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For a new purchase, choose the Epson EcoTank ET-4950. Epson lists the ET-4850 as discontinued and names the ET-4950 as its replacement. The two are closely related home-office color all-in-ones with print, copy, scan, fax, an automatic document feeder (ADF), automatic two-sided printing and a 250-sheet paper tray. The ET-4950 is the practical choice when you want current stock and a normal manufacturer-backed purchase.
An ET-4850 can still make sense only when a specific remaining-stock or used unit is substantially cheaper and the seller provides acceptable warranty, return and condition terms. The models do not have a documented, broad performance gap that justifies paying more for print quality or reliability; the decisive differences are lifecycle status, availability, seller protection and the exact workflow features you need.
The short answer: ET-4950 for new buyers, ET-4850 only as a verified bargain
Epson’s current product information identifies the ET-4950 as the replacement for the ET-4850. That makes model age and availability more important than the small specification differences visible on paper. A new ET-4950 comes from the current product line, while an ET-4850 listing may represent old inventory, an open-box unit or a used printer with an unknown maintenance history.
Both printers target a home office or small office that needs more than basic printing. Each combines color printing, copying, scanning and faxing with an ADF, automatic duplex printing and a 250-sheet input tray. The ET-4950 documentation adds a clearly stated 18 black/9 color ISO pages-per-minute rating, a 2.4-inch color touchscreen, mobile printing and automatic duplex scanning. Epson’s ET-4850 page confirms the core all-in-one functions, ADF, automatic two-sided printing, 250-sheet tray, Ethernet and wireless connectivity, plus the same 2.4-inch touchscreen.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
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- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Choose the ET-4850 only after checking the individual listing rather than relying on the model name. Confirm that the printer is complete, that the ink system has not been left empty or contaminated, and that the seller accepts returns if setup reveals a clogged printhead or another fault.
ET-4950 and ET-4850: feature comparison
| Feature | Epson EcoTank ET-4950 | Epson EcoTank ET-4850 |
|---|---|---|
| Lifecycle | Current replacement model in Epson’s US lineup | Epson lists it as discontinued; ET-4950 is the named replacement |
| Core functions | Print, copy, scan and fax | Print, copy, scan and fax |
| Automatic document feeder | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic two-sided printing | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic duplex scanning | Yes; the manual documents duplex ADF scanning | Not stated in Epson’s ET-4850 product information |
| Paper input | 250-sheet tray | 250-sheet tray |
| Color display | 2.4-inch color touchscreen | 2.4-inch color touchscreen |
| Black ISO speed | 18 pages per minute, according to Epson | Not stated in Epson’s published material |
| Color ISO speed | 9 pages per minute, according to Epson | Not stated in Epson’s published material |
| Network connections | Check the current specification for the exact wired and wireless options | Epson lists Ethernet and wireless connectivity |
| Ink family | Epson 502-series bottles | Epson 502-series bottles |
| Included-ink claim | Up to three years, an Epson marketing claim subject to conditions | Up to two years, an Epson marketing claim subject to conditions |
“Not stated” does not mean a feature is impossible; it means Epson’s published material does not establish it for that model. If a feature such as wired networking or duplex scanning is essential, verify it in the live listing or manual for the exact unit before paying.
What the ET-4950 adds as the current model
Documented office workflow
The ET-4950 is designed for recurring document work rather than occasional single-page printing. Its ADF lets you feed a stack for copying, scanning or faxing, while automatic two-sided printing reduces manual page turning for longer documents. Epson’s seventh-generation announcement specifies 18 black and 9 color ISO pages per minute. Those are standardized manufacturer ratings, not a promise that every mixed document or image will complete at that pace.
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Duplex scanning and ADF capacity
The ET-4950 user guide describes a flatbed color CIS scanner with 1,200 dpi main scan resolution. Its ADF supports automatic duplex scanning and holds approximately 30 letter/A4 sheets or 10 legal-size sheets. The capacity is useful for routine multi-page jobs, but it is not a high-volume departmental feeder. For a 100-page packet, expect to reload it several times and monitor the first pages for skew or missed feeds.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Touchscreen and mobile use
The control panel has a 2.4-inch color touchscreen. Epson’s announcement also lists mobile printing. The touchscreen is useful for selecting copy settings, entering a fax number or joining a network without opening a computer, but it is not a major generational advantage because Epson’s earlier ET-4850 materials also describe a 2.4-inch color touchscreen.
