HP Smart Tank 7002 Review: Cartridge Free Printer Worth Buying?

Ink prices have made printer ownership feel like a subscription you never signed up for. Every time the low ink warning appears, another forty dollars leaves your wallet. The HP Smart Tank 7002 tries to break that cycle with a refillable tank system and up to three years of ink packed inside the box.

But cheap ink means nothing if the printer jams, crawls, or produces muddy photos. So I dug into the official HP specifications, independent lab testing from Consumer Reports, and real owner feedback to find out how this machine actually behaves. This review covers print quality, speed, scanning, setup, running costs, and the alternatives worth a second look.

By the end, you will know exactly whether the Smart Tank 7002 belongs on your desk. Keep reading, because the cost math at the halfway point genuinely surprised me.

In a Nutshell

Short on time? These six points cover everything that matters about the HP Smart Tank 7002.

• Ink cost is the headline feature. Consumer Reports measured roughly 0.5 cents per black page and 2.1 cents per color page. A typical cartridge printer costs five to nine cents per black page, so you save real money every single month.
• The box includes up to three years of ink based on 200 pages monthly. That works out to around 18,000 black pages and 8,000 color pages before you buy a refill bottle.
• Print quality is very good for text and solid for color graphics. Black text hits 1200 x 1200 rendered dpi. Color reaches 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi with borderless output up to letter size.
• Speed is the weak spot. HP rates it at 15 pages per minute black and 9 ppm color, but lab testing showed five text pages taking about 28 seconds. Laser printers in this price bracket move faster.
• There is no automatic document feeder. The flatbed scanner works well at 1200 dpi optical resolution, but every page must be placed by hand.
• Paper handling punches above its weight with a 250 sheet input tray, a 100 sheet output tray, and automatic two sided printing standard.

HP Smart Tank 7002 Overview

Last update on 2026-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The HP Smart Tank 7002 is a wireless all in one inkjet printer that prints, scans, and copies. It sits in the HP Smart Tank 7000 series and carries the model code 28B50A. HP built it for families and home offices that print steadily every week.

Here is one detail most reviews skip. HP sells the 7002 mainly through club retailers like Costco, Sams Club, and BJs. The identical printer sold on Amazon carries the model name HP Smart Tank 7001, with the 7002 simply adding bonus black ink bottles to the bundle. Everything in this review applies to both.

The printer replaces cartridges with four refillable tanks. You pour ink from keyed bottles straight into the tanks, and the bottle shape stops you from putting cyan into the magenta reservoir. Each bottle empties by gravity, so there is no squeezing and no mess.

Pricing usually lands between $199 and $319 depending on the retailer and the promotion running that week. That is a higher upfront cost than a basic cartridge printer, and that gap is exactly the point. You pay more once so you stop paying often.

The unit measures 16.83 x 14.33 x 7.82 inches and weighs about 14 pounds. It fits on a standard desk without dominating it. A 2.8 inch monochrome LCD with guided buttons handles onscreen controls, and the white and slate finish looks tidy in a home office.

Design and Build Quality

The Smart Tank 7002 keeps its design simple and functional. The body uses a matte white shell with slate gray trim, and the panels feel firm rather than hollow. Nothing about it screams cheap plastic.

The ink tanks live on the front right side behind a clear window. This is the smartest design choice on the whole machine. You glance at the printer and instantly see how much black, cyan, magenta, and yellow ink remains. No app, no menu, no guessing.

The flatbed scanner sits on top under a hinged lid. The lid lifts smoothly and has enough hinge travel to handle a thick book or a stack of photos. There is no automatic document feeder, which keeps the top profile low and the price down.

The 250 sheet paper tray slides out from the bottom front. It swallows a full ream of letter paper and extends to fit legal sheets. The output tray tucks above it and catches up to 100 printed pages.

The control panel uses a 2 line LCD paired with smart guided buttons. Buttons light up only when they are usable in the current menu, which removes a lot of confusion. It is not a color touchscreen, and at this price that trade feels fair.

Build quality across owner reports has been consistent. The printhead is user replaceable, the tank caps seal tightly, and the paper path stays quiet during operation. This is a printer designed to sit in one spot and work for years.

Print Quality You Can Expect

Print quality is where the Smart Tank 7002 earns most of its goodwill. HP uses thermal inkjet technology with separate black and tri color printheads. The result is sharp, dark text that holds up under close inspection.

Black documents print at up to 1200 x 1200 rendered dpi. Consumer Reports rated text quality as very good, just short of the best printers tested. Small fonts stay legible, serifs stay crisp, and there is no visible bleed on plain copy paper.

Color graphics reach up to 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi when printing from a computer. Charts, infographics, newsletters, and school posters come out clean with accurate color separation. Consumer Reports also rated color graphics as very good for reports and web pages.

