Epson EcoTank ET-4850 vs Epson EcoTank ET-2861
Detailed Technical Comparison & Buying Guide
Epson EcoTank ET-4850 Epson EcoTank ET-4850
Epson EcoTank ET-2861
| 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 Epson EcoTank ET-2861 and the ET-4850 represent the entry and flagship points of Epson's tank printer range. The ET-2861 is a simple 3-in-1 designed for users who want to print cheaply without many bells and whistles, while the ET-4850 is a productivity powerhouse. The ET-4850 includes a 30-sheet ADF, automatic duplex printing, and a front-loading 250-sheet paper cassette—all of which are missing from the ET-2861. Scanning on the ET-2861 is a slow, manual process, whereas the ET-4850 can handle multi-page reports with ease. The ET-4850 also features a large colour touchscreen and an Ethernet port for much more reliable office networking. While both offer the same industry-leading ink economy, the ET-4850 is significantly faster and built for much higher workloads. For a student in a dorm, the ET-2861 is a decent space-saver, but for a home office, it is simply outclassed. The ET-4850 provides a much more professional and time-saving experience for anyone with a serious document workload. The Epson ET-4850 is our undisputed winner.