Epson EcoTank ET-4850 vs Brother DCP-T420W
Detailed Technical Comparison & Buying Guide
Epson EcoTank ET-4850 VS
Brother DCP-T420W Epson EcoTank ET-4850
✅ Massive 250-sheet paper tray and ADF.
❌ Higher upfront cost than basic EcoTanks.
Brother DCP-T420W
✅ Excellent entry-level tank printer for small tasks.
❌ Small internal memory can slow down complex PDFs.
| Feature | Epson EcoTank ET-4850 | 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) | 15.5 ppm | 16 ipm |
| Colour Print Speed (PPM) | 8.5 ppm | 9 ipm |
| First Page Out Time | 9 sec | 10 sec |
| Auto Double-Sided | Automatic | Manual |
| Input Paper Capacity | 250 Sheets | 150 Sheets |
| Output Tray Capacity | 30 Sheets | 50 Sheets |
| Supported Paper Sizes | A4, A5, A6, B5, LGL | A4, LTR, EXE, A5, A6 |
| Paper Weight Support | 64 to 250 g/m² | 64 to 220 g/m² |
| Scanner Type | Flatbed, ADF | Flatbed CIS |
| Scan Resolution | 1200 x 2400 dpi | 1200 x 2400 dpi |
| Auto Document Feeder | 30 Sheets | None |
| Copy Speed | Up to 11 ipm | Up to 8 ipm |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct | 802.11b/g/n |
| Ethernet Support | Ethernet (100Base-TX) | No |
| USB Connectivity | Hi-Speed USB | Hi-Speed USB 2.0 |
| Mobile Printing Support | Apple AirPrint, Epson Smart Panel | Brother Mobile Connect |
| Display Panel | 6.1 cm Colour Touchscreen | LED Buttons |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | 5,000 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 | 231 mm | 159 mm |
| Machine Weight | 6.7 kg | 6.4 kg |
| Energy Efficiency | Energy Star | Energy Star |
| Noise Level (dB) | 52 dB(A) | 50 dB(A) |
| Processor Speed | N/A | 576 MHz |
| Internal Memory | 256 MB | 64 MB |
| Cloud Print Support | Scan to Cloud, Email Print | No |
| Security Features | WPA3 Personal | SSID Support |
| Compatible OS | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS |
| Included in Box | Full Ink Set (102 Series) | Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow Bottles |
| Warranty Period | 1 Year (3 Years on Promo) | 1 Year |
| Recommended Use | Small Office Performance | Standard Family Use |
⚖️ Expert Verdict
Comparing these two is a mismatch in favor of the Epson ET-4850. While the Brother T420W is a basic entry-level printer, the ET-4850 is a premium business-class EcoTank. The Epson features a 30-sheet Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), high-speed Ethernet, and a large color touchscreen. It is designed to handle thousands of pages per month with ease. The Brother T420W is intended for light home use and lacks any form of document feeder or duplexing. For anyone running a small business from home, the ET-4850 is the clear winner for its productivity features and significantly higher paper capacity, even though it comes at a much higher price point.
What Owners Are Saying?
Epson EcoTank ET-4850
LegalEagle ★★★★★
Will R. ★★★★★
Brother DCP-T420W
Liam K. ★★★★☆