Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color Inkjet vs HP Envy 6555e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet

Overview of the Brother Work Smart 1360 and HP Envy 6555e

The Brother Work Smart 1360 is priced at $109.98, while the HP Envy 6555e is listed at $179.89, making the Brother model about 39% cheaper. Both printers are designed for home use and offer multifunction capabilities, including printing, scanning, and copying. However, their features and performance vary significantly, catering to different user needs. This comparison will explore several key aspects of each printer to help consumers make an informed choice.

Printing Performance

The Brother Work Smart 1360 boasts faster print speeds, reaching up to 16 pages per minute (ppm) in black and 9 ppm in color. In contrast, the HP Envy 6555e delivers print speeds of up to 10 ppm in black and 7 ppm in color. This difference indicates that for users who prioritize speed, the Brother printer is likely the better option. Additionally, the Work Smart 1360 includes automatic duplex printing as a standard feature, which enhances productivity by allowing users to print on both sides of the paper seamlessly.

User Interface and Usability

User experience is vital for any printer, and both models feature intuitive interfaces. The Brother Work Smart 1360 has a 1.8-inch color display, allowing for easy navigation through its various functions. The HP Envy 6555e takes this a step further with a larger 2.4-inch color touchscreen, which provides a smoother and more interactive user experience. Both printers support cloud app connections, but the HP model emphasizes its AI capabilities to optimize print layouts and minimize wasted pages, making it particularly appealing to users who frequently print web content.

Connectivity Options

Connectivity is a crucial aspect for modern printers, and both the Brother Work Smart 1360 and HP Envy 6555e offer robust wireless options. The Brother model allows for wireless network connections and USB interfacing, accommodating various user preferences. Meanwhile, the HP Envy 6555e features dual-band Wi-Fi, which automatically detects and resolves connection issues, aiming to provide a more reliable connection. Both printers support mobile printing through their respective apps, with the Brother Mobile Connect app facilitating easy navigation and monitoring of ink levels.

Document Handling

Document handling capabilities can significantly impact the overall efficiency of a printer. The Brother Work Smart 1360 includes a 20-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF) and a 150-sheet paper tray, making it suitable for handling larger print jobs without frequent paper refills. On the other hand, the HP Envy 6555e features a slightly larger 35-sheet ADF, but a smaller 100-sheet input tray. While the HP model can handle more documents at once, the Brother printer’s larger paper tray may better serve users who print frequently.

Print Quality

Both printers excel in print quality, with the Brother Work Smart 1360 producing vibrant colors and rich blacks thanks to its use of Brother Genuine LC501 Ink. The HP Envy 6555e is designed to deliver true-to-screen color accuracy, ensuring that printed documents and photos closely resemble what users see on their screens. For those primarily focused on photo printing, the HP model may have a slight advantage due to its advanced color management features that optimize image quality.

Subscription Services

The Brother Work Smart 1360 includes a two-month free trial of the Refresh EZ Print Subscription, which automatically delivers ink before users run out. This can be a convenient feature for those who prefer a hassle-free ink replacement option. Conversely, the HP Envy 6555e offers a three-month Instant Ink trial with HP+ activation, providing a similar ink delivery service. After the trial period, users are subject to a monthly fee unless they choose to cancel. This slight difference in subscription length could influence decisions based on individual printing habits.

Price Consideration

When it comes to price, the Brother Work Smart 1360 stands out as the more budget-friendly option at $109.98 compared to the HP Envy 6555e's $179.89. This pricing difference of about $69.91 makes the Brother model appealing to cost-conscious consumers who still want quality performance. While the HP printer offers additional features, the significant price gap may deter those who are looking for essential functionality without breaking the bank.

Which should you buy?

Ultimately, choosing between the Brother Work Smart 1360 and the HP Envy 6555e depends on your specific needs. The Brother model is an excellent choice for users who prioritize speed, cost-effectiveness, and robust document handling capabilities. In contrast, the HP Envy 6555e is suitable for those who value superior print quality, advanced user interface features, and AI-enhanced printing. If budget is a significant concern, the Brother Work Smart 1360 is the clear winner, but if features and print quality take precedence, the HP Envy 6555e may be worth the investment.