HP DeskJet 2720e All-in-One Printer Review: The Smart Solution for Your Home Printing Needs?

There’s a specific kind of modern household frustration that we’ve all felt. It’s 9 PM on a Sunday, your child suddenly remembers they have a project due tomorrow that needs to be printed, and the printer—that dusty box in the corner you haven’t touched in months—is either out of ink, refusing to connect to the Wi-Fi, or flashing an error code that might as well be written in ancient hieroglyphics. The frantic search for a late-night print shop begins. This scenario, or a version of it involving urgent boarding passes, concert tickets, or important work documents, is the bane of many homes. The search for a reliable, affordable, and, most importantly, simple home printer can feel like a quest for a mythical creature. We need something that just *works* when we need it, without demanding a degree in IT to set up or a small fortune to maintain. This is the exact problem space the HP DeskJet 2720e All-in-One Printer aims to solve.

What to Consider Before Buying an Inkjet Printer

An inkjet printer is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for turning digital ideas and essential documents into tangible realities. For families, it’s the bridge between a school assignment on a screen and a report ready for the teacher’s desk. For the home office worker, it’s the tool that produces hard copies of contracts, invoices, and presentations. The main benefits lie in their versatility—modern all-in-one models can print, scan, and copy—and their superior ability to produce vibrant, high-resolution color images and photos, something their laser counterparts often struggle with at a similar price point. They represent a low initial investment for bringing a wide range of capabilities into your home.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the classic home-use dilemma: occasional but crucial printing needs. This includes parents printing homework, remote workers needing to scan receipts and print documents, or hobbyists wanting to print photos and creative projects. It’s for those who value convenience and wireless functionality, wanting to print seamlessly from a laptop, tablet, or smartphone from anywhere in the house. Conversely, an entry-level inkjet like this might not be suitable for those who run a high-volume business from home or require lightning-fast print speeds for multi-hundred-page documents. For them, a more robust office-grade laser printer or a higher-end inkjet with larger paper trays and faster performance might be a more logical, albeit more expensive, alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Home office or study space is often at a premium. Before purchasing, measure the intended location for your printer. Consider not just the footprint but also the vertical clearance needed to open the scanner lid and the space required for the paper input and output trays. The HP DeskJet 2720e is designed to be compact, but ensuring it fits comfortably in your designated spot is a vital first step.
• Capacity/Performance: Think realistically about your printing volume. A printer’s performance is measured in pages per minute (ppm) and its monthly duty cycle (the maximum number of pages it can print per month without issues). For casual home use, lower ppm speeds are perfectly acceptable, but if you frequently print large documents, a faster model might save you significant time. Also, consider the paper tray capacity; a 60-sheet tray is fine for occasional jobs but would require frequent refilling in a busier environment.
• Materials & Durability: Most consumer-grade printers are constructed primarily from plastic to keep costs down. However, the quality of that plastic can vary. Look for a sturdy build that doesn’t feel overly flimsy. An increasing number of manufacturers, including HP with this model, are incorporating recycled plastics into their designs, which is a great bonus for environmentally conscious buyers.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: The true cost of a printer isn’t just the purchase price; it’s also the ongoing cost of ink and the ease of maintenance. Look for printers with intuitive setup processes, preferably guided by a smartphone app. Subscription services like HP Instant Ink are a major factor, promising to simplify ink replacement and potentially lower long-term costs, but they often require a commitment to using the manufacturer’s own cartridges.

Keeping these factors in mind, the HP DeskJet 2720e All-in-One Printer stands out in several areas, particularly for its user-friendly approach and innovative ink subscription model. You can explore its detailed specifications and features here.

While the HP DeskJet 2720e All-in-One Printer is an excellent choice for its target audience, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Smart, Compact, and Ready to Work

Unboxing the HP DeskJet 2720e All-in-One Printer was a refreshingly simple affair. The packaging is efficient and secure, with minimal waste. Our first thought upon lifting the printer from its box was how lightweight and compact it is. Weighing just over 3.4 kg, it’s easy for one person to handle and position. The clean, white design is modern and unobtrusive, a welcome departure from the bulky, black office machines of the past. As noted by several users, its aesthetic allows it to blend seamlessly into a home environment rather than sticking out as a piece of office equipment.

