Choosing the right all-in-one printer can feel like navigating a maze. You want reliable performance, excellent print quality, and features that match your needs without breaking the bank. Today, we’re diving deep into two popular contenders from HP’s Envy line: the HP Envy 5540 and the HP Envy 5660.
Both printers promise versatility for home and small office use, offering printing, scanning, and copying capabilities. But what sets them apart? We’ll explore their key differences in features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.
Whether you’re a student tackling assignments, a professional managing documents, or a creative printing photos, understanding the nuances between the HP Envy 5540 and the HP Envy 5660 is crucial. Let’s find out which one deserves a spot on your desk.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | HP ENVY 5540 | HP ENVY 5660 |
|---|---|---|
| Print Technology | Inkjet | Inkjet |
| Color Printing | Yes | Yes |
| Maximum Resolution (Color) | 4800 x 1200 dpi | 4800 x 1200 dpi |
| Maximum Resolution (Black) | 1200 x 600 dpi | 1200 x 600 dpi |
| Print Speed (Black, ISO) | Up to 9.9 ppm | Up to 14 ppm |
| Print Speed (Color, ISO) | Up to 6.8 ppm | Up to 10 ppm |
| Duplex Printing | Automatic | Automatic |
| Scanner Type | Flatbed | Flatbed |
| Optical Scan Resolution | 1200 dpi | 1200 dpi |
| Connectivity | USB, Wi-Fi | USB, Wi-Fi |
| Mobile Printing | HP ePrint, Apple AirPrint | HP ePrint, Apple AirPrint |
| Paper Input Capacity | 100 sheets | 250 sheets |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Print Speed
- Hp Envy 5540: Offers a respectable print speed of up to 9.9 ppm (black) and 6.4 ppm (color). This is adequate for typical home use but might feel a bit slow for high-volume printing.
- 5660: Boasts a slightly faster print speed of up to 12 ppm (black) and 10 ppm (color) when using ISO standards. This makes it a better choice for users who need to print documents more frequently.
- Winner: 5660
Print Resolution
- Hp Envy 5540: Delivers a maximum print resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 dpi (color) and 1200 x 1200 dpi (black). This ensures good quality for photos and documents.
- 5660: Also provides a maximum print resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 dpi (color) and 1200 x 1200 dpi (black). Both printers offer comparable print quality in this regard.
- Winner: Tie
Paper Handling
- Hp Envy 5540: Features a 125-sheet input tray and a 50-sheet output tray. It supports automatic duplex printing, which is a significant convenience for reducing paper usage.
- 5660: Comes with a larger 250-sheet input tray and a 75-sheet output tray, along with automatic duplex printing. The increased capacity makes it more suitable for moderate to heavy printing needs without frequent refills.
- Winner: 5660
Connectivity
- Hp Envy 5540: Offers standard connectivity options including USB and Wi-Fi. This allows for both wired connections and convenient wireless printing from various devices.
- 5660: Includes USB, Wi-Fi, and also supports Wi-Fi Direct for direct printing from mobile devices without a network. This added direct connectivity offers more flexibility.
- Winner: 5660
Mobile Printing Capabilities
- Hp Envy 5540: Supports HP ePrint and Apple AirPrint, enabling easy printing from smartphones and tablets. These features are essential for modern, mobile-centric workflows.
- 5660: Also supports HP ePrint and Apple AirPrint, plus Wi-Fi Direct. The inclusion of Wi-Fi Direct enhances its mobile printing capabilities by offering a direct connection option.
- Winner: 5660
Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)
- Hp Envy 5540: Does not include an automatic document feeder. This means scanning or copying multi-page documents requires manual feeding, which can be time-consuming.
- 5660: Features a 35-sheet automatic document feeder. This is a significant advantage for efficiently scanning, copying, or faxing multi-page documents.
- Winner: 5660
Ink Cartridge System
- Hp Envy 5540: Uses HP 63 or HP 63XL ink cartridges. These are widely available but can be relatively expensive to replace, especially the XL versions.
- 5660: Utilizes HP 63 or HP 63XL ink cartridges for standard printing, but also supports HP 63 ink for photos. It’s important to note that this model is also compatible with HP Instant Ink programs, which can significantly reduce ink costs.
- Winner: 5660
Display Screen
- Hp Envy 5540: Features a 2.2-inch mono touchscreen. While functional for basic operations, it’s limited in its display capabilities.
- 5660: Equipped with a 2.65-inch color touchscreen. The larger, color display offers a more intuitive and visually appealing user experience for navigating menus and settings.
- Winner: 5660
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Print Speed | HP ENVY 5660 |
| Paper Capacity | HP ENVY 5660 |
| Automatic Duplexing | Both (Tie) |
| Scanner Quality | Both (Tie) |
| Connectivity | Both (Tie) |
| Overall Value (for higher volume) | HP ENVY 5660 |
What They Have in Common
- Print Technology: Both the HP ENVY 5540 and the 5660 utilize inkjet technology for their printing capabilities, allowing for vibrant color reproduction and detailed text.
- Color Printing: Both models are fully capable of producing color prints, making them suitable for a wide range of home and small office tasks, from documents to photos.
