HP Smart Tank 5101 Review: Two Years Ink Included
The HP Smart Tank 5101 is an economical home-office all‑in‑one ink tank printer. Notably, it comes bundled with up to two years of original HP ink—6,000 color pages and 6,000 black pages from the start—making it ultra cost‑effective for high-volume users. Expect a clean, compact design, a guided mobile setup, and self-healing Wi‑Fi that maintains stability across devices.
Quick Navigations
🎯 Ideal For
- Busy families printing homework, documents, and occasional photos.
- Home office users wanting low-cost per page.
- Price-conscious buyers who don’t need ADF or auto-duplex features.
Key Features & Technical Specs
- Ink in the Box: Up to 2 years of ink included — ~6,000 pages black, 6,000 color
- Print Speeds: ~12 ppm black, ~5 ppm color (ISO rated)
- Print Quality: Up to 1200×1200 dpi mono, 4800×1200 dpi optimized color output
- Functions: Print, copy, scan; borderless up to 8.5×11″, manual duplexing only
- Connectivity: Wi‑Fi 802.11b/g/n, Wi‑Fi Direct, Bluetooth LE, USB 2.0
- Features:
- HP Smart App guided install, smart buttons, ink sensors, auto-on/off, and recyclable ink bottles
- Buy via Amazon and save with exclusive offer »
Performance & Usability
✅ Ease of Setup
HP’s mobile‑guided setup via the Smart App is an intuitive onboarding process with animated steps and responsive Wi‑Fi linking. The smart buttons light up during operations for simple navigation.
🖨️ Print Quality
Offers crisp documents and richly saturated color prints—sufficient for schoolwork, school projects, or casual photo printing. While not magazine‑quality, most users report pleasing everyday output.
💧 Ink Refilling
Color-coded, spill-free bottles snap into place—refilling is clean and quick. No squeezing or mess. Users highlight how straightforward and error‑free this process is.
📶 Connectivity
Self-healing Wi‑Fi helps re-establish a stable connection if your router drops or changes channels. Mobile printing via the HP app is seamless and reliable on smartphones, tablets, and Chromebooks.
⚠️ Common Drawbacks
- No automatic duplex or ADF: manual page flipping needed and scanning multipage docs is cumbersome.
- Printhead clogging risk: thermal-head technology can be prone to dry-out when unused long term.
- Build limitations: input tray holds ~30 sheets; scanner lid doesn’t hinge fully—adds difficulty when printing thick documents.
User Insights & Experiences
- Many users report printing thousands of pages (some over 10,000) with no performance loss. “Setup was very easy… probably printed over 7,000 pages … still running amazingly well.”
- Customers on BestBuy/HP rated the printer 4.3–4.5 out of 5, praising ease of use, quiet performance, and low ongoing cost.
- Critical reviews cite paper jams, Wi-Fi connectivity hiccups, and defective ink cartridges—though these appear sporadic.
Pros & Cons Summary
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Two years ink included—low running costs | No automatic duplex / no ADF |
| Spill‑free, intuitive refill system | Printhead prone to clog after long idle periods |
| Easy guided setup via HP Smart App | Scanner lid design limits handling thick documents |
| Self‑healing Wi‑Fi ensures stable connection | Small input tray (≈30 sheets) |
| Solid everyday print quality for text and basic photos | Minor app/connectivity annoyances noted by few users |
Comparison & Competitors
While the HP Smart Tank 5101 is excellent for everyday volume users, rivals like Canon PIXMA G3270 and Epson EcoTank ET‑2862 may offer:
- Better image fidelity,
- Automatic duplexing / ADF,
- More robust printhead infrastructure.
If auto-duplex or multi-page scanning is critical, models like HP Smart Tank 7001 or Epson ET‑4850 should be considered.
Verdict & Recommendation
For families, students, or home-office users who print regularly but don’t need advanced features or photo-suite output, the HP Smart Tank 5101 is a solid, economical choice. With included ink for up to 6,000 pages, ease of use, and low maintenance—especially for its price (~$180–$190 on Amazon/Best Buy)—it delivers high bang for your buck TechRadarHP.
🟢 Recommended if you:
- Print high volumes of documents
- Want minimal refill hassle
- Use HP smart app and wireless printing regularly
🔴 Consider alternatives if you need:
- Auto duplex or ADF
- Photo-grade scanning or printing
- Robust build for heavier-duty multiuser use
Where to Buy & Affiliate Link
If you’d like to save on printing costs and get started right away, consider purchasing the HP Smart Tank 5101 through the following link:
Buy via Amazon and save with exclusive offer »
Final Thoughts
The HP Smart Tank 5101 excels at what it’s designed for: reliable, low-cost, everyday home printing with minimal fuss. While it omits features found in higher-end models, it more than compensates with value, accessible refilling, and solid wireless performance. If you’re seeking to transition from cartridges, reduce long-term expense, or simplify printing for family or remote-office purposes, this is a compelling option.
