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HP Smart Tank 5101 All-in-One vs HP DeskJet 4255e All-in-One Printer

Buy the Smart Tank 5101 if you print a lot, especially in color, and want refillable tanks instead of cartridges. Buy the DeskJet 4255e if you mostly print occasional pages and want a 35-page automatic document feeder for scanning and copying stacks. The Smart Tank is the larger, heavier machine with higher running capacity; the DeskJet is compact and simpler. Owners rate the Smart Tank 4 out of 5 across about 1,300 ratings, and both are basic inkjets without duplex printing.

  • Choose the HP Smart Tank 5101 if you print frequently, want refillable ink tanks with a large ink supply in the box, and can live without an automatic document feeder.
  • Choose the HP DeskJet 4255e if you want a compact all-in-one with a 35-page automatic document feeder for scanning and copying multi-page documents.

Prices

  • HP Smart Tank 5101 All-in-One: $229.99 at Walmart (last seen Nov 13)
  • HP DeskJet 4255e All-in-One Printer: $49.99 at yankeeprinter.com (last seen Nov 11)
  • Difference: the HP DeskJet 4255e All-in-One Printer is $180.00 cheaper than the HP Smart Tank 5101 All-in-One at the latest prices (Nov 11 and Nov 13)
HP 3P-IPG
HP Smart Tank 5101 All-in-One Inkjet Printer

HP Smart Tank 5101 All-in-One

HP Smart Tank 5101 All-in-One Inkjet Printer

4(1,310 ratings)
$229.99at WalmartChecked Nov 13
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • Refillable tanks cut ink waste and refill hassle
  • Large ink supply included in the box
  • Faster black printing at up to 12 ppm
  • High 4800 x 1200 dpi print resolution
  • Wi-Fi and AirPrint for phone and tablet printing
Cons
  • No automatic document feeder
  • No automatic duplex printing
  • No display screen
  • Large footprint for a home printer
HP
HP DeskJet 4255e Wireless All-in-One Printer

HP DeskJet 4255e All-in-One Printer

HP DeskJet 4255e Wireless All-in-One Printer

4(1 rating)
$49.99at yankeeprinter.comChecked Nov 11
See all prices and details
Visit yankeeprinter.com
Pros
  • 35-page ADF speeds up multi-page scan and copy
  • Compact design fits small desks
  • Wi-Fi reconnects automatically after a drop
  • HP app makes phone printing simple
  • Instant Ink subscription option for automatic ink delivery
Cons
  • Cartridge-based ink, not refillable tanks
  • Slower print speeds
  • No automatic duplex printing
  • Dynamic security limits third-party cartridges

What separates them

HP Smart Tank 5101 All-in-OneHP DeskJet 4255e All-in-One Printer
Ink systemRefillable ink tanks, cartridge-free, with a large starter ink supplyCartridge-based, with an optional Instant Ink subscription
Automatic document feederNone; flatbed only35-page ADF for multi-page scan and copy
Print speedUp to 12 ppm black, 5 ppm colorSlower entry-level DeskJet class
Duplex printingNo automatic duplexNo automatic duplex
DisplayNo displayBasic control panel
Size and footprintAbout 17.1 x 22.9 x 10.2 inches, heavierCompact, smaller footprint
ConnectivityWi-Fi and AirPrintWi-Fi with auto-reconnect, HP app printing
Print resolutionUp to 4800 x 1200 dpiStandard DeskJet resolution

Price history

$259.89$49.99
Nov 10Nov 13
  • HP Smart Tank 5101 All-in-One: lowest $229.99 on Nov 13 at Walmart.
  • HP DeskJet 4255e All-in-One Printer: lowest $49.99 on Nov 12 at yankeeprinter.com.

Prices at every store

HP Smart Tank 5101 All-in-One

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by ExcellentBuyJames!Returns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $229.99Checked Nov 13
    Visit Walmart
  • StaplesNew

    In stock

    $259.89Free shippingChecked Nov 13
    Visit Staples
  • AdoramaNew

    In stock

    $259.99Free shippingChecked Nov 13
    Visit Adorama
  • Abt ElectronicsNew

    In stock

    $259.99Free shippingChecked Nov 13
    Visit Abt Electronics

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 6 stores and price history →

HP DeskJet 4255e All-in-One Printer

  • yankeeprinter.comNew

    In stock

    $49.99Checked Nov 11
    Visit yankeeprinter.com
  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $53.00Checked Nov 11
    Visit Walmart
  • WhatnotNew

