Epson EcoTank ET-2850 vs Brother DCP-T420W
Detailed Technical Comparison & Buying Guide
Epson EcoTank ET-2850 VS
Brother DCP-T420W Epson EcoTank ET-2850
✅ Automatic double-sided printing and colour LCD.
❌ Paper tray is still limited to 100 sheets.
Brother DCP-T420W
✅ Excellent entry-level tank printer for small tasks.
❌ Small internal memory can slow down complex PDFs.
| Feature | Epson EcoTank ET-2850 | Brother DCP-T420W |
|---|---|---|
| Print Technology | PrecisionCore Print Head | Inkjet Tank System |
| Colour Output | Color | Color |
| Print Resolution | 4800 x 1200 dpi | 1200 x 6000 dpi |
| Black Print Speed (PPM) | 10.5 ppm | 16 ipm |
| Colour Print Speed (PPM) | 5 ppm | 9 ipm |
| First Page Out Time | 10 sec | 10 sec |
| Auto Double-Sided | Automatic (2-sided) | Manual |
| Input Paper Capacity | 100 Sheets | 150 Sheets |
| Output Tray Capacity | 30 Sheets | 50 Sheets |
| Supported Paper Sizes | A4, A5, A6, B5, B6 | A4, LTR, EXE, A5, A6 |
| Paper Weight Support | 64 to 300 g/m² | 64 to 220 g/m² |
| Scanner Type | CIS Flatbed | Flatbed CIS |
| Scan Resolution | 1200 x 2400 dpi | 1200 x 2400 dpi |
| Auto Document Feeder | None | None |
| Copy Speed | Up to 7.7 ipm | Up to 8 ipm |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct | 802.11b/g/n |
| Ethernet Support | No | No |
| USB Connectivity | Hi-Speed USB | Hi-Speed USB 2.0 |
| Mobile Printing Support | Epson Smart Panel, AirPrint | Brother Mobile Connect |
| Display Panel | 3.7 cm Colour LCD | LED Buttons |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | 3,000 pages | 2,500 pages |
| Ink/Cartridge System | EcoTank 102 Ink Bottles | BTD60BK / BT5000 Bottles |
| Borderless Printing | Yes | Yes |
| Width | 375 mm | 435 mm |
| Depth | 347 mm | 359 mm |
| Height | 187 mm | 159 mm |
| Machine Weight | 5.4 kg | 6.4 kg |
| Energy Efficiency | Energy Star | Energy Star |
| Noise Level (dB) | 52 dB(A) | 50 dB(A) |
| Processor Speed | Integrated | 576 MHz |
| Internal Memory | 128 MB | 64 MB |
| Cloud Print Support | Epson Connect, Scan-to-Cloud | No |
| Security Features | WPA3 Personal Support | SSID Support |
| Compatible OS | Windows 11, macOS 12+ | Windows, macOS |
| Included in Box | 1 Set of Ink (102 Series) | Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow Bottles |
| Warranty Period | 1 Year (3 Years on Promo) | 1 Year |
| Recommended Use | Home Office Efficiency | Standard Family Use |
⚖️ Expert Verdict
The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 is a significant step up from the Brother DCP-T420W, primarily due to its auto-duplexing (2-sided printing) capability. This feature saves both time and paper, making it ideal for eco-conscious users. The ET-2850 also features a small color display for managing settings directly on the machine, whereas the T420W relies on button combinations and computer software. While both use high-yield ink bottles, Epson’s 'Key-Lock' bottles are more foolproof to prevent mixing colors. The Brother T420W is a great basic machine, but for a more modern and paper-efficient home office, the Epson ET-2850 is the more advanced and convenient choice.
What Owners Are Saying?
Epson EcoTank ET-2850
SmallBiz_Sarah ★★★★★
Brother DCP-T420W
Liam K. ★★★★☆