- Automatic Duplex Printing: A significant shared feature is automatic duplex printing, which means both printers can print on both sides of a page without manual intervention, saving paper and time.
- Scanner Type and Resolution: Both printers include a flatbed scanner with an optical scan resolution of 1200 dpi, enabling clear and accurate digitization of documents and photos.
- Connectivity Options: Connectivity is consistent across both models, offering both USB for direct connection and Wi-Fi for wireless printing from various devices on a network.
- Mobile Printing Support: Users can conveniently print from their smartphones and tablets on both the 5540 and 5660, thanks to support for HP ePrint and Apple AirPrint.
HP Envy 5540 Vs 5660 Buying Guide
Ease of Use and Setup
The HP Envy 5540 is renowned for its straightforward setup process, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize simplicity. Its intuitive touchscreen interface guides you through installation and everyday tasks with ease. The 5660 also offers a user-friendly experience, but the 5540 often has a slight edge in initial setup due to its slightly simpler feature set, which can translate to fewer potential points of confusion for less tech-savvy individuals. (See Also: Clarity Skin Care Vs Dermalogica )
Print Quality and Features
Both the HP Envy 5540 and 5660 deliver impressive print quality for everyday documents and photos. The 5660, however, often boasts slightly richer colors and sharper detail, particularly in photo prints, due to its enhanced ink system and higher resolution capabilities. If vibrant, true-to-life photo reproduction is a top priority, the 5660 might be the more compelling option. For general home and office use, the 5540’s output is more than adequate.
Connectivity and Mobile Printing
Connectivity is a strong suit for both models, with Wi-Fi and mobile printing capabilities being standard. They both support HP’s ePrint and AirPrint for seamless printing from smartphones and tablets. The 5660 may offer slightly more robust wireless performance due to more advanced internal components, potentially leading to a more stable connection in busy network environments. However, for most home users, the 5540’s wireless connectivity is more than sufficient for their needs.
Value for Money and Long-Term Costs
When considering value, the HP Envy 5540 often presents a more budget-friendly initial purchase price, making it an attractive option for those on a tighter budget. The 5660, while typically more expensive upfront, may offer better long-term value if its enhanced features and potentially superior print quality justify the higher investment. Ink cartridge costs should also be factored in, as they can significantly impact the total cost of ownership for both printers. (See Also: Nintendo Switch Vs Nintendo Lite )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy HP ENVY 5540 If…
- You need a reliable all-in-one printer for basic home printing, scanning, and copying needs.
- Your print volume is relatively low to moderate, and you don’t require a large paper input capacity.
- You prioritize automatic duplex printing for cost and paper savings.
- Budget-friendliness is a key consideration for your all-in-one purchase.
Buy HP ENVY 5660 If…
- You require faster print speeds for both black and color documents.
- You frequently print larger batches of documents and need a higher paper input capacity to avoid constant refilling.
- Your printing needs extend to more demanding home or small office tasks where efficiency is important.
- You value the convenience of a larger paper tray for less interruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in print speed?
The HP Envy 5660 generally boasts faster print speeds for both black and white and color documents compared to the HP Envy 5540. This difference is often noticeable when printing multiple pages or large documents, making the 5660 a better choice for users who require higher throughput and less waiting time. The 5540 is adequate for casual printing needs.
Which printer is better for photo printing?
While both printers can produce decent photos, the HP Envy 5660 is typically considered superior for photo printing. It often utilizes a more advanced ink system and potentially higher resolution capabilities, resulting in more vibrant colors, finer details, and a better overall finish on photographic prints. The 5540 is capable but may not match the depth and accuracy of the 5660.
Does the 5660 have an automatic document feeder (ADF)?
Yes, the HP Envy 5660 includes an automatic document feeder (ADF) that allows for convenient multi-page scanning and copying. This is a significant advantage over the HP Envy 5540, which lacks an ADF and requires manual feeding of each page for these tasks. The ADF on the 5660 streamlines workflows considerably for users who frequently handle multi-page documents. (See Also: Wingstop Tenders Vs Boneless Wings )
Are ink cartridges interchangeable between the 5540 and 5660?
No, the HP Envy 5540 and 5660 use different ink cartridge models. While both printers use HP’s reliable ink system, their specific cartridges are not interchangeable. It is crucial to purchase the correct ink cartridges for your specific printer model to ensure compatibility and optimal print performance. Always check the product specifications for the correct cartridge numbers.
Which printer is more compact?
The HP Envy 5540 is generally the more compact of the two printers. Its slightly smaller footprint makes it a better option for users with limited desk space or those who prefer a less obtrusive printer. While the 5660 is not excessively large, the 5540 offers a more space-saving design, which can be a deciding factor for some home office setups.
Final Verdict
The HP Envy 5660 emerges as the more capable all-around printer, offering superior photo quality, faster print speeds, and the convenience of an automatic document feeder. While the HP Envy 5540 is a solid budget-friendly choice for basic printing needs, the 5660 provides a more robust feature set that justifies its slightly higher price point for users seeking enhanced performance and versatility.
Winner: HP Envy 5660