The HP Envy Inspire 7955e all-in-one printer has garnered considerable attention for its blend of high-quality photo printing, rapid document output, versatile scanning capabilities, and a competitive price point. This review delves into its design, performance, features, and software to determine if it truly lives up to the hype. Spoiler alert: it’s a remarkably solid performer.
The HP Envy Inspire 7955e rests on a white table with plants in the background.Photo by Tracey Truly
Design and Functionality
The HP Envy Inspire 7955e boasts an attractive yet practical design, featuring a soft off-white chassis with subtle beige accents. Its all-in-one functionality adds height compared to print-only models, but its dimensions of 18.1 x 15.1 x 9.2 inches and weight of 18 pounds ensure it doesn’t feel overly bulky. A 2.7-inch color touchscreen simplifies navigation and allows direct access to functions like copying without requiring a computer or mobile app.
The HP Envy Inspire 7955e makes a copy of a newspaperPhoto by Tracey Truly
HP’s long-standing experience in printer manufacturing is evident in the thoughtful design details. Ink cartridge installation is straightforward, with clear instructions provided within the device. Similarly, loading paper, using the flatbed and document feeder scanner, and adjusting guides for different paper sizes are intuitive, thanks to clear markings and icons.
Print Performance: Quality and Speed
HP Envy Inspire 7955e in action, printing a full-page photo from an iPhone.Photo by Tracey Truly
Print quality is exceptional, especially when using HP’s high-quality photo paper. Images are sharp, colors are vibrant, and details are crisp, even on standard multipurpose paper. A dedicated photo paper tray accommodates various sizes, while the main tray supports legal-sized paper, envelopes, and more. Ink dries quickly and resists smudging. Document printing is equally impressive, with sharp fonts and consistent output. The printer delivers up to 15 pages per minute (PPM) for black-and-white documents and 10 PPM for color, more than sufficient for home office use.
Special Features: Scanning and Faxing
Placing photos on the HP Envy Inspire 7955ePhoto by Tracey Truly / MaagX
Beyond printing, the Envy Inspire 7955e excels at scanning and copying. The flatbed scanner is fast and efficient, while the 35-page document feeder automates multi-page scanning. The HP Smart mobile app offers a convenient multi-item scan mode for photos. While the built-in Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is functional, it’s prone to minor errors, making a third-party OCR app preferable for extensive document editing. The HP Smart app also includes a currently free fax feature, although this is a trial and future charges may apply.
Software and Compatibility: Seamless Integration
Installing ink cartridge in an HP Envy Inspire 7955e while referencing the HP Smart app.Photo by Tracey Truly / MaagX
Setup and software integration are remarkably easy. The HP Smart app guides users through the process, from ink cartridge installation to network connection. The printer supports Wi-Fi and USB connectivity, offering flexibility in placement. Compatibility is extensive, with support for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS devices. While borderless printing isn’t immediately obvious in the iOS app, it’s readily accessible on other platforms. One minor drawback is the lack of precise ink level indicators in the app.
Printing to an HP Envy Inspire 7955e from a Pixel 6a.Photo by Tracey Truly
Cost and Ink: Affordable and Convenient
The HP Envy Inspire 7955e is priced competitively at $220, with frequent sales offering even lower prices. The included ink cartridges provide a decent starting point, but the tri-color cartridge depletes relatively quickly with color printing.
The HP Envy Inspire 7955e prints sharp photos on a variety of paper types.Photo by Tracey Truly
A six-month HP+ Instant Ink subscription is included, providing automatic ink replenishment based on usage. This service offers significant cost savings compared to purchasing individual cartridges and eliminates the worry of running out of ink.
Conclusion: A Superb All-in-One Printer
The HP Envy Inspire 7955e is an excellent all-in-one printer that delivers impressive performance and features at a remarkably affordable price. Its ease of use, wide compatibility, and convenient ink subscription service make it a compelling choice for home offices and casual users. While individual color ink cartridges would be more efficient for certain printing habits, the overall value and performance of the Envy Inspire 7955e are undeniable.
