Epson EcoTank ET-2800 vs. ET-2850: Comparison

Looking for a reliable, cost-effective home printer without the hassle of ink cartridges? Epson’s EcoTank ET-2800 and ET-2850 are two popular choices that offer refillable ink tanks, strong print quality, and major long-term savings. In this comparison review, we’ll break down the key differences and help you decide which model best suits your home printing needs.

Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Printer

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a practical, budget-friendly all-in-one printer aimed at basic home use, with a strong focus on cost-efficiency and ease of maintenance. Its standout feature is the cartridge-free printing system that relies on high-capacity, refillable ink tanks—significantly reducing the cost per page compared to traditional cartridges. In everyday use, the ET-2800 delivers decent print quality for documents and photos, supported by Epson’s Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology. Setting it up is relatively straightforward, and wireless connectivity enables convenient mobile printing. However, performance can be hit or miss—while some users experience smooth operation, others report frustrating delays, spotty connections, or poor hardware quality.

Despite the promise of up to two years of ink included in the box, some customers find the refill process messy and unpredictable. The print speed is on the slower side, especially for color documents, which may be a drawback for users needing frequent or fast output. Additionally, opinions on build quality vary, with some praising its compact, lightweight design and others criticizing it as flimsy.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features

• Cartridge-free EcoTank system
• Wireless and mobile printing capability
• Flatbed scanner and copier
• Up to 2 years of ink included
• Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology for sharp text and color

Pros

• Extremely low running cost over time
• Easy setup and compact design
• No cartridge waste—environmentally friendly
• Clear and vibrant photo printing on various paper types
• Good value if printing needs are light

Cons

• Slow print speed, especially for color

Epson EcoTank ET-2850 Printer

The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 is a well-rounded, cartridge-free all-in-one printer tailored for home users who want long-term savings and basic functionality in a compact package. With its refillable high-capacity ink tanks and support for automatic two-sided printing, the ET-2850 offers significant cost advantages over traditional inkjet printers. The setup process is straightforward, thanks to clear instructions and Epson’s EcoFit bottle design, which helps avoid mess during refills. Print quality, especially for documents, is sharp and consistent, and the included scanner and copier functions work well for everyday tasks. Its wireless connectivity enables mobile and cloud printing, making it convenient for families with multiple devices.

However, the ET-2850 isn’t without issues. While many users report solid performance and strong print output, others note color accuracy problems, with some prints showing faded or incorrect tones. Wi-Fi connectivity is another weak point—some customers experience frequent disconnects or setup failures, particularly on shared networks. The printer’s speed is also modest, especially for color prints, which might not suit heavy-duty users. Despite those shortcomings, the ET-2850 remains a practical choice for light-to-moderate home printing, especially where ink cost and ease of use are top priorities.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features

• Cartridge-free EcoTank system with refillable ink bottles
• Auto 2-sided printing (duplex)
• Wireless and USB connectivity
• Flatbed scanner and copier
• Color display for easy navigation

Pros

• Very low long-term ink cost
• Easy setup and mess-free ink refills
• Compact and family-friendly design
• Solid print quality for documents
• Auto-duplex saves paper and time

Cons

• Inconsistent color print quality

Epson EcoTank ET-2800 vs. ET-2850: Comparison

Design and Setup

Both the ET-2800 and ET-2850 feature a clean, compact white design with a user-friendly interface and refillable ink tanks. The ink refilling process is similar in both models, using Epson’s EcoFit system that minimizes mess and confusion. Setup is generally straightforward for both devices, with clear instructions and intuitive controls. However, the ET-2850 has a slight edge thanks to its additional features and more polished setup experience, including auto-duplex printing.

Core Features Comparison

Feature	Epson ET-2800	Epson ET-2850
Printing Technology	Inkjet	Inkjet
Connectivity	Wireless, USB	Wireless, USB
Max Print Speed (Monochrome)	10 ppm	10.5 ppm
Max Print Speed (Color)	5 ppm	5 ppm
Duplex Printing	Manual only	Automatic (Auto-Duplex)
Scanner	Flatbed	Flatbed
Display	Color display	Color display
Ink System	EcoTank Cartridge-Free	EcoTank Cartridge-Free
Ink Yield	4,500 pages (black) / 7,500 (color)	7,500 pages (black) / 6,000 (color)

While both printers share many similarities, the ET-2850 offers automatic double-sided printing, which the ET-2800 lacks. This is a crucial feature for those printing longer documents or looking to save paper, and it enhances the ET-2850’s overall functionality as a more complete home office solution.

