HP OfficeJet Pro 9720e Wide Format All-in-One Printer Review: The Small Office A3 Powerhouse We Tested

I remember the exact moment our small creative agency hit the wall with our standard office printer. We were preparing a crucial client presentation, a pitch that hinged on showcasing large-format architectural drawings and vibrant, full-bleed marketing mockups. Squeezing them onto A4 paper with awkward tiling and taping just wasn’t cutting it; it looked unprofessional and failed to convey the scale and impact of our work. We were exporting files and running to the local print shop multiple times a week, wasting precious time and money. This bottleneck was more than an inconvenience; it was actively hindering our ability to present our best work and grow our business. The search for an affordable, in-house solution that could handle everything from A3 spreadsheets to detailed colour proofs without compromising on quality became our top priority.

What to Consider Before Buying an All-In-One Printer

An All-In-One Printer is more than just a peripheral; it’s the central hub for a modern office’s document workflow. It’s a key solution for consolidating tasks, saving space, and boosting efficiency. By combining printing, scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing into a single device, it eliminates the need for multiple machines, streamlining operations and reducing clutter. For a small business, this means professional-quality marketing materials, crisp internal reports, and digitized archives are all produced from one central point. The main benefits are significant cost savings on both hardware and consumables, a smaller physical footprint, and a simplified, interconnected system for managing documents from any device, whether you’re in the office or working remotely.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a small to medium-sized business owner, a freelancer in a creative field, or a busy home office professional who frequently handles multi-page documents and requires a variety of media sizes, including the occasional A3 print. They are facing the limitations of a standard A4 printer and need a versatile workhorse that can scan contracts, print large spreadsheets, and produce high-quality colour presentations. Conversely, this type of feature-rich, wide-format printer might not be suitable for a casual home user who only prints a few pages a month or a student primarily focused on text documents. For them, a more compact and basic inkjet printer would be a more economical choice, as the advanced features and A3 capability of a model like this would go unused.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Wide format printers are, by nature, significantly larger than their A4 counterparts. Before purchasing, measure your intended space carefully. You need to account not just for the printer’s footprint but also for clearance to open the scanner lid, extend paper trays, and access the rear for jam clearing. The HP OfficeJet Pro 9720e is a substantial machine, so ensure you have a sturdy desk or stand that can accommodate its size and weight.
• Capacity/Performance: Look beyond just print speed (PPM). Consider the paper tray capacity—a 250-sheet tray means less frequent refilling. The Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) capacity is also vital; a 35-sheet ADF is great for scanning multi-page reports or contracts in one go. Also, check for automatic duplexing (two-sided printing), a key feature for saving paper and creating professional-looking documents.
• Materials & Durability: An office printer is an investment that should withstand daily use. Look for robust construction, even if it’s primarily plastic. We appreciate models that incorporate recycled materials, like the HP OfficeJet Pro 9720e’s use of at least 30% recycled plastic, which indicates a modern design philosophy. The feel of the paper trays and the scanner lid hinge can often give you a good indication of the overall build quality.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A printer is only useful if it’s easy to operate. A clear touchscreen interface, straightforward mobile app, and simple cartridge replacement are non-negotiable. Consider the long-term cost and convenience of ink. Subscription services like HP Instant Ink can simplify maintenance by automatically ordering new cartridges, but you should also be aware of any restrictions, such as the requirement to use proprietary chipped cartridges.

Keeping these factors in mind, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9720e Wide Format All-in-One Printer stands out in several areas, particularly for its unique colour capabilities and office-centric features. You can explore its detailed specifications here to see how it measures up against your checklist.

While the HP OfficeJet Pro 9720e Wide Format All-in-One Printer is an excellent choice, 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: A Modern and Substantial Office Hub

Unboxing the HP OfficeJet Pro 9720e Wide Format All-in-One Printer, the first thing we noticed was its substantial, professional presence. This is not a compact home printer; it’s a serious piece of office equipment with a clean, two-tone grey and white design that looks right at home in a modern workspace. Despite its size, the setup process was surprisingly streamlined. Following the clear instructions on the setup poster and the printer’s own colour touchscreen, we had it connected to our office Wi-Fi network in under 15 minutes. The HP Smart app guided us through installing the four HP 937 setup ink cartridges, which click into place satisfyingly. The build feels solid, particularly the paper tray, which slides out smoothly and adjusts easily between different paper sizes from A4 to A3. Compared to older, clunkier wide-format printers we’ve used in the past, the 9720e has a much more refined and user-friendly feel right out of the box.

