TOSHIBA VS HP COPIERS | 7.5 MIN READ
Toshiba and HP copiers are machines manufactured by two great brands. HP is a staple office brand but Toshiba has made improvements each year to create products that can be great in quality, as well. So, with two strong options, how do you pick? This article will rate and review the top HP copiers and their Toshiba counterparts so that you can make an informed decision.
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How We Created the SOS Copier Ratings Formula
As one of the largest HP copier dealers in the country, I will admit that we could seem biased in a review of our products vs a competitor. But we are in the business of helping people (current customers, future customers, and people just seeking information), so we partnered with Buyers Lab, again, to create a fair and accurate review of both brands.
Buyer's Lab is a third-party company that tests copiers and printers for a variety of considerations that are important to buyers. Our review uses that same data to compare the four most popular HP machines our company sells with their Toshiba counterparts.
Let the chips fall where they may...
[RELATED]: Top 15 Best Office Copiers of 2020
How We Created the SOS Copier Ratings Formula
Our goal in this article is to provide as much transparency as possible. This means we aren't going to place a generic number next to each copier rated and expect you to not care about how we came up with that number.
The SOS Copier Ratings Formula looks like this:
(R + IQ + EU + S + F) / 5 = SOS Copier Rating
Our formula is not a one-size fits all. In this formula, every feature is equally balanced. For example, if it's incredibly important that you spend as little downtime as possible (because all copiers will eventually need service), then you may want to create your own formula where "reliability" carries more weight.
Here is what each metric represents:
Reliability (R) - If your machine isn't working, it doesn't mater how great the image quality or the features are. Machines with high reliability ratings lower indirect costs as they eliminate time employees might spend waiting at an overcrowded machine, or worse, not being able to print, scan, or fax at all.
It is important to note that reliability can also be exaggerated or improved based on the dealer and service a company chooses (but more on that later).
Image Quality (IQ) - An important factor for some but not for all. A print shop, media, or advertising company may place more importance on this category over a CPA or legal department who needs their copier for more administrative work.
Ease-of-Use (EU) - Is the machine easy to navigate? Is its layout and features (including how to access them) intuitive from the display screen? If there is an issue with the copier like a misfeed/paper jam, does it display helpful instructions on how to resolve the issue?
Security (S) - Hackers and social engineers relentlessly try new tactics to breach a company's network, but just because most cyber criminals target victims outside their home country doesn't mean you can rest easy. With 4,000 security breaches every day in our country, protecting every device connected to your network is important, including your copier.
Social engineers (particularly in the healthcare industry) look for unlocked copiers that make easy targets. A simple, rogue flash drive placed in a copier can create havoc on a network.
Features (F) - Features are nice -- but they aren't everything. Being able to easily sort receipts in a single scan is a great option for individuals in an admin department, but is it worth paying more money if your copier is for the service department?
Depending on your business needs, a copier that can do everything under the sun may not be necessary.
HP Copier Reviews
HP is one of the most trusted and well-known brands in the wold. Today, HP is synonymous with security as it boasts one of (if not the most) secure print products on the market.
Hp LaserJet Managed MFP E52645dn
Speed: 45 ppm
Color: Mono
Market Entry Date: May 2019
Dimensions: 19.5" x 18.9" x 19.5"
First Copy Time: 6.5 sec
Recommended Monthly Volume: 2,000 to 7,500
About This Machine:
Uses HP EcoSmart black toner to help conserve energy consumption. Designed for small to medium-sized businesses to deliver enhanced productivity, simplified workflows, and reduced operating costs.
- Strong security that offers a self-heal feature from cyber attacks
- HP JetIntelligence toner cartridges designed to create higher efficiency than its predecessor
- A robust management system with enhanced workflows
HP Color LaserJet Managed MFP E77830z
Market Entry Date: April 2017
Speed: 30 ppm
Dimensions: 34.6" x 22.3" x 28.5"
First Copy Time: 8.6 sec (from sleep mode)
Recommended Monthly Volume: 30,000
Good overall performance with only one minor misfeed observed after 300,000 prints. Print output and quality will meet the general needs of an office environment, however, organizations in need of high quality image prints may want to consider other options. This is a good machine for groups that need basic copying and printing needs met.
Strengths:
- High-quality print for black and white jobs
- A good value generally associated with a lower price and robust features
- Save an unlimited number of print job profiles within the print driver
Weaknesses:
- Paper drawer size adjustments needs simplification
- Slow first-print and copy times
| Reliability | Image Quality | Ease of Use | Security | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 10 | NR |
Total Score: 7.75/10
HP LaserJet Managed Flow MFP E87650z (color)
Market Entry Date: April 2017
Speed: 50 ppm ( available in 40 and 60 ppm)
Dimensions: 36.7" x 23" x 30.3"
First Copy Time: 7.5 sec color / 6.4 sec mono
Recommended Monthly Volume: 40,000
With high reliability, a good print quality that will meet the general needs of an office based on its clear and consistent mono-color print output. This, combined with HP's industry-leading security, makes it an ideal printer for larger work groups.
