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Epson EcoTank ET-4850 — EcoTank inkjet AIO
Epson

Epson EcoTank ET-4850

EcoTank inkjet AIO

88
/ 100
From $549
VS
Brother MFC-L3780CDW — Color laser · 27ppm · Duplex · ADF
Brother

Brother MFC-L3780CDW

Color laser · 27ppm · Duplex · ADF

88
/ 100
From $549
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Epson EcoTank ET-4850 lands at 88 and Brother MFC-L3780CDW at 88. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Epson EcoTank ET-4850 if…

  • ✓Wireless printing
  • ✓AirPrint/Mopria compatible
  • ✓Good first-page-out time (laser models)

Pick Brother MFC-L3780CDW if…

  • ✓Toner-cheap color laser
  • ✓Auto-duplex with single-pass scanning
  • ✓No first-party ink subscription
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Cost

Brother MFC-L3780CDW

Compared on the cost sub-score

Brother MFC-L3780CDW leads on cost (96 vs 82).

Speed

Brother MFC-L3780CDW

Compared on the speed sub-score

Brother MFC-L3780CDW leads on speed (92 vs 84).

Quality

Epson EcoTank ET-4850

Compared on the quality sub-score

Epson EcoTank ET-4850 leads on quality (88 vs 86).

Value for money

Tie

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.

Epson EcoTank ET-4850 88
vs
88 Brother MFC-L3780CDW

Score breakdown

Epson EcoTank ET-4850
88
speed 84
quality 88
cost 82
reliability 86
features 0
value 0
Brother MFC-L3780CDW
88
speed 92
quality 86
cost 96
reliability 0
features 90
value 92

Specs side-by-side

Epson EcoTank ET-4850 versus Brother MFC-L3780CDW — full spec comparison
Spec Epson EcoTank ET-4850 Brother MFC-L3780CDW
Type
EcoTank inkjet AIO
Color laser MFP
Speed
—
27 ppm color + mono
Resolution
—
2400×600 dpi
Duplex
—
Auto print + scan
Connectivity
—
Wi-Fi 6, Ethernet, USB-C, AirPrint
ADF
—
50-sheet single-pass duplex
Weight
—
24.5 kg

Epson EcoTank ET-4850

Pros
  • +Wireless printing
  • +AirPrint/Mopria compatible
  • +Good first-page-out time (laser models)
Cons
  • −Ink subscription lock-in (HP)
  • −Drum/toner replacement cost
  • −Slow photo print on some inkjets

Brother MFC-L3780CDW

Pros
  • +Toner-cheap color laser
  • +Auto-duplex with single-pass scanning
  • +No first-party ink subscription
Cons
  • −Glossy paper not supported
  • −Color photos quality below inkjet
  • −Loud at 50 dB

FAQ: Epson EcoTank ET-4850 vs Brother MFC-L3780CDW

Which is better, Epson EcoTank ET-4850 or Brother MFC-L3780CDW? +

Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Epson EcoTank ET-4850 worth the price? +

At $549, Epson EcoTank ET-4850 delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in quality.

Is Brother MFC-L3780CDW worth the price? +

At $549, Brother MFC-L3780CDW delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in cost.

Does Epson EcoTank ET-4850 or Brother MFC-L3780CDW 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 cost, Epson EcoTank ET-4850 or Brother MFC-L3780CDW? +

Brother MFC-L3780CDW — leads on cost (96 vs 82). Compared on the cost sub-score.

Which is better for speed, Epson EcoTank ET-4850 or Brother MFC-L3780CDW? +

Brother MFC-L3780CDW — leads on speed (92 vs 84). Compared on the speed sub-score.