Printing technology has advanced in recent years to enhance the printing output. Several types of printers have pros and cons, which may suit a specific purpose of the consumer. Pigment ink printers are one of the most popularly used types of printers.
Pigment printers use pigment-based inks rather than traditional dye-based inks. This helps improve the print’s details, color reproduction, and quality. As a result, the printer produces a long-lasting print that does not fade with time. Since these units can print such a high-quality print, users must know some governing parameters.
- Print speed: With a slower printing speed, the user must wait longer to finish a printing project. A pigment print’s printing speed varies for monochrome and colored modes. In monochrome mode, the printing speed varied between 10 to 22 ppm. The printing speed for color mode lies between 5 to 18 ppm to create the right shade of color.
- Input sheet capacity: Input trays are fitted into printers to reduce the hassle of reloading pages into a printer. These trays store the sheets to feed them into the printer automatically. The paper holding capacity of the printer varies depending on the model and brand. On average, the pigment ink printers hold 100 to 350 pages in their input tray.
- Connectivity technology: Connectivity is a backbone for printing as it allows data transfer between the printer and other devices. The overall range and mode of connection vary depending on the connectivity technology. Wired technologies like USB ports, Ethernet cables, etc, establish a direct connection with a device. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apps, etc, wirelessly transfer data between all devices.
Since pigment ink printers require high-quality prints, users must be aware of such factors. The selection process of a pigment ink printer becomes easy when you can compare certain specifications of these printers. To help you choose an ideal option, we have compiled some of the best pigment ink printers in this article. We have also discussed a “Buying Guide” to deal with any type of confusion related to the governing factors.
Best Pigment Ink Printer Table
| Pigment Ink Printers | Resolution (DPI) | Print Speed (Color PPM) | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Ink Printers | 5760 x 1440 | 5 | Check On Amazon |
| Brother MFC-J4335DW Ink Printers | 1200 x 2400 | 16 | Check On Amazon |
| Epson EcoTank ET-2850 Printer | 4800 x 1200 | 5 | Check On Amazon |
| HP Smart Tank 7602 Ink Printers | 4800 x 1200 | 9 | Check On Amazon |
| Brother MFC-J5855DW Ink Printers | 4800 x 1200 | 30 | Check On Amazon |
Best Pigment Ink Printer Reviews
1. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Ink Printers
Epson’s ET-2800 cartridge-free printer is designed to minimize waste and maximize savings, featuring refillable ink tanks that hold enough ink for thousands of pages. Ideal for families or home offices, the printer is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional inkjet printers that use costly, small cartridges. Its compact size and lightweight design fit easily into small spaces, while its easy-to-refill system ensures you never run out of ink when you need it most.
With Epson’s Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology, the printer delivers exceptional print quality, with sharp text and vivid colors. Whether printing school projects, photographs, or work documents, the output is consistently impressive across various paper types. However, print speed can be a limiting factor for some users, with a modest rate of 10 ppm for black-and-white and 5 ppm for color. This slower speed, combined with the lack of automatic duplexing, may be less than ideal for users who need to process larger volumes of documents quickly.
Setting a high standard for cost-efficiency in home printing, the printer provides up to 7,500 color and 4,500 black pages from the ink included no cartridges necessary. This environmentally friendly approach reduces waste and enhances savings, although the printer lacks more sophisticated features such as an automatic document feeder.
Specifications:
- Connectivity: Wired, wireless
- Ink Type: Refillable ink tanks
- Print Speed (B/W): 10 ppm
- Print Speed (Color): 5 ppm
- Printing Technology: Inkjet
- Dimensions: 14.8″ x 22.8″ x 10″
- Weight: 8.8 pounds
- Max Print Resolution: 5760 x 1440
- Duplex Printing: Manual
- Functions: Print, scan, copy
Pros:
- Low ink cost per page
- Impressive color print quality
- Easy-to-use ink refill system
- Compact, space-saving design
- Environmentally friendly printing system
Cons:
- Slow color printing speed
- No automatic document feeder
- Lacks automatic duplexing
2. Brother MFC-J4335DW Ink Printers
Brother MFC-J4335DW is an all-in-one printer designed for users who value both high-volume printing and cost efficiency. The printer is equipped with INKvestment Tank Technology, which features high-yield cartridges that seldom need replacement. With the initial set of inks, you can print up to a year’s worth of pages, making it perfect for home offices or small businesses that require continuous operation. Despite its compact size, it doesn’t compromise functionality, offering printing, copying, scanning, and faxing capabilities.
