Epson EcoTank ET-2850 vs Epson EcoTank ET-2861
Detailed Technical Comparison & Buying Guide
Epson EcoTank ET-2850 VS
Epson EcoTank ET-2861 Epson EcoTank ET-2850
✅ Automatic double-sided printing and colour LCD.
❌ Paper tray is still limited to 100 sheets.
Epson EcoTank ET-2861
✅ Ultra-low printing costs, includes up to 3 years of ink in the box.
❌ Higher upfront cost and lacks an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF).
| Feature | Epson EcoTank ET-2850 | Epson EcoTank ET-2861 |
|---|---|---|
| Print Technology | PrecisionCore Print Head | PrecisionCore Heat-Free |
| Colour Output | Color | Color |
| Print Resolution | 4800 x 1200 dpi | 5760 x 1440 dpi |
| Black Print Speed (PPM) | 10.5 ppm | 10.0 ppm |
| Colour Print Speed (PPM) | 5 ppm | 5.0 ppm |
| First Page Out Time | 10 sec | 10 sec |
| Auto Double-Sided | Automatic (2-sided) | Manual |
| Input Paper Capacity | 100 Sheets | 100 Sheets |
| Output Tray Capacity | 30 Sheets | 30 Sheets |
| Supported Paper Sizes | A4, A5, A6, B5, B6 | A4, A5, A6, B5, C6, DL |
| Paper Weight Support | 64 to 300 g/m² | 64 to 300 g/m² |
| Scanner Type | CIS Flatbed | CIS Flatbed |
| Scan Resolution | 1200 x 2400 dpi | 1200 x 2400 dpi |
| Auto Document Feeder | None | None |
| Copy Speed | Up to 7.7 ipm | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Ethernet Support | No | No |
| USB Connectivity | Hi-Speed USB | High-speed 2.0 |
| Mobile Printing Support | Epson Smart Panel, AirPrint | Epson Smart Panel, Apple AirPrint |
| Display Panel | 3.7 cm Colour LCD | 3.7 cm Colour LCD |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | 3,000 pages | 3,000 pages |
| Ink/Cartridge System | EcoTank 102 Ink Bottles | Epson 104 Ink Bottles |
| Borderless Printing | Yes | Yes (up to 10x15cm) |
| Width | 375 mm | 375 mm |
| Depth | 347 mm | 347 mm |
| Height | 187 mm | 179 mm |
| Machine Weight | 5.4 kg | 3.9 kg |
| Energy Efficiency | Energy Star | 12 Watts (Standalone copying) |
| Noise Level (dB) | 52 dB(A) | 5.1 B(A) |
| Processor Speed | Integrated | N/A |
| Internal Memory | 128 MB | N/A |
| Cloud Print Support | Epson Connect, Scan-to-Cloud | Epson Connect |
| Security Features | WPA3 Personal Support | WEP, WPA-PSK |
| Compatible OS | Windows 11, macOS 12+ | Windows, macOS |
| Included in Box | 1 Set of Ink (102 Series) | Full Ink Set, Power Cable |
| Warranty Period | 1 Year (3 Years on Promo) | 1 Year (Up to 3 Years on Promo) |
| Recommended Use | Home Office Efficiency | Home Office, High Volume Printing |
⚖️ Expert Verdict
This is a battle of internal refinement. Both handle auto-duplexing and offer high-yield ink savings, but the ET-2861 features an updated firmware and a more robust Wi-Fi module designed for the demands of the mid-2020s office. The 2850 is a solid workhorse, but the 2861 feels like a more 'sorted' version of the same DNA. If you want the most seamless experience with the latest software updates and better app integration, the ET-2861 is the winner by a narrow margin. It's the most refined version of the mid-range EcoTank line.
What Owners Are Saying?
Epson EcoTank ET-2850
SmallBiz_Sarah ★★★★★
Epson EcoTank ET-2861
Oliver ★★★★★
Sarah P. ★★★★☆