KYOCERA VS HP COPIERS | 7.5 MIN READ
Kyocera and HP copiers are machines created by two great brands. HP is the traditional staple, but Kyocera 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 Kyocera counterparts so that you can make an informed decision.
Not a lot of time? Skip to what you need:
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 Kyocera counterparts.
Let the chips fall where they may...
[RELATED]: Top 15 Best Office Copiers of 2020
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 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.
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.
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:
Weaknesses:
| Reliability | Image Quality | Ease of Use | Security | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 10 | NR |
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:
Weaknesses:
| Reliability | Image Quality | Ease of Use | Security | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 10 | NR |
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:
Weaknesses:
| Reliability | Image Quality | Ease of Use | Security | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 10 | NR |
Speed: 35 ppm
Dimensions: 31.1" x 23.7" x 26.18"
A highly reliable machine and overall strong choice. Only one misfeed was noted during a test period of 225,000 impressions/paper feeds. High yields for drums and developer mean downtime is very minimal. The out-of-date display (including not supporting a quick menu or swipe feature) is made up by exceptional uptime, reliability, and good security. Usability is good overall with an intuitive control panel.
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
| Reliability | Image Quality | Ease of Use | Security | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8.5 |
Speed: 50 ppm
Dimensions: 31.1" x 23.7" x 26.18"
Great reliability and good security. This machine boasts some great features, like being able to print from anywhere with mobile printing, individual user display customization, and simple to use feedback for misfeed removal. These positives will more than likely make up for some of the missed features and slightly lower image quality when compared with the higher end of its peers. A great machine for general office environments that need a device capable of holding up to above average workloads.
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
| Reliability | Image Quality | Ease of Use | Security | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8.5 |
Speed: 30 ppm
Dimensions: 29.6" x 23.2" x 23.2"
Buyer's Lab has yet to test this series of machines. This light-weight machine is an easy to install option for small offices or workgroups. The Kyocera ECOSYS line is well-known for its eco-friendly approach to toner replacement, allowing for just the toner bottle to be removed, replaced, and recycled. Other benefits of this machine include:
Hopefully, you have a better idea of the strengths and weaknesses of some of the most popular HP and Kyocera products on the market, today. Both Kyocera and HP products have outstanding reliability, but it's important to choose a copier dealer that has an equally great reputation for service.
A highly reliable machine with poor service becomes a very mediocre machine, because every machine requires service at some point. It's important to also understand the difference between copier dealers and manufacturers before making a decision on who to do business with.
Now that you better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the most popular HP and Kyocera models, you're prepared to begin a conversation with your local dealer. The next step is to make sure you understand how to choose a local copier dealer as well as determining which copier features are the most important to your business goals.