HP Envy 6555e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet vs HP Smart Tank Plus 570 Wireless All-in-One Ink

Overview of the HP Envy 6555e and HP Smart Tank Plus 570

The HP Envy 6555e and HP Smart Tank Plus 570 are both excellent all-in-one printers tailored for home use, yet they cater to different printing needs. The Envy 6555e is priced at $179.89, while the Smart Tank Plus 570 comes at $219.99, making the former about 17% cheaper. Choosing the right printer depends on your specific printing requirements and how much you print on a regular basis.

Printing Technology

The HP Envy 6555e utilizes traditional inkjet technology, which is ideal for vibrant color documents and photos. It offers a print speed of up to 7 pages per minute (ppm) in color and 10 ppm in black. In contrast, the HP Smart Tank Plus 570 employs an innovative ink tank system designed for high-volume printing. With it, you can print thousands of pages without the hassle of frequent cartridge changes. This difference in technology is crucial for users who either need high-quality color prints or require a more economical, long-term solution for bulk printing.

Ink and Cost Efficiency

One of the standout features of the HP Smart Tank Plus 570 is its remarkable ink efficiency. It includes up to 2 years of ink, allowing for approximately 8,000 color pages or 6,000 black pages right out of the box. This makes it a highly economical choice for users who print frequently. On the other hand, the HP Envy 6555e comes with a 3-month Instant Ink trial, after which a subscription fee applies. For users who print less often, the Envy may still be cost-effective, but for heavy users, the Smart Tank's long-term savings are hard to overlook.

User Experience

When it comes to user experience, both printers have their strengths. The HP Envy 6555e features a user-friendly 2.4-inch color touchscreen, making navigation simple and intuitive. It also supports wireless printing, allowing users to print from various devices seamlessly. The HP Smart Tank Plus 570, while lacking a touchscreen, offers a mess-free refill system for its ink tanks, making it easy to refill without spills. The design choices reflect their intended use: the Envy for everyday printing tasks and the Smart Tank for more extensive print runs.

Maintenance and Ease of Use

The HP Smart Tank Plus 570 is designed for low maintenance, emphasizing reliability and ease of use. It requires little intervention, making it suitable for users who prefer a "set it and forget it" approach. In contrast, the HP Envy 6555e may require more frequent attention due to its reliance on traditional cartridges, particularly after the initial 3-month trial. Users should consider how much time they want to invest in maintenance when selecting between these two printers.

Connectivity Options

Both the HP Envy 6555e and HP Smart Tank Plus 570 feature robust wireless connectivity options, allowing users to print from smartphones, tablets, and PCs. The Envy boasts dual-band Wi-Fi, which automatically resolves connection issues, enhancing the user experience. The Smart Tank Plus also supports mobile printing but is primarily focused on providing a reliable connection for high-volume tasks. If seamless mobile printing is a priority, the Envy may have a slight edge due to its superior interface.

Print Quality

In terms of print quality, the HP Envy 6555e excels at delivering vibrant and true-to-screen colors, making it perfect for photos and colorful documents. It includes features like HP's P3 technology to ensure that prints match what is seen on the screen. The Smart Tank Plus 570, while capable of producing high-quality prints, is primarily designed for efficiency and volume rather than photo-quality output. Users who prioritize print quality for images might lean towards the Envy, while those focused on text documents and cost-per-print efficiency may prefer the Smart Tank.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the HP Envy 6555e and the HP Smart Tank Plus 570 ultimately depends on your printing habits and needs. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option for everyday printing with vibrant colors, the Envy 6555e at $179.89 is a great choice, especially for light to moderate use. However, if you require a high-capacity printer that offers up to two years of ink and is built for high-volume printing, the Smart Tank Plus 570 at $219.99 stands out as the more economical long-term investment. Assess your printing frequency and quality needs to make the best decision.