Two of Epson’s popular EcoTank models, the Epson L3256 and Epson L5290—offer excellent print quality and low running costs.
They are often considered by people like you who want affordable, high-quality printing with low running costs.
In this guide, you’ll get a clear comparison of both printers to help you make a good decision.
Epson L3256 vs L5290 Specs Comparison
| Feature | Epson L3256 | Epson L5290 |
|---|---|---|
| Printer Type | All-in-One Ink Tank | All-in-One Ink Tank with ADF & Fax |
| Functions | Print, Scan, Copy | Print, Scan, Copy, Fax, ADF |
| 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 | Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, USB, Ethernet |
| Mobile Printing Support | Yes (Epson Smart Panel, AirPrint etc.) | Yes (Epson iPrint, Smart Panel, AirPrint) |
| Display | No | Yes (Monochrome LCD) |
| ADF (Auto Document Feeder) | No | Yes (30-page capacity) |
| Fax Function | No | Yes |
| Ink Bottle Compatibility | Epson 003 | Epson 003 |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | Up to 3,000 pages | Up to 3,000 pages |
| Design/Color | White | Black |
| Weight | 3.9 kg | 6.0 kg |
| Scanner Type | Flatbed Color Image Scanner | Flatbed + ADF Scanner |
| Ideal For | Home use / basic office tasks | Home offices / small businesses |
| Check Offer Price | Epson L3256 | Epson L5290 |
Epson L3256 vs L5290: In-Depth Comparison
1. Functions and Versatility
L3256: Basic All-in-One (Print, Scan, Copy). No ADF or fax.
L5290: Full-featured All-in-One (Print, Scan, Copy, Fax) with ADF support—making it perfect for scanning multi-page documents.
Winner: If you handle bulk documents or need fax, the L5290 is your better option.
2. Connectivity Options
L3256: Offers USB, Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi Direct. No Ethernet.
L5290: Offers Wi-Fi, USB, Wi-Fi Direct, and Ethernet—ideal for networked office setups.
Winner: L5290 gives you more flexibility for both home and office connectivity.
3. Display and Ease of Use
L3256: No display; setup and operations are done via app or PC.
L5290: Has a monochrome LCD screen for easy navigation, print status checks, and fax controls.
Winner: If you prefer on-device controls, L5290 is clearly better.
4. Mobile & Cloud Printing
Both printers support:
- Epson Smart Panel App
- Epson iPrint
- Apple AirPrint
- Wi-Fi Direct
Tie: You can print wirelessly from your phone on either device.
5. Printing Quality & Speed
- Both printers offer 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution, giving you sharp text and rich images.
- Speed: 10 ipm (black) and 5 ipm (color)
Tie: Great quality and speed from both models.
6. Design and Space
- L3256: Compact, light (3.9 kg), ideal for desks or small spaces.
- L5290: Bulkier (6.0 kg) due to ADF and fax module, needs more space.
Winner: If space is a concern, L3256 is more compact.
Which Printer Should You Choose?
Go for Epson L3256 if:
- You need a basic, compact printer for home use.
- You don’t need ADF, fax, or network (Ethernet) support.
- You want budget-friendly wireless printing without complex features.
Choose Epson L5290 if:
- You run a home office or small business.
- You want features like fax, ADF, and Ethernet.
- You prefer on-device control through a screen.
- You regularly handle multi-page document scans.
If you’re looking for an affordable wireless printer for light, everyday use, the Epson L3256 is a great choice with excellent print quality and a compact design.
But if you need advanced features like fax, ADF, Ethernet, and a screen for easier operation, the Epson L5290 is well worth the investment.
Madhuri is a printer enthusiast with years of experience using and exploring all types of printers. She shares practical tips and honest insights to help you choose the right printer.
