. It then adds a final clear film layer as a protective coat. You can only get the cartridge and the photo paper as a set, available in packs of 20 or 60 photo paper.
This printer is easy to maintain, as you only need to replace the cartridge when it's depleted and insert new photo paper. Both the cartridge and paper tray are easily accessible. The cartridge is only good for exactly 20 prints, though the paper tray can only hold 10 sheets at a time. Accessing the cartridge is easy; simply open the cover on the right side of the printer and slide the brown switch to the right. A simple push of a button at the back of the printer opens the photo paper tray. Cleaning the sheet roller is a little more challenging as it retracts to the back of the device when the printer isn't in use.
You can see Canon's online user manual.
This isn't an inkjet printer. As such, it poses no risk of clogging.
Canon doesn't advertise the battery life. However, considering that this printer is very similar to its predecessor, the Canon SELPHY Square QX10, you can likely get around 20 prints on a full charge. You can charge the printer while printing.
We made the cost-per-print calculation based on a pack of 20 sheets.
The printing speed score is low because this printer can't print documents and doesn't support duplex printing. As for its photo printing speed, it's relatively fast compared to desktop inkjet models and a slight improvement over its predecessor, the Canon SELPHY Square QX10.
The printer can't print documents.
This is a print-only portable photo printer with no scanner.
This printer has a poor color gamut. Its narrow color range causes a significant loss of fine details, which is clearly visible when comparing the sample parrot picture above with the same picture printed on the desktop Canon PIXMA PRO-200 photo printer. Compared to its predecessor, the Canon SELPHY Square QX10, it's better at reproducing bright tones but struggles more with darker tones.
This printer's color accuracy is okay. It mainly struggles with blues and purples. Skin tones are on the warmer side, but not to the point of making the pictures look unnatural.
This printer is decent at reproducing small details. Fine elements are easily recognizable, and unlike photos printed on inkjet printers, there are no distracting halftones. However, distant objects look rather blurry, and the contrast could be better.
This printer only accepts Canon's proprietary SELPHY photo paper. You can use the 2.1" x 3.4" (53.3 mm x 86.4 mm ) QC-20L paper or the 2.7" x 2.7" (68.6 mm x 68.6 mm) QS-20L sticker paper. In the case of the QC-20L, even though the paper measures 2.1" x 3.4", the actual size of the image is 1.8" x 2.45" (45.7 mm x 62.2 mm).
This printer only supports Wi-Fi Direct, meaning it generates its own wireless signal you can connect to, allowing you to use the printer even if you aren't in range of a Wi-Fi network. The USB-C port is for charging only.
You must install the Canon Photo Layout mobile app to use the printer. To print photos, you can choose a picture stored locally on your device or from the cloud. The app also allows you to edit photos, create collages (with 2 or 4 photos), check the printer's battery level, view the user manual, and review your print history.
This printer is compatible only with mobile devices running Android or iOS. You can install the required SELPHY Photo Layout app on Chrome OS devices; however, you won't be able to configure the printer, as the app can't access the camera to scan the QR code during the setup process.