TLDR Review: Epson Ecotank ET3850 Printer
Pros
- •Setup is straightforward with helpful app guidance for loading ink, and ink filling is mesree thanks to redesigned bottles and tank ports.
- •Offers reliable wireless printing compatible with both Android and iOS devices, with seamless connection options.
- •Produces sharp and vibrant print quality, especially for documents and photos, close to store quality.
- •Lonasting ink supply that can last over a year with regular use, reducing operational costs.
- •Support for automatic duplex (twided) printing boosts efficiency.
- •Cosffective and low-maintenance alternative to traditional inkjet or laser printers.
- •Handles doublided printing effectively and supports various media types, including photo paper.
- •Includes a flatbed scanner and auto document feeder for versatile scanning and copying needs.
- •Supports higolume printing, with some users printing hundreds of pages without issues.
- •Generally good value for money, especially considering the long ink bottles' lifespan.
Cons
- •Frequently experiences WiFi connection issues, despite showing as connected, leading to failed remote printing attempts.
- •Printer often cycles as if preparing to print but then makes no output, requiring power cycling and maintenance.
- •The software installation can be problematic; multiple users report difficulty downloading or recognizing the printer on new or existing computers.
- •The user interface (including the LCD menu and buttons) can be confusing and nontuitive, especially during setup and multi-page copying.
- •Paper jams and recurring error messages are common, leading to frustration.
- •Some reports of the device feeling refurbished or older than expected, with print history suggesting older manufacturing dates.
- •Frequent print head issues may require manual realignment and deep cleaning, which consumes ink and can be messy.
- •Sometimes produces pages upside down, requiring adjustments.
- •User reviews mention that the scanner and copying operations are slow and sometimes unreliable.
- •After about two years, some components, like ink tanks, can stop working properly, although cleaning can sometimes resolve these issues.
Bottom Line
This Epson EcoTank ET-3850 is a solid choice for those who want a cost-effective, cartridge-free printer with good quality output and high-volume capacity. However, it’s worth noting that many users encounter WiFi connectivity problems, software setup frustrations, and occasional maintenance headaches. If you are okay with some troubleshooting and prefer a device with long-lasting ink tanks and duplex features, this could be a worthwhile investment. Still, if you need a hassle-free, highly reliable wireless printer with easier setup, you might want to compare it to a model like the <component-button-product identifierProduct="12345-67890..."> which is known for smoother connectivity.
How we researched this
About this review: We pulled together findings from professional reviews and hundreds of user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from 21 retailers to give you the short version.
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