Epson EcoTank ET-2850 vs 2800: The Ultimate Printer Showdown

In the world of home and office printing, Epson’s EcoTank series has revolutionized the market with its innovative ink tank system. Two popular models in this lineup are the ET-2850 and ET-2800. Both offer excellent features and affordability, but they also have some key differences. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 vs 2800 to help you make an informed decision about which printer best suits your needs.

Feature Comparison

Ink Tank System:

• Both printers feature Epson’s EcoTank ink tank system, which eliminates the need for costly ink cartridges.
• The ET-2850 has a 350-page yield for black ink and 150 pages for color ink.
• The ET-2800 has a slightly higher yield, with 450 pages for black ink and 180 pages for color ink.

Print Speed:

• The ET-2850 has a print speed of 10.5 pages per minute (ppm) for black and 5 ppm for color.
• The ET-2800 offers a faster print speed of 15 ppm for black and 8 ppm for color.

Scan and Copy:

• Both models have a built-in flatbed scanner and copier.
• The ET-2850 has a scan resolution of 600 x 1200 dpi, while the ET-2800 has a higher resolution of 1200 x 2400 dpi.

Paper Capacity:

• The ET-2850 has a standard paper tray capacity of 100 sheets.
• The ET-2800 has a larger paper capacity of 150 sheets.

Connectivity and Features

Wi-Fi and Mobile Printing:

• Both printers support Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to print wirelessly from your devices.
• They also have a built-in Wi-Fi Direct feature for direct printing without a network.
• The Epson Smart Panel app provides remote control and monitoring capabilities.

Automatic Document Feeder (ADF):

• The ET-2800 stands out with an automatic document feeder (ADF), making it easier to scan and copy multiple pages without manual feeding.
• The ET-2850 does not have an ADF.

Duplex Printing:

• Both models offer automatic duplex printing, which saves paper by printing on both sides of the sheet.

Cost Comparison

Initial Cost:

• The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 is typically priced slightly lower than the ET-2800.

Ink Costs:

• The EcoTank ink tank system significantly reduces ink costs compared to traditional cartridge-based printers.
• Both printers come with a set of replacement ink bottles, which provide a high yield and low cost per page.

Pros and Cons

Epson EcoTank ET-2850:

• Pros:
• Lower initial cost
• Compact and lightweight design
• Good print quality for home and office use
• Cons:
• Slightly slower print speed
• Lower scan resolution

Epson EcoTank ET-2800:

• Pros:
• Faster print speed
• Higher scan resolution
• Automatic document feeder
• Larger paper capacity
• Cons:
• Higher initial cost
• Slightly bulkier design

Which Printer is Right for You?

The choice between the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 and ET-2800 depends on your specific needs and budget.

• For home users: The ET-2850 is a great choice for basic printing, scanning, and copying tasks. It’s affordable and offers good print quality.
• For small offices: The ET-2800 is a better option for higher volume printing and scanning. Its faster print speed, higher scan resolution, and ADF make it more efficient for office environments.

Alternatives to Consider

If you’re looking for alternatives to the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 and ET-2800, here are a few options:

• HP DeskJet Plus 4152e: A budget-friendly inkjet printer with similar features to the ET-2850.
• Canon Pixma G620: Another EcoTank printer with a high ink yield and low cost per page.
• Brother MFC-J497DW: A multifunction printer with an ADF and wireless connectivity.

Top Questions Asked

Q1: Which printer has better print quality?
A: Both printers offer good print quality for home and office use. The ET-2800 has a slightly higher scan resolution, but the difference is not significant for most users.

Q2: Can I print photos on these printers?
A: Yes, both printers can print photos, but they may not produce the same quality as a dedicated photo printer.

Q3: How long do the ink bottles last?
A: The ink bottles included with the printers provide a high yield. The ET-2850 can print up to 350 pages (black) and 150 pages (color), while the ET-2800 can print up to 450 pages (black) and 180 pages (color).