The Epson EcoTank ET-3850 and ET-4850 are two reliable, eco-friendly printers built for efficient home or office use.
While they look similar and share many features, each is tailored to slightly different needs, making the choice between them a matter of what works best for your workflow.
Epson EcoTank ET-3850 vs ET-4850: Specs Comparison
Feature | Epson EcoTank ET-3850 | Epson EcoTank ET-4850 |
Printing Technology | Inkjet | Inkjet |
Ink System | Cartridge-Free EcoTank | Cartridge-Free EcoTank |
Print Speeds | 15.5 ppm (B/W), 8.5 ppm (Color) | 15.5 ppm (B/W), 8.5 ppm (Color) |
Print Resolution | 1200 x 2400 dpi | 600 x 2400 dpi |
Scanner & Copier | Yes | Yes |
Fax | No | Yes |
Auto Document Feeder (ADF) | Yes | Yes |
Price | $199 | $459 |
Customer Rating | 4.0 (1,482 reviews) | 4.2 (1,640 reviews) |
Which is Better: Epson EcoTank ET-3850 or ET-4850?
Between the two, the Epson EcoTank ET-4850 is the better choice—especially if you’re looking for a more complete, office-ready solution. It includes all the core features of the ET-3850, like cartridge-free printing, wireless connectivity, and high-capacity ink tanks, but adds valuable extras such as built-in fax capabilities and a responsive color touchscreen for easier navigation.
These added features make the ET-4850 more versatile and convenient, particularly for business users or anyone managing a higher volume of work. While the ET-3850 is a great value option for more basic needs, the ET-4850 offers a more premium, future-ready experience that’s worth the investment if your budget allows.
What is the Difference Between the EcoTank 3850 and 4850?
The Epson EcoTank ET-3850 and ET-4850 are both excellent all-in-one printers, but they have some key differences:
Fax Functionality: The ET-4850 includes fax capabilities, while the ET-3850 does not. This makes the ET-4850 a better choice for businesses or users who still need faxing features.
Touchscreen Interface: The ET-4850 has a 2.4-inch color touchscreen, providing a more modern and user-friendly interface for easy navigation. In contrast, the ET-3850 uses a color LCD screen with physical buttons for control.
Price: The ET-4850 is priced higher (around $459), while the ET-3850 is more affordable (around $199), making the ET-3850 a better choice for budget-conscious users who don’t need the extra features.
Mobile Printing Features: The ET-4850 supports additional mobile printing services like Mopria Print and Scan, which the ET-3850 does not have.
Overall, the ET-4850 is more feature-packed, making it ideal for office settings, while the ET-3850 is a more budget-friendly option for home use.
Overview of the EcoTank Advantage
Both the ET-3850 and ET-4850 share the core benefits of Epson’s EcoTank technology. Instead of using traditional ink cartridges, these printers come equipped with high-capacity, refillable ink tanks. One full set of ink bottles can replace up to 80 individual cartridges, offering significant savings—up to 90% compared to regular cartridge costs.
Epson includes up to two years of ink in the box, making it possible to print thousands of pages without needing a refill. This makes both models extremely attractive for users looking to cut down on printing costs and reduce the frequency of ink purchases.
Similarities That Matter
Functionally, both printers offer strong performance for both home and office use. They come with essential features like auto two-sided printing, automatic document feeders (ADF), and wireless connectivity. Users can also print from mobile devices using the Epson Smart Panel app and enjoy the convenience of voice-activated printing.
Thanks to Epson’s PrecisionCore Heat-Free technology, both the ET-3850 and ET-4850 deliver sharp text and vibrant color images on a wide variety of paper types. Whether you’re printing documents, graphics, or photos, you can expect consistent, high-quality output from either device.
What Sets the ET-4850 Apart
While the two models have a lot in common, the Epson EcoTank ET-4850 offers a few premium features that cater more to professional or office environments. Most notably, the ET-4850 includes built-in fax capabilities, which can be essential for certain business operations. This feature alone can be a deciding factor for office settings that still rely on faxing.
Another key difference is the touchscreen interface. The ET-4850 features a 2.4-inch color touchscreen, making navigation and settings adjustments faster and more intuitive. In contrast, the ET-3850 also has a 2.4-inch color display, but it uses physical buttons for control, which may feel less modern or convenient to some users.
The ET-4850 also supports additional mobile services like Mopria Print and Scan, giving it a slight edge in terms of connectivity and flexibility.
Where the ET-3850 Shines
The Epson EcoTank ET-3850 is designed with simplicity and affordability in mind. Priced at around $199, it delivers nearly all the core functionality of its higher-priced sibling but without fax support or a touchscreen. For home users or small offices that don’t require faxing, this model offers excellent value.
With a 4-star rating from over 1,400 Amazon users, the ET-3850 is widely praised for its reliability, print quality, and ink savings. It also has a robust paper tray, supports duplex printing, and handles high-volume printing with ease—making it a strong option for users who want solid performance at a more budget-friendly price.
Performance and Build
Both printers share the same print speed—up to 15.5 pages per minute for black-and-white and 8.5 for color—so you’re not sacrificing speed regardless of which model you choose. However, the ET-4850 is surprisingly lighter, weighing about 14.8 pounds compared to the ET-3850’s 19.1 pounds, which might be a factor if you need a more portable setup.
Interestingly, the ET-3850 has a slightly higher print resolution at 1200 x 2400 dpi, while the ET-4850 offers 600 x 2400 dpi. This might give the ET-3850 a slight edge in print sharpness for detailed documents or photos, though the difference may not be noticeable for casual users.
Price vs. Value
One of the most noticeable differences between these two models is the price. At $199, the ET-3850 is nearly half the cost of the $459 ET-4850. That price difference mostly accounts for the fax feature, touchscreen interface, and added mobile capabilities.
If you don’t need those extra features, the ET-3850 provides all the essential functions at a significantly lower cost, making it a great choice for students, remote workers, and families. On the other hand, the ET-4850 justifies its higher price with business-friendly enhancements that streamline more advanced workflows.
Final Verdict
Both the Epson EcoTank ET-3850 and ET-4850 are excellent printers that offer long-term savings, high performance, and eco-friendly printing. If you need a full-featured all-in-one for a small office—with faxing and a touchscreen—the ET-4850 is a smart investment. But if you’re looking to save money without sacrificing core functionality, the ET-3850 is a powerful and practical choice for most users.
Ultimately, your decision will come down to your specific needs and how much you’re willing to spend on added convenience.
