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Epson 3850 vs 4850: Which EcoTank Printer Wins in 2025?
Choosing the right Epson EcoTank printer will have a significant impact on your home or small business setup in 2025. Both the Epson ET-3850 and 4850 offer exceptional value with exceptionally low running costs, refillable ink, and reliable performance. Let’s break down the differences between the Epson 3850 vs 4850, and which one you should choose.
Epson 3850 vs 4850: Rapid Overview
| Feature / Factor | Epson ET‑3850 | Epson ET‑4850 | Best For / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 2.4″ LCD, physical buttons | 2.4″ touchscreen | Touchscreen simplifies multi-step operations |
| Print Type | Color Inkjet | Color Inkjet | Both offer high-quality text and graphics |
| Print Resolution | Up to 1200 x 2400 dpi | Up to 1200 x 2400 dpi | Same photo/document quality |
| Print Speed (B&W) | 15 ppm | 14 ppm | Slightly faster for basic docs: ET‑3850 |
| Print Speed (Color) | 7 ppm | 7 ppm | Identical |
| Duplex Printing | Yes | Yes | Automatic double-sided printing |
| Scanner | Flatbed + ADF | Flatbed + ADF with dampened lid | ET‑4850 more convenient for multi-page scanning |
| Fax | No | Yes | Small business users need ET‑4850 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB | Same options |
| Mobile Printing | Epson Smart Panel, AirPrint, Google Print | Epson Smart Panel, AirPrint, Google Print | Same usability |
| Ink Type | Epson 502 | Epson 502 | Same low-cost refillable system |
| Black Ink Yield | 7,500 pages | 7,500 pages | Same efficiency |
| Color Ink Yield | 6,000 pages | 6,000 pages | Same efficiency |
| Paper Handling | 250-sheet tray | 250-sheet tray | Same capacity |
| Power Consumption | 14W printing / 2W standby | 14W printing / 2W standby | Energy-efficient |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 14.8 x 13.9 x 9.5 in | 14.8 x 13.9 x 9.5 in | Identical footprint |
| Warranty | 1-year limited | 1-year limited | Standard coverage |
| Best Use Case | Home office, casual printing, budget-focused | Small business, heavy document use, fax needed | Clear guide for readers |
Both printers offer similar core specifications and lower running costs. The Epson ET-4850 adds fax, a touchscreen, and enhanced scanning capabilities to improve efficiency for small businesses. For those who value simplicity and a budget, the Epson ET-3850 remains a strong contender.
About Epson EcoTank ET-3850
The Epson EcoTank ET-3850 is a reliable 3-in-1 printer perfect for home offices, offering print, scan, and copy functionality, along with duplex printing and an automatic document feeder (ADF).
It uses Epson 502 ink (7,500 pages in black and 6,000 pages in color) and offers an exceptionally low cost per page, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious users. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB. Its 2.4-inch LCD display and physical buttons make operation simple and intuitive.
About Epson EcoTank ET‑4850
The Epson EcoTank ET-4850 builds on the 3850 by adding fax functionality, a touchscreen, and a shock-absorbing scanner lid for smoother scanning. Print speed, quality, and ink usage are the same as the ET-3850, but these enhancements make it a better fit for small business workflows or those seeking additional convenience.
In other words, home offices with moderate printing needs will benefit from the ET-3850, while small businesses or users with high-volume document processing will benefit from the ET-4850’s additional features.
Epson ET-3850 vs 4850: What’s the Difference?
Print Quality
Both the Epson EcoTank ET-3850 and EcoTank ET-4850 deliver high-quality print quality for text documents, charts, and casual graphics. Text is crisp and easy to read, with a resolution of up to 1200 x 2400 dpi, making it more than adequate for printing letters, reports, or spreadsheets. Colors print vividly, with smooth gradations and high saturation, making them suitable for charts, presentations, or simple photos.
The ET-3850 is ideal for home office users who primarily print documents and occasionally print color pages. Text prints are consistently sharp, and color graphics are accurate enough for client presentations or school projects.
The ET-4850 offers the same core print quality but handles multi-page documents better, thanks to a slightly slower but more stable print speed that reduces smudging or streaking when printing large batches.
For casual printing, both models perform equally well. The Epson EcoTank ET-4850 may have a slight edge in reliability when printing in batches, thanks to firmware optimizations and hardware improvements like a shock-absorbing scanner cover.
Print Speed
The Epson ET-3850 prints at approximately 15 ppm in black and 7 ppm in color. Printing speeds are stable for single sheets or small batches, but may slow down slightly when printing double-sided or in large color volumes.
