HP Envy vs HP DeskJet vs HP OfficeJet: Comparative Guide

3rd Mar 2025
Simon Cross

When it comes to choosing the right HP printer, the sheer number of options out there can be overwhelming. Among HP’s popular printer series, the HP DeskJet, HP Envy, and HP OfficeJet stand out as versatile options - so what’s the big difference between them? 

I get this question from customers a lot, and having tested these printers myself I can tell you from experience what will suit you best. 

In this guide, I’ll explain the key similarities and differences between these three series, covering everything from price and features to who each model is best suited for. I’ll break it down for you so you don’t miss out on features you need or overpay for ones you don’t. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to make a confident decision.

So let’s dive in!

There are some similarities between Envy, DeskJet and OfficeJet

Okay, so I thought I’d start with some similarities between these printers so that you know what you’re not compromising on. That way, you can make a more confident decision about the features you actually need to consider. 

They all have wireless connectivity

First up, all these printers are wireless. That means no more fighting with a tangled mess of cables or being restricted as to where you can put your printer! Whether you’re printing from your, PC, laptop, smartphone, or tablet, you can connect and print with ease. 

To be completely honest, wireless printing is a given with most modern printers so it would be more surprising if these models didn’t support it, but it’s good to know you can tick that box for all three of these printers. Plus, it’s easy to connect to a HP wireless printer. 

They are all inkjet printers

Another similarity is that they’re all inkjet printers. What does that mean, exactly? Inkjet printers use liquid ink to spray tiny droplets onto paper, which makes them excellent for detailed, high-quality prints - especially in colour.

Now, you might be wondering: how do they compare to laser printers? Well, laser printers use toner (a fine powder) instead of ink. Usually, I’d recommend laser printers to larger offices rather than small businesses or home use. 

This is because laser printers are faster and better suited for printing large volumes of documents, but they’re more expensive upfront. Plus, when it comes to colour printing, laser printers just don’t deliver the same vibrant quality as inkjets. So, if you’re printing photos or colourful designs, an inkjet is definitely the way to go.

To find out more, I’ve actually done a whole blog explaining the difference between laser and inkjet printers, so check that out. 

They all have scanning and copying capabilities

Need to scan or copy a document? No problem! All three models include scanning and copying capability with a resolution of up to 1200 dpi. That’s more than enough for sharp, detailed scans, whether it’s a family photo or an important work document. 

I love the idea of all-in-one printers for casual use because it’s like having a mini office setup at your fingertips without all the clutter.

They can print in colour

Finally, all these printers can handle both black-and-white and colour printing. Of course, the quality of the colour printing depends on the series, but the versatility is there for when you’re juggling different print jobs. 

Who is the HP DeskJet printer series meant for?

The HP DeskJet series is designed with simplicity and affordability in mind, so it’s perfect for home users and students with light printing needs. They’re ideal for occasional use, such as printing homework, recipes, or simple documents, and their small size means they won’t take up much space on your desk. 

These compact printers focus on the essentials, offering basic print, scan, and copy functions at a budget-friendly price. And from my tests, it’s really quite extraordinary what you get for under 100 quid. DeskJet printers still deliver good-quality colour prints and scans for their price point. 

Deskjet recommended monthly page volume & reliability 

DeskJet is also as reliable as any other HP model provided you stick under the recommended monthly page volume of 200. In my experience, the biggest reason for printer problems is simply overworking your printer. 

The DeskJet is not built for heavy-duty printing so be realistic about how much printing you’ll need to do to make sure your printer stays in good shape for years. And of course, don’t forget to perform regular printer maintenance. 

My recommendation

I recommend the DeskJet series for individuals and families looking for a no-frills printer solution. These printers are an especially good fit for those who print only a few pages a week and don’t need the advanced features found in higher-end models. Their affordability makes them a great first printer for students or anyone on a budget.

Who is the HP Envy printer series meant for?

The HP Envy series is a fantastic choice for home users who need a versatile printer that shines in photo printing. 

HP Envy printer features

With a recommended monthly page volume of 100-400 pages, it’s designed for more moderate use than the Deskjet’s 200 page volume. You’ll also be able to print faster than the DeskJet, with the Envy printing an extra 4-5 pages per minute. 

Envy printers include features like borderless photo printing and vibrant colour accuracy, making them perfect for creating photo albums, school projects, or decorative prints. While they lack the heavy-duty capacities of the OfficeJet (faxing and a larger paper tray to name a few) their focus on colour quality and user-friendly features makes them a standout for personal use.

The Envys are still quite sleek and compact, but they’re a bit bulkier and heavier compared to DeskJet, with about 20cm extra depth and 4cm extra length. This is good to keep in mind if you have a small office space and don’t want it to feel cramped. 

My recommendation

I recommend the Envy series for families, students, and creative individuals who want a printer capable of handling both documents and photos. If you print once a week or more (but still under that 400 pages per month limit), you’ll get a lot of benefit from the extra speed and input capacity of the Envy compared to the Deskjet.

Who is the HP OfficeJet printer series meant for?

The HP OfficeJet series is a powerhouse designed for small offices. Just looking at the specs, you can tell it towers over the Envy and DeskJet models in terms of performance. 

HP OfficeJet printer features

With a print speed of up to 22 ppm (black) and 18 ppm (colour), it’s noticeably faster than the Envy’s 15 ppm and the DeskJet’s 7.5 ppm for black-and-white prints. The input tray capacity is also significantly larger at 250 sheets, which means less frequent refilling compared to the Envy’s 125 sheets and the DeskJet’s modest 60 sheets. 

It supports a recommended monthly print volume of up to 2,000 pages, far surpassing the Envy’s 400 pages and the DeskJet’s 100 pages, making it perfect for high-volume users. 

The OfficeJet printers also have business-friendly features like faxing capability and automatic duplex printing, which is handy. But keep in mind, it is a lot heavier and bulkier than the other models so it won’t be as easy to move around your workspace if you’re used to that.

My recommendation

I usually recommend it for businesses who need a reliable, high-performance printer for frequent use. At almost £180, this printer is pretty pricey for light users. That’s why If you’re not regularly printing 400+ pages per month and aren’t fussed about faxing capabilities, I’d go for the Envy. You’ll get all the features you need and save yourself a few quid. 

What are the differences between the DeskJet, Envy and OfficeJet?

I know I’ve just dumped a whole lot of information on you, so I’ve put everything into a table to help you visualise the differences between these series.

My Conclusion

Choosing the right printer really comes down to understanding your needs and priorities. If you’re a light home user or student looking for an affordable, no-frills option, the DeskJet series is a great fit. It’s compact, budget-friendly, and handles basic tasks like a pro. 

On the other hand, if you’re after a bit more versatility and you love the idea of quality photo prints from home, the Envy series offers the perfect balance of speed, quality, and features for families and creative individuals.

For those running a small office or handling higher print volumes, the OfficeJet series stands out as the workhorse of the bunch. Its faster speeds, higher input capacity, and advanced features like faxing and automatic duplex printing make it ideal for more demanding users.

No matter which model you choose, HP’s reliable design and performance ensure you’re getting a quality printer. If you’re interested in learning more about HP printers, check out my blogs on how to choose the right HP printer and how to use the HP smart app.

Blog Author: Simon Cross is the engaging and knowledgeable voice behind the insightful articles on printers and printer consumables at IJT Direct, an ecommerce store renowned for its comprehensive selection of printers, printer consumables, and hardware. View Simons author page to find out more about him.