Remember those days when your home office felt like a paper graveyard, and every important document required a trip to a print shop? Or perhaps you’ve struggled with an old, clunky printer that constantly jammed or ran out of ink at the worst possible moment. That feeling of dread when you urgently need to print a form, scan a document, or copy a recipe, only to be met with technical difficulties, is all too familiar. That’s exactly why I started looking for a reliable all-in-one device like the HP DeskJet 4155e Wireless Color Inkjet Printer. Having a dependable printer at home isn’t just about convenience; it saves time, money, and ensures your personal and sensitive documents remain private.
- FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – Best for home printing, including basic color documents like recipes, forms and travel documents. Print speeds up to 8.5 pages per minute in black or 5.5...
- KEY FEATURES – Print, copy and scan in color, auto document feeder, mobile fax, mobile and wireless printing
- INCLUDES HP+ SMART FEATURES – Upgrade to HP+ during setup to get advanced features for mobile printing, security, automatic updates and more. HP+ only works with an HP account, internet connection...
Key Considerations Before Investing in a Home Printer
A good printer can be the unsung hero of a modern home, effortlessly handling everything from school projects and travel documents to financial statements and cherished photos. People often seek out printers to streamline their daily tasks, avoid the high costs and inconvenience of commercial print services, and maintain control over their personal documents. The ideal customer for an all-in-one printer like the HP DeskJet 4155e is someone who needs a versatile solution for occasional to moderate printing, scanning, and copying at home. This includes students, remote workers with light document needs, or families who print basic color materials like forms, recipes, and travel papers.
However, this category of printer might not be for everyone. If you’re a professional photographer requiring gallery-quality photo prints, or a small business with high-volume, high-speed printing demands, an entry-level inkjet may not meet your needs. For heavy text document printing, a laser printer might be a more cost-effective and faster option in the long run. Before making a purchase, consider several factors:
* Functionality: Do you need just printing, or scanning and copying too? Mobile fax is a bonus for some.
* Connectivity: Is wireless printing essential for you, or do you prefer a wired connection?
* Print Volume & Speed: How often and how much do you print? What are your expectations for print speed?
* Print Quality: Is high-resolution color crucial, or are basic documents sufficient?
* Ink Costs & Subscriptions: Are you comfortable with proprietary ink systems and potential subscription services?
* Size & Footprint: Does it fit your available space?
* Ease of Setup: Are you technically savvy, or do you need a straightforward, guided setup process?
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Introducing the HP DeskJet 4155e
The HP DeskJet 4155e is positioned as a reliable, all-in-one wireless color inkjet printer specifically designed for the demands of home use. It promises an easy setup experience and versatile functionality including printing, scanning, and copying, all accessible from various devices. When you purchase this versatile inkjet printer, you typically receive the printer unit itself, HP 67 setup black and tri-color cartridges to get you started, a regulatory flyer, a setup guide, a reference guide, and the necessary power cord. A key incentive with this model is the included 3-month Instant Ink trial upon activating HP+, which aims to ensure you don’t run out of ink unexpectedly.
This particular model is ideal for home users, students, or small home offices where basic color documents, forms, and occasional photos are printed. It excels for those who value wireless convenience and the ability to print, scan, and copy from their mobile devices. However, it’s not the best fit for users needing very high print speeds, professional-grade photo quality, or those who prefer not to be tied to a specific ink subscription service or proprietary cartridges.
Here’s a quick look at its pros and cons:
Pros:
* All-in-One Functionality: Prints, scans, copies, and even offers mobile fax.
* Wireless Convenience: Dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset for stable connection.
* HP Smart App: Simplifies setup and allows mobile printing/scanning from anywhere.
* Auto Document Feeder (ADF): Convenient for scanning or copying multiple pages.
* Instant Ink Trial: Includes 3 months of ink delivery when HP+ is activated.
* Compact Design: Its small footprint makes it suitable for tight spaces.
Cons:
* Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues: Some users report frequent disconnections, requiring resets.
* Instant Ink Restrictions: Ink cartridges can be disabled if the subscription is canceled, even if partially used.
* Build Quality: Certain plastic components, like the scanner lid hinges, can feel flimsy.
* Moderate Print Speed: Not ideal for high-volume or urgent printing tasks.
* Proprietary Cartridge Requirement: Only works with HP-chipped cartridges, limiting third-party options.
* Setup Can Be Tricky: Initial setup, particularly linking to Wi-Fi and finding correct drivers, can be patience-testing for less tech-savvy users.
