Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color Inkjet vs HP Smart Tank Plus 651 Wireless All-in-One

Overview of the Brother Work Smart 1360 and HP Smart Tank Plus 651

The Brother Work Smart 1360 is priced at $109.98, making it a more budget-friendly option compared to the HP Smart Tank Plus 651, which costs $329.89. This significant price difference of about 66% reflects the distinct features and capabilities of each printer, catering to different user needs. While the Brother model is designed for home and home office use with versatile printing functions, the HP Smart Tank Plus aims to deliver high-volume printing with its ink tank system.

Printing Capabilities

The Brother Work Smart 1360 provides versatile printing options with automatic duplex printing and fast speeds of up to 16 pages per minute in black and 9 pages per minute in color. Its 150-sheet paper tray and 20-sheet automatic document feeder enhance productivity, making it suitable for everyday tasks. In contrast, the HP Smart Tank Plus 651 focuses on high-volume printing with up to 2 years of ink included, allowing users to print thousands of pages without the hassle of frequent cartridge changes. This capability is particularly advantageous for those who require continuous printing without interruptions.

Connectivity Features

Both printers offer robust connectivity options, but their approaches differ significantly. The Brother Work Smart 1360 allows users to connect through Wi-Fi, USB, and various cloud applications like Google Drive and Dropbox, making it highly adaptable to modern workflows. Its mobile printing capabilities are enhanced through the Brother Mobile Connect app, enabling users to manage printing tasks directly from their smartphones. On the other hand, the HP Smart Tank Plus 651 also supports wireless printing, but its standout feature is the mess-free refill system for its ink tank, promoting convenience during maintenance.

Ink and Cost Efficiency

When it comes to ink efficiency, the HP Smart Tank Plus 651 excels with its cartridge-free printing model that includes 2 years of ink, potentially yielding up to 8,000 color pages or 6,000 black pages. This translates to a lower cost per print, especially for users with high-volume printing needs. Conversely, the Brother Work Smart 1360 utilizes traditional cartridges, which may lead to more frequent replacements despite the initial lower price. The Brother printer does come with a Refresh Subscription Trial, which provides a 2-month free ink delivery service, but it may not match the long-term savings offered by the HP model.

Design and Usability

The design and usability of both printers cater to different preferences. The Brother Work Smart 1360 features a compact design with a 1.8” color display, simplifying navigation and operation. It is built for efficiency in home office environments, combining print, copy, and scan functions in one device. In contrast, the HP Smart Tank Plus 651 boasts a more robust ink tank system that is engineered for reliability and longevity. Its design is geared towards users seeking a high-capacity printing solution that minimizes the need for frequent maintenance.

Target Audience

The Brother Work Smart 1360 is ideal for home users and small offices that require a multifunctional printer without breaking the bank. Its price point of $109.98 and feature set make it suitable for everyday tasks, from printing documents to scanning important papers. Meanwhile, the HP Smart Tank Plus 651 targets users who prioritize high-volume printing, offering substantial ink capacity and the convenience of cartridge-free operation. Its higher price reflects its capabilities, making it a better fit for families or small businesses that print regularly.

Performance and Reliability

In terms of performance, both printers deliver reliable outputs, but the Brother Work Smart 1360 is optimized for speed with its fast printing rates. It has a sales rank of 548, indicating a solid presence in the market. The HP Smart Tank Plus 651, with a sales rank of 1210, is recognized for its long-lasting ink capacity, which appeals to users who want to avoid the inconvenience of running out of ink frequently. Each printer excels in its domain, with the Brother model focusing on speed and functionality, while the HP model emphasizes endurance and low-cost printing.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Brother Work Smart 1360 and the HP Smart Tank Plus 651 ultimately depends on your specific printing needs. If you require a versatile, budget-friendly option for everyday home or office tasks, the Brother Work Smart 1360 at $109.98 is a strong choice. However, if your focus is on high-volume printing with lower long-term ink costs, the HP Smart Tank Plus 651, despite its higher price of $329.89, may offer better value over time. Consider your printing habits and budget to determine which printer aligns best with your requirements.