HP Envy Inspire 7955e Wireless Color Inkjet Printer Review Best for Home Use

Description

A Reliable All-in-One Printer for the Modern Home

Testing the HP ENVY Inspire 7955e Wireless Color Inkjet Printer has been an interesting journey. This multifunction device offers print, scan, and copy capabilities, making it a versatile addition to any household or home office. I’ve used it for printing homework assignments, scanning documents for work, and even printing out vibrant family photos. While it performs admirably in most tasks, there are a few quirks worth mentioning.

Design and Build Quality

The overall design of this printer is sleek and modern. Its white and gray tones allow it to blend seamlessly into a variety of settings, from home offices to living rooms. I appreciated the compact size, which doesn’t dominate the desk, even in smaller spaces. It measures just 15.08″D x 18.11″W x 9.21″H, and despite its relatively small footprint, it feels sturdy and well-built. The capacitive touchscreen is responsive and easy to navigate, though I did find myself wishing it was slightly larger for better usability.

Adding to its user-friendly design, the auto document feeder (ADF) and separate photo tray make managing different types of printing tasks a breeze. Whether I’m printing on glossy photo paper or scanning legal documents, the printer handles it smoothly.

Performance and Speed

I was particularly impressed with the print quality from this device. The 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution for color printing ensures photos and documents come out crisp and vibrant. Printing photos felt rewarding, as the colors matched exactly what I saw on my screen. Even the true-to-phone photo quality, optimized by the HP Smart app, exceeded my expectations. For standard document printing, the device manages a respectable 15 ppm for black and white and 10 ppm for color, which is more than sufficient for typical household usage.

That said, there’s a slight delay in the initial page print time, averaging around 16 seconds, which might feel slow for those accustomed to faster printers. However, the automatic duplex printing and self-healing Wi-Fi™ are standout features that make up for any minor delays.

Merits

This printer shines in several areas, making it a standout choice for home use. Here are some key benefits I’ve observed:

• High-quality photo printing with vibrant colors and accurate details.
• Wireless and mobile printing capabilities, allowing me to print directly from my phone or tablet.
• Customizable touchscreen shortcuts for frequently used tasks, improving efficiency.
• Eco-conscious build, with over 45% recycled plastic content.

Areas for Improvement

Despite its many positives, the device isn’t without its flaws. Some caveats include:

• Limited compatibility with third-party ink cartridges due to HP’s proprietary technology.
• Slightly slower initial page print times for those in a rush.
• The touchscreen size could be better for detailed navigation.

Features and Usability

The HP+ smart features were a pleasant surprise. After activating HP+, I noticed enhanced functionalities such as automatic updates, advanced mobile printing options, and improved security. The three-month Instant Ink trial was another bonus, delivering ink directly to my doorstep. However, be aware that HP+ requires an HP account, an internet connection, and exclusive use of HP-branded ink cartridges. While this ensures optimal performance, it might be restrictive for users seeking more affordable third-party alternatives.

One feature I found particularly useful was the mobile app control. Using the HP Smart app, I could scan, copy, and print directly from my smartphone. Setting up the printer was quick and intuitive, thanks to the app’s step-by-step guide. The self-healing Wi-Fi was another win, as it automatically resolved minor connectivity issues without requiring manual intervention.

Market Rivals

Comparing this model to other competing brands, it holds its ground in terms of photo quality and app integration. For instance, Canon’s Pixma series offers similar photo printing capabilities but lacks the seamless app experience provided by HP. Epson’s EcoTank printers excel in ink efficiency but come with higher upfront costs. The HP ENVY Inspire 7955e strikes a balance between performance and affordability, especially with the included Instant Ink trial and smart features.

However, when it comes to speed, some competitors, like Brother’s laser printers, outperform this inkjet model. If you prioritize cost-per-page efficiency and speed over photo quality, alternatives like Epson might be worth exploring. That said, the dedicated photo tray and customizable shortcuts make this model unique for creative projects and family use.

Bang for the Buck

From a value for money perspective, this printer offers a solid mix of features at a reasonable price point. The inclusion of advanced photo features, automatic duplexing, and wireless capabilities make it a worthy investment for households juggling multiple printing needs. While it may not be the cheapest option available, the added convenience of HP+ and the ability to print high-quality photos justify the cost.

The only real consideration is the ongoing cost of ink, especially since HP’s proprietary cartridges are the only compatible option. However, the Instant Ink subscription service helps mitigate this by ensuring you never run out of ink, and the three-month trial provides a good starting point.

Final Thoughts on the Experience

Using this printer felt like having a reliable assistant for everyday tasks. Whether I was printing borderless photos, scanning documents for work, or copying school projects for my kids, the HP ENVY Inspire 7955e handled it all without much fuss. While there are a few areas where it could improve—like the touchscreen size and ink cartridge flexibility—it remains a solid and dependable choice for anyone looking for a versatile home printer.

Additional information