Here’s an overview of the Best Pigment Ink Printer that we’ll explore today:
Pigment ink printers are essential tools for home offices, photographers, and small businesses that demand high-quality, long-lasting prints. Unlike dye-based ink, pigment ink offers superior durability, water resistance, and fade resistance, making it ideal for professional documents, photo printing, and archival purposes. In this article, we tested five popular pigment ink printers across various price points, ranging from the budget-friendly HP Smart-Tank 5000 to the premium Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310. Our evaluation focused on print quality, performance, ease of use, and value for money. Whether you’re a casual user or a professional, this guide will help you choose the best printer for your needs.
1. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan
- Brand: Epson
- Manufacturer: Epson
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a cartridge-free, all-in-one printer designed for home users who prioritize affordability and eco-friendliness. Its high-capacity ink tanks and Epson’s EcoFit ink bottles make refilling straightforward, while the inclusion of up to two years of ink in the box provides significant cost savings. The printer delivers decent print quality for everyday tasks, including sharp text and vibrant colors for casual photo printing.
While the ET-2800 excels in reducing long-term ink costs, its slower print speeds (10 ppm black, 5 ppm color) and lack of duplex printing may frustrate users with higher productivity needs. Its 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution ensures good quality for standard documents, but the absence of advanced features like auto-duplexing and Ethernet connectivity limits its appeal for professional users. The compact design and lightweight build make it ideal for small spaces, but it is best suited for light-duty home use.
Pros
- Cartridge-free design reduces waste and costs
- High print resolution (5760 x 1440 dpi)
- Two years of ink included in the box
Cons
- Slow print speeds
- No auto-duplex printing
2. Epson EcoTank ET-2850 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan
- Brand: Epson
- Manufacturer: Epson
The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 builds on the ET-2800 with the addition of auto-duplex printing, making it a more efficient option for home and small office use. It offers the same cartridge-free design with refillable ink tanks and up to two years of ink included, providing significant savings over traditional cartridge-based models. The printer is compact and features a higher maximum color print resolution (4800 x 1200 dpi) than its predecessor.
Performance-wise, the ET-2850 improves user experience with its auto-duplex feature, which saves time and paper for double-sided printing. However, it still lags in print speeds (10.5 ppm black, 5 ppm color), which may not be ideal for high-volume users. Its 100-sheet capacity and compatibility with laptops and mobile devices make it versatile, but the lack of advanced connectivity options like Ethernet might limit its appeal for office environments.
Pros
- Auto-duplex printing for added efficiency
- Compact design with high print resolution
- Eco-friendly and cost-effective ink system
Cons
- Moderate print speeds
- No Ethernet connectivity
3. Epson EcoTank ET-4800 Wireless All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scanner
- Brand: Epson
- Manufacturer: Epson
The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 is designed for home offices, offering features like built-in fax, an automatic document feeder (ADF), and Ethernet connectivity. Like other EcoTank models, it uses refillable ink tanks to reduce costs and waste. The inclusion of advanced features, such as voice-activated printing and compatibility with Alexa, makes it a modern and versatile choice for tech-savvy users.
The ET-4800 stands out with its added functionality, including the ADF for multi-page scanning and copying. However, its print speeds (10 ppm black, 5 ppm color) remain consistent with other EcoTank models, and the 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution is adequate but not exceptional for professional photo printing. The printer’s compact footprint and comprehensive connectivity options make it a strong contender for small offices, but its relatively higher price may deter budget-conscious buyers.
Pros
- Includes ADF and fax functionality
- Ethernet and voice-activated printing support
- Refillable ink tanks with low operating costs
Cons
- Higher price point for the feature set
- Slow print speeds for an office-oriented model
4. HP Smart-Tank 5000 Wireless All-in-One Ink-Tank Printer with up to 2 years of ink included
- Brand: HP
- Manufacturer: HP
The HP Smart-Tank 5000 is a budget-friendly, all-in-one printer that offers excellent value for families and home users. It includes up to two years of ink in the box, capable of delivering up to 6,000 pages in both black and color. The printer is easy to set up and use, with reliable wireless connectivity and compatibility with HP’s Smart app for mobile printing.
While the Smart-Tank 5000 excels in affordability and ease of use, its print speeds (10 ppm black, 5 ppm color) and lack of auto-duplexing limit its efficiency for high-volume tasks. The print quality is good for everyday use, but it may not satisfy users seeking professional-grade photo printing. Its compact design and intuitive interface make it a great choice for casual users, but professionals may find its feature set lacking.
Pros
- Affordable price with two years of ink included
- Easy setup and user-friendly interface
- Reliable wireless connectivity
Cons
- No auto-duplex printing
- Limited professional-grade print quality
5. Canon imagePROGRAF Professional 13″ PRO-310 Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer with 3.0-Inch Color LCD Monitor
- Brand: Canon
- Manufacturer: Canon
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 is a high-end photo printer designed for professionals and enthusiasts. Its 9-color pigment-based ink system, including a Chroma Optimizer, produces gallery-quality prints with exceptional color accuracy and gloss uniformity. The printer features a 3.0-inch color LCD monitor for easy navigation and supports a wide range of media sizes, from 3.5 x 3.5 inches up to 13 x 129 inches.
The PRO-310 delivers unparalleled print quality, making it ideal for photographers and artists. However, its slow print speeds (2 ppm for both color and black) and high price tag reflect its niche focus on quality over speed. The printer’s large footprint and weight (31.6 pounds) may also be a consideration for users with limited space. While it excels in producing professional-grade prints, it is overkill for casual users or those with basic printing needs.
Pros
- 9-color pigment-based ink system for exceptional quality
- Wide media size compatibility
- Anti-clogging system ensures reliable performance
Cons
- High price point
- Slow print speeds
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about pigment ink printers to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Choosing the right pigment ink printer depends on your specific needs.
Budget-conscious users should consider the HP Smart-Tank 5000, while professionals will benefit from the Canon PRO-310.
Epson’s EcoTank series offers a versatile middle ground for home and small office use..