Epson EcoTank ET-3850 & Epson EcoTank ET-2850 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-3850 rather than the Epson EcoTank ET-2850.
Why Do I Recommend The Epson EcoTank ET-3850?
- The Epson EcoTank 3850 comes with a 30-sheet Automatic Document Feeder for scanning and copying multi-page documents without manual page turning, while the Epson EcoTank 2850 has only a flatbed scanner requiring each page to be placed individually.
- Epson EcoTank 3850 features a 250-sheet front-loading paper cassette for longer print runs with fewer refills, whereas the Epson EcoTank 2850 uses a rear paper tray with a lower sheet capacity.
- It includes a 2.4-inch color LCD for easier menu navigation and clearer status checks, while the Epson EcoTank 2850 has a smaller 1.5-inch display that is harder to read and operate from a distance.
- The Epson EcoTank 3850 supports Ethernet connectivity for stable wired network printing in shared office environments, whereas the Epson EcoTank 2850 relies solely on Wi-Fi and USB connections.
- Epson EcoTank 3850 has faster 15 pages black-and-white print speeds per minute for quicker high-volume document production, while the Epson EcoTank 2850 prints around 8 pages per minute.
- It features higher tested color page yields for fewer ink refills and lower cost per color page over time, whereas the Epson EcoTank 2850 delivers slightly lower tested yields requiring more frequent ink replenishment.
- The Epson EcoTank 3850 supports automatic two-sided copying through its ADF to save time when duplicating double-sided documents, while the Epson EcoTank 2850 requires manually flipping pages for duplex copies on the flatbed.
- Epson EcoTank 3850 includes a slightly elevated flatbed hinge to accommodate thicker items like books or bound documents for versatile scanning, whereas the Epson EcoTank 2850 has a fixed flatbed that limits scanning of bulky materials.
Maybe the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Epson EcoTank ET-3850. 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.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Epson EcoTank ET-3850 | Epson EcoTank ET-2850 |
| Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) | Has 30-sheet ADF | No ADF |
| Paper Feed / Tray Capacity & Type | Front-loading cassette, 250 sheets | Rear/top feed, approx 100 sheets |
| Display Size | 2.4-inch colour LCD | 1.5-inch |
| Ethernet (Wired LAN) | Yes | No |
| Tested Black Page Yield | ~415 pages | ~374 pages |
| Estimated Black Page Yield (ink bottles) | ~7,885 pages | ~7,106 pages |
| Tested Colour Page Yield | ~220 pages | ~186 pages |
| Estimated Colour Page Yield | ~4,681 pages | ~3,957 pages |
| Size / Dimensions (Height) | ~22.8 cm | ~18.4 cm |
| Size / Weight | ~7.1 kg | ~5.6 kg |
| Width when in use | Wider (~41.5 cm) footprint in use | Smaller (~37.5 cm) footprint |
| Scan Speed (ADF / Multi-page) | ADF speeds ~3 ppm for multi-page | No ADF → flatbed only, ~1 ppm |
| Flatbed Hinge Adjustability | ~11 mm tilt / hinge lift | 0 mm |
| Printing Speed (Text / B&W) | Higher | Lower |
| Printing Speed (Color) | Higher | Lower |
| Copy / Scan max size in ADF | Legal-size support (~8.5″ × 14″) in ADF | N/A |
| Input options & connectivity | WiFi, USB, and Ethernet | WiFi, USB |
| Price | Check EcoTank ET-3850 Price | Check EcoTank ET-2850 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Cartridge-free EcoTank system: Both printers use Epson’s refillable EcoTank technology, eliminating traditional cartridges and reducing plastic waste. This system lowers the cost per page and simplifies refills for heavy printing users.
- Four individual ink bottles (CMYK): Each model relies on separate bottles for cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink, allowing precise color management and replacement of only the color that runs out, saving money and reducing waste.
