Where they actually differ
The most decisive specs, ranked by how much they matter — before the full spec table.
| Spec | Epson - EcoTank ET-2850 | Epson - EcoTank ET-5850 |
|---|---|---|
| Pages/min (color) | 5 | 12 |
| Pages/min (mono) | 10.5 | 25 |
| ADF | false | true |
Between the EcoTank ET-2850 and EcoTank ET-5850, the EcoTank ET-2850 comes out ahead in several specs, while the EcoTank ET-5850 wins on pages/min (color) / pages/min (mono). Overall, the EcoTank ET-2850 scores 63.4 and the EcoTank ET-5850 scores 73.1 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The EcoTank ET-5850 is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 9.7 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
The EcoTank ET-2850 does not pull ahead on any single popular-comparison spec — its strengths sit in the spec-table groups rather than the headline advantages.
Pick the EcoTank ET-5850 if you care most about pages/min (color) / pages/min (mono). Its strongest claims are pages/min (color), pages/min (mono), adf. The single most decisive one: Pages/min (color) — 140.00% more. 12 vs 5.
Both ship with comparable type, color, auto duplex, so those specs do not separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the EcoTank ET-5850 is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Which should you buy: Epson - EcoTank ET-2850 or Epson - EcoTank ET-5850?
Epson - EcoTank ET-5850 leads the current Mars Score by 9.7 points.The more useful decision is the trade-off behind that result: compare pages/min (mono), pages/min (color) against the way you will actually use the product.
Choose Epson - EcoTank ET-2850 if…
Epson - EcoTank ET-2850 does not lead a decisive measured field here, so choose it for price, ecosystem, design, or availability when those matter more to you.
Choose Epson - EcoTank ET-5850 if…
Epson - EcoTank ET-5850 has the measurable edge on ppm color, ppm mono, has adf.
This is a structured comparison of the published catalog values. It is not a claim of identical real-world performance across every workload; use the linked spec drill-downs and methodology page to inspect the inputs.
Why Epson - EcoTank ET-2850 wins
- No decisive advantages.
Why Epson - EcoTank ET-5850 wins
- ▲Pages/min (color) — 140.00% more. 12 vs 5.
- ▲Pages/min (mono) — 138.10% more. 25 vs 10.5.
- ▲Has ADF.
Spec comparison
Spec
| Spec | Epson - EcoTank ET-2850 | Epson - EcoTank ET-5850 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Inkjet AIO | Inkjet AIO |
| Ink system | Refillable tank | Refillable tank |
| Color | true | true |
| Pages/min (mono) | 10.5 | 25lead |
| Pages/min (color) | 5 | 12lead |
| Resolution | 5760x1440 dpi | 4800x1200 dpi |
| Max paper size | Letter | Letter |
Features
| Spec | Epson - EcoTank ET-2850 | Epson - EcoTank ET-5850 |
|---|---|---|
| Auto duplex | true | true |
| ADF | false | truelead |
| Wi-Fiⓘ | true | true |
| AirPrint | true | true |