HP Smart Tank 5101 Wireless All-in-One vs HP Smart Tank Plus 651 Wireless

Design and build quality

Both the HP Smart Tank 5101 and the HP Smart Tank Plus 651 share a similar design language typical of HP's tank printer lineup. They are built to be compact enough for home offices while housing the integrated ink tank system. The build quality focuses on durability, with both models marketed as printers built to last. There are no specific dimensions provided in the data, but the physical footprint is designed to fit standard desk spaces. The 5101 maintains a standard all-in-one form factor, while the 651 Plus variant may offer slight aesthetic refinements consistent with its higher pricing tier. Both units utilize plastic chassis construction common in this category, prioritizing function over premium materials.

Ink system and capacity

The core selling point for both devices is the ink tank system. Both the HP Smart Tank 5101 and the HP Smart Tank Plus 651 include up to 2 years of ink in the box. This is a significant specification for users looking to reduce long-term operating costs. The refill system is described as mess-free for both models, allowing users to plug ink bottles directly into the tank without squeezing or spilling. This cartridge-free design ensures that users can get thousands of pages of printing before needing to replenish supplies. Since both models claim the same 2-year ink duration, there is no advantage in capacity for either side, making this a tie in terms of raw ink longevity.

Print quality and features

Print quality claims are similar, with both manufacturers promising sharper text and richer colors that keep printing well after competitors have quit. However, the HP Smart Tank Plus 651 explicitly lists borderless prints as a key feature, which is not explicitly stated in the provided text for the 5101. This gives the 651 an edge for users who need photo printing or full-page graphics without margins. On the other hand, the HP Smart Tank 5101 highlights HP AI formatting for web pages and emails, ensuring precision without wasted pages. This specific software feature is not mentioned for the 651, giving the 5101 a unique advantage in document formatting efficiency.

Connectivity and compatibility

Both printers are wireless all-in-one devices, indicating standard WiFi connectivity for mobile and wireless printing. The HP Smart Tank Plus 651 explicitly lists mobile and wireless printing in its key features, while the 5101 implies this through its wireless designation. There are no specific ports listed such as Ethernet or USB types in the provided data, so we must assume standard wireless protocols are the primary connection method for both. Compatibility with mobile devices is inherent to the wireless classification. Neither model specifies Bluetooth or NFC capabilities in the text provided, so users should expect standard WiFi Direct or network-based printing protocols.

Maintenance and reliability

Maintenance is a key focus for the Smart Tank series. Both models advertise no complicated maintenance and no complex maintenance routines. This suggests that the mechanical design minimizes user intervention beyond ink refills. The 5101 emphasizes that it is the only tank printer built to last, a claim mirrored by the 651. Reliability is backed by the cartridge-free system which reduces the points of failure associated with traditional cartridge printers. Both units are designed to keep printing with fewer interruptions. There are no specific duty cycle numbers provided, so reliability comparisons are based on the manufacturer's qualitative claims of durability and ease of use.

Software and ecosystem

The software experience differs slightly between the two models. The HP Smart Tank 5101 features HP AI for formatting prints, which removes unwanted content from web pages and emails. This is a specific software advantage not listed for the 651. Both printers likely utilize the HP Smart app for mobile management, given the wireless capabilities. The 651 is described as fully loaded with savings for home use, implying a robust software suite for cost management. However, the 5101's specific mention of AI-driven formatting suggests a more advanced document handling capability within its software ecosystem. Support services are explicitly mentioned as Premium for the 5101, whereas the 651 does not specify a support tier.

Price and value

This is the most significant differentiator between the two units. The HP Smart Tank 5101 is priced at $189.89, while the HP Smart Tank Plus 651 is priced at $329.89. This creates a price difference of $140.00. Given that both models include the same 2 years of ink and share the core tank technology, the 5101 offers substantially better value. The cost per year of ink inclusion is effectively $94.95 for the 5101 compared to $164.95 for the 651, assuming the hardware cost is amortized over the ink life. For users who do not require borderless printing, the 5101 provides the same core functionality at a much lower entry point. The 651 commands a premium price that must be justified by the borderless feature and Plus branding.

Which one should you buy?

Choosing between these two printers depends on your specific printing needs and budget. If you require borderless printing for photos or creative projects, the HP Smart Tank Plus 651 is the necessary choice despite the higher cost. However, for general home office use, document printing, and reliability, the HP Smart Tank 5101 is the superior value proposition. It offers the same 2-year ink capacity and mess-free refill system for $140.00 less. The inclusion of Premium Support and AI formatting on the 5101 further strengthens its case. Unless the borderless feature is a dealbreaker, the 5101 delivers the core Smart Tank experience more efficiently.