At a Glance
Canon
Best Overall Quality & User Experience
Ricoh
Best Value & Environmental Leadership
Bottom Line: Canon excels in quality and user experience, while Ricoh offers better value and innovation. Both are excellent choices with strong reliability.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Category | 📷 Canon | 🔴 Ricoh | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Print Quality (B&W) | Excellent 1200x1200 dpi standard | Excellent 1200x1200 dpi standard | Tie |
| Color Quality | Outstanding Industry-leading V2 technology | Very Good Excellent for business use | Canon |
| Speed Range | 20-150 PPM Wide range available | 25-135 PPM Focused on mid-high volume | Canon |
| User Interface | Intuitive Smartphone-like touchscreen | Functional Learning curve for advanced features | Canon |
| Reliability | Excellent 98.5% uptime average | Excellent 98.2% uptime average | Tie |
| Purchase Price | Higher 10-15% premium | Better Value More competitive pricing | Ricoh |
| Lease Rates | Standard Market rate | Competitive Often lower monthly | Ricoh |
| Toner Cost | $0.005-0.008/pg B&W, high yield | $0.004-0.007/pg Slightly lower per page | Ricoh |
| Service Network | Extensive 2-4 hour response | Strong 4-6 hour response | Canon |
| Security Features | Advanced McAfee embedded, HDD encryption | Advanced DataOverwriteSecurity System | Tie |
| Environmental | ENERGY STAR EPEAT Gold certified | Industry Leader Carbon neutral commitment | Ricoh |
| Innovation | Strong Steady improvements | Leading Edge Always Current Technology | Ricoh |
5
Canon Wins
5
Ricoh Wins
3
Ties
Canon
Key Strengths
- •Outstanding color accuracy and consistency
- •Most intuitive user interface in the industry
- •Extensive dealer network with fast service
- •Proven reliability in demanding environments
- •Superior build quality and durability
- •Excellent finishing options and accessories
- •Strong brand reputation and resale value
Considerations
- •Higher upfront purchase prices
- •Premium positioning may not fit all budgets
- •Limited third-party supply options
- •Some features require expensive upgrades
Best For:
- • Businesses prioritizing quality over price
- • Companies needing superior color output
- • Organizations wanting proven reliability
- • Users who value ease of use
Ricoh
Key Strengths
- •Excellent value proposition and pricing
- •Industry-leading sustainability initiatives
- •Always Current Technology keeps devices updated
- •Lower operating costs and consumable prices
- •Strong innovation in workflow automation
- •Comprehensive service and support
- •Flexible contract terms and options
Considerations
- •User interface less intuitive than Canon
- •Color quality good but not best-in-class
- •Service response times slightly longer
- •Less brand recognition than Canon
Best For:
- • Budget-conscious organizations
- • Companies focused on sustainability
- • High-volume printing environments
- • Businesses wanting innovative features
Head-to-Head Model Matchups
Small Office (20-30 PPM)
📷 Canon imageRUNNER 2625i
25 PPM B&W • $2,500
Best for: User-friendly interface, reliable performance
🔴 Ricoh IM 2702
27 PPM B&W • $2,100
Best for: Budget-conscious, good features at lower price
Verdict: Canon for ease of use, Ricoh for value
Mid-Size Office (45-60 PPM)
📷 Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE 4551i
51 PPM B&W • $4,200
Best for: High reliability, excellent finishing options
🔴 Ricoh IM 6000
60 PPM B&W • $3,800
Best for: Speed at great value, Always Current Tech
Verdict: Tie - Canon for reliability, Ricoh for speed and value
Color Multifunction (50-60 PPM)
📷 Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE C5560i
60/60 PPM Color • $7,800
Best for: Superior color quality, marketing materials
🔴 Ricoh IM C6000
60/60 PPM Color • $6,500
Best for: Excellent color at better price, sustainability
Verdict: Canon for color-critical work, Ricoh for cost-conscious color
High Volume (90-120 PPM)
📷 Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX 6870i
70 PPM B&W • $8,500
Best for: Mission-critical applications, maximum uptime
🔴 Ricoh IM 9000
90 PPM B&W • $7,200
Best for: Highest volume at best TCO, durability
Verdict: Both excellent - Canon for reliability, Ricoh for volume and cost
Which Brand Should You Choose?
Choose Canon If...
- Color quality is critical to your business
- You want the most intuitive user experience
- Maximum uptime is essential
- You prefer working with a well-established brand
- Your users need minimal training
- You have budget flexibility for quality
- Fast local service is a priority
- Brand reputation matters for your organization
Choose Ricoh If...
- Total cost of ownership is a key concern
- Environmental sustainability is important
- You want cutting-edge features and innovation
- High-volume printing is your primary need
- You prefer lower consumable costs
- Technology updates matter to you
- Good color quality meets your needs
- You value strong service and flexible contracts
Still unsure? Get quotes from dealers for both brands. Compare actual pricing, test the user interfaces, and see which better fits your workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand is more reliable: Canon or Ricoh?
Are Canon or Ricoh copiers more expensive?
Which brand has better color quality?
Do Canon and Ricoh use the same technology?
Which brand has better service support?
Our Final Recommendation
Both Canon and Ricoh are excellent choices - you really cannot go wrong with either brand.
The Best Approach:
- 1Request quotes from dealers for both Canon and Ricoh models that meet your needs
- 2Arrange demonstrations to test the user interface and print quality yourself
- 3Compare total cost of ownership including service, supplies, and lease/purchase price
- 4Evaluate local dealer support and service response times for your location
- 5Make your decision based on the specific models, pricing, and support offered