9 Best Ink Tank Printers for Small Business (October 2026)
The best best EcoTank printers for small business include the Epson EcoTank ET-4950 for shared office paperwork, the Epson EcoTank ET-3950 for routine document scanning, and the HP Smart Tank 7603 for fax and flyers.
On this page (7 sections)
- Which is the best EcoTank printer for small business use?
- The best EcoTank printers for small business workflows
- How to choose an ink tank printer for your business
- How should you set up a small business tank printer?
- How do you care for an office ink tank printer?
- Which buying mistakes cause the most extra work?
- Which small business ink tank printer should you choose?
The Epson EcoTank ET-4950 is the best EcoTank printer for small business use when you want one device for shared printing, scanning and fax. The EcoTank Pro ET-5800 is the better fit for frequent paper reloads, while the Brother INKvestment Tank 980 suits mixed paper jobs.
Choose around the work that holds up your day. Scanning a stack by hand, changing paper between jobs and waiting for color reports can matter more than a small difference in print speed.
For a broader overview, start with our best ink tank printers guide. You can also browse Epson EcoTank printers and HP and Brother tank printers to compare brands.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
-
2
-
3
Which is the best EcoTank printer for small business use?
The ET-4950 is the strongest general office choice here because it covers common document tasks without requiring the space of the larger ET-5800. Choose a different model when a specific need, such as separate paper feeds or direct cloud access, matters more.
EcoTank is Epson's range; HP Smart Tank and Brother INKvestment Tank are alternatives with refillable tanks. They belong in this comparison because the right business printer depends on your workflow rather than the name on the case.
We compared document functions, paper handling, connections and print speeds. The order favors broad office usefulness, so a lower-ranked printer can still be the better choice for a particular business.
| Product | Best for | Print speed | Paper tray | Functions | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epson EcoTank ET-4950 | shared office paperwork | 18 ISO ppm black, 9 ISO ppm color | 250 sheets | Print, copy, scan, fax | 8.2 |
| Epson EcoTank ET-3950 | routine document scanning | 18 ISO ppm black, 9 ISO ppm color | 8.1 | ||
| HP Smart Tank 7603 | fax and flyers | 15 ppm black | Print, copy, scan, fax | 8.0 | |
| Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5150 | client document packets | Up to 17 ISO ppm black, 9.5 ISO ppm color | 7.9 | ||
| Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5170 | busy fax workflows | Up to 17 ISO ppm black, 9.5 ISO ppm color | 250 sheets | Print, copy, scan, fax | 7.8 |
| Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5800 | frequent paper reloads | 7.8 | |||
| HP Smart Tank 7303 | fax-free team printing | 15 ppm black | Print, copy, scan | 7.6 | |
| Brother INKvestment Tank 780 | cloud-based solo offices | Up to 16 ppm black, 15.5 ppm color | 150 sheets | 7.2 | |
| Brother INKvestment Tank 980 | mixed paper jobs | Up to 17 ppm black, 16.5 ppm color | Print, copy, scan, fax | 7.0 |
The best EcoTank printers for small business workflows
Start with your main document task, then use each model's trade-offs to narrow the choice. These picks cover routine paperwork, client documents, shared printing and jobs that need more than one paper supply.
Epson EcoTank ET-4950
- Automatic duplex printing
- ADF and fax
- 250-sheet paper tray
- Ethernet and USB
The ET-4950 brings printing, scanning, copying and fax together for a shared office. Its paper capacity and wired connections suit routine business documents.
Pros
- Automatic two-sided printing
- ADF for multi-page originals
- Wired network connection
Cons
- Color jobs run slower than black documents
- One main tray limits separate paper supplies
The ET-4950 suits a small team sharing one printer for invoices, forms, reports and incoming paperwork. Its 250-sheet tray gives everyday documents a useful paper reserve, while an ADF lets you feed document stacks for scanning or copying.
Automatic duplex printing helps with longer reports, and fax covers offices that still exchange documents that way. Ethernet is useful when the printer has a fixed place near the office network rather than moving between desks.
It prints at 18 ISO ppm in black and 9 ISO ppm in color. That balance fits text-heavy work better than an office whose main output is long color presentations.
Choose it if you want a single office device with few obvious gaps for routine documents. Skip it for frequent paper switching: a second feed can save more time than a broadly capable all-in-one with one main tray.