- Wireless Wi-Fi printing: Both printers connect to home or office networks via Wi-Fi, enabling convenient wireless printing from computers and mobile devices without needing physical cables.
- Wi-Fi Direct printing: Each printer can create a direct wireless connection to a phone, tablet, or laptop, letting you print even when no router or external network is available.
- USB 2.0 connection: Both models include a standard USB port for reliable wired printing from a single computer, ensuring flexibility when wireless connections are not preferred.
- Borderless photo printing up to 8.5″ x 11″: The two printers can produce full-bleed photos without margins, ideal for creating professional-looking photographs and presentations.
- Duplex (automatic two-sided) printing: Each printer automatically prints on both sides of the page, saving paper and reducing manual effort for double-sided documents.
- 5760 x 1440 dpi maximum print resolution: Both models deliver the same high print resolution, ensuring sharp text and vibrant images suitable for detailed graphics and professional documents.
- Flatbed color scanner with 1200 x 2400 dpi: The scanning hardware is identical, providing high-resolution scans of photos, documents, and artwork with accurate color reproduction.
- Color copy capability: Each printer doubles as a color copier, allowing quick duplication of documents or images without needing a separate copy machine.
- Mobile printing (Apple AirPrint / Mopria / Epson iPrint): Both support major mobile printing standards, enabling seamless printing from iOS, Android, and Chromebook devices without extra drivers.
- LCD color display for controls: Each printer includes an LCD interface that simplifies navigation of settings, status checks, and maintenance tasks directly from the device.
- High-capacity ink tanks for low cost per page: Both have large refillable tanks, offering thousands of pages per refill and significantly lowering ongoing printing expenses compared to cartridge printers.
- Up to 8.5″ x 14″ paper size support: Each printer handles standard letter, legal, and similar sizes, accommodating a wide range of document types for home or office use.
- Compatible operating systems (Windows & macOS): Both models support major desktop operating systems, ensuring easy driver installation and integration into most computer setups.
- Voice-activated printing support (Alexa, Google Assistant): Both can integrate with smart assistants for hands-free printing, adding convenience for tasks like printing shopping lists or documents without touching the printer.
Common Features
| Feature | Epson EcoTank ET-3850 | Epson EcoTank ET-2850 |
| Cartridge-free EcoTank system | Yes | Yes |
| Four individual ink bottles (CMYK) | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Wi-Fi printing | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Direct printing | Yes | Yes |
| USB 2.0 connection | Yes | Yes |
| Borderless photo printing up to 8.5″ x 11″ | Yes | Yes |
| Duplex (automatic two-sided) printing | Yes | Yes |
| 5760 x 1440 dpi maximum print resolution | Yes | Yes |
| Flatbed color scanner with 1200 x 2400 dpi | Yes | Yes |
| Color copy capability | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile printing (Apple AirPrint / Mopria / Epson iPrint) | Yes | Yes |
| LCD color display for controls | Yes | Yes |
| High-capacity ink tanks for low cost per page | Yes | Yes |
| Up to 8.5″ x 14″ paper size support | Yes | Yes |
| Compatible operating systems (Windows & macOS) | Yes | Yes |
| Voice-activated printing support (Alexa, Google Assistant) | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check EcoTank ET-3850 Price | Check EcoTank ET-2850 Price |
FAQ
What type of ink system do both the Epson EcoTank 3850 and 2850 use? Are the Epson EcoTank 3850 and 2850 capable of automatic two-sided printing? Do these printers support wireless printing from smartphones and tablets? Is there a difference in print quality between the two models? Can the Epson EcoTank 3850 and 2850 scan and copy in color? Do these printers require specific operating systems? How economical are these printers compared to cartridge models? Are the ink bottles easy to refill? Can these printers handle borderless photo printing? Do the printers offer voice-activated printing? Is there an LCD screen for easy operation? Can these printers handle legal-size paper? Are the printers Energy Star certified? What type of maintenance is required for these printers? Is there a warranty for the Epson EcoTank 3850 and 2850? |