As Canon holds approximately 21% of the global printer market, making it the second-largest printer manufacturer worldwide behind HP, timing your purchase right can save you hundreds of dollars. I've analyzed years of Canon's pricing patterns, sales events, and release schedules to bring you this comprehensive guide on exactly when to buy your next Canon printer and when to hold off for better deals.
Canon follows distinct pricing patterns throughout the year. Below, I've mapped out the best months to purchase Canon printers based on sale frequency and discount depth:
| Month | Discount Range | Sale Frequency | Notable Events | Buying Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14.5-19.2% | Medium | Post-holiday clearance, New Year sales | Good time for last year's models |
| February | 8.6-13.9% | Low | Presidents' Day sales | Wait unless urgent need |
| March | 9.1-19.5% | Medium | Spring sales | Average savings |
| April | 12.4-22.6% | Medium | Easter sales | Decent deals available |
| May | 12.3-18.9% | High | Memorial Day sales | Very good buying opportunity |
| June | 9.8-19.1% | Medium | Summer sales | Average savings |
| July | 20.6-28.7% | High | 4th of July sales, Prime Day | Strong recommendation to buy |
| August | 13.9-18.8% | Medium | Back-to-school sales | Good for student needs |
| September | 13.8-23.8% | High | Labor Day sales, New model releases | Good for previous models |
| October | 9.4-19.6% | Medium | Pre-holiday sales | Wait for November if possible |
| November | 22.7-37.2% | Very High | Black Friday, Cyber Monday | Best month to buy Canon printers |
| December | 12.6-28.4% | High | Holiday sales, Post-Christmas | Good deals, especially late month |
As you can see, November stands out as the absolute best time to purchase Canon printers, with discounts reaching up to 37.2% off MSRP during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. However, July and September also offer exceptional opportunities with high sale frequency and substantial discounts.
Canon typically releases new printer models annually, with most new products launching in September. This consistent cadence creates predictable pricing patterns:
Canon had a major refresh in September 2025, launching three new PIXMA desktop printers (TR7120, TS6520, TS4320) and five new imageCLASS laser printers (MF665Cdw, MF663Cdw, MF662Cdw, LBP647Cdw, LBP646Cdw). In 2024, Canon also updated its MegaTank lineup with the G3290 and G4280, and launched the portable SELPHY QX20 photo printer. If you're eyeing a current model, the weeks immediately following new releases often yield substantial savings on the previous generation.
Canon has several new and recently launched printers that will affect current model pricing:
| Recent/Upcoming Model | Release Date | Key Improvements | Impact on Current Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIXMA TR7120 | September 2025 | 35-page ADF, 1.42" LCD, improved print speed and dual-band Wi-Fi | Previous PIXMA TR models should see 12-20% discounts |
| PIXMA TS6520 | September 2025 | Enhanced print quality, LCD control panel, improved wireless connectivity | Current PIXMA TS models discounted 10-18% |
| PIXMA TS4320 | September 2025 | Budget-friendly all-in-one with improved speed and text quality | Entry-level PIXMA models see 8-15% drops |
| imageCLASS MF665Cdw | September 2025 | Advanced scanning/copying, updated laser engine for small offices | Expect 15-25% price drops on older MF-series models |
| MegaTank PIXMA G3290 | September 2024 | Duplex printing, 2.7" touch LCD, improved ink system | Previous G3270 models discounted 15-25% |
| SELPHY QX20 | October 2024 | Card and square print sizes, 40-second prints, built-in battery | Existing SELPHY QX10 models discounted 20-30% |
Strategic Insight: If you're interested in a PIXMA or imageCLASS model from the previous generation, now is a great time to buy, as September 2025's releases have pushed older inventory into clearance territory. Watch for the best deals during Black Friday 2026.
Canon's pricing is heavily influenced by major retail events. Here are the most impactful sales events for Canon printer purchases:
Black Friday/Cyber Monday (Late November) - The champion of Canon printer sales, with discounts of 24.5-40.1% off MSRP. During Black Friday 2025, the MegaTank PIXMA G6020 dropped to $199.99 (from $299.99), and the MegaTank PIXMA G3270 fell to $124 at Amazon. Canon's official store, Best Buy, and Amazon typically offer the deepest discounts during this period.
Back to School Sales (August) - Canon targets students and parents with 12.9-24.8% discounts on home and small office printers, especially in the PIXMA and MegaTank lines.
4th of July / Prime Day Sales (Early-Mid July) - Surprisingly good time for Canon printer deals, with discounts between 20.3-26.5% off MSRP. Prime Day often brings MegaTank models to their lowest non-Black Friday prices.
Canon's "Summer Savings Event" (June-July) - This brand-specific promotion usually features bundle deals with free paper and ink with purchase.
New Year Sales (Late December-January) - Post-holiday clearance brings strong discounts of 14-19%, especially on models being replaced by the September lineup.
Pro Tip: Canon frequently offers additional incentives beyond price reductions, including extended warranties, free ink subscriptions, and bundle deals with paper. These value-adds are most common during May (Memorial Day) and September (Labor Day) sales events. Canon also offers multi-buy discounts on imageCLASS toners: 10% off when buying 2, 15% off for 3, or 20% off when purchasing 4.
Analyzing the price history of Canon's most popular models reveals interesting patterns:
The consistent theme across all Canon printer models is that November offers the best value, with savings averaging 24.5-40.1% off MSRP during Black Friday events. However, not all models follow identical patterns. Canon's professional-grade imageCLASS and imagePROGRAF lines see more significant seasonal discounts than their consumer-oriented PIXMA and SELPHY lines.
How much can you save by timing your Canon printer purchase strategically? Let's break it down:
For most consumers, waiting for November sales is the optimal strategy, unless:
My Professional Assessment: If your current printer is functioning and you're eyeing a Canon model that's been on the market for at least 6 months, waiting for November sales will typically yield the best value, especially for higher-end models where the savings can exceed $100. With Canon's massive September 2025 refresh now on shelves, the previous generation models are seeing some of the best clearance pricing we've tracked.
Canon's various printer series follow slightly different pricing patterns:
Let me share some actual pricing examples from my research:
Based on my comprehensive analysis of Canon's pricing patterns, here are my actionable recommendations:
By following this Canon-specific buying timeline, you'll maximize your savings while getting the ideal printer for your needs. With Canon's big September 2025 refresh bringing new PIXMA, imageCLASS, and MegaTank models to market, 2026 is shaping up to be an excellent year for Canon printer buyers as previous generation models enter their deepest discount phases. Remember, patience is your most powerful tool when shopping for Canon printers. Strategic timing can save you up to 40% off MSRP!
How we figured this out: We looked at several years of price history from ShopSavvy's database, tracking how prices have moved across thousands of retailers to spot the patterns that tend to repeat.
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