HP Smart Tank 5105 vs Epson EcoTank ET-2861
Detailed Technical Comparison & Buying Guide
HP Smart Tank 5105 HP Smart Tank 5105
Epson EcoTank ET-2861
| Feature | HP Smart Tank 5105 | Epson EcoTank ET-2861 |
|---|---|---|
| Print Technology | Thermal Inkjet | PrecisionCore Heat-Free |
| Colour Output | Color | Color |
| Print Resolution | 4800 x 1200 dpi | 5760 x 1440 dpi |
| Black Print Speed (PPM) | 12 ppm | 10.0 ppm |
| Colour Print Speed (PPM) | 5 ppm | 5.0 ppm |
| First Page Out Time | 14 sec | 10 sec |
| Auto Double-Sided | Manual | Manual |
| Input Paper Capacity | 100 Sheets | 100 Sheets |
| Output Tray Capacity | 30 Sheets | 30 Sheets |
| Supported Paper Sizes | A4, B5, A6, DL Envelope | A4, A5, A6, B5, C6, DL |
| Paper Weight Support | 60 to 90 g/m² (Plain) | 64 to 300 g/m² |
| Scanner Type | Flatbed only | CIS Flatbed |
| Scan Resolution | 1200 x 1200 dpi | 1200 x 2400 dpi |
| Auto Document Feeder | None | None |
| Copy Speed | Up to 10 cpm | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Self-healing Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n | Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Ethernet Support | No | No |
| USB Connectivity | Hi-Speed USB 2.0 | High-speed 2.0 |
| Mobile Printing Support | HP Smart App | Epson Smart Panel, Apple AirPrint |
| Display Panel | Icon LCD 1.0 inch | 3.7 cm Colour LCD |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | 3,000 pages | 3,000 pages |
| Ink/Cartridge System | HP 32XL / 31 Bottles | Epson 104 Ink Bottles |
| Borderless Printing | Yes (up to 210 x 297 mm) | Yes (up to 10x15cm) |
| Width | 434.7 mm | 375 mm |
| Depth | 361.5 mm | 347 mm |
| Height | 157.3 mm | 179 mm |
| Machine Weight | 5.03 kg | 3.9 kg |
| Energy Efficiency | EPEAT Registered | 12 Watts (Standalone copying) |
| Noise Level (dB) | 51 dB(A) | 5.1 B(A) |
| Processor Speed | 980 MHz | N/A |
| Internal Memory | 64 MB | N/A |
| Cloud Print Support | HP Smart App | Epson Connect |
| Security Features | Secure Boot, FW Integrity | WEP, WPA-PSK |
| Compatible OS | Windows 11, macOS 10.15+ | Windows, macOS |
| Included in Box | HP 32XL Black, HP 31 Colour Bottles | Full Ink Set, Power Cable |
| Warranty Period | 1 Year (Up to 3 Years) | 1 Year (Up to 3 Years on Promo) |
| Recommended Use | Family Document Printing | Home Office, High Volume Printing |
⚖️ Expert Verdict
The Epson EcoTank ET-2861 and the HP Smart Tank 5105 are both economical 3-in-1 tank printers for high-volume home use. The HP Smart Tank 5105 is widely loved for its exceptional mobile app and guided setup, making it very friendly for non-technical users. The Epson ET-2861 is a more traditional design that focuses on text clarity and features a highly reliable Micro Piezo printhead. Both printers utilize a rear-feed paper system and lack automatic double-sided printing, so they are best suited for light household tasks. HP’s print quality is slightly more punchy for photos, while the Epson is often preferred for crisp monochrome documents. Epson’s footprint is slightly smaller, which might be an advantage on a crowded desk. However, HP’s smart app integration provides a more modern feel for scanning and cloud tasks. Both will save you a fortune on ink, but the HP feels like a more 'connected' device for a modern household. If you prioritize the best possible app experience, choose the HP. For a simple, proven workhorse, the Epson ET-2861 is our expert recommendation.