All-in-one printers and scanners are convenient, but the choice is personal. Do you want a clean-start machine that just works, or are you willing to handle a little prep work? That's the decision in front of you. The Epson Expression Home XP-4205 and the HP PhotoSmart 7520 take different approaches to the same job. One is a straightforward home all-in-one; the other is a photo printer package. Both fit a different workspace.
Quick Verdict
Choose the Epson XP-4205 if you want a no-fuss all-in-one. Choose the HP PhotoSmart 7520 if you want a photo printer package and don't mind some prep work. Your decision really depends on whether you value a clean start or a photo bundle.
Comparison
Here's how the two compare at a glance.
| Feature | Epson Expression Home XP-4205 | HP PhotoSmart 7520 |
| Listed price | USD 56.12 | USD 175.00 |
| Price indicator | | |
| Condition | New | Used |
| Connectivity | Wireless | Cable |
| Input type | Color | Color |
| Feature set | Scanner, copier | Scanner, copier, portable |
| Extras | Voice-activated printing | Black ink cartridge, data cable, setup guide, setup CD |
Where Each Product Wins
- Epson XP-4205: Automatic two-sided printing and individual ink cartridges make it easy to keep running costs down.
- HP PhotoSmart 7520: The photo-focused design and portable form set it apart if photos are your main project.
Product Notes
Epson Expression Home XP-4205 Wireless Color Printer with Scanner and Copier
At USD 56.12, this is the lower-priced model, and it comes in new condition. It connects over Wi-Fi, so printing from Android and iOS devices is straightforward. The automatic two-sided printing helps cut paper use, and the individual ink cartridge system means you replace only the color that runs out. Voice-activated printing with Alexa and Siri adds hands-free convenience. The main limitation is that the listed connectivity is wireless, so plan on a stable Wi-Fi network as part of your setup. With 24-bit color and 8-bit grayscale depth, it handles everyday scans and prints well, but it is not aimed at high-end photo work. The scanner uses a Contact Image Sensor, which fits typical flat-document scanning at home.
HP PhotoSmart 7520 e-ALL-IN-ONE Photo Printer and Scanner with Accessories
This used HP PhotoSmart 7520 is a photo-focused all-in-one that arrives with useful accessories: an unopened black ink cartridge in its original box, a data cable, a printed setup guide, a power cord, and a setup CD for OS X and Windows. The unit turns on and the scanner works, but the print head and cartridge likely need to be replaced before you can print. That is the biggest limitation to weigh. It is a cable-connected model, so keep it near your computer or use the included data cable. It is also described as portable, which helps if you want to move it between rooms. The included CD targets OS X 10.6 Lion and Mountain Lion as well as Windows XP, Vista, 7, and 8, so the package suits older setups.
Final Choice by Use Case
For a no-fuss everyday printer, the Epson Expression Home XP-4205 is the pick. For a photo-project printer, the HP PhotoSmart 7520 is the pick. Match the decision to how often you print photos and how comfortable you are replacing a print head before the first print. Take a minute to picture where the printer will live and how often you really print photos.
