Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer, vs Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One

Overview of the Printers

The Canon PIXMA TR4720 is priced at $69.00, making it a budget-friendly all-in-one printer, while the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 comes at a higher cost of $239.99. The significant price difference of about 248% reflects the distinct features and functionalities each model offers. The Canon printer is designed primarily for home use, with a focus on wireless printing and convenience, whereas the Epson model emphasizes a cartridge-free printing system that aims to reduce ink costs significantly over time.

Design and Build Quality

Both printers showcase a modern design suitable for home settings, but they cater to different preferences. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 is compact and lightweight, facilitating easy placement in tight spaces. Its sleek black finish gives it an appealing look for home offices. On the other hand, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800, while also stylish, is bulkier due to its integrated high-capacity ink tanks. This design allows for less frequent refills but may require more desk space.

Printing Capabilities

When it comes to printing capabilities, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 offers a print speed of 8.8 images per minute (ipm) for black and 4.4 ipm for color. This speed is adequate for home use, supporting various tasks from document printing to photo production. Conversely, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 excels with a print speed of up to 10 pages per minute, making it slightly faster for larger jobs. Both printers can produce borderless prints up to 8.5" x 11", ensuring high-quality outputs for personal and professional needs.

Cost of Ownership

The cost of ownership is where the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 truly shines. While its upfront cost is significantly higher at $239.99, it promises dramatic savings on replacement ink. The EcoTank system can save up to 90% on ink costs, equivalent to about 80 individual cartridges. It comes with enough ink for up to 4,500 black and 7,500 color pages, which means less frequent purchases and potentially lower long-term costs for heavy users. In contrast, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 requires traditional ink cartridges, which may lead to higher ongoing expenses.

User Convenience

User convenience is a strong point for both models, but they excel in different areas. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 features wireless connectivity and mobile printing capabilities, making it easy to print documents directly from smartphones or tablets. It also includes an auto document feeder for efficient multi-page scanning and copying. Meanwhile, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 boasts a cartridge-free system, which eliminates the hassle of changing cartridges and provides up to two years of ink in the box, significantly reducing out-of-ink frustrations.

Environmental Impact

In terms of environmental responsibility, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 stands out with its zero cartridge waste feature. By using high-capacity ink tanks instead of traditional cartridges, it helps minimize the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills. This eco-friendly approach appeals to environmentally conscious consumers. The Canon PIXMA TR4720, while ENERGY STAR certified and designed for efficient power consumption, does not offer the same level of sustainability in terms of ink usage.

Customer Satisfaction and Popularity

Customer satisfaction can often be gauged through sales rank, and both printers have achieved notable positions. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 has a bestseller rank of 283, indicating solid popularity among consumers looking for affordable home printing solutions. The Epson EcoTank ET-2800, with a better rank of 115, suggests that users appreciate its innovative ink system and overall functionality. This popularity may reflect better performance or satisfaction among those who prioritize cost efficiency in ink consumption.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Canon PIXMA TR4720 and the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 ultimately hinges on your printing needs and budget. The Canon model is ideal for those who seek an affordable, functional printer for occasional home use and appreciate features like mobile connectivity. However, if you're willing to invest more upfront for significant long-term savings on ink and reduced environmental impact, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a compelling choice. Its cartridge-free design and higher print speeds cater to users who print frequently and seek convenience.