Designed for Different Needs

At first glance, the ET-3830 and ET-3850 seem almost identical. Both are all-in-one inkjet printers capable of printing, scanning, and copying. They’re also built on the same EcoTank foundation—featuring high-capacity, refillable ink tanks that significantly cut down on ongoing ink costs. Epson claims users can save up to 90% on ink with both models, thanks to ink bottles that can last for thousands of pages.

But while both printers are built for efficiency, their target users are slightly different. The ET-3830 is geared toward productive families who want a reliable printer for everyday use—think homework, forms, occasional color photos, and basic scanning. On the other hand, the ET-3850 is designed with the home office user in mind, offering features that streamline more frequent or business-like workflows.

Print Quality and Performance

When it comes to print quality, both models perform excellently. Epson’s PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology ensures sharp text and vibrant color graphics on a wide range of paper types. They also both support automatic two-sided printing, which is a real paper-saver over time.

In terms of speed, the ET-3850 has a slight edge. It delivers up to 15.5 pages per minute (ppm) in black and 8.5 ppm in color, while the ET-3830 offers 15 ppm black and 8 ppm color. These are modest differences, but if you’re printing large documents often, those extra seconds can add up.

ADF: The Real Differentiator

One of the biggest differences between the two models is the presence of an Auto Document Feeder (ADF) on the ET-3850. This feature makes scanning and copying multi-page documents much easier and faster. If you’re someone who handles paperwork regularly—whether for business, school, or administrative tasks—the ADF is a major time-saver. Unfortunately, this feature is not available on the ET-3830.

So, if document handling is part of your daily routine, the ET-3850 easily comes out on top in this category.

Connectivity and Ease of Use

Both printers offer modern connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and voice-activated printing. They’re compatible with Epson’s Smart Panel app, which allows for intuitive control right from your smartphone or tablet. Each model also includes a 2.4″ color display, making it easy to navigate settings and manage print jobs without needing to be tied to a computer.

Whether you’re printing from a laptop, desktop, or mobile device, both the ET-3830 and ET-3850 make the process simple and hassle-free.

Value for Money

This is where things get a bit surprising. Despite the added features like the ADF and slightly better performance, the ET-3850 is actually priced lower, currently listed at around $199. Meanwhile, the ET-3830 comes in at a higher $418. For buyers looking to get the most value out of their purchase, this pricing puts the ET-3850 in a very strong position.

Both models include up to two years’ worth of ink in the box, and they support the same EcoFit bottle system, making refills mess-free and straightforward. If you’re budget-conscious, it’s hard to ignore how much more the ET-3850 delivers for the price.

Customer Feedback

On Amazon, both printers enjoy generally positive reviews. The ET-3830 holds a 4.3-star rating from over 1,200 customers, while the ET-3850 has a 4-star rating from nearly 1,500 users. Most feedback praises the cost-efficiency of EcoTank printing, the ease of use, and the quality of prints. Some users note that setup can take a little time, but once configured, both printers perform reliably.

Final Verdict: ET-3850 Offers More for Less

If you’re deciding between these two EcoTank models, the Epson EcoTank ET-3850 stands out as the better overall choice. It’s not only more affordable, but it also includes an Auto Document Feeder and slightly better performance specs, making it perfect for home office users or anyone with higher printing demands.

The ET-3830 is still a great printer, especially for families who don’t need the ADF and prefer a clean, compact design. But for most buyers, the ET-3850 offers more functionality, better value, and a smoother workflow experience—all without breaking the bank.