HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One vs HP Envy 6155e Wireless All-in-One Color

Design and build quality

The HP DeskJet 2855e and HP Envy 6155e share a common design language typical of HP home printers, featuring compact footprints suitable for home offices. The DeskJet 2855e is positioned as a basic unit, reflected in its smaller 60-sheet input tray which suggests a more compact chassis designed for minimal space usage. The Envy 6155e, while still compact, accommodates a larger 100-sheet input tray and includes a 2.4-inch color touchscreen on the front panel. This addition adds to the physical interface options available to the user, allowing for direct interaction without needing a computer or smartphone.

Print Speed and Performance

Performance metrics clearly differentiate these two models. The HP DeskJet 2855e offers print speeds of up to 7.5 pages per minute (ppm) for black documents and 5.5 ppm for color. This is adequate for occasional home use such as printing recipes or financial documents. In contrast, the HP Envy 6155e delivers higher throughput with speeds up to 10 ppm for black and 7 ppm for color. This performance gap makes the Envy model more suitable for households with higher volume needs, such as printing homework assignments or multiple-page reports regularly.

Paper Handling and Capacity

Paper capacity is a critical factor for workflow efficiency. The DeskJet 2855e comes equipped with a 60-sheet input tray. This capacity requires more frequent refilling but keeps the physical size of the printer down. The Envy 6155e doubles this capacity with a 100-sheet input tray, reducing the frequency of maintenance interruptions. Furthermore, the Envy 6155e supports automatic 2-sided printing, a feature not mentioned for the DeskJet 2855e. This allows for professional-looking documents without manual intervention, saving paper and time.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Both printers emphasize wireless connectivity as a core feature. The DeskJet 2855e utilizes HP's reliable Wi-Fi which automatically detects and resolves connection issues. It supports printing from smartphones via the HP app. The Envy 6155e advances this with dual-band Wi-Fi, offering potentially more stable connections in crowded network environments. Both models allow users to print, scan, and copy from mobile devices, ensuring modern connectivity standards are met across both price points.

Display and User Interface

User interface options vary significantly between the two units. The DeskJet 2855e relies primarily on the HP smartphone app for control and status monitoring, as no onboard display is listed in its key features. The Envy 6155e includes HP's most intuitive color touchscreen, specifically a 2.4-inch display. This screen allows users to navigate menus, initiate copies, or check ink levels directly on the device. For users who prefer not to use their phones for printer management, the Envy provides a distinct advantage in usability.

Ink and Subscription Services

Both models include an initial supply of ink to get users started. The DeskJet 2855e includes 3 months of ink with no specific activation requirement mentioned beyond standard setup. The Envy 6155e offers 3 months of Instant Ink, but this requires HP+ activation. HP+ is a subscription-based delivery service where ink is sent automatically before running out. After the initial 3 months, a monthly fee applies unless cancelled. Users preferring a traditional ink purchase model may find the DeskJet's inclusion terms slightly more straightforward.

Price and Value

Price is the most significant differentiator. The HP DeskJet 2855e is listed at $49.89, making it an budget-friendly option for basic needs. The HP Envy 6155e is priced at $79.89, reflecting its added hardware features like the touchscreen and duplex unit. While the Envy costs more upfront, the value proposition depends on usage. Users who benefit from auto-duplexing and faster speeds may find the extra $30 justified. However, for light users printing mostly text documents, the DeskJet offers substantial savings.

Which one should you buy?

Choosing between these printers depends on your specific home printing requirements. If your primary needs involve printing to-do lists, letters, and occasional documents with a strict budget, the HP DeskJet 2855e is the logical choice. It provides essential wireless all-in-one functionality at a low cost. If you require faster speeds, borderless photo capabilities, automatic double-sided printing, and a touchscreen interface, the HP Envy 6155e is the better investment. It offers a more robust feature set that justifies the higher price for power users.