Epson EcoTank ET-2850 vs HP Smart Tank 5105
Detailed Technical Comparison & Buying Guide
Epson EcoTank ET-2850 VS
HP Smart Tank 5105 Epson EcoTank ET-2850
✅ Automatic double-sided printing and colour LCD.
❌ Paper tray is still limited to 100 sheets.
HP Smart Tank 5105
✅ Low-cost high-volume printing with HP Smart features.
❌ Slower colour printing compared to competitors.
| Feature | Epson EcoTank ET-2850 | HP Smart Tank 5105 |
|---|---|---|
| Print Technology | PrecisionCore Print Head | Thermal Inkjet |
| Colour Output | Color | Color |
| Print Resolution | 4800 x 1200 dpi | 4800 x 1200 dpi |
| Black Print Speed (PPM) | 10.5 ppm | 12 ppm |
| Colour Print Speed (PPM) | 5 ppm | 5 ppm |
| First Page Out Time | 10 sec | 14 sec |
| Auto Double-Sided | Automatic (2-sided) | Manual |
| Input Paper Capacity | 100 Sheets | 100 Sheets |
| Output Tray Capacity | 30 Sheets | 30 Sheets |
| Supported Paper Sizes | A4, A5, A6, B5, B6 | A4, B5, A6, DL Envelope |
| Paper Weight Support | 64 to 300 g/m² | 60 to 90 g/m² (Plain) |
| Scanner Type | CIS Flatbed | Flatbed only |
| Scan Resolution | 1200 x 2400 dpi | 1200 x 1200 dpi |
| Auto Document Feeder | None | None |
| Copy Speed | Up to 7.7 ipm | Up to 10 cpm |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct | Self-healing Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n |
| Ethernet Support | No | No |
| USB Connectivity | Hi-Speed USB | Hi-Speed USB 2.0 |
| Mobile Printing Support | Epson Smart Panel, AirPrint | HP Smart App |
| Display Panel | 3.7 cm Colour LCD | Icon LCD 1.0 inch |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | 3,000 pages | 3,000 pages |
| Ink/Cartridge System | EcoTank 102 Ink Bottles | HP 32XL / 31 Bottles |
| Borderless Printing | Yes | Yes (up to 210 x 297 mm) |
| Width | 375 mm | 434.7 mm |
| Depth | 347 mm | 361.5 mm |
| Height | 187 mm | 157.3 mm |
| Machine Weight | 5.4 kg | 5.03 kg |
| Energy Efficiency | Energy Star | EPEAT Registered |
| Noise Level (dB) | 52 dB(A) | 51 dB(A) |
| Processor Speed | Integrated | 980 MHz |
| Internal Memory | 128 MB | 64 MB |
| Cloud Print Support | Epson Connect, Scan-to-Cloud | HP Smart App |
| Security Features | WPA3 Personal Support | Secure Boot, FW Integrity |
| Compatible OS | Windows 11, macOS 12+ | Windows 11, macOS 10.15+ |
| Included in Box | 1 Set of Ink (102 Series) | HP 32XL Black, HP 31 Colour Bottles |
| Warranty Period | 1 Year (3 Years on Promo) | 1 Year (Up to 3 Years) |
| Recommended Use | Home Office Efficiency | Family Document Printing |
⚖️ Expert Verdict
The ET-2850 has one massive advantage over the HP 5105: automatic double-sided printing. In a world where we’re trying to be sustainable and frugal, manual flipping on the HP is a dodgy deal. While HP's app is arguably slicker, the hardware utility of the Epson wins for serious document handling. If you value your time and want to halve your paper costs without the manual faff, the ET-2850 is the undisputed winner. It’s the more 'proper' home office tool for actual long-form work.
What Owners Are Saying?
Epson EcoTank ET-2850
SmallBiz_Sarah ★★★★★
HP Smart Tank 5105
WorkFromHome_Mum ★★★★☆