The automatic duplex printing and faster print speeds of up to 20 ppm for monochrome and 16 ppm for color set the MFC-J4335DW apart in its price range. It handles bulk tasks efficiently and integrates seamlessly with Brother’s Mobile Connect App for convenient on-the-go printing and scanning from mobile devices. Though it lacks the refillable tanks found in competitors like the Epson EcoTank series, its INKvestment Tank cartridges yield a high number of pages, reducing maintenance demands over time.
The printer impresses with its overall performance, though it does have a smaller display and lacks an automatic document feeder, which might not suit everyone’s needs. With a capacity of 150 sheets, it provides ample paper handling for moderate use, but may not suffice for high-volume environments. Despite these limitations, its duplex printing capabilities and efficient use of high-yield cartridges offer significant advantages for users looking for a cost-effective printing solution.
Specifications:
- Connectivity: USB, wireless
- Ink Type: INKvestment cartridges
- Print Speed (B/W): 20 ppm
- Print Speed (Color): 16 ppm
- Printing Technology: Inkjet
- Dimensions: 14.2″ x 17.1″ x 7.1″
- Weight: 17.6 pounds
- Max Print Resolution: 4800 x 1200
- Duplex Printing: Automatic
- Functions: Print, scan, copy, fax
Pros:
- Fast print speeds for price
- Automatic duplex printing
- High ink yield with fewer replacements
- Compact, space-saving design
- Easy mobile printing
Cons:
- No refillable ink tanks
- No automatic document feeder
3. Epson EcoTank ET-2850 Printer
Epson’s ET-2850 from the EcoTank series stands out for its cost-efficient printing solutions, courtesy of its innovative cartridge-free system tailored for small offices and residential settings focused on reducing ink costs. The device boasts expansive ink tanks that facilitate up to 4,500 black-and-white and 7,500 color pages on a single refill, promoting consistent print quality without regular maintenance. Its compact, sleek design and wireless connectivity make it a practical addition to any small space, ensuring easy printing across various devices.
Featuring a built-in scanner and copier, the printer enhances versatility in home office setups, delivering excellent print quality across documents and photos with its Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology. This technology ensures vibrant color output and sharp text on a variety of media types. Despite its many benefits, the ET-2850 prints at slower speeds 10 ppm for black and 5 ppm for color, a trait it shares with the ET-2800. This speed might not suffice for high-demand office settings but works well for less intensive tasks at home.
Offering mobile and voice-activated printing through its Smart Panel App, the ET-2850 is Epson’s answer to convenient, remote operations. While it does not include an automatic document feeder and supports only manual duplex printing, its strengths in eco-friendly and cost-effective printing make it a robust option. This printer is ideal for those valuing ink efficiency, high print quality, and environmental consciousness.
Specifications:
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB
- Ink Type: Refillable ink tanks
- Print Speed (B/W): 10 ppm
- Print Speed (Color): 5 ppm
- Printing Technology: Inkjet
- Dimensions: 22.8″ x 14.8″ x 10″
- Weight: 8.8 pounds
- Max Print Resolution: 5760 x 1440
- Duplex Printing: Manual
- Functions: Print, scan, copy
Pros:
- Extremely low ink cost
- Great color print quality
- Easy mobile and wireless printing
- Compact, space-saving design
- Environmentally friendly ink tanks
Cons:
- Slow color printing speed
- No automatic duplexing
- No automatic document feeder
4. HP Smart Tank 7602 Ink Printers
HP Smart Tank 7602 is a high-performance inkjet printer designed for superior value and quality in high-volume printing. Capable of delivering up to 8,000 colors and 6,000 black-and-white pages without a refill, this model is ideal for small businesses or home offices. Its refillable ink tank system is complemented by features such as automatic two-sided printing and a 35-page automatic document feeder for improved efficiency.
