Epson EcoTank ET-2800 – Cartridge-Free Printing for Home & Students
- 02 Jul, 2025
Epson EcoTank ET-2800 – Cartridge-Free Printing for Home & Students
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a wireless all-in-one inkjet printer designed for home users, students, and small offices who want to save on ink costs and enjoy hassle-free printing. Its standout feature is the cartridge-free EcoTank system, which uses refillable ink tanks for ultra-low running costs and less frequent refills. With solid print quality, easy wireless setup, and a compact design, the ET-2800 is a smart pick for everyday printing, scanning, and copying needs.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Print Technology | 4-color (CMYK) MicroPiezo® inkjet, drop-on-demand |
| Functions | Print, Scan, Copy |
| Max Print Resolution | 5760 x 1440 dpi |
| Print Speed (ISO) | 10.0 ppm (black), 5.0 ppm (color) |
| First Page Out | 10 sec (black), 16 sec (color) |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | Not specified (designed for low to moderate home use) |
| Input Tray Capacity | 100 sheets |
| Scanner Type | Flatbed, 8.5” x 11.7”, 1200 dpi optical |
| Display | 1.44” color LCD |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Mobile Printing | Apple AirPrint, Android Print, Mopria, Epson iPrint, Smart Panel, Remote |
| Ink System | Cartridge-free EcoTank (bottles: 522 series) |
| Black Ink Yield | Up to 4,500 pages |
| Color Ink Yield | Up to 7,500 pages |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 14.8” x 13.7” x 7.0” (stored) |
| Weight | ~8.8 lbs |
| OS Compatibility | Windows, macOS, mobile platforms |
Design & Ease of Use
The ET-2800 sports a compact, minimalist design that fits easily on a desk or shelf. Its front-facing, see-through ink tanks make it simple to check ink levels at a glance. The 1.44” color LCD and straightforward button controls allow for easy navigation and quick setup. Installation is beginner-friendly, especially with the Epson Smart Panel app, which guides you through Wi-Fi setup and maintenance from your smartphone. The 100-sheet rear input tray is easy to load, though there’s no automatic document feeder (ADF) for multi-page scanning or copying.
Print Quality
Text documents print with sharp, legible characters, making the ET-2800 suitable for schoolwork and home office tasks. Color graphics and charts are vibrant, with good detail and minimal banding. Photo prints are surprisingly decent for a budget model, offering accurate colors and smooth gradients, though not quite at the level of dedicated photo printers. The printer supports borderless photos up to 4” x 6”, with a default print time of about 90 seconds per photo.
Speed & Performance
The ET-2800 delivers up to 10 ISO ppm for black and 5 ISO ppm for color prints, which is typical for entry-level inkjets. First page out is quick—about 10 seconds for black and 16 seconds for color. While not built for heavy-duty office use, it handles everyday print, scan, and copy jobs reliably. The flatbed scanner is ideal for digitizing homework, IDs, or photos, though batch scanning is manual due to the lack of an ADF.
Running Costs & Maintenance
The EcoTank system is the ET-2800’s biggest advantage: it uses high-capacity, low-cost ink bottles instead of cartridges. Black ink yields up to 4,500 pages, and color up to 7,500 pages per set, resulting in a very low cost per page—often less than a cent. Refilling is mess-free thanks to keyed bottles, and there are no subscription requirements. Maintenance is minimal, with occasional printhead cleaning and easy-to-access tanks.
Connectivity & Compatibility
The ET-2800 offers flexible connectivity: USB 2.0 for direct PC connection, Wi-Fi for wireless printing, and Wi-Fi Direct for printing without a router. It supports Apple AirPrint, Mopria, Android Print, and Epson’s own mobile apps (iPrint, Smart Panel, Remote Print), making it easy to print from smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Compatible with Windows and macOS; Linux support may require additional drivers.
Noise Level & Energy Use
Operation is relatively quiet, suitable for shared spaces or late-night printing. The ET-2800 is ENERGY STAR certified and features automatic sleep mode to reduce power consumption when idle.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Ultra-low running costs with refillable EcoTank system
- Good print quality for text, graphics, and photos
- Easy wireless setup and mobile printing support
- Compact, space-saving design
- High ink yields mean fewer refills
- Simple, intuitive controls and color LCD
Cons:
- No automatic document feeder (ADF) for multi-page scanning/copying
- Print speeds are average, not ideal for high-volume offices
- No duplex (double-sided) printing
- No fax function
- No Ethernet port (Wi-Fi or USB only)
- Photo print quality is good, but not professional-grade
Who Is This Printer For?
- Students needing reliable, affordable printing for homework and projects
- Home users who print moderately and want to avoid cartridge hassles
- Families looking for a low-maintenance, all-in-one printer
- Small/home offices with light print, scan, and copy needs
- Anyone tired of expensive ink cartridges and looking for long-term savings
Alternatives Compared
| Model | Key Differences | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon PIXMA G3260 | Similar refillable tank, faster photo prints | Better photo quality, duplex printing | Slightly higher price |
| Brother INKvestment MFC-J1205W | Cartridge-based, compact, duplex printing | Duplex, compact, easy setup | Higher running costs, lower yields |
| HP Smart Tank 5101 | Refillable tank, ADF included | Has ADF, good color prints | Bulkier, more expensive |
Final Verdict
Rating: 4.2/5
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a top choice for home users and students who want to print more and spend less. Its cartridge-free design, low running costs, and solid all-around performance make it a smart investment for everyday tasks. Buy it if you want affordable, hassle-free printing and don’t need advanced office features like duplexing or an ADF.
FAQ
Q: Does the ET-2800 support double-sided (duplex) printing?
A: No, duplex printing is not supported. You’ll need to manually flip pages for double-sided prints.
Q: How do I refill the ink tanks?
A: Simply open the front tank covers and insert the corresponding Epson 522 ink bottles. The bottles are keyed to prevent mistakes and are spill-resistant.
Q: Can I print from my phone or tablet?
A: Yes! The ET-2800 supports Apple AirPrint, Mopria, Android Print, and Epson’s mobile apps for easy wireless printing.
Q: Is this printer good for photos?
A: It produces good-quality photos for casual use, but if you need professional-grade photo prints, consider a dedicated photo printer.
Q: What’s included in the box?
A: The printer, a full set of ink bottles (black, cyan, magenta, yellow), power cord, and setup instructions.