The HP Smart Tank 5101 and 5103 are both efficient all-in-one printers designed for home and small office use.
While they look similar and share many features, there are slight differences in their software support and bundled services.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose the right one for your needs.
HP Smart Tank 5101 vs 5103: Specs Comparison
Feature | HP Smart Tank 5101 | HP Smart Tank 5103 |
Functions | Print, Scan, Copy | Print, Scan, Copy |
Print Technology | HP Thermal Inkjet | HP Thermal Inkjet |
Wireless & Mobile Printing | Yes | Yes |
Ink Included | 2 Years of Ink | 2 Years of Ink + 100 sheets of photo paper |
Maximum Copy Resolution | 600 dpi | ≤ 1200 x 1200 dpi |
Special Features | Auto Power On, Network-Ready, Energy Efficient | Auto Power On, Network-Ready |
Power Consumption | 0.11 Watts | 3.02 Watts |
Weight | 11.1 lbs | 11.1 lbs |
Price | $179 | $259 |
Which is Better: HP Smart Tank 5101 or 5103?
Answer: HP Smart Tank 5101
Reason to Choose HP Smart Tank 5101
The HP Smart Tank 5101 is the better choice primarily because it offers all the essential features of a high-quality ink tank printer at a significantly lower price. For just $179, you get wireless printing, mobile support, borderless photo printing, and up to 6,000 pages of ink right out of the box. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and perfect for everyday home use such as documents, homework, and casual photo prints.
You also get the same print speed (12 ppm black / 5 ppm color) and printing technology (HP Thermal Inkjet) as the more expensive model, making the 5101 a more value-for-money option.
Why the HP Smart Tank 5103 Falls Short
While the HP Smart Tank 5103 includes an extra pack of 100 sheets of photo paper and slightly higher copy resolution (up to 1200 x 1200 dpi), it comes at a much higher cost — $259. These minor upgrades do not justify the $80 price difference for most users, especially when the core features like printing quality, ink yield, speed, and wireless connectivity are identical to the 5101.
Moreover, the 5103 consumes more power (3.02 Watts vs. 0.11 Watts in the 5101), which may not be ideal for energy-conscious users.
Verdict
If you’re looking for a dependable, cost-effective, and easy-to-use ink tank printer for your home, the HP Smart Tank 5101 is the smarter choice. It delivers the same performance and features as the 5103, minus the unnecessary extras and higher price. Unless you’re specifically focused on photo printing with high-resolution copies, the 5101 offers far better value and is the more practical option for most users.
Design and Core Features
Both printers share the same compact design and core all-in-one features — print, scan, and copy. They also support borderless printing, making them ideal for photo enthusiasts and creative families. With wireless and mobile printing capabilities, you can control either device using the HP Smart App, which simplifies setup and daily operations like scanning or copying from your smartphone.
Powered by HP Thermal Inkjet technology, both models promise crisp black text and vibrant color prints. They deliver a maximum print speed of 12 pages per minute (black) and 5 pages per minute (color) — more than sufficient for typical home use.
Print Volume and Ink Efficiency
One of the major selling points for both the HP Smart Tank 5101 and 5103 is the inclusion of 2 years’ worth of ink in the box. That translates to up to 6,000 black or color pages, making these printers an economical choice for families that print regularly. Whether it’s school assignments, family photos, or daily documents, you can print without worrying about frequent refills.
And speaking of refills — both models feature HP’s mess-free refill system. Just plug the ink bottles into the tank and let them drain automatically. There’s no squeezing and no risk of ink spills, which makes maintenance effortless.
Performance and Usability
The HP Smart Tank 5101 and 5103 offer reliable wireless connectivity through self-healing Wi-Fi, which automatically detects and resolves connection issues. Security is also built-in, thanks to HP Wolf Essential Security, which helps protect your data with basic encryption and password protection.
Both printers are incredibly user-friendly, especially for non-tech-savvy users. Whether you’re printing from a desktop, tablet, or mobile phone, the HP Smart App gives you full control with an intuitive interface. You can print, scan, or copy with just a few taps — no need to dig through complicated menus.
What Sets the HP Smart Tank 5103 Apart?
While both printers share most of their specifications, the HP Smart Tank 5103 comes with a few extras that justify its higher price tag of $259, compared to the $179 price of the 5101.
Firstly, the 5103 includes a 100-sheet pack of photo paper, making it a better option for users who frequently print photographs or craft projects. It also offers a higher maximum copy resolution — up to 1200 x 1200 dpi — compared to the 600 dpi resolution of the 5101. This results in sharper, more detailed black-and-white copies, which can be beneficial for reproducing documents with fine text or lines.
Additionally, the 5103 consumes more power (3.02 Watts) compared to the ultra-low 0.11 Watts of the 5101, although this may not make a significant difference in home electricity bills.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re looking for an affordable and reliable printer for everyday document printing, the HP Smart Tank 5101 is an excellent choice. It provides all the essential features at a lower cost and is perfect for general use like schoolwork, printing forms, or casual color prints.
On the other hand, if you’re someone who prints photos regularly or prefers higher-quality copy resolution, the HP Smart Tank 5103 offers those extra perks along with the added bonus of photo paper in the box. It’s a better fit for creative households or users who want more detail in their prints and copies.
Final Thoughts
Both the HP Smart Tank 5101 and 5103 offer impressive value with low running costs, easy maintenance, and solid print quality. Your final decision will likely come down to your budget and printing needs. If basic functionality and savings are your priorities, go with the 5101. But if you’re willing to spend a bit more for better photo support and sharper copies, the 5103 is a worthwhile upgrade.
