Sharp vs Canon Photocopiers: 6 Key Differences (2026)
Sharp and Canon are two of the most popular copier brands in UK offices. Canon is the bigger name with a huge range, from desktop printers to production presses. Sharp is often the value pick, with strong mid range machines and competitive dealers. Here's how they compare in 2026.
At a glance
| Sharp | Canon | |
|---|---|---|
| Main office range | MX series (colour), BP series | imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX |
| Strength | Value, touchscreens, good service deals | Breadth of range, software, integration |
| Software | Sharp apps and cloud connectors | uniFLOW print management |
| Typical buyer | Small and mid sized offices | Offices of all sizes, multi site groups |
| How sold | Sharp direct and dealers | Canon direct and partners |
1. Range and choice
Canon has one of the widest ranges on the market, so it can cover a small branch office and a big head office with the same software. Sharp focuses on the A4 and A3 office range, with good choice from small to large. For most small and mid sized offices, both have something that fits.
2. Price
Sharp is often the cheaper machine on a like for like quote, especially at mid size. Canon can be more expensive upfront but makes up for it with software and integration. Always compare total cost over the lease, not the monthly lease alone. Our how much do photocopiers cost guide breaks this down.
3. Running costs
Typical small business click charges are roughly 0.5p to 1.0p mono and 6p to 10p colour across the market. Both brands sit in this range. Your dealer and your volumes affect the rate more than the brand.
4. Software and print management
Canon's uniFLOW is a mature print management platform that handles secure print, cost tracking by department and scanning workflows across many devices. Sharp has its own tools and cloud connectors, which are fine for most smaller offices. If you run several sites or need detailed cost allocation, Canon has the edge.
5. Ease of use
Sharp's touchscreens are bright and easy to use, a bit like a tablet. Canon's interface is customisable and familiar to many office staff. Both are simple enough that training takes minutes.
6. Service
As with every copier brand, the dealer matters most. Ask about response times, loan machines and what's included in the service contract. Sharp dealers are often keen on service deals to win business from bigger names.
Who each suits
| Office | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 5 to 20 staff, one site | Sharp | Value and simple setup |
| Multi site group | Canon | Central print management |
| Heavy scanning to document systems | Canon | uniFLOW integrations |
| Tight budget | Sharp | Often cheaper on a like for like quote |
| Design and marketing | Either | Both have strong colour models |
Our verdict
Pick Sharp if you want a strong mid range machine at a good price for a single office. Pick Canon if you need wider choice, advanced print management or integrations across several sites. Get quotes from both on the same specification so you can compare properly.
Getting comparable quotes
Copier quotes are hard to compare because every dealer bundles things differently. Give each one the same brief:
- Monthly mono and colour volumes, from your current meter readings.
- Paper sizes you need, A4 only or A3 as well.
- Finishing needs such as stapling, hole punching or booklets.
- Security needs such as secure print and encryption.
- Lease length you want, usually three to five years.
Ask for the lease cost, the click charges, the minimum volumes and the annual price increase, all in writing. Then work out the total cost over the full term. A machine that's £5 a month cheaper on the lease can easily cost more overall if the click charges are higher. Our questions to ask a supplier guide has a full checklist.
Second hand and refurbished
Both Sharp and Canon machines are widely available refurbished, because so many come off lease each year. A refurbished machine from a reputable dealer can save a lot on the upfront price. Our refurbished photocopiers guide covers what to check.
Total cost example
For a 20 person office printing 4,000 mono and 600 colour pages a month, clicks at 0.8p mono and 7p colour come to £32 plus £42, so £74 a month. Over a five year lease that's £4,440 in clicks before any yearly rises, which is often more than the lease itself. That's why a quote with a slightly higher lease but lower click charges can work out cheaper overall.
FAQs
Is Sharp cheaper than Canon?
Often on a like for like quote, though dealer pricing varies. Compare total cost over the lease.
Which is more reliable?
Both make reliable machines. Service quality depends on the dealer.
Does Canon have better software?
Canon's uniFLOW is one of the most complete print management platforms, which helps larger and multi site offices.
Can I get refurbished Sharp or Canon copiers?
Yes. Both are widely available refurbished. See our second hand photocopiers guide.
Which is best for a small office?
Both have good small office machines. Sharp is often the value choice.