Overview
- The L3260 has a slight advantage in ink capacity, with 70ml for black and 20ml for each color, compared to the L3250’s 65ml and 18ml respectively.
- If you are on a budget and prefer a more compact printer, the L3250 is a great option.
- The Epson EcoTank L3260 has a faster print speed and larger ink capacity, making it more suitable for high-volume printing.
In the realm of home and office printing, Epson has made a name for itself with its innovative EcoTank printers. Two popular models in this series are the Epson EcoTank L3250 and L3260. In this comprehensive blog post, we will pit these two printers against each other and help you determine which one is the ideal choice for your printing needs.
Key Features Comparison
| Feature | Epson EcoTank L3250 | Epson EcoTank L3260 |
| — | — | — |
| Printing Technology | Inkjet | Inkjet |
| Print Resolution | 5760 x 1440 dpi | 5760 x 1440 dpi |
| Print Speed (ISO) | 10 ppm (black) / 5 ppm (color) | 15 ppm (black) / 7.5 ppm (color) |
| Paper Capacity | 100 sheets | 100 sheets |
| Ink Type | Epson 003 (black, cyan, magenta, yellow) | Epson 003 (black, cyan, magenta, yellow) |
| Ink Capacity | 70 ml (black) / 20 ml (color) | 70 ml (black) / 20 ml (color) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, USB | Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, USB, Ethernet |
| Mobile Printing | Epson Connect, Apple AirPrint, Mopria | Epson Connect, Apple AirPrint, Mopria |
| Duplex Printing | Manual | Manual |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Design and Build Quality
Both the Epson EcoTank L3250 and L3260 feature a sleek and compact design that makes them easy to fit into small spaces. The L3260 has a slightly larger footprint due to the addition of an Ethernet port. The build quality of both printers is solid, with durable plastics used throughout.
Print Quality
Both printers deliver excellent print quality, with sharp text and vibrant colors. The L3260 has a slight edge in print speed, producing 15ppm in black and 7.5ppm in color compared to the L3250’s 10ppm and 5ppm respectively.
Ink Efficiency and Cost
One of the key advantages of EcoTank printers is their low ink costs. Both the L3250 and L3260 use Epson’s high-yield 003 ink bottles, which are incredibly affordable. The L3260 has a slight advantage in ink capacity, with 70ml for black and 20ml for each color, compared to the L3250’s 65ml and 18ml respectively.
Connectivity and Mobile Printing
Both printers offer a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and USB. The L3260 adds an Ethernet port for wired network connectivity. Both printers also support mobile printing through Epson Connect, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria.
Duplex Printing and Other Features
The L3250 and L3260 both offer manual duplex printing, which allows you to print on both sides of the paper. Other features include a rear paper feed for thicker media and a front-mounted LCD screen for easy operation.
Pros and Cons
Epson EcoTank L3250:
- Pros:
- Affordable ink costs
- Good print quality
- Compact design
- Cons:
- Slower print speed
- No Ethernet port
Epson EcoTank L3260:
- Pros:
- Faster print speed
- Slightly larger ink capacity
- Ethernet port
- Cons:
- Slightly larger footprint
Which Printer is Right for You?
The choice between the Epson EcoTank L3250 and L3260 depends on your specific printing needs. If you prioritize speed and Ethernet connectivity, the L3260 is the better choice. If you are on a budget and prefer a more compact printer, the L3250 is a great option.
Alternatives to Consider
- HP DeskJet Plus 4155e: A budget-friendly inkjet printer with similar features to the L3250.
- Canon PIXMA G3420: Another affordable inkjet printer with a slightly larger ink capacity than the L3250 and L3260.
- Brother MFC-J497DW: An all-in-one printer with print, scan, copy, and fax capabilities.
Final Note: The Verdict
Both the Epson EcoTank L3250 and L3260 are excellent home and office printers. The L3260 offers faster print speeds and Ethernet connectivity, while the L3250 is more affordable and compact. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual requirements.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Which printer has a higher ink capacity?
A: The Epson EcoTank L3260 has a slightly larger ink capacity than the L3250.
Q: Which printer supports Ethernet connectivity?
A: Only the Epson EcoTank L3260 supports Ethernet connectivity.
Q: Which printer is more affordable?
A: The Epson EcoTank L3250 is generally more affordable than the L3260.
Q: Which printer is better for high-volume printing?
A: The Epson EcoTank L3260 has a faster print speed and larger ink capacity, making it more suitable for high-volume printing.
Q: Which printer offers mobile printing capabilities?
A: Both the Epson EcoTank L3250 and L3260 support mobile printing through Epson Connect, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria.