HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e A3 All-in-One Printer Review: The Small Office Workhorse with a Surprising Catch

In our small but growing creative agency, the bottleneck has always been presentation. We’d spend days perfecting a design on-screen, crafting intricate architectural plans, or building detailed financial charts, only to face a frustrating compromise. Printing large-format documents meant a trip to the local print shop—a process that was not only costly but also introduced delays and stripped away our control over the final output. We needed a solution that could bring our A3 visions to life in-house, without demanding the floor space or budget of a commercial plotter. The challenge was finding a machine that could handle everything from crisp A4 client letters to vibrant, full-bleed A3 marketing mock-ups, all while being a reliable hub for scanning and copying. This search for a true all-in-one workhorse, one that could finally bridge the gap between digital design and physical impact, is what led us to the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e A3 All-in-One Printer.

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

An All-In-One Printer is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for consolidating office tasks and boosting productivity. It solves the problem of cluttered desks and multiple devices by combining the functions of a printer, scanner, copier, and sometimes a fax machine into a single, cohesive unit. The main benefits are significant: cost savings on purchasing separate machines, reduced energy consumption, and a streamlined workflow where you can scan a document and immediately print copies or email it from one central hub. For a small office or a demanding home office, this consolidation is a game-changer, freeing up both physical space and mental energy.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a high volume and variety of document-handling needs. Think small business owners, architects, designers, educators, or administrative professionals who regularly need to print reports, scan invoices, copy multi-page documents, and produce high-quality colour materials. They value efficiency, connectivity, and professional-grade output. Conversely, this machine might not be suitable for those who only print a few text documents a month. For them, a smaller, more basic inkjet or laser printer would suffice. Similarly, a professional photography studio requiring archival-quality prints might look towards a dedicated photo printer with more than the standard four ink colours. For everyone in between, a robust all-in-one is the sweet spot.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Do not underestimate the footprint of a powerful all-in-one, especially an A3-capable model. Measure your intended space carefully, accounting for not only the machine’s width and depth but also the clearance needed to open scanner lids, extend paper trays, and access ink cartridges. The HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e A3 All-in-One Printer is substantial, and as one user aptly noted, it’s a “huge and heavy” unit at nearly 20kg, so ensure you have a sturdy surface ready.
• Capacity/Performance: Look beyond just print speed (PPM). Consider the paper tray capacity; a higher capacity means less frequent refilling. For the 9730e, the dual 250-sheet trays are a major advantage for offices that switch between A4 and A3 paper often. Also, evaluate the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) capacity and whether it supports single-pass duplex (two-sided) scanning, a massive time-saver for digitizing double-sided documents.
• Materials & Durability: A printer for an office environment needs to be built to last. Look for sturdy plastics and a solid overall construction. We appreciate that the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e A3 All-in-One Printer is constructed with at least 30% recycled plastic, indicating a commitment to sustainability without compromising on build quality. The internal components, from rollers to the print head, should feel robust enough for consistent daily use.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A powerful printer is useless if it’s difficult to operate. A clear touchscreen interface, straightforward software like the HP Smart app, and easy-to-replace ink cartridges are essential. Consider the long-term cost and convenience of ink replacement. Subscription services like HP Instant Ink can simplify maintenance and potentially lower costs, but ensure you understand the terms before committing.

Keeping these factors in mind, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e A3 All-in-One Printer stands out in several areas, particularly its dual-tray capacity and A3 functionality. You can explore its detailed specifications here.

While the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e A3 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:

Unboxing the Behemoth: First Impressions and Key Features

The arrival of the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e A3 All-in-One Printer was an event. The box is, to put it mildly, substantial. Confirming user reports, this is a hefty machine, weighing in at 19.5 kg. It’s a two-person lift, but its weight immediately conveys a sense of robust, business-grade construction. Once unboxed and freed from its protective packaging, the printer presents a clean, professional aesthetic with its two-tone grey and white finish. It’s large, but its lines are modern and it doesn’t look out of place in a contemporary office setting. The dual paper trays slide out with a satisfying solidity, and the large colour touchscreen is bright and responsive. Initial setup was surprisingly simple. We followed the on-screen instructions, which guided us through loading the ink cartridges and connecting to our 5GHz Wi-Fi network effortlessly. The printer detected the network immediately, and within minutes, the HP Smart app on our computers and phones had recognised and added the device. It was a refreshingly seamless experience, free of the driver-hunting nightmares of older printers.

