HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Scanner, Copier, Best-for-home, 3 month Instant Ink trial included. This printer is only 2.4 ghz capable. (588S5A) vs Nelko Label Maker Machine with Tape, P21 Bluetooth Label Printer, Wireless Mini Label Makers with Multiple Templates for School Office Home, White

Price Comparison: HP DeskJet 2855e vs. Nelko P21

The HP DeskJet 2855e is about 107% more expensive than the Nelko P21, priced at $49.89 compared to $23.26. This represents a difference of $26.63 in favor of the label maker. While the HP printer carries a higher upfront cost, it includes a 3-month Instant Ink trial, which adds value over time. The Nelko P21, by contrast, offers a significantly lower entry price and no recurring ink fees—making it ideal for users seeking immediate savings without long-term commitments.

Functionality and Use Case: What Each Device Actually Does

The HP DeskJet 2855e functions as a full-featured all-in-one device capable of printing, scanning, and copying documents, making it suitable for home offices or families needing multifunctional support. It supports color printing and has a 60-sheet input tray. In contrast, the Nelko P21 is strictly a label printer focused on creating small adhesive labels using thermal technology. It does not print documents, scan images, or copy pages. Its primary purpose is organizing items with text, QR codes, barcodes, or designs directly from mobile devices via Bluetooth.

Connectivity and Ease of Setup

The HP DeskJet 2855e relies on Wi-Fi connectivity and features automatic detection and resolution of connection issues, ensuring reliable wireless printing. It integrates with the HP App for smartphone-based printing, scanning, and copying. The Nelko P21 uses Bluetooth instead of Wi-Fi, allowing direct pairing with iOS and Android phones through its dedicated app. However, it is incompatible with computers and does not support Google phones running Android 14. Setup involves downloading the app, installing the tape roll, and connecting via Bluetooth—simpler than Wi-Fi but limited in device compatibility.

Print Quality and Output Features

The HP DeskJet 2855e delivers color printing with speeds up to 5.5 ppm (pages per minute) for color and 7.5 ppm for black, suitable for everyday home use including photos, letters, and recipes. It includes a flatbed scanner for high-quality document and photo scans. The Nelko P21 prints only in monochrome (black text), using BPA-Free Direct Thermal Technology with 203 DPI resolution. It produces high-definition output without ink or toner, though labels are limited to fixed sizes like 14×40mm, 14×50mm, and 14×75mm. Color effects must be achieved using colored label tapes rather than actual color printing.

Mobile Integration and App Experience

Both devices depend heavily on mobile apps for functionality. The HP DeskJet 2855e works through the HP App, enabling print, scan, copy, and fax operations directly from smartphones. The Nelko P21 requires its own app available on Google Play and the App Store, which includes over 3600 icons, 700+ borders, 5500+ materials, and 750+ templates. This app allows users to create custom labels with text, QR codes, barcodes, images, and time stamps. However, iOS users must ensure they have updated to version V4.8.0 for optimal performance, indicating potential software dependency issues.

Portability and Physical Design

The Nelko P21 is explicitly described as ultra-portable—half the size and weight of traditional label makers—making it easy to carry in a pocket. This design prioritizes mobility and convenience for on-the-go labeling. The HP DeskJet 2855e, while compact for an all-in-one printer, is significantly larger and heavier, designed for stationary placement on a desk or shelf. It lacks portability but compensates with greater paper capacity and multifunction capabilities.

Value Over Time: Long-Term Costs and Benefits

The HP DeskJet 2855e comes with a 3-month Instant Ink trial included at setup, reducing long-term ink costs and offering automated cartridge delivery. This can lead to significant savings over time, especially for frequent users. The Nelko P21 has no ongoing consumable costs beyond replacing the thermal tape rolls, which are not mentioned in pricing data. With no subscription required, it provides predictable low-cost operation. However, its lack of document printing limits its utility for tasks beyond labeling.

Which should you buy?

Choose the HP DeskJet 2855e if you need a versatile, all-in-one solution for printing, scanning, and copying documents at home—especially if you value the included 3-month Instant Ink trial and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity. Opt for the Nelko P21 if your priority is creating portable, customizable labels quickly and affordably with minimal setup—particularly when working with smartphones and needing a compact, lightweight tool. The $23.26 price point makes the P21 nearly 53% cheaper than the HP printer, but only if your needs align with labeling, not general document management.