HP vs Xerox: Laser Printers Compared by Specs
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
This HP vs xerox laser printer comparison highlights two distinct all-in-one color devices. Both support wireless printing and output vibrant color documents. The main difference lies in their technology. The HP uses an ink tank system for mess-free refilling. The Xerox relies on traditional laser toner cartridges. You need to decide which system fits your office workflow better based on volume and maintenance preferences.
Key differences
| Aspect | HP Smart Tank All-in-One Color Printer | Xerox Wireless Color Laser All-in-One |
|---|---|---|
| Print Technology | Ink Tank | Laser |
| Ink/Toner System | Ink Tank | Toner cartridge |
| Supported Functions | Print, copy, scan | Print, scan, copy, fax |
| Connectivity | Wireless | Dual-band Wi-Fi, Apple AirPrint, Mopria |
| Weight | 11.1 pounds | 43 pounds |
Which one should you choose?
Choose HP Smart Tank All-in-One Color Printer if
- You want to avoid toner cartridges and prefer a mess-free ink refill system.
- You need a lighter unit that is easier to move or place on a desk.
- You print high volumes of color pages and want included ink supplies.
Choose Xerox Wireless Color Laser All-in-One if
- You require faxing capabilities for legal or business documents.
- You prefer the durability and speed of laser technology for professional text.
- You need dual-band Wi-Fi for more stable network connections.
Verdict: The HP Smart Tank is better for users who prioritize low-cost, high-volume color printing and easy ink refills without cartridges. The Xerox C255a suits professional teams who need faxing, laser reliability, and robust wireless connectivity. Choose the HP for cost savings and the Xerox for office versatility.
HP vs Xerox Laser Printer Specs
Print technology
The HP Smart Tank 5003 uses an ink tank system. This method allows for mess-free refilling by plugging ink bottles directly into the tank. It is designed for low-cost, high-volume printing with included ink. In contrast, the Xerox C255a is a color laser printer. It uses toner cartridges, which are standard for laser devices. The Xerox supports lighter monthly usage up to 1,500 pages with standard-yield toner. High-yield options are available to lower ownership costs. Laser technology typically offers faster text printing and more durable output for business documents compared to ink tank systems.
Supported functions
Both devices are all-in-one printers that handle print, copy, and scan tasks. The Xerox C255a adds faxing capability to this list, making it a four-in-one device. This adds value for legal and administrative professionals who need to send documents electronically. The HP Smart Tank 5003 focuses on printing, copying, and scanning. It also supports borderless prints, which is useful for photo or graphic-heavy documents. If you need fax functionality, the Xerox provides it. If you prioritize borderless photo printing, the HP offers that specific feature.
Connectivity
Both printers support wireless printing for mobile devices. The Xerox C255a specifies dual-band Wi-Fi, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria support. This ensures stable connections and compatibility with various Apple and Android devices. The HP Smart Tank 5003 lists wireless connectivity but does not specify dual-band or specific protocols like AirPrint in the provided data. Both allow mobile printing. The Xerox data explicitly mentions ease of setup via the Xerox Easy Assist App. The HP emphasizes easy setup but does not name a specific companion app in the specs. The Xerox connectivity details are more specific.
Build and size
The physical dimensions and weight differ significantly between the two models. The HP Smart Tank 5003 measures 17.1 inches wide, 6.19 inches high, and 14.2 inches long. It weighs 11.1 pounds, making it much lighter and easier to move. The Xerox C255a is larger, measuring 16.2 inches wide, 13.6 inches high, and 15.7 inches long. It weighs 43 pounds. The Xerox has a small compact footprint relative to its class, but it is still substantially heavier and taller than the HP. The HP is better for limited desk space or frequent relocation.
Print output
Both printers produce color output, which is essential for graphics and vibrant documents. The HP Smart Tank 5003 is marketed for sharper text and richer colors, suitable for general use. It includes up to 6,000 pages of ink out of the box. The Xerox C255a is built for professional teams, producing sharp text and brilliant color graphics for business documents and presentations. It supports up to 1,500 pages per month. Both deliver color quality. The HP includes a large initial ink supply. The Xerox is rated for specific monthly page volumes.
Which Laser Printer Suits Your Needs
Home users wanting low mess
This HP model uses an ink tank system with a mess-free refill design. You plug bottles directly into the tank to avoid spills. It includes three years of ink for up to 6,000 pages. The compact size at 11.1 pounds makes it easy to place in small home offices.
Small business needing faxing
The Xerox C255a offers four-in-one versatility including faxing, which the HP lacks. It features dual-band Wi-Fi for stable connections in busy environments. The laser technology supports up to 1,500 pages monthly, ensuring reliable performance for professional documents and presentations in a small business setting.
Users prioritizing print speed
Laser printers typically deliver faster output for text-heavy documents. The Xerox uses toner cartridges designed for professional value and quality. Its dual-band wireless connection and mobile printing support via Apple AirPrint and Mopria allow quick setup and efficient printing from various devices without driver complications.
