Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color vs HP Smart Tank Plus 570 Wireless

Design and build quality

The Brother Work Smart 1360 is engineered as a compact all-in-one multifunction printer suitable for home and home office environments. Its design focuses on fitting into smaller spaces while maintaining functionality for printing, copying, and scanning. The unit features a 1.8-inch color display to facilitate navigation. The HP Smart Tank Plus 570 is built with a focus on longevity and reliability, marketed as a printer set up once for long-term use. Its physical design accommodates the ink tank system, which differs from traditional cartridge-based housings. Both devices are intended for wireless integration into home networks, though specific dimensional measurements are not provided in the available data for either model.

Printing Technology and Ink System

A primary distinction between these two models lies in their ink delivery systems. The Brother Work Smart 1360 utilizes standard inkjet technology, producing prints described as beautiful with results that stand out. This typically implies the use of replaceable ink cartridges. In contrast, the HP Smart Tank Plus 570 features a cartridge-free printing system. It includes a refillable ink tank designed to last up to 2 years without replacement. HP emphasizes a mess-free refill system where users plug ink bottles into the tank to let them drain without squeezing. This fundamental difference impacts long-term maintenance and operating costs significantly.

Performance and Speed

Productivity features are highlighted in the Brother Work Smart 1360 specifications. It 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. These figures provide a clear benchmark for expected throughput in a home office setting. The HP Smart Tank Plus 570 documentation emphasizes reliability and the ability to keep printing well after competitors have quit, but specific pages-per-minute metrics are not disclosed in the provided text. While HP notes the device is best for low-cost, high-volume printing, the absence of specific speed numbers makes direct performance comparison difficult based solely on the provided data.

Paper Handling and Capacity

Paper management is a key consideration for office workflows. The Brother Work Smart 1360 includes a 150-sheet paper tray, allowing for a moderate amount of loading before replenishment is required. Additionally, it features a 20-sheet single-sided Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), which facilitates multi-page scanning or copying without manual page turning. The HP Smart Tank Plus 570 supports print, copy, and scan functions, but specific paper tray capacities or ADF specifications are not listed in the provided product information. Users requiring high-volume paper handling may prefer the documented capacity of the Brother model.

Connectivity and Mobile Features

Both printers offer multiple connection options to suit different user preferences. The Brother Work Smart 1360 allows users to interface via wireless network or USB. It supports cloud app connections including Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, and OneDrive through its display. It also utilizes the Brother Mobile Connect app for onscreen menu navigation and mobile printing. The HP Smart Tank Plus 570 supports mobile and wireless printing as well. HP relies on its trusted innovation ecosystem to ensure connectivity remains stable. Both devices aim to provide seamless integration with modern digital workflows without requiring direct physical connections for every task.

Display and User Interface

User interaction is managed through onboard interfaces and mobile applications. The Brother Work Smart 1360 is equipped with a simple-to-use 1.8-inch color display. This screen allows users to access cloud apps and navigate printer menus directly on the device. The Brother Mobile Connect app further extends this control to mobile devices. For the HP Smart Tank Plus 570, specific display dimensions are not provided in the text. HP focuses on the ease of the refill system and the reliability of the setup process. The lack of specified display data for the HP model suggests a potentially simpler interface or one managed primarily through software.

Price and Value

Cost is a major differentiator between these two options. The Brother Work Smart 1360 is priced at $109.98, positioning it as an affordable entry point for home users. This lower upfront cost makes it accessible for those with immediate budget constraints. The HP Smart Tank Plus 570 is priced at $219.99, which is significantly higher initially. However, HP justifies this with the inclusion of up to 2 years of ink, claiming it is the last printer users will ever need due to refillable capabilities. The value proposition shifts from upfront savings with Brother to long-term operational savings with HP.

Which one should you buy?

Choosing between these printers depends on your prioritization of upfront cost versus long-term ink expenses. If you need a printer immediately with a lower purchase price and require specific features like an ADF and defined print speeds, the Brother Work Smart 1360 is the logical choice. It offers documented productivity features at half the cost of the competitor. However, if you print frequently and want to avoid the hassle and cost of replacing cartridges, the HP Smart Tank Plus 570 is the superior investment. Its tank system promises years of ink inclusion and mess-free refills, offering better value over time despite the higher initial price tag.