As someone who has navigated the challenges of a busy home office for years, I vividly remember the frustration of relying on outdated, slow, or unreliable printing solutions. Deadlines loomed, documents piled up, and the simple act of printing felt like a Herculean task. The constant worry about slow print speeds, inconsistent quality, or exorbitant ink costs created unnecessary stress. That’s why finding a dependable all-in-one device became not just a convenience, but a necessity, and a product like the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4720 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer would have been a significant asset in those early days, streamlining my workflow and alleviating many headaches.
- Epson printing system is designed to be used exclusively with Epson Genuine Cartridges. Use of non-genuine ink could cause damage not covered under the printer’s ltd. wnty.
- Get performance beyond laser — the workforce Pro WF-4720, powered by Precision Core
- Lightning fast Color Print speeds — fastest in its class (1); 20 ISO ppm (black) and 20 ISO ppm (color) ()
Key Considerations Before Investing in an All-in-One Printer
Before committing to any new piece of office equipment, especially something as central as an all-in-one printer, it’s crucial to evaluate your specific needs. These devices are designed to tackle a range of tasks from printing documents to scanning important papers, copying records, and even faxing when necessary. They’re ideal for individuals running a home office, small business teams, or students who need a versatile tool without dedicating significant space to separate machines. An all-in-one printer is a fantastic choice if you regularly handle a mix of print, scan, copy, and occasional faxing tasks.
However, an all-in-one might not be for everyone. If your primary need is extremely high-volume, enterprise-level printing, you might lean towards a dedicated laser printer with massive paper trays and industrial-grade durability. Similarly, professional photographers or graphic designers requiring absolute top-tier photo print quality might find specialized photo printers more suitable, as all-in-one inkjet models, while often very good, sometimes make compromises for versatility.
Before making a purchase, consider several factors:
* Connectivity: Do you need Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or just USB? Wireless options offer flexibility for multiple users and devices.
* Print Speed and Quality: How quickly do you need documents printed, and what level of detail (especially for color graphics) is essential?
* Ink/Toner Costs: Research the cost and yield of replacement cartridges. This can often be the most significant long-term expense.
* Paper Handling: Look at paper capacity, support for different paper sizes, and features like an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) for scanning/copying multi-page documents, and automatic duplex printing.
* Footprint: Space is often at a premium, so a compact design can be a major plus.
* Additional Features: Consider a touchscreen interface, cloud printing capabilities, and compatibility with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa.
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Introducing the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4720: A Closer Look
The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4720 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer promises to be a powerhouse for small work teams and home offices, delivering “Performance Beyond Laser” with remarkable speed and cost-efficiency. This sleek, black, compact all-in-one machine bundles printing, copying, scanning, and faxing capabilities into a single unit. When you unbox it, you’ll find the printer itself, a power cord, and a full set of initial 802-I ink cartridges (Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow), ready for setup. While USB and LAN ports are available, the corresponding cables are not included, a minor detail easily overlooked in a wireless-first world.
This specific model shines for those who need a versatile, compact printer that can handle diverse tasks without breaking the bank on ongoing costs. It’s particularly well-suited for users transitioning from a standard laser printer who want color capabilities and all-in-one functionality without the typical high price tag or larger footprint of a color laser MFD. It’s less suited for individuals who print extremely rarely, as inkjets can experience dry-out issues, or for those whose primary work is high-end photo production where dedicated photo printers excel.
Here’s a quick rundown of its advantages and a few areas where it could improve:
Pros:
* Lightning-Fast Speeds: Offers 20 ISO ppm for both black and color, making it one of the fastest in its class.
* Cost-Effective Printing: Up to 50 percent lower printing costs compared to color laser printers.
* Comprehensive Connectivity: Supports Wireless, Wi-Fi Direct, NFC, Ethernet, and USB.
* Efficient Paper Handling: Features a generous 250-sheet capacity and a 35-page Auto Document Feeder (ADF) with automatic 2-sided printing.
* Intuitive User Experience: Equipped with a 2.7-inch color touchscreen for easy navigation and setup.
Cons:
* Ink Requirement for Black Prints: Requires color cartridges to be present and contain ink, even when printing only in black, to “keep print heads charged.”
* Color Print Quality Variability: Some users report occasional streaks in color prints, particularly on plain paper, even after maintenance cycles.
* Frequent Firmware Updates: Can sometimes necessitate manual downloads and installations, interrupting workflow.
* Ink Cartridge Expense: While cost per page is competitive, the upfront cost of replacement cartridges can be high.
Deep Dive: Exploring the WF-4720‘s Core Capabilities
After spending a considerable amount of time with the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4720, I can genuinely say it has become an indispensable tool in my daily routine. Its blend of features and performance has largely lived up to its promises, with a few caveats that any long-term user would inevitably discover.
Unmatched Connectivity and Setup Simplicity
One of the first things that struck me about the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4720 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer was how incredibly easy it was to get up and running. From the moment I plugged it in, the intuitive 2.7-inch color touchscreen guided me through the setup process. Connecting to my home Wi-Fi network was a breeze, and even installing the ink cartridges felt like a simple, well-designed task – a far cry from the fiddly experiences I’ve had with other printers in the past. The ability to connect via Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, NFC, Ethernet, or even USB offers unparalleled flexibility. For a bustling household with multiple devices, the wireless capabilities mean everyone can print from their laptops, tablets, or smartphones without hassle. I’ve personally appreciated the Wi-Fi Direct feature when guests need to print something quickly without jumping onto my main network. This versatility ensures that no matter how your office or home network is structured, the WF-4720 can seamlessly integrate, providing effortless access for all your devices, including compatibility with Apple’s Bonjour for smooth iPhone, iPad, and MacBook printing.
