Overall, the Epson WorkForce WF-2860 is a respectable multifunction inkjet printer. It scans at a good resolution and has an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), but unfortunately it is incapable of duplex scanning. The cartridge technology is substandard and yields a low number of black and color pages. Fortunately, the cartridges are inexpensive, so printing is cost-effective over time. It offers excellent networking options and its companion software can print the majority of common file kinds. It is a reasonably well-constructed printer, but its screen is difficult to see when seen from the side.
1. Design
The Epson WorkForce WF-2860 is adequately constructed. The output tray is fragile and lacks an extension, similar to the Epson WorkForce WF-2830, except it is wider. There is only a single, non-removable input tray, but it extends further than the output tray, giving you extra space to load paper. Moreover, the scanner lid is raised enough to accommodate thin books and journals. It is simple to reach paper jams from the rear, however the printer must be on in order to replace ink cartridges. Finally, the power cable is detachable, which is convenient if you need to replace it.
The screen of the Epson WorkForce WF-2860 is satisfactory. The screen tilts vertically and is easy to see while immediately in front of it, but sight is poor from the sides, particularly the right. There are two physical buttons for ‘Home’ and ‘Info,’ and navigating the menu is simple. There is auditory feedback when buttons are pressed, and there are instructional films for printer maintenance.
The Epson WF-2860 has excellent scanning capabilities and its scanner is comparable to that of the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-3730. The sheetfed scanner can store up to 30 sheets at once and scans the following page automatically, eliminating the need to do it manually. Due to the lack of duplex scanning, double-sided pages must be manually flipped in order to be scanned. Thankfully, the flatbed scanner offers an excellent scanning resolution and color depth.
The Epson WF-2860’s four-cartridge setup is average. Black and color page yields are low, especially when compared to the Epson EcoTank ET-2760, requiring frequent cartridge replacement. When one color cartridge runs out, the printer stops printing in color, therefore you’ll need to replace that cartridge to continue printing. Positively, high-yield cartridges are available and should last longer.
2. Printing
The Epson 2860 is faster than the Epson WorkForce WF-2830 in terms of print speed. It prints black-and-white pages relatively rapidly, but printing color papers and photographs takes a while.
The cost each page is reasonable. The cartridges do not last very long, but their replacement is inexpensive. Yet, if you print a great deal, your expenses will quickly accumulate.
Even if you only print in black, most inkjet printers continue to use the color cartridges for servicing, so you’ll likely still need to replace them soon.
Good quality photo printing. The colors are bold, although they are not particularly brilliant. There is color present in the grayscale and the overall tonal quality is flat.
These findings are based on the real physical photo, not the scanned image provided above for reference, which may not accurately represent the photo print quality of the printer.
The Epson WF-2860 provides acceptable color fidelity. That shouldn’t be a problem if you’re printing images for personal use, but it’s not recommended for professional documents or those who require correct color reproduction. Examine the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-3820 if you desire improved color accuracy.
3. Connect
The Epson WF-2860 offers a multitude of connection options. Unfortunately, it does not support external storage devices, thus you cannot print from a USB flash drive or an SD card. The printer connects to your phone line so that it can be used as a fax machine.
Epson iPrint is an exceptional companion application. You can print any file format, but before printing Microsoft Office and TXT files, the application transforms them. You may scan directly from your mobile device and perform maintenance duties like as ink level checks. Moreover, you may order new ink cartridges through the app.
All View
The Epson WorkForce WF-2860 is an adequate printer for the home. It has acceptable photo printing quality, although it is inferior to that of a lab. Its scanner has a high resolution of 1200 DPI, allowing you to scan your beloved family photographs in great clarity. The ink cartridges have a low yield, however their replacement is inexpensive. You cannot directly connect a USB or SD card, however you can print from the companion app on your smartphone.