Ink included with the printer
Epson advertises up to three years of included ink for the ET-4950 and says the supplied bottles can print up to 6,600 black pages and 5,500 color pages under its stated conditions. “Up to three years” describes Epson’s estimate, not a guaranteed duration for a particular household. A user who prints infrequently, produces dense graphics or relies heavily on one color can use ink at a different rate.
What remains attractive about the ET-4850
The same basic all-in-one concept
The ET-4850 retains the features that make this class useful: printing, copying, scanning and faxing; an ADF; automatic two-sided printing; and a 250-sheet paper tray. If your work consists of ordinary letters, invoices, school packets and occasional color pages, those capabilities may cover the same tasks as the ET-4950.
Connectivity that includes Ethernet
Epson’s ET-4850 product information explicitly lists Ethernet and wireless connectivity. That can matter in a home office where the printer must remain on a wired network, or where a router is located near the printer but wireless coverage is unreliable. Epson’s published ET-4950 information does not establish the complete wired-network specification, so confirm the current listing if Ethernet is a requirement rather than an optional convenience.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
When a lower price changes the decision
A discontinued printer can be sensible when the discount compensates for its age. Compare the final delivered price, not just the sticker price, with the cost of a new ET-4950. Then check whether the ET-4850 is new old stock, refurbished or used; whether the seller, rather than Epson, provides the warranty; and how long you have to return it. A small discount is rarely worth giving up current-model availability and straightforward support.
Speed, scanning and workload: what the specifications really tell you
ISO speed is a reference, not a home-office stopwatch
Epson’s 18 black/9 color ISO pages-per-minute figures for the ET-4950 are measured using an industry-standard test method. They help compare the printer’s rated document throughput, but actual completion time also includes warm-up, paper handling, duplex pauses, network transmission and image processing. No independent speed test or equivalent ET-4850 rating is published, so there is no supported claim that one model is faster in everyday use.
ADF scanning versus flatbed scanning
Use the ADF for multipage text documents and the flatbed for books, receipts, photographs or fragile originals. The ET-4950’s 1,200 dpi flatbed specification describes optical scan resolution; it does not predict color accuracy or OCR quality. For contracts and forms, feed a short test batch first, especially when scanning legal-size originals or mixed paper thicknesses.
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Fax is included on both models. If your office, medical provider or government agency still requires fax transmission, that capability can eliminate a separate service. If you never fax, do not pay a premium solely for the word “all-in-one”; evaluate the ADF, duplex printing, network connection and ink supply instead.
Rank #4
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- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
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- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
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Ink compatibility, page yields and the cost question
Both models use Epson 502-series ink. Epson’s consumables information lists the ET-4950 and ET-4850 as compatible models, but bottle numbers should still be checked against the live listing before purchase. Buying the wrong bottle can interrupt a job even when the package appears to belong to the same EcoTank family.
| Ink figure | What Epson states | How to interpret it |
|---|---|---|
| ET-4950 supplied ink | Up to 6,600 black and 5,500 color pages; up to three years of ink included | Manufacturer estimates under stated conditions; actual use varies |
| ET-4850 supplied ink claim | Up to two years of ink included | Manufacturer estimate, not a guaranteed household duration |
| 502-series replacement ink | 7,500 black and 6,000 color pages on the ET-4850 page, using Epson’s stated ISO/IEC 24712 methodology | Standardized yield claim; real results change with coverage, page mix and maintenance |
Epson cautions that yield can be lower when the printer is used infrequently or predominantly with one ink color. A page-count estimate is therefore not the same as a guaranteed cost per page. No independent cost-per-page calculation, street price for every bottle, or long-term reliability comparison is established.
