Epson EcoTank ET-4850 & Epson EcoTank ET-3850 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-4850 rather than the Epson EcoTank ET-3850.
Why Do I Recommend The Epson EcoTank ET-4850?
- The Epson EcoTank ET-4850 features an integrated fax modem for sending and receiving documents directly from the printer to streamline office communication, whereas the Epson EcoTank ET-3850 has no fax capability.
- Epson EcoTank ET-4850 comes with a 2.4-inch color touchscreen for faster, more intuitive navigation of print, scan, and copy functions, while the Epson EcoTank ET-3850 uses a 2.4-inch color screen with physical buttons.
- It includes PC-Fax support to send faxes from a computer without printing a hard copy first, whereas the Epson EcoTank ET-3850 does not support any PC-Fax function.
- The Epson EcoTank ET-4850 has a built-in phone line jack to connect directly to a telephone line for fax transmission, while the Epson EcoTank ET-3850 lacks a phone line port.
- Epson EcoTank ET-4850 supports speed-dial storage for frequently used fax numbers to reduce manual dialing and save time, whereas the Epson EcoTank ET-3850 cannot store or dial fax contacts.
- It features automatic fax error correction mode to ensure reliable data transmission even over noisy phone lines, while the Epson EcoTank ET-3850 has no fax error correction capability.
- The Epson EcoTank ET-4850 includes customizable fax header settings to clearly identify the sender and provide essential contact information, whereas the Epson EcoTank ET-3850 does not allow fax header configuration.
- Epson EcoTank ET-4850 comes with a scanner-lid dampener to prevent sudden slamming and protect the glass during repeated use, while the Epson EcoTank ET-3850 uses a standard hinge without a dampener.
Maybe the Epson EcoTank ET-3850 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Epson EcoTank ET-4850. 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-4850 | Epson EcoTank ET-3850 |
| Device class | 4-in-1 | 3-in-1 |
| Fax hardware | Built-in fax modem | No fax modem |
| PC-Fax | Supported | Not supported |
| Telephone line port | RJ-11 phone line jack present | No phone line jack |
| Included cable for fax | Phone line cable included in box | No phone line cable |
| Control panel input | 2.4-inch touchscreen | 2.4-inch non-touch screen with buttons |
| Keypad | On-screen numeric keypad | No touch keypad; physical navigation keys only |
| Dedicated fax controls | Fax functions accessible on device UI | No fax controls |
| Speed dial / contacts (fax) | Speed dial / phonebook available | Not applicable |
| Fax reports | Transmission/activity report printing | Not applicable |
| Fax header | Customizable fax header/CSID | Not applicable |
| Memory transmission (fax) | Queue/store faxes in device memory | Not applicable |
| Receive modes (fax) | Auto/manual receive modes | Not applicable |
| Error correction (fax) | ECM enabled for fax | Not applicable |
| Group dialing (fax) | Supported | Not applicable |
| Color options | Available in black and white in many regions | Typically available in black only |
| Price | Check EcoTank ET-4850 Price | Check EcoTank ET-3850 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Print Technology: Both printers use Epson’s EcoTank cartridge-free inkjet system, allowing you to refill ink tanks with bottles instead of replacing cartridges, which significantly lowers running costs and reduces waste.
- Print Resolution: Each model prints at 4800 x 1200 dpi, producing sharp text and detailed color images suitable for professional documents and photo-quality prints.
- Print Speed (Black): Both deliver about 15 pages per minute in black, ensuring fast document output for everyday office tasks or large multi-page reports.
- Print Speed (Color): At roughly 8 pages per minute in color, both units provide efficient color printing for presentations, flyers, and graphics without long waits.
- Automatic Two-Sided Printing: Duplex printing is supported on both, reducing paper use and creating professional double-sided documents without manual flipping.
- Scanner Type: Each has a flatbed scanner with an automatic document feeder, enabling quick single-page scans or multi-page document processing.
- Optical Scan Resolution: The 1200 x 2400 dpi scanning resolution shared by both models captures fine details and text clarity, useful for archiving or reproducing images accurately.
- Copy Function: Both printers serve as copiers, letting you duplicate documents or photos directly from the control panel without needing a computer.
- Wireless Connectivity: Integrated Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n ensures that each model connects easily to home or office networks for cable-free printing.
- Mobile Printing Support: Compatibility with AirPrint, Mopria, and Epson’s Smart Panel app means you can print from smartphones and tablets on either printer with minimal setup.
- Paper Handling: Each unit provides a 250-sheet front-loading paper tray, supporting high-volume print jobs and reducing the frequency of refills.
- Borderless Printing: Both allow borderless printing up to letter size, enabling edge-to-edge photo prints and professional marketing materials.
- Display Size: A 2.4-inch color screen on each model provides clear menu navigation and status information, making operation straightforward.
- OS Compatibility: Support for both Windows and macOS ensures that either printer integrates smoothly with most computer systems used at home or in offices.
- Ink Bottle Yield (Black): Each can print roughly 7,500 black pages on a single set of bottles, keeping per-page costs extremely low and reducing the need for frequent refills.
- Ink Bottle Yield (Color): About 6,000 color pages can be produced per set of color bottles, making them economical for high-volume color printing.
- Energy Star Certified: Both meet Energy Star efficiency standards, minimizing electricity consumption and lowering overall operating costs.
- Warranty: With registration, both include a two-year limited warranty, providing peace of mind and manufacturer support for the same duration.
Common Features
| Feature | Epson EcoTank ET-4850 | Epson EcoTank ET-3850 |
| Print Technology | EcoTank Cartridge-Free Inkjet | EcoTank Cartridge-Free Inkjet |
| Print Resolution | 4800 x 1200 dpi | 4800 x 1200 dpi |
| Print Speed (Black) | 15 ppm | 15 ppm |
| Print Speed (Color) | 8 ppm | 8 ppm |
| Automatic Two-Sided Printing | Yes | Yes |
| Scanner Type | Flatbed with ADF | Flatbed with ADF |
| Optical Scan Resolution | 1200 x 2400 dpi | 1200 x 2400 dpi |
| Copy Function | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Mobile Printing Support | AirPrint, Mopria, Epson Smart Panel | AirPrint, Mopria, Epson Smart Panel |
| Paper Handling | 250-sheet front tray | 250-sheet front tray |
| Borderless Printing | Yes | Yes |
| Display Size | 2.4-inch color screen | 2.4-inch color screen |
| OS Compatibility | Windows & macOS | Windows & macOS |
| Ink Bottle Yield (Black) | Up to ~7,500 pages | Up to ~7,500 pages |
| Ink Bottle Yield (Color) | Up to ~6,000 pages | Up to ~6,000 pages |
| Energy Star Certified | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 2 Years with registration | 2 Years with registration |
| Price | Check EcoTank ET-4850 Price | Check EcoTank ET-3850 Price |
FAQ
What type of printer are the Epson EcoTank ET-4850 and ET-3850? Do these printers support wireless printing? Is there automatic duplex printing? What is the main functional difference between the ET-4850 and ET-3850? How fast do these printers print? What is the print resolution? Do they come with ink included? What are the page yields of the included ink bottles? Do they support borderless printing? Are these printers compatible with Windows and macOS? What type of scanner is built in? How large is the paper capacity? Do they require regular maintenance? Is there a warranty provided? |