Epson EcoTank ET-4850 vs Epson EcoTank ET-2861
Detailed Technical Comparison & Buying Guide
Epson EcoTank ET-4850 VS
Epson EcoTank ET-2861 Epson EcoTank ET-4850
✅ Massive 250-sheet paper tray and ADF.
❌ Higher upfront cost than basic EcoTanks.
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-4850 | 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) | 15.5 ppm | 10.0 ppm |
| Colour Print Speed (PPM) | 8.5 ppm | 5.0 ppm |
| First Page Out Time | 9 sec | 10 sec |
| Auto Double-Sided | Automatic | Manual |
| Input Paper Capacity | 250 Sheets | 100 Sheets |
| Output Tray Capacity | 30 Sheets | 30 Sheets |
| Supported Paper Sizes | A4, A5, A6, B5, LGL | A4, A5, A6, B5, C6, DL |
| Paper Weight Support | 64 to 250 g/m² | 64 to 300 g/m² |
| Scanner Type | Flatbed, ADF | CIS Flatbed |
| Scan Resolution | 1200 x 2400 dpi | 1200 x 2400 dpi |
| Auto Document Feeder | 30 Sheets | None |
| Copy Speed | Up to 11 ipm | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Ethernet Support | Ethernet (100Base-TX) | No |
| USB Connectivity | Hi-Speed USB | High-speed 2.0 |
| Mobile Printing Support | Apple AirPrint, Epson Smart Panel | Epson Smart Panel, Apple AirPrint |
| Display Panel | 6.1 cm Colour Touchscreen | 3.7 cm Colour LCD |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | 5,000 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 | 231 mm | 179 mm |
| Machine Weight | 6.7 kg | 3.9 kg |
| Energy Efficiency | Energy Star | 12 Watts (Standalone copying) |
| Noise Level (dB) | 52 dB(A) | 5.1 B(A) |
| Processor Speed | N/A | N/A |
| Internal Memory | 256 MB | N/A |
| Cloud Print Support | Scan to Cloud, Email Print | Epson Connect |
| Security Features | WPA3 Personal | WEP, WPA-PSK |
| Compatible OS | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS |
| Included in Box | Full Ink Set (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 | Small Office Performance | Home Office, High Volume Printing |
⚖️ Expert Verdict
The ET-2861 is the modern prosumer choice, but the ET-4850 is a true business-class unit. With a larger paper capacity, a proper touchscreen, and a faster ADF, the 4850 is designed for 'set-it-and-forget-it' reliability in a busy workspace. The 2861 is great for a solo freelancer, but for a team or a heavy personal workload, the 4850's superior throughput and networking make it the winner. It’s an investment in your own productivity that pays off every time you don't have to wait for a print job to finish.
What Owners Are Saying?
Epson EcoTank ET-4850
LegalEagle ★★★★★
Will R. ★★★★★
Epson EcoTank ET-2861
Oliver ★★★★★
Sarah P. ★★★★☆