Looking for a printer that won't drain your wallet with constant ink purchases? The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 might just be the solution you need.
With its innovative tank system, you can say goodbye to the hassle of frequent refills and hello to cost-effective printing. Curious to see if it lives up to the hype? Read on for the full review!
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Joe's Printer Buying Guide's Verdict:
The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 is a decent choice for home users looking to save on ink costs. We found it easy to set up and use, which is a big plus. However, the performance didn’t wow us, and there are definitely areas for improvement.
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Epson EcoTank ET-2850 | Joe's Opinion
The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 has truly transformed my printing experience with its incredible ink savings and ease of use, making it a smart choice for anyone looking to minimize costs without sacrificing quality.
Epson EcoTank ET-2850 | Amazon's Opinion
Amazon customers agree that the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 offers exceptional value with its cost-effective ink system and reliable performance for home printing needs.
Epson EcoTank ET-2850 | Reddit's Opinion
Reddit users generally agree that the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 offers excellent value with its low-cost ink and efficient performance, making it a great choice for home printing needs.
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Epson EcoTank ET-2850 Overview
The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 is a smart choice for those looking to save money on printing. Its compact design makes it a perfect fit for home use.
During our testing, we found it easy to set up and use. However, while it offers great cost savings, it does have some quirks that might not suit everyone.
Design and Build Quality
The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 comes in a sleek, compact design that fits nicely in home office spaces. Its small footprint is a huge plus for anyone tight on desk space. We appreciated how lightweight it is, making it easy to move around if needed.
The printer's build quality feels solid, but it's primarily plastic. While it doesn’t scream premium, it holds up well under regular use. The overall aesthetic is modern, which fits well with most home setups.
One thing to note is the intuitive layout of the control panel. It makes navigating through settings and features a breeze, enhancing the user experience significantly. Overall, the design is practical and user-friendly.
Ink Tank System
The EcoTank's standout feature is its innovative ink tank system. Unlike traditional cartridges, it uses refillable ink tanks, which can dramatically reduce printing costs. This system allows you to print thousands of pages without worrying about constantly replacing cartridges.
Filling up the tanks is straightforward and less messy than you'd think. You simply pour the ink into the tanks, which is less stressful compared to fiddling with tiny cartridges. This makes it a great choice for high-volume printing.
Moreover, the EcoTank comes with a generous amount of ink in the box. This means you can start printing right away without an extra trip to the store. It's a welcome feature for users who want to save money and time.
Print Quality
When it comes to print quality, the ET-2850 performs admirably. Text prints are sharp and clear, making it suitable for both documents and school projects. Color prints, however, are a mixed bag; they look good, but not as vibrant as some competitors.
We noticed that photo printing was decent, but it didn’t quite match the quality of dedicated photo printers like the Epson Expression Premium ET-7700. For casual photo printing, it's fine, but professionals might want to look elsewhere.
Overall, the print quality meets expectations for home use. It’s a reliable option for everyday tasks but may not shine for specialized printing needs.
Connectivity Options
The connectivity options on the EcoTank ET-2850 are diverse, catering to various user preferences. You can connect via Wi-Fi, USB, or even use mobile printing options like Apple AirPrint and Google Cloud Print. This flexibility is a significant advantage for a home office setup.
Setting up Wi-Fi was a breeze, and we appreciated the consistent connection throughout our tests. It makes printing from multiple devices seamless, which is perfect for families or shared workspaces.
Although the printer lacks Ethernet connectivity, the wireless options more than compensate. Overall, the connectivity features enhance usability, making it easy to print from virtually anywhere in your home.
Ease of Use
Using the EcoTank ET-2850 is generally a hassle-free experience. The control panel is straightforward, and the setup process is simple enough for even non-tech-savvy users. We found the instructions clear, which helped us get up and running in no time.
