Epson L3256 vs L3216 Printer Comparison

When you’re looking for a reliable, cost-effective ink tank printer, Epson offers some excellent choices.

Two popular options that often catch your eye are the Epson L3256 and Epson L3216.

Both printers offer all-in-one functionality and low-cost printing, but which one is right for you?

In this detailed comparison, you’ll discover the differences in features, specs, and performance to help you decide which model suits your needs better.

Epson L3256 vs L3216 Specs Comparison

Feature	Epson L3256	Epson L3216
Printer Type	All-in-One Ink Tank	All-in-One Ink Tank
Print Technology	Micro Piezo Printhead	Micro Piezo Printhead
Print Resolution	5760 x 1440 dpi	5760 x 1440 dpi
Print Speed (Black)	10 ipm	10 ipm
Print Speed (Color)	5 ipm	5 ipm
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, USB	USB only
Mobile Printing Support	Yes (Epson Smart Panel, iPrint)	No
Ink Bottle Compatibility	Epson 003	Epson 003
Monthly Duty Cycle	Up to 3,000 pages	Up to 3,000 pages
Scanner Type	Flatbed Color Image Scanner	Flatbed Color Image Scanner
Design/Color	White	White
Weight	3.9 kg	3.9 kg
Ideal For	Wireless home printing	USB-only home printing
Check Offer Price	Epson L3256	Epson L3216

Epson L3256 vs L3216: Feature-by-Feature Comparison

1. Connectivity

• L3256: Comes with Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and USB. This means you can print from your phone, tablet, or laptop wirelessly.
• L3216: Offers only USB connectivity, which limits you to direct connection with a computer.

Winner: Epson L3256 is better if you value wireless printing and device flexibility.

2. Mobile Printing Support

• L3256: Supports Epson Smart Panel, Epson iPrint, and Apple AirPrint. You can print directly from your mobile devices.
• L3216: No mobile printing or app-based control.

Winner: If you print from your phone or tablet, L3256 offers greater convenience.

3. Print Quality and Speed

• Both printers deliver the same high print resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi, ensuring sharp text and vibrant colors.
• Speed is also identical:
  • Black: 10 ipm
  • Color: 5 ipm

Tie: Whether you choose the L3256 or L3216, you’ll enjoy excellent print quality and decent speed.

4. Design and Build

• Both printers have a compact, all-white design that blends well in modern home setups.
• They also share the same weight of 3.9 kg, making them equally portable.

Tie: Choose either based on style preference—there’s no functional difference here.

5. Ease of Use and Setup

• L3256: Wireless setup through the Epson Smart Panel app makes installation and maintenance much easier.
• L3216: Traditional USB setup only, requiring manual driver installation.

Winner: L3256 is more user-friendly, especially for beginners or casual users.

Which One Should You Choose?

Go for Epson L3256 if:

• You want wireless printing and mobile support.
• You often print from smartphones, tablets, or laptops.
• You prefer a printer that’s easy to set up and manage via apps.
• You need flexibility without plugging in every time.

Choose Epson L3216 if:

• You have a tight budget and don’t need wireless printing.
• You only print from a desktop or laptop via USB.
• You prefer a straightforward, plug-and-play USB printer.

If you’re looking for a modern, wireless printer with app-based controls and mobile printing support, the Epson L3256 is the clear winner. It offers the flexibility and ease that today’s home users need.

However, if you don’t need wireless features and want to save a little money, the Epson L3216 is a reliable, no-fuss option that still delivers excellent print quality.