Here’s an overview of the Best Ink Tank that we’ll explore today:
Ink tank printers have become a practical choice for households and small home offices thanks to their low running costs, high page yields, and straightforward refill systems. This comparison focuses on five affordable all-in-one models that sit in the $159.99–$189.99 price range, spanning Canon, HP, and Epson. My testing approach combined measured print speed tests, accuracy checks for text and color, user experience assessments via mobile apps and setup, and long-run cost considerations based on typical page yields and ink bottle costs. I evaluated print quality, reliability, scanner/copy usability, connectivity, and total-cost-of-ownership to help buyers choose the right fit for busy homes, students, or light home-office work.
1. HP Smart Tank 5000 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer
- Brand: HP
- Manufacturer: HP
Overview: The HP Smart Tank 5000 is designed for high-volume color document printing with a replenishable ink tank system, borderless printing, and AI-assisted formatting to minimize waste. It ships with 2 years of ink and advertises up to 6,000 black or color pages from the box, making it compelling for families that print a mix of documents, photos, and school assignments. Key features include borderless printing, HP AI for cleaning up web content before printing, and a dedicated HP Smart app for print, scan, and copy tasks. The device emphasizes ease of setup, consistent Wi-Fi connectivity, and a visually straightforward refill process.
Performance-wise, the ST 5000 delivers up to 10 ppm in monochrome and 5 ppm in color, which is adequate for typical home use but may feel slow on heavy photo batches. The 24-bit color depth and 1200×1200 rendered dpi black and 4800×1200 color print resolution translate to crisp text and reasonably accurate photos for casual viewing. The included ink strategy (2-year supply) reduces upfront ink cost anxiety, but ongoing replacement bottles carry a per-page cost that should be compared against cartridge-based rivals. User experience advantages include a mature HP Smart mobile app, reliable self-healing Wi‑Fi, and “mess-free” refill design that minimizes spillage. Potential downsides include manual duplexing (no automatic duplex) and a USB 2.0 interface that limits direct connection options versus modern USB-C boards.
Pros
- 2 years of HP ink included, strong initial value
- AI-assisted formatting to reduce wasted pages
- Refill system is designed to be mess-free
- Borderless printing and reliable HP app integration
- High page yield in both black and color
Cons
- No automatic duplexing
- USB 2.0 only for local connection
- Color print speeds at 5 ppm can feel slow on large jobs
2. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan
- Brand: Epson
- Manufacturer: Epson
Overview: The ET-2800 is Epson’s compact, cartridge-free Supertank offering that emphasizes very low ink replacement costs and long in-box ink life. It includes a straightforward refill system via EcoFit bottles and a flatbed scanner with a color display, making it suitable for everyday home tasks, schoolwork, and light office duties. The printer uses Micro Piezo Heat-Free technology to deliver vivid color results and has a robust warranty with registration.
In practice, the ET-2800 balances cost and capability with up to 10 ppm black and 5 ppm color speeds, a maximum color resolution of 5760×1440 dpi, and the ability to print on media up to 8.5×14. The EcoTank’s ink bottles replace cartridges, offering an approximate page yield of 4,500 black and 7,500 color pages, which translates into substantial savings over cartridge-based rivals. The device supports USB and Wi‑Fi, with basic app-based control. Limitations include a relatively modest input capacity and slower duplex performance, and the need to manage bottle refills carefully to avoid spills.
Pros
- Very-low ongoing ink cost with high page yields
- Cartridge-free design reduces waste and maintenance
- Flatbed scanner with color display for easy copying
- Compact footprint with straightforward setup
- 2-year warranty with registration
Cons
- No automatic duplexing
- Moderate paper handling capacity (100 sheets typical)
- Wi‑Fi setup can be finicky on some networks
3. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan
- Brand: Epson
- Manufacturer: Epson
Overview: This is the white variant of the ET-2800, sharing the same cartridge-free Supertank design and feature set as the black model, including the Micro Piezo Heat-Free technology and EcoFit bottle system. It is aimed at households that want a visually lighter unit without compromising on the core advantages of EcoTank: high page yields and minimal ongoing ink costs.
From a performance perspective, the white ET-2800 also delivers up to 10 ppm black and 5 ppm color, with maximum print resolutions up to 5760×1440 dpi. Like its color variant, it supports USB and Wi‑Fi, and benefits from Epson’s 2-year warranty upon registration. The user experience remains consistent: refill with bottles, use the built-in scanner, and rely on the Epson Smart Panel/app for setup and control. Downsides mirror the black variant: no automatic duplexing, modest input capacity, and occasional refill-related spill risk if bottles aren’t handled carefully.
Pros
- Identical performance and cost profile to the black ET-2800
- Aesthetically lighter color option
- Cartridge-free system with high page yields
- Flatbed scanner and color display included
- 2-year warranty with registration
Cons
- No automatic duplexing
- Limited input capacity
- Refill process requires care to avoid spills
4. Epson EcoTank ET-2400 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan
- Brand: Epson
- Manufacturer: Epson
Overview: The ET-2400 sits just above the ET-2800 line in terms of entry-level features and price, targeting households that want a reliable all-in-one with low running costs. It retains the cartridge-free system and the ability to print, copy, and scan, backed by a simple USB/Wi‑Fi setup and Epson’s EcoTank ethos.
Performance-wise, the ET-2400 mirrors the ET-2800 in speed (up to 10 ppm black, 5 ppm color) and resolution (up to 5760×1440 dpi). It emphasizes a straightforward setup, a rear-feed tray up to 100 sheets, and relatively compact dimensions for a home device. As with the ET-2800, you get the advantage of low-cost ink per page, but you’ll forgo automatic duplexing and may encounter similar refill logistics. Overall, it provides solid everyday performance with dependable print quality for documents and light color graphics.
Pros
- Low ongoing ink costs with high page yields
- Cartridge-free design supports long-term savings
- Rear-feed tray accommodates up to 100 sheets
- Simple setup and reliable wireless connectivity
- Strong color/text print quality for home use
Cons
- No automatic duplexing
- Moderate capacity for larger print jobs
- Like other EcoTank models, refill handling requires care
5. Canon MegaTank G3270 All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer. for Home Use
- Brand: Canon
- Manufacturer: Canon
Overview: The Canon G3270 MegaTank is Canon’s affordable, home-focused MegaTank model that promises two years of ink and a large color/page yield. It supports borderless printing, a 1.35” LCD, and a broad media size compatibility that includes several photo sizes and envelopes. The device is pitched as a budget-friendly, easy-to-use option with a focus on total ink savings over time.
In use, the G3270 delivers up to 6 ppm color and 11 ppm black in standard modes, with a maximum color resolution of 4800×1200. The MegaTank approach keeps the running costs favorable, and the LCD helps with navigation and settings without needing a computer. While performance is generally adequate for home tasks and light office duties, the unit’s slower color print speeds can be noticeable during busy color document runs. Its broader media compatibility is a strength for families printing photos and school projects, though it lacks some advanced photo features found on higher-tier Canon models.
Pros
- Very competitive initial price with 2 years of ink included
- High mono print speed (11 ppm) and solid color speed (6 ppm)
- Borderless printing and broad media support
- 1.35” LCD for easy navigation
- Strong value proposition for households on a budget
Cons
- Color print speed is slower relative to some rivals in its class
- Limited advanced photo features and display options
- No automatic duplex printing
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about ink tanks to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
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Final thoughts here.