Print Quality and Performance

Both printers provide solid text clarity and general print quality, with Epson’s Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology playing a role in producing crisp text and detailed graphics. The ET-2850 tends to perform better with color accuracy and photo printing, though users report some inconsistency across both models when it comes to color vibrancy. The ET-2800 performs adequately for everyday document tasks, but lacks refinement in photo printing and advanced color work.

In terms of speed, neither model is particularly fast, with both maxing out around 10–10.5 ppm for black-and-white prints. For color prints, both manage up to 5 ppm, which is acceptable for occasional use but not ideal for large volume tasks.

Connectivity and Ease of Use

Both models offer wireless and USB connectivity, and support for mobile printing through Epson’s Smart Panel app. However, user reviews suggest connectivity is more stable on the ET-2850, with the ET-2800 experiencing more frequent Wi-Fi dropouts or longer initial connection times. Both support integration with cloud printing services and are compatible with various devices, making them relatively flexible for families or shared use.

Ink Efficiency and Cost Savings

A core advantage of both EcoTank printers is cost efficiency. With no cartridges to replace and ultra-high-yield ink bottles included, users can print thousands of pages before needing a refill. The ET-2850 boasts slightly better black ink yield, while the ET-2800 provides slightly higher color yield. Either way, the long-term savings are significant compared to traditional cartridge printers, with Epson claiming up to 90% cost reduction.

Value and Suitability

Category	Best Choice
Budget-Friendly Use	Epson ET-2800
Regular Home Office	Epson ET-2850
Photo Printing	Epson ET-2850
Basic School Work	Epson ET-2800
Duplex Printing	Epson ET-2850

The ET-2800 is best suited for users with basic needs—light document printing, schoolwork, and occasional color printing. It offers excellent value for those who don’t require duplex printing or high-performance features.

The ET-2850, on the other hand, justifies its slightly higher price with more features, especially auto-duplex printing, better overall performance, and improved connectivity. It’s better suited for home offices, families with moderate printing needs, and users who value convenience and paper-saving features.

Conclusion

Both the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 and ET-2850 are solid, cost-effective choices for home printing, with a shared emphasis on eliminating cartridge waste and reducing long-term ink expenses. If your needs are simple and your budget is tight, the ET-2800 gets the job done. But if you’re looking for more functionality, better performance, and fewer compromises, the ET-2850 is the smarter pick for everyday family or office use.

FAQ

What is the main difference between the Epson ET-2800 and ET-2850?

The biggest difference is that the ET-2850 supports automatic two-sided (duplex) printing, while the ET-2800 does not. This feature is a major convenience for those who regularly print multi-page documents or want to save on paper. Additionally, the ET-2850 has slightly better performance in terms of print speed and color accuracy.

Do both printers come with ink included?

Yes, both the ET-2800 and ET-2850 come with up to 2 years of ink in the box, depending on your usage. Epson includes high-capacity ink bottles that can yield thousands of pages, dramatically reducing the need for frequent refills compared to traditional cartridge-based models.

Is one printer better for photo printing?

While both printers use the same Epson Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology, the ET-2850 generally delivers more consistent and vibrant color output, especially for images and photos. That said, neither model is a professional photo printer, so expectations should be aligned with home-use quality.

How easy is it to set up and refill the ink tanks?

Both models use Epson’s EcoFit bottle design, which makes refilling straightforward and nearly mess-free. Setup is guided with clear instructions, and most users report getting the printers up and running in under 30 minutes. However, some users of the ET-2800 have noted occasional spills or confusion during first-time use.

Which one is better for a family with multiple devices?

The ET-2850 is a slightly better option for families, especially those sharing a printer across multiple devices. It tends to have more reliable Wi-Fi connectivity and supports auto-duplex printing, making it easier for everyone to get what they need printed quickly and efficiently.

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