HP Smart Tank Plus 570 Review: Ink Savings vs. Setup Hassles
The HP Smart Tank Plus 570 is a standout in the ink tank printer category, offering up to two years of ink in the box—a major cost saver for high-volume home or small office printing. However, its lower-than-average authenticity grade and mixed reviews suggest you should weigh the long-term value against potential setup and performance issues.
Key Considerations Before Buying
- Ink tank printers like the Smart Tank 570 have refillable reservoirs, not cartridges, which dramatically reduces per-page cost but requires careful handling of ink bottles to avoid spills and messes.
- The included ink bottles are designed to last up to two years (based on standard usage), but if you print infrequently, the ink may dry out or clog the printhead, so consider your actual print volume before committing.
- Wireless connectivity is a core feature, but some users report challenges with initial network setup and occasional connection drops, especially on mixed-OS networks—check for firmware updates and mobile app compatibility.
What Our Analysts Recommend
Look for a printer with a robust duplex (double-sided) printing feature to save paper, a flatbed scanner for versatile document handling, and a warranty that covers the printhead—a common failure point in ink tank models. Also, verify that the printer supports your devices (e.g., Apple AirPrint, Android, or Windows) and offers a user-friendly mobile app for monitoring ink levels and managing print jobs.
Ink Tank Printers Market Context
Market Overview
Ink tank printers are gaining popularity in the US as a cost-effective alternative to traditional cartridge-based inkjets, especially for students, home offices, and small businesses that print hundreds of pages monthly. Brands like HP, Epson, and Canon compete on low running costs, print speed, and feature sets, with HP's Smart Tank series positioned as a reliable, entry-level option.
Common Issues
Common issues in this category include printhead clogs after periods of inactivity, messy ink refilling, and slower print speeds compared to laser printers. Some users also note that the initial setup is more involved than with cartridge printers, and that the included ink, while generous, may not last as long as advertised if you print high-coverage documents or photos.
Quality Indicators
Quality indicators include a high page yield per ink set, easy-to-replace maintenance tanks, a durable paper feed mechanism, and reliable wireless connectivity. Look for models with a low cost per page (under 1 cent for black, under 5 cents for color) and positive long-term reliability reviews from users who've owned the printer for over a year.
Review Authenticity Insights
Grade B Interpretation
A Grade B with an estimated 12% fake review rate means that while the majority of the 2,550 reviews are likely genuine, a notable portion may be incentivized or fabricated. This is typical for popular products, but it suggests you should be cautious about overly positive or overly negative extremes and focus on detailed, balanced reviews.
Trust Recommendation
Given the 4.22 overall rating and the adjusted 4.00 (which excludes suspicious reviews), the product's true performance is likely slightly below what the raw rating suggests. Trust the adjusted rating as a more realistic baseline, and prioritize verified purchase reviews that mention specific strengths and weaknesses, especially regarding setup, print quality, and ink longevity.
Tips for Reading Reviews
When reading reviews for this printer, look for those that describe the unboxing and setup process, as this is a common pain point. Pay attention to photos or videos of printed pages to gauge actual print quality. Also, check the date of reviews—recent reviews may reflect firmware updates or changes in manufacturing that affect performance.
Expert Perspective
The HP Smart Tank Plus 570 offers exceptional value for high-volume printing, with a low cost per page and the convenience of included ink for up to two years. However, the authenticity analysis suggests that some positive reviews are inflated, and the real-world experience may be marred by setup difficulties and occasional connectivity issues. For users who print regularly and can navigate initial setup, this printer can be a reliable workhorse, but it's not the best choice for tech-averse individuals or those with low print volumes.
Purchase Considerations
Consider your monthly print volume and whether you need color printing—if you print mostly text, a monochrome laser might be more reliable. If you do choose this printer, factor in the cost of a surge protector and be prepared to use HP's mobile app for troubleshooting. Also, check the warranty terms, as some retailers offer extended coverage that could mitigate printhead failure risks.
Comparing Alternatives
Shoppers should also compare the Smart Tank 570 with Epson's EcoTank series and Canon's MegaTank printers, which offer similar ink tank technology and may have better print quality or more robust software. Reading recent comparisons from tech sites can help you decide which brand's ecosystem aligns best with your needs.