A Deep Dive into the HP OfficeJet Pro 9720e’s Performance

A printer’s spec sheet only tells half the story. To truly understand its value, we put the HP OfficeJet Pro 9720e Wide Format All-in-One Printer through its paces in a real-world small office environment for several weeks. We tasked it with everything from printing multi-page legal documents and scanning expense receipts to producing A3-sized creative proofs and client-facing marketing materials. This comprehensive testing allowed us to move beyond the numbers and evaluate how its core features impact daily productivity, quality, and overall workflow.

Beyond A4: Mastering Wide Format and Colour Accuracy

The headline feature of the HP OfficeJet Pro 9720e Wide Format All-in-One Printer is undoubtedly its ability to handle media up to A3 (11 x 17 inches), and in this area, it truly excels. For our team, this was a game-changer. We immediately put it to the test by printing a large, data-heavy spreadsheet that was previously unreadable on A4. The 9720e handled it flawlessly, producing a crisp, legible A3 document that allowed everyone to see the full scope of the project at a glance. But where it really shone was in its colour reproduction. HP claims this is the world’s first and only wide format printer with P3 colour. This isn’t just marketing jargon. P3 offers a 25% wider colour gamut than the standard sRGB that most office printers use. In practice, this meant our marketing mockups, which were designed on screen, printed with a vibrancy and accuracy we had previously only achieved by outsourcing to a professional print service. The reds were richer, the greens more vivid, and the gradients smoother. For any business where colour accuracy is crucial—design agencies, real estate firms, marketing teams—this feature alone is a compelling reason to consider this machine. The ability to produce true-to-screen proofs in-house saves an incredible amount of time and money, and dramatically speeds up the client approval process.

The Brains of the Operation: Connectivity, Security, and the HP Smart App

A modern printer must be seamlessly integrated into the office ecosystem, and the HP OfficeJet Pro 9720e Wide Format All-in-One Printer is built for the connected era. The dual-band, self-healing Wi-Fi proved exceptionally reliable during our testing. We placed the printer in a spot with notoriously spotty reception, and it never once dropped the connection, automatically reconnecting without any intervention. For offices that prefer a hard-wired connection, the inclusion of an Ethernet port is a welcome sight. Setup and daily management are handled through the HP Smart app, which we found to be one of the most intuitive printer apps on the market. From our smartphones, we could initiate prints from cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox, check ink levels, and even use the phone’s camera as a mobile scanner. The “Smart Click” feature simplifies multi-file printing, letting you drag and drop various documents into a single print job. Furthermore, HP is leaning heavily into security with its HP Wolf Pro Security. While it’s difficult to test for cyberthreats, the built-in security features offer peace of mind for businesses handling sensitive client or financial data, helping to protect the printer as a network endpoint.

Productivity Powerhouse: Duplexing, ADF, and Daily Workflow

Beyond its wide-format and colour prowess, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9720e Wide Format All-in-One Printer is a capable daily workhorse. The print speeds are impressive for an inkjet, clocking in at up to 22 pages per minute (ppm) for black and white and 18 ppm for colour. Our test batch of a 20-page text document was completed quickly and quietly. The automatic duplexing (two-sided printing) worked without a hitch on A4 paper, helping us reduce paper consumption significantly. The 35-sheet Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) is another essential productivity tool. We used it to scan a 30-page client contract into a single PDF, and the process was smooth and jam-free. The scanner itself produces sharp, clear digital copies, making it perfect for archiving important paperwork. The 250-sheet paper tray is adequate for a small office, reducing the frequency of refills. Combined, these features create a machine that capably handles the ebb and flow of a busy office, moving from simple text printing to complex scanning jobs without missing a beat. This reliability is precisely what you need from a central office hub, and if you need this level of performance, you can find the best offers on the HP OfficeJet Pro 9720e here.

The Instant Ink Equation: Cost, Convenience, and Considerations

No review of a modern HP printer is complete without discussing the HP+ and Instant Ink ecosystem. The HP OfficeJet Pro 9720e Wide Format All-in-One Printer is an “e” model, which means it’s designed to work with the HP+ smart printing system. Activation is required during setup and necessitates an ongoing internet connection and the use of genuine HP ink. In return, you get benefits like an extended warranty (up to 3 years total) and a trial subscription to Instant Ink. We activated the service and found the convenience undeniable. The printer monitors its own ink levels and automatically orders new HP 937 series cartridges before you run out. This completely removes the “Oh no, we’re out of cyan!” panic. The subscription is based on pages printed, not cartridges used, which HP claims can save up to 70%. For businesses with predictable printing volumes, this can be a very cost-effective model. However, it’s crucial to understand the trade-off: this printer uses dynamic security, meaning it will not work with third-party or refilled cartridges. For some, this is a deal-breaker. For us, the combination of convenience, potential cost savings, and the peace of mind of always using genuine ink made it a worthwhile system for a busy office environment.