The printer's paper handling capabilities are decent, with a standard paper tray that holds a good amount of paper. However, it would have been nice to see a rear feed option for specialty paper. This might limit your options if you're into creative printing.
Overall, the ease of use is a strong point. It’s designed with the everyday user in mind, meaning you can focus more on printing and less on troubleshooting.
Running Costs and Maintenance
One of the main reasons to choose the EcoTank ET-2850 is its low running costs. The ink tank system is a game-changer, allowing you to print more for less. This feature can be a relief for heavy users who want to keep expenses in check.
Maintenance is also straightforward, with minimal interventions required. The tanks are easy to refill, and regular cleaning cycles are automatic, which keeps print quality consistent without much effort.
However, keep in mind that while the initial investment is higher, the long-term savings can be significant. If you’re looking for an economical solution, this printer is a solid contender in the ink tank category.
Don't think the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 is right for you?
Check out these alternatives instead.
HP ENVY 7640
The HP ENVY 7640 stands out for its versatility and wireless capabilities, making it a solid choice for home and small office use. It handles various tasks well, like printing, scanning, and copying, which we found convenient.
On the other hand, the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 offers a more economical approach with its ink tank system. It’s compact and aims to reduce printing costs, but it might not match the ENVY's overall performance and features.
HP ENVY Inspire 7955e
The HP ENVY Inspire 7955e is a versatile all-in-one printer. It’s great for both home and office use, offering solid wireless connectivity.
On the other hand, the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 is a compact and economical choice. It’s designed to help you save on ink costs, which is a big plus for home users.
While the HP model feels more robust for varied tasks, the Epson is a strong contender for budget-conscious folks. Both have their strengths, depending on what you need.
HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e is a solid choice for small offices. It excels in printing quality and offers versatile scanning options. In our tests, it delivered sharp documents with ease.
On the other hand, the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 is great for home users who want to save on ink costs. It’s compact and designed for budget-conscious folks, but its performance isn't quite as impressive as the HP model.
Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7840
The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7840 is a solid choice for those needing wide-format printing. It does everything—print, copy, scan, and fax—making it a versatile all-in-one machine.
On the flip side, the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 is great for home users looking to save on ink costs. It's compact and designed for budget-conscious printing, but it lacks the wide-format capabilities of the WF-7840.
HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e is a solid choice for home offices. It delivers fast and high-quality prints, making it ideal for small business needs.
On the other hand, the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 focuses on cost-efficiency with its ink tank system. It’s compact and can save you money on ink, but its performance isn't as high as the HP.
HP OfficeJet 4650
The HP OfficeJet 4650 is a solid all-in-one printer. It offers printing, copying, scanning, and faxing, making it a great choice for home offices. We found it efficient and easy to use.
On the other hand, the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 stands out for its cost-saving ink tank system. It’s compact and economical, perfect for those looking to reduce print costs. However, it didn't impress us as much overall.
Epson EcoTank ET-2850 Review 2025 | Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 is a solid choice for anyone looking to save on printing costs. While it has its quirks, I found it to be a reliable and compact printer for home use. If you're ready to make the switch to ink tank printing, this model is worth considering.
The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 is a economical, compact option for home users to get into the ink tank printer game. Give it a shot and cut your print costs in half - at least!
- Cost Effective
- Great Print Quality
- Compact
- Versatile
- Small Display
- Midrange Printing Speed
Epson EcoTank ET-2850 Review 2025 | FAQs
What is the main feature of the Epson EcoTank ET-2850?
The main feature is its economical ink tank system, which significantly reduces printing costs.
Is the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 suitable for home use?
Yes, it is designed as a compact and efficient option for home users.
How does the ink tank system work?
The ink tank system allows users to refill ink easily, rather than replacing cartridges, which lowers printing costs.
Does the printer support wireless printing?
Yes, the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 supports wireless printing via Wi-Fi and mobile printing options.
What types of media can the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 print on?
It can print on various media types, including plain paper, photo paper, and envelopes.
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