What Are the Best Ink Tank Printers for Small Businesses?
Key Takeaways:
- HP Smart Tank printers offer low-cost, high-volume printing, making them ideal for small businesses.
- Models like the HP Smart Tank 651, 7301, and 7602 offer business-ready features like duplex printing and automatic document feeders (ADFs).
- HP Smart Tank printers include three years’ worth of ink right in the box, so you’re all set for high-volume printing.
Ink tank printers have become a popular choice for small businesses. Unlike traditional printers, ink tank printers have refillable tanks that hold significantly more ink than cartridges do. If you run a small business, the HP Smart Tank 651, 7301, and 7602 are some of the best models you’ll want to check out.
Whether you're printing invoices, reports, or marketing materials, consistency and affordability matter. Ink tank printers are built to handle steady workloads while keeping operating costs manageable, which is why they continue to gain popularity in the business world.
Which Ink Tank Printers Are Best for Small Businesses?
HP’s Smart Tank lineup is designed to meet a range of business needs, from light printing in small offices to more demanding, multi-user environments. These printers can handle high volume, are reliable, and offer productivity features that support various types of workflows.
| HP Smart Tank 651 | HP Smart Tank 7301 | HP Smart Tank 7602 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Small offices needing ADF and fax |
Higher-volume workflows, multi-device teams |
Heavy workloads, multiple users, premium features |
| Functions | Print, Scan, Copy, Fax |
Print, Scan, Copy |
Print, Scan, Copy, Fax |
| Paper tray capacity | 100 sheets |
250 sheets |
250 sheets |
| Monthly duty cycle | Up to 1,000 pages |
Up to 5,000 pages |
Up to 6,000 pages |
| Fax | Yes |
App-based only |
Yes |
| Display | 2.2" mono touchscreen |
2-line LCD with smart buttons |
Touchscreen |
| Ethernet | No |
Yes |
Yes |
HP Smart Tank 651
The HP Smart Tank 651 is a strong choice for small businesses looking for performance and affordability. This model includes print, copy, scan, and fax functions along with a 35-page automatic document feeder, making multi-page tasks more efficient. Up to three years of ink is included in the box, with yields of up to 8,000 color pages or 6,000 black pages.
Dual-band Wi-Fi provides faster, more reliable wireless connectivity, and it integrates with our HP Smart app for easy mobile printing.
HP Smart Tank 7301
The HP Smart Tank 7301 is designed for environments focused on productivity. It includes features that support higher-volume workflows and multi-device usage. With automatic two-sided printing and a 35-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF), this model makes scanning and copying easier.
The Ethernet port provides a stable wired connection. The HP Smart Tank 7301 also integrates with the HP Smart app, enabling workflow automation and mobile printing. This allows teams to manage tasks more efficiently, whether they're printing from a desktop or smartphone.
HP Smart Tank 7602
For businesses with heavier workloads or multiple users, the HP Smart Tank 7602 offers premium, business-class features. It's designed to handle consistent, high-volume printing.
This model includes a touchscreen display and print, scan, copy, and fax options.
The combination of Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity ensures reliable performance across various network setups, while secure wireless features help protect sensitive business information.
Why Are Ink Tank Printers Ideal for Small Businesses?
Ink tank printers are well-suited for small business environments because they offer a low cost per page, a major value proposition for companies that print high volumes each day. By using refillable tanks instead of cartridges, businesses can significantly reduce their printing costs in the long run.
High page yields also contribute to efficiency, as teams don't need to refill paper as often.
Modern ink tank systems also have spill-free refill mechanisms that make it easy to replace ink and compact designs that allow these printers to fit comfortably in small office spaces.
The Bottom Line
For small businesses, printing costs and reliability directly affect your day-to-day productivity and your bottom line. Ink tank printers help address both concerns by eliminating expensive cartridge cycles and holding enough ink to keep pace with your business demand.
The HP Smart Tank 651 is the perfect starting point for small offices in need of fax and ADF capability without an overcomplicated setup, while the HP Smart Tank 7301 is a good next step up with Ethernet, a 250-sheet tray, and a 5,000-page monthly duty cycle for teams sharing a printer across multiple devices. For businesses where output volume and network reliability are top priorities, the HP Smart Tank 7602 offers business-class performance at a reasonable cost per page for color.
All three Smart Tank models come with up to three years of ink in the box, so you're setting up a printing workflow that holds up over time. Explore the full Smart Tank lineup and find the right model for your office.
FAQs
Is an ink tank printer better than a laser printer for my small business?
In many cases, yes. Ink tank printers typically offer a lower cost per page, especially for color printing, which is common in small business environments. They also have a lower upfront cost compared to many laser printers.
What ink tank printer should I buy for my small business?
For moderate printing needs, the HP Smart Tank 651 is a strong choice. If you need more advanced features like an ADF and Ethernet connectivity, the HP Smart Tank 7301 is a better fit.
For higher-volume or multi-user environments, the HP Smart Tank 7602 offers enhanced performance and durability. When choosing a printer, consider features like duplex printing, ADF capacity, and network connectivity to ensure it meets your needs.
Who makes the best ink tank printers?
HP is widely recognized as a leader in ink tank printing, particularly with its Smart Tank lineup. These printers combine high page yield, reliable performance, and user-friendly features that appeal to small business owners, all at an affordable price.
Do ink tank printers dry out if not used?
While ink can dry out if your printer is sitting unused, the time it takes for this to happen can vary based on your exact model. HP Smart Tank printers can sit unused for 12 weeks before the ink dries out.
What is the lifespan of an ink tank printer?
HP Smart Tank printers are made to last, and you can expect to rely on your printer for years with proper upkeep and maintenance.
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