Epson EcoTank L5290 vs Brother T720DW: A Comprehensive Comparison of Inkjet Printers

In the realm of inkjet printers, the Epson EcoTank L5290 and the Brother T720DW stand out as formidable contenders. Both devices offer compelling features and capabilities, but discerning the best choice for your specific needs requires a thorough comparison. This blog post delves into the key differences between the Epson EcoTank L5290 and the Brother T720DW, empowering you to make an informed decision.

Printing Technology: Inkjet vs. Laser

The Epson EcoTank L5290 utilizes inkjet technology, while the Brother T720DW employs laser technology. Inkjet printers use liquid ink to create images and text, while laser printers use toner powder. Inkjet printers are generally more affordable than laser printers, but laser printers produce sharper, more professional-looking prints and are faster at printing large volumes of documents.

Ink System: EcoTank vs. Traditional Cartridges

The Epson EcoTank L5290 features an innovative EcoTank ink system, which consists of large, refillable ink tanks that can hold a substantial amount of ink. This system eliminates the need for frequent cartridge replacements, significantly reducing printing costs over time. In contrast, the Brother T720DW uses traditional ink cartridges, which need to be replaced more frequently, resulting in higher operating expenses.

Print Quality: PrecisionCore vs. LED

The Epson EcoTank L5290 boasts Epson’s PrecisionCore printhead technology, which delivers sharp, vibrant prints with a resolution of up to 5760 x 1440 dpi. The Brother T720DW utilizes LED technology, which produces crisp, monochrome prints with a resolution of up to 2400 x 600 dpi. While the Epson EcoTank L5290 offers superior print quality for color documents, the Brother T720DW excels in producing professional-grade black-and-white prints.

Connectivity: Wired vs. Wireless

The Epson EcoTank L5290 and the Brother T720DW both offer a range of connectivity options. The Epson EcoTank L5290 features Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and Ethernet connectivity, while the Brother T720DW provides Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet connections. Both printers support mobile printing through their respective mobile apps, allowing you to print from your smartphone or tablet.

Speed and Capacity: Volume vs. Efficiency

The Epson EcoTank L5290 has a print speed of up to 15 ppm for black-and-white documents and 8 ppm for color documents. The Brother T720DW prints at a faster rate of up to 27 ppm for both black-and-white and color documents. However, the Epson EcoTank L5290 offers a higher paper capacity, with a standard 150-sheet input tray and an optional 250-sheet rear tray, while the Brother T720DW has a 250-sheet paper tray.

Cost of Ownership: Initial Investment vs. Long-Term Savings

The Epson EcoTank L5290 has a higher initial purchase price compared to the Brother T720DW. However, the EcoTank system’s low ink costs and infrequent cartridge replacements result in significant savings over the long term. The Brother T720DW’s lower initial cost may be appealing, but the ongoing expense of replacing ink cartridges can add up over time.

Additional Features: Duplex Printing and ADF

The Epson EcoTank L5290 and the Brother T720DW both offer automatic duplex printing, which allows you to print on both sides of a page to save paper. However, the Brother T720DW has an additional feature – an automatic document feeder (ADF) – which enables you to scan, copy, and fax multiple pages automatically. This feature is particularly useful for businesses and professionals who need to handle large volumes of documents.

Which Printer Is Right for You?

The Epson EcoTank L5290 is an excellent choice for home users or small businesses who prioritize low printing costs, high print quality, and wireless connectivity. The Brother T720DW is a suitable option for businesses and professionals who require fast printing speeds, professional-grade monochrome prints, and an ADF for efficient document handling.

The Final Verdict: A Balanced Decision

Ultimately, the best choice between the Epson EcoTank L5290 and the Brother T720DW depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. If you value low running costs, vibrant color prints, and wireless printing, the Epson EcoTank L5290 is a compelling option. If you prioritize fast printing speeds, sharp black-and-white prints, and an ADF, the Brother T720DW is a more suitable choice.

Information You Need to Know

1. Which printer has a lower cost per page?
The Epson EcoTank L5290 has a lower cost per page than the Brother T720DW due to its refillable ink tanks.

2. Which printer produces better color prints?
The Epson EcoTank L5290 produces better color prints than the Brother T720DW due to its PrecisionCore printhead technology.

3. Which printer is faster at printing?
The Brother T720DW is faster at printing than the Epson EcoTank L5290, with a print speed of up to 27 ppm for both black-and-white and color documents.

4. Which printer has a larger paper capacity?
The Epson EcoTank L5290 has a larger paper capacity than the Brother T720DW, with a standard 150-sheet input tray and an optional 250-sheet rear tray.

5. Which printer has an ADF?
The Brother T720DW has an ADF, while the Epson EcoTank L5290 does not.