Epson EcoTank 2800 vs 2850 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Epson EcoTank ET-2850 & Epson EcoTank ET-2800 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 rather than the Epson EcoTank ET-2800. 

Table Of Contents hide
1 Why Do I Recommend The Epson EcoTank ET-2850?
2 Side By Side Comparison
3 What Common Both Can Do?
4 Common Features

Why Do I Recommend The Epson EcoTank ET-2850? 

  • The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 features automatic duplex printing for convenient double-sided document production that saves paper and time, while the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 requires manual page flipping for two-sided printing.
  • Epson EcoTank ET-2850 has a higher estimated black page yield of about 7,100 pages for reduced ink refills and lower long-term running costs, whereas the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 provides an estimated black page yield of about 3,990 pages.
  • It includes a more robust black text print speed of around 10.5 pages per minute for faster completion of large text jobs, while the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 reaches roughly 9 pages per minute.
  • The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 features a slightly larger internal memory buffer for smoother multi-page printing without pauses, whereas the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 uses a smaller memory buffer.
  • Epson EcoTank ET-2850 supports a higher recommended monthly duty cycle of up to 3,500 pages for reliable heavy use in a busy home office, while the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is rated for a lighter monthly duty cycle of about 2,000 pages.
  • It has a more efficient black ink consumption rate for lower cost per monochrome page during frequent text printing, whereas the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 uses more black ink per page under the same conditions.
  • The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 comes with slightly sturdier build quality and heavier chassis for enhanced durability during frequent paper loading, while the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 has a lighter frame that is less suited to constant handling.
  • Epson EcoTank ET-2850 features integrated automatic print head alignment for consistent sharpness and reduced maintenance time, whereas the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 requires manual alignment that can lead to occasional misaligned prints.

Maybe the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Epson EcoTank ET-2850. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Check EcoTank ET-2850 Best Price

Check EcoTank ET-2800 Best Price

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureEpson EcoTank ET-2850Epson EcoTank ET-2800
Automatic duplex (double-sided) printingYesNo
Tested black page yield~374 pages~210 pages
Estimated black page yield~7,100 pages~3,990 pages
Max print resolution (color / black)4,800 × 1,200 dpi5,760 × 1,440 dpi
Machine weight~5.6 kg~4.4 kg
Depth when in use~55.8 cm~59.0 cm
Height when in use~25.2 cm~24.5 cm
Height when stored~18.4 cm~17.7 cm
WidthSlightly wider (37.5 cm)Slightly narrower (37.4 cm)
Black-only text document speed (ppm)Slightly faster overallSlightly slower overall
PriceCheck EcoTank ET-2850 PriceCheck EcoTank ET-2800 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • EcoTank refillable ink system: Both printers use Epson’s EcoTank technology, which replaces disposable cartridges with large, refillable ink reservoirs. This design drastically lowers the cost per page and reduces plastic waste, making them economical and environmentally friendly.
  • Four individual ink tanks (CMYK): Each model relies on four separate tanks for cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Having individual tanks allows users to replace only the color that runs out, reducing waste and ensuring consistent color quality.
  • Cartridge-free printing: These printers avoid traditional cartridges altogether. Users can refill the tanks with bottled ink, simplifying maintenance and lowering long-term costs.
  • Wireless printing (Wi-Fi): Both models connect to a home or office Wi-Fi network, enabling printing from multiple devices without USB cables. This convenience supports laptops, tablets, and smartphones throughout a household or small office.
  • Mobile printing via Epson Smart Panel app: The Epson Smart Panel app lets users print, scan, and monitor ink levels directly from a phone or tablet. This shared feature makes managing the printer easier and supports remote operation.
  • Borderless photo printing up to 8.5″ x 11″: Both can produce edge-to-edge photos on letter-sized paper. This is ideal for creating professional-looking prints or vibrant family photos without trimming.
  • Flatbed color scanner: Each printer includes a built-in flatbed scanner for digitizing documents, photos, or artwork. This makes it easy to create digital backups or send scanned files by email.
  • Scanner optical resolution 1200 x 2400 dpi: The identical scanning resolution captures fine details in documents and images. High optical resolution is essential for archiving photos or producing sharp digital copies.
  • Color LCD display: A 1.44-inch color screen on both models provides easy navigation of settings and quick status checks. It simplifies tasks like selecting copies or setting up wireless connections.
  • Print speed black approx. 10 ppm: Both printers output black text pages at roughly ten pages per minute, suitable for typical home or small-office workloads.
  • Print speed color approx. 5 ppm: Color documents print at about five pages per minute on each model, ensuring similar productivity for reports and graphics.
  • USB 2.0 connectivity: Along with wireless, each printer has a USB 2.0 port for direct computer connection. This is helpful when Wi-Fi is unavailable or when a stable wired link is preferred.
  • Voice-activated printing (Alexa/Google): Both support voice commands through Alexa or Google Assistant. Users can start print jobs hands-free, which is convenient in busy home environments.
  • Compatible operating systems Windows/Mac: Each works with major Windows and macOS versions, ensuring broad compatibility with most computers and laptops.
  • Energy Star certified: Both models meet Energy Star efficiency standards, reducing electricity use and operating costs while being environmentally responsible.
  • Same paper input capacity 100 sheets: A shared 100-sheet input tray accommodates everyday printing needs without frequent reloading.
  • Same max paper size 8.5″ x 14″ (Legal): Both accept up to legal-size paper, giving users flexibility for larger documents or legal forms without needing a bigger printer.

