Consumers Adviser
Product Image Buy on Amazon

★★★★☆

HP ENVY Inspire 7255e: Wireless Color Printer

Category: Home Use

Key Features:

  • Wireless Connectivity

  • Thermal Inkjet Printing Technology

  • Dual Band Wi-Fi

  • Built in Photo Tray

  • Energy Star Certified

  • Print, Copy & Scan in Color

  • Mobile and Wireless Printing

  • HP Smart App with Mobile Printing, Faxing, Advanced Scanning Features

  • 3 Months of Instant Ink Included (Up to 700 Pages/Month)

  • USB Port

Overview & First Impressions

The HP Envy 7255e is a sleek and stylish all-in-one printer designed primarily for home use. Its white design fits well in most modern homes, and its compact size makes it relatively easy to fit on a desk or shelf. Out of the box, the printer feels solid and well-constructed.

Setup & Ease of Use

Setting up the 7255e was straightforward thanks to the user-friendly HP Smart app. The guided setup process walked me through each step clearly, from connecting to Wi-Fi to installing drivers. The HP Smart app itself is intuitive and provides easy access to printing, scanning, copying, and other functions.

Print Quality & Performance

For everyday printing needs like documents, photos, and basic graphics, the 7255e delivers solid print quality. Text is sharp and clear, colors are vibrant, and photos have good detail. While it doesn't reach the professional-grade quality of more expensive printers, it's perfectly suitable for home use.

Ink/Toner Efficiency & Cost

The 7255e uses HP's thermal inkjet technology, which is known for its relatively good ink efficiency. The included 3 months of Instant Ink (up to 700 pages/month) is a great incentive to try this subscription service, which can potentially save you money on ink in the long run. However, be sure to factor in the monthly fee after the initial trial period.

Features & Functionality

The HP Envy 7255e offers a good range of features for its price point. It can print, copy, and scan in color, supports mobile printing via the HP Smart app, includes dual-band Wi-Fi for reliable connectivity, and even has a built-in photo tray for easy photo printing.

Noise & Power Consumption

The 7255e is relatively quiet during operation. It's not completely silent, but the noise level is acceptable even in a home office environment. In terms of power consumption, it falls within the average range for inkjet printers.

Durability & Maintenance

The 7255e feels well-built and should withstand regular use. As with any printer, regular maintenance like cleaning print heads and replacing ink cartridges is essential to ensure optimal performance.

Pros & Cons

  • Pros:
  • Sharp Print Quality

  • User-Friendly HP Smart App

  • Solid Connectivity (Dual-Band Wi-Fi)

  • 3 Months of Instant Ink Included

  • Compact Design

  • Cons:
  • Monthly Fee for Instant Ink After Trial Period

  • Print Speed Could Be Faster

Pricing & Value for Money

The HP Envy 7255e is priced competitively within its category. Considering its features, print quality, and ease of use, it offers good value for money, especially with the included Instant Ink trial.

Final Verdict & Recommendation

Overall, the HP Envy 7255e is a solid choice for home users who need a reliable, user-friendly all-in-one printer. Its print quality is good for everyday tasks, it's easy to set up and use, and the HP Smart app adds extra functionality. While the monthly Instant Ink fee might be a consideration, the initial trial period and potential long-term savings make it worth exploring.

Buy on Amazon