Deep Dive into Features and Their Advantages
Having used the HP DeskJet 4155e for quite some time, I’ve had the opportunity to thoroughly test its features and understand how they translate into real-world benefits – and sometimes, challenges.
Seamless Wireless Connectivity and the HP Smart App
One of the standout features of the HP DeskJet 4155e is its emphasis on wireless connectivity. It comes equipped with dual-band Wi-Fi, which includes a self-reset feature designed to automatically detect and resolve connectivity issues. In theory, this means you can print from virtually anywhere in your home using your computer, laptop, or smartphone, without the clutter of cables.
For me, the wireless aspect has been a game-changer. Being able to send a document to print from my phone while I’m in another room, or quickly scan a document and have it sent directly to my computer without physically connecting anything, is incredibly convenient. The HP Smart App truly ties this experience together. It provides a simple, step-by-step guided setup process that, once you get through it, makes managing the printer very intuitive. Through the app, I can print, scan, and copy everyday documents from my phone, even when I’m away from home. With HP+, the app unlocks advanced features like mobile fax and enhanced scanning, such as multi-item recognition, which means it can intelligently identify and crop multiple items placed on the scanner bed. This significantly boosts productivity for home office tasks.
However, I must be honest about the connectivity. While the dual-band Wi-Fi is supposed to be robust, I’ve experienced moments, like some other users have reported, where the printer mysteriously disconnects from my network. It’s frustrating to be ready to print something important only to find the orange indicator lights flashing, signaling a lost connection. Usually, a hard reset or reconnecting through the app solves it, but it’s an intermittent inconvenience that can disrupt workflow. It’s a reminder that while wireless is great, it’s not always foolproof, and a wired Ethernet option (which this model lacks) would be a welcome alternative for some.
All-in-One Functionality: Print, Scan, Copy, and Mobile Fax
The “all-in-one” designation for the HP DeskJet 4155e isn’t just a marketing term; it genuinely offers a comprehensive suite of features essential for a home setup.
* Printing: As an inkjet printer, it handles both monochrome and color documents. With print speeds of up to 8.5 pages per minute (ppm) for black and 5.5 ppm for color, it’s suitable for basic home printing. While not lightning-fast, it’s perfectly adequate for documents like recipes, forms, travel itineraries, and school assignments. The print resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi for color ensures that text is crisp and images are clear enough for everyday use.
* Scanning: The flatbed scanner allows for scanning individual documents, photos, or even delicate items. Crucially, the inclusion of an Auto Document Feeder (ADF) is a massive benefit. This means you can load up to 35 pages into the ADF, and the printer will automatically scan or copy them sequentially. For anyone needing to digitize multi-page contracts, class handouts, or family records, the ADF saves an immense amount of time compared to lifting the lid and placing each page individually.
* Copying: The copy function works seamlessly with both the flatbed and the ADF. It supports speeds up to 8.5 ppm for black and 5.5 ppm for color, mirroring its print capabilities. Being able to quickly duplicate documents without having to turn on a computer is incredibly handy.
* Mobile Fax: For those who still occasionally need to send faxes, the mobile fax feature via the HP Smart App is a surprising and valuable addition. Instead of needing a dedicated fax machine or searching for a service, you can send faxes directly from your smartphone, which is a modern twist on an older technology.
While the print quality is generally good for everyday tasks, some users might find it “fuzzier” compared to higher-end models, especially for detailed photo prints. I also agree that the scanner, while functional, isn’t going to rival a dedicated high-resolution scanner; its speed and clarity are adequate for documents but perhaps not for archival photo scanning.
HP+ Smart Features and the Instant Ink Program
Activating HP+ during setup is a central part of the HP DeskJet 4155e experience. HP+ offers advanced features like enhanced mobile printing, improved security, automatic updates, and an extended 2-year warranty. The catch is that HP+ requires an HP account, an internet connection, and the exclusive use of HP Original Ink for the life of the printer. This commitment is something potential buyers need to be aware of.
The associated HP Instant Ink program is a subscription service designed to deliver ink to your door before you run out. The DeskJet 4155e includes a 3-month trial (which can be extended to 6 months with certain promotions). What I found exciting, and what some user reviews highlighted, is the generous allowance during the trial period, sometimes up to 700 pages per month. After the trial, you choose a monthly plan based on the number of pages you expect to print, with options as low as 10 pages for a nominal fee. The program tracks your ink usage and automatically ships new cartridges when yours are running low.