Strengths:
- Excellent reliability maximizes uptime and eliminates much of the need for service calls
- A lower price with above average features makes this a great value
- Unlimited print job profiles that allow you to simplify more complex printing and save time
Weaknesses:
- Over-saturation when copying color business graphics
- Slower than average first-print/copy times
| Reliability | Image Quality | Ease of Use | Security | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 10 | NR |
Total Score: 8.5/10
HP LaserJet Managed Flow MFP E82540z (b&w)
Market Entry Date: April 2017
Speed: 40 ppm (available in 50 and 60 ppm)
Dimensions: 36.7" x 23" x 30.3"
First Copy Time: 7 sec
Recommended Monthly Volume: 100,000
The MFP E82540z (as well as the E82550z and E82560z) showed excellent overall performance, including flawless reliability. Through 300,000 jobs, this device never produced a single misfeed; a great machine for offices in need of a highly reliable non-color copier/multifunction printer.
Strengths:
- High-quality print output that meets the general need of office environments
- Unlimited number of custom print jobs within the print drive to maximize efficiency
- Print on the go with support for ePrint, AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and Wireless Direct
Weaknesses:
| Reliability | Image Quality | Ease of Use | Security | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 10 | NR |
Total Score: 8.75/10
Toshiba Copier Reviews
Toshiba e-STUDIO 5516 ACTG (color)
Marketing Entry Year: April 2019
Speed: 65ppm
Dimensions: 48.3" x 37.6" x 27.5"
Outstanding reliability, strong reliability, and quick print speeds make this device a great option for medium to large-sized work groups. The lower than average image quality may not be the best choice for print shops or firms who create a lot of in-house marketing collateral.
Strengths
- Color two-sided print speed is faster-than-average for short-run jobs
- Faster-than-average scan speeds
- Higher-than-average black toner yield (number of copies before replacing)
Weaknesses
- Some colors are slight washed out in copy jobs
- Reddish flesh tones for photographic images
- Below-average standard and maximum paper capacity
| Reliability | Image Quality | Ease of Use | Security | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 7 | 8 | 9.5 | N/A |
Total Score: 8.625/10
Toshiba e-STUDIO 3515AC (color)
Market Entry Year: September 2018
Speed: 35 ppm
Dimensions: 31" x 23" x 25.2"
This device delivers outstanding reliability with just one misfeed after 210,000 print jobs. This machine also features a simple toner replacement method to help ensure maximum uptime.
For this device, Toshiba opted for a less sophisticated display panel to increase simplicity and ease of use. Standard features with this machine include printing to any device from a desktop computer and the ability to split large print jobs between two devices.
Strengths:
- Faster-than-average first-print times for Word and XLS files
- Faster-than-average scan speeds in all modes
- Fast speeds when copying short and long-run double-sided prints
Weaknesses:
- Higher-than-average price when compared to similar, competitive models
- Cannot store domains like @gmail.com or extensions (.com) as one-touch keys to simplify entry of scan destinations
- Saturation is not bright enough for color business graphics
| Reliability | Image Quality | Ease of Use | Security | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 9.5 | N/A |
8.625/10
Toshiba e-STUDIO 4518A (black & white)
Market Entry Year: September 2018
Speed: 45 ppm
Dimensions: 31" x 23" x 23"
Another reliable Toshiba product that is very comparable to the Canon equivalent, this machine makes up for its lower image quality rating with ability to maximize up-time. Print speeds have also been shown to be faster than many similar, competing products (equal to the Canon). Features were not officially rated by Buyer's Lab, but appear to be behind in their offerings that are standard with competitors.
Strengths:
- Document security
- Faster-than-average first-print (after scanning) times for PPT files
- Faster-than-average scan speeds
Weaknesses:
- Overall, characters and lines lack boldness
- No direct print support
- Lacks ability to print directly from a USB
| Reliability | Image Quality | Ease of Use | Security | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 7 | 7.5 | 9.5 | N/A |
Total Score: 8.5/10
Toshiba e-STUDIO 3015ACG (color)
Market Entry Year: April 2019
Speed: 30 ppm
Dimensions: 31" x 23" x 25.2"
An option for medium-sized work-groups, this machine is good for companies that need a reliable device, but not great image quality or features. Like many of Toshiba's products, this device focuses on the basics.
Strengths:
- Customizable touchscreen display with one-touch features
- Flexible paper handling
- Better-than-average first-print speed on scanned documents
Weaknesses:
- Document feeders are only available as an add-on feature
- Higher-than-average purchase price compared to similar devices
| Reliability | Image Quality | Ease of Use | Security | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 7 | 7.5 | 9.5 | N/A |
Total: 8.25/10
Recap and Next Steps
There are many other factors to consider when purchasing a copier. For instance, a great machine with terrible support or service becomes a very average piece of equipment. If reliability is at 99%, but the one time it does have issues takes weeks to receive service, then you negate that reliability.
We wrote an article on the myths of comparing copier dealers and manufacturers, and it has become an eye-opener for many. You might be surprised to learn that there are many similarities to the two and a few key differences.
Regardless of the decision you make, be sure to fully understand how to choose your copier vendor so that you can be assured your machines will be up and running without issue. With copiers being so comparable from manufacturer to manufacturer, the real difference is in the service you receive after the purchase.
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