Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color vs HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One

Design and build quality

Both the Brother Work Smart 1360 and the HP DeskJet 2855e are designed as compact all-in-one units suitable for home environments. The Brother model is engineered with a productivity focus, accommodating features like an automatic document feeder which may slightly influence its physical footprint. The HP unit emphasizes minimalism, targeting users who need basic printing capabilities without occupying significant desk space. Build quality for both brands is generally established for consumer-grade home office equipment, with plastic chassis designs typical for this price segment.

Print speed and performance

Performance metrics show a clear distinction between the two models. The Brother Work Smart 1360 is capable of printing at speeds up to 16 pages per minute in black and up to 9 pages per minute in color. In contrast, the HP DeskJet 2855e offers print speeds up to 7.5 pages per minute in black and 5.5 pages per minute in color. This difference means that for larger documents, the Brother model will complete jobs in nearly half the time compared to the HP model, which is a significant factor for users with higher volume printing needs.

Paper handling and capacity

Paper capacity is a critical specification for reducing interruptions during printing tasks. The Brother printer includes a 150-sheet paper tray, allowing users to load a standard ream of paper less frequently. The HP model features a 60-sheet input tray, which requires more frequent refilling during extended use. Additionally, the Brother unit includes a 20-sheet single-sided Automatic Document Feeder, enabling multi-page scanning or copying without manual page turning, a feature not specified in the provided data for the HP model.

Connectivity and mobile options

Both printers offer wireless network connectivity and USB interface options, ensuring flexibility in how users connect their devices. The Brother model supports connections to popular Cloud apps including Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, and OneDrive via its display interface. HP emphasizes reliable Wi-Fi that automatically detects and resolves connection issues. Both manufacturers provide mobile apps, with Brother offering the Brother Mobile Connect app for onscreen menu navigation and HP providing an app for printing, scanning, and copying from smartphones.

Display and interface

User interface capabilities differ notably between the two devices. The Brother Work Smart 1360 is equipped with a 1.8-inch color display, which facilitates direct interaction with the printer for navigating menus and accessing cloud services without a computer. The provided specifications for the HP DeskJet 2855e do not list a specific display size or type, suggesting a reliance on mobile apps or computer interfaces for complex task management. This makes the Brother model more standalone in terms of operability.

Additional features and functionality

Feature sets extend beyond basic printing to include workflow enhancements. The Brother printer includes automatic duplex printing, allowing for two-sided documents to be produced without manual intervention. This feature is not listed for the HP model. The presence of the Automatic Document Feeder on the Brother unit further enhances its utility for office tasks such as digitizing multi-page documents. The HP model focuses on core functions like printing, copying, and scanning, suitable for basic household documentation like to-do lists and recipes.

Price and value proposition

Cost is a major differentiator in this comparison. The HP DeskJet 2855e is priced at $49.89, which is less than half the cost of the Brother Work Smart 1360 at $109.98. Furthermore, the HP package includes 3 months of ink, adding immediate value for new owners. The Brother model does not list included ink in the provided features. While the Brother unit costs more upfront, its higher speed and capacity may offer better long-term value for users who print frequently, whereas the HP model presents a lower barrier to entry for occasional users.

Which one should you buy?

Choosing between these printers depends on your specific usage requirements. If you prioritize speed, paper capacity, and advanced features like automatic duplexing and an document feeder, the Brother Work Smart 1360 is the better investment. It is better suited for home offices where productivity is key. However, if your primary concern is budget and you only need basic printing capabilities for light home use, the HP DeskJet 2855e offers a compelling low-cost entry point with the added benefit of included ink supplies.