Epson EcoTank ET-3850 vs. ET-4850: Comparison

Choosing the right printer for your home office or small business can be overwhelming, especially when faced with similar models like the Epson EcoTank ET-3850 and ET-4850. Both offer cartridge-free convenience, excellent print quality, and features designed to improve productivity — but they also have important differences that could impact your day-to-day use. In this review, we’ll break down the key distinctions between the two, compare performance, usability, and cost-efficiency, and help you decide which model fits your needs best.

Epson EcoTank ET-3850 Printer

The Epson EcoTank ET-3850 is a solid choice for home offices or small workspaces that print regularly and want to avoid the hassle and expense of cartridges. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy the setup was using Epson’s Smart Panel app. The printer comes with high-capacity, refillable ink tanks that are a game-changer if you’re tired of constantly replacing expensive cartridges. Print quality is sharp for both text and color graphics, and the built-in scanner and copier perform reliably for daily document needs. While not the fastest printer on the market, it handles moderate workloads efficiently and quietly, which is a plus in shared spaces.

That said, it’s not without its flaws. The Wi-Fi connectivity can be inconsistent; I had to reset it once when the printer dropped from the network unexpectedly. Color print speed is a bit slower than expected (about 8.5 ppm), which might frustrate users who regularly print large image-heavy documents. Also, while the auto document feeder is helpful, it doesn’t support duplex scanning, which limits efficiency for two-sided documents. However, for the price—especially the renewed model—it offers great long-term savings on ink and dependable performance, making it an excellent value for budget-conscious users.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features

• Cartridge-free printing with refillable EcoTank ink tanks
• Built-in scanner, copier, and ADF
• Wireless, USB, and Ethernet connectivity options
• Color LCD screen for easy navigation
• Auto-duplex printing supported

Pros

• Significantly lower ink costs over time
• Excellent print quality for text and graphics
• Easy setup via Epson’s Smart Panel app
• Quiet operation
• Compact and functional design for home offices

Cons

• Slower color printing speed

Epson EcoTank ET-4850 Printer

The Epson EcoTank ET-4850 is designed with productivity in mind and suits small offices or remote work setups that prioritize cost-efficiency and wireless convenience. One of the most appealing aspects is its cartridge-free system — the refillable ink tanks are incredibly easy to load and come filled with enough ink to last months for moderate use. Setting up the printer was straightforward, thanks to the Epson Smart Panel app, and the 2.4″ touchscreen made navigation smooth. Print quality is excellent for both text and color images, and the added fax function makes it a more complete office solution compared to many home-use printers. Mobile printing is well-supported with multiple platforms, from AirPrint to Mopria, which adds flexibility across devices.

However, the ET-4850 isn’t without shortcomings. While advertised as fast, the print speed—especially for duplex printing—can feel sluggish during larger jobs. Scanning is another weak point: it lacks duplex scan support, and some users report subpar scanning quality or software glitches. Although Wi-Fi works well with phones and tablets, I experienced occasional drops when connected via PC, requiring restarts. Still, for an ink-saving, all-in-one office printer, the ET-4850 offers strong long-term value if you’re willing to tolerate a few workflow hiccups.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features

• Cartridge-free EcoTank system with refillable ink tanks
• Wireless and Ethernet connectivity with mobile printing support
• 2.4″ color touchscreen for easier controls
• Built-in fax, scanner, copier, and auto document feeder
• 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution with duplex printing

Pros

• Extremely low ink costs over time
• Easy initial setup with Smart Panel app
• Generous ink supply included
• High print quality for office use
• Multiple mobile/cloud printing options

Cons

• No duplex scanning functionality

Epson EcoTank ET-3850 vs. ET-4850: Comparison

Both the Epson EcoTank ET-3850 and ET-4850 are all-in-one, cartridge-free inkjet printers designed for home and small office use. They offer similar core functions: printing, scanning, copying, and an Auto Document Feeder (ADF). However, the ET-4850 includes additional features such as fax capability and a color touchscreen, making it more oriented toward office environments.

