Epson 2800 vs 2850: Which One Is Right for You?

The Epson 2800 and the Epson 2850 are very similar super-tank printers. They look similar and are priced similarly. Many users may have trouble choosing between them. In this blog, I will introduce you to their similarities and differences. I hope this blog will help you find the one that best matches your needs.

Overview

Comparison Dimension	Epson 2800	Epson 2850
Image
Cost	Low ink cost	Low ink cost; Priced slightly above the Epson 2800; Lower maintenance cost than the Epson 2800
Printing Technology	Inkjet	Inkjet
Configuration	4x Built-In Tank	4x Built-In Tank
Connect	WiFi, AirPrint, Wi-Fi Direct, Mopria	WiFi, AirPrint, Wi-Fi Direct, Mopria, Ethernet
Print Resolution	5760 x 1440 dpi	Color/Black: 4800 x 1200 dpi
Print Speed	10 ppm (Black) 5 ppm (Color)	10.5 ppm (Black) 5 ppm (Color)
Can print duplex	Manual	Automatic
First Print Out Time	15 sec (Black)	13 sec (Black)
Scanner Type	Flatbed Scanner	Flatbed Scanner
Maximum Scan Resolution	1200 dpi (Optical) 9600 dpi (Interpolated)	2400 dpi (Optical) 1200 x 2400 dpi (Hardware)
Use Experience	Large in size but lightweight	Compact in size, but relatively heavy

Similarities

	Epson 2800	Epson 2850
Functions	Print, Scan, Copy	Print, Scan, Copy
Printing Technology	Inkjet	Inkjet
Ink Type	Pigment-Based (Black) Dye-Based (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow)	Pigment-Based (Black) Dye-Based (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow)
Configuration	4x Built-In Tank	4x Built-In Tank
Feeder Tray Capacity	100 Sheets	100 Sheets

Differences

1. Price and Cost

Initial price: The price of the two printers is not much different. The Epson 2850 is slightly more expensive than the Epson 2800.

Long-term ink cost: Both printers utilize the EcoTank ink tank system, resulting in extremely low cost per page. The initial ink included can print up to 7,500 black-and-white pages and 6,000 color pages—enough for a family to use for 1 to 2 years.

Maintenance cost: The ET-2850 supports automatic printhead alignment, reducing the frequency of manual maintenance. Its Duplex printing function saves up to 40% of paper usage. Its duplex printing function can save up to 40% of paper usage. The longer it's used and the higher the print volume, the more noticeable its overall cost advantage becomes.

2. Connect

	Epson 2800	Epson 2850
WiFi	√	√
AirPrint	√	√
Wi-Fi Direct printing	√	√
Mopria	√	√
Blutooth	×	×
Ethernet	×	√

The basic wireless functions are the same:

Both models support the mainstream wireless connection methods: Wi-Fi, AirPrint, Wi-Fi Direct, and Mopria. This meets the wireless printing needs of mobile phones, tablets, and computers. Neither supports Bluetooth, but the Wi-Fi Direct function has covered the direct printing needs of mobile phones. This does not affect the user experience.

The only difference: ET-2850 has an Ethernet interface and supports wired networks. This can achieve:

• Enterprise-level network stability: avoid printing interruptions caused by WiFi signal interference
• Multi-device sharing management: multiple computers in the office can be connected at the same time
• Security isolation: sensitive files are transferred through independent intranet channels

In a word, in terms of connectivity:

Choose ET-2800: If it is just pure home wireless printing, choosing this printer is enough. You can also save the price difference.

Choose ET-2850: If you need to share with multiple people, have corporate office needs, or have high requirements for network stability, you can choose Epson 2850.

3. Print Quality

	Epson 2800	Epson 2850
Print Resolution	5760 x 1440 dpi	Color/Black: 4800 x 1200 dpi
Print Speed	10 ppm (Black) 5 ppm (Color)	10.5 ppm (Black) 5 ppm (Color)
Can print duplex	Manual	Automatic
First Print Out Time	15 sec (Black)	13 sec (Black)

 

1. Print resolution:

ET-2800: Up to 5760×1440 dpi. The text edges are sharper, and the photo details are more delicate.

ET-2850: Up to 4800×1200 dpi. Daily documents are clear enough, but the resolution of complex images is slightly weaker.