Under the Hood: A Performance Deep-Dive of the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e A3 All-in-One Printer

A printer’s true worth is revealed not on the spec sheet, but in the heat of a busy workday. We put the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e A3 All-in-One Printer through its paces over several weeks, throwing everything from dense legal documents and client invoices to full-bleed A3 marketing posters and architectural drafts at it. This machine is designed to be the central hub of a small office, and we evaluated it on that promise.

A Seamless Setup Experience: From Box to First Print in Minutes

The initial setup is often a major pain point with office peripherals, but HP has clearly invested heavily in making this process as frictionless as possible. Our experience mirrored the positive feedback from many users who praised the effortless setup. After powering on the machine, the colour touchscreen immediately comes to life with a guided wizard. It walks you through every step, from removing the final pieces of protective tape to installing the four initial ink cartridges. The process is animated and clear, leaving no room for error.

The most impressive part was the network connection. As one user noted, “It connects to WiFi effortlessly.” Our unit found our 5GHz network instantly, and typing the password on the responsive touchscreen was simple. Once on the network, the HP Smart app, which we had pre-installed on our devices, automatically detected the printer. There were no manual IP addresses to enter or complex drivers to locate; the software handled everything in the background. From our main design workstation, a print driver was installed automatically within about a minute. This level of plug-and-play simplicity is a huge relief in a busy office where IT support is limited. The entire process, from opening the box to printing our first A4 test page, took less than 20 minutes.

A3 Powerhouse: Print and Scan Quality Examined

This is the main event. The reason you buy a machine of this size and calibre is for its large-format capabilities, and the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e A3 All-in-One Printer does not disappoint in raw quality. For standard office documents, text on A4 paper is laser-sharp, with clean edges and deep blacks, even in draft mode. Speeds are impressive, hitting the advertised 22 ppm for black and white with ease.

Where it truly shines, however, is with colour. The printer utilises P3 colour technology, which provides a wider gamut than standard sRGB. For creative professionals like designers and architects, this is a significant feature. It means the colours you see on your modern display are more accurately reproduced on paper. We printed a series of A3-sized branding mock-ups featuring vibrant gradients and bold logos. The output was stunningly rich and accurate, with colours that popped and details that remained crisp under close inspection. The 4800 x 1200 optimised dpi resolution delivers smooth transitions and avoids the banding we’ve seen on lesser inkjet models.

The scanning function is equally robust. The 35-sheet single-pass duplex Automatic Document Feeder is a productivity marvel. We fed it a 20-page double-sided A4 report, and it digitized the entire document in a single pass, scanning both sides simultaneously. This is a feature usually found on much more expensive enterprise machines. It also handles A3 scanning from the flatbed, perfect for preserving large drawings or posters. The scanned images are sharp, and the software makes it easy to save them as searchable PDFs or send them directly to cloud services like Google Drive or OneDrive.

Workflow and Connectivity: The Brains of the Operation

Beyond quality, office efficiency hinges on workflow, and this is where the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e A3 All-in-One Printer demonstrates its thoughtful design. The dual 250-sheet paper trays are a standout feature. We configured Tray 1 for A4 plain paper and Tray 2 for A3, eliminating the constant need to swap media. With a total capacity of 500 sheets, we could go days without needing to reload, even during heavy use periods. The printer automatically selects the correct tray based on the document size, which streamlines the process for everyone in the office.

The HP Smart app is the command centre for all modern functionality. It allows for remote printing from a smartphone or tablet—we sent a print job from off-site, and it was waiting for us when we arrived. The app also controls scanning, allowing you to initiate a scan from your phone and have the file appear directly on your device. For businesses, the inclusion of HP Wolf Pro Security is a valuable, if unseen, benefit. It provides an extra layer of protection for the printer on the network, helping to guard against cyberthreats—an increasingly important consideration for any connected device.

The Elephant in the Room: HP+ and a Critical Tray Limitation

No product is perfect, and our extensive testing revealed a significant caveat that potential buyers, especially creatives, must be aware of. First, let’s discuss the HP+ ecosystem. To unlock the printer’s full potential and offers like extended warranty and months of free ink, you must activate HP+ during setup. This requires an HP account and a constant internet connection, and it locks the printer into using only genuine HP ink cartridges. The Instant Ink subscription, where the printer automatically orders new cartridges when you’re running low, is genuinely convenient and can be cost-effective for high-volume users. The introductory offer of 5 free months is a great bonus.

