HP Envy 6155e Wireless All-in-One Color vs HP Smart Tank Plus 651 Wireless

Design and build quality

The HP Envy 6155e features a compact design suitable for home environments, highlighted by a 2.4-inch color touchscreen that facilitates navigation. The build includes a 100-sheet input tray, providing a clear capacity specification for users managing moderate print volumes. In contrast, the HP Smart Tank Plus 651 emphasizes durability with a design philosophy centered on being built to last. While specific external dimensions are not provided for the Smart Tank, its construction supports a refillable ink tank system intended for long-term reliability without complex maintenance routines.

Print speed and performance

Performance metrics are explicitly defined for the HP Envy 6155e, which offers print speeds of up to 10 pages per minute in black and 7 pages per minute in color. These figures provide a concrete baseline for everyday document handling such as homework and borderless photos. The HP Smart Tank Plus 651 does not list specific pages per minute ratings in the provided data, focusing instead on the consistency of output quality over time. It claims to keep printing well after competitors have quit, suggesting sustained performance rather than peak speed metrics.

Ink system and capacity

The most significant difference lies in the ink delivery systems. The HP Envy 6155e utilizes a cartridge-based system linked to HP+ activation, which includes 3 months of Instant Ink service before a monthly fee applies. This subscription model ensures ink delivery but requires ongoing management. The HP Smart Tank Plus 651 employs a cartridge-free tank system that includes up to 2 years of ink in the box. This allows for thousands of pages of printing without the immediate need for refills, representing a substantial advantage in capacity and included value.

Connectivity and features

Both devices support wireless printing, ensuring compatibility with mobile devices and home networks. The HP Envy 6155e specifies dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity, which automatically detects and resolves connection issues for reliable performance. It also includes auto 2-sided printing, a feature not explicitly detailed for the Smart Tank model in the provided text. Both printers offer core multifunction capabilities, including print, copy, and scan functions, making them versatile tools for home office tasks.

Ease of use and maintenance

Usability is a key focus for both models. The Envy 6155e uses its 2.4-inch touchscreen to allow smooth navigation through printer settings. The Smart Tank Plus 651 focuses on the physical maintenance aspect, featuring a mess-free refill system where ink bottles plug directly into the tank to drain without squeezing or spilling. The Smart Tank is marketed as having no complex maintenance, whereas the Envy relies on the Instant Ink subscription service to manage ink levels, which involves canceling or paying fees after the initial 3-month period.

Software and ecosystem

HP integrates AI technology into the Envy 6155e to format web pages and emails precisely, removing unwanted content to prevent wasted pages. This True-to-Screen tech aims to ensure documents look as vibrant on paper as they do on the display. The Smart Tank Plus 651 is powered by HP innovation trusted for reliability, emphasizing cartridge-free printing that reduces interruptions. Both models support mobile printing, integrating into the broader HP Smart ecosystem for remote management and printing tasks.

Price and value

The upfront cost difference is significant, with the HP Envy 6155e priced at $79.89 and the HP Smart Tank Plus 651 at $329.89. The Envy offers a low entry point for users with immediate budget constraints. However, the Smart Tank justifies its higher price through included ink lasting up to 2 years, potentially offering better long-term value by eliminating cartridge purchases. The Envy's value proposition depends on the user's willingness to maintain an Instant Ink subscription after the trial period ends.

Which one should you buy?

Choose the HP Envy 6155e if you need an affordable printer with specified speeds of 10 ppm black and 7 ppm color, and prefer a touchscreen interface for a low upfront cost of $79.89. Choose the HP Smart Tank Plus 651 if you prioritize long-term savings and convenience, benefiting from 2 years of included ink and a mess-free refill system despite the higher initial investment of $329.89. The Smart Tank is better suited for higher volume users seeking to minimize maintenance and recurring ink costs.