What Other Users Are Saying

While our experience with the HP OfficeJet Pro 9720e Wide Format All-in-One Printer was overwhelmingly positive, it’s important to consider the full spectrum of user feedback. The majority of feedback aligns with our findings, praising the excellent print quality, A3 capabilities, and the convenience of the HP Smart app. However, we did encounter some strongly negative feedback that warrants discussion. One user reported a significant issue right out of the box, stating the machine “SIMPLY DOESN’T WORK” and specifically struggled with feeding 5×7 HP photo paper despite correct settings and updated firmware. This highlights a crucial point: any complex piece of technology can have isolated defects or “lemons.” While we did not experience any paper feeding issues with standard A4 or A3 office paper, specialty media like heavy photo stock can sometimes be more temperamental. Such initial setup failures are immensely frustrating and are typically covered by the manufacturer’s warranty for a replacement. This feedback serves as a reminder to test the printer thoroughly with all your required media types upon arrival.

How Does the HP OfficeJet Pro 9720e Compare to the Alternatives?

The HP OfficeJet Pro 9720e Wide Format All-in-One Printer is a powerful contender, but it exists in a competitive market. Here’s how it stacks up against three notable alternatives.

1. HP DeskJet 4220e All-in-One Printer Wireless

The HP DeskJet 4220e is aimed at a completely different user. This is a compact, budget-friendly all-in-one designed for home use or a very low-volume home office. While it shares the “e” designation for HP+ and Instant Ink compatibility, it lacks nearly all of the professional features of the 9720e. It is limited to A4 printing, has slower print speeds, a smaller paper tray, and a more basic construction. If you only need to print homework, boarding passes, or the occasional colour photo and space is at a premium, the DeskJet 4220e is a sensible and affordable choice. However, for any small business or user needing A3 capability, faster performance, and robust features like a large ADF, the OfficeJet Pro 9720e is in a completely different league.

2. Epson Expression Photo XP-15000 Printer

The Epson Expression Photo XP-15000 is a specialist device. Its primary function is to produce outstanding, gallery-quality photos up to A3+ size. It achieves this with a six-colour Claria Photo HD ink system, including red and grey inks for a wider colour gamut and smoother tonal transitions, especially in black and white photography. However, it is not an all-in-one printer; it lacks scanning and copying functions and does not have an ADF. This makes it an unsuitable choice for a general office environment. Photographers, artists, and graphic designers who need the absolute best in photo printing and are willing to have a separate scanner would prefer the XP-15000. For businesses needing a versatile machine for documents, reports, and high-quality colour graphics, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9720e Wide Format All-in-One Printer is the far more practical choice.

3. Epson WorkForce WF-7840DTW A3+ 4-in-1 Printer

The Epson WorkForce WF-7840DTW is the most direct competitor to the HP OfficeJet Pro 9720e. It is also an A3+ all-in-one designed for small offices, boasting similar features like automatic duplexing, a 50-sheet ADF, and robust connectivity. The Epson’s key advantages are its two 250-sheet paper trays, giving it a total capacity of 500 sheets, and its PrecisionCore printhead technology, which is renowned for its speed and durability. The choice between these two excellent machines often comes down to specific priorities. If your office has a very high print volume and needs the massive paper capacity, the Epson may have the edge. However, if your work is colour-critical and you need the most vibrant, true-to-screen output for marketing materials and creative proofs, the unique P3 colour gamut of the HP OfficeJet Pro 9720e Wide Format All-in-One Printer gives it a distinct and compelling advantage.

Our Final Verdict: Is the HP OfficeJet Pro 9720e Worth It?

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the HP OfficeJet Pro 9720e Wide Format All-in-One Printer is a superb machine for its target audience. It successfully bridges the gap between standard office printers and expensive professional graphics machines. For any small business, creative agency, or home office that has felt constrained by the A4 format, this printer is a liberating investment. The combination of A3 printing and scanning, best-in-class colour accuracy with its P3 gamut, and a full suite of productivity features like the ADF and duplexing makes it a true workflow enhancer. While the commitment to the HP+ and Instant Ink ecosystem may not be for everyone, the convenience and potential long-term savings are undeniable for a busy office. It’s a powerful, reliable, and versatile hub that can elevate the quality of your work and streamline your daily operations.

If you’ve decided the HP OfficeJet Pro 9720e Wide Format All-in-One Printer is the right fit for your business needs, you can check its current price and purchase it here.