However, during our testing, we encountered the exact same issue a frustrated user reported online. We loaded Tray 2 with premium A3 glossy photo paper, intending to print a high-resolution portfolio piece. To our dismay, the printer’s on-screen menu and the driver on our computer would only allow us to select “Plain Paper” for Tray 2. After digging through settings and documentation, we confirmed the limitation: the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e A3 All-in-One Printer does not support specialty media like photo paper or cardstock from Tray 2. You can still print on these media types, but you must use the single-sheet priority feed, which negates the convenience of the high-capacity tray. For an office that primarily prints A3 technical drawings or spreadsheets on plain paper, this is a non-issue. But for a design studio or photographer who bought this machine specifically to batch-print A3 photos, this is a major, and frankly baffling, limitation.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our findings align closely with the general consensus from other users. The praise is consistent and focuses on the core strengths of the machine. Many, like one user, highlight the “excellent set up and back up by hp smart app,” noting that it “connects to WiFi effortlessly” and that “quality is supreme.” Another longtime HP user, an architect and designer, called it an “excellent printer,” specifically praising the dual trays for A3 and A4 sizes and the value of the Ink Plans. The straightforward setup and the out-of-the-box experience are clearly a winning formula for HP.

However, the praise is not universal, and the critical feedback is laser-focused on the media handling limitation we also discovered. One detailed account explained the frustration of being unable to use A3 photo paper in Tray 2. After nearly an hour with remote assistance, they were told “the printer didn’t have this functionality!!!” This is not a minor glitch but a fundamental design choice that significantly impacts the printer’s versatility for creative applications. It’s a crucial piece of information that turns a potential “do-it-all” machine into a more specialised one.

How Does the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e Compare to the Competition?

The HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e A3 All-in-One Printer operates in a competitive space, but its A3 capability sets it apart from many standard office printers. Here’s how it stacks up against some popular alternatives.

1. Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4820DWF A4 Wireless Inkjet Printer

The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4820DWF is a direct and formidable competitor for the demanding A4 office environment. It boasts fast print speeds, a 35-sheet ADF, and robust connectivity options similar to the HP. Its PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology is known for sharp text and reliable performance. The primary differentiator is size: the Epson is strictly an A4 machine. If your workflow never requires printing or scanning anything larger than A4, the Epson is a more compact and potentially more affordable choice that delivers comparable professional performance for standard office tasks.

2. HP Envy 6120e All-in-One Printer

The HP Envy 6120e exists in a different category altogether. This printer is designed for the home or a very light-use home office. While it shares the HP+ ecosystem and seamless HP Smart app integration, it lacks the business-focused features of the 9730e. It has a much smaller paper capacity, slower print speeds, and no A3 capability or ADF. For families printing homework, photos, and occasional documents, the Envy 6120e is an excellent, budget-friendly choice. It is not, however, a suitable alternative for a small business that relies on speed, capacity, and large-format printing.

3. Canon PIXMA TS3350 Series All-in-One Printer

The Canon PIXMA TS3350 is an entry-level, budget all-in-one printer. It’s designed for the most basic printing needs—the occasional boarding pass, recipe, or web page. While it offers wireless printing from a smartphone, its performance metrics are leagues below the HP 9730e. It has a small rear paper feed, significantly slower print speeds, and very basic scan/copy functions. If your budget is the absolute primary concern and your printing needs are minimal, the Canon gets the job done. It is not a competitor to the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e A3 All-in-One Printer in any professional capacity.

Final Verdict: Is the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e A3 All-in-One Printer Right for Your Office?

After extensive testing, our verdict on the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e A3 All-in-One Printer is one of qualified, strong recommendation. For the right user, this machine is an absolute powerhouse. It delivers on its promise of bringing high-quality, large-format A3 printing and scanning into the small office. The print quality is exceptional, especially for colour graphics, the dual-tray system is a massive workflow enhancement, and the setup is refreshingly simple. For businesses like engineering firms, architectural practices, or marketing teams that primarily print A3 drafts, plans, and charts on plain paper, this printer is a near-perfect solution that will dramatically improve in-house capabilities.

However, the baffling limitation of not allowing specialty media in the A3 tray is a significant flaw that cannot be overlooked. For photographers, graphic designers, or anyone needing to produce high-quality A3 prints on photo paper or cardstock in any volume, this machine will be a source of frustration. The capability is there, but the workflow is crippled by having to feed sheets one by one. If your work falls into this latter category, you may need to look elsewhere. But if your A3 needs are centred on plain paper, the 9730e is a robust, reliable, and high-performing hub for your office.

If you’ve decided the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e A3 All-in-One Printer is the right fit for your business needs, you can check its current price and purchase it here.