Epson ET-3950 vs ET-4950: Is the Newer Model Really Worth Paying More For?
When shopping for a premium Epson EcoTank printer, two models frequently appear on buyers' shortlists: the Epson EcoTank ET-3950 and the newer Epson EcoTank ET-4950.
At first glance, many customers naturally assume the ET-4950 must be the better choice simply because it is the newer model. However, once you compare the actual features, running costs and everyday usability, the answer may not be as straightforward.
Both printers are designed for home office and small business users, both use Epson's ultra-low-cost EcoTank refillable ink system, and both offer features that traditional cartridge printers simply cannot match.
The real question is:
Is the ET-4950 worth paying significantly more for, or does the ET-3950 already provide everything most users actually need?
Quick Verdict
If you regularly scan double-sided documents, process contracts, invoices or large document batches, the ET-4950's duplex scanning capability may justify its higher purchase price.
However, for many home office users, families, students, accountants, consultants and small businesses, the ET-3950 already delivers almost everything needed for everyday productivity while offering better overall value.
Our Recommendation
Choose ET-3950 if:
- Value for money matters most
- You need ADF, Fax and Ethernet
- You rarely scan double-sided documents
- You want a fully-featured home office printer
Choose ET-4950 if:
- You frequently scan double-sided documents
- You want Epson's latest generation model
- You are willing to pay extra for duplex scanning convenience
Shared Features: More Similar Than Different
One of the biggest surprises when comparing these two printers is how much they actually have in common.
Both models include:
- ✅ Epson EcoTank refillable ink technology
- ✅ Print, Copy and Scan functions
- ✅ Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)
- ✅ Automatic Duplex Printing
- ✅ Fax capability
- ✅ Ethernet networking
- ✅ Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct
- ✅ Epson Smart Panel App support
- ✅ Epson Connect cloud printing
- ✅ Epson 522 ink bottle compatibility
- ✅ Extremely low running costs
For many buyers, these are the features that matter most on a day-to-day basis.
Both printers share Epson EcoTank technology, ADF functionality, fax capability, Ethernet networking and low running costs.
ET-3950 vs ET-4950 Comparison Table
| Feature | ET-3950 | ET-4950 |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ | ✅ | |
| Copy | ✅ | ✅ |
| Scan | ✅ | ✅ |
| ADF | ✅ | ✅ |
| Fax | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ethernet | ✅ | ✅ |
| Automatic Duplex Printing | ✅ | ✅ |
| Duplex Scanning | ❌ | ✅ |
| Ink Bottles | Epson 522 | Epson 522 |
| Running Cost | Same | Same |
The One Feature That Separates Them
The biggest difference between these two printers is duplex scanning.
The ET-3950 can scan documents through the Automatic Document Feeder, but only one side at a time.
The ET-4950 adds automatic duplex scanning, allowing double-sided documents to be scanned without manually flipping pages.
For users who regularly digitise contracts, invoices, financial documents, legal paperwork or medical records, this can save significant time.
For everyone else, it may be a feature that rarely gets used.
The ET-4950 adds duplex scanning, but many home office users may never use this feature frequently enough to justify the additional cost.
Running Costs: No Difference At All
This is where things become particularly interesting.
Both printers use the same Epson 522 ink bottles.
- ✔ Epson 522 Black
- ✔ Epson 522 Cyan
- ✔ Epson 522 Magenta
- ✔ Epson 522 Yellow
As a result:
- ✔ Cost per page is virtually identical
- ✔ Ink replacement process is identical
- ✔ Ink availability is identical
- ✔ Long-term ownership cost is almost identical
Choosing the ET-4950 does not reduce running costs compared with the ET-3950.
Shop Genuine Epson 522 Ink Bottles
Both ET-3950 and ET-4950 use Epson 522 ink bottles.
Who Should Buy The ET-3950?
The ET-3950 is an excellent choice for:
- Home offices
- Families
- Students
- Accountants
- Consultants
- Small business owners
- Work-from-home professionals
If you need:
- ADF
- Fax
- Ethernet
- Wireless printing
- Automatic duplex printing
then the ET-3950 already delivers virtually everything most users need.
Best Value Choice
The ET-3950 offers most of the same productivity features as the ET-4950 at a more attractive price point.
Who Should Buy The ET-4950?
The ET-4950 is better suited for:
- Heavy document management
- Double-sided scanning workflows
- Professional offices
- Legal firms
- Medical practices
- Businesses digitising large document volumes
If duplex scanning is a feature you use every week, the ET-4950 may justify its premium pricing.
Final Verdict: Which One Offers Better Value?
The Epson ET-4950 is undoubtedly the more advanced printer.
However, the ET-3950 remains one of the best-value EcoTank multifunction printers available for home office and small business users.
If you rarely scan double-sided documents, the ET-3950 delivers almost the same day-to-day experience as the ET-4950 while costing less.
For many buyers, the ET-3950 represents the sweet spot between affordability and productivity.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Value for Money | 🏆 ET-3950 |
| Feature Set | 🏆 ET-4950 |
| Running Costs | Tie |
| Home Office Users | 🏆 ET-3950 |
| Duplex Scanning Workflows | 🏆 ET-4950 |