Epson EcoTank ET-3950
- Automatic duplex printing
- Flatbed and ADF scanner
- Wi-Fi Direct
- Ethernet and USB
A flatbed and ADF cover individual originals and document stacks. Choose it for print, scan and copy work rather than a fax-centered office.
Pros
- Two ways to scan originals
- Automatic duplex printing
- Wired and wireless connections
Cons
- Color output is slower than black output
- Choose another pick if fax is essential
The ET-3950 fits a business that scans and copies paperwork throughout the week without making fax a buying requirement. Its flatbed and ADF give you separate ways to handle single originals and ordinary document stacks.
Use the glass for items that should not pass through a feeder, following the printer's guidance. Use the ADF for loose, suitable sheets so you can turn a stack into a file with less manual handling.
Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet and USB provide several ways to connect. Choose the connection around the devices your business actually uses, especially if staff print from both computers and phones.
Its print speeds match the leading pick, so this is a workflow alternative rather than a speed upgrade. Choose it for routine print, copy and scan work; skip it if traditional fax or separate paper supplies are central to your day.
HP Smart Tank 7603
- Print, copy, scan and fax
- ADF
- Automatic duplex printing
- Borderless printing
The 7603 suits a business that needs fax alongside borderless color output. An ADF and automatic duplex printing also handle everyday office paperwork.
Pros
- Fax and batch document feeding
- Borderless output
- Mobile and wired printing options
Cons
- Black speed trails the leading Epson picks
- Wider than the ET-4950
The HP Smart Tank 7603 suits a business that mixes fax paperwork with borderless color output. That could mean ordinary forms during the week and occasional promotional sheets or images where white edges are unwanted.
It combines printing, copying, scanning and fax with an ADF and automatic duplex printing. Wireless, mobile, Ethernet and USB options let it serve several types of office device.
HP gives included-ink estimates of up to 6,000 black pages or 8,000 color pages. Those are usage estimates, so don't turn them into a fixed refill date for your business.
Choose this model when fax and borderless output both have a clear purpose. Skip it if fast black-document batches are your main concern, or if your promotional work needs specialist media and finishing beyond ordinary office printing.
Before planning full-page artwork, check the supported paper size, paper type and borderless settings together.
Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5150
- DURABrite ET pigment inks
- Automatic duplex printing
- Face-down output
- Ethernet and wireless printing
Pigment inks, two-sided printing and face-down output suit document-focused work. It makes sense for reports and client packets when fax is not a buying requirement.
Pros
- Pigment ink in black and color
- Two-sided document printing
- Printed content exits face down
Cons
- Not the fastest black-document option here
- ET-5170 is the clearer choice for fax and an ADF
The ET-5150 is a document-focused choice for reports, proposals and client packets. It uses DURABrite ET pigment inks in black and color, with automatic duplex printing for longer documents.
Face-down output keeps the printed side facing away from immediate view. That helps on a shared counter, though confidential documents should still be collected promptly.
Its rated speeds reach 17 ISO ppm black and 9.5 ISO ppm color. Ethernet and wireless printing suit a fixed office position with access from staff devices.
Choose it when pigment ink and two-sided document output are your main requirements. Skip it if fax and batch scanning drive the purchase; the ET-5170 has the clearer combination of those office features.
For client packets, check margins, page order and readability in the final PDF before printing the full batch. A clean file and suitable paper do more for a useful report than choosing the highest quality setting for every page.
Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5170
- DURABrite ET pigment inks
- ADF and fax
- 250-sheet paper tray
- Ethernet and Wi-Fi Direct
The ET-5170 combines pigment ink with batch document feeding and fax. It fits offices that handle both incoming paperwork and outgoing printed documents.
Pros
- ADF and fax
- Face-down output
- Automatic two-sided printing
Cons
- One main paper tray
- Taller than the ET-4950
The ET-5170 suits an office that moves paperwork between print, scan, copy and fax. It combines an ADF with DURABrite ET pigment inks, making it a more complete document-handling choice than choosing on ink type alone.
A 250-sheet tray supports routine paper loads, while automatic two-sided printing reduces manual turning. Its 2.4-inch color touchscreen gives staff a place to control jobs at the printer.