2. Duplex printing capability:

ET-2800: Only supports manual duplex printing, which requires manual paper turning, is prone to errors, and is time-consuming

ET-2850: Supports automatic duplex printing, saving time and paper

3. Output speed: The difference is negligible and has little impact on daily use.

4. Comprehensive purchase recommendations

Choose Epson 2800: If you pursue high printing accuracy or have a strict budget and rarely need double-sided printing, you can choose Epson 2800.

Choose Epson 2850: If you need to process multi-page documents frequently, or are willing to pay a premium of about 30% for long-term efficiency improvement, you can choose Epson 2850.

4. Scan Quality

	Epson 2800	Epson 2850
Type	Flatbed Scanner	Flatbed Scanner
Maximum Resolution	1200 dpi (Optical) 9600 dpi (Interpolated)	2400 dpi (Optical) 1200 x 2400 dpi (Hardware)
Color Depth	48 bit	48 bit
Scans documents to PDF	No	Yes
Has an Auto Scan Mode	No	Yes

 

1. Optical resolution:

ET-2800: Up to 1200 dpi. It can meet basic document scanning needs, but the details are blurred after the image is enlarged.

ET-2850: Hardware-level 1200×2400 dpi. Scanning details such as small print in contracts is clearer. This is the first choice for professional-level document archiving.

2. PDF generation capability:

ET-2800: The printer does not support scanning directly to PDF, and the image needs to be manually saved and converted; multi-page file processing is cumbersome.

ET-2850: The printer supports one-click PDF generation, which improves file archiving efficiency.

3. Automation level:

ET-2800: No automatic scanning mode; each page requires manual operation of the flatbed cover

ET-2850: The printer is equipped with an automatic scanning mode, which can scan continuously without supervision.

4. Comprehensive purchase recommendations

User needs	Recommended models	Key criteria
Student homework/family photo scanning	Epson 2800	1200dpi resolution is sufficient, and the cost is lower
Business contract/bill filing	Epson 2850	PDF direct output  and 2400dpi ensure that legal documents are legible
Digitalization of art design materials	Epson 2850	High resolution retains brushstroke details, and automatic mode improves batch processing efficiency

5. Use Experience

	Epson 2800	Epson 2850
Audible Noise	52dB	47dB
Volume	23292.38 cm³	17306.38 cm³
Weight	4.4Kg	5.6Kg
Operating Power Consumption	12 W	15W

1. Noise control:

ET-2800: Working noise is 52dB, close to normal conversation, and printing at night may disturb sleep.

ET-2850: The noise is only 47dB, equivalent to the sound of drizzle. The silent advantage is obvious, suitable for quiet environments such as bedrooms or study rooms.

Conclusion: ET-2850 is the first choice for those who are sensitive to noise (such as families with babies and night workers).

2. Volume and space occupation:

ET-2800: Volume is 23,292 cm³, with a shallow depth, suitable for narrow desktops.

ET-2850: The volume is reduced by 25%, but the weight is increased by 27%. It is inconvenient to move.

Conclusion: Choose ET-2800 for small spaces, and choose ET-2850 for fixed locations to save more space.

3. Power consumption performance: ET-2800 is more energy-efficient. But energy saving is not the core difference. Environmentalists may prefer ET-2800.

4. Comprehensive Guide

Demand scenario	Recommended model	Key experience advantage
Bedroom/night printing	ET-2850	47dB ultra-quiet, does not disturb rest
Renting/mobile office	ET-2800	Light 1.2kg (4.4kg), more flexible to carry
Fixed workstation, small desktop	ET-2850	25% smaller in size, narrower in depth (save 10cm in depth)
Long-term plug-in use	ET-2800	Low power consumption design, preferred by users who are sensitive to electricity costs

Buying Guide

Your Need	Recommended Model	Reasoning
Basic home printing and budget-conscious	ET-2800	Excellent cost-performance ratio, better resolution, compact, and space-saving
Home office, frequent scanning, and duplex printing	ET-2850	Comprehensive features with significant long-term efficiency gains
Student assignments and occasional photo printing	ET-2800	Sufficient for the task while keeping costs low
Small business document handling	ET-2850	PDF scanning and duplex printing greatly enhance professionalism

Conclusion

Although both Epson 2800 and Epson 2850 are large ink tank printers, these two printers are different in many aspects, such as functions, print quality, volume, and weight etc. When choosing a printer, we should consider our own needs.