# TLDR Review: Epson Ecotank ET3850 Printer *Published: 2026-04-30 | Updated: 2026-04-30 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/epson-ecotank-et3850-printer* --- ## Product: Epson Ecotank ET3850 Printer **Brand:** Epson ## Pros - Setup is straightforward with helpful app guidance for loading ink, and ink filling is mess-free 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. - Long-lasting ink supply that can last over a year with regular use, reducing operational costs. - Support for automatic duplex (two-sided) printing boosts efficiency. - Cost-effective and low-maintenance alternative to traditional inkjet or laser printers. - Handles double-sided 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 high-volume 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 non-intuitive, 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 which is known for smoother connectivity. ## Pros vs Cons at a Glance | Pros | Cons | |------|------| | Setup is straightforward with helpful app guidance for loading ink, and ink filling is mess-free thanks to redesigned bottles and tank ports. | Frequently experiences WiFi connection issues, despite showing as connected, leading to failed remote printing attempts. | | Offers reliable wireless printing compatible with both Android and iOS devices, with seamless connection options. | Printer often cycles as if preparing to print but then makes no output, requiring power cycling and maintenance. | | Produces sharp and vibrant print quality, especially for documents and photos, close to store quality. | The software installation can be problematic; multiple users report difficulty downloading or recognizing the printer on new or existing computers. | | Long-lasting ink supply that can last over a year with regular use, reducing operational costs. | The user interface (including the LCD menu and buttons) can be confusing and non-intuitive, especially during setup and multi-page copying. | | Support for automatic duplex (two-sided) printing boosts efficiency. | Paper jams and recurring error messages are common, leading to frustration. | | Cost-effective and low-maintenance alternative to traditional inkjet or laser printers. | Some reports of the device feeling refurbished or older than expected, with print history suggesting older manufacturing dates. | | Handles double-sided printing effectively and supports various media types, including photo paper. | Frequent print head issues may require manual realignment and deep cleaning, which consumes ink and can be messy. | | Includes a flatbed scanner and auto document feeder for versatile scanning and copying needs. | Sometimes produces pages upside down, requiring adjustments. | | Supports high-volume printing, with some users printing hundreds of pages without issues. | User reviews mention that the scanner and copying operations are slow and sometimes unreliable. | | Generally good value for money, especially considering the long ink bottles' lifespan. | After about two years, some components, like ink tanks, can stop working properly, although cleaning can sometimes resolve these issues. | ## Current Prices | Retailer | Price | Availability | |----------|-------|-------------| | javariya | $279.90 | Check | | Sam's Club | $299.00 | Check | | BJ's | $299.99 | Check | | TrueGether | $299.99 | Check | | Mercari | $328.00 | Check | | Walmart | $334.88 | Check | | Instacart | $343.85 | Check | | Dell Home & Home Office | $349.99 | Check | | epson.com | $349.99 | Check | | TigerlyWhole | $359.99 | Check | | Venue Marketplace | $399.99 | Check | | Pronto Home Delivery | $436.99 | Check | | Tanga.com | $466.99 | Check | | Milagru Store | $493.73 | Check | | opensky | $532.99 | Check | | directmacro.com | $546.69 | Check | | Hard Drive Mart | $551.18 | Check | | ComputingWorlds.com | $551.25 | Check | | Server Evolution | $559.86 | Check | | ShelHealth.Com | $626.99 | Check | --- *About this review: We pulled together findings from professional and user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.*