Key Features Comparison

Feature	Epson ET-3850	Epson ET-4850
Printing Technology	Inkjet	Inkjet
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet	Wi-Fi, Ethernet
Max Print Speed (B/W, Color)	15.5 ppm / 8.5 ppm	15.5 ppm / 8.5 ppm
Display	Color LCD (not touch)	2.4″ Color Touchscreen
Auto-Duplex Printing	Yes	Yes
Scanner	Flatbed (no duplex scan)	Flatbed (no duplex scan)
Auto Document Feeder (ADF)	Yes	Yes
Fax	No	Yes
Mobile Printing	Limited support	Extensive app/cloud support
Weight	14.8 lbs	14.8 lbs

Performance & Usability

Both printers offer respectable print speeds of up to 15.5 ppm for black-and-white and 8.5 ppm for color, making them adequate for daily office documents and occasional color prints. Users of both models highlight excellent print quality, particularly for text and graphics.

However, the ET-4850 stands out for usability with its 2.4-inch color touchscreen, which simplifies menu navigation. In contrast, the ET-3850 uses a more basic color display without touch input, which can feel outdated by comparison.

In terms of setup, users generally report a smooth experience with both models, thanks to the Epson Smart Panel app. Ink tank refilling is straightforward on either model, and both come with a generous initial ink supply.

Connectivity & Mobile Integration

Both models offer Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity, but the ET-4850 provides a wider range of mobile printing options, including Epson Email Print, Scan to Cloud, Apple AirPrint, Mopria, and more. If your workflow depends on printing from cloud services or mobile devices, the ET-4850 offers greater flexibility.

That said, users of both models report occasional Wi-Fi instability, especially when connecting to computers over longer periods.

Scanning, Copying & Fax

While both printers feature flatbed scanners and ADFs, neither supports duplex scanning — a drawback for offices dealing with double-sided documents. Users have noted that the ET-4850’s scanning quality can be inconsistent, sometimes requiring multiple attempts for clear results.

A key differentiator is the ET-4850’s fax functionality, which could be essential in traditional office settings or industries that still rely on fax communication. The ET-3850 lacks this feature altogether.

Ink Efficiency & Cost

The EcoTank system is a shared highlight. Both printers are cartridge-free and come with high-capacity refillable ink tanks, delivering significant long-term savings. Customers consistently praise the ink yield, with many noting they rarely need to refill even after months of moderate use.

Final Verdict

The Epson ET-3850 is a great value for users who want a reliable, cartridge-free printer for basic office needs. It covers all essential functions at a more accessible price point, with solid print quality and efficiency.

The Epson ET-4850, on the other hand, is better suited for users who want more control through its touchscreen, use fax regularly, or rely heavily on mobile/cloud printing services. While it comes at a higher cost and has a few scanning limitations, its feature set makes it a better fit for higher-demand office workflows.

If budget is a major factor and fax is not needed, the ET-3850 is the better buy. If you want more convenience and office-grade features, the ET-4850 is worth the investment.

FAQ

What is the main difference between the Epson ET-3850 and ET-4850?

The main difference lies in functionality and interface. The ET-4850 includes a built-in fax and a 2.4-inch color touchscreen, which the ET-3850 lacks. Additionally, the ET-4850 supports more mobile and cloud printing options, making it better suited for office environments that rely on remote access and connectivity.

Do both models support duplex printing?

Yes, both the ET-3850 and ET-4850 support automatic two-sided (duplex) printing. However, neither model supports duplex scanning, which may be a limitation for users who frequently scan double-sided documents.

Is the Epson Smart Panel app compatible with both printers?

Yes, both models work with the Epson Smart Panel app, which helps with setup, monitoring ink levels, and performing print or scan tasks directly from your smartphone or tablet. The ET-4850 offers broader cloud integration, but the app functionality is strong on both.

Which printer is better for small business use?

The ET-4850 is generally a better fit for small business use due to its added fax capability, touchscreen interface, and broader mobile printing support. If your business requires high connectivity and convenience, the ET-4850 provides more flexibility.

How often do I need to refill the ink tanks?

Both models come with large-capacity ink tanks that can last for months, depending on your print volume. Many users report not needing to refill for several months under regular use, making them highly cost-effective over time.

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