PrecisionCore Technology: Speed Meets Quality
Epson boasts its “PrecisionCore” technology, and after countless print jobs, I can attest to its effectiveness. The claim of “Performance Beyond Laser” isn’t just marketing hype; this inkjet printer delivers. With lightning-fast color print speeds of 20 ISO ppm (black) and 20 ISO ppm (color), it truly blazes through documents. This speed is a huge benefit for anyone who needs quick turnaround times on reports, invoices, or presentations. I’ve found that even large, multi-page documents are handled efficiently, drastically cutting down on waiting times. The professional quality output, with laser-sharp text and surprisingly vibrant graphics, means I rarely feel the need to outsource print jobs, saving both time and money. While it might not match the absolute crispness of a high-end color laser for glossy photos, for everyday business graphics and text, it’s more than adequate, producing sharp, clear results that look professional.
Budget-Friendly Operation (with a catch)
The promise of “up to 50 percent lower printing costs vs. Color laser” is a significant draw, and in many ways, the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4720 delivers on this. The individual ink cartridges mean you only replace the colors you use, which is a sensible approach to cost management. For someone like me who prints a mix of black and color documents, this model has certainly offered a more economical long-term solution compared to some of the toner-guzzling laser printers I’ve encountered. The inclusion of Amazon Dash Replenishment Ready is also a convenient feature, automatically ordering ink when it runs low, which helps avoid those dreaded “out of ink” emergencies.
However, this is where I must mention a significant downside, echoed by many other users: the printer requires color ink cartridges to be installed and contain ink even when you only want to print in black. Epson explains this as necessary to “keep the print head charged, preventing air bubbles from entering.” While technically understandable, it means you’re effectively forced to buy color ink even if your usage is 90% black-and-white. This design choice feels cynical and adds an unforeseen cost burden, which detracts from the “easy on the budget” claim for certain user profiles. It’s a purposeful design that, in my opinion, can lead to frustration and avoidable expenses.
Efficient Paper Handling: Reload Less, Work More
The paper handling capabilities of the WF-4720 are genuinely productivity-enhancing. The large 250-sheet capacity paper tray means I’m not constantly running to reload paper, a small but impactful detail that contributes to uninterrupted workflow. For multi-page scanning or copying, the 35-page Auto Document Feeder (ADF) is a godsend. It handles stacks of documents smoothly, though it’s important to note that the ADF is single-sided for scanning. For double-sided copies or prints, the automatic 2-sided printing feature kicks in, which is fantastic for saving paper and giving documents a more professional look. The main tray is also fully adjustable, accommodating various paper and envelope sizes, making it a truly versatile machine for all types of print media.
Comprehensive All-in-One Functionality
Beyond just printing, the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4720 excels as a complete all-in-one solution. The scanning function is robust, offering options to scan to a network folder, desktop, or email. The flatbed scanner is perfect for delicate items or stapled documents, while the ADF makes quick work of multi-page reports. The scanning quality is very good, capable of producing crisp, clear digital copies, even at high resolutions, which I’ve used to digitize old family photos and important documents. The copier function is equally efficient, providing sharp reproductions quickly. And for those who still need it, the fax functionality is there, rounding out a truly comprehensive office device. This full suite of features packaged into such a compact unit enhances productivity by centralizing all my document management needs.
User Experience and Design
The compact and sleek black design of the Epson WF-4720 means it fits seamlessly into any office or home environment without being an eyesore. The 2.7-inch color touchscreen display is responsive and makes navigating through options straightforward. While typing Wi-Fi passwords on the small on-screen keyboard can be a bit fiddly, the overall experience is intuitive. For deeper customization, accessing the printer’s settings via its IP address in a web browser offers a full range of controls, much like managing a router. The voice control compatibility (e.g., with Amazon Alexa) also adds a layer of modern convenience, allowing for hands-free printing or checking ink levels.
A notable disadvantage I’ve encountered, which ties into the “long-term use” aspect, is the frequency of firmware updates. While updates are essential for security and performance, having to manually download and install them, often interrupting a print job, can be quite frustrating. It feels like an unnecessary hurdle in an otherwise user-friendly experience, sometimes making me feel like I’m spending more time managing the printer than actually using it. Moreover, while black prints consistently come out lightning fast and with excellent quality, my experience with color prints, especially on plain paper, has occasionally shown slight streaks, even after running head cleaning cycles. It’s not a deal-breaker for most documents, but it does mean it’s not always “print-shop-quality” for everything.
What Real Users Are Saying: Community Feedback
Having scoured the internet, I’ve found that my experiences with the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4720 largely mirror those of other users. Many praise its effortless setup, excellent wireless connectivity options including Wi-Fi Direct and Ethernet, and the impressive speed of its black and white printing. The sleek design and intuitive touchscreen also receive high marks for usability. However, the common refrain revolves around the ink system: the requirement to always have color ink for black prints is a significant point of contention, and some have noted that color printing can consume ink rapidly, leading to frequent and costly cartridge replacements. There are also reports of occasional reliability issues after several months, such as random error messages or paper jams, suggesting that while it starts strong, consistency can sometimes waiver.
Final Thoughts: Is the Epson WF-4720 the Right Choice for You?
Ultimately, the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4720 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer is designed to solve the perennial problem of needing an efficient, versatile, and cost-effective document management solution for small work teams or bustling home offices. Without such a device, you risk slow workflows, mounting frustrations, and missed deadlines due to an inefficient system. This printer excels by offering lightning-fast speeds, a comprehensive suite of all-in-one functionalities, and competitive running costs compared to color lasers, all packed into a compact and user-friendly design. Despite its few drawbacks, particularly regarding the ink consumption and firmware updates, it remains a powerful tool that significantly boosts productivity. To explore this powerful printer further and see if it fits your needs, click here to check it out.
Last update on 2025-09-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API