Picking the Best Epson Printer: A No-Nonsense Guide for Printing Pros
Top-Notch Epson Printer Models Worth Your Bucks
While the digital world continues to expand, there's still a call for top-notch printers, especially for businesses—big or small. When hunting for a suitable printer, one of the best brands to consider is Epson, offering a wide variety of models catering to diverse needs at affordable price points.
After thoroughly weeding through their offerings, the standout choice is the Epson EcoTank ET-4760 Wireless Color All-in-One. This powerhouse comes armed with the ability to scan, fax, and copy alongside standard printing. And here's the cherry on top—it uses refillable ink compartments, ditching those expensive cartridges.
Essential Considerations Before Buying an Epson Printer
Inkjet vs. Laser: Which Epson for You?
Epson printers come in two distinctive types: inkjet and laser.
- Inkjet Epson printers employ cartridges filled with ink in varying colors, including black. They might not be as quick as their laser counterparts, but they're typically more wallet-friendly for those who print occasionally.
- Laser Epson printers, on the other hand, use toner rather than ink. These models are generally more durable due to fewer internal components, making them ideal for high-volume printing needs and businesses.
All-in-One Functionality: Future-Proof Your Epson
Many Epson printers include additional business-friendly features such as scanning, copying, and faxing. These multi-function printers are a smart investment if you foresee needing these extra capabilities. However, they usually come with a higher price tag, so make sure you'll truly benefit from the added functions before committing.
Key Aspects of a High-Quality Epson Printer
Connectivity Options
Most Epson printers offer a range of connection types, though not every model may have all of them.
- USB: A USB connection allows for a straightforward, quick connection to your computer.
- Ethernet and/or Wi-Fi: All-in-one Epson printers support both wireless and wired connections, using Wi-Fi and Ethernet cables, respectively. Some less-featured printers may offer only a single option.
- NFC: NFC, or Near-Field Communication, is a cutting-edge method for transferring data and is supported by many newer smartphones and tablets, including iPhones 7 and up and Android devices. NFC-compatible Epson printers can read these signals, allowing for easy wireless printing.
How much you can expect to spend on an Epson printer
Epson printers fall outside the traditional "budget-friendlier models equals lower quality" spectrum. Instead, the price range usually dictates the intended purposes of the printer:
- Inkjet Epson printers under $100 are meant for occasional use.
- Epson printers with price tags exceeding $200 are designed for heavy-duty use, particularly by businesses or dedicated power-users.
For most everyday requirements, you can find mid-range Epson printers that strike a balance between cost and performance.
Epson Printer Frequently Asked Questions
Does Epson work seamlessly with Macs?
Absolutely! Most newer Apple computers, including Macs, have the necessary Epson drivers pre-installed, so there's no need for additional setup as long as you connect the two devices. Some advanced features may require extra downloads of drivers or software, but these are easily accessible on Epson's website for both Mac and Windows users.
Can you use the fax function in all-in-one Epson devices without a landline?
No, faxing functionality requires a physical landline to operate. If you don't have a dedicated phone line for your printer, you could consider using an online faxing service for a fee.
How often does Epson ink or toner need to be replaced?
This depends on the frequency of your printing:
- Inkjet cartridges typically last about 250 pages.
- Toner cartridges are rated for more than 2,000 pages. Keep in mind that ink and toner can dry out if left unused for long periods, decreasing their effective lifespan.
Top Epson Printers on the Market
Leader of the Pack: Epson EcoTank ET-4760 Wireless Color All-in-One
Why it stands out: This all-in-one Epson printer offers blazing-fast speeds and a cartridge-free design, making it one of the easiest to operate and control through its voice-activated, color touchscreen.
What you'll love: The voice control and intuitive touchscreen put this Epson ahead of the competition in terms of user-friendliness.
Things to consider: The EcoTank ET-4760 is on the pricier side due to its advanced technology and features.
Best Budget Pick: Epson EcoTank ET-2850 Wireless Color All-in-One
What you need to know: A compact, budget-friendly version of the top choice, this Epson printer maintains excellent value compared to other models in Epson's lineup.
What you'll love: Its smaller size is perfect for those with limited office or counter space.
What you should consider: This Epson does sacrifice printing speed for a more economical price.
Worth a Look: Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4740 Wireless All-in-One
What you need to know: This Epson printer is an excellent fit for any business undertaking, including at-home work or shared office spaces.
What you'll love: You can control this printer using smart devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Nest, and it's capable of faxing.
What you should consider: This Epson relies on ink cartridges, and they run out quickly compared to other options on this list.
Price information reflects the time and date of publication and may change.
Visit our Daily Deals for the best sales and offers, and sign up here to receive our weekly newsletter packed with shopping inspiration and top deals!
BestReviews puts countless hours into researching, analyzing, and testing products to provide unbiased recommendations you can trust. BestReviews and its media partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through links on our platform.
- When deciding on a printer for business purposes, one might encounter the need to balance speed and cost, as inkjet Epson printers, with lower priced models being more wallet-friendly for occasional use, while laser Epson printers, with higher price tags, offer durability and are ideal for high-volume printing needs.
- For those seeking compact all-in-one printers with frugal price points, they would find the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 Wireless Color All-in-One a worthy consideration, as it provides excellent value compared to other models in Epson's lineup.
- After an analysis of business-friendly features, the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4740 Wireless All-in-One emerges as an excellent fit for businesses or home offices, offering the ability to control it using smart devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Nest, and coming equipped with faxing capabilities.
- In the realm of gadgets and technology, Epson continues to push boundaries with printers like the Epson EcoTank ET-4760 Wireless Color All-in-One, featured with voice-activated and intuitive touchscreen controls that stand out in competition for user-friendliness, albeit with a pricier tag due to its cutting-edge technology.