This system is a double-edged sword. On one hand, the convenience of never running out of ink and having it delivered is fantastic. For users with consistent printing needs, it can be very cost-effective. On the other hand, the Instant Ink program has its drawbacks, as echoed by several user experiences. If you cancel your subscription, any Instant Ink cartridges you still have, even if partially full, become unusable. This feels incredibly wasteful and punitive for consumers who have technically paid for that ink through their subscription. Furthermore, sudden spikes in printing volume can lead to additional page charges, which can quickly add up. This model’s strict requirement for HP-chipped cartridges, enforced by firmware updates, means you cannot use third-party or refilled cartridges, locking you into HP’s ecosystem. While convenient, this lack of choice and the subscription model’s inflexibility for fluctuating usage are significant disadvantages for some.
Compact Design and Paper Handling
Measuring 13.07″D x 16.85″W x 7.87″H and weighing just 10.6 pounds, the HP DeskJet 4155e is designed to be space-efficient. Its compact footprint means it can easily fit onto a small desk or shelf, making it perfect for apartments, dorm rooms, or home offices where space is at a premium. This was a crucial factor for me, as I needed something that wouldn’t dominate my workspace.
The trade-off for this compact design often comes in paper handling. The printer features a rear paper input tray with a capacity of 60 sheets, and an output tray that holds 25 sheets. While perfectly adequate for casual printing, a rear-feed tray means the paper protrudes from the back, adding to the printer’s overall depth when in use. Some users, myself included, might prefer a built-in, front-loading tray for a tidier appearance and easier loading, but that would inevitably increase the printer’s bulk. It supports a variety of media sizes, from 3×5 inches up to 8.5×14 inches, including envelopes, labels, and glossy photo paper, offering good flexibility for different printing tasks. Manual duplex printing is supported, meaning you have to manually flip and reinsert paper for double-sided prints, which isn’t as convenient as automatic duplexing but is a common feature at this price point.
Overall User Experience and Build Quality
Beyond individual features, the general user experience with the HP DeskJet 4155e is a mixed bag, largely influenced by how well the Wi-Fi connection holds up and your personal comfort with the Instant Ink model. When it works, it’s a quiet and efficient machine for its class. The LCD display provides basic status information, and while the physical control buttons are minimal, the HP Smart App takes over much of the control, which is fine for smartphone-centric users.
However, a recurring theme in user feedback, and something I’ve noted myself, is concerns about the build quality. The plastic construction, while keeping the weight down, can feel less robust than older, heavier models. Specifically, the hinges for the scanner lid have been mentioned as being potentially fragile. This makes you handle the printer with a bit more care than you might with a more solidly built device. While it performs its core functions adequately, the long-term durability of these plastic components might be a point of concern for some.
What Real Users Are Saying
Having scoured numerous online forums and customer reviews, it’s clear that the HP DeskJet 4155e elicits a range of strong opinions. Many users applaud its compact form factor, wireless printing capabilities, and the convenience offered by the HP Smart App. They find the setup process manageable, particularly with the app’s guidance, and appreciate the inclusion of the Auto Document Feeder for multi-page scanning. The Instant Ink program is often praised by those with consistent printing needs for its cost-effectiveness and the peace of mind it provides by ensuring ink is always on hand.
However, a significant number of individuals express frustration over persistent Wi-Fi disconnection issues, requiring frequent troubleshooting and resets. Concerns about the printer’s overall durability and the perceived flimsiness of its plastic components are also common. The most contentious point often revolves around the Instant Ink subscription model, with users feeling “trapped” or “robbed” when unused ink cartridges become defunct upon cancellation, or when unexpected usage spikes incur additional charges. Despite these drawbacks, many concur that for basic home printing needs, the printer offers good value for its price, provided one is willing to navigate its occasional connectivity quirks and commit to HP’s ink ecosystem.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
In today’s fast-paced world, the need for efficient home document management – from printing urgent forms to scanning important receipts or copying cherished photos – is more pressing than ever. Without a reliable home printer, you’re left facing unnecessary trips to print shops, potential security risks for sensitive documents, and precious time wasted.
The HP DeskJet 4155e Wireless Color Inkjet Printer is a compelling option for those seeking an all-in-one solution for their home. Its wireless connectivity, coupled with the intuitive HP Smart App, genuinely simplifies the printing, scanning, and copying process, making it accessible from almost any device. The Auto Document Feeder is a standout feature that significantly streamlines multi-page tasks, a definite bonus for any home office. While it has its quirks, such as occasional Wi-Fi hiccups and the specific nature of the Instant Ink program, its overall functionality and compact design make it a strong contender for casual home users. If you’re ready to simplify your home printing experience, I highly recommend looking into this model. Click here to check out the HP DeskJet 4155e and see if it’s the right fit for you!
Last update on 2025-09-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API