The Epson ET-4850, on the other hand, prints at approximately 14 ppm in black and 7 ppm in color. While slightly slower in black and white, the difference is negligible for most users. The ET-4850’s improved ADF and touchscreen interface speed up job setup, especially with multi-page scans and copies.
While the ET-3850 is slightly faster for simple black and white documents, the ET-4850’s workflow enhancements make it more efficient for multitasking. Users with high-volume printing may prefer the ET-4850 for its smoother document processing.
Ink Cost and Refill Experience
Both printers use Epson 502 ink bottles and have the same running costs.
- Epson 502 Black Ink: $24.99 for 7,500 pages
- Epson 502 Cyan/Magenta/Yellow: $16.99 each for 6,000 pages
- Epson 502 Ink 4-Pack: $75.95
Refilling is easy and convenient, with virtually no spillage, and the ink system is designed to prevent overfilling.
The ET-3850 is highly efficient for moderate, everyday printing; it’s ideal for users who primarily print text documents and occasionally print color pages.
The ET-4850 offers similar value, but with an improved automatic document feeder (ADF) and workflow, it’s better suited for high-volume printing, multi-page scanning, and frequent color printing.
They offer the same cost per page. Ultimately, the choice depends on the complexity of your workflow, not the ink savings.
Wireless Setup and App Usability
Both printers support Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz), Wi-Fi Direct, and Ethernet connectivity. Mobile printing options include the Epson Smart Panel app, AirPrint, and Google Cloud Print.
The ET-3850 is easy to set up with physical buttons, making it ideal for users who don’t need touchscreen navigation.
Additionally, the ET-4850’s touchscreen simplifies configuration and job selection, making it particularly useful for scanning multiple pages or adjusting print settings mid-job.
For everyday printing, both printers perform equally well. For frequently performed, multi-step tasks, the Epson ET-4850’s touchscreen offers a smoother experience.
Scanning and Copying
Both scanner models are flatbed scanners with an ADF. They support duplex scanning, reducing manual effort.
The ET-3850: Excellent for single-page scans or small batches. However, the standard scanner lid may make a slamming sound when closing, so extra care should be taken when scanning multiple pages.
The ET-4850: A new, shock-absorbing scanner lid prevents slamming, making repetitive scanning tasks easier and more convenient. Copy speed and quality remain the same as the ET-3850, but the new lid and touchscreen enhance the overall user experience.
Both models offer high-quality scans and copies. The ET-4850 is better suited for frequent multi-page scanning or small business workflows.
Epson EcoTank ET-3850 vs ET-4850: Which Should I Choose?
The Epson EcoTank ET-3850 strikes a perfect balance between affordability, low running costs, and solid performance. Its lower initial price than the Epson EcoTank ET-4850 makes it an ideal choice for home offices or occasional printers. The Epson ET-4850’s additional features, including fax functionality, touchscreen controls, and improved scanner operation, make its slightly higher price worthwhile for small businesses.
- Home Office/Light User: ET-3850 – Efficient, affordable, and easy to operate.
- Small Business/Heavy User: ET-4850 – Additional features improve workflow, especially for documents requiring faxing and touchscreen navigation.
- Occasional Printer/Budget User: ET-3850.
- Photographer: Both are suitable for everyday photo printing; for professional-quality photos, a dedicated photo printer is recommended.
Epson EcoTank ET-3850 ET-4850 FAQ
Is the Epson 4850 worth the extra cost?
Yes, if you need faxing, touchscreen navigation, or enhanced scanning capabilities. For simple home office use, the ET-3850 is more than adequate.
What’s the main difference between Epson 3850 and 4850?
The Epson ET-4850 adds fax functionality, a touchscreen, and a wet scanner lid. Core print specifications and ink efficiency are the same as the ET-3850.
Does either model work well for photo printing?
Both papers are adequate for everyday photo printing, but aren’t ideal for professional photo printing. The standard paper produces satisfactory results, while the glossy paper enhances the quality of photos used occasionally.
Epson 2850 vs 3850 vs 4850, which should I choose?
The Epson ET-2850 is a basic 3-in-1 printer without an ADF or Ethernet port, making it ideal for low-volume printing. The ET-3850 adds an ADF, two-sided printing, and enhanced productivity features. The ET-4850 is best suited for small businesses that need faxing, a touchscreen, and smoother scanning.
Conclusion
The Epson ET-3850 and 4850 are both excellent EcoTank choices. Choose the ET-3850 for affordable, convenient printing and efficient home printing. For small businesses requiring fax, a touchscreen, and enhanced scanning capabilities, upgrade to the ET-4850. Both printers use Epson 502 ink for the same low running costs, making them a wise long-term investment.
