Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color vs HP Envy 6155e Wireless All-in-One Color

Design and build quality

Both the Brother Work Smart 1360 and the HP Envy 6155e are designed as compact all-in-one units suitable for home environments. The Brother model is engineered for home offices, focusing on functionality within a compact footprint. The HP Envy 6155e is marketed specifically for homes printing everyday quality color documents. Both devices support print, copy, and scan functions within a single chassis. Build quality considerations include the physical interface and tray design, with both manufacturers aiming for reliability in personal use scenarios.

Print speed and performance

Performance metrics differ notably between the two printers. The Brother Work Smart 1360 is engineered to print at fast speeds of up to 16 pages per minute in black and up to 9 pages per minute in color. In comparison, the HP Envy 6155e offers print speeds up to 7 ppm for color and 10 ppm for black documents. For users prioritizing throughput for text documents, the Brother model provides a higher pages per minute rate. The HP model focuses on everyday quality color documents like homework and borderless photos, suggesting a focus on output quality over raw speed.

Paper handling and capacity

Paper capacity is a key differentiator for ongoing usability without frequent refills. The Brother Work Smart 1360 includes a 150-sheet paper tray. The HP Envy 6155e features a 100-sheet input tray. Additionally, the Brother unit includes a 20-sheet single-sided Automatic Document Feeder, which facilitates multi-page scanning or copying without manual page turning. The HP specifications list print, copy, and scan capabilities but do not specify an ADF in the provided features. Higher tray capacity and the presence of an ADF give the Brother model an advantage for batch processing tasks.

Display and interface

User interaction is managed through onboard displays on both units. The Brother Work Smart 1360 utilizes a simple-to-use 1.8-inch color display for navigating menus and cloud app connections. The HP Envy 6155e features what is described as HP's most intuitive color touchscreen, measuring 2.4 inches. The larger screen on the HP model may offer smoother navigation for settings and print jobs. Both interfaces support direct interaction with the printer for basic commands without needing a computer.

Connectivity and wireless options

Both printers offer multiple connection options to interface with user devices. The Brother Work Smart 1360 allows users to connect via wireless network or via USB. It supports printing from and scanning to popular Cloud apps including Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, and OneDrive. The HP Envy 6155e stays connected with dual-band Wi-Fi, which automatically detects and resolves connection issues. Wireless printing capabilities are central to both models, ensuring compatibility with mobile devices and home networks. The Brother model explicitly lists USB as an interface option alongside wireless.

Software and ecosystem

Software support extends the functionality of these hardware devices. The Brother Work Smart 1360 works with the Brother Mobile Connect app, which delivers easy onscreen menu navigation for printing. The HP Envy 6155e integrates with HP AI to format web pages and emails with precision, removing unwanted content. HP also offers True-to-Screen Tech to print documents and photos that look as vibrant as they do on the screen. The HP ecosystem includes a subscription component, offering 3 months of Instant Ink with HP+ activation to get ink delivered directly before running out.

Price and value

Cost is a significant factor for home users evaluating these all-in-one printers. The Brother Work Smart 1360 is priced at $109.98. The HP Envy 6155e is available at a lower price point of $79.89. While the Brother model offers higher speed and capacity, the HP model provides a lower entry cost. The HP value proposition is further enhanced by the included 3-month Instant Ink subscription, whereas the Brother pricing reflects the hardware capabilities without a listed ink service inclusion. Users must weigh the higher upfront hardware performance of the Brother against the lower cost and ink service of the HP.

Which one should you buy?

Choosing between these models depends on specific home office needs. If higher volume printing and scanning are priorities, the Brother Work Smart 1360 is the better option due to its 16 ppm black print speed, 150-sheet tray, and 20-sheet ADF. If budget and ease of use are the primary concerns, the HP Envy 6155e is the recommended choice. It offers a lower price, a larger 2.4-inch touchscreen, and an included ink subscription trial. Both units provide automatic duplex printing and wireless connectivity, ensuring modern convenience regardless of the selection.