Choosing the right printer can be a real headache. With so many options out there, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, especially if you're looking for something reliable and budget-friendly.
The HP Officejet 3830 promises to deliver quality printing, scanning, and copying all in one compact device. If you're curious about whether it lives up to the hype, keep reading for a thorough review!
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Joe's Printer Buying Guide's Verdict:
The HP OfficeJet 3830 is a solid choice for home use. It prints, scans, and copies well, and the wireless feature is a nice touch. However, it does have some quirks that might frustrate heavy users.
Our Best Deal: $414.99 from Amazon
PROS
- Touchscreen interface
- Quiet mode
- HP Instant Ink eligible
CONS
- Slow print speed
- Small paper tray
- No duplex printing
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HP Officejet 3830 | Joe's Opinion
The HP Officejet 3830 has been a reliable companion for my home office, delivering crisp prints and efficient scanning without taking up too much space.

HP Officejet 3830 | Amazon's Opinion
Amazon customers agree that the HP Officejet 3830 offers great value for its affordable price, delivering reliable performance and decent print quality for everyday tasks.

HP Officejet 3830 | Reddit's Opinion
The HP Officejet 3830 is generally seen as a reliable all-in-one printer with decent print quality, but its slow speed and occasional connectivity issues can be frustrating.
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Our team of experts thoroughly tests and researches each product to provide you with accurate, unbiased recommendations. Learn more about our review process.
HP Officejet 3830 Overview
The HP OfficeJet 3830 is a compact all-in-one printer that fits nicely in any workspace. It's designed for everyday tasks like printing, scanning, and copying, making it a versatile choice for home or small office use.
During our time testing it, we found the setup process to be pretty straightforward. The wireless connectivity was a plus, allowing us to print from our devices without hassle. However, we did notice some limitations, particularly with speed and paper handling, which might be a concern for heavier users.
Design and Build Quality
The HP OfficeJet 3830 boasts a compact design, making it a great fit for small spaces. We found it easy to place on a desk without taking up too much room. Its sleek, modern look also ensures it won't clash with your home decor.
The build quality feels sturdy, but it’s lightweight enough to move if needed. The plastic casing is durable, although it might feel a bit less premium compared to some higher-end models. For everyday use, it holds up well against scratches and daily wear.
One feature we appreciated was the intuitive layout of buttons on the control panel. It simplifies navigation, making it user-friendly for everyone, from tech novices to seasoned pros.
Print Quality
When it comes to print quality, the OfficeJet 3830 delivers decent results for both text and images. Text documents come out crisp and clear, which is ideal for home office use. However, photo prints may not match the quality of dedicated photo printers like the HP ENVY Photo 7155 Review.
We noticed that while color prints are vibrant, they sometimes lack the depth seen in higher-end models. For casual printing, it's perfectly fine, but if you're a photography enthusiast, consider exploring options such as the Epson Expression Premium ET-7700 Review 2025.
Overall, the print quality is satisfactory for home use, but not necessarily for professional projects. It's a solid choice for school assignments and everyday documents.
Printing Speed
In our testing, the OfficeJet 3830 showed decent printing speeds, averaging around 8 pages per minute for black and white documents. While it’s not the fastest printer out there, it gets the job done without much hassle.
Color prints take a bit longer, averaging around 5 pages per minute. If you're printing large volumes regularly, you might find this a bit slow compared to other models like the HP OfficeJet Pro 9025 Review.
For occasional printing needs, the speed is generally acceptable. Just don’t expect it to keep up with busier work environments.
Wireless Connectivity
The HP OfficeJet 3830 shines in wireless connectivity options. Setting it up on our Wi-Fi network was straightforward, and we appreciated the ability to print directly from smartphones and tablets through mobile apps.
HP’s Smart app allows for easy management and monitoring of the printer. We enjoyed being able to print from anywhere in the house without needing to be tethered to a computer.
However, we occasionally faced connectivity issues, especially with larger print jobs. This can be somewhat frustrating but isn’t a deal-breaker for casual users.
Ink Options and Cost Efficiency
One of the standout features of the OfficeJet 3830 is its affordable ink options. HP offers a subscription service called Instant Ink, which can save you money in the long run. We found this particularly appealing for those who print frequently.
While the initial cost of ink cartridges isn’t the lowest, the overall cost per page can be quite manageable. Compared to competitors like the Epson EcoTank Review Guide 2025, this printer offers a good balance between upfront and ongoing costs.