    Availability unknown

    $60.00Checked Nov 11
    Visit Whatnot
  • WoodArtSupplyNew

    Availability unknown

    $69.89Checked Nov 11
    Visit WoodArtSupply
All 15 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecHP Smart Tank 5101 All-in-OneHP DeskJet 4255e All-in-One Printer
colorGray—
sizeDL Envelope—
Print FormatsA4—
Built-In Hard DriveNo—
Duplex PrintingNo—
Color on PrinterWhite—
Depth (")22.86—
Memory Card ReaderNo—
Scanner TypeFlatbed—
Max Copy Resolution600 x 600 dpi—
Print Speed (Mono) (ppm)12.0—
Height (")10.21—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecHP Smart Tank 5101 All-in-OneHP DeskJet 4255e All-in-One Printer
Print TypeInkjet—
Standard Paper Capacity (pcs)100—
Print Speed (Color) (ppm)5.0—
Color PrinterYes—
Max Print Resolution4800 x 1200 dpi—
FunctionsScan, Copy—
PortableNo—
Width (")17.11—
Processor Speed (MHz)980—
Scan Resolution (max)

What reviewers say

HP Smart Tank 5101 All-in-One

  • 4 / 51,310 ratings

Owners rate it well overall, mostly for cheap refills and reliable everyday color printing. Complaints center on speed and the lack of duplex and an ADF.

What people mention
  • Ink costPraisedOwners say refilling the tanks costs far less than buying cartridges.
  • Print speedCriticisedColor pages come out slowly, which testers and owners note for bigger jobs.
  • Duplex printingCriticisedThere is no automatic two-sided printing, so double-sided pages are flipped by hand.
  • SetupMixedWireless setup through the HP app works for most, but some find it fiddly without a screen.

HP DeskJet 4255e All-in-One Printer

Owners of HP's entry DeskJet e-series describe a simple, compact printer that is easy to set up from a phone and handy for light printing. Complaints center on ink cost and cartridge lockouts, slow speeds and the small paper tray.

What people mention
  • Ink costCriticisedOwners say cartridges deplete fast and replacement ink is expensive without a subscription.
  • Cartridge lockoutCriticisedDynamic security blocks third-party and refilled cartridges, which some buyers find restrictive.
  • Print speedCriticisedReviewers call it slow, particularly for color pages and photos.
  • SetupPraisedPhone-based setup through the HP app is described as quick and simple.
Reviews
  • Best Printer for Your Home or Office in 2026: Tested by Our Experts - CNET

Questions and answers

Which is better for high-volume color printing?
The Smart Tank 5101. Its refillable tanks and large included ink supply are built for steady volume, and it prints color faster than the DeskJet 4255e.
Which is better for scanning and copying multi-page documents?
The DeskJet 4255e. Its 35-page automatic document feeder handles stacks, while the Smart Tank 5101 has only a flatbed.
Do either of these print double-sided automatically?
No. Neither the Smart Tank 5101 nor the DeskJet 4255e has automatic duplex printing, so two-sided pages need manual flipping.
Is the Smart Tank 5101 worth stepping up to over the DeskJet 4255e?
Yes if you print often. The tanks and larger ink supply reduce refill frequency and waste, and print speeds and resolution are higher. Skip it if you need an ADF or a small footprint.
Which lasts longer between refills?
The Smart Tank 5101. Its tank system holds far more ink than the DeskJet 4255e's cartridges, which run out sooner on regular printing.
Can I print from my phone on both?
Yes. Both support Wi-Fi and the HP app, and the Smart Tank 5101 also supports AirPrint.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best HP printers for home use
1200 x 1200 dpi
—
ConnectivityWi-Fi, AirPrint—
Scan FormatsA4—
PictBridgeNo—
Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)No—
DisplayNo—
BrandHP 3P-IPG—
Printing techInkjet—
Printer functionsCopy, Fax, Print, Scan—
Pages per min.12 ppm—
Mono colorMonochrome—
Maximum print resolution1200 dpi—
Printed page methodDuplex—
Has automatic document feederN—
Compatible OSWindows, Mac OS, Android, iOS—
FeaturesMobile Device Printing, Borderless Printing, Po…—
Maximum scan paper size8.5 x 11.69—
Maximum scanner resolution1200 dpi—
Maximum image resolution4800—