TLDR Review: HP DeskJet 4255e Printer
Verdict
The HP DeskJet 4255e is a compact, wireless all-in-one option that meets the needs of most basic home printing, scanning, and copying tasks with decent print quality and straightforward wireless setup. However, if you are sensitive to ink costs, frustrated by slower print speeds, or really need automatic duplexing, this might feel like a compromise—especially considering HP’s ink cartridge restrictions and subscription quirks. For those prioritizing low-cost ink and faster duplex printing, exploring alternatives like Brother printers may be worthwhile. Otherwise, this model offers solid functionality bundled with a handy 3-month Instant Ink trial for those ready to stay within the HP ecosystem.
- Top pro:
- Performs solidly as an all-in-one printer with printing, scanning, copying, and faxing features suitable for home use.
- Top con:
- Noticeable noise during multi-page printing or scanning; can be bothersome in quiet environments.
Pros
- •Performs solidly as an all-in-one printer with printing, scanning, copying, and faxing features suitable for home use.
- •Easy and reliable wireless setup, with stable connectivity allowing seamless printing from phones and computers.
- •Produces good print quality with vibrant colors and sharp text, meeting expectations for everyday documents and graphics.
- •Compact design fits well in small home offices or apartments, saving space.
- •Comes with a 3-month HP Instant Ink trial that helps avoid unexpected ink shortages and offers affordable subscription plans.
- •The mobile app integration is helpful for quick setup and management when it works smoothly.
- •Rear paper loading reduces paper jams compared to some older models.
- •Printer performs reliably for basic printing needs without excessive complications.
Cons
- •Noticeable noise during multi-page printing or scanning; can be bothersome in quiet environments.
- •Ink costs can quickly add up, especially since the printer uses a single color cartridge rather than individual color cartridges, leading to wasted ink and higher expenses.
- •Dynamic Security chip restricts the use of third-party ink cartridges, essentially forcing users to buy expensive HP official ink or subscribe to Instant Ink.
- •Print speed is slower compared to higher-end models, particularly on larger print jobs.
- •Lacks automatic duplex (two-sided) printing, requiring manual paper reloading, which is inconvenient for double-sided documents.
- •HP Instant Ink subscription charges by page count, not ink usage, and has strict cancellation policies that can render prepaid ink unusable.
- •Setup can be frustrating due to lack of printed instructions and inconsistent support materials, with some users facing problematic WiFi connections and poor manufacturer troubleshooting help.
- •The mobile app can be unreliable, stopping print jobs if closed prematurely.
- •Replacement ink cartridges are hard to find outside the US market and are often only available online from distant suppliers, causing delays and hassle.
- •Print quality, while adequate for basic use, falls short on specialized tasks like barcode printing and can be less reliable than older HP models.
- •Some users express a reluctance to repurchase HP printers based on their overall experience with this model.
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How we researched this
About this review: it summarizes the professional reviews and customer ratings ShopSavvy collected for this product, alongside prices from ShopSavvy's price data.
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