Roland vs Canon vs HP: Which Wide-Format Printer Is Best for 2026?

If you’re running a business in the north Denver metro area — think Longmont, Windsor, Thornton, Broomfield, Westminster, or Denver proper — and you work with signage, marketing, design, or event graphics, then choosing the best wide-format printer for 2026 is a decision that deserves careful attention. Whether you own a sign shop in Longmont or manage a print production team in Westminster, the wide-format printer you invest in can shape your output quality, productivity, and long-term profitability.

In this guide, we’ll break down the top three contenders in the wide-format printing space for 2026: Roland, Canon, and HP. Each brand has carved out a strong reputation in different parts of the market, and your choice should reflect your actual needs — the types of jobs you run, your budget, and how much space and staffing you have. Let’s dive into how each one stacks up for Colorado businesses.

What Is a Wide-Format Printer, and Why Do You Need One?

Wide-format printers are used to create prints larger than traditional office printers can handle. We’re talking posters, banners, window decals, vehicle wraps, CAD drawings, large photos, and fine art prints. These machines typically range from 24″ to 64″ in media width and are roll-fed rather than sheet-fed.

For businesses in Longmont and Windsor, where regional marketing and community events are frequent, or in growing commercial zones like Westminster and Broomfield, having in-house wide-format capabilities can set you apart. Instead of outsourcing every print job, you can deliver fast turnarounds, better quality control, and custom print services.

Overview: Roland vs Canon vs HP

Roland in 2026: A Colorado Signage Workhorse

If you’re in the signage business — especially if you’re in Windsor or Thornton handling local banners, vehicle wraps, decals, and outdoor signage — Roland is one of your best bets. The 2026 models, like the TrueVIS XG-640, offer media flexibility and vibrant eco-solvent ink output that can stand up to Colorado’s variable climate.

Key Advantages:

• Media flexibility: Works with vinyl, banner material, window films, and backlit film
• Vibrant output: Eco-solvent TR3 inks produce high-durability prints
• Built-in cutter: Ideal for decals and wraps
• Speed: Up to ~819 sq ft/hour depending on settings

Roland wide-format printers are great for print shops in suburban cities like Broomfield or Longmont that handle a wide variety of sign types but may not have the staffing for complex, manual print prep. Automation features like auto-calibration and touchscreen controls streamline day-to-day tasks.

Canon in 2026: The Designer’s and Photographer’s Choice

Running a boutique print studio in Westminster? Or a marketing agency in Denver focused on premium print collateral? Canon remains the go-to for color precision and detail in 2026. Models like the imagePROGRAF PRO-4600 deliver stunning photographic and design-grade prints that set the standard for indoor signage and marketing displays.

Canon Highlights:

• 12-color pigment ink system (LUCIA PRO): Unmatched color fidelity
• Exceptional resolution: 2400 x 1200 dpi for ultra-fine detail
• Ideal for art prints, photography, premium posters
• Lower media flexibility: Not built for heavy-duty vinyl or outdoor signage

Canon shines in businesses where every detail matters — galleries, retail signage designers, photographers, and creative agencies. For businesses in Denver or Longmont looking to produce retail-quality visuals, Canon is a powerful addition.

HP in 2026: Versatility and Volume

HP is often the most versatile of the three. If you’re a print house in Longmont serving both real estate clients and construction firms — or you’re producing a lot of CAD drawings, maps, and general signage — HP is likely your best option.

HP Benefits:

• Model flexibility: From 24″ plotters to 64″ latex printers
• Print speed: High-volume output for busy shops
• Ink technology: Aqueous pigment or latex, depending on model
• Durability: HP Latex inks suitable for indoor/outdoor

With choices like the HP DesignJet T230 for technical prints or HP Latex 700W for flexible signage and graphics, HP covers a wide variety of jobs. This is ideal for fast-growing regions like Windsor, where mixed-use print needs are common.

Brand Comparison: Which Fits Your Business?

North Denver Metro Considerations

Let’s bring it home to your neighborhood:

• Longmont & Windsor: Fast-growing, business-friendly, with high demand for event signage, real estate marketing, and wrap graphics. Roland or HP is often a strong fit here.
• Thornton & Broomfield: Mixed commercial and residential growth means a need for both technical prints and promotional signage — HP and Roland are both contenders.
• Westminster: Home to agencies, retailers, and creatives. Canon shines here for color work, while HP offers solid all-round flexibility.

The region’s seasonal climate also matters. Roland’s eco-solvent prints are weather-resistant, which helps with outdoor signage during snowy winters and sunny summers.

Final Thoughts: Make the Smart Print Investment

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to wide-format printers. In 2026, Roland, Canon, and HP all bring distinct advantages — and your best fit depends on what you actually print, how often, and who your customers are.

• Choose Roland if signage, wraps, banners, and vinyl graphics make up most of your jobs.
• Choose Canon if premium posters, photography prints, and color-critical branding materials are your bread and butter.
• Choose HP if you’re doing a bit of everything and need fast turnaround and flexibility.

As a business in the North Denver metro area, you’re in a unique position. With growing cities like Longmont and Windsor expanding fast, and suburbs like Thornton and Broomfield buzzing with commercial activity, having the right print gear in place now can prepare you for a strong, scalable future.

Want help evaluating specific models or getting a live demo in Colorado? ABT specializes in connecting local businesses with the right wide-format technology.

Reach out, and let’s find your perfect match.

Free Resource: [Download Our 2026 Wide-Format Printer Brand Comparison Chart (PDF)]