Brother DCP-T420W vs Epson EcoTank ET-2861
Detailed Technical Comparison & Buying Guide
Brother DCP-T420W 
Epson EcoTank ET-2861 Brother DCP-T420W
Epson EcoTank ET-2861
| Feature | Brother DCP-T420W | Epson EcoTank ET-2861 |
|---|---|---|
| Print Technology | Inkjet Tank System | PrecisionCore Heat-Free |
| Colour Output | Color | Color |
| Print Resolution | 1200 x 6000 dpi | 5760 x 1440 dpi |
| Black Print Speed (PPM) | 16 ipm | 10.0 ppm |
| Colour Print Speed (PPM) | 9 ipm | 5.0 ppm |
| First Page Out Time | 10 sec | 10 sec |
| Auto Double-Sided | Manual | Manual |
| Input Paper Capacity | 150 Sheets | 100 Sheets |
| Output Tray Capacity | 50 Sheets | 30 Sheets |
| Supported Paper Sizes | A4, LTR, EXE, A5, A6 | A4, A5, A6, B5, C6, DL |
| Paper Weight Support | 64 to 220 g/m² | 64 to 300 g/m² |
| Scanner Type | Flatbed CIS | CIS Flatbed |
| Scan Resolution | 1200 x 2400 dpi | 1200 x 2400 dpi |
| Auto Document Feeder | None | None |
| Copy Speed | Up to 8 ipm | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | 802.11b/g/n | Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Ethernet Support | No | No |
| USB Connectivity | Hi-Speed USB 2.0 | High-speed 2.0 |
| Mobile Printing Support | Brother Mobile Connect | Epson Smart Panel, Apple AirPrint |
| Display Panel | LED Buttons | 3.7 cm Colour LCD |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | 2,500 pages | 3,000 pages |
| Ink/Cartridge System | BTD60BK / BT5000 Bottles | Epson 104 Ink Bottles |
| Borderless Printing | Yes | Yes (up to 10x15cm) |
| Width | 435 mm | 375 mm |
| Depth | 359 mm | 347 mm |
| Height | 159 mm | 179 mm |
| Machine Weight | 6.4 kg | 3.9 kg |
| Energy Efficiency | Energy Star | 12 Watts (Standalone copying) |
| Noise Level (dB) | 50 dB(A) | 5.1 B(A) |
| Processor Speed | 576 MHz | N/A |
| Internal Memory | 64 MB | N/A |
| Cloud Print Support | No | Epson Connect |
| Security Features | SSID Support | WEP, WPA-PSK |
| Compatible OS | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS |
| Included in Box | Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow Bottles | Full Ink Set, Power Cable |
| Warranty Period | 1 Year | 1 Year (Up to 3 Years on Promo) |
| Recommended Use | Standard Family Use | Home Office, High Volume Printing |
⚖️ Expert Verdict
The Brother DCP-T420W and Epson ET-2861 target the same high-volume, low-cost market. The Epson ET-2861 is a slightly newer iteration of their EcoTank line, offering refined software and excellent wireless connectivity. While the Brother T420W feels more like a traditional office machine with its sturdy construction, the Epson is more refined for home-office integration. The print quality on the Epson is marginally better for graphics and charts, whereas the Brother handles sharp black text exceptionally well. Ultimately, the Epson ET-2861 wins because it offers a more seamless user experience via its mobile app and slightly more refined print heads that are less prone to clogging over long idle periods.