Gloryang Inkless Portable Printer for Travel vs HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet

Design and Portability

The Gloryang Inkless Portable Printer for Travel is built for on-the-go use, weighing just 1.75 pounds and measuring only 1.7 inches thick, making it exceptionally compact and lightweight. In contrast, the HP DeskJet 2855e is a traditional all-in-one inkjet printer designed primarily for home use, without a focus on portability. Gloryang’s design includes a built-in paper bin to keep your workspace tidy and a carrying case with three rolls of thermal paper, emphasizing convenience for travel or emergency printing.

While the HP DeskJet 2855e offers a more stationary setup with a 60-sheet input tray and flatbed scanner, it lacks the compactness and ease of transport found in Gloryang. For those prioritizing portability and minimal footprint, the Gloryang printer’s slim profile and lightweight build clearly stand out.

Printing Technology and Paper Compatibility

Gloryang uses advanced thermal printing technology, which requires no ink, toner, or ribbons. This means it prints inkless by heating specialized thermal paper, which is included in the package (three rolls). However, it only supports Gloryang thermal paper and cannot print on regular, inkjet, or plain paper. This limits its versatility but reduces ongoing ink costs.

On the other hand, the HP DeskJet 2855e uses traditional color inkjet technology, supporting color prints and standard paper types. It includes a 60-sheet input tray that handles various paper sizes typical for home printing tasks. The DeskJet’s ability to print full-color documents, photos, and typical office papers gives it broader utility compared to Gloryang’s thermal-only system.

Connectivity and Ease of Use

Both printers support wireless printing, but their connectivity options and user experience differ. Gloryang connects via Bluetooth to iOS and Android devices through the “Jadens Printer” app and can also be used with laptops and computers by installing drivers after turning on the printer. This setup makes it convenient for mobile users and those needing quick, on-demand printing.

The HP DeskJet 2855e features reliable Wi-Fi connectivity, automatically detecting and resolving connection issues, and supports printing, scanning, copying, and faxing directly from its smartphone app. Its wireless capabilities are further enhanced by AI features that adapt to your workflow, providing a seamless home printing experience. However, the DeskJet only supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, which may limit network compatibility in some scenarios.

Functionality and Features

Functionality is where these printers diverge significantly. The Gloryang printer focuses on essential document printing with thermal technology, capable of printing documents ranging from 2 to 8.5 inches wide. It can print clear photos, images, designs, and text but lacks scanning or copying features.

In contrast, the HP DeskJet 2855e is an all-in-one device with color printing, scanning, and copying capabilities, making it a versatile choice for home users. It supports color prints with speeds up to 5.5 pages per minute in color and 7.5 ppm in black. Additionally, it includes a 60-sheet input tray, which allows for longer print jobs without frequent paper refills.

Price and Value

Price-wise, the HP DeskJet 2855e is more affordable at $49.89 compared to the Gloryang Inkless Portable Printer priced at $79.99. This makes the HP about 37% cheaper. The DeskJet also includes a 3-month Instant Ink trial, adding value for users who plan to print frequently and want to manage ink costs.

While the Gloryang’s inkless technology eliminates the need for purchasing ink, users must buy proprietary thermal paper, which could add to the long-term cost. Given the HP’s multifunction capabilities and lower price, it offers more features for less money, especially for users needing scanning and copying.

User Suitability and Use Cases

The Gloryang Inkless Portable Printer is tailored for professionals, students, and travelers who prioritize portability, quick printing, and low maintenance. Its ultra-portable design and included carrying case make it ideal for on-the-go printing of contracts, office documents, or emergency materials. However, it is limited to printing with specialized thermal paper and does not offer color or multifunction features.

The HP DeskJet 2855e, with its all-in-one features, suits home users needing a versatile printer for everyday tasks like printing recipes, letters, and photos, as well as scanning and copying documents. Its color printing and wireless connectivity make it a practical choice for households or small offices.

Brand and Popularity

HP is a globally recognized and trusted brand in the printing industry, reflected in the DeskJet 2855e’s higher sales rank of 84, indicating strong popularity and customer trust. In comparison, the Gloryang Inkless Portable Printer has a sales rank of 1046, suggesting it is less well-known and more niche in appeal.

This brand recognition may influence consumer confidence and access to customer support or driver updates, making HP a safer choice for users seeking reliability and long-term service.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Gloryang Inkless Portable Printer for Travel and the HP DeskJet 2855e depends primarily on your printing needs and lifestyle. If you need a portable, lightweight printer for quick, inkless printing on the go, and you don’t require scanning or color printing, the Gloryang is a compelling choice despite its higher price. Its compact design and included accessories make it perfect for travel and emergency document printing.

However, if you want an affordable, multifunction printer for home use with wireless connectivity, color printing, scanning, and copying capabilities, the HP DeskJet 2855e stands out. It is about 37% cheaper, includes three months of Instant Ink, and carries the reliability of a top-ranked brand. For most home users or small offices, the HP offers more value and versatility.