Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color Inkjet vs Epson EcoTank ET-4800 Wireless All-in-One

Overview of the Brother Work Smart 1360 and Epson EcoTank ET-4800

The Brother Work Smart 1360 is priced at $109.98, making it about 63% cheaper than the Epson EcoTank ET-4800, which retails for $299.99. Both printers are designed for home and small office use, but they offer distinct features and benefits that cater to different printing needs.

The Brother Work Smart 1360 is an all-in-one color inkjet printer that excels in versatility with its print, copy, and scan functionalities. It boasts automatic duplex printing and a compact design. On the other hand, the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 is a cartridge-free supertank printer, which means it uses high-capacity ink tanks instead of traditional cartridges, promising significant savings on ink over time.

Print Quality Comparison

When it comes to print quality, the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 stands out with its Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology, which produces sharp text and impressive color graphics on various paper types. This technology allows for high-quality printing that meets the needs of both everyday documents and photo printing.

The Brother Work Smart 1360 also provides quality prints, producing vibrant colors and rich blacks. However, it is primarily designed for home use and may not match the print quality of the EcoTank, particularly for photos. Users requiring high-quality images might prefer the Epson's superior printing technology.

Ink and Cost Efficiency

Cost efficiency is a significant consideration when choosing a printer. The Brother Work Smart 1360 uses Brother Genuine LC501 inks, which, while reliable, mean ongoing ink purchases. The printer also includes a 2-month free Refresh EZ Print Subscription Trial, which can help mitigate costs temporarily.

In contrast, the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 eliminates the need for traditional ink cartridges entirely, using high-capacity ink tanks that are easily refillable. This feature not only reduces the cost of ink but also minimizes cartridge waste, making it a more environmentally friendly option. Over time, users can save a considerable amount on ink costs, especially if they print frequently.

Features and Functionality

The Brother Work Smart 1360 is designed with user-friendly features, including a 1.8” color display and compatibility with various cloud apps such as Google Drive and Dropbox. This makes it easy for users to print and scan directly from their mobile devices or cloud storage.

On the other hand, the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 includes a built-in scanner, copier, and fax capabilities, alongside an auto document feeder (ADF). This multifunctionality makes it particularly useful for home office settings where document management is crucial. While both printers offer essential features, the Epson provides a more comprehensive set of functions, making it ideal for more demanding office tasks.

Speed and Performance

In terms of speed, the Brother Work Smart 1360 can print up to 16 pages per minute (ppm) in black and 9 ppm in color. This speed is suitable for home and small office environments where moderate printing tasks are common.

The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 also offers competitive performance but does not specify an exact print speed. However, its efficient ink usage and cartridge-free design contribute to smoother operations, particularly in high-volume printing situations. For users who prioritize speed in their printing tasks, the Brother may have a slight edge, but the overall efficiency of the EcoTank could be more beneficial in the long run.

Connectivity Options

Both printers provide multiple connectivity options, but they cater to different user preferences. The Brother Work Smart 1360 supports wireless printing through Wi-Fi Direct, AirPrint, and Mopria compatibility, allowing users to print from a variety of devices seamlessly. Additionally, it can connect via USB for more traditional setups.

Conversely, the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 also includes wireless capabilities and supports Epson Connect, which allows for remote printing from mobile devices. This flexibility makes both printers suitable for modern workflows, but the Brother's mobile app and cloud connectivity may offer a more straightforward user experience for those who frequently print from various apps.

Space and Design

The design of the Brother Work Smart 1360 is compact, making it a great fit for home offices with limited space. Its multifunction capabilities mean that it can replace multiple devices, further saving on space.

The Epson EcoTank ET-4800, while slightly larger due to its supertank design and additional features, is still designed for home office use. Its built-in scanner and ADF add to its footprint, but the trade-off is that users get more functionalities packed into one device. Depending on your space constraints, the Brother may be more appealing, while the Epson's larger size accommodates its extensive features.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Brother Work Smart 1360 and the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 ultimately depends on your specific needs. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option that provides reliable printing and basic multifunctionality, the Brother Work Smart 1360 is an excellent choice at $109.98.

However, if you are prepared to invest more upfront for a cartridge-free printing solution that promises long-term savings and superior print quality, the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 is worth the higher price of $299.99. Each printer has its strengths, so consider your printing habits and budget before making a decision.