Ethernet suits a fixed shared installation, and Wi-Fi Direct provides another connection route. Face-down output is useful when the machine sits near a reception desk or another shared area.
Choose it when incoming document stacks and outgoing fax work are both regular tasks. Skip it if your main interruption is changing paper: its single main tray won't solve the same problem as a printer with separate paper supplies.
It is also taller than the ET-4950, so allow room above it for document access rather than checking desk width alone.
Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5800
- Two 250-sheet front trays
- Rear specialty-paper feed
- Pigment-based DURABrite ink
- 4.3-inch color touchscreen
Separate front trays and a rear feed reduce paper swapping across varied jobs. Choose it when paper handling matters enough to justify a larger, heavier printer.
Pros
- Two front paper supplies
- Separate specialty-paper feed
- Automatic duplex printing
Cons
- Weighs 39.2 lb
- Needs more room than the smaller office picks
The ET-5800 is the strongest fit here for an office interrupted by paper reloads and changes. Its two front trays hold 250 sheets each, and a rear feed provides a separate route for specialty paper.
That layout lets you plan around different paper supplies instead of emptying one tray between jobs. Check which feed supports your chosen media before assigning work to it.
DURABrite pigment-based ink supports black and color documents, including borderless output up to 8.5 x 14 inches. Automatic duplex printing and a 4.3-inch color touchscreen add useful control for shared work.
Choose it when paper handling earns its space in the office. Skip it for a light-use desk setup: at 39.2 lb, it needs a stable home and more planning than the smaller picks.
Don't buy it just because the business might grow. Buy it when your current paper changes, reloads or document queues give those extra feeds a clear job.
HP Smart Tank 7303
- Print, copy and scan
- ADF
- Automatic duplex printing
- Mobile and wireless printing
The 7303 covers shared printing, copying and scanning without centering the purchase on fax. Mobile printing and wired connections support different desk setups.
Pros
- ADF for document stacks
- Automatic duplex printing
- Wired and wireless connections
Cons
- Choose the 7603 for fax
- Not the fastest black-document pick
The HP Smart Tank 7303 fits a team that needs shared printing and scanning without fax. Its ADF handles document stacks, and automatic duplex printing suits reports and internal paperwork.
Mobile and wireless printing help staff send jobs from different devices. Ethernet and USB also give you options if a wired connection better suits the office layout.
Its black print speed is 15 ppm. For short everyday documents, the bigger buying question is often how easily staff can send, find and collect their jobs rather than the headline speed.
Choose it when print, copy and scan cover your work and you prefer HP's refillable-tank range. Skip it if fax is required, since the 7603 is the more suitable HP pick for that task.
Set a shared default for paper size and two-sided output during setup. Otherwise, different staff settings can create avoidable paper waste even when everyone uses the same machine.
Brother INKvestment Tank 780
- Cloud app connections
- 150-sheet tray
- 20-page single-sided ADF
- Automatic duplex printing
Direct cloud connections suit a small office that stores paperwork online. Its single-sided feeder handles short document batches, with a flatbed for other originals.
Pros
- Print from and scan to cloud apps
- Single-sheet manual feed
- Automatic duplex printing
Cons
- ADF scans one side at a time
- No Ethernet connection
The Brother INKvestment Tank 780 suits a solo office that stores paperwork in cloud services. It can print from and scan to Google Drive, Dropbox, Box and OneDrive, with internet access and an account required.
Its 20-page single-sided ADF fits short document batches. A flatbed handles other suitable originals, while automatic duplex printing covers two-sided output.
The 150-sheet tray is paired with a single-sheet manual feed slot. Wireless and USB connections suit a desk-based setup, but skip this model if Ethernet is required.
Brother's up-to-3-years included-ink estimate assumes 150 pages per month, with 60% black and 40% color pages. Compare that workload with your own instead of treating the number of years as a refill schedule.
Choose it for cloud filing and modest document batches. For frequent two-sided originals, account for the extra handling because the feeder scans one side at a time.
Brother INKvestment Tank 980
- 80-sheet multipurpose tray
- 150-sheet main tray
- ADF and fax
- Front USB port
A separate multipurpose tray suits offices that alternate between everyday paper and other supported media. Fax, networking and front USB access add ways to handle documents.