Price and availability in October 2026
Epson’s US ET-4950 product page showed $499.99 when crawled in October 2026. That is a page snapshot, not a guaranteed price at publication; regional pricing, promotions and stock can change. Epson’s ET-4850 information does not provide a dependable current retail price because Epson marks the model discontinued and remaining units may be sold through different channels.
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Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Which printer fits your situation?
Choose the ET-4950 when you are buying new
- You want Epson’s current replacement model rather than discontinued stock.
- You need documented automatic duplex scanning through the ADF.
- You value a current listing with clearer availability and support.
- You want the published 18 black/9 color ISO speed figures as a planning reference.
- The price difference after shipping and tax is small enough that seller protection matters more than a discount.
Consider an ET-4850 when all of these conditions are true
- The specific printer is substantially cheaper than the ET-4950.
- The seller states whether it is new, open-box, refurbished or used.
- A written warranty and practical return period are included.
- The listing confirms the accessories, ink bottles and power cable you need.
- You specifically benefit from the documented Ethernet connection, or the ET-4950 listing does not meet your network requirement.
- You have verified the exact unit’s scanning features if duplex scanning is important.
Do not choose either model for a high-volume production floor
The available specifications describe home-office all-in-ones. The ET-4950 ADF capacity is approximately 30 letter/A4 sheets or 10 legal sheets, and Epson’s published specifications do not include duty-cycle testing, independent reliability data or long-term service results. A department that scans hundreds of pages daily should evaluate equipment designed and supported for that workload rather than infer suitability from the 250-sheet tray.
Network and setup checks before you buy
- Map the connection. Decide whether the printer will use Wi-Fi, Ethernet or a direct mobile workflow. The ET-4850 documentation confirms Ethernet and wireless; verify the ET-4950’s current connection list if a cable is mandatory.
- Measure the document path. If you routinely scan double-sided originals, confirm that the exact model and firmware support automatic duplex ADF scanning. The ET-4950 manual documents this capability.
- Check paper handling. Make sure a 250-sheet tray suits your replenishment schedule and that your common paper sizes fit the intended feed path. Legal-size ADF capacity is lower than letter/A4 capacity on the ET-4950.
- Plan the ink purchase. Confirm Epson 502-series compatibility, identify the bottle numbers for your region and budget for replacement ink rather than relying only on the “years of ink” marketing statement.
- Read seller terms. For a discontinued ET-4850, record the warranty provider, return deadline, restocking fee and condition description before checkout.
- Inspect on arrival. Check for all bottles and accessories, run the manufacturer’s nozzle check and alignment procedure, test a duplex print and feed a short ADF stack while the return window is open.
Questions the available evidence cannot answer
Neither model has a documented winner for photographic quality, text sharpness, noise, long-term reliability or real-world speed in Epson’s published material. Those outcomes depend on paper, settings, maintenance, network conditions and usage patterns. Epson’s page-yield, savings and included-ink statements are manufacturer claims with stated test conditions, not independent guarantees.
There is also no established current market price for every ET-4850 listing, no universal warranty term for used or remaining-stock units and no independent cost-per-page comparison. Treat each seller’s offer as a separate purchase decision rather than assuming that all ET-4850 printers have the same condition or protection.
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A final buying checklist
- Lifecycle: Is the listing for the current ET-4950 or discontinued ET-4850?
- Total price: What is the delivered cost after tax, shipping and likely ink purchases?
- Seller protection: Who provides the warranty, and how long can you return the printer?
- Workflow: Do you need fax, an ADF, automatic duplex printing or automatic duplex scanning?
- Network: Is Ethernet required, or is wireless sufficient?
- Controls: Is the 2.4-inch color touchscreen adequate for the people who will operate it?
- Ink: Are genuine 502-series bottles available for your region and model?
- Workload: Does a roughly 30-sheet letter/A4 duplex ADF meet your scanning volume?
For most shoppers, those checks lead to the ET-4950 because it is Epson’s current replacement and offers the clearest documented path to purchase. The ET-4850 is a defensible alternative only when the individual unit is verified and the discount is large enough to offset discontinued-model risk.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