Check EcoTank ET-2850 Best Price

Check EcoTank ET-2800 Best Price

Common Features

FeatureEpson EcoTank ET-2850Epson EcoTank ET-2800
EcoTank refillable ink systemYesYes
Four individual ink tanks (CMYK)YesYes
Cartridge-free printingYesYes
Wireless printing (Wi-Fi)YesYes
Mobile printing via Epson Smart Panel appYesYes
Borderless photo printing up to 8.5″ x 11″YesYes
Flatbed color scannerYesYes
Scanner optical resolution 1200 x 2400 dpiYesYes
Color LCD display1.44-inch1.44-inch
Print speed black approx. 10 ppmYesYes
Print speed color approx. 5 ppmYesYes
USB 2.0 connectivityYesYes
Voice-activated printing (Alexa/Google)YesYes
Compatible operating systems Windows/MacYesYes
Energy Star certifiedYesYes
Same paper input capacity 100 sheetsYesYes
Same max paper size 8.5″ x 14″ (Legal)YesYes
Price Check EcoTank ET-2850 Price Check EcoTank ET-2800 Price

FAQ

What type of ink do the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 and ET-2800 use?
Both printers use Epson EcoTank bottled ink for a cartridge-free system. Each has four individual tanks—cyan, magenta, yellow, and black—allowing easy refills and a very low cost per page compared to cartridge-based printers.

Can these printers handle wireless printing from smartphones and tablets?
Yes, both models support Wi-Fi printing and work seamlessly with the Epson Smart Panel app, enabling printing, scanning, and monitoring of ink levels directly from iOS or Android devices.

Do the ET-2850 and ET-2800 include automatic duplex printing?
Only the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 features automatic duplex printing for effortless double-sided pages, while the ET-2800 requires manual flipping if you want two-sided prints.

What is the maximum paper size each printer supports?
Both printers handle up to 8.5 x 14 inches (Legal size), making them suitable for standard letter and larger legal documents.

Are these printers good for photo printing?
Yes, both provide borderless photo printing up to 8.5 x 11 inches. The ET-2800 has a slightly higher maximum resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi, giving it a minor edge for fine detail.

What is the print speed for black-and-white documents?
Each model prints black text documents at about 10 pages per minute, which is adequate for home offices and everyday tasks.

How fast can they print color documents?
Color print speed is roughly 5 pages per minute for both printers, suitable for occasional reports or photo projects.

Do these printers have a built-in scanner?
Yes, both come with a flatbed color scanner featuring 1200 x 2400 dpi optical resolution, ideal for digitizing photos or important paperwork.

Are the printers compatible with Mac and Windows?
Both are fully compatible with current versions of Windows and macOS, ensuring easy setup and operation across most computers.

What is the main size and weight difference between them?
The ET-2850 weighs around 5.6 kg and is slightly bulkier, while the ET-2800 is about 4.4 kg and more compact, making the 2800 a bit easier to move or fit in tight spaces.

Do they support voice-activated printing?
Yes, both printers work with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can start print jobs using simple voice commands.

How large is the paper input tray?
Each printer has a 100-sheet rear input tray, allowing users to load enough paper for small office or household print runs without frequent reloading.

Is there a display for controlling printer functions?
Both include a 1.44-inch color LCD, making it easy to navigate menus, set up wireless connections, and manage print or scan tasks.

Are these printers energy efficient?
Yes, both models are Energy Star certified, helping to reduce electricity consumption and operating costs.

Which printer is better for heavy black-and-white document printing?
The ET-2850 is better for high-volume black-and-white printing because it offers a significantly higher estimated black page yield than the ET-2800, reducing refill frequency and long-term ink costs.