Pros
- Separate feed for alternate paper
- Ethernet, wireless and USB
- Direct USB printing and scanning
Cons
- ADF scans one side at a time
- Main tray is smaller than the leading Epson pick
The Brother INKvestment Tank 980 suits businesses that regularly alternate between paper types. An 80-sheet multipurpose tray sits alongside the 150-sheet main tray, giving alternate supported media its own place.
It adds fax, Ethernet, wireless and USB connections. A front USB port supports direct printing and scanning, which is useful when a document needs to move without going through a staff computer.
Print speeds reach up to 17 ppm black and 16.5 ppm color. Its 20-page ADF is single-sided, so automatic duplex printing should not be confused with two-sided document scanning.
Choose it when separate paper feeds and several document routes matter more than a large main tray. Skip it if most jobs use one paper type and those extra routes would sit unused.
Brother's included-ink estimate assumes 200 pages monthly with a 60% black and 40% color mix. A busier office should plan refills around actual use.
How to choose an ink tank printer for your business
Match the printer to a busy normal week, including scanning and paper changes as well as printed pages. A short record of real jobs is more useful than a guess about future growth.
Note how many pages are black or color, which paper types you use and how often staff need the machine at the same time. Also count the document stacks you scan, since that work may determine the best choice.
What makes an EcoTank printer best for a small business?
The best fit removes your most frequent manual task. For one business that means feeding scan batches; for another it means keeping plain paper and alternate media ready in separate trays.
Write down 3 must-have features before comparing models. Treat the rest as extras, so borderless printing or a larger screen doesn't distract from a missing connection or document function.
How much paper capacity does a small office need?
Choose capacity around your normal batch size and reload frequency, rather than aiming for the largest tray. A bigger supply helps most when staff repeatedly stop work to add paper.
Separate feeds solve a different problem: they reduce swapping between paper types. Don't add tray capacities together and assume every sheet can be used for the same job without checking feed settings and supported media.
Is an ADF useful for business printing?
An ADF saves handling time on multi-page originals, while a flatbed suits occasional single sheets and items unsuitable for feeding. Count your typical batch, not just the longest document you have ever scanned.
Automatic duplex printing describes printed output, not the scanner's handling of both sides. If double-sided originals are common, confirm the scanning process before buying; don't infer it from the word “duplex.”
Remove staples, smooth folded corners and follow the feeder's paper guidance. Mixed sizes, damaged sheets and tightly bound originals may need a different approach.
Should you choose Ethernet or wireless?
Ethernet is useful for a fixed shared printer, while wireless gives more freedom in placement. USB can suit one nearby computer, and Wi-Fi Direct serves a different purpose from joining the office network.
Check that staff devices can reach the printer on your chosen network. Guest networks may separate devices, and a phone connection alone doesn't prove every office computer can print.
How much does speed matter for a small business EcoTank printer?
Speed matters when people wait for long or overlapping jobs. For short invoices, file preparation, connection delays and collecting output can take more of the job than the actual printing.
Compare black and color speeds separately, and give the most weight to figures measured on the same basis. Don't compare copy speed with print speed or assume a photo-heavy PDF will run at the headline document rate.
If most output is plain black text, also read our ink tank printer vs laser printer comparison. Our ink tank versus inkjet guide explains how refillable tanks differ from cartridge-based options.
Does ink yield tell you how long ink will last?
Page yield estimates ink use, not time on the calendar. Dense graphics, page coverage, cleaning and print settings can change how quickly your office needs a refill.
Separate included-ink estimates from replacement-bottle yields. Avoid calculating exact running costs from unlike figures, and remember that ink is only part of the cost alongside paper, upkeep and staff time.
How should you set up a small business tank printer?
Set up the printer where it will stay and configure real office jobs before relying on it. Leave room for open trays, the scanner lid, paper removal and refilling, not just the closed case.
Place, fill and connect it in the right order
Follow the model's setup guide for unpacking, filling and initial preparation. Keep the printer level, use the correct bottle for each tank and allow the first preparation cycle to finish without interruption.
Our EcoTank refill guide explains the filling process in more detail. Never choose ink by color alone, since different printer families use different bottle types.
Install the appropriate software on each work device, then check printing and scanning from those devices. If fax is needed, complete its setup separately rather than assuming network printing has configured it.
