HP Smart-Tank 5000 Review: 2 Years of Ink & Wireless Freedom

Discover why the HP Smart-Tank 5000 all-in-one printer with 2 years of ink included is revolutionizing home printing with its refillable tank system and wireless convenience.

Praveen Kumar - Canon Printer Specialist

4/5/20254 min read

Have you ever been in the middle of printing an important document when that dreaded "low ink" warning pops up? Or winced at the price of replacement cartridges that sometimes cost almost as much as a new printer? I've been there too many times to count, which is why I'm genuinely excited to share my experience with the HP Smart-Tank 5000.

This isn't just another printer review – it's about how this little white box eliminated one of my biggest home office frustrations and might just do the same for you.

The Ink Tank Revolution: 2 Years Without a Refill?

Let's cut to the chase: the HP Smart-Tank 5000 comes with up to two years of ink in the box. Yes, you read that right – TWO YEARS.

When HP first made this claim, I was skeptical. But here's the deal: the printer comes with enough ink to print up to 6,000 black pages or 8,000 color pages before you need to think about refilling. For perspective, that's roughly 250 pages per month for two years, which covers most home and small business needs with room to spare.

"But what happens when I do run out?" That's where the "Smart-Tank" part comes in – instead of expensive cartridges, you simply refill the transparent tanks with affordable bottles of ink. It's surprisingly satisfying to watch the tanks fill up, and even more satisfying to your wallet.

What Makes the HP Smart-Tank 5000 Stand Out?

Tech Specs That Matter

  • Print Technology: Thermal Inkjet technology that delivers crisp text and vibrant colors

  • Print Resolution: Up to 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi for detailed, gallery-quality photos

  • Print Speed: 12 pages per minute for black, 7 pages per minute for color – not the fastest on the market but perfectly respectable for home use

  • Functions: Print, copy, and scan capabilities in one compact device

  • Wireless Capabilities: Built-in dual-band Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and Bluetooth Low Energy for flexible connectivity options

  • Mobile Compatibility: HP Smart app lets you print, scan, and manage directly from your smartphone or tablet

  • Paper Handling: 100-sheet input tray, supports a variety of paper sizes including letter, legal, 4x6 in, 5x7 in, and envelopes

  • Display: Simple, intuitive control panel with icon LCD display

  • Size & Dimensions: Compact footprint of 17.11 x 14.23 x 6.19 inches – fits comfortably on most desks

  • Energy Efficiency: ENERGY STAR® certified for reduced power consumption

  • Compatibility: Works with Windows, macOS, and Chromebooks

  • Ink System: Four easy-to-refill tanks (black, cyan, magenta, yellow) with spill-proof bottles

The Real-World Benefits

The technical specifications tell only part of the story. Here's what using this printer is actually like:

Wireless Freedom That Actually Works

We've all used "wireless" printers that mysteriously disconnect or are impossible to set up. The Smart-Tank 5000 actually delivers on the wireless promise – setup took me less than 10 minutes using the HP Smart app, and it has yet to randomly disappear from my network (a refreshing change!).

Whether I'm printing from my laptop, smartphone, or tablet, the connection is reliable. Working from the couch? No problem. Need to print a boarding pass from your phone? Done in seconds.

The Joy of Never Worrying About Ink

Before getting this printer, I was constantly checking ink levels and wincing at cartridge prices. Now? I literally haven't thought about ink in months. The transparent tanks let you see exactly how much is left at a glance, and when you do eventually need more, a full set of replacement bottles costs less than traditional cartridges while delivering exponentially more prints.

Print Quality That Surprises

For a printer prioritizing economy, I was impressed by the print quality. Text documents are sharp and professional, while color prints have a vibrant, true-to-life quality that's perfect for charts, presentations, and even casual photo printing. The 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution really shows when printing family photos or detailed graphics.

Who Is This Printer Perfect For?

Home Office Warriors

If you're working from home – either full-time or occasionally – this printer offers the reliability and features you need without constant maintenance or supply runs. The combination of wireless convenience and long-lasting ink makes it ideal for the home professional.

Families with Students

Between school projects, permission slips, and the occasional "I need this printed for tomorrow" emergency, families with students are printer power users. The Smart-Tank 5000 can handle everything from book reports to colorful science project displays without breaking the bank on ink.

Small Business Owners

For small businesses with moderate printing needs, the upfront cost quickly pays for itself in ink savings. The professional print quality ensures your materials look polished, while the scanning and copying features add versatility for everyday office tasks.

Budget-Conscious Consumers

If you've ever felt like you're being held hostage by expensive ink cartridges, this printer is your liberation. The initial investment is higher than some budget printers, but the total cost of ownership over two years is significantly lower.

What's Missing?

In the interest of complete honesty, here are a few features that the HP Smart-Tank 5000 doesn't include:

  • No Automatic Document Feeder: If you frequently scan multi-page documents, you'll need to place pages individually.

  • No Automatic Duplex Printing: Double-sided printing requires manual paper flipping.

  • No Fax Functionality: Not a concern for most users today, but worth noting if you're replacing an older all-in-one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this printer really wireless?

Yes, completely! It connects via dual-band Wi-Fi and also supports Wi-Fi Direct for printing without a network.

Is it compatible with smartphones and tablets?

Absolutely. The HP Smart app works with both iOS and Android devices, allowing you to print, scan, and manage your printer from your mobile device.

What kind of ink does it use?

Instead of cartridges, it uses high-capacity ink bottles that pour directly into the printer's transparent tanks. HP GT53 (black) and GT52 (cyan, magenta, yellow) are the replacement bottle models.

Is it good for photo printing?

While not a dedicated photo printer, it produces impressive 4800 x 1200 dpi color prints that are more than adequate for casual photo printing and creative projects.

Does it support duplex printing?

The printer supports manual duplex printing, meaning you'll need to flip the pages yourself when prompted.

The Bottom Line: Value That Speaks for Itself

The HP Smart-Tank 5000 represents a different approach to printer economics. Instead of selling you an inexpensive printer and making profit on expensive ink cartridges, HP has created a system that costs a bit more upfront but saves significantly over time.

After using it for several months, I can confidently say that the convenience of rarely thinking about ink, combined with reliable wireless performance and quality output, has made this one of the best technology investments for my home office.

If you're tired of the traditional printer ownership cycle of frustration, expense, and waste, the HP Smart-Tank 5000 offers a smarter alternative that actually delivers on its promises.

Ready to transform your printing experience? Get the HP Smart-Tank 5000 on Amazon and join the ranks of people who no longer fear the "low ink" warning!