Which is better for a family that prints homework and photos?

The Smart Tank 7001. It prints color faster, holds more paper and duplexes automatically, so long homework runs need less attention. The 5101 handles the same jobs but slower and with more tray refills.

Do I need the 7001 if I only print a few pages a week?

No. The 5101 covers light printing well and takes less space. Step up to the 7001 only if you print most days or want two-sided printing.

Which lasts longer between ink refills?

The 7001 ships with a larger starter supply, rated up to 8,000 color or 6,000 black pages. The 5101 is rated up to 6,000 pages. Real mileage depends on how much of each page is covered in ink.

Can either one scan a stack of papers automatically?

No. Neither has an automatic document feeder, so you place each page on the flatbed by hand. If you scan multi-page documents often, look for a model with an ADF.

Is the 7001 worth stepping up to?

Yes for volume and convenience: duplex, a bigger tray, faster color and a higher duty cycle. If you print occasionally and want a smaller footprint, the 5101 is the better fit.

HP Smart Tank 7001 vs HP Smart Tank 5101

The Smart Tank 7001 is the stronger machine: faster, with auto duplex, a 250-sheet tray and a 5,000-page monthly duty cycle. The Smart Tank 5101 is smaller, lighter and simpler, with no duplex and a 100-sheet tray. Buy the 7001 for a busy family or home office that prints most days; buy the 5101 for light printing where space and simplicity matter more than speed. Both use the same spill-free tank refill system, and owners of both praise cheap running costs.

Choose the HP Smart Tank 7001 if you print often, want automatic two-sided printing and a big paper tray, and need faster color pages.
Choose the HP Smart Tank 5101 if you print in modest volumes, have limited desk space, and don't need duplex or a large tray.

Prices

HP Smart Tank 7001: $59.99 at FFG (checked today)
HP Smart Tank 5101: $139.00 at Whatnot (checked today)
Difference: the HP Smart Tank 7001 is $79.01 cheaper than the HP Smart Tank 5101 today

HP Smart Tank 7001 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer

What separates them

	HP Smart Tank 7001	HP Smart Tank 5101
Auto duplex printing	Yes, automatic two-sided printing	No, single-sided only
Print speed	15 ppm black, 9 ppm color	12 ppm black, 5 ppm color
Paper input tray	250 sheets	100 sheets
Monthly duty cycle	Up to 5,000 pages	Up to 3,000 pages
Ink included in box	Up to 8,000 color or 6,000 black pages	Up to 6,000 color or black pages
Size and weight	16.83 x 14.33 x 7.82 in, 14.07 lb	17.11 x 14.23 x 6.19 in, 11.09 lb
First color page	About 16 seconds	About 21 seconds
Document feeder	None	None

Specs compared

Spec	HP Smart Tank 7001	HP Smart Tank 5101
Supported Functions	Print, Color Output, Copy, Scan	Print, Copy, Scan
Paper Type	Plain Paper	Plain paper
Auto Duplex Printing	Yes	No
Paper Tray Capacity	250 sheets (Input Tray)	100 sheets
Automatic Document Feeder	No	No
Input Capacity	250 sheets	100 sheets
Output Capacity	100 sheets	30 sheets
Color Output	Yes	Yes
Photo Quality	Yes	Yes
Depth	14.33 in	14.23 in
Height	7.82 in	6.19 in
Weight	14.07 lb	11.09 lb

Show all 40 specs

Spec	HP Smart Tank 7001	HP Smart Tank 5101
Width	16.83 in	17.11 in
Color Print Speed	9 ppm	Up to 5 ppm (ISO, laser comparable)
Mono Print Speed	15 ppm	12 ppm
Max Color Resolution	4800 x 1200 dpi	4800 x 1200 dpi
Max Mono Resolution	1200 x 1200 DPI	1200 x 1200 DPI
Time To First Print	16 s (color, normal)	21 s (color, normal)
Duty Cycle	Up to 5,000 pages (monthly)	Up to 3,000 pages (monthly)
Printing Technology	Inkjet, HP Thermal Inkjet	Inkjet
Output Type	Color	Color

HP Smart Tank 7001 vs HP Smart Tank 5101

Prices

HP Smart Tank 7001 vs HP Smart Tank 5101

Prices