Epson EcoTank ET-2850
Inkjet · Refillable tanks · AIO
Epson SureColor F170
Dye-sub · 2021
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Epson EcoTank ET-2850 lands at 86 and Epson SureColor F170 at 86. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Epson EcoTank ET-2850 if…
- ✓Ink tanks last ~2 years
- ✓Low per-page cost
- ✓Wi-Fi and duplex
Pick Epson SureColor F170 if…
- ✓Wireless printing (most)
- ✓Current-gen firmware
- ✓Mature driver support
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testQuality
Epson EcoTank ET-2850Compared on the quality sub-score
Epson EcoTank ET-2850 leads on quality (90 vs 86).
Cost
Epson EcoTank ET-2850Compared on the cost sub-score
Epson EcoTank ET-2850 leads on cost (96 vs 80).
Reliability
TieCompared on the reliability sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
Epson EcoTank ET-2850Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
Epson EcoTank ET-2850 more score per dollar ($299 vs $699).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Epson EcoTank ET-2850 | Epson SureColor F170 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | EcoTank inkjet | Dye-sub |
| Speed | 10.5 ipm mono / 5 ipm color | — |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, USB | — |
| Release year | — | 2021 |
Epson EcoTank ET-2850
- +Ink tanks last ~2 years
- +Low per-page cost
- +Wi-Fi and duplex
- −Initial ink setup messy
- −Slower than laser
- −Auto duplex in color only
Epson SureColor F170
- +Wireless printing (most)
- +Current-gen firmware
- +Mature driver support
- −Ink/toner subscriptions (HP)
- −Noisy under heavy loads
- −Paper path varies
FAQ: Epson EcoTank ET-2850 vs Epson SureColor F170
Which is better, Epson EcoTank ET-2850 or Epson SureColor F170? +
Both score 86 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Epson EcoTank ET-2850 worth the price? +
At $299, Epson EcoTank ET-2850 delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in cost.
Is Epson SureColor F170 worth the price? +
At $699, Epson SureColor F170 delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in quality.
Does Epson EcoTank ET-2850 or Epson SureColor F170 last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for quality, Epson EcoTank ET-2850 or Epson SureColor F170? +
Epson EcoTank ET-2850 — leads on quality (90 vs 86). Compared on the quality sub-score.
Which is better for cost, Epson EcoTank ET-2850 or Epson SureColor F170? +
Epson EcoTank ET-2850 — leads on cost (96 vs 80). Compared on the cost sub-score.