Photo printing is the one area with a clear ceiling. On glossy paper the 7002 produces pleasant, punchy family photos with good contrast. Independent testing described the output as fine for casual users but behind the strongest photo inkjets.

Borderless printing works up to 8.5 x 11 inches, so full page prints have no white margin. Greeting cards, 4×6 snapshots, and 5×7 prints all come out looking finished rather than homemade.

Grayscale performance deserves a mention too. Because the printer uses a dedicated pigment style black tank, black and white documents look genuinely black instead of washed gray. For anyone printing contracts, resumes, or worksheets, that difference matters more than photo grading.

Print Speed and Daily Performance

Speed is the honest weakness of this machine. HP quotes 15 pages per minute in black and 9 pages per minute in color using ISO test standards. Draft mode climbs to roughly 23 ppm black and 22 ppm color.

Real world numbers land lower. Consumer Reports timed five text pages at about 28 seconds, which works out closer to ten pages per minute in practice. That is normal for tank inkjets but noticeably slower than an entry laser printer.

First page out time is reasonable. The printer wakes, primes, and delivers the opening sheet within a few seconds, then settles into a steady rhythm. There is no long warmup delay like older laser units.

Automatic duplex printing adds time. The sheet must feed out partway, pull back in, flip, and print again. Expect a two sided job to take roughly double the length of a single sided one, which is standard behavior across the category.

Photo printing is the slowest task by a wide margin. A full page borderless glossy print can take over a minute. Batch photo jobs are best started before you step away from the desk.

HP rates the monthly duty cycle at up to 5,000 pages with a recommended volume of 400 to 800 pages per month. That recommendation is a good honesty check. If your household prints inside that window, the speed will never bother you. If you regularly push 2,000 pages monthly, a laser printer will save you time.

Top 3 Alternative for HP Smart Tank 7002

If the Smart Tank 7002 misses one feature you need, these three printers cover the gaps.

1. Epson EcoTank ET-2800

Last update on 2026-06-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The ET-2800 is the budget friendly tank rival. It costs noticeably less upfront and includes enough ink for roughly 4,500 black and 7,500 color pages. It prints, scans, and copies over WiFi with a 100 sheet tray. It skips automatic duplex printing, so choose it only if two sided printing does not matter to you.

2. Canon MegaTank G3270

Last update on 2026-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Canon ships the G3270 with up to two years of ink and quotes 6,000 black and 7,700 color pages per ink set. Canon uses pigment black for documents and dye inks for photos, which produces excellent photo output. It is compact and quiet, though it also lacks auto duplex.

3. HP Smart Tank 7602

Last update on 2026-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This is the upgrade pick inside HP’s own lineup. The 7602 adds a 35 page automatic document feeder, fax support, and a proper color touchscreen. If you scan multi page documents weekly, this model removes the biggest frustration of the 7002.

Ink System and Cost Per Page

The Smart Tank 7002 runs on HP 32XL black and HP 31 cyan, magenta, and yellow ink bottles. The club bundle typically includes an extra black bottle or two, which is the entire reason the 7002 exists as a separate model.

Yields are generous. A single HP 32XL black bottle covers up to 6,000 pages, and each HP 31 color bottle covers up to 8,000 pages. Stack the bonus bottles and HP’s claim of up to three years of ink at 200 pages monthly holds up.

The cost per page is where this printer wins. Consumer Reports measured about 0.5 cents per black page and 2.1 cents per color page. A standard cartridge printer runs five to nine cents per black page, so you are paying roughly one tenth as much for every document.

Refill bottles cost between $10 and $22 each depending on color and retailer. A full replacement set lands near $40 to $70. Compare that to four premium cartridges at $50 to $100 that vanish in a few hundred pages.

Refilling takes about two minutes. You lift the tank cap, seat the bottle in the keyed opening, and let it drain on its own. The bottle stops flowing when the tank fills, so overflow is very unlikely.

One caution applies to every tank printer. Ink can dry inside the printheads if the machine sits unused for weeks. Printing a color test page every week or two keeps the nozzles clear and protects your investment.

Scanning and Copying Features

The scanner is a flatbed unit with up to 1200 dpi optical resolution. That is enough detail to digitize old photos, capture signatures cleanly, and archive tax documents at readable quality.

Supported scan formats include JPG, PDF, PNG, and TIFF. You can send scans to your computer, straight to email, or into cloud storage through the HP Smart app. Building a multi page PDF is possible by scanning sheets one at a time and merging inside the app.

Maximum scan area measures 8.5 x 11.69 inches, covering letter and A4 documents. Legal size pages will not fit in a single pass, so long contracts need two scans stitched together.

Copying is straightforward from the front panel. The printer handles up to 99 copies in one job with copy resolution reaching 600 dpi. Reduce and enlarge settings run from 25 percent to 400 percent, which covers everything from shrinking receipts to blowing up diagrams.

