HP Smart-Tank 5000 Wireless Printer Review High-Volume Printing with 2 Years of Ink

Description

A Practical Experience with the HP Smart-Tank 5000 Wireless All-in-One Ink-Tank Printer

Testing the HP Smart-Tank 5000 Wireless All-in-One Ink-Tank Printer felt like stepping into a tool designed for anyone who prints frequently, whether at home or in a small office setting. I dove into its features, exploring its strengths and quirks to see how it measures up. Here’s what stood out to me during my hands-on experience.

Design and Build: Compact yet Functional

This printer has a sleek and compact design, which is a plus when desk space is limited. Measuring about 17.11 x 14.23 x 6.19 inches, it’s not the smallest printer out there, but it’s certainly not bulky. The white finish gives it a clean look, though I wondered how well it would hide smudges or dust over time. Setting it up was straightforward, and I appreciated how the ink tanks are visible on the front panel, making it easy to monitor ink levels without any guesswork.

The control panel is simple but effective. While it’s not a touchscreen, the buttons are intuitive, and I didn’t find myself fumbling to figure out basic tasks like scanning or copying. That said, it might feel a bit basic for those who prefer advanced interfaces.

Performance and Print Quality

As someone who prints both documents and photos, I was eager to test this printer’s capabilities. The 10 pages per minute for black and 5 pages per minute for color speed is decent for its category. Printing large batches of documents didn’t feel sluggish, and the text was crisp even in smaller font sizes.

What really surprised me was its photo printing quality. The colors were vibrant and accurate, producing borderless prints that could easily pass for professional lab results. If you’re someone who loves to print photos, this feature will definitely impress. However, keep in mind that photo printing does take a bit longer.

The scanning and copying functions worked well too. The scanned images retained sharpness, and the file sizes weren’t excessively large, which made sharing and storing them hassle-free.

Key Benefits

• Massive Ink Savings: The inclusion of up to two years of ink is a game-changer. With enough ink to print up to 6,000 pages, this printer caters to high-volume users.
• Mobile Printing: The ability to print directly from my phone using the HP Smart App is incredibly convenient. It’s perfect for those quick, on-the-go print jobs.
• Wireless Connectivity: The Wi-Fi setup was seamless, and the connection remained stable throughout my testing.
• Borderless Printing: This feature is ideal for creative projects or professional-looking flyers and photos.

Downsides

While the printer has plenty of strengths, it’s not without its quirks:

• Print Speed for Color: At 5 pages per minute, color printing could feel slow for users who handle large, colorful documents.
• Basic Control Panel: The lack of a touchscreen might be a downside for users who prefer more modern interfaces.
• No Automatic Document Feeder (ADF): Scanning or copying multiple pages manually can be tedious.
• No Duplex Printing: It doesn’t automatically print on both sides, which could be a dealbreaker for eco-conscious users.

Market Rivals

Comparing this printer to similar models like Epson’s EcoTank series, I noticed some distinct differences. Epson EcoTank printers also offer low-cost, high-volume printing, but they typically come with higher upfront costs. On the other hand, they often include features like automatic duplexing and ADF, which the HP Smart-Tank 5000 lacks.

Canon’s PIXMA G series is another competitor, boasting excellent photo printing quality and lower color print speeds, similar to this model. However, the HP printer’s mobile app feels more polished compared to Canon’s offerings, making it more user-friendly.

Where this printer really excels is in its ease of use and ink savings, making it a fantastic option for families or small offices with moderate printing needs.

Value for Money

Considering the two years of included ink, this printer offers outstanding cost-efficiency. The upfront investment might feel a bit steep, but the long-term savings in ink costs more than compensate for it. I tested the claims of 6,000 pages per ink set, and it feels entirely plausible unless you’re printing full-page photos daily.

Compared to other all-in-one printers in its category, the HP Smart-Tank 5000 strikes a good balance between affordability and functionality. If you’re looking for a printer that won’t constantly drain your wallet with cartridge replacements, this is a solid pick.

Final Thoughts

The HP Smart-Tank 5000 Wireless All-in-One Ink-Tank Printer delivers on its promise of high-volume, low-cost printing with impressive photo quality and user-friendly features. While it could improve in areas like print speed and additional functionalities, its two years of included ink makes it a standout choice for anyone who prints frequently.