Create defaults that match office work
Set the usual paper size, paper type and print quality, then choose two-sided output where it suits your documents. Keep single-sided settings available for forms and other jobs that require them.
Print one representative document before releasing a large batch. Check page order, margins, color charts and any small text, then scan a sample original and confirm that the saved file is readable.
Give the shared printer a clear name and tell staff where scans go. A simple folder and filename rule prevents useful documents from disappearing into personal downloads.
How do you care for an office ink tank printer?
Regular use, correct ink and prompt attention to poor output are the main care habits. Refillable tanks reduce cartridge changes, but the printer still needs sensible day-to-day handling.
Check tank levels as part of routine office care and follow the refill marks and instructions. Store spare bottles securely, and keep paper dry and flat to reduce avoidable feeding problems.
If pages show missing lines or colors, begin with the printer's nozzle-check process. Follow the recommended cleaning sequence rather than repeatedly running cleaning cycles, which use ink.
Our EcoTank print head cleaning guide covers that process. Use the normal power button when shutting down, and follow the manual's guidance for longer closures or moving the machine.
Which buying mistakes cause the most extra work?
The biggest mistake is buying for ink capacity while overlooking document handling. A large ink supply won't remove the need to turn scan originals or swap paper between every job.
- Choosing for an unusually busy day: use normal weekly work as the baseline, then allow reasonable room for peak jobs.
- Assuming every paper type works: check size, weight, coating and feed support before planning labels, cards or specialty output.
- Using one setting for everything: draft documents, client reports and images may need different quality and paper settings.
- Treating borderless printing as a full print-shop service: trimming, folding, paper choice and finishing still affect the result.
- Ignoring quiet periods: a business that closes for weeks needs a care plan, even if it prints heavily during its active season.
Also plan for urgent work if the printer is unavailable. Keeping important files ready for another print route can matter more than buying features your office rarely uses.
Which small business ink tank printer should you choose?
Choose the ET-4950 if your main need is one shared device for routine office paperwork. For most readers seeking the best EcoTank printer for small business use, it is the sensible starting point.
Pick the ET-5800 when repeated paper changes and reloads already interrupt work. Choose the Brother 980 when alternate paper, fax and direct document routes justify its extra feeds and connections.
For scanning without fax, compare the ET-3950 and HP 7303. Choose the HP 7603 for fax plus borderless output, the ET-5150 for document-focused pigment printing, or the ET-5170 when that ink system also needs fax and an ADF.
The Brother 780 makes more sense for a smaller cloud-based office that doesn't need Ethernet. Before ordering any model, confirm your connection, paper needs and scanning method against your must-have list.
For a wider shortlist, return to our best ink tank printers. If your print volume is still uncertain, use our ink tank printer value guide to decide whether refillable tanks fit your business.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
-
2
-
3
Frequently asked questions
What is the best EcoTank printer for a small business?
The Epson EcoTank ET-4950 is the best fit for most small businesses here because it combines shared printing, scanning and fax with useful paper capacity. Choose the EcoTank Pro ET-5800 instead when separate paper supplies and fewer reloads matter more than a smaller body.
Is an ink tank printer suitable for a small office?
Yes, an ink tank printer suits a small office that prints regularly and uses color documents. Refillable bottles are useful when you get through enough pages to benefit from them, but the printer still needs care during quiet periods.
Compare the full cost and your actual print habits before choosing.
Which small business tank printer has fax?
The Epson EcoTank ET-4950, HP Smart Tank 7603, Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5170 and Brother INKvestment Tank 980 include fax. Choose among them by paper handling and document needs.
If you need traditional fax, also check that your office has a suitable phone service and connection before placing the printer.
Do small business printers need an automatic document feeder?
An ADF is worth having if you regularly scan or copy document stacks, since it saves placing each page on the glass. A flatbed is enough for occasional single-page work.
Check the feeder's capacity and scanning method separately, because automatic two-sided printing does not mean automatic two-sided scanning.
What should I check before buying an ink tank printer for business?
Start with your busiest normal week: count pages, note paper changes and check how many originals need scanning. Then match the printer's feeds, connections and document features to those jobs.
Our guide to ink tank printer features explains when duplex printing and an ADF save useful handling time.
