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For most busy small offices, the Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850 is the best all-around Epson printer: it combines 25 ISO pages per minute in black and color, a 500-sheet front capacity, automatic duplex printing, and a 50-sheet duplex automatic document feeder (ADF) with refillable ink tanks. For a shared office that needs Ethernet, PCL/PostScript compatibility, print-management tools, or expandable trays, choose the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-C5890 instead. The better buy depends on your monthly workload and how your team prints—not just the advertised ink yield.
This guide is for U.S. small businesses choosing a printer for roughly one to ten users. Product details and Epson price signals below were checked August 16–18, 2026; prices and availability can change, so treat them as dated observations, not guaranteed offers.
Quick comparison
| Model | Best for | Functions and speed | Paper handling | Supplies | Price seen | Main caveat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EcoTank Pro ET-5850 | Busy mixed-color small office | Print, copy, scan, fax; 25 ISO ppm black/color | 500-sheet front capacity plus rear specialty-media feed; 50-sheet duplex ADF | Refillable bottles | $799.99 on Epson U.S. site | Higher upfront cost; manual tank refills |
| WorkForce Pro WF-C5890 | Networked, multi-user office | Print, copy, scan, fax; 25 ISO ppm black/color | 50-page duplex ADF; up to 1,830 sheets with optional trays | Epson ink packs only | About $862–$910 after discount, depending on Epson page variant | Supply costs and optional trays add to ownership cost |
| EcoTank Pro ET-5150 | Compact, moderate-volume office | All-in-one; 17 ISO ppm black, 9.5 color | Less capacity than the ET-5850 | Refillable bottles | $399.99 after discount on Epson buying guide | Color output is substantially slower than the two 25-ppm models |
| EcoTank ET-4950 | Home office or low-volume business | Print, copy, scan, fax; up to 18 ISO ppm | 250-sheet tray; automatic duplex printing | Refillable bottles | $499.99 on Epson U.S. site | Home-office positioning; not a substitute for a managed workgroup printer |
| WorkForce Pro WF-M5799 | Black-and-white-heavy office | Print, copy, scan, fax; 24 ISO ppm | 50-page duplex ADF | Epson ink packs only; packs rated up to 30,000 black pages | $1,011 MSRP listed by Epson | Monochrome only; high initial price for light workloads |
“ISO ppm” is a standardized speed rating, not a promise that every job will finish at that rate. Color-heavy pages, duplex jobs, specialty media, scanning, and document handling can reduce real throughput. The price signals are not necessarily current retail prices; check the linked Epson page before budgeting.
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The ET-5850 is the default pick for a small business that regularly prints a mix of text, forms, proposals, and color documents. Its 25-ppm ISO rating in both black and color is matched by practical features that reduce interruptions: a 500-sheet front capacity, a rear specialty-paper feed, automatic two-sided printing, and a 50-sheet duplex ADF. It prints, copies, scans, and faxes, and connects by Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
#1 Best Overall
- Epson printing system is designed to be used exclusively with Epson Genuine Cartridges. Use of non-genuine ink could cause damage not covered under the printer’s ltd. wnty.
- Built for speed — PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology delivers fast, high-volume printing with 21 (black)/11 (color) ISO ppm () and fast first page out
- High-precision printing — accurate dot placement and DURABrite Ultra instant-dry pigment inks for professional-quality prints
- High-volume reliability for heavy workloads — innovative heat-free technology designed for reliability and reduced downtime
- Designed for productivity — auto 2-sided printing and 1-sided, 35-page ADF streamline workflow
Epson rates a replacement ink set for up to 7,500 black pages and 6,000 color pages. Those are “up to” yields, not a guarantee: coverage, document mix, setup, and cleaning cycles affect use. Epson’s product page also compares its color cost with standard-capacity color-laser cartridges at about 2 cents versus 14 cents per ISO color page. That is Epson’s comparison methodology, not an independent universal cost-per-page result.
The trade-off is the purchase price—$799.99 was the observed Epson U.S. price signal—and the need to refill tanks rather than swap a pack. Epson describes the ET-5850 as using pigment-based DURABrite ink, a useful fit for crisp business documents; that does not establish archival permanence on every paper. Buy it if recurring color volume makes lower replacement-ink costs meaningful and you do not need the WF-C5890’s PCL/PostScript and managed-office workflow options. Skip it if you print only occasionally or want minimal supply handling.
Best for a networked workgroup: WorkForce Pro WF-C5890
Choose the WF-C5890 when office integration matters at least as much as ink economics. Like the ET-5850, it is rated at 25 ISO ppm in black and color and has a 50-page duplex ADF. It adds PCL and PostScript 3 support, Ethernet, and compatibility with tools including PaperCut MF, Epson Print Admin, Epson Device Admin, and Epson Remote Service. Its recommended monthly print volume is 5,000 pages. That is a practical workload recommendation, not a guarantee of service life or a maximum duty-cycle figure.