The build is primarily plastic, which is expected at this price point. However, it feels solid enough for its intended home use. We appreciated the thoughtful inclusion of over 20% recycled plastic, a nod to sustainability that adds value. Setup is designed to be driven entirely by the HP Smart App, which you download to your smartphone. This is a modern approach that bypasses the need for installation CDs or complicated driver downloads on a PC. The box includes the printer, a power cord, and a set of starter HP 305 ink cartridges (one black, one tri-color). A USB cable is notably absent, reinforcing HP’s “wireless-first” philosophy for this device.

A Deep Dive into the HP DeskJet 2720e’s Performance

A printer’s worth is proven not on its spec sheet, but in day-to-day use. How does it handle a last-minute school report? A quick scan of an important document? A colour photo for a grandparent? We put the HP DeskJet 2720e All-in-One Printer through its paces to find out exactly where it excels and where its limitations lie.

The Setup Experience and HP Smart App Integration

HP has heavily invested in making the setup process as painless as possible, and for the most part, they have succeeded. The entire experience is funneled through the HP Smart App, which we downloaded on both an Android smartphone and a Windows laptop. The app immediately recognized the printer via Bluetooth and guided us through each step with clear, animated instructions: removing the protective tape, installing the two ink cartridges, and connecting the printer to our home Wi-Fi network. This process was smooth and took about 15 minutes from start to finish. We can confirm what many satisfied users have reported: if you follow the app’s instructions patiently, the setup is remarkably straightforward.

However, it’s also true that this app-centric approach can be a hurdle for some. We noticed in user feedback that individuals with less stable Wi-Fi or those using newer operating systems sometimes encountered connection errors that required a few attempts to resolve. Patience is key here. Once connected, the HP Smart App becomes the command centre for the printer. We found it incredibly powerful. You can print documents directly from your phone’s storage, Google Drive, or Dropbox. The “Camera Scan” feature, which uses your phone’s camera to create high-quality scans of documents, is surprisingly effective for digitizing receipts or notes on the go. You can also check ink levels, manage your Instant Ink subscription, and even access printable crafts and games for kids. This level of mobile integration is what truly sets the HP DeskJet 2720e All-in-One Printer apart from older, more traditional printers.

Real-World Print, Scan, and Copy Quality

For its primary function—printing—the HP DeskJet 2720e All-in-One Printer delivers results that exceed expectations for an entry-level device. We printed a variety of documents, from simple black-and-white text pages to reports with mixed text and color graphics. Text output is crisp and highly legible, with a resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi making it more than suitable for professional-looking letters, homework, and reports. Color graphics on plain paper are bright and vibrant, accurately reproducing charts and images for presentations. One user noted being “surprised by the quality,” expecting much worse, and we echo that sentiment. It handles everyday tasks with aplomb.

Where you see the compromise is in speed and photo printing. With maximum speeds of 7.5 ppm for black and 5.5 ppm for color, this is not a speed demon. A 10-page document feels like it takes a moment, but for the intended user printing a few pages here and there, the speed is perfectly adequate. When it comes to photos, the printer can achieve an impressive 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution on photo paper. We tested this with HP’s own photo paper and got results that were colourful and detailed, great for casual snaps to put on the fridge. However, it won’t challenge dedicated photo printers in terms of nuance and color accuracy. The flatbed scanner is likewise simple and effective. It captures A4 documents with good detail and colour, and the copy function works flawlessly without needing to be connected to a computer, which is a fantastic convenience for making quick duplicates.

The HP+ and Instant Ink Ecosystem: Convenience vs. Commitment

Perhaps the most significant feature of the HP DeskJet 2720e All-in-One Printer is its integration with the HP+ smart printing system and the Instant Ink subscription service. This is a genuine game-changer for casual users. Activating HP+ during setup (which is required) grants you an extra year of warranty (for a total of two years) and includes a 6-month free trial of Instant Ink. This is the core value proposition. Instant Ink is a subscription where the printer itself monitors your ink levels and automatically orders new cartridges before you run out. They are delivered to your door, and the monthly fee is based on the number of pages you print, not the amount of ink you use.