For anyone mindful of their printing expenses, the ink options make this printer a sensible choice. Just be sure to keep an eye on your ink levels, as running out can slow down your workflow.
Scanning and Copying Features
The scanning and copying functions on the OfficeJet 3830 are quite handy. The flatbed scanner provides good quality scans for documents and photos. It's especially useful for archiving important paperwork.
Copying is straightforward, and the printer can handle multiple pages at once, thanks to the automatic document feeder. This feature is a big time-saver for busy households or small offices.
However, the scanning speed could be improved. It feels a bit slow compared to dedicated scanners or higher-end models like the HP OfficeJet Pro 9015 Review 2025.
Don't think the HP Officejet 3830 is right for you?
Check out these alternatives instead.
HP ENVY 7640
The HP ENVY 7640 is a versatile all-in-one printer. It shines with its wireless capabilities, making it perfect for home or small office use. We found it to be user-friendly and efficient.
On the other hand, the HP Officejet 3830 is compact and focuses on affordable ink options. While it’s decent for basic tasks, it lacks some features that the ENVY offers. Overall, the ENVY feels like a more robust choice for everyday printing needs.
HP ENVY Inspire 7955e
The HP ENVY Inspire 7955e is a solid choice for those needing a versatile printer for both home and office. It offers great wireless connectivity and has a more modern design.
On the other hand, the HP Officejet 3830 is compact and focuses on affordability, especially with ink options. While it handles basic tasks well, it feels a bit dated compared to the ENVY model.
HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e is a powerhouse for small offices, delivering sharp documents and versatile scanning. We found it great for handling larger print jobs, thanks to its wide-format capabilities.
On the other hand, the HP OfficeJet 3830 is compact and perfect for home use. It offers affordable ink options but lacks the same printing speed and features as the Pro 9730e.
Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7840
The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7840 stands out with its wide-format capabilities, making it great for larger prints. It offers auto 2-sided printing, copying, scanning, and faxing, which adds to its versatility.
On the other hand, the HP OfficeJet 3830 is more compact and focuses on delivering affordable ink options. It's a solid choice for smaller spaces but lacks the wide-format feature that could be a deal-breaker for some.
HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e is a powerhouse for home offices and small businesses. It's fast and delivers high-quality prints, which we found super helpful during busy workweeks.
On the other hand, the HP OfficeJet 3830 is more compact and focuses on affordability. While it gets the job done, it doesn't quite match the Pro 9125e in speed or print quality.
HP OfficeJet 4650
The HP OfficeJet 4650 is a solid choice for home offices. It offers print, copy, scan, and fax capabilities, which gives it an edge in versatility.
On the other hand, the HP OfficeJet 3830 is more compact and focuses on affordable ink options. It's good for basic tasks but lacks the range of features found in the 4650.
From our experience, the 4650 feels more efficient for varied tasks, while the 3830 works best for simple printing needs.
HP Officejet 3830 Review 2025 | Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the HP OfficeJet 3830 is a decent all-in-one printer for everyday tasks. It offers good features and affordable ink options, which I appreciate. However, it does have some drawbacks that may impact your experience, so it's worth considering your needs before making a choice.
HP OfficeJet 3830 All-in-One Wireless Printer - Compact all-in-one printer with affordable ink options.
- Touchscreen interface
- Quiet mode
- HP Instant Ink eligible
- Slow print speed
- Small paper tray
- No duplex printing
HP Officejet 3830 Review 2025 | FAQs
What are the key features of the HP OfficeJet 3830?
The HP OfficeJet 3830 is a compact all-in-one printer that offers wireless printing, scanning, copying, and faxing with affordable ink options.
Is the HP OfficeJet 3830 compatible with mobile devices?
Yes, it supports mobile printing via HP's ePrint, Apple AirPrint, and other wireless printing solutions.
What type of ink does the HP OfficeJet 3830 use?
The printer uses HP 62 ink cartridges, which are available in standard and high-yield options for cost-effective printing.
Can I scan and copy documents with the HP OfficeJet 3830?
Yes, the printer has built-in scanning and copying capabilities, making it a versatile all-in-one solution.
How do I connect the HP OfficeJet 3830 to my Wi-Fi network?
You can connect it via the printer's control panel by selecting your Wi-Fi network and entering the password.
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