The missing automatic document feeder is the real limitation here. Copying a twenty page report means lifting the lid twenty times. For occasional single page copies this is a non issue, but for anyone processing paperwork daily it becomes a genuine chore.

Scan quality itself was rated as acceptable with a few visible flaws in independent testing. Text scans come out clean and legible. Photo scans show slightly less shadow detail than dedicated scanners, though most users will never notice on screen.

Wireless Connectivity and Mobile Printing

Connectivity is one of the stronger areas on this printer. It supports dual band WiFi across both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, which many printers at this price never offer. The 5GHz band means fewer dropped jobs in homes packed with wireless devices.

WiFi Direct lets a phone or laptop connect straight to the printer without a router. This helps in dorm rooms, rentals, and guest situations where network access is restricted.

A USB 2.0 port handles wired connections for anyone who prefers a cable. Keep in mind that HP does not include a USB cable in the box, so budget a few extra dollars if you need one.

Mobile printing works through every major standard. Apple AirPrint handles iPhone and iPad printing with zero setup. Mopria certification delivers the same experience on Android, and the HP Print Service Plugin covers older Android builds.

The HP Smart app for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS ties everything together. You can start print jobs, scan documents, monitor ink levels, and order supplies from one screen.

Cloud printing works from Google Drive, Dropbox, and email attachments. Chromebook users are supported too, which makes this a practical pick for student households.

Network stability has been solid in owner reports. Occasional reconnection prompts happen after router changes, which is common across all wireless printers rather than a fault unique to this model.

Setup Process and the HP Smart App

Plan on 30 to 45 minutes for first time setup. Most of that is filling tanks and letting the printer prime itself, not fighting with software.

You start by removing the packing tape, installing the black and tri color printheads, and filling the four ink tanks. The spill free bottles make this far easier than it sounds. Each bottle locks into its matching tank and drains automatically.

Next the printer runs an ink charging cycle for several minutes. This pushes ink through the printheads and eliminates air bubbles. Do not power it off during this step, since interrupting priming can cause print quality problems later.

An alignment page prints once charging finishes. Place it on the scanner glass and let the printer read it. This calibration step takes one minute and makes a real difference to line accuracy.

WiFi setup runs through the HP Smart app. Open the app, choose to add a new printer, and follow the prompts. Most users finish this in under five minutes on a phone.

One recurring complaint deserves mention. The HP Smart app pushes you toward creating an HP account and shows occasional promotional content. Basic printing works without an account, but some features nudge you to sign in.

Day to day use is simple after setup. The guided buttons cover copies and settings, while the app handles anything more detailed. HP also includes an AI print feature that adjusts settings automatically based on the document type it detects.

Paper Handling and Media Support

Paper handling is genuinely impressive for a printer in this bracket. The 250 sheet input tray holds a full ream, which means far fewer trips to the paper cabinet.

Supported sizes cover letter, legal, government legal, executive, statement, and photo formats including 4×6, 5×7, and 8×10. Envelopes in #10, monarch, and 5.5 bar sizes feed without special handling. Custom sizes run from 3.5 x 5 inches up to 8.5 x 14 inches.

Media weight support is broad. Plain paper works from 16 to 28 lb, envelopes from 20 to 24 lb, photo paper up to 66 lb, and card stock up to 110 lb. That card stock rating means greeting cards and invitations print properly instead of jamming.

Automatic duplex printing comes standard, which is not guaranteed at this price. The printer flips sheets internally so you never touch a page mid job. Over a year of school and office printing, that alone cuts paper use nearly in half.

Borderless printing works up to 8.5 x 11 inches. Photos, flyers, and certificates come out edge to edge with no trimming required.

The 100 sheet output tray handles most jobs comfortably. Very large runs will need clearing partway through, which is normal for any home printer.

An automatic paper sensor detects loaded media and adjusts settings, reducing wasted sheets from wrong size errors. Jam rates in owner feedback have been low, likely helped by the straight, short paper path.

Pros and Cons of the HP Smart Tank 7002

Here is the balanced view after weighing lab data, specifications, and owner reports.

Pros

• Extremely low running costs at roughly 0.5 cents per black page and 2.1 cents per color page, which is a fraction of cartridge printer expense.
• Up to three years of ink included in the box, covering approximately 18,000 black and 8,000 color pages before your first purchase.
• Very good text and color graphics quality confirmed by independent Consumer Reports testing, with sharp 1200 x 1200 dpi black output.
• Large 250 sheet paper tray plus automatic two sided printing, both uncommon at this price point.
• Dual band WiFi with 5GHz support, WiFi Direct, AirPrint, and Mopria for reliable printing from any device.
• Transparent front ink tanks let you check levels instantly without opening an app or menu.

