Epson EcoTank ET-4950 vs. ET-4850: Which Multifunction Printer Should You Choose?
The EcoTank range features a wide variety of cartridge-free printers to suit your everyday printing needs. With 1,000s of pages worth of ink included and big refillable ink tanks, you no longer need to worry about running out of ink and buying expensive ink cartridges all the time. Just set and forget! NO cartridges…NO JOKE!
The Epson EcoTank series has revolutionized home and small office printing with its cartridge-free design and ultra-low running costs. The latest addition, the ET-4950, builds upon the solid foundation of the ET-4850, introducing enhancements that cater to modern printing needs. Let's delve into the differences and help you decide which model suits your requirements.
🔍 Feature Comparison
| Feature | Epson ET-4950 | Epson ET-4850 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2024 | 2021 |
| Functions | Print, Copy, Scan, Fax | Print, Copy, Scan, Fax |
| Print Speed (ISO) | Up to 17 ppm (Black), 9.5 ppm (Color) | Up to 15.5 ppm (Black), 8.5 ppm (Color) |
| Display | 2.7" Color Touchscreen | 2.4" Color Touchscreen |
| Duplex Printing | Yes | Yes |
| Duplex Scanning | Yes | No |
| ADF Capacity | 30 sheets | 30 sheets |
| Paper Input Capacity | 250 sheets | 250 sheets |
| Connectivity | USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Wi-Fi Direct | USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Mobile Printing Support | Epson Smart Panel, Apple AirPrint, Mopria | Epson Smart Panel, Apple AirPrint, Mopria |
| Ink System | EcoTank (T502 series) | EcoTank (T502 series) |
| Ink Yield (Black/Color) | 7,500 / 6,000 pages | 7,500 / 6,000 pages |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 375 x 347 x 231 mm | 375 x 347 x 231 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 7.3 kg | Approx. 6.9 kg |
| Warranty | 2 Years (upon registration) | 2 Years (upon registration) |
✅ Key Improvements in the Epson EcoTank ET-4950
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Duplex Scanning Capability: The ET-4950 introduces automatic two-sided scanning via the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), a feature absent in the ET-4850. This enhancement streamlines the process of digitizing double-sided documents, saving time and effort.
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Enhanced Print Speeds: With print speeds of up to 17 ppm for black and 9.5 ppm for color, the ET-4950 offers a noticeable improvement over the ET-4850, making it more efficient for high-volume printing tasks.
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Larger Touchscreen Display: The ET-4950 features a 2.7" color touchscreen, providing a more intuitive and user-friendly interface compared to the 2.4" display on the ET-4850.
🧪 Shared Strengths
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EcoTank System: Both models utilize Epson's EcoTank technology, employing the T502 ink bottle series, which offers high page yields and significantly reduces the cost per page.
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Connectivity Options: Each printer supports USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi Direct connections, along with compatibility with mobile printing solutions like Epson Smart Panel, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria.
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Paper Handling: Both printers come equipped with a 250-sheet paper tray and a 30-sheet ADF, accommodating various printing and scanning needs.
🤔 Which Model Should You Choose?
Opt for the ET-4950 if:
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You require automatic duplex scanning for double-sided documents.
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Enhanced print speeds are crucial for your workflow.
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A larger, more responsive touchscreen interface is preferred.
Stick with the ET-4850 if:
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Duplex scanning is not a necessity for your operations.
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You are looking for a cost-effective solution without the need for the latest enhancements.
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Your printing volume is moderate, and existing features suffice.
🧾 Conclusion
The Epson EcoTank ET-4950 builds upon the solid foundation of the ET-4850, introducing features like duplex scanning, faster print speeds, and a larger touchscreen display. These enhancements cater to users with higher productivity demands and those seeking greater convenience. However, if your printing needs are more modest and budget considerations are paramount, the ET-4850 remains a reliable and efficient choice.
Both models uphold Epson's commitment to cost-effective, high-quality printing, ensuring that regardless of your choice, you're investing in a dependable printing solution.
