Battle of Budget Printers: HP DeskJet 2331 vs HP DeskJet 2723

In the realm of home printing, HP DeskJet printers have earned a reputation for affordability and reliability. Among the latest offerings from HP are the DeskJet 2331 and DeskJet 2723, two budget-friendly printers that cater to different printing needs. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key features, strengths, and weaknesses of both printers, helping you make an informed decision.

Design and Dimensions

The HP DeskJet 2331 and 2723 share a compact and lightweight design, making them ideal for space-constrained environments. Both printers feature a sleek white exterior with rounded corners, adding a touch of elegance to any workspace. However, the DeskJet 2723 has a slightly larger footprint and a higher profile, making it less portable than its counterpart.

Print Quality and Speed

The HP DeskJet 2331 and 2723 utilize the same HP Thermal Inkjet technology, offering comparable print quality. They produce sharp text documents and vibrant color prints, suitable for everyday printing tasks. In terms of speed, the DeskJet 2331 has a slightly faster print rate of 7.5 ppm (pages per minute) for black and white prints and 5.5 ppm for color prints, while the DeskJet 2723 prints at 5.5 ppm for both black and white and color prints.

Connectivity and Features

The HP DeskJet 2331 offers basic connectivity options, including USB 2.0 for wired printing. The DeskJet 2723, on the other hand, adds wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi, allowing you to print from any Wi-Fi-enabled device. Additionally, the DeskJet 2723 features HP Smart App compatibility, enabling remote printing, scanning, and printer management from your smartphone or tablet.

Paper Handling and Capacity

Both the HP DeskJet 2331 and 2723 have a standard input tray capacity of 60 sheets, which is sufficient for most home users. However, the DeskJet 2723 offers an optional rear input tray that can accommodate an additional 60 sheets, providing greater flexibility for handling larger print jobs.

Cartridge and Ink Costs

The HP DeskJet 2331 and 2723 use different ink cartridges, with the DeskJet 2331 utilizing HP 65 cartridges and the DeskJet 2723 using HP 305 cartridges. Both printers offer high-yield ink cartridges that can significantly reduce ink costs over time. The cost per page for black and white prints is comparable for both printers, while the DeskJet 2723 has a slightly higher cost per page for color prints.

Which Printer is Right for You?

The choice between the HP DeskJet 2331 and HP DeskJet 2723 depends on your specific printing needs and preferences.

• HP DeskJet 2331: Ideal for basic printing tasks with limited connectivity options, perfect for budget-conscious users with a small workspace.
• HP DeskJet 2723: Suitable for users who require wireless connectivity and remote printing capabilities, offers greater paper handling flexibility and a larger input tray capacity.

Verdict: The Winner

Based on our comprehensive comparison, the HP DeskJet 2723 emerges as the winner due to its superior connectivity options, remote printing capabilities, and larger paper handling capacity. However, if budget and space constraints are your primary concerns, the HP DeskJet 2331 remains a solid choice for basic printing needs.

Questions You May Have

• Q: Which printer has the fastest print speed?
• A: The HP DeskJet 2331 has a slightly faster print speed than the DeskJet 2723.

• Q: Can I print from my smartphone using either printer?
• A: Yes, the HP DeskJet 2723 offers HP Smart App compatibility, allowing you to print from your smartphone or tablet.

• Q: Which printer has a larger input tray capacity?
• A: The HP DeskJet 2723 has a larger input tray capacity of 120 sheets (with the optional rear input tray).

• Q: Are the ink cartridges for both printers interchangeable?
• A: No, the HP DeskJet 2331 uses HP 65 cartridges, while the DeskJet 2723 uses HP 305 cartridges.

• Q: Which printer is more energy-efficient?
• A: Both printers are ENERGY STAR certified, indicating their energy-efficient performance.