The products compared
HP Smart Tank All-in-One Color Printer
Best for: Low-cost high-volume color home printing
- Print Output
- Color
- Printer Type
- All-in-One
- Supported Functions
- Print, copy, scan
- Connectivity
- Wireless
- Ink/Toner System
- Tank
- Features
- Scanner, Copier
View on Amazon: HP Smart Tank All-in-One Color Printer Affiliate link
The HP Smart Tank 5003 is a wireless color ink tank all-in-one printer. It supports printing, copying, and scanning with borderless options. The system includes up to 3 years of ink, providing up to 6,000 pages out of the box. It measures 17.1 inches wide and weighs 11.1 pounds. This model suits users seeking low-cost, high-volume color printing without cartridge maintenance.
Pros
- Ink tank system for mess-free, bottle-based refilling
- Includes up to 3 years of ink (up to 6,000 pages)
- Wireless connectivity for mobile and remote printing
- Supports color printing with borderless options
Cons
- Uses ink tank technology, not laser printing
- Single size configuration with no expandable paper trays listed
- No mention of automatic duplex printing in specifications
Good fit if
- You need high-volume color printing at low cost
- You want to avoid frequent cartridge replacements
- You require wireless printing and scanning capabilities
Skip if
- You specifically require laser printing technology
- You need fast monochrome-only office workflows
- You prefer toner-based systems for long-term storage
Verdict: HP Smart Tank 5003 Ink Tank All-in-One is ideal for home users or small offices prioritizing color output and low ink costs over laser speed. It fits buyers who value included ink supplies and wireless convenience.
Xerox Wireless Color Laser All-in-One
Best for: small offices needing color and fax
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Color
- Printer Type
- All-in-One
- Supported Functions
- Print, scan, copy, fax
- Connectivity
- Wireless, Wi-Fi
- Ink/Toner System
- Toner
View on Amazon: Xerox Wireless Color Laser All-in-One Affiliate link
This Xerox C255a is a compact color laser all-in-one printer designed for small offices. It supports up to 1,500 pages monthly and includes print, scan, copy, and fax functions. Dual-band Wi-Fi, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria enable wireless mobile printing. The unit measures 16.2 by 15.7 by 13.6 inches and weighs 43 pounds. It uses standard toner cartridges for reliable output.
Pros
- Prints, scans, copies, and faxes in one unit
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with Apple AirPrint and Mopria support
- Compact footprint fits small workspaces
- Rated for 1,500 pages per month
Cons
- 43-pound weight makes it heavy to move
- Standard-yield toner requires frequent replacement for high volume
- No wired Ethernet port listed in specifications
Good fit if
- You need a wireless color laser printer for light monthly volumes
- You require fax capabilities for administrative tasks
- You have limited desk space for a 4-in-1 device
Skip if
- You print more than 1,500 pages per month
- You require wired Ethernet connectivity
- You need a high-volume industrial machine
Verdict: The Xerox C255a Compact Color Laser All-in-One suits small teams needing reliable color output and faxing without taking up much space. It is ideal for users who prioritize wireless convenience and a modest monthly page volume.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | HP Smart Tank All-in-One Color Printer | Xerox Wireless Color Laser All-in-One |
|---|---|---|
| Print Technology | not stated | Laser |
| Print Output | Color | Color |
| Printer Type | All-in-One | All-in-One |
| Supported Functions | Print, copy, scan | Print, scan, copy, fax |
| Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless, Wi-Fi |
| Ink/Toner System | Tank | Toner |
| Features | Scanner, Copier | Scanner, Copier, Fax |
| Use Case | Home | not stated |
| Scanning | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning |
| Dimensions | 14.2 × 17.1 × 6.19 inches | 15.7 × 16.2 × 13.6 inches |
| Weight | 11.1 pounds | 43 pounds |
| Size | one size | Small Compact Footprint |
| Color | OOV White / Portobello | White |
| Model | 510x | C255a |
Frequently asked questions
Which printer is better for small offices needing faxing?
The Xerox C255a is the better choice for small offices that require fax capabilities. It is a wireless color laser all-in-one that supports wireless scanning. The HP model does not list fax functionality in its specifications. If you need to send faxes, the Xerox unit includes this feature natively.
How much space does each printer take up?
The Xerox C255a has a compact footprint measuring 16.2 inches wide and 13.6 inches high. The HP Smart Tank 5003 is wider at 17.1 inches but shorter in height at 6.19 inches. You should measure your desk space carefully, as the Xerox is taller while the HP is broader.
Are both printers wireless capable?
Yes, both models support wireless connectivity. The Xerox C255a is explicitly listed as a wireless color laser all-in-one with wireless scanning. The HP Smart Tank 5003 also supports wireless printing. You can send documents from your computer or mobile device to either machine without using a physical cable.
Which printer is lighter to move?
The HP Smart Tank 5003 is significantly lighter than the Xerox model. It weighs 11.1 pounds, making it easier to relocate. The Xerox C255a weighs 43 pounds due to its laser components and build. If you need to move the printer frequently, the HP is the more manageable option.
Do these printers output color documents?
Both printers produce color output. The Xerox C255a is a color laser all-in-one, ensuring vibrant color pages. The HP Smart Tank 5003 is also a color printer, suitable for home users needing color documents. You will get color results from either device, though the underlying technologies differ.
What is the main difference in refill methods?
The HP uses an ink tank system where you plug bottles directly into the tank. This design aims for mess-free refilling. The Xerox uses traditional laser toner cartridges, which are replaced rather than refilled. Your preference for maintenance style will determine which refill method suits your workflow better.