In our testing, this system worked flawlessly. It completely eliminates the “Oh no, I’m out of ink!” panic. For the first six months, you can print a generous number of pages per month for free, which for many users means half a year of no ink costs. As many users enthusiastically report, this introductory offer alone can be worth more than the initial cost of the printer itself. It’s an incredible deal. However, there is a crucial trade-off. The HP+ system requires the printer to have a continuous internet connection to function, and it permanently locks the device to using only genuine HP ink cartridges. You cannot use third-party or refilled cartridges. For users who prioritize ultimate convenience and peace of mind, this is a perfect system. For those who prefer the flexibility to shop around for cheaper, third-party ink in the long run, this commitment is a significant drawback to consider before you decide to purchase the HP DeskJet 2720e.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, user sentiment reflects our own findings. The most praised feature, by far, is the value and convenience of the Instant Ink program. One user from Italy noted that the free six months of ink “often arrive in advance,” highlighting the proactive nature of the service. Another French user called it “very practical,” loving that a new cartridge is sent automatically when ink is low. The ease of use, particularly through the HP Smart App, also receives high marks, with many celebrating the ability to print and scan directly from their phone.

On the other hand, the setup process is a point of division. While many, like a user who set it up with a Chromebook, found it “couldn’t be simpler,” others reported difficulties. A Spanish user admitted that “at first it cost me quite a bit to configure it,” and another from France found it “too complicated” with a Windows 11 PC, suggesting potential compatibility issues. The slow print speed is another common criticism, with one reviewer calling it “Mediocre, Slow” for anything beyond very light use. This feedback is relevant as it confirms the printer’s identity: it is exceptionally convenient and value-packed for patient, low-volume users, but can be a source of frustration for those with higher demands or less straightforward tech setups.

How Does the HP DeskJet 2720e All-in-One Printer Compare to the Alternatives?

While the HP DeskJet 2720e All-in-One Printer is a strong contender in its niche, the market offers other options tailored to different needs. Here’s how it stacks up against three notable competitors.

1. HP OfficeJet 200 Mobile Printer

The HP OfficeJet 200 is a specialist device built for one purpose: portability. Unlike the DeskJet 2720e, which is designed for a stationary spot in the home, the OfficeJet 200 has a built-in battery and a compact, suitcase-friendly design. It’s aimed at professionals who need to print contracts, invoices, or presentations on the road—in a car, at a client’s site, or in a hotel room. Its print speed and quality are superior to the DeskJet 2720e, but it lacks scanning and copying functions. If your primary need is printing on the go and you’re willing to pay a premium for that freedom, the OfficeJet 200 is the clear choice. For everyone else, the DeskJet’s all-in-one versatility is far more practical.

2. Epson WorkForce WF-2860 All-in-One Wireless Printer

The Epson WorkForce WF-2860 represents a step up in terms of office-centric features. It offers faster print speeds, a 30-page auto document feeder for scanning and copying multi-page documents, and even fax capability. It’s built for a more demanding home office environment where productivity and speed are more critical. While it offers wireless printing, its feature set is geared more towards small business tasks than the family-friendly ecosystem of the DeskJet 2720e. A user who frequently scans multi-page invoices or needs faster output would be better served by the Epson, though it typically comes at a higher initial purchase price and uses a different ink replacement model.

3. HP OfficeJet Pro 8210 Printer

The HP OfficeJet Pro 8210 carves out a different niche: it’s a dedicated, high-speed printer. It does one thing—print—and it does it very well and very quickly, boasting speeds that leave the DeskJet 2720e far behind. This model is perfect for a user who prints a high volume of documents but has separate needs (or a separate device) for scanning and copying. It’s designed for efficiency and lower cost-per-page on larger jobs, making it ideal for a small business or a power user who values speed above all else. If you don’t need the scan/copy functions and your priority is getting documents printed fast, the OfficeJet Pro 8210 is a more suitable workhorse.

Our Final Verdict: Is the HP DeskJet 2720e All-in-One Printer Right for You?

After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the HP DeskJet 2720e All-in-One Printer is an outstanding choice for its intended audience. It is tailor-made for modern families, students, and casual home office users who have light to moderate printing needs and place a high value on convenience and simplicity. The integration with the HP Smart App is superb, making wireless printing from any device an absolute breeze. The true star of the show, however, is the HP+ and Instant Ink bundle. The initial 6-month free ink trial offers phenomenal value, effectively removing the biggest headache of inkjet ownership for a significant period.

Its weaknesses—namely the slow print speed and the long-term commitment to genuine HP ink—are valid but are acceptable trade-offs for the target user. This is not the printer for a bustling office or an impatient power user. It is, however, the perfect solution for the 9 PM homework emergency, the last-minute ticket printout, and the occasional creative project. It’s a smart, simple, and affordable machine that just works. If you’ve decided the HP DeskJet 2720e All-in-One Printer is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.