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Paper capacity can scale to 1,830 sheets with optional trays, which is useful if a workgroup prints heavily or needs several paper sizes ready. Those trays increase both cost and footprint; do not pay for them unless the workflow calls for them. Epson lists a two-year limited warranty, but check the exact terms, registration rules, coverage limits, and service options for the unit and seller you plan to use.
The printer uses replaceable Epson ink packs and is designed for Epson supplies only. That can suit a managed office that wants a predictable supply process, but it limits third-party buying flexibility. Price signals varied by Epson page variant and timing—roughly $862 to $910 after discount when checked—so verify the current price rather than treating either figure as a quote.
Rank #2
- Print, copy, scan and fax all from 1 machine with this Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7840 Wireless All-in-One Color Printer. The printer is capable of delivering wide-format prints up to 13" x 19", while the PrecisionCore Heat-Free technology helps produce printouts quickly. The DURABrite Ultra ink dries quickly to ensure smudge-free results, and the 500-sheet capacity is built to meet the demands of your office.
- Built-in wireless (802.11a/b/g/n/ac) connection offers cable-free convenience.
- Use Epson Connect Solutions to stay productive while on the go. Functions include Epson Email Print, Epson Remote Print, Epson Smart Panel app (iOS and Android), Epson iPrint app (iOS and Android) and Creative Print app (iOS and Android).
- Print from almost anywhere using Apple AirPrint, Android printing and Mopria Print Service.
- Produces wide-format prints up to 13" x 19".
Best compact business tank: EcoTank Pro ET-5150
The ET-5150 is the more affordable, space-conscious tank option for a small office with moderate printing. Epson lists 17 ISO ppm in black and 9.5 in color, along with replacement-bottle yields of up to 7,500 black and 6,000 color pages. Epson’s buying guide showed a $399.99 after-discount price signal. Epson also lists a two-year limited warranty with registration and describes the printhead as permanent; that wording is not a lifetime warranty for the whole printer.
Epson’s stated comparison puts replacement-bottle color printing at about 2 cents per ISO page versus 14 cents for standard-capacity color-laser cartridges. Use that as a manufacturer comparison, not a forecast of your actual bill. The ET-5150 gives up speed and capacity compared with the ET-5850, so it is a sensible fit when space and acquisition cost matter more than fast color runs. It is a poor match if employees regularly queue up graphics-heavy documents.
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The ET-4950 covers print, copy, scan, and fax, has automatic duplex printing and a 250-sheet tray, and is rated at up to 18 ISO ppm. Epson showed a $499.99 price signal. Its included ink is rated for up to 6,600 black and 5,500 color pages, but initial setup consumes some ink and actual yields vary. Page-yield figures are more useful for planning than claims such as “two years of ink,” which depend on a specified usage pattern that may not resemble your business.
This is a reasonable choice for a freelancer or home office printing invoices, forms, and occasional color proposals. Epson positions it as a home-office printer; do not assume it has the networking, controls, or workgroup suitability of the Pro models. If several people need reliable shared access or your workload is sustained and substantial, compare the ET-5850 or WF-C5890 instead.
Best for mostly black documents: WorkForce Pro WF-M5799
If color is rarely needed, the WF-M5799 is a specialized business option. It is rated at 24 ISO ppm and provides print, copy, scan, and fax, a 50-page duplex ADF, Ethernet and wireless networking, and PCL/PostScript 3 support. Epson rates its ink packs for up to 30,000 black pages and lists an MSRP of $1,011.
Rank #3
- High-speed printing — PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology delivers high-speed, high-volume printing with 25 black/12 color ISO ppm and fast first-page-out.
- High-precision printing — accurate dot placement and DURABrite Ultra instant-dry pigment inks for professional-quality prints.
- High-volume reliability for heavy workloads — innovative heat-free technology designed for reliability and reduced downtime.
- Easy to use — 4.3" color touchscreen for quick navigation and control, plus all-new Epson Smart Panel App (1) for enhanced connectivity and productivity from your mobile device.
- Designed for productivity — auto 2-sided printing and 1-sided, 35-page ADF streamline workflow.
It makes most sense in administrative, legal, accounting, logistics, medical, or property-management settings that produce long runs of black text and value office-network features. Its monochrome-only output rules it out for routine color work, and its purchase price is hard to justify for a low-volume office. Like the WF-C5890, it is designed for Epson ink packs only.
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What about wide-format printing?
If your business needs tabloid-size or other wide-format output, investigate the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310, but do not assume it is a current, readily available business buy. Epson’s buying guide showed a Certified ReNew listing with a $999.99 new MSRP and a $299.99 refurbished price signal when checked; stock, specifications, supplies, and warranty terms can vary. It is print-only, so account for scanning separately. Confirm the exact listing and coverage before choosing a refurbished unit.