Cons

• No automatic document feeder, so every scan and copy page must be placed on the glass by hand.
• Slower than laser printers, with five text pages taking about 28 seconds in lab testing.
• Basic 2 line monochrome display instead of the color touchscreen found on the 7602.
• Photo output trails dedicated photo printers, delivering good rather than gallery grade prints.
• HP Smart app pushes account creation and shows promotional content that some owners find intrusive.
• Higher upfront price than cartridge printers, which only pays off if you print regularly.

Who Should Buy the HP Smart Tank 7002

This printer fits a specific user very well, and fits others poorly. Knowing which group you belong to prevents an expensive mistake.

Families with school age children are the ideal match. Homework, project posters, permission slips, and photo assignments burn through ink fast. The tank system turns a recurring expense into an afterthought.

Home office users printing 200 to 800 pages monthly hit the sweet spot exactly. That range matches HP’s own recommended volume, and the cost savings compound quickly at that pace. Invoices, contracts, and shipping labels all print cleanly.

Students and teachers benefit from the enormous included ink supply. Printing study guides, lesson plans, and handouts becomes something you stop budgeting for.

Skip this printer if you need an automatic document feeder. Anyone scanning multi page documents weekly should spend more on the HP Smart Tank 7602 or a Canon model with an ADF. The frustration will outweigh the savings.

Skip it if speed drives your workflow. Busy offices pushing thousands of pages monthly are better served by a monochrome laser printer or a business class inkjet.

Very light users should also think twice. If you print fewer than 50 pages a month, the ink can dry in the printheads between jobs. Occasional printers often do better with a small laser unit that tolerates long idle periods without maintenance.

Photo enthusiasts chasing gallery quality prints will want a dedicated photo printer. The 7002 produces likeable photos, not exhibition prints.

Final Verdict on the HP Smart Tank 7002

Last update on 2026-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The HP Smart Tank 7002 delivers on the promise that matters most. It removes ink anxiety from printing. Once the tanks are full, you print freely for years without watching a cost meter in your head.

Print quality supports that value. Text looks professional, color graphics look sharp, and photos look good enough for the fridge door and the family album. Independent testing confirms these are not just marketing claims.

The compromises are clear and honest. You give up speed and you give up an automatic document feeder. If neither of those affects your routine, this printer is genuinely hard to beat under $250.

Paper handling and connectivity quietly seal the deal. A 250 sheet tray, automatic duplex printing, dual band WiFi, and full mobile printing support add up to a machine that stays out of your way.

The financial case is the strongest argument. Consumer Reports estimated total ownership cost near $258 after two years and around $270 after five years. A cartridge printer can burn through that much in ink alone in twelve months of steady use.

My recommendation is straightforward. Buy the Smart Tank 7002 if you print regularly, value low running costs, and can live without an ADF. Choose the 7602 if multi page scanning matters, or the Canon G3270 if photo output is your priority.

For most households and small home offices, this printer is a smart, practical purchase that keeps paying you back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the HP Smart Tank 7002 the same as the 7001?

Yes, the hardware is identical. HP sells the 7002 through club retailers like Costco and Sams Club with bonus black ink bottles included, while the 7001 is the standard retail version sold on Amazon and elsewhere. Print speed, quality, paper handling, and connectivity are the same on both models.

How long does the included ink actually last?

HP claims up to three years based on 200 printed pages per month. That equals roughly 18,000 black pages and 8,000 color pages in the bundled configuration. Heavy photo printing consumes ink far faster than plain text, so your real total depends entirely on what you print.

Does the HP Smart Tank 7002 print on both sides automatically?

Yes. Automatic duplex printing is built in and requires no manual page flipping. The feature saves paper and produces cleaner looking reports and booklets, though it roughly doubles the time each job takes to finish.

Does it have an automatic document feeder?

No. The Smart Tank 7002 uses a flatbed scanner only, so pages must be placed by hand. If an ADF is essential, the HP Smart Tank 7602 includes a 35 page feeder along with fax support and a color touchscreen.

What ink bottles does the HP Smart Tank 7002 use?

It uses HP 32XL black and HP 31 cyan, magenta, and yellow ink bottles. Each black bottle yields up to 6,000 pages and each color bottle yields up to 8,000 pages. Bottles typically cost between $10 and $22 each depending on color and seller.

Does it work with Mac, Chromebook, and mobile devices?

Yes. The printer supports Windows 7 through Windows 11, macOS 12 through macOS 15 Sequoia, and Chrome OS. Mobile printing works through Apple AirPrint, Mopria for Android, and the HP Smart app on both platforms.

Will the ink dry out if I rarely print?

It can. Tank printers keep liquid ink in the printheads, and long idle periods risk clogged nozzles. Printing a color page every week or two keeps the nozzles flowing and is the single best maintenance habit for this printer.