The HP Smart Tank delivers, showcasing documents and vibrant, borderless photos at stunning resolutions up to 4800 x 1200 dpi. With color printing at 9 ppm and black-and-white at 15 ppm, it offers robust performance for a tank-based printer. Enhancing its functionality, the HP Smart App lets users manage their printing tasks and more from their smartphones, all through a user-friendly interface that simplifies both setup and ongoing management.
While it excels in performance and economy, the HP printer isn’t without its flaws, notably the absence of a touchscreen. Instead, it features a traditional physical interface that might not appeal to everyone, especially given the trend towards touchscreen technology in similar devices. The printer also stands out for its heft and bulk, which might not suit all spaces. Despite these points, the printer remains a competitive option for those looking for a cost-effective printer with reliable output quality.
Specifications:
- Connectivity: Wireless, Wi-Fi, USB
- Ink Type: Refillable ink tanks
- Print Speed (B/W): 15 ppm
- Print Speed (Color): 9 ppm
- Printing Technology: Inkjet
- Dimensions: 16.83″ x 9.46″ x 14.33″
- Weight: 17 pounds
- Max Print Resolution: 4800 x 1200 dpi
- Duplex Printing: Automatic
- Functions: Print, scan, copy, fax
Pros:
- High ink yield per refill
- Excellent print quality for photos
- Auto duplex printing feature
- 35-page automatic document feeder
- Easy-to-use mobile app
Cons:
- Bulky and heavy design
- Slower color printing speed
- No touchscreen interface
- Expensive upfront cost
- Limited paper tray capacity
5. Brother MFC-J5855DW Ink Printers
Brother’s MFC-J5855DW is for those requiring high-volume printing capabilities in home offices and small businesses. This printer integrates Brother’s MAXIDRIVE Inkjet Technology for reliable and fast printing speeds of up to 30 pages per minute, both in black-and-white and color. It is one of the fastest models in its class. With its INKvestment Tank system, the device allows users to print for up to a year without needing to replace the ink, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted operations.
With its capability to support prints up to 11” x 17”, this printer is ideal for those requiring larger-format outputs. It features automatic duplex printing and boasts a significant paper capacity of 350 sheets, divided between two trays. The added convenience of a 50-sheet automatic document feeder enhances its ability to efficiently manage scanning, copying, and faxing of multi-page documents. Furthermore, the 3.5” LCD touchscreen facilitates easy navigation and control, making it approachable for both novice and experienced users.
Despite its comprehensive capabilities, this Brother model may not be the best fit for everyone due to its 39-pound weight and substantial size, which could be a drawback for users with limited space. While it offers high-quality printing, its footprint may not work in every office environment. However, for those in search of a printer that can handle large volumes quickly and with minimal need for ink replenishment, it remains a standout option.
Specifications:
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet
- Ink Type: INKvestment cartridges
- Print Speed (B/W): 30 ppm
- Print Speed (Color): 30 ppm
- Printing Technology: Inkjet
- Dimensions: 17.2″ x 21.5″ x 12″
- Weight: 39 pounds
- Max Print Resolution: 4800 x 1200 dpi
- Duplex Printing: Automatic
- Functions: Print, scan, copy, fax
Pros:
- Fast print speeds
- Large media handling (up to 11” x 17”)
- Automatic duplex printing
- High ink yield per cartridge
- Large paper capacity
Cons:
- Large, heavy design
- No refillable ink tanks
- Slightly complex setup
Buying Guide For The Best Pigment Ink Printers
The pigment printers are some of the best units to reproduce accurate and vibrant colors. These printers can produce long-lasting prints that will remain fresh over the years. We have already gone through a detailed list of the best pigment printers. We recommend you go through this buying guide to understand the specifications further. It deeply covers every governing factor to realize their impact on the pigment printer’s selection.
1. Print Speed
The print speed of a pigment ink printer tells us how fast it will print a certain number of pages. The print speed is considered as the most crucial parameter to define the printer’s performance. If the print speed is high, users can finish a large volume of printing in less time. Users must understand that the print speed varies for a black-and-white page compared to a colored one. The difference in printing speed is caused due to the mixing of accurate proportions of colors for colored printing. As a result, colored pages are printed at a speed of 5 to 18 ppm compared to monochrome’s 10 to 22 ppm speed.
2. Connectivity Technology
A pigment ink printer must offer different types of connectivity technologies to transfer data with other devices. These printers feature several types of wired and wireless technologies to reduce dependency on a single technology. Printers and USB technology are one of the most popular combinations since it establishes a connection with USB drives, computers, mobile phones, and other devices. Apart from this, Ethernet is also used for printers that are connected to the local network. Bluetooth and WiFi provide wireless connectivity to the printer. Some pigment printers are also compatible with apps and voice commands.
3. Input Sheet Capacity
Like any other printer, a pigment ink printer needs a storage space for loading raw sheets. The input sheet tray serves the role of temporary storage space for blank sheets. The capacity of the input tray matters a lot since it reduces the need for manually loading the sheets in the printer. An input tray with higher capacity is ideal for environments where large volumes of printing are done. For domestic usage or lower loads, an input tray of 100-page capacity is sufficient. The input tray capacity extends from 250 to 350 pages for office-related applications.
4. Print Quality
Since pigment ink printers are known for their highly detailed prints, print quality is a closely monitored parameter. The print quality depends on several factors like resolution, blending of ink, etc. The total number of ink dots per inch increases when the resolution is set higher. As a result, a higher DPI value will create a more detailed print. The pigment-based ink used for printing must be of a standard quality. This helps in maintaining a smooth printing process without deformity. All shades of the printed colors will appear accurate and will not fade under any conditions.
5. Warranty
As a consumer, buying a pigment ink printer is a one-time investment. Adding every possible safety cover to this printer is important to protect it against unwanted damage. Besides this, some manufacturing defects can also cause the printer to malfunction. With a warranty, the user gets an assurance for repairs and replacements of the printer’s defective parts. Some brands also offer additional benefits like free pickup and drop for printers under the warranty period. The pigment ink printer comes with a 1-year warranty on its hardware. Users are also offered warranty extension programs to increase the warranty coverage by months or years.
Best Pigment Ink Printer – FAQs
Ans: Regular maintenance is important for a pigment ink printer to get consistent printing results. The printhead needs frequent cleanings to prevent the ink from clogging. Apart from this, several printer parts need to be cleaned free of dust to prevent spots on the printed page. Users should also keep the printer drivers up to date to keep it efficiently running.
Ans: The average cost of replacing ink cartridges varies from models and brands. Since pigment ink is expensive, replacement ink cartridges cost more than any dye-based ink cartridge. The price goes up from 10 to 50 dollars for a liter of pigment ink.
Ans: The significant difference between pigment ink and inkjet printers is the type of ink used by these units. The print quality is better in pigment ink printers since color particles sit on the page. On the other hand, ink in the dye-based printer gets absorbed into the page. As a result, the pigment ink is waterproof and does not fade quickly, compared to dye-based ink.
Ans: Both dye-based and pigment inks are used for photo printing due to their unique characteristics. Pigment ink is preferred more due to its durability than dye-based ink. Pigment inks also keep the colors intact for a longer duration, keeping the print realistic. Due to its waterproof properties, the ink does not smudge or mix with water.
Ans: The pigment ink printers support several types of formats including large-format printing. These units are used to print large posters, banners, wallpapers, etc. due to their compatibility with the larger format of pages, the pigment ink printers are widely used in photography, graphic design, and other types of working environments.
Conclusion
Choosing the best pigment ink printer depends on a few key factors like print quality, cost efficiency, and performance. The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 stands out for its low ink costs and sharp prints, making it great for high-quality projects. If you want a balanced option, the Brother MFC-J4335DW is affordable and reliable, ideal for home offices. For high-volume printing, the HP Smart Tank 7602 performs well with fewer ink replacements. Each model offers a strong mix of features to meet different printing needs.