EcoTank bottles or WorkForce Pro ink packs?
| Consideration | EcoTank bottles | WorkForce Pro ink packs |
|---|---|---|
| Supply handling | Owner monitors and refills tanks | Replace packs when depleted |
| Cost profile | Typically attractive replacement-ink economics; higher upfront printer cost | Convenient pack swaps, but do not assume tank-level running costs |
| Best use case | Predictable recurring printing, especially color | Managed office workflows and shared network use |
| Supply flexibility | Use the exact Epson bottle series specified for the model | WF-C5890 and WF-M5799 are designed for Epson ink packs only |
| Workflow emphasis | Low running costs and convenient in-house printing | Models such as WF-C5890 add PCL/PostScript, administration, and print-management compatibility |
“Cartridge-free” does not mean brand-agnostic. Check Epson’s supply finder at epson.com/ink for the exact bottle or pack used by a model, and include supply availability and restrictions in your decision. For a team, the labor of refilling, replacing supplies, and resolving a printer issue is also part of the cost.
Choose by workload and workflow
- Under about 300 pages a month: Avoid paying a premium for capacity you will not use. A basic EcoTank or another appropriately priced printer may be enough; compare the ET-4950 if you need a color all-in-one. If the machine may sit idle for long stretches, consider whether a laser printer better suits the use pattern.
- Roughly 300–1,000 pages a month: Consider the ET-5150 for a compact, moderate-volume office. Choose the ET-4950 when the workload is home-based and intermittent rather than a shared-office routine.
- Roughly 1,000–3,000 pages a month with regular color: The ET-5850 is the leading tank option if its purchase price is justified by lower supply costs and its features fit your workflow.
- Several thousand pages monthly across a workgroup: Consider the WF-C5890 when network administration, PCL/PostScript, print management, or added trays matter. Its stated 5,000-page recommended monthly volume is a more relevant planning reference than a maximum duty-cycle number.
- Mostly black text: Compare the WF-M5799’s pack yield and office features against a monochrome laser. Do not buy a color model just because it offers color if that feature will rarely be used.
- Tabloid output or production work: Investigate the WF-7310 only after verifying availability and terms. None of these desktop office models should be treated as a commercial production press.
These bands are practical shopping guidance, not manufacturer-certified monthly recommendations for every listed model. In particular, do not infer an ET-series monthly volume from its maximum duty cycle or ink yield.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Work out the three-year cost before buying
A low ink cost per page does not automatically make a tank printer cheaper overall. Use the same workload assumptions for each candidate:
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- Sold as 1 Each.
- All-in-one printer provides printing, copying, and scanning capabilities in one compact machine
- Inkjet printer creates documents up to 4800 x 2400 dpi for sharp detail
- 12 ppm for color and 25 ppm for black/white images with a maximum monthly duty cycle of 33000 pages; supports auto two-sided print, copy, scan, and fax
- USB, Ethernet (10/100Mbps), Bluetooth Low Energy, and Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n/a/ac) connectivity enhances productivity
Three-year ownership cost = printer price + replacement ink or packs + paper + optional trays + service or warranty costs + likely downtime/maintenance costs − resale or trade-in value.
- Estimate pages: Multiply your average monthly pages by 36. Use invoices or print logs if available, rather than a best-case guess.
- Separate black and color: Estimate each share. A business with mostly black text will not benefit from a color printer’s advertised mixed-color yield in the same way as a design or sales office.
- Price replacement supplies: Use the exact model-compatible Epson bottles or packs, and distinguish replacement-supply yield from included starter ink. Compare cost using your own expected page mix; Epson’s published comparisons rely on its selected methodology and assumptions.
- Add paper and workflow costs: Include specialty stock, optional trays, and a separate scanner or fax device if considering a print-only model.
- Account for time and downtime: Refilling bottles, replacing packs, clearing jams, maintenance, or waiting for supplies can cost more than a small difference in advertised per-page costs.
- Review warranty terms: Check whether registration is required, whether coverage is limited by time or page count, whether on-site service is included, and whether business use or a refurbished unit is covered. Extended-plan availability and terms vary; confirm the exact offer.
For a very low-volume business, the higher price of an EcoTank Pro may not be recovered through ink savings. Conversely, a cheaper printer with a small tray or slow color speed can consume staff time. Compare the cost of the whole workflow, not just ink.
Epson inkjet or laser?
An Epson business inkjet can be attractive when you need color, want the bottle model’s low replacement-ink cost, or value no warm-up time and low energy use. A laser printer may be preferable when the office prints mostly black text at high speed, may leave the printer idle for weeks, or wants a conventional toner supply process. Neither technology is universally better: compare the exact model’s speed, capacity, maintenance requirements, and compatible supplies against your pattern of use. If you need finishing, stapling, high-volume production, or tightly controlled color output, move beyond desktop all-in-ones.
How these picks were selected
The recommendations prioritize manufacturer-listed ISO speed, paper capacity, ADF and duplex features, networking and office protocols, ink or pack yields, workload guidance, and warranty signals. Epson’s product information is linked in each model section; specifications, terms, prices, and availability can change. Independent coverage has also named the ET-5850 a strong business all-in-one, including Tom’s Guide’s all-in-one printer roundup, but the recommendations here are matched to the specific small-business